This post is sponsored by lululemon & ShopStyle Collective.
One of the very first times Mike and I hung out was going for a run after class. It was a little towards evening, and I remember Mike taking off in a dead sprint. Predictably, he lost steam after a mile or so, but I was impressed with his determination (I was 19, he was 21). But clearly, I thought to myself, Mike wasn’t much of a runner.
Fast forward, oh, 20-something years, and things have definitely changed. Mike loves to run. He runs to clear his head, he runs to solve problems, he runs to get some alone time, some space to think. He’s gone through a barefoot running phase (thankfully that didn’t last long), and he’s even run the Boulder Backroads Marathon.
While neither of us do much running in the winter months, once spring hits…it’s our little escape. We try to sneak a run in together at least once a week.
tank | leggings | tee | shorts
lululemon Running Gear (Men’s & Women’s) Is Long-Lasting + High-Performing
Mike’s longtime favorite brand for running has been lululemon. He first tried lululemon’s running gear years ago, and never went back. lululemon’s fabrics are technical and wicking, yet comfortable, lightweight and — this is a big one — they never stink. Not after years of long, sweaty runs on the hottest of days and many washings. And Mike is the WORST on his clothes. It’s not uncommon for him to find his weeks-old, sweaty lululemon workout tee in a gym bag that he had completely forgotten about. But with one wash…voilà . The tee is back to normal.
I recently compared Mikes’ years’-old lululemon running shorts to the new version of the same exact short…and other than a few well-placed upgrades, there are no differences. His longtime lululemon running shorts still look exactly like his brand new lululemon running shorts…they seriously last that long. And the phone-pocket holder is easily his favorite design element.
We’re both pretty blown away by the longevity of all of our lululemon pieces, but especially so for running gear which, admittedly, gets pretty beat up. We’re convinced that the lululemon design team has got to be runners themselves, because everything about these pieces works for running. The fabrics hold you in and offer support in the places you need it, and disappear (seeming almost weightless) in others. The little back pocket placement is thoughtfully done, so you can stash your phone or credit card securely while running; nothing is bouncing around, or digging in.
jacket (Mike) | joggers | jacket (me) | leggings
Our Favorite (Well-Tested) lululemon Running Clothes
Mike’s Top 2 lululemon Running Pieces For Men
Metal Tech Vent Short-Sleeve Shirt 2.0 – This is the shirt Mike’s been wearing for years. In fact, it’s the only workout shirt he’ll wear these days (running or not). Fit is TTS (Mike wears a medium).
Surge Short with Liner, 6″ – Again, Mike’s favorite, much-worn running shorts. I’m starting to sound like a broken record here, but since he’s tried lululemon’s running gear, he literally won’t wear anything else. The cost-per-wear on these shorts alone is…pennies?
My Favorite lululemon Running Clothes For Women
Sculpt Tank, Cropped – Impossibly lightweight, doesn’t rub under my arms, and is perfect for everything from running to HIIT to dance workouts. I’m wearing a size 2.
Energy Bra, Longline in Teal Lagoon – Comfy, supportive and comes in bunch of really pretty colors.
Swift Speed High-Rise Crop in Hawaiian Blue – These are seriously good running leggings. They come up nice and high, and hold me in around my middle, while feeling pretty weightless on my legs. I love the pocket placement, and the pretty (yet unexpected) colors. Like most lululemon leggings, they come in two different lengths (I’m wearing the 21″), and several colors are available in extended sizes. I’ve noticed that these leggings fit roughly one size smaller than lululemon’s Align leggings, so I sized up. Wearing a size 6.
What To Wear Running In Cool Weather…
lululemon Fast & Free Windbreaker (Women’s) – Gosh, I love this thing. Almost impossibly lightweight, yet comfortable (even the inside is comfy on your skin) and easy to move in. It blocks wind really well, too. (Running the Ben Franklin Bridge was a fun way to test it, and a really gorgeous run.) I found that this jacket runs a little small (compared to lululemon’s hoodies), so I sized up one size. Wearing a size 6.
lululemon Fast & Free Windbreak (Men’s) – Mike also loved the men’s version of this windbreaker. Fit is TTS, so Mike is wearing his usual medium.
Surge Joggers (Men’s) – These were a fun discovery! The Surge joggers are super lightweight and technical (so one can happily run in them) but they’re so comfy that these are quickly becoming Mike’s summer sweatpants. They run a tiny bit smaller than the Surge shorts, so if your guy is between sizes, maybe size up. Mike is wearing his usual size medium, but there was some debate about it.
If your guy is a runner, I highly recommend getting him some lululemon gear — makes a great Father’s Day gift idea, too. And if anyone ever finds themselves in Philly…try running over the Ben Franklin Bridge before sunset. The views are breathtaking and there’s something so exhilarating about feeling the vibrations when the train rattles below.
Happy running!
xo,
S
A huge thank you to lululemon & Shopstyle for sponsoring this post! Frankly, it was one of the easiest posts I’ve ever written (literally about two of Mike’s very favorite pieces). As always, all thoughts, opinions, and product choices are my own (or, in this case, Mike’s). And readers, thank you for your ongoing support. It doesn’t go unnoticed and is so very much appreciated.
photo credits: Redfield Photography
You all are too cute! Love the outfits and the chemistry between you.
I’m glad you like the running gear, but whatever, can we talk about how you and Mike have such great chemistry and (what looks from the outside) to be an exceptionally strong marriage? I can’t be the only person that would love to hear your thoughts and advice on marriage, Shana.
Ah, thanks Viv. He is totally my person (has been my entire adult life), and mostly we just feel lucky. But that is such a non-answer. Let me talk to Mike and see if we can articulate anything we’ve learned along the way. There’s been a ton (and it’s still happening, so.)