Last year my fitness level definitely took a bit of a dip. With the pandemic in full swing in the spring and summer months, I just didn’t feel safe enough venturing out of our house or neighborhood for long runs or hikes. I think I can count on one hand the number of “real workouts” I did between April and December. At the start of 2021 I vowed to myself that the new year was going to bring about some change in that department, and I’m happy to say that so far it’s been working. I’ve set quarterly goals (wow, am I boring?!) and so far have been hitting them. Q1 was to run at least once a week (check!), Q2 has been to run at least once a week and do yoga once a week (mostly check, I’ve missed one run and one yoga session so far), and Q3 is going to be to run at least twice a week and continue doing yoga once a week (I’ve already started this because I was starting to feel a little antsy with just one run a week!). Big TBD on what the Q4 goal is going to be. I have really been liking the switch every three months. It has given me something to look forward to and changes up my routine in a consistent but interesting pattern. (I have definitely found that boredom can be a big culprit of not getting a workout in, for me.) All that being said, with my increase in running lately I’ve also been branching out to acquire some new gear. I bought myself a new pair of sneakers in February when it seemed that I was, in fact, going to stick to the goal. And I got sick of strapping on my running belt for every run, so I’ve been trying out different shorts with built-in phone pockets. These are the ones I’ve tried so far! Very open to suggestions if anyone has brand loyalty or a design they’ve enjoyed.
CRZ Yoga Running Shorts ($28.00)
These shorts come in a bunch of different colors and I’m definitely going to be adding at least another pair or two to my closet. They’re great running shorts but also excellent weekend lounging or yard work shorts, too. The phone pocket is excellent for my phone (iPhone X in a plastic slim-fit case) — just the right size that it doesn’t move around or slip out. The waistband is decently thick so there isn’t any riding up there. The shorts are made up of both a spandex-like “undershort” (with a 3″ inseam) as well as a more flowy polyester “outershort” layer. There are high slits on both sides of the outershort for ideal phone access. My one complaint is that the tight “undershorts” do ride up a bit. I don’t usually have to deal with any chafing struggles but if you do, these might not work for you.
CRZ Yoga Biker Shorts ($20.00)
I obviously liked this new-to-me brand and branched out on a few of their styles to try out! This style is a more traditional biker short style, but I have really enjoyed them for running. They also come in a variety of colors and patterns and I think another pair is definitely in my future. The phone pocket on this set is a bit bigger, so my phone usually ends up kind of slanted inside of the rectangular pocket. Not a huge deal, but a little different than some other styles I’ve been wearing and can be slightly annoying if you’re trying to quickly put your phone in and out of it. Other than that I really enjoy this style. They’re very form fitting with a 5″ inseam and a high waistband that pulls in, in a way that I enjoy while working out.
Fabletics High Waisted 6″ Short ($48.71)
First off, I love the pattern of these and it is 100% the reason I chose to try them. So fun! So trendy! So quarantine chic! Beyond the look, these are a super comfy running short, too. The phone pocket sits nicely on the thigh but does allow for a bit of movement while running. Similar to the CRZ biker shorts, it’s not a big deal but just slightly annoying every now and then. The rainbow towel loops on these are a nice design touch. I don’t usually run with anything extra to put in there, but I do live in Los Angeles where sometimes the heat becomes unbearable and I’ll take off my top and just run in a sports bra — now I have somewhere to stash my shirt! These are cheaper with a Fabletics membership. (Use my referral link to sign up!)
Saucony Fortify Hot Short ($55.00)
I’ve had a version of these for years, but only just invested in Saucony’s upgraded shorts with a phone pocket. They’re a familiar fit for me so I’ve been enjoying running in them, with the added bonus of a phone pocket now! These are definitely the most revealing of the bunch with a 4″ inseam and no outer layer, but I find them to be a comfortable fit. The phone pocket is slim enough that my phone doesn’t move around while running and provides easy in-and-out access. Overall I really like these, especially for the hotter days when I want to run without wearing much.
Anyone else have any favorite running shorts or tights? Share a link in the comments!