By Dawn

Style –Upon first glance out of the box, with its shiny black fabric and numerous straps, I first thought I had been delivered a piece of S&M kit! But when I put the bra on, it looked and felt fantastic. More like a smart bikini top or swimwear than a support bra. I would definitely not shy at wearing it on display on the beach. Score 4/5

Comfort/Support. This is very difficult for me to mark. When I first put it on it felt great. I usually struggle to get a well fitting bra, but this fitted me first time. It was really comfortable with plenty of support, especially underneath the bustwhere most bras tend to ruck up and dig in on me. I was over the moon. Definitely an excellent 5 marks!

One of the features that was boasted, was a Nike “No-Sew “ Technology to reduce chafing, However, after wearing the bra for a full day, I noticed that the straps were chafing my skin at the front, where they are attached to through two loops. One of the few places where sewing has been used. I washed the bra to see if this improved matters, and then wore it to do a long run. It felt fantastic and so comfortable that I did not notice any problems for the full 2 hours I was running. However, when I got home and took a shower, I found that the straps had chafed again in the same place. Only this time, they had actually drawn blood! After this experience, the bra was lucky to score more than a poor 1 for comfort.

Another problem I encountered was again with the straps.They attach through some little plastic loops at the front and back. These loops tended to twist and crease up the fabric, no doubt adding to the chafing problem.

(I noticed that the loops on the bra I tested were different to the ones shown in the photo on the box. I wonder why?).Score 2/5

Breathability – Breathability was excellent. None of those horrid sweaty sticky feelings you get with some bras. Seemed to wick the sweat away really quickly and help me to stay nice and dry and cool. Score 5/5

Quality – Again this is difficult for me to mark. This first class bra was let down by poor quality stitching on the shoulder straps.. Score2/5

Overall – Overall then? Well, I have to say disappointing. If it were not for the straps chafing at the front, then I would have given this bra a huge thumbs up and an excellent mark 5. However, because of the problems I encountered, I can only give it a sorry mark 3 at the most.  This is a huge shame, because everything else about the bra was fantastic   Score3/5

Product Review – Nike Strength Bra

By Joanne

Style –Hooks good and if thin enough could wear as a crop top. Score 4/5

Comfort/Support. Difficult to fasten rear fastening as elastic so strong to pull together behind you. Sizing seems smaller than some other makes – But once in ‘Bits’ are not going anywhere. . Score 4/5

Breathability – Rather thick and heavy, with HRM monitor strap underneath – held moisture – rest reasonable.Score 3/5

Quality – Felt robust and well made, will be interesting to see how it performs after a few washes. Score 5/5

Overall – Impressive design and has great potential would have preferred a bit more elasticity in rear horizontal fastening   Score3/5

Product Review – Nike Strength Bra

By Gail

Style –It looks very chunky. It may be aimed at the larger cup size. The top of the front gapes in spite of trying all settings on the front adjustment. Score 1/5

Comfort/Support. The bra itself felt supportive without being tight and fitted well. The cups however allowed for too much movement. The shoulder straps adjusters, being atthe back, meant altering settings were difficult without removing the bra. Additionally the adjusters were uncomfortable when doing any exercise involving shoulder blade movement. Because of this I did not try the bra on a long run. Score 1/5

Breathability – The bra did not feel wet after exercise and seemed to cope well with my high level of perspiration. It washed well and dried quickly  Score 4/5

Quality – The bra itself appeared to be well made. My first impression was that it felt a little bit like plastic rather than material and in spite of 6 washes this stayed as the feel. This did not impress. The adjustment areas managed to undo themselves during washing (always on a “worn once” wash) and whilst the shoulder straps were easy to do back up, the front adjuster was more tricky. Score 3/5

Overall – The bra seemed overly complicated. Although it was of good quality, the ability to make adjustments was actually quite limited and I could not adjust without removing the bra. Compared to other sports bras, I wouldn’t buy it. Score 1/5

Product Review – Nike Revolutionary Support Bra

By Stephanie

 Style –. Score 5/5

Comfort/Support. Comfort -   Support – Score 2/5

Breathability -. Score 5/5

Quality –Score 5/5

Overall – Lots of technology & style, but unfortunately this bra is not great for my size or shape or time of life. It is well designed, but as a larger woman particularly one who has breastfed — I need a sport bra with both lift and compression. This one gives great lift when standing still, but once I start jogging I begin bouncing and jiggling all over, as there was no compression or minimizing effect. I cannot recommend this for a D or DD cup or larger woman, but for more sportier shaped gals, I think this would be fine. Score 3/5

Related posts:

1. Nike Filament Tight
2. Nike Tech Slim Tee
3. Nike Wmns Core Race Day No Sew Capri

• Have a health check.
• Ensure that you buy running shoes that are correct for you.
• Find out if there is a group to run with in your area – if not assemble your own through the Running4Women. network.
• Determine safe, well lit areas to run, or find an adequate gym if you are working on a treadmill.
• Be imaginative and creative in your choice of training routes.
• Progress patiently.
• Keep a sense of purpose and structure to your running.
• Adopt an holistic approach.
• Determine when is the most effective and realistic time of day for you to run.
• Set goals but hurry slowly.
• Ensure your running enhances and enriches your lifestyle.
• Be positive about what YOU can achieve irrespective of all the doubters.
• Enjoy the time to yourself that running provides.
•  Find a little time to stretch before and after your runs.

