ummm... running gear for "the girls"

Honey329
Honey329 Posts: 65
edited September 22 in Fitness and Exercise
I am seriously contemplating starting the C25K, but of course I have questions. If it's tmi, I apologize. Here goes... big boobs and running don't seem like a fantastic fit. What kind of industrial strength undergarments work best for pounding the pavement without knocking yourself (or your running partner) out? I want to blast out the door in the morning for day 1 of week 1, but really do not want to start college in a bit over a week with black eyes :laugh:

Any advice?

Replies

  • CoryIda
    CoryIda Posts: 7,870 Member
    Ok, we really are soul sisters. lol
    In almost 50 pounds, my bra size has actually gotten BIGGER (44F to a 38G) and I'd rather not give myself a black eye, you know? :blushing:
  • lotusfromthemud
    lotusfromthemud Posts: 5,335 Member
    http://www.titlenine.com/product/313801.do

    AKA "enell" brand sports bra.

    life. changing.:flowerforyou:
  • sweetheart03622
    sweetheart03622 Posts: 928 Member
    lol this put SUCH a smile on my face. Okay, so I just graduated school about 4 months ago and between loans, mortgage, commuting, blah blah blah, I'm broke. I get sports bras at target, they have a decent selection for about $25 each. Put it on and jump up and down, see how they move. To be honest, when one I have is getting a little worn out I'll wear it over a regular bra to give it a boost until I have the $$ for a new one :laugh:
  • CuteAndCurvy83
    CuteAndCurvy83 Posts: 570 Member
    I usually get a sports bra that hooks in the front and I try to go a size smaller then my bra size to hold them nice and tight. Theres many sports bras that are made for bigger chests,but they can get rather expensive.
  • CoryIda
    CoryIda Posts: 7,870 Member
    lol this put SUCH a smile on my face. Okay, so I just graduated school about 4 months ago and between loans, mortgage, commuting, blah blah blah, I'm broke. I get sports bras at target, they have a decent selection for about $25 each. Put it on and jump up and down, see how they move. To be honest, when one I have is getting a little worn out I'll wear it over a regular bra to give it a boost until I have the $$ for a new one :laugh:

    That's what I've done (put a sports bra over a regular bra) the couple of times I've tried running/jogging so far. I may have to make do with that for now.
  • amstein18
    amstein18 Posts: 131
    ugh! welcome to my world!! i alllwaaays used the excuse of not being able to jog/run/jump because of my massive boobies.. but then i found an amazing sports bra! and I paired it with another sports bra on top of that haha. i firmly believe in doubling up when you have a big chest.
    here is the bra i use ( i was a 36ddd but have since went down to a 36dd with my weight loss so i promise if it works for me, it'll work for you haha )...
    http://www.titlenine.com/product/sports-bras-and-undies/underwire-bras/318901.do?sortby=ourPicks

    and then i just put a simple sports bra on top.. like this one.....
    http://www.target.com/C9-Champion-Seamless-Racerback-Bra/dp/B0031JBJDE/ref=sr_1_24?ie=UTF8&searchView=grid5&keywords=sports bra&fromGsearch=true&sr=1-24&qid=1292075964&rh=&searchRank=target104545&id=C9 Champion Seamless Racerback Bra&node=1038576|1287991011&searchSize=30&searchPage=1&searchNodeID=1038576|1287991011&searchBinNameList=subjectbin%2Cprice%2Ctarget_com_primary_color-bin%2Ctarget_com_size-bin%2Ctarget_com_brand-bin&frombrowse=0

    HOPE THAT HELPS YOU! :)
  • jamie1888
    jamie1888 Posts: 1,704 Member
    http://www.titlenine.com/product/313801.do

    AKA "enell" brand sports bra.

    life. changing.:flowerforyou:

    That looks like a great bra!
    I've always worn a "minimizer" bra under a sports bra. But, I find that even better for holding them down was wearing my bra under a sports tank top. (like a sports bra, but it's a full tank). When you tuck the tank into your shorts or in my case, I tuck into the spandex shorts that i wear under my workout shorts, it really holds them down!

    Edit to add:
    the tank should be long enough to tuck and fit tight!
  • ebkins7
    ebkins7 Posts: 427 Member
    lol this put SUCH a smile on my face. Okay, so I just graduated school about 4 months ago and between loans, mortgage, commuting, blah blah blah, I'm broke. I get sports bras at target, they have a decent selection for about $25 each. Put it on and jump up and down, see how they move. To be honest, when one I have is getting a little worn out I'll wear it over a regular bra to give it a boost until I have the $$ for a new one :laugh:

    This is exactly what I was going to suggest! I'm a former Marines and in case you didn't know... Marines run... and run... and run some more and when they are done running... they run again! LOL!

    I'm like you and have been "well endowed" in the chest region... I always had to wear 2 bras to keep the girl contained!!!

