As a beauty editor, I’m used to investing a lot of time in my getting-ready routine. But as a relative newcomer to the run community, I quickly learned that running a half marathon requires a whole different kind of getting-ready prep. For Lululemon’s SeaWheeze Half Marathon in the brand’s hometown of Vancouver, Canada, I had to think about everything from sweat-wicking fabrics and chafe-proof shorts to where I’d stash my gels, lip balm, and other race-day essentials. (And, naturally, I also wanted to look cute while doing it!)
Ahead, here’s the full ‘fit check of everything I wore before, during, and after 13.1 miles, from my pre-race 5K warm-up to the post-run massage.
Pre-Race Warm-Up
The day before the half marathon, I joined the Lululemon team and fellow editors for a short-and-sweet 5K. I brought along my tried-and-true Energy Bra (Lululemon, please never discontinue this style!), which I love for its medium support and pretty, streamlined silhouette thanks to the thin straps. On top, I wore one of my many Swiftly Tech Short-Sleeve Shirts, a go-to for any sweaty activity thanks to its odor-resistant silver fibers and soft, airy fabric that moves with you.
I also opted for my new favorite running shorts, the Fast and Free Mid-Rise Split Short 3″. This reimagined take on a Lululemon classic features a new 360° waistband storage system (a huge deal when you’re running!) and an updated performance brief liner that is exceptionally comfortable. The shorts themselves are breezy and lightweight, while the petal-shaped side panels are actually very cute and flattering—a welcome bonus when you’re spending several miles in running gear.
Race Day
Even though we were in beautiful Vancouver, PNW summer is still summer—which meant I was keeping my race-day kit light and breezy. The hero piece of my outfit was, without a doubt, the Fast and Free Short-Sleeve Shirt, which I wore in a brilliant Yves Klein blue. The fabric is the airiest, most breathable material I’ve ever felt, and it barely showed sweat even when I crossed the finish line. It’s also made with specialized, body-mapped zones of open-knit mesh (aka built-in AC) to ventilate your sweatiest areas—specifically, the back and sleeves. My bra of choice was the Nulux Strappy-Back Sports Bra, B/C Cup (which is currently part of Lululemon’s We Made Too Much section!), which offered medium support with plenty of breathability thanks to its strappy-back design.
My shorts of choice were the Shake It Out High-Rise Running Short, also in the same brilliant blue. I love high-rise, flowy shorts, and this one allowed for unrestricted movement in a flattering, tiered drape that looked so cute on. Maybe my millennial side is showing, but I personally love a high rise: I feel secure and held in, and I don’t have to worry about my waistband riding down while I’m going for a personal best. The shorts also have zippered side pockets, which let me keep a few extra gels on hand without adding bulk—aka potentially slowing me down.
In lieu of a running vest, I opted for the Fast and Free Running Belt, which comes in several fun colorways. (Mine is black, since it goes with everything.) Even though this is probably the slimmest running belt I’ve tried, it was stretchy enough to fit my iPhone 17 easily, along with my mini emotional-support lip balm and glitter shadow (you know, typical running essentials!). The waistband is adjustable, so you can get a snug fit across your hips without it feeling too tight, and it stayed secure without bouncing with every stride. I honestly loved it and am already debating getting another colorway for my next race.
Post-Run Recovery
Immediately following the race, I showered and changed into my cozy uniform—which was waiting for me on my hotel bed. (Thank you, Lululemon; you think of everything.) Up top was the French Terry Oversized Crew in an elevated neutral beige, which feels like a 2.0 version of the OG Perfectly Oversized Crewneck. I wore my heather gray Little Ribbed Tee underneath, which I’ve been wearing nonstop. It’s Lululemon’s take on a baby tee, but in a soft, ribbed fabric that looks just as good with denim as it does with a silk midi skirt.
And because I love a matching set, I paired my cozy ‘fit with the French Terry Mid-Rise Short 3.5″, which are made from the same sturdy, matte French terry fabric. Think of them as a fancy, decidedly-not-grubby pair of sweats that wouldn’t look out of place at a luxe hotel spa—which is, conveniently, where I wore them for a post-race massage.
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