Ultra Running Magazine
  • Subscribe
    • Subscribe
    • Renew
    • Gift Subscription
  • Magazine
    • All Issues
    • Purchase Back Issues
    • Find a Retailer
    • Become a Retailer
  • Articles
    • Reviews
    • Training & Racing
    • Health & Nutrition
    • Race Reports
    • News and Notes
    • Ultra Running 101
    • Podcast
    • Weekly Newsletter
    • UltraRunners of the Year
  • Training Plans
  • Race Calendar
    • Upcoming Races
    • By State
    • Map View
    • Stats
      • Finishes
      • Top Performances
      • Biggest Races
    • Race Director
      • Register
      • Login
  • Results
    • Latest Results
    • Runner Search
    • All Time List
  • Shop
    • Back Issues
    • Digital Back Issues
    • Hats
    • Stickers
    • Odds and Ends
    • Cart
  • About
    • About UR
    • Columnists
    • Staff
    • Statement on Racism
    • Change of Address
    • Editorial Submissions
    • Contact
      • Advertise
    • Ambassadors
  • 0
Subscribe
Rod Bien finishes second in the 2014 McDonald Forest 50K. Photo: Josh Gum

Check Yer Gear

Amy Clark 01/04/2017
Amy Clark 01/04/2017

There’s nothing like the nostalgia of pulling out an old race t-shirt.  And the smell. Soon, it earns a permanent spot, tucked away in a drawer never to be worn again.  With a new year ahead, it’s a perfect time to re-evaluate gear for the upcoming year. What needs to be replaced, and what investments should be made for the upcoming race season? What worked well? What didn’t? Of course there are races to sign up for, training plans to be made and adventures to be had, but set aside some time before you’re in full-training mode and check your gear.

While running shoes might be the only big ticket piece of equipment you routinely switch out every few months, think about all of the other items that take a beating during those long runs. Shorts and pants are a prime example of clothing that gets a fair share of wear and tear while protecting you from the elements. Fabrics like nylon, polyester and spandex, which make up a majority of shorts and running pants, deteriorate faster depending on how often they are worn and washed.  If you’ve got a favorite pair of tights that you love, they’re being exposed to UV rays while you run, the agitation of the washing machine, chemicals in your detergent and harsh heat of the dryer. It’s a sad fact, but those favorite tights won’t last forever and you’ll be better off replacing both running pants and shorts every year or two.

But if you’re like me, you’ve been hanging onto those favorite pieces for a year (or seven) too long. The same goes for undergarments. Ladies, those sports bras receive a rigorous workout, and the polyester-based fabric will eventually lose elasticity. While taking extra care of your unmentionables might preserve their life a little longer, there’s something to be said for the number of miles that ultrarunners rack up each year.  If you’re replacing your shoes more often, you should probably be replacing you sports bras too.

Hydration packs are another piece of gear that takes a beating. Equivalent to purchasing a new pair of shoes, a pack carrying your water and additional gear should fit correctly to reduce jostling, chafing and general annoyance. When you hardly know it’s there, or it feels like a big hug – you know you’ve got a winner. Fortunately, a leaky bladder can be replaced separately without spending your entire wad on a whole new pack.

While replacing essential gear after too many miles is a given, you can prolong the life of your favorite pieces by drying them after your run, washing them in cooler water, air-drying all of your non-cotton fabrics, and never using fabric softener.  When it comes to running shoes, make sure to air-dry them after a wet run, and keep them out of the washer.  We all know that shoes won’t last forever, but it sucks when we lose a good pair too soon. And if you just can’t give up that favorite pair of shorts, it’s OK. Just be on the lookout for a replacement.

FacebookTwitterEmail
Amy Clark

Amy Clark is the Editor of UltraRunning Magazine. She began her career at a small advertising agency in Bend, Oregon, where she enjoyed the fast pace and creative environment. For over 15 years, lunch hour runs were a ritual. Amy also joined the board of the local running club, became a race director and finished her first ultra. She has completed over 35 marathons and ultras combined, and continues to run long distances while encouraging both kids and adults to ignite their own passion for running.

You may also like

Becoming in India: Yoga, Life and Running

01/31/2023

Ultra Shorts: Cold Weather Running w/ Dr. Jason...

01/31/2023

Ultra Weekend Recap — January 29

01/29/2023

What’s Up in Ultra This Weekend — January...

01/26/2023

Review: Winter Glove Roundup

01/25/2023

Ultra Weekend Recap — January 22

01/22/2023

Rebecca Joyner

01/20/2023

What’s Up in Ultra This Weekend — January...

01/18/2023

Peterman and Dauwalter named 2022 UltraRunners of the...

01/18/2023

Herron and Walmsley named #2 2022 UltraRunners of...

01/17/2023

Weekly Newsletter

A roundup of the week's content and race results. Sent every Thursday.
This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

Podcast

  • Ultra Shorts: Cold Weather Running w/ Dr. Jason Wagner

  • Rebecca Joyner

  • Carilyn Johnson

  • Ultra Shorts: What’s the Issue w/ Editor Amy Clark

  • Craig Thornley

  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Instagram
  • Email
  • Spotify

Back To Top
Ultra Running Magazine
  • Subscribe
    • Subscribe
    • Renew
    • Gift Subscription
  • Magazine
    • All Issues
    • Purchase Back Issues
    • Find a Retailer
    • Become a Retailer
  • Articles
    • Reviews
    • Training & Racing
    • Health & Nutrition
    • Race Reports
    • News and Notes
    • Ultra Running 101
    • Podcast
    • Weekly Newsletter
    • UltraRunners of the Year
  • Training Plans
  • Race Calendar
    • Upcoming Races
    • By State
    • Map View
    • Stats
      • Finishes
      • Top Performances
      • Biggest Races
    • Race Director
      • Register
      • Login
  • Results
    • Latest Results
    • Runner Search
    • All Time List
  • Shop
    • Back Issues
    • Digital Back Issues
    • Hats
    • Stickers
    • Odds and Ends
    • Cart
  • About
    • About UR
    • Columnists
    • Staff
    • Statement on Racism
    • Change of Address
    • Editorial Submissions
    • Contact
      • Advertise
    • Ambassadors

Shopping Cart

Close

No products in the cart.

Close