This past weekend I returned to my hometown of Flint, Michigan to participate in the Crim Festival of Races 10 Mile Run. I was proud to celebrate my Runniversary by finishing the race with a personal best time.
On August 24, 2012 I completed my very first race, a 5k. I had never been a runner. As a matter of fact, I used to say, “If you see me running, call the police because someone is chasing me!” I needed to develop a fitness routine and with three children and a husband, was in desperate need of some “me time”. I did some research online and discovered Black Girls Run. (Featured in Darlene’s July Running for a Fitting post). It hasn’t been easy, I’ve had hard runs and easy runs, but I have never had a run I regret.
Here are a few things I’ve learned along the way:
- Contrary to popular belief, running IS NOT a cheap, equipment-free sport, especially if you have a large bust. Before you hit the road (or treadmill), you MUST have a properly fitting sports bra and a pair of running shoes specific to your needs. Do not guess and just pick up what’s cute or in your size. Try out both items.
- If possible, visit a shoe store in your area that specializes in fitting runners. Some of these stores even allow you to take your shoes out for a run and if you don’t like them, they will exchange them for a pair that are a better fit. Remember, bad shoes = bad posture = back pain (doubly true for us busty ladies).
- When choosing a sports bra for running, keep in mind that there will be continual bouncing for an extended period of time. That means your bra needs to be snug. Try on the bra and seriously jump up and down in it. If the girls are partying, you need a different size or brand/model. The last thing you want is to start your run off with two boobs and end it with them having mated–their twin offspring protruding from the center of your bra.
I started off wearing the Panache Sport bra. It was great, but I lost weight and an inch around my band, going from a 34H to a 32HH-J. They do not offer larger than a H cup. A word of caution. If you are going to purchase this or any other sports bra with an underwire to use for running, BUY TWO. You will most likely be running 2-4 times a week, and the rubbing of your arms on the armpit area of the underwire causes a lot of wear. Having an underwire break through and jab into your sweaty underarm in motion is a pain I’d like to spare you.
I now wear (and love) my Shock Absorber bra. It’s not as flattering a shape as the Panache but this baby holds the girls in so well I forget they are there!
If you think you’d prefer running alone, do so, but for me, joining the right running group has made all the difference in the world. I recommend an all-women’s group. You will be less self-conscious and be able to speak freely. Groups that include women of all ages, weights and fitness levels are extremely helpful to new runners. You get to run with those at your level while being inspired by those ahead of you.
Running is a very personal experience–more so if you plan on running anything beyond 5k. Who wants to spend 30 minutes or more, several times a week with people they don’t like? If you join a group and find you don’t like it, graciously resign and find a group that fits.
Running has been quite a journey for me this past year. I’m sure you will have a story to tell all your own. It takes baby steps. Walking, jogging, and/or running, I’m getting further and further, always moving forward . . . and she’s coming with me.
I love the Panache bra! I used to run and do crossfit, and wore the Freya Active underwire. But recently I’ve gone back to yoga, but still need something supportive. My freyas were getting a little big in the band so I went to Nordstrom to see what else was out there. I ended up with the Panache, which was on sale! And a Natori power yoga bra which I love because it can be a racer-back. My shoulders have never been so happy. I got both in a 34H and love the fit and shape.
The Panache is a wonderful bra! There are many women in my running group that wear them (after bra shopping with Darlene). It’s a shame they don’t go above an H cup, otherwise I’d still wear it for shirt runs and other lower impact workouts.
Shock Absorber is the BEST running bra I have ever tried. I threw all my others away! I am a 32E and it’s like I am an A cup when I run. Nothing there at all – I am lifted, supported and nothing moves. I LOVE THIS BRA it has made running a pleasure again.
This bra has truly changed my life! As large breasted women, even when we have on properly fitting, comfortable brass, we are still conscious of our boobs. After switching to this bra, I realized what other runners meant about entering a zone where it’s all about the run. I don’t think about my breasts because, with the Shock Absorber, I can’t feel them moving. Love it!
I will agree with the need for a proper fitting bra but disagree very emphatically about the shoes. I wore the “right” shoes for nearly two decades and have numerous problems. I also participated in a US Army research effort in which they scientifically evaluated feet, running gait, and a host of other factors. They had to end the study early because matching the right shoes to the right person increased the rate of injury significantly!!!
(You can google the study run out of Ft. Sam Houston around the 2006-7 timeframe). Wear whatever shoes you want but the “right”shoe idea is marketing. Think of it as telling someone to get a good sports bra but go to the equivalent of VS for shoes.
I suppose we will just have to agree to disagree. The right shoe for me, a runner with extremely high arches is not going to be the right shoe for my friend with flat feet. As with “bra fitters”, all running shoe “fitters” are not equal. The same way I would not go to VS for a bra but would go to Linda’s, I would not go to Foot Locker but would go to New York Running Co. As you mentioned, running in the wrong shoe for you caused injury. I would never recommend someone buy running shoes soley because someone said it was right for them. As with bra fitters, a good shoe fitter will guide you through the process until you find a shoe that is right for you. Being that I am in NYC, I am lucky to have access to specialty running stores that allow you to exchange shoes after you’ve run in them if you don’t like how they feel. My main point is that I would hate for someone just to blindly go to a “running shoe section” of some miscellaneous store, pick out the cutest thing there and try to train for a 5k.
Was the study through BAMC? I’m assuming it was since you mentioned Ft Sam but wanted to make sure before starting to dig around for the study.
What a coincidence and so nice to hear about both bras that us horse riding women discussed on Tuesdays post. Sandy recommended the Panache bra and after this read I will definately be getting the Panache Sports bra and try that instead of the Shock Absorber I currently use. Fortunately just a GG so can fit into a Panache.
Didn’t mention this before (I think) Panache is great is great for riding but I am finding more that sitting lateral movements on bigger movers can be a bit more problematic (I can feel myself shifting about a bit.) Not terribly uncomfortable but just a little distracting but with that sort of mover, I’m not sure any bra will eliminate the feeling of movement.
I have both the Panache and Shock Absorber and adore them, although I need new ones as they are both the wrong size now. But I mostly have to agree with the “get good shoes” advice! Even being someone who doesn’t run in things like 5Ks but does jog, I’m also realizing that even nice running shoes need to be replaced fairly often to keep their support!