Aug 12
Hiking and exploring the outdoors is a great way to get active and get inspired. For plus athletes, finding great apparel makes the journey easier and increase the likelihood that when Mother Nature acts up, you'll be able to weather the storm and keep going. Here, a few options for the journey, and a lesson in how to find the best gear yourself.
Jun 17
We often think that life would be grand if we were in charge. I draw on my inner Queen to ponder the ways in which the world would be different if a Plus Runner held all the power.
Apr 3
Triathlete apparel for plus sized athletes has come a long way but still requires some patience and skill to find the perfect racing and training kit. Here, for spring 2012, a few choice recommendations from the Plus Runner on the pieces that will take you through spring and summer training, and racing all season long - and a guide to finding your own pieces with minimal hassle and maximum reward for the seasons ahead.
May 30
Finding triathlon clothing that fits is a serious challenge for plus size athletes new to the sport. Use this handy post to browse some of summer's best answers to this challenge!
Feb 12
Special correspondent Kristin Maquire writes: I've never done a special report on underwear before, but with Christiane Amanpour busy in Egypt, I raised my hand for this opportunity to investigate a recent incident that made me wonder: am I making the right choices to protect my lady parts (and myself from sheer mortification)?
Jul 7
Danskin 7″ Triathlon Short – $48, available up to a Size 22 (essentially)
Just got a call from the most excellent client service representative at Danskin (Gina, thank you!) who has informed me that they’ve just received a shipment of their super-functional, wicking, great-fitting 7″ triathlon short.
They have a limited stock, but there are about 150 of them in currently in a Size XXL, and another 300+ in an XL, so if you are looking for a short, check this one out. REI, which previously had them in stock in an XXL and XL, is out of stock in this 7″ model, but still has the 5″ model in.
Click here to access the page on Danskin’s site (you cannot navigate there from the main site – there is a problem with the indexing on the online catalog, which is tech speak for “no one connected this short to the main page”).
Jun 7
Hi all!
A few quick notes here, and then I’m punting you over to Plus Athlete for the Little Red report!
I was lucky enough to spend this weekend in Utah, taking part in the Little Red Riding Hood Ride with fellow blogger Diane, and riding friends and all around cool women Jeannie, Kym, Karen, and others. The weekend was a total hit, but I wanted to share a few key finds that might help you ride this summer!
First, serious props go out to my LBS (local bike shop) On The Route here in Chicago. They packed and shipped my baby Trek without problem, and the folks in Logan who put her back together at Sunrise Cyclery rock, too. If you’re looking for the epitome of great technicians with a flair for the helpful, these are your guys.
Second, I had the good luck to run into the reps from Born Fit (based in Denver) who make maternity AND general fitness clothing. They were displaying at Little Red, and shared the really good news that they’re now producing running, walking, and general fitness apparel up to a size XXL. I can’t say this enough: their stuff is cute, it’s functional, and it works for pregnant women, so I’m pretty sure they’re going to do just find in the Plus market! Take care to watch the size charts, but if you’re looking, I would recommend checking out their lines, especially their capris and short sleeved tops for summer.
Finally, good news from Chicago – the weather’s been so good, the lake temp is up to a balmy 65 degrees, which means this week, you should expect a report from me on triathlon training – and my first open water swim of the season. I’ll keep you posted on whether I lose feeling (or, I should say, when.)
See you on the path!
Jun 3
Finding triathlon shorts for the plus community can be an exercise in frustration. Here, a direct link to the best shorts in the business, Danskin's 7" and 5" triathlon shorts, ready for ordering now.
Mar 26
We're gearing up for summer triathlons, and with it, wondering what the heck to wear. Here, two gear deals to consider.
It’s that time again. You’re getting the itch to go outside and run or walk or start tri training and you suddenly find yourself wanting something new and shiny to go along with it. So what to purchase that won’t break the bank? A few ideas…
Danskin is having a sale – they’re moving warehouses and are offering 30% off any order over $100, so if you’re looking to stock up on your summer triathlon apparel, this is the time to do it. Reader favorites include:
Danskin 7″ Triathlon short (Sale, $41, Sizes L and XL remain). XL will fit up to 45″ hip measurement!
I wore this short last year and can vouch for its technical creds. It’s got leg grippers that don’t hurt (but won’t let your leg ride up), quick drying fabric, and most important, it’s not a Zoot short designed to fit a pre-pubescent girl 
The 7″ length works well for us larger girls, though there is a 5″ available here, which is offered up to an XXL.
The short has a drawstring waist but lays flat, and the black goes with everything. The chammy is barely there, but provides just the right amount of comfort for a 12 or 26 mile ride at your next (or first) race. It also has what I like to call the “BCO” (Butt Crack Optional) additional piece of fabric that runs up the, uh, back of the short, keeping in mind that sometimes the stretch is a bit tooooo much, if you get my drift…..no free peeks here.
Trust me when I tell you this is the best short in the business if you’re not wearing standard, name-brand apparel. Danskin has done their homework, and if you’re preparing for a race this summer, this is the short you want.
Terry Wrapper Plus (1X-4X)
Terry makes great clothes for women who like to bike, and if you need apparel right now, EVERYTHING is on sale. One of my favorite ideas is this little wrapper skirt – because let’s be honest, we like to wear the bike shorts, but we don’t always want the world to see the tushum.
The Wrapper Plus is just that – a quick little wrap skirt to throw on after a ride. It fits in your bike bag, and you can wear it riding too…it’s great if you want to cover up on race day for your run, or whatever.
Price: $30.00 – regularly $60. You can find it (and many other GREAT summer cycling apparel deals) here.
Road Runner Sports: Men’s Asics Ready-Set T
Believe it or not, the PlusRunner has some male fans, too! And I’ve been searching for good apparel for them ever since my friend Demiah (a new member of the Nike Running Club in Chicago) alerted me to their plight. Well, turns out that they have trouble finding clothes too.
Alas, Road Runner Sports does a good job of listing out the apparel for guys up to a Size XXXL. This tee, from Asics, is a great staple, and runs up to an XXL (50″ chest) and comes in at a light $19.99.
Price: $19.99. You can find it (and many other men’s larger shirts) here.
That’s it for today – I’ll be back later this week with some thoughts on getting ready for spring, and will share with you the race calendar for the season!
See you on the path…
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