It’s finally Spring and you know what that means. Well, for a lot of us, it’s as good a reason as any to get into some new running gear! Toss those tights and long sleeves aside for now, and treat yourself to something that will make you just feel as fresh as the new season.
Charlotte’s running specialty stores are not only the most convenient way to shop, but they’re arguably the most customer-friendly and most knowledgeable about local running and local runners. The staff at each and every one of these brick-and-mortars knows running and knows what it’s like to run around Charlotte, and THAT is a winning combination you won’t find online.
Check out what Charlotte Running Company, Omega Sports, Run For Your Life, and the Ultra Running Company have stocked up for you. Here’s what our locals recommend:
Charlotte Running Company
Five locations: Dilworth, South Charlotte, Northlake, Lake Norman, and Riverwalk
CRC Branded Apparel
You asked and we listened, Charlotte – Introducing Charlotte Running Company apparel! Performance Tech Tees and tanks are in now with more to come.
Along with some great solid color choices, there’s a signature Charlotte Running Co. soft tri-blend tee that sports the Ukrainian flag colors. 100% of the proceeds are being donated to a Ukrainian relief fund.
And check out our “Run CRC” bottoms for lounging and more:
Compression Sleeves go High Tech
The ultimate tool for recovery is the Normatec 2.0 – Delivering dynamic air compression to aid in recovery from the toughest of races and workouts. Once you’ve gotten in here, you won’t want to get out.
Omega Sports
Two locations: Park Road Shopping Center and Arboretum Shopping Center
The Zero Jacket by On Running.
“The only reason you know you’re wearing this featherlight jacket is the protection you get from wind and rain,” according to the folks at On Running. Every detail is reduced to the minimum for maximum performance. Easy to pack; even easier to run. “Made to feel like nothing so you can give everything.”
Saucony Men’s Outpace Shorts in 5” and 7” lengths will keep your legs comfy in the warmer weather. Just roomy enough, and enough coverage for those after-run trips to the store, après sport coffee stops, or pacing the sidelines at your kids’ lacrosse game.
Charlotte FC Hydration Bottle
We know runners do need to hydrate, before and after their run. 😊 Show your local support for our newest pro team with some new black and blue!
Run For Your Life
Locations in Piper Glen, Midtown, and the University area
Goodr Glasses
Now that the sun is out for a majority of the day, grab yourself a pair of Goodr shades to protect your eyes and make you look cool. Affordable, stylish, and all-performance ready, your Goodrs will be your bounce-free, slip-free, all-polarized go-to pair of sunglasses that you never have to be afraid to lose.
Body Glide
Shorts weather is here, but that also means chafing is back. Prepare yourself with Body Glide, which helps prevent the rubbing that causes irritation, rash, chafing, blisters, and raw skin. It’s non-oily, invisible, and blends into your skin. Run with body glide and you don’t have to worry about any unnecessary pain caused by chafing! Also helpful for triathletes who need help putting on and removing their wetsuits during chilly spring open water swims.
Gels
Warmer weather = more races! Whether it’s your 50th marathon or your first, it’s important to have nutrition to keep you fueled during training and your actual race. Test out a few new gus (different gel products) so you can know the perfect “gu-for-you” before race day. A Run For Your Life fan favorite is our newest gel vendor, Spring Nutrition (a very fitting name).
Hydration
Now that the weather is getting hotter, we’re all going to start sweating more – which means we’re losing more electrolytes and water. Hydration products like Nuun and Tailwind are great at providing your body with the electrolytes you’re losing, while keeping you hydrated before, during, and after your workout.
Ultra Running Company
Visit their flagship location in Myers Park
Sprints Running Hats
The perfect way to stay protected and cool during your Spring runs, Sprints running hats are lightweight, breathable, and look amazing. URC stocks a number of unique and whimsical designs, with special, limited edition designs released every month. Favorites include the “Flying Pigs” and “Pickles” designs here — they’re sure to show everyone that not only are you having a great time outside, you’re looking great doing it!
The Altra Mont Blanc Trail Running Shoe
Are you looking to explore the world around you just a bit more this Spring? The Mont Blanc from Altra is a brand new trail running shoe with a balanced design and a ton of cushion. Don’t let the roomy toe box, go-anywhere tread, and great colors fool you — this is an exceptionally capable shoe that will never leave you stranded! Rugged enough for the toughest trails, yet light enough to wear while running home, this race-capable shoe may be just what you’re looking for any time you step off-road!
NATHAN K9 Series Dog Harness System
We know sometimes the best runs are runs with friends, and the NATHAN K9 Harness and Waistbelt are just what the doggie doctor ordered when making your four-legged companion a part of your outdoor activities. The NATHAN design allows for leash movement at the waist, which means you can react *before* getting yanked around when the pup gets distracted! The harness comes in multiple sizes to fit all but the largest dogs. Make sure your furry friends are a part of your daily routine this spring!
Ready to get all geared up? You bet! You’ll be ready no matter what the spring running weather throws at you. Until summer…