Don’ts

• Be put off by anyone.
• Run with colds or injuries.
• Buy shoes for their looks.
• Try to do too much too quickly.
• Run alone in the dark at night.
• Allow your running to make you feel rushed.
• Doubt what you can achieve.

Related posts:

1. A Simple 6 Step Stretching Routine
2. In The Beginning
3. Setting Short and Long Term Goals

Most races these days will send you your race number through the post together with information about car parking etc. If you have not received anything by the week before you must contact the Race Office – you should be able to find contact details on their website.

To save yourself extra stress on the day make sure that you have everything you need, ready and packed the night before – make a check list of the most important items:

• Shoes (make sure you have worn them before you race in them!)
• Clean socks.
• Shorts.
• Vest / Tshirt.
• Track bottoms.
• Warm Top (Waterproof if weather is likely to be bad).
• Extra clothes incase the weather is cold/wet.
• Race number.
• Safety pins (for your number).
• Bottle of water.
• Energy bar / banana for post race.
• Race Direction / Information.
• Travel information (Any travel tickets you may have bought).

This is not a definitive list but does cover the most important items that you will need.

Arrival:

Every entrant arrives at the race venue. Most events will have designated parking areas and larger race will have a public address system to keep everyone updated as the Start time approaches.

Preparation:

As the race start time gets nearer, competitors will be making final adjustments to their kit, visiting the toilet and warming up – so that they are fully prepared for their race. Be careful when warming up – it is so easy to do too much particularly if this is your first one. You should only need about 20 minutes maximum if it is a 5k and your first race.

Lining Up:

Everyone lines up according to their expected finishing time, with the faster more experienced runners right on the start line and those expecting to finish later, further back. This way, no-one is impeded and it is essential that you do this! You do not want to be caught up with the fast runners right at the start.

Start:

A gun, klaxon or air horn is sounded and the race begins. Unless you are right on the start line, progress wil be slightly slower as the runners move away – which is often a good thing because your not tempted to go too fast at the beginning, which can ruin your race.

Main Race:

Over the duration of the race there will usually be mile or kilometre signs by the side of the course which inform you of the distance you have run. This can be very important if you are running to a pre set time schedule. You will also find regular drinks station – take a small drink at each one.

Finish:

The finish line will be clearly marked and you will often see countdown boards on the side of the course: 800m To Go, 400m To Go etc. At the bigger events there will be a large Finish Gantry with a timing clock.

Post Finish:

As you cross the finish line you will be marshalled into “funnels” where you will be asked to keep moving forward to receive your medal/Tshirt or whatever is on offer (depends on the race) drinks should also be available. It is imperative that you do keep moving.

You then exit the funnels, get reunited with family and friends, get warm/dry kit on and reflect on what was a fantastic achievement!

Related posts:

1. 10 Ways to Avoid Those Race Day Hiccups
2. Race Preparation Part 2
3. Race Preparation -Part 1

Bras come in two basic designs:

• Encapsulated bras separate and support each breast in its own cup these are generally regarded as being better for larger breasted women although it does come down to personal preference.
• Compression bras compress the breasts to the body.

It is crucial that you get the correct fit. Your bra should feel snug but not tight with no seams that are likely to rub or chafe you. The best sports bras are made of technical fabrics such as nylon/lycra mesh.

When choosing your running apparel one word should be uppermost in your mind – breathable.

Breathable fabrics allow perspiration to evaporate (wick) from your skin, which keeps you dry and therefore warm. Breathable fabrics make the evaporation process quick and easy, they wick moisture away from you skin to the outer side of the garment. For this reason when you wear layers of clothing do not interrupt the evaporation process by wearing a cotton T-shirt between layers – it totally defeats the object. Talking of layers, in cold weather the best way to keep warm is to wear several layers of clothes the reason being that air is caught between the layers which warms up with the heat from your body.

With the climate we have in the UK it is essential to have a rain suit to wear. These are either water proof or shower proof. Gore-Tex is the only waterproof material available and it is still on the expensive side. There are many rain suits on the market that are shower proof and these will keep you reasonably dry. All of the major sportswear manufactures produce a range of rain suits.