    On a small budget that's the only option I know of... if anyone else knows... let me know too!
  • yvonnej1
    yvonnej1 Posts: 904 Member
    Shock Absorber make some great sports bras in different levels of support for different activities, they have designed one specially for running to stop the bounce. I haven't tried that one but have 2 different styles and I wouldn't buy another make now.

    http://www.shockabsorber.co.uk/default.aspx this is the UK site but I am sure you would be able to get them in the US too.
  • HeatherShrinking
    HeatherShrinking Posts: 776 Member
    OOOHHH!!! I found the best bra! It is by Moving Comfort and it is called Fiona. I found it on Amazon after doing tons of reading up. I love it. The girls don't go anywhere! I tried the layering bra thing and that worked okay, but really you have to go professional reinforcements when you have big girls! I think it was a little under $40, which I hate paying for a bra but it was totally worth it.
  • I got into running 4 years back. I had to do the same soulsearching you are doing right now. I currently run 3x a week - 2x at 5k and 1x at 7k+.



    1) sports bra
    What worked for me was the Nike Dri-Fit line. The best sports bra out there is the bra that arrests the movement. Top of the line sports bras will do that. But there is a preference issue. Do you want it cross back or T-back? Would you prefer to get some cleavage (ie. separation) or can live with the "monoboob" look? Do you prefer to wear from overhead/through the arm or opening in front for ease of use? Color preference? I recommend trying out different brands and checking if there is any movement. There should be little to no bounce. Also, check where the seams hit you. Some brands hit your soft tissues differently. Those annoying pinching seams may be ok for half a mile but 6 miles later and you've got an open wound.

    2) running shoes
    I found that having my run analyzed was the best thing I've ever done for my feet. I discovered an inner right heel pronation which is causing my left foot to compensate by twisting as well. I got a new pair with insoles to downplay the pronation and support by stride. I also discovered that I have wide feet (for running anyway). Eye-opening journey, I tell ya.


    Good luck and see you out there!
  • edorice
    edorice Posts: 4,519 Member
    Target has sports bras by Champion apparel that really keep "the girls" tame.
  • just4peachy
    just4peachy Posts: 594 Member
    I love my Shock Absorbers but they weren't cheap. Before I bought them I wore 2 bras & a top with the bra built in. You just have to find whatever is most comfortable for you and good luck with C25K!!
  • vhuber
    vhuber Posts: 8,779 Member
    Did the double bra thing, sports bras and then came Enell and I have not worn any different since! Love it and I have it in three colors!!!
  • Iceprincessk25
    Iceprincessk25 Posts: 1,888 Member
    One word. ENELL. Don't waste your money on anything else. This is the mother of all sports bras. I have implants and am a full D and my boobs don't bounce at all. They are a little pricey but you can usually find them on Ebay for about $35-40. They are worth EVERY penny.
  • RoadDog
    RoadDog Posts: 2,946 Member
    With an extensive background in structural engineering, coupled with Anatomy and Physiology schooling, I think I may be in a position to help some of you girls out.

    In order to help, though, going to have to see some pictures. For scientific purposes, of course.
  • mbroeckelmanpost
    mbroeckelmanpost Posts: 44 Member
    Here are 3 sites with some good options:

    titlenine.com
    championusa.com
    herroom.com

    Watch for sales on Champion's site-- every now and then they'll do a bra sale that will bring most of their maximum support bras down to about $25 each.
  • CakeFit21
    CakeFit21 Posts: 2,521 Member
    With an extensive background in structural engineering, coupled with Anatomy and Physiology schooling, I think I may be in a position to help some of you girls out.

    In order to help, though, going to have to see some pictures. For scientific purposes, of course.

    Of course! :laugh:

    LOL! Seriously though, ENELL ENELL ENELL! I say it every time this subject comes up, THESE ARE YOUR GIRLS! It's 60 bucks now or thousands later, right? I can't even tell you how well this bra works. NO MOVEMENT and it really takes a ton of pressure off of your back too.
    RunnersWorld also has recommendations for running. ENELL is on the list, I think the Fiona is as well.
  • ginnyroxx
    ginnyroxx Posts: 763
    i'm large chested and don't have the xtra money right now for "enell" or anything like that.
    I do have a very good bra that supports me well and then i put one of the cheapie target hanes or champion sports bras over it.
    and then i wear a tank top over those.

    i still catch guys looking occasionally, but whatevs. it doesn't hurt when they bounce a little and i can even do jumping jacks w/o pain.
  • As for the upper body support I have nothing for you....As for the C25K I just started week four this week. I may be on it for a few weeks, but I love the program and have been improving my ability to run greatly. Good Luck!!!
  • Just_Dot
    Just_Dot Posts: 2,283 Member
    I'm a 34 D (used to be a DD) and I'm a soccer player...I used to do the double bra thing and have always had a hard time plunking down the money for the Enell bras.

    The Champion Powerback Underwire (http://www.championusa.com/Champion/Products/Women-Champion/Women_ShopByCategory-Champion/Women_SportsBras-Champion/Women_SportsBras_Bestsellers-Champion/CH1694.aspx) is AWESOME!! I can wear it and sprint up and down the field and the girls don't move at.all. I just got some from Sports Authority (I'm sure it's a regional store) for $25 a piece and as someone else mentioned, the website has great sales every so often.
  • McFrench
    McFrench Posts: 205 Member
    Oprah said if you need 2 bras, wear 2 bras!!! I always wear 2 bras, so that I do not injure myself, or the person next to me....

