Sierra Trading Post.
2012-01-02 18:50:13
15
[Vaguely OT] Is there a runners Nashbar?
**disclaimer: support your local bike shop**
So I know a lot of us go to nashbar for certain super cheap things for one reason or another. I could buy an $80 pair of pearl gloves and have them last three years or gamble on a $10 pair of nashbar gloves and maybe have them last a year. Trade-offs.
In the spirit of good cross-training and avoiding weak bones, I've finally picked up running shoes, but in order for me to get back into it in our lovely climate, I need some awesome pants. Preferably cheap pants, because running isn't my main jam.
So is there a site like nashbar, but for running equipment? Or a recommendation for where I can get this sort of thing without breaking the bank?
2012-01-02 18:42:04
Dick's Sporting might have some good after Xmas sales on that sort of thing, and they are in some vague way local, if suburbanal.
2012-01-02 18:52:57
Sierra Trading Post might be worth a try.
2012-01-02 18:53:47
Yeah, Dick's or Dunham's might be a good choice. That's the nice thing about the popularity of running--it's easier to find less expensive stuff.
Road Runner Sports has an outlet website, too.
Also, you don't really need to go totally crazy with running specific stuff. You can probably find something similar to these for less money at Dick's or Dunham's. Or, even check something like Marshall's or TJ Maxx. You can sometimes get really lucky there and find good stuff for next to nothing (I've gotten Marmot thermals for under $20, and some Patagonia stuff for next to nothing).
Of course, you may find absolutely nothing of worth, either.
2012-01-02 20:03:19
as a former hard core runner road runner sports has alot of good deals
2012-01-02 21:04:36
Totally not what you asked (more on that next), but avoid cotton. I've found with biking I sweat a LOT more, but I also have breaks more - traffic sort of enforces an interval training type atmosphere. Running, maybe I'm just lazy, but I don't feel like I work as hard. As a result, the sweating I do works damn well to make me cold - too cold in this weather. So I just avoid cotton in my layers, more so than with biking.
All my running stuff came from the clearance racks at various Marshals, TJ Max, Burlington Coat Factory (not just for Coats!), etc. And by all my running stuff, I mean the single outfit I wear daily and wash once a week (yup, I stinky). In the summer, I run in mens boxers safety pinned for modesty (they don't ride up and are super cheap!)
And don't forget Goodwill and St. Vinnie's. You can find awesome stuff there for next to nothing, and it's totally local 
2012-01-02 21:07:59
Usually a great deal can be found at either the Great Race or Marathon Expo- or if you are not concerned with appearance, just run in really loose pants or longjohns.
2012-01-02 22:00:33
I regularly see brand name running pants (Nike, New Balance, etc - the kind that have the zipper at the bottom, not just sweats) at the Red White and Blue Thrift store on Route 65 in Avalon. Were you looking for something more specific?
2012-01-03 14:01:01
Ooo... forgot about the RW&B. I got my wedding dress at the one in the South Hills. Good call.
2012-01-03 17:20:29
Target has inexpensive "technical" workout clothes. Running pants don't tend to be windproof, so you might look for a thicker fabric or double layer if you're worried about getting cold.
2012-01-12 00:50:18
This tread has really got me thinking about starting up running again, I bet it's a good way to build up my lungs to make me a stronger cyclist.
2012-01-12 01:17:14
Technically it is not just your lungs, but rather your total cardiovascular system.
When I was running very seriously I would sometimes do some bike racing- I could beat some of the local racers in time trials, but could not generate the massive power to sprint with them in criteriums or road races.
2012-01-12 03:47:07
Mr. M, you should look into some cross-training programs. Whether its swimming, running, weight lifting, etc... there are many great programs out there that will help you increase your riding ability much faster than solely riding.
2012-01-12 14:58:53
Mr. M - best thing I ever did for my running (ok, fitness in general) was pick up swimming - it changed the way I breathed ('cause I totally had to plan for it and keep it under control, half drowning quickly cured me of negligence in that area). If you're looking to get your lungs/breath in shape, give a lap or two a go.
But running is good for that too... Unlike with cycling (at least if you've got gears and can coast), there's a constant physical rhythm you can time your breath to. It gets harder up hill and easier down hill, but typically your gait adjusts as well to those changes. Anything that bumps up your heart rate and gets a rhythm in your breath will help with that.
Keep in mind that to do your cardiovascular system the most good, you probably don't need to work as hard as you think you do... google "lactate threschold heart rate" for some interesting reads. If you decide to do a LTHR test (I do them once a year or so for giggles), don't plan on doing anything the next day. There's a reason "threshold" is in the name of the test.
2012-01-12 16:04:46