Run like Like a Girl!

I recently placed an order for an Ultraswift Althletic skirt from www.runningskirts.com. A friend of mine posted the link to their site on facebook and I really liked what I saw. The fabrics were feminine and fun. There were a lot to choose from! At first I couldn't figure out the difference between the different styles and the  sizing was a bit tricky at first (but I LOVE being a single digit size!) I spent some time checking out the website and figuring out what was what.

First, I decided that I wanted an Athletic Skirt because this option has compression shorts built in and the others have briefs. I decided that my thighs needed some protection from friction and the shorts would also be a bit more modest on bike rides. I really liked the variety of prints with the regular Athletic Skirts, but opted for the Ultraswift in the end because of the third pocket in the back. The Ultraswift skirts are made from a lightweight, almost mesh technical fabric. All of the skirts (I think) have velcro pockets on the hip but the  Ultraswift has a third pocket centered on the back.

Choice made, I placed my order and waited excitedly for my package. I waited almost a week before I got the email saying that my order had shipped. The next day, I got a call from them saying that The black was out of stock in my size. This confused me because I thought mine had already shipped. They print their shipping labels before the order is actually pulled and filled. I was offered the same color in another style or the same style in another color. I opted for the Surf Blue instead the Black. Once it did ship, it got here very quickly by priority mail

I was a little frustrated at first that it took almost a week for them to realize that what I ordered was out of stock. Then finding out that what I thought had shipped already hadn't even been packed did not help my frustrations at all!  The representative on the phone was very helpful and went through all of the different options with me, discussed sizing (they run small) and made sure that they had what she was offering me as a replacement.

Finally, my package made it to CT from San Diego! I love the color! Actually, I think I like it better than the black, so that was a happy accident. The fabric is also very soft. They also put in a coupon and a free Lip Balm (which I don't see on their site). So, although it took a bit of frustration to get here, I was happy with my order and I was also pleased with the fact that their customer service went the extra mile to resolve the problem and make up for the inconvenience.

Today, I took it for the first test run. The shorts have "reverse seams" so that the smooth side of the shorts are on the inside so there are no seams to rub or chafe. The waistband is soft and flexible. all 3 pockets are small, but stay closed well with the velcro.

I put my car keys in one hip pocket and my phone in my back pocket. Everything stayed where I put it quite comfortably and needed no adjusting. My workout was almost 3 miles including warm up and cool down at a 12 min pace for the run portion. I'm still new at this, so that was a great run for me! The skirt fit nicely - no chafing, no rubbing, no riding up or falling down - even with keys and a phone! It was neither too tight or too loose for me, but I can see this fabric fitting a large size range fairly well. I finished my run a few hours ago and I am still wearing it, so that should tell you something about the comfort level!

I did try out the lip balm too. It is grape and in a cute tube that matches one of their fabric prints. Left my lips soft and hydrated - not greasy! very nice, but nothing spectacular.

Will I order from them again? I'm pretty sure I will. There are matching tops and lots of other accessories as well. Plus I got the coupon... There is also a shopping app that you can download onto your iPhone or Droid. I saw a lot of issues in the comments in the android market, but I don't think I really need any on line shopping app on my phone. I can do that from my computer quite easily. I might also call them next time to be sure they have what I want in stock before I submit my order.

I do LOVE my skirt and I am going to need more for the summer. I can see myself wearing them for biking and hiking as well as running. may even wear it chasing the kids around Day Camp this summer! I put some of my favorites on a pinboard.