21 Jan 2012 Fashion matters
by Mathilda Hatfield Hulett
Ah, February; an entire month devoted to all matters of the heart. At one time, February was associated most with Valentine’s Day and all the trimmings: love, romance, cards, poems, chocolates and heart-shaped candy.
Now, February is also synonymous with heart-healthy exercise, fighting cardiovascular disease and heart-warming philanthropy. So, what about fashion in February? Does fashion matter to the heart? Absolutely! Just ask Linda Starr and her son, Don Starr, owners of The Sporty Runner in Downtown Conway.
Whether your attention this month is on romance, your cardio workout or good will for others, you will benefit more from your activity by doing it in style. Good active wear can be purchased just about anywhere in a wide range of quality and prices. Yet, durable, well-fitting and fashionable active wear, as found in specialty stores, is often worth the extra effort. Linda reiterates what we all know: “If what you’re wearing doesn’t fit well or doesn’t function properly, you’re not going to continue your activity.”
Function is especially important to those who are new to exercise, those who are sticking to their New Year’s resolutions and those who need a little more from their active wear apparel. The brand CW-X offers Conditioning Wear.
“This line is designed to work in conjunction with particular muscle groups for specific compression,” Don said. “The special compression fabric aides in muscle recovery, leading to fewer strains, sprains or injuries.”
Linda especially likes the shorts. “They’re great for running, biking and working out.” They have compression fabric that provides extra support in the lower back and around her knees. She likes to wear these under her looser running pants or shorts.
Some people prefer to get their heart healthy exercise in the pool. Fit and function are important here, too. Don shares this rule of thumb regarding fit: “If the swim suit is slightly loose dry, it will be too loose in the water. For proper fit, go instead for slightly snug when dry.” Also, look for the new fabrics that are resistant to chlorine. Otherwise, you may experience an embarrassing wardrobe malfunction.
Fashions that are easy to fall in love with serve double duty. Today, wearing active wear as casual wear can be quite stylish. Full-zip jackets, hoodies, long-sleeve T’s and half-zip tops can function just as well at the gym as they do at the grocery store, or even casual Friday work wear. Bright colors for men and women will be the new look for 2012.
Linda and Don both acknowledge that shopping in specialty stores can sometimes be intimidating. Yet, the personal service, consultation and first-hand knowledge of the merchandise offered by the staff at a smaller store should counteract that fear. All on staff at The Sporty Runner participate in one sport or exercise program or another. They are trained to help customers select the right fit, function, shoe, gear or accessory to help you succeed.
Linda tells the story of a customer who came in needing running shoes. The customer exclaimed, “Now, I know, I don’t look like a runner, but I want to start.” Linda replied, “Just what does a runner look like?”
Thank goodness 501-area runners, swimmers, walkers and philanthropists come in all shapes, sizes and colors. Just “doing” is what really matters. Now, just do it in style.
Clockwise from top right:
New Balance fitted half-zip. New balance will contribute 5 percent of the price from sales of this top to Susan G. Komen for the Cure.
Speedos Jammers made with Endurance +, 100 percent chlorine-resistant fabric.
New Balance Arm Sleeves in hot pink.
Knuckle lights, (patent pending) 4 LEDs per hand provide bright wide flood beams to light your path and be seen.
CW-X conditioning wear Women’s Pro Tights. Reduces muscle fatigue and impact to lower back and hips.
Ready. Zip. Go. Spibelt – small, personal item belt comfortably holds keys, cell phones, MP3 players. Good for running, cycling, walking, traveling or trekking.
Asics Thermopolis LT 1/2 –zip. This lightweight T has a suede finish to make it the softest and coziest to wear in all climates for any activity.
Women Can Run is celebrating 15th year
Linda Starr, owner of The Sporty Runner in Downtown Conway, is preparing the running training program, which culminates with a 5K graduation run on Saturday, May 12.
More than 40 towns in Arkansas participate in the 10-week program. (Check local community calendars for schedules.)
This year the featured speaker will be Elaine Doll Dunn, cancer survivor, marathon runner (she ran 26.2 marathons in 2000), author of “Gotta Run… Life is a Marathon… So Double-Tie Your Shoes” and director of the Leading Ladies Marathon in South Dakota.
The Sporty Runner Fun Runs are the third Tuesday of every month. It’s a family friendly activity offering two courses. One is two-plus miles, and the route is good for walkers and families. The other route is 4-5 miles. The routes change each time and are centered around downtown and Old Conway. The runs start and finish at The Sporty Runner, 1016 Van Ronkle. Refreshments and door prizes are offered at the finish!
