National Running Day on June 3 is a great way to fall in love with running (or reaffirm your love!), but it’s also a prime opportunity to embrace your inner fastinista.
Let us define that for you: A fastinista (“fast fashionista”) is a female runner who accessorizes with athletic apparel. The term was coined by Runner’s World, which found through anecdotal evidence that what you wear may not only affect your attitude toward running, but also your performance.
Ready to fall in love with running? Here are our top picks to help put the “run” in runway fashion:
Running Jackets: Running in the fall and winter can be just like a Katy Perry song: You’re hot, then you’re cold (then you’re hot again, then cold …). Outsmart unpredictable temperatures with a running jacket. There are dozens of style options, though be sure to look for fabric that is breathable to prevent skin irritation (anything with the word “moisture wicking” is usually a safe bet). Here’s a great option from Reebok.
Compression sleeves: If you suffer from tired legs, you might think about investing in a pair of compression sleeves. This tight-fitting leg wear extends from ankle to knee, and helps trap oxygen in your legs to speed up the removal of lactic acid (a fatigue-causing waste product generated by exercise). If you need to ease your tired legs, you might as well look good doing it! Compression sleeves come in an array of colors to match any outfit you may have. We love these from Dick’s Sporting Goods.
Spandex: Like compression sleeves, spandex promotes better blood flow to your lower extremities, while helping you recover faster from tough workouts. We adore all of the bright colors and patterns of the Fabletics pants and these multi-colored print pants from Nike!
Running Caps: Running outdoors is great. The sunburn you get on your face? Not so much. Keep your face burn-free with a running hat – check out these classic options from Nike.
Headbands: Sometimes the weather isn’t cooperating and you take your run indoors. But that doesn’t mean we should let flyaway hair get in the way of a great workout. Tame unruly locks with these cute headbands from Athleta. If you’re in the mood for some sparkle, try this headband from Reebok!
