Come race day, the right mindset will make or break your race. Like the famous proverb says, “Running is 90% mental and 10% physical.” One of the easiest ways to get into a positive mindset on race morning is having a dedicated race day kit. One that looks good and will elevate your confidence once you put it on – like your finest suit you only reserve for special occasions.
I still very clearly remember the day I first received my college race day kit – a simple white jersey tank top that read Villanova across the chest in the classic arched blue font with 2-inch dark blue split shorts. I must have put it on a dozen times in my dorm room before my first race. This rather simple looking outfit stood for excellence in the world of college running. Anyone who wore it was part of Villanova’s deep history of elite caliber runners and expected to carry on that tradition. There was a feeling of invincibility every time I raced as if the kit gave me superpowers – similar to when Clark Kent went into a telephone booth, changing into his Superman outfit. No matter how I felt on race day, every time I put on my Villanova kit, my mindset changed to game on, “I’m ready, and I’m going to rock this race.”
A race day kit should be something special. Something you look forward to wearing like I did with my Villanova kit. I recommend keeping brand continuity for the top and bottoms, making sure they match. The more the outfit stands out from everyday running attire, the better. This outfit should elevate your confidence, so don’t let the price hold you back. Like your finest suit – go ahead and splurge a little. Reserve it for race day only, never for training. It needs to represent something. As the saying goes, “Look good, feel good.” Here are some of the best looking kits to help elevate your mindset on race day.
The Speedster: Soar Elite Racing Bundle
UK’s boutique running brand, Soar makes some of the highest quality, aggressive-looking running clothing I’ve tested. Offered in three-color ways that you can mix and match, the kit features Soar’s Elite Race Short 3.0, a four-way stretch, notched split short along with the ultra-light, open weave Italian mesh ELITE race vest. So if you’re after an all eyes on me look for race day, this kit is for you. Not a fan of short shorts? Try the Singlet Bundle (link) featuring a slightly longer mid-thigh short. The singlet is designed to be fitted, so if you prefer a looser fit, I suggest sizing up.
