I have been a frugal frump for about a year now. I refused to purchase proper running/workout gear because I swore my cotton t-shirts were perfect for covering my sweat laden body. With that, I also never had much success finding running gear that looked good. I already run like a pregnant tortoise, and I don’t need tacky clothes making me look worse. The bottoms are always too snug, highlighting the no no spots. The tops are awkward fitting and my lady parts hang out too much. I am running, not shaking my tail feather for money.
I set out the other day to purchase an arm band for my iPhone/music because I was being frugal with this as well. I have been putting my music player in my sports bra for the past few years, and it was time I upgraded and stopped looking as if I had a botched boob job. While at the store, I decided to check out the workout clothes just to pass time. Lo and behold I found a black tank top to run in that would be perfect for summer (I have run in this top three times now and love how comfortable it is.) This sparked a fire inside of me to keep going. I wanted more. I got in my car and headed to the mall where a miracle happened.
Thumbs up is a good sign..I tried on multiple tops and bottoms. My goal was to find a pair of running shorts that didn’t make me look like I had bulging elephant trunks coming off of my hips. These shorts in the picture are my new obsession. I am in LOVE! I’ve run in them, cross trained in them, and worn them around the house. I can’t take them off!
I came home with FIVE new shirts, a new pair of shorts..and the most amazing running pants. Seriously..prepare yourself.
O.B.S.E.S.S.E.D! I am wearing these tomorrow for a trail run! I’m hoping the green will help me blend in and look as if I am the speed of light. I have wanted hot pants like this for so long.
I will no longer be wearing heavy cotton shirts that soak up sweat like a sponge. I had fooled myself for far too long, these new clothes are heavenly. My only embarrassment now will be the cheesy grin on my face while running in these light weight clothes. Something like this..
Perhaps now I can get a better running photo.
Q: What do you run/workout in?? Do you ever wear cotton t-shirts?
where did you find those tanks?? they look super long! I can never find running tanks that are long enough for me
They are long! That is something I forgot to mention, I can never find long ones either. JCPenny!! They were long, comfy, and affordable!! GO NOW!
On my way. Meet me there?
JC Penney? Good to know – I’m heading down to Montana when my son’s passport arrives! My Under Armour tank is nice and long, so look for those when they’re on sale. It also holds its shape really nicely and doesn’t shift on me when I’m running or doing bendy things like yoga.
I love those shirts but confession… I wear cotton t’s and shorts when I run. I know it is crazy because I am a big runner but I just can’t get comfy in the tight gear.
Ohh I am with you on the tight clothes. You will never catch me in a tight shirt anywhere..let alone running. These may look fitting, but they are loose and baggy. They are seriously perfect. If the cotton works for you though I say embrace it!! The cotton was driving me CRAYZAAYY.
I just did this too!! Old Navy actually has sweet track shorts!! Built in panties and everything… SO FREEING!
PS your hotness will ooze through your running photos now, I can feel it!!
I ran undie-less for the first time last week…it was life changing. You’re right..so freeing.
I dislike the majority of my gym undies so basically I bought 5 pairs of track shorts and haven’t worn underwear running in a month. Plus less laundry!
Ooh, super nice! I especially like the blue shirt!
As soon as I discovered running clothes (albeit cheap Walmart ones), I can’t go back to cotton. I think I sweat more than most
Totally gonna check out Old Navy (cuz we don’t have JC Penny here, lame)!
I am with you on the sweating more than most. I also turn beet red no matter what cardio I am doing. I feel fine, but look like I am dying!
Love this!!!
Love this! Running clothes can be so hard to find and so hard to fit properly!
You’re tellin me! I was so jazzed finding long ones that felt comfy!
cute cute cute!
Roya
http://www.royaghorbani.wordpress.com
I usually get my workout gear at old navy because they are pretty cheap and the pants usually have a little zipped compartment in my back for my chapstick and key.
I love that idea of the zip pockets! I will have to check out ON next time.
I realized I was seeing your name in the comments of quite a few blogs I read so I figured I’d check your blog out! I love all your workout wear. I have such a hard time spending so much money on things you’re just going to sweat in. 35 dollars for a sports bra is kinda ridiculous.
I’d buy those pants… and wear them. No questions asked, lol.
Thanks for stopping by! I agree, sports bra prices are ridiculous. I shell out about $25-$30 each time, but I sooo need a sports bra so I have no other option haha!
Love it! I love spending my money on fitness gear
Love it! I still use the cotton T’s but I’ll buy new clothes once I hit a goal or they become desperately needed. I did just by two new sports bra’s (total necessities). My run last night felt so weird with the “girls” so secure. I also bought new shoes recently. I’m just starting to run and I’m excited about my progress.
I was with you on waiting for a goal or until I felt like I really needed to pay money for specific clothes. Finally I knew I needed some!! Sports bras are a necessity though! I NEED one!
OMG THOSE PANTS!!!! I love them!!
