The Collaboration that Runners Didn’t Know They Needed Until Now
It’s been a month since the Chicago Marathon. The New York Marathon was last weekend. And the Philadelphia Marathon is one week away. So it makes sense that I post some special running clothes right about now. Whether you run a marathon or are just enjoying the most perfect fall running (or walking) weather, this collaboration is something you will want to know about. And it’s no accident that the collection was released just before the holidays. These clothes will make the runner in your life do a victory dance if they are found under the tree next month.
Tracksmith is a Boston based brand that prides itself on being the best racing apparel on the market for those that are serious about running. I had never heard of Tracksmith until I ran a marathon. So I guess it goes: you run a marathon, you know about Tracksmith. But unlike the running clothes that you may be used to seeing (bright colors, unflattering styles), the Tracksmith pieces are conservative, classic and cool. These running clothes are stylish enough to be worn on or off the course. And they could turn any non runner onto the sport. I caught my husband looking through the racks at the pop-up store at the Chicago Marathon (he usually sits on the sidelines when I enter a running store).
Up until recently, you could only get the Tracksmith running clothes in New England (or online, of course). But now Tracksmith has teamed up with J.Crew to bring an accessible, yet equally as coveted, collection of fashionable and functional running apparel. This line, in exclusive and beautiful fall colors, dropped just in time for the holidays. And it’s so good. So while I bought a few Tracksmith pieces at the pop-up in Chicago, I now added to my collection with these beauties from J.Crew. I guess I need to run another marathon just to wear my Tracksmith stuff.
Shop this look here.
Let’s start with the signature Tracksmith runner’s look. The singlet has a simple silhouette with the tab down the front. My favorite fun feature— the tank comes with a set of 4 gold safety pins so you can be ready to attach any race bib and go get that PR!
The Van Cortlandt shorts have a retro, 70’s feel. They are lined to keep you fully covered. You don’t need to worry about your clothes as you reach new speeds. The shorts have two small pockets to stash essentials during a race. These shorts are quite short. I like to size up in this style to get more length. For me, going up a size isn’t a problem because they have a drawstring waist.
Both are made with the most perfect performance mesh. This mesh is so soft and light weight. It has moisture wicking and antimicrobial properties so sweat won’t ruin your look.
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The name Tracksmith combines running (“Track”) with craftsmanship (“Smith”).
The signature Tracksmith hare may look cute on the clothes but it stands for more: “The hare is an animal that relies upon it’s speed. Not as a predator, but as a survivor. The hare is a runner’s runner. The timeless object of the chase.” Tracksmith prides itself on being small yet nimble, quick and crafty— like the hare— to keep up with the size and scale of its competitors. Fun fact for all the “running nerds” (as my husband likes to call us) in the audience: The Tracksmith hare is named “Eliot” after The Eliot Lounge, which was the legendary Boston bar near the finish line of the Boston Marathon course. (I had to look that one up).
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This unisex sweatshirt may just be my favorite piece from the collection. For one, I love the rich, dark forrest green (aptly called “JCrew green”) with the bright gold accents. This sweatshirt perfectly blends the styles of both Tracksmith and J.Crew. It has the classic nature of Tracksmith and the vintage and preppy look of J.Crew.
Shop this look here.
I am wearing the Trackhouse hoodie with the women’s Van Cortlandt short in coordinating ivory and gold. But you can also pair it with the matching Bislett pant. And the guys can wear it with Van Cortlandt Grand short in the same “JCrew green”.
Any cold weather runner knows the feeling of peeling off their sweaty and frozen clothes after a winter run and getting in a steamy, hot shower. It’s pretty hard to get out of there … unless you are stepping into a comfy, snug outfit after. This next look is the perfect cozy finish to a winter run. Sure, you could actually run in these pieces because they are technical and made for running, but I envision wearing them post-run.
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The Downeaster Half Zip sweater is made of a wool blend to keep you toasty and warm. But it also has moisture wicking properties to wear for any cold weather activity. This pullover is a classic Tracksmith style in this one-of-a-kind J.Crew winter white hue.
It’s always about attention to detail with Tracksmith. The stirrups on the Bislett Stirrup Jogger pants in the red and white match the red and white ribbon tag that you can find on all Tracksmith pieces. Because of my height, I have a hard time wearing stirrup pants, but these actually fit me. I wouldn’t run in them, but I would cuddle up next to the fire with a cup of coffee after a winter run.
All of these pieces are limited edition so I wouldn’t wait if something (or things) catches your eye. And for all the Tracksmith fans out there, their first ever running shoe is available for pre-order and will be shipping out in early December. These shoes are on my holiday wish list because they are running shoes that are actually stylish, classic and cool, just like everything that is Tracksmith.
This post is dedicated to my favorite running buddies who appreciate the sport more than anyone I know. These two introduced me to running a marathon, and Tracksmith. Sara and Megan, I am forever grateful of our time training and taking on the 44th Chicago Marathon together. *This article contains affiliate links. When you click on the links and the pictures and make a purchase, I will receive a small commission at no additional cost to you. Rest assure, I only write about products that I genuinely use and love and that will never change!