    I am going to check out your suggestions ladies!!

    RoadDog, I literally laughed out loud reading your post.
  • Iceprincessk25
    Iceprincessk25 Posts: 1,888 Member
    I'm a 34 D (used to be a DD) and I'm a soccer player...I used to do the double bra thing and have always had a hard time plunking down the money for the Enell bras.

    The Champion Powerback Underwire (http://www.championusa.com/Champion/Products/Women-Champion/Women_ShopByCategory-Champion/Women_SportsBras-Champion/Women_SportsBras_Bestsellers-Champion/CH1694.aspx) is AWESOME!! I can wear it and sprint up and down the field and the girls don't move at.all. I just got some from Sports Authority (I'm sure it's a regional store) for $25 a piece and as someone else mentioned, the website has great sales every so often.

    Enell bras are $38 with free shipping on Ebay right now so that's only $13 more. Worth every penny. I am telling you people. Bra changed my life. :laugh:
  • lotusfromthemud
    lotusfromthemud Posts: 5,335 Member
    I'm a 34 D (used to be a DD) and I'm a soccer player...I used to do the double bra thing and have always had a hard time plunking down the money for the Enell bras.

    The Champion Powerback Underwire (http://www.championusa.com/Champion/Products/Women-Champion/Women_ShopByCategory-Champion/Women_SportsBras-Champion/Women_SportsBras_Bestsellers-Champion/CH1694.aspx) is AWESOME!! I can wear it and sprint up and down the field and the girls don't move at.all. I just got some from Sports Authority (I'm sure it's a regional store) for $25 a piece and as someone else mentioned, the website has great sales every so often.

    Enell bras are $38 with free shipping on Ebay right now so that's only $13 more. Worth every penny. I am telling you people. Bra changed my life. :laugh:

    I know, right? I sound like an Enell cult member, but it really did change my life (at least when it comes to exercising!)
  • Iceprincessk25
    Iceprincessk25 Posts: 1,888 Member
    Woo hoo! Enell cult here we go!!!
  • trixiekitten
    trixiekitten Posts: 6 Member
    I can completely relate to this... I'm a 34H. I can't even find a regular bra in my size, let alone a sports bra. In my endless search though, I have found a couple bras that are superior for controlling bounce and providing support for high impact sports activities like jogging/running.

    Enell: For a while, this was pretty much the only style I could find that did the trick. While it is a great bra, I found it to be extremely constricting and hot. It's a pain to hook up too. It pretty much works by compressing your entire chest and smushing the girls down. I live in Arizona so keeping cool and wicking away sweat is a factor for me. This bra fits like a vest and the material isn't the best for keeping dry. I usually ended up very tender, red & sore between my breasts but learned to live with it since there weren't any better alternatives... Until the Elomi & Freya came along....

    Here are 2 others that are worth checking out, especially good if you have a smaller ribcage/band size relative to your breast size/cup size.

    My Holy Grail: ELOMI ENERGISE UNDERWIRE SPORTS BRA (style 8040)- it is excellent at keeping your girls stationary as well as keeping them lifted and SEPARATED. I no longer have to stick a towel or washcloth in between my breasts to keep them comfortable. It doesn't give you the dreaded "uni-boob" effect and doesn't flatten you out. It's easy to put on & take off as well... I HIGHLY recommend this one

    Runner Up: FREYA UNDERWIRE SPORTS BRA, style 4392/4002 (these are identical but the 4392's are fashion colors and the 4002's are the basic colors (white, black, nude, I think)

    All of these styles are available at www.herroom.com . And yes, they are pricey ($60) but are worth the investment. Just like shoes..... and worth every penny
  • goaliema
    goaliema Posts: 150 Member
    With an extensive background in structural engineering, coupled with Anatomy and Physiology schooling, I think I may be in a position to help some of you girls out.

    In order to help, though, going to have to see some pictures. For scientific purposes, of course.

    Roaddog....you silly dirty dog....lolololol


    I had been wondering this same question! thanks for the info trixiekitten... I had heard of Freya but not the other one. All I know is that I will not do another spin class without making sure that the girls are properly secured with no chance of escaping!!! lolol :blushing:
  • trixiekitten
    trixiekitten Posts: 6 Member
    I had been wondering this same question! thanks for the info trixiekitten... I had heard of Freya but not the other one. All I know is that I will not do another spin class without making sure that the girls are properly secured with no chance of escaping!!! lolol :blushing:
    [/quote]


    They have a tendency to want to break free, don't they? I always had to reach in and adjust them manually, which in not particularly attractive or appealing when you're in the view of others. With the Elomi Energiser bra, they each have their own little cubby hole to call home :happy: They Freya bra is similar, but gives the girls a more pointed shape (I think it's due to the cup seaming), which personally, I don't care for.
  • Just_Dot
    Just_Dot Posts: 2,283 Member
    Good to know about the ebay price!
  • Thanks for everyone's great feedback! I will go through all the options and choose one or two to try. Today I used my Danskin front zip racer back underneath my Nike dri-wick tank with built-in bra. I was very comfy with minimal bounce.
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