The potential for greatness lives within each of us.

I'm both a runner and a designer. I train every day, no matter where I am, what time it is, or how bad the weather is outside. Running is the part of the day where I push myself the most but also reap the most benefits.

Running equipment may appear simple at first glance, but the right design can be immensely helpful during training by providing support, breathability, comfort, and safety. At the end of the day, it's all about the details; small but wise design decisions can vastly improve the user experience.

As a result, when approaching this design challenge, I decided to examine the friction points and issues that I encounter while training.

Running in the Dark

Running when is dark and quiet, when everybody else is either waking up or just going to bed is for me one of the most invigorating experiences. The main problem is that my running gear is also dark colored and I simply disappear in the darkness making myself invisible to cars and bicycles. Along the years and after a few incidents I realized that bright colored garments weren't enough and that I still was in great danger of being hit by someone.

Lack of Pockets

I enjoy running outside, but the biggest disadvantage is that I usually need to carry a lot of things with me - my keys, my cell phone, my asthma medicine, a snack, and sometimes even a small bottle of water - the problem is that a lot of running gear does not consider safety pockets to keep these items, and when they do, they are usually too big or in the wrong place, so everything shakes inside while running and you risk falling or making your run very uncomfortable.

Leggins that Fall Down

One of the problems I've had while running is that my leggings keep falling down. My pants' waistband slides no matter how small or elasticated they are, making running more of a chore than a way to unwind. The issue is that even if I pull them up again, they continue to chafe, and I eventually have to secure them with a rubber band.

Sweat Marks

There are certain areas where I sweat more and get sweating marks. This typically occurs in my back, underarms, and chest. All of these areas are typically fully covered with the same materials as the rest of the garment (polyester and non-breathable fabrics), preventing proper breathability, mobility, and comfort. Because these areas experience a lot of friction, sweat, and odor, the fabric usually deteriorates much faster.

Shifting Temperatures

Running outside in the winter can be an absolute nightmare. No matter how many layers I wear, there are always areas that are unprotected or improperly sealed, allowing the wind to enter. Also, if you are going for a long run, wearing too many layers is not a good idea because you will eventually become hot and sweaty. The main issue is that my clothing does not understand the temperature changes that I experience while training in cold weather.