As the temperature starts to drop this fall, getting the right kind of running gear is important. Over the past year I have had the pleasure to wear a lot of different running gear. In this feature, I wanted to focus on a few pieces from Brooks Running. I have been very impress with the following pieces of clothing and the pair of shoes and would recommend them to anyone.
Brooks Utopia Thermal Hooded Jacket
If you want to look as good as you run this jacket should be on your to buy list. Not only does this jacket make you look good, it will keep you warm and toasty on those chilly runs. It has a fitted hood, to help keep the heat in. For me one of the coolest features of this jacket is the reflective properties of the jacket. The reflective material that Brooks used is subtle. It has blacked-out reflective details that don’t really look like reflective material until lights hit it. Then it lights up, keeping you visible at night or in low light situations. It has four nice pockets to hold gels, or other goodies while out running. The sleeves have thumbholes to keep your sleeves down and help keep hands warm. So if you are still out running in an old cotton hoodie, it is time to upgrade and put on this good looking performance hoodie.
Features:
• Fit: Semi-fitted
• Warm, brushed thermal fabric
• Three-panel hood
• Side zip hand-warmer pockets and two back pockets
• Thumbholes
• Blacked-out reflective detail
• 360° of 3M™ Scotchlite™ retroreflectivity
• MSRP: $120.00
• http://www.brooksrunning.com/Utopia-Thermal-Hooded-Jacket/210433,default,pd.html
Men’s LSD Lite Jacket II
Are you looking for a jacket that is small, lightweight and will keep you dry? The LSD lite Jacket II is a great option. I went out for a run in a downpour and this jacket kept me dry and made running in the rain more enjoyable. I was a little shocked that I stayed dry as this jacket is treated with a durable water repellent (DWR) and is not waterproof. But it worked great for me during that run. With the ability to be stashed away in one of its pocket you will never have to leave this jacket at home. This pocket can also be used to carry gels, MP3 player or cell phone when wearing the jacket. It is so lightweight you can hardly tell you are even wearing it. This jacket is also part of the Nightlife Clothing line by Brooks, which means this jacket is bright.
Features:
• Fit: Semi-fitted
• Water- and wind-resistant shell
• Weighs just 4.3 ounces
• 3M™ Scotchlite™ retroreflectivity details
• Back vents add breathability
• Inner storm guard with zipper garage for comfort
• MSRP: $75.00
Men’s Nightlife Infiniti Tight II
Brooks Infiniti Tights are sweet. They have enough body to them to keep you warm on cold fall and spring runs. I am excited to give them a try this winter as I think they will even be enough on winter runs. They have a center pocket at the back, for small items. For my body type, the fit great. The zipper on the back of the heel is off set so it doesn’t rub. This was just one of the features that Brooks added to help with comfort. Also part of the NightLife line, they have added reflective lines for extra visibility while running in low light conditions. Brooks has done a nice job with these tights.
Features:
• Fit: Fitted
• 28¾” inseam
• Moisture-wicking fabric
• Mesh panels behind the knees
• Anatomical zipper and seam lines
• Moisture-proof invisible back pocket for key/I.D./MP3 player
• 360° of 3M™ Scotchlite™ retroreflectivity
• MSRP: $75.00
Brooks PureFlow
The PureFlow has a great balance between feeling the ground and having the cushioning that so many of us rely on. They have great support for a shoe with a minimalist feel. This shoe has a great look to it as well. I have been running in this shoe for a few months now and have loved it. I have been using them on my training runs of 3-6 miles, and they have been wonderful. In my opinion this would be a great starting shoe for someone who would like to get into the minimalist running scene.
Features:
• BioMoGo DNA Midsole
• IDEAL Heel
• Toe Flex
• Nav Band
• Anatomical Last
• Heel-Toe Offset : 4.0 mm
• MSRP: $90.00