The Kona Running Company started as a search for the perfect sports bra. Yes, fellas, we know you are jealous of our extra stash spots for keys, a snack bar or two, i've even seen ipods slipped in between the padding...and maybe the sight of a particular buxom running buddy brings back those lists of bra slang you made in 8th grade algebra class (over the shoulder boulder holders, winnebago, ...) I know the boys behind me in math class had three columns on two sheets of paper covering the topic--a whole new world to me, at the time. But this journey started out for the ladies.
We do suffer (and mightily so) while 'racking' up the miles on the road, i thought it was time to do something about it. I had recently returned to New York City after 18 months in the shopping desert that is the UK (not london, mind you, but the small malls and high streets of rural england, where the 80's are alive and well.) And scoured the running stores, general sports stores, yoga boutiques and even the custom-fitting high-end brassiere stores. Oh, i found, ah, "solutions" all right:
padded straps, triple-hook back clasps, and high-tech spider webs designed to lock and load the ladies into place. effective, but try breathing while racing up the Harlem Hills in central park. If I wanted effective, stylish sports bras I was out of luck. And so i suffered.
One particularly insightful website from london posted a video (link) demonstrating the actual motion of breasts while running--one of the most high impact sports. And then I noticed the women around me on the trails and running paths: Ladies, we are wobbling all over the place! Some make you just scratch your head and grab for your own, thinking, 'Doesn't she just go numb afterwards?' With all the hullabaloo in the past few years about 70% (check) of women wearing the wrong braz size...how come no one is talking about the need to wear the right sports bra size?