Now you’re making me want to go shopping really bad…it’s been far too long mwahaha
Bahahaha I KNEW you would be excited about the pants!! I swear it…when I hit publish I told myself, “most people aren’t going to talk about my hotpants..but Alexandra is for SURE!” I KNEW IT!!
omg omg omg omg omg!!!
you are a fashion girl!!!
i love your outfits, especially the powderpuff blue tank top featured in your last photograph!!! your legs look SO firm, like those belonging to the girls from “thighs of steel” from the 80s!
and i love seeing your pretty face! so pretty!
you’re super TINY, by the way (and coming from me… that’s the ultra compliment). but it’s personality that really matters.
i swear by Sweaty Betty from the UK… and Lululemon Athletica. Nothing else!
Mwah mwah mwah!
You are such a sweet talker I love you! Your compliments have officially made my month..yes MONTH!! Thank you my sassy betch.
I like that blue tank top. All last year I worked out in Reebok shirts from the outlet mall. Some of their tops were like $4.00 so I had to take advantage. Shorts, I have had a hard time finding the perfect ones that don’t cut into my tummy, that are just long enough, don’t ride up, and have a pocket.
$4.00!? That is a steal!! I would be all over that! I agree with the shorts usually digging into my waist or legs, this is why I was so jazzed about these new ones!
You’re too cute…. love the new digs (I’m a frugal beast too, so I commend you for treating yourself!) HOT green pants!
I love you my vegan friend. Thank you. I knew you would appreciate the minor splurge haha.
Awww, I LOVE your running gear! I’m currently in the situation of wearing too-large cotton T’s too. Ha, ha. I need to be inspired by this post and change that!
I was in that same situation..much MUCH too big haha.
Loveee the new threads
I always go for really bright and interesting colors/looks for running tops, it’s just fun to go nuts and look nice and bright ha!
One of the shirts I bought is bright pink, I love the bright colors too!! Now I know I wont get hit by a fast moving object like a car, or a moped.
those tops are so cute – love that they’re long! i’ve been wearing my running tanks since … too long! they have tears, stains, and holes!
sweaty t doesn’t = vain t!
Hey, if they still do the job..I say wear em!! No one can see stains while you’re running anyway.
Love you new clothes, girl! I am guilty of still working out in cotton! Dry Fit capris with a cotton tshirt, I don’t care if they soak up the sweat, I hate the the way Dry Fit tops feel/look!
I LOVE your hot pants, you will be so super speedy in those! I usually workout in mid-length capris (lulus/american eagle) or I’m at at home I wear short shorts and usually a tank of some sort whether it be a tank for “working out” or the boyfriend tanks from american eagle with a sports bra underneath!
Those are some hot pants. I bet everyone will be jealous when they see you run by. I already am crazy jealous. I love wild pattern workout clothing. My volleyball players would love those too lol they are always asking me if I can get like hot pink striped with blue polka dots or something like that for their uniform spandex. Score for an awesome workout clothing shopping excursion!!!
I always wear cotton tanks from old navy however by the end of my run it looks as though I’ve gone swimming… it’s a gruesome sight. I haven’t found any running shirts that are long enough or shorts that are long enough, I love nike’s new shorts line but I have an aversion to running in booty shorts, just me I guess.
That was my problem too..never long enough!! That is why I LOVED these! NEVER will I wear booty shorts though ahaha. These shorts were perfectly long. YAY!
Oh and no worries about your beet red cardio fashion statement. I walk up more than a flight of stairs and I can but pomegranates to shame.
I still have the same tennis shoes from 7th grade
!!! I hate the thought of giving them up because that means transitioning to other shoes that could give me blisters, or simply not be “as great”. I know it’s probably just my mind going crazy, but I should buy some rocking shoes! I love that green top! Green, to me, signifies energy! Perfect for running!
YES!! I love that you have these shoes still!! If they work..KEEP them!
Love the pants and blue top! You will def look amazing in your running photos
you are adorable. and your posts make me snort.
I heart you!! =)
This post is awesome. Is the last blue top from Champion? I have a purple one like it and I love it, though it doesn’t restrain my girls enough to run in without a bra.
I got the tops from JCPenny..they aren’t champion they are whatever brand JCP has. Either way they rock my world!! I could NEVER run without a bra. I wear two bras actually. HAH. Plus the built in bras. My girls don’t get a chance to move.
SCORE! Glad you found these, girl! You are going to have the best race pic EVER now! You will be floating and grinnin’ through all your runs for sure!
LOVE!!! Im all about workout gear. I spend more time deciding on what workout gear to wear then I do my actual outfit for the day. I have 1 tank that I ADORE and wear nonstop. Oh and 2 pairs of shorts I just swap out every few days. Those clothes are NASTY by the time it comes to wash them lol
This comment leads me to believe you wear your workout clothes a few times before washing them. This makes me love you even more. I will wear my shorts/pants for a week without washing them..and anyone I tell gets so grossed out. Confession..I wait a week to wash my bras too..it’s just a waste of water to wash them everyday when I know I am going to use them again the very next day!!
holy crap. those pants are amazing. love it all. jealous!
I don’t know what’s worse: a botched boob job, or the look of the breasts after giving birth to 4 dang kids? But, err, let’s pretend I never mentioned it. Glad you treated yourself to some new gear. Now go rock it.
I ran in cotton back in 2005 when I didn’t know any better. I wore cotton shirts, shorts AND socks! Someone hipped me to the game and I learned the value of quality running gear. Haven’t looked back. No more blisters on my feet and sore spot between my thighs from wearing the wrong stuff. Where did you purchase your stuff?
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