A girl's best friend.

No, it's certainly not diamonds.  Although they're lovely ... they're not as useful as a good sports bra.

Back in my younger (and thinner) days, I could run over to WalMart or whatever and grab a cheapie "sports bra".  They were less than $10 and did the job just fine.  I mean, how much support does a pair of perky teenaged nearly-B's need?

And then ... pregnancy.  The boobie fairy came!  I woke up one morning and BAM.  40DDs.  Holy shit.  I went to bed a respectable 36/38 B ... and woke up with huge cantaloupes on my chest.

OMG BOOBIES!!!1!1!

After my daughter arrived and I was no longer nursing, they settled in to my lifelong size ... a 42D or DD (depending on the day).  It took me a while, but I've had to learn how to dress and support these monsters.  They show no signs of shrinking in my old age, either.

So, when I started running, I didn't really think much about supporting the girls.  I mean, who wants to wear a big ol' sports bra contraption   One of the simple bras I wear every day - a t-shirt type bra - is fine, of course.  Luckily, I only made it about a third of a mile before I realized the error of my ways.  It became abundantly clear that I had to find a decent support bra before I gave myself a concussion from the bounce.

My first try was, of course, back at WalMart.  They had a "compression" bra in my size.  The tag said "active", and it was made by Just My Size.   I figured that would do, right?  WRONG.  DEAD DAMNED WRONG.  I made it about a half mile before I wanted to shred this piece of garbage.

Try number two was also a FAIL.  I went to Sports Authority in search of a bra.  Upon my arrival, I was given the side-eye by some chirpy little blond yoga-looking thing.  Clearly, fat girl wasn't welcome in her little fiefdom, so I just found my way out of the door.  And into the car.  And tried not to cry because I was embarrassed   Worse ... I felt like Julia Roberts in Pretty Woman. I felt like I should call my husband and sob and say, "I have all this money, see.  And ... and I have these great big boobies.  And if I don't find a bra - a good bra - they'll hit me in the face when I run and black my eyes."

After I dried my eyes, I went next door to Dick's.  I didn't really feel much like shopping, but I realize that I couldn't do much for a run if I didn't harness the girls.  And luckily - I struck gold.

I wandered around for a few minutes, and finally someone asked me if I needed help.  I looked down and mumbled something about being okay.  She took pity on me and said "well, if you're looking for fuller figured sports bras, they're over here.  I usually suggest Moving Comfort.  I bet we have your size.  Let me know if you need anything, okay?"

I sniffled and headed over to the rack.  And there, shining like a beacon in the D-Cup night, was my little piece of heaven.

Ahhh, heaven.

Meet the Moving Comfort Maia.  It isn't the prettiest piece of lingerie I own, but damn if it isn't my favorite.  It keeps everything right where it should be, has a comfortable underwire, and doesn't give me uni-boob or pancake boob.  It just fits.  And it really is worth the $40 or so.

Now, I have been told about Enell.  A friend of mine mentioned that