OUTRUNNING A FASHION DISASTER

The inaugural iRun Fashion Makeover

How to Attain a Personal Best in Finish Line Finesse

One of the greatest things about running is its simplicity - it can be done virtually anywhere, with little more than a good pair of running shoes. That said, some of us look better than others while crossing the finish line - and it has nothing to do with race times. Today's running fashions are evolving faster than Tyler Christopher in the men's 400-metre. Are you running on empty when it comes to fashion at the finish line? Don't get left in the dust - check out iRun's dos and don'ts for running gear, then sprint to your nearest retailer to jump-start your own finish-line facelift.

Scott and Stefania Moffat are a happily-married couple who both love to run - though not necessarily together! When iRun asked "What's Hot and What's Not?" in the world of running fashion, the Moffats bravely answered our call! The pair, who are famous amongst their friends for their outlandish Halloween costumes, agreed to don all the fashion faux pas we could muster in honour of the first-ever iRun makeover.

Bandana: The year was 1976, and a little movie called "Rocky" hit the big screen. While Sylvester Stallone may have made the bandana look good then, its time has long since past. Move on.

Outdated sunglasses: We know…they're Ray-Bans and there's "nothing wrong with them." But we want you to "see" that just because your 25-year-old sunglasses haven't fallen apart, doesn't mean it isn't time to replace them.

Rock band t-shirt: The 80s called…they want their Def Leppard t-shirt back! Save your two-decade-old concert t-shirt for yard work or painting the house.

Cut-off jean shorts: Simply put, denim is the runner's kryptonite. You would be hard-pressed to find a fabric less conducive to a runner's natural movements.

Long socks: If you're trying to date yourself, this might be the fastest way to do it. Only your dad wears long socks with shorts, and someone really should tell him to stop.

Hiking shoes: If you're heading for the hills (or the mountains), these hikers are the bomb. Otherwise, they bring too much weight to make an effective racing shoe. Visit the Running Room to get properly fitted with lightweight, supportive footwear.

Tank top with blatant bra straps: Sure, all women wear bras, but that doesn't mean we want to see the straps! This little tank might be nice for the beach, but it's not the right choice for running. Nor is the bra, for that matter - opt for something designed to provide extra support and minimize bounce.

Oversized running shorts: It's cute to borrow your boyfriend's boxers while you're cooking him breakfast on Saturday morning; it's not so cute to wear his ill-fitting workout gear during a race. You'll feel more comfortable in updated fashions, specifically designed to fit the feminine form.

Canvas sneakers: These little sneakers would be so cute with a matching shirt…if you're on your way to the coffee shop. Canvas shoes may feel comfortable, but they don't offer sufficient support for continual running. Visit the Running Room to get properly fitted with the right shoes.

Oversized water bottle: Bringing H20 along on the run is definitely the way to go, but this oversized bottle is less than convenient.

Sleek running visor: Some runners reach for a hat in lieu of sunglasses, while others wear both. (Shown here: Running Room visor in black.)

Running tank with built-in bra support: Say goodbye to exposed bra straps with this vivid, all-in-one solution. By spending more on a tank with built-in bra support, you eliminate the need to purchase a specialty bra to wear underneath it. (Shown here: Sugoi Fizz Tank, featuring "Bra Fit Performance" to offer good support for a B-cup athlete.)

Water bottle: It's easy to stay hydrated with a snug-fitting water bottle holder at your fingertips. (Shown here: Running Room Torso Water Bottle.)

Trendy running skirt: Fashion meets function in this sexy little number. The chic skirt looks sharp, while built-in spandex shorts offer you the confidence of knowing you won't show too much skin. (Shown here: Brooks Motion Skort, in Shadow.)

Running socks: Proof that running socks can be fashionable - these even tie in to the colour scheme of her outfit. Now that's coordination! (Shown here: Smartwool Adrenaline Multi-Sport sock.)

Quality Running Shoes: A major upgrade from the canvas sneakers will make all the difference as she pounds the pavement. (Shown here: Asics GT-2130.)

Sleek runner's sunglasses: Athletic sunglasses are specifically designed with a narrow fit, to stay snug on your face during a run. (Shown here: Ryder's Incline sunglasses.)

Technical running shirt: Cotton t-shirts can be abrasive and can even lead to the dreaded "bloody nipple syndrome" during longer runs. Upgrade to a running shirt in a technical fabric, designed to keep you dry by wisking away perspiration. (Shown here: Pearl iZumi Schnell Zip Top, in black.)

Running shorts: Ditch the denim for the lightweight comfort and performance of quality running shorts. (Shown here: Adidas Adistar Baggy Shorts in black, featuring ClimaCool® ventilation and moisture management.)

Fuel Belt: Cooling off and fueling up is so much easier with a lightweight, adjustable belt offering several compartments for water or gels. (Shown here: Running Room Hydro Torso water belt.)

Short running socks: Your tootsies will thank you a million times over for upgrading from old-school cotton socks. Switching to specialty running socks goes beyond mere fashion - the unique blend prevents the blisters and chafing caused by pure cotton, while keeping your feet comfortably dry. (Shown here: Ironman Triathlete Ultra-Lite Ultamax socks.)

Quality running shoes: You'll go the extra distance - and feel great doing it - with the right pair of running shoes. (Shown here: Pearl Izumi Synchro Float 2.)

A special thanks to the Running Room and Bushtukah for providing quality clothing and running shoes for this fashion shoot.