Related posts:

1. Tips For Buying The Correct Socks
2. Winter Running Wear
3. Tips For Buying The Correct Running Shoe

Shock Absorber is different – our sports bras offer a tailored solution, allowing you to select your cup size and activity to find the perfect sports bra for you.
Shock Absorber is a performance product. All the bras are made from “performance fabrics”, which make the Shock Absorber collection a true piece of sports kit.
Cool Max® (only by DuPont) – Cool max is a unique fibre construction which keeps the body cool and dry throughout any workout Wick ability: Draws moisture away from the body Breath ability: Keeps the body cool
Meryl® actisystem™ Meryl Actisystem is an innovative, versatile and high performance fibre system designed for an active lifestyle. The fibres have an open-weave textile structure that facilitate the transport of body moisture and increase the drying speed of fabric. The skin stays dry in any environment. The fabric is also lightweight, soft, supportive and protective
• Seamed cups for closer fitting support
• Sporty crop top design with crossback for freedom of movement
• Moisture –wicking, breathable high performance fabrics.

PRODUCT REVIEW – Shock Absorber – Cross Back Sports Bra Top

Carol R4W member

STYLE – First time I had worn a Sports Bar with a fastening. Good style. Score 5/5

COMFORT/SUPPORT – Straps very well positioned and comfortable under running tops. Bra felt comfortable although I did not feel very supported – felt a bit wobbly whilst running maybe a smaller cup size would help as very generous sizing. Score 4/5

BREATHABILITY – Very very impressed, stayed dry under the 2 or 3 layers I had on for cold weather running. Score 5/5

QUALITY – Excellent quality, material very comfortable and very well finished, no loose threads. Score 5/5

OVERALL – Would recommend to R4W ladies but check cup size before you go out running in this bra – you may need a smaller size. Score 4/5

Related posts:

1. Shock Absorber – Max Sports Bra Top
2. Shock Absorber – Run Sports Bra
3. Sportjock Sports Bra’s

Fortunately plenty of research has been done recently on sports bras and the conclusion is that wearing a well designed properly fitting sports bra will help to prevent painful bounce and minimise damage to the ligaments, also it helps to prevent women with larger breasts from suffering neck and shoulder discomfort caused by excessive bouncing. By wearing a correctly fitting sports bra, breast movement can be reduced by as much as 50% thus delaying long term sagging. 82% of doctors surveyed agreed that “Wearing a sport bra helps to prevent breast motion, reducing stress on the Coopers suspensory ligament which helps to prevent long term sagging of the breasts ” Most importantly sports bras are more comfortable than most ordinary bras when playing sport or exercising.

Having decided a sports bra is a good thing the question is which one? Sports bras are usually designed in one of two formats, the cupless crop top design which holds the bust in position by compression, and is usually made from stretch fabric, and the traditional style of bra with cups that lift and separate giving shape and form. A good fit is essential, firm and supportive but not so tight it restricts breathing, although you can measure your bust to establish your size and cup size, it is worth remembering that sizes are not industry standard and each manufacturers sizes can vary from each other, so it is important to select your bra from a specialist company who will exchange it free of charge if the size is not right.

In recent years sports bras have benefited from the advance in high performance fabrics that wick moisture away from the skin and keep you dryer and cooler, fabrics such as Coolmax® which has a unique fibre construction that helps to keep you cool and dry. X-static® is a pure silver coated antimicrobial yarn that helps to eliminate bacterial build up, also it is antistatic and has excellent wickability and breathability properties. Supplex® is a soft nylon yarn that handles like cotton, this enables quick drying, up to 40% faster than cotton, it is abrasion resistant to minimise pilling and is easy to look after being wash & wear, crease resistant.

So whatever your sport or activity you have no excuse for not wearing a good,comfortable piece of kit, that in the long run may keep you looking and performing better.  

If you are unsure about your bra size or would like to check it, it is very easy for either yourself or a friend to measure you – you will just need a tape measure.

Firstly you need your under- bust measurement. To do this put the tape measure around your chest just under the bust so it fits snugly.

• If the measurement is an even number, ie 28″,30″ you need to add 4″ to this
• If the measurement is an odd number ie 29″ 31″ you need to add 5″ to this.E.g If you measure 31″ you would add 5″ and your under-bust measurement is 36″

Secondly you need your cup-size. To do this you put the tape measure

around the fullest part of your cup.

• If the measurement is less than your under-bust measurement you are an AA cup size.
• If the measurement is the same as your under-bust measurement you are an A cup size.
• If the measurement is 1″ more you are a B Cup size.
• If the measurement is 2″ more you are a C Cup size.
• If the measurement is 3″ more you are a D Cup size.
• If the measurement is 4″ more you are a DD Cup size.
• If the measurement is 5″ more you are a E Cup size.
• If the measurement is 6″ more you are a F Cup size.
• If the measurement is 7″ more you are a FF Cup size.
• If the measurement is 8″ more you are a G Cup size.

# Remember that your under-bust measurement is always plus 4 or 5 inches.

Related posts:

1. The Importance of a Good Sports Bra
2. Sportjock Sports Bra’s
3. Running and Bruising Under Breasts