Things I’m Loving Right Now – Running Edit

Well it’s May in New England and that can mean only one thing: fake spring is still upon us with sprinkles of summer heat here and there! We’ve traded the 40-degrees of last week for the upper 60s this week. Does this mean I can finally pack away my winter running clothes? Maybe I’ll keep out one baselayer, you know…just in case. Living in New England has taught me there are a few must-have pieces of running gear to keep out year-round because you never know when Mother Nature will throw you a 70-degree day in the middle of March—or a surprise chilly morning in May! 

I’m hoping to make this a monthly series—sharing the everyday favorites and little things that are working for me as a mother runner with scoliosis and a spinal fusion. You’ll likely find some awesome running gear, fusion-friendly fashion, and toddler faves too. So let’s hop to it!

Some links may be affiliate links—I may earn a small commission if you choose to shop through them, at no extra cost to you. I only share products I genuinely love and personally use.

The All-Weather Fave: Brooks Canopy Packable Jacket

Now that the weather is starting to warm up a bit (though fake spring in New England is still very much alive and kicking),I’ve been reaching for my Brooks Canopy Packable Jacket, rain or shine.

I’ve owned several versions of this jacket over the last five years, but the current version is my favorite—and not just because the sleeves are actually long enough (tall girl problems). I wore it on a run in New York City last month when the skies opened up and the rain, rain, rain came down down down. This jacket kept me dry! I’ve also been grabbing it on windy days and when temps sit in the 40s–50s since it layers beautifully over a tank or long sleeve. Bonus: it also has UPF 50+, which makes it one of my favorite spring and summer running layers.

Flexing Some Speed: Brooks Glycerin Flex

I’m fully in my Glycerin era right now! The Brooks Glycerin 22 has been my go-to running shoe since it was released last year—and I still love it. As a scoliosis runner with a fused spine (more on running shoes for scoliosis here), the cushioning of this shoe works very well for me, so I was initially a little skeptical about the Glycerin Flex.

Would it still have that soft, cushy feel I’ve come to expect from the Glycerin family? Oh yes—and more.

It’s super light (8.0oz compared to the Glycerin 23’s 9.5oz) and streamlined. I have a pretty narrow foot, and the fit worked really well for me overall. I recently used them for a speed workout and absolutely loved them. If you’re looking for a light but cushioned running shoe for speed workouts or easy miles, this one is definitely worth trying. 

The Open-Ear Baddie: Shokz Open Run

This might shokz you…but I only run in Shokz.

I got my first pair of Shokz headphones during the pandemic (previously called Aeropex by AfterShokz) and haven’t looked back. Honestly, if I don’t have my Shokz, I usually don’t listen to anything at all. They’ve become one of my top running essentials.

I love the open-ear design because it allows me to stay aware of my surroundings, which is huge for running safety—especially on solo runs. At the same time, I still get to enjoy my run jams (90s/00s pop because I’m a proud elder Millennial). The sound quality is surprisingly solid, and they’re so lightweight it barely feels like I’m wearing anything at all.

Short Tights for the Win: Brooks Chaser 7”

I have to admit I wasn’t always a fan of the short tights until carrying my phone became more of a necessity—and run belts are rarely ever bounce-free, at least in my experience.

That’s one of the reasons why I love these Brooks Chaser shorts! It’s so easy to slot things—phone, car key, fuel, you name it—in the pockets. The top doesn’t roll down and the bottom hem stays put too. Honestly, what more could you ask for in a pair of running short tights! If you’re searching for the best running shorts with pockets, these are such a win.

The material is soft, supportive, and moves really well with your body, which makes them especially comfortable for longer runs or chasing after your toddler. The durability is also amazing—I still have a hot pink pair from four years ago that’s still going strong.

Stay Hydrated: Nathan’s ExoShot + Nuun!

It’s officially that time of year where I need to dust off my trusty Nathan ExoShot handheld water bottle. I picked up this soft flask handheld last year, and it quickly became one of my favorite summer running hydration tools. When the heat and humidity start showing up, staying hydrated becomes non-negotiable, even on shorter runs.

Since my long runs are currently hovering in the 45-minute range, the 14 oz capacity is perfect for me. I’m super conscious of how much “extra” weight I carry on the run (scoliosis runner habits die hard), so I love how lightweight the Nathan ExoShot feels compared to some of the heavier hard-bottle handhelds I used to use.

And for days when I need more than just water, adding Nuun gives me all the electrolytes I need to feel strong through warmer runs. 

That’s a wrap on my favorite running gear for spring! These are just some of the products I keep reaching for as a mother runner navigating scoliosis and unpredictable New England weather.

If you’ve tried any of these running favorites, let me know in the comments—I’d love to hear what’s working for you too. June is Scoliosis Awareness Month, so stay tuned for scoliosis and spinal fusion-specific faves!