8 miles easy / 1:15 / 9:22 avg pace (done on Wednesday night)
I saw this North Face sports bra on Tina’s blog a few months ago and had to have it. This is exactly what I was looking for; the solution to my RaceReady shorts. I wrote about my love (not really love, but practicality) for RaceReady shorts a few months ago and I got some flack about it. Yes, they are ugly but they hold everything!
I tested out this bra last Friday (on a 20-miler) and buh bye RaceReady shorts! It held 4 Shot Bloks perfectly and easily could have held 2 more (the exact amount that I carry for a marathon). The pouch (not sure what else to call it) is huge and even has a separate compartment for your key.
- The Shot Bloks didn’t move an inch; I hardly knew they were there.
- You can’t beat the accessibility…I mean they are right there!
- Did I look like I had a 3rd boob with all those Shot Bloks stuffed down my bra? Yes. Did I care? No. I do wear RaceReady shorts in public so you know I don’t care!
- Stuff gets pretty warm in that region so if you’re a fan of freezing your GUs, this may not be the best plan for you.
- The bra runs small. It’s intended for A/B cups (according to the description). If I ordered online I would have gotten a small (I’m not so well-endowed). Luckily I was near a North Face store and tried on the medium and it fit perfectly; a small would have been too small.
- I guess I should mention that it also does everything a sports bra should: supports, wicks, doesn’t chafe, etc.
I’m so, so happy with this bra! I can finally wear normal shorts for a marathon (Lululemon Willpower shorts, of course)!
Front view:
I cut my Shot Bloks in half so I can eat 3 of them at a time (every 4 miles). It makes them easier to carry too.
Deep pouch:
I bought this bra myself and was not asked by North Face to do a review. However, I am willing and able to accept any products in exchange for a review 🙂
Do you feel weird digging around in your bra and eating what you find in there? 🙂
This is why I love my trail running vest, I have pockets for everything!
Ha ha! Yes…and no!
It is weird right to say I love u right. Found ur blog from health on the run with ur comment on mcm. I am running it this year, first marathon. Then I saw this post. I love north face running shorts and I have been looking for new bras I am way too exited! Thanks! Also I totally cut my shot blocks as well.
WOW! This is amazing. I used to tuck my Gu’s in my cleav but would get chafing from the poke-y plastic edges = no bueno. But… only A/B cup?!? Shoot… I’m a C. Maybe I can make it work??
Thanks for the review!!
You can def make it work. I would give it a try. It’s really amazing. What took them so long to come up with this???
what an awesome idea! love your review!
Never heard of a bra carrying stuff – that is awesome though! I have super ugly shorts that I race in too, they look like bike shorts but they don’t chafe! I totally forgot you were in Philly – if I go back we can do a meetup! I would say we could have run together but let’s get serious, I could never keep up. Especially on this trip. I loved the row of trees leading up to the museum, so pretty.
Wow, that bra does look tempting. I want it. I am very impressed with the shot bloks insert…. very tempting. Thanks for the review!
-Jen
Nice review! Haven’t used it myself, but look up Gracie’s Gear! They have some funky sports bras with pockets. (I actually someone wearing one at my last half marathon). I got an ifitness belt (double pouch) to hold stuff on long runs. I refer to it as my fanny pack. I think I just figured I’d make fun of it myself before my husband got a chance to. My Camelbak handheld water bottle has a pocket that I can fit keys and 2 gu in.
I am soooo looking for a good sports bra that hides the nips lol! I am a 34D though…is this no good for me?
What a neat idea!! So, is this bra,,,,um, modest? =) That has been my only prob. with sports bras with non-molded cups is that ‘stuff’ shows thru =) I am also SUPER small (probably not even an ‘A’) but I still like to be modest =) i saw a pr of Race Ready shorts at a thrift store about a month ago and you’re right, they are UGLY!! But I love the concept. I may have to look into this sports bra more. Thanks for the review!
This bra is very modest. It comes up high (no cleavage) and it’s double-lined due to the pouch so nothing shows through. I think you would like it!
My husband says it looks like a bullet proof vest. I WANT ONE!!! What’s it cost? Over $100?
Ha!! It’s $35 and well worth the money!!
WHAT?#$#$% $35. What site did you buy it from? I need one!!! or TWO. My husband might want me to wear it daily so I can stash is kit kat bars and yorks peppermint patties. ;o)
I went to the NF store so I could try it on but you can order online. I need to get another one asap!