We all know that your gear can improve – or hinder – your running performance. Trade in your old trainers for a pair of lightweight road running shoes with a carbon plate and springy foam midsole like the Saucony Endorphin Pro 3 and you might lose seconds per minute off your race time. Head out on a long trail run with a well-fitting running backpack and hydration bladder instead of a book bag and water bottle bouncing around and you may be able to run for hours without chafing or experiencing dehydration. If you think we’re just trying to sell you expensive running gear, check out the Ted Talk by David Epstein on how athletes have got faster, better and stronger and you’ll soon change your tune.
But what about your sports bra for running? Yes, it’s a necessity for most runners with breasts and yes, a poor-fitting one can definitely cause you pain – 32 percent of female London marathon runners experience exercise-related breast pain according to one 2012 study – but if you get the right fit, can your sports bra actually improve your running performance?
