Today I'm linking up with the awesome ladies from Tuesdays on the Run!
Today's topic is Oldies But Goodies: Race Gear You Would Buy Again.
When I started training for my first half marathon, I realized my ratty gym shorts were not going to cut it in the cool fall air. I went to Dick's (still my favorite place to shop) and bought these Nike Dri Fit Capris. Being fairly new to the running apparel scene, I did have a bit of a sticker shock. $60? Who would pay $60 for a scrap of material? Um, that would be me!
I wore these religiously while training. I raced in them at my first half marathon...and the next...and the next. They are still my go-to pants. I occasionally lose them for a while because they've been stuffed in a travel bag, just in case I needed to change before a race. And then I panic...Where are my pants? They've been worn alone (uh...with a top!), under shorts (for extra pockets), and under skirts -- well, just because. You've got to have a pop of color!
The $60 cost was obviously an excellent investment. Years later, they are still as comfortable and look as good as the day they were purchased. They have only graced the inside of the clothes dryer a few unfortunate times in their life.
Due to their age, occasionally I think "I should buy new black capris". But, that is quickly replaced with "Why would I do that?" At this point, I want to see how long they will last! And yes, they were absolutely tucked inside my recent Disney suitcase...just in case.
Where are your pants?
Thanks to our wonderful hosts:
Patty @ My no-guilt life!
Marcia @ Marcia's Healthy Slice
Ericka @ MCM Mama Runs,
I love my UA capris. I got another pair right after Christmas on sale, and I had a gift card. It is sticker shock, but if the quality is really good, they'll last me years.
ReplyDeleteI don't mind paying more for something if I get my money's worth. I like the UA brand too, mostly for tops.
DeleteDick's does have the best clearance racks though, especially if you can buy off season. I can't go in there without thumbing through. You should see my latest purchase! But I'm saving that for Runfessions. Ha! Ha!
ReplyDeleteI have a bunch of black capris. I finally added some color and got a few pairs of fun tights in my wardrobe.
ReplyDeleteI bought two new capris just recently in fun prints and also received some for Christmas. These will always be my very first favorites though.
Deletei just bought my first pair of UA running tights (their cold weather line) because I saw them on sale and already love them!
ReplyDeleteUA is one of my favorite brands. I have a lot of their tops. Years ago, they were bad about not putting a pocket in their bottoms and I wouldn't buy them. That's probably changed.
DeleteI love Nike Dri fit pants too but recently have I been unfaithful... I am loving Addidas. They have this really thick waist band that is a low rise. Fits so well, I immediately bought 3 pair ! sorry Nike.
ReplyDeleteThe worst thing is when you got some that won't stay up. That drives me insane! For this reason I demand a drawstring, but I'm not really brand particular. I'll have to try the Addidas.
DeleteHaha, I don't know if you did it on purpose but now I'm totally saying, "Where are my... paaaaaants?" from Lego movie. You had to have done that on purpose... too coincidental!!
ReplyDeleteThat is so funny!! I must admit I've never seen the Lego movie. But I wish I had. I would have absolutely played on that!
DeleteI love my Champion tights from Target.
ReplyDeleteI think we all have that favorite pair. The ratty gym shorts I mentioned (which I have 5 colors of the same pair) are Champion. Yes, I still wear them!
DeleteI bought a pair of Nike tights years ago, and they have lasted through at least 20 marathons and training. I love them, they are perfect. I think I paid around $40, but they've been well worth their investment. Even though, I really do need to look at replacing them, I was noticing the other day the inseams are starting to come apart, LOL
ReplyDeleteWhen these fall apart, I will get another pair. I suspect it may be years though.
DeleteThis pair of capris was a great investment for you. Why can't they all be like this. I hate to waste money taking chances on running wear. I remember I bought a running jacket, I don't even remember the brand but it wasn't an off brand. The dang thing had seams inside that rubbed. So not cool! I never even looked back, never gave it a 2nd chance, in the garbage it went.
ReplyDeleteI don't mind spending money if I get my money's worth. I've had a few pieces that were just awful. Like you, I would never wear them again! One of my pet peeves is a scratchy tag. Why do we need tags? And then we cut a hole in the garment trying to remove them.
DeleteOMG I think I had the same ones. Gosh how I loved them. Saying goodbye warranted a whole blog post. I'd put it here but then this would be flagged as spam. Hold tight to those gems. Any I've tried to replace them with haven't been quite the same. Thanks for linking up!
ReplyDeleteOh, no. Please do not tell me you had to say goodbye! I've tried on others and I know they don't feel as good as these. I will baby them. Surely they are good for 5 more years?
DeleteI've bought a few new capris this year...I found some Asics black ones at TJMaxx. But I really scored on the fun colorful ones as well!
ReplyDeleteI received a pair in a bright fun print for Christmas and bought some with gift cards too. I'm branching out from the black. But these will always be my sentimental first.
DeleteHa! I have a couple of pairs of capris that I adore from Athleta and I just fell in love with the Go the Distance tights from Skirt Sports this winter. But I still have my very first pair of (men's) running tights that I bought for a cold race.
ReplyDeleteI never tried the Athleta brand. I have thought about ordering the Go the Distance tights. I'm glad to hear you like them.
DeleteGirl! Those Nike prices kill me! I have to stalk them and get them on sale or better yet when I go to Orlando in Jan each year, I spend half a day in the Nike clearance outlet stores! Lol!
ReplyDeleteThey do wear well and last a lifetime. I have a pair of tights that I have had for 15 years...they just got a hole in the knee and so I may have to let them go...:(
I hit the Nike Outlet Store every time I go to the beach! I love that place. Their clearance racks are awesome.
DeleteHEHE, I've got a few tried and true bottoms and tops that I just can't part with!
ReplyDeleteIt will be a sentimental day when these can no longer do the job!
DeleteI had some sticker shock when I first started buying running gear, but quickly realized that some things are sturdy enough that they're totally worth it!
ReplyDeleteI agree. I don't mind the price if I feel I get my money's worth.
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