Spring Apparel Basics

SportHill SS Utila Tee Soon to be your most used T-shirt the indestructible fabric paired with sensible design offers a great fitting, smooth-feeling performance T-shirt. Wear it walking, hiking, in fitness classes, or weekend trips to the woods. $35
New Balance Fullback Top This short sleeve Full back top is composed of Lightning Dry™ Crossdyed Fabrication. This ensures rapid moisture transfer — promising to stay dry even during the heat of the summer. $30
Brooks Ripped RunAround Short A mainstay for walkers this longer-pocketed short is lightweight and is unlined for those who like to wear their own undergarments. $32
New Balance 2-Step Short This short is a versatile two-in-one short featuring a Lightning Dry™ textured knit shell that offers breathability and quick drying properties. An inner compression short ensures moisture management and works to reduce muscle fatigue. $34
Insport Hibiscus Print Tank This tank not only makes a great fashion statement but can be worn on a walk, hike, or to your favorite fitness class. It is lightweight, moisture wicking polyester microfiber with stretch, self fabric bands at neck and armholes. $30
Brooks Nightlife Vest A perfect companion for any apparel outfit not only because a vest is a perfect spring and summer piece, but also becausethe Brooks Nightlife productskeep you safe. We all know how important it is to wear highly reflective apparel when we are walking at dusk or dawn. This bright fabric is not only super-bright, it is great fitting and comfortable. $70
Brooks Zen Jacket If you are looking for something to feel comfortable in before, during, and after your walk, check out the Brooks Zen Jacket. $68
SportHill All Purpose Capri Perfect for the gym or outdoor exercise on those days when fall still feels like summer. This pant has a “tweener” fit: not as fitted as a tight or as loose as a pair of sweats. The leg drops straight from the hip and the comfy extra wide waistband sits one inch below the natural waistline. $50
Brooks Motion Crop Pant Loose and comfortable, you will never want to get out of them. $54
SportHill Ridge Knicker This Capri-length pant offers extended coverage from elements; wear it for treks through the wilderness or busy streets. Lightweight stretch fabric is comfy and allows for maximum mobility. $45
Moving Comfort Cameo Racer A pretty bra that is also bra is extremely supportive. It remains comfortable after hours of wear. Specially contoured neckline and armholes for maximum comfort and support. $32

By Paula Harkin

Spring is here, and summer is just around the corner. It’s time to re-think the clothing we put on before we step outside for our daily walk. Whether you journey along city streets or wooded trails, there is now an abundance of technical and comfortable gear designed with walkers in mind.

Athletic apparel has come a long way since the cotton T-shirts and socks of years past. While it is a comfortable and inexpensive fabric, cotton absorbs moisture, doesn’t dry quickly, and leaves you wet and heavy.

Tops, bottoms, and socks made from technical fabrics such as Cool Max and PowerDry have the ability to “wick” moisture away from skin. The moisture is shifted to the top of the fabric, where it evaporates quickly and keeps you dry. In hot weather, this means you’ll feel cool and on wet winter days you’ll end up comfortably warm.

Regardless of season, it is important to understand layering from the inside out. This applies to both genders.

Women should start with a good quality athletic bra. This is important to the overall success of whatever it is you decide to put on top of the bra. There are many great bras and you should take the time to find the right bra for you. Once the sports bra is chosen, think about your base layer.

For both women and men layering can start with a short-sleeve top, a tank, or a compression piece. A compression piece is snug on the skin allowing for maximum moisture transfer. Make sure that you buy a base layer that does not have excessive seams that rub against your skin. Look for base layers that are seamless or have flat seams. For additional protection from the sun, look for garments that are treated with a UV coating. The treatment eventually wears off, so you will have to replace the item frequently.

When you layer, stick with technical fabrics. Avoid adding cotton to the mix because it will effect wicking action. If you prefer natural fibers, Merino wool, in a soft and lightweight blend, is a good choice.

Finding the right spring jacket or vest is the key to comfort during spring’s ever-changing weather. Lightweight, breathable, wind- and water-resistant are all important factors. We all know how cold it is when we first walk out the door. As a matter of fact, you should be chilly for the first 10 minutes of your walk in order to be comfortable for the remainder of your walk. This is mostly true year-round in the Northwest.

If you are out walking in the early morning or evening hours when visibility is poor, you should select clothing that has reflective wrist bands, head bands, shoes, hats, and coats that make you visible to motorists and cyclists.

Trail walking is becoming popular and requires slightly different clothing choices. Choose a pair of shorts that are a bit longer and darker in color. Lightweight Capris or ankle-length pants provide extra protection against the elements, plus they save you from mosquitoes and ticks. A lightweight long-sleeve shirt worn over a tank top also offers similar protection.

Most trail shorts have large pockets made especially for long trail hikes where aid is almost never available. Load your pockets up with your favorite gel or protein bar and you are ready to go.

You are working hard toward your fitness goals, remember to treat yourself to a new piece of apparel every season or so, you deserve it.

Paula Harkin is the founder of RunwithPaula Events, Inc. She and her husband Dave are the owners of Portland Running & Walking Company. Check out Paula’s events at www.runwithpaula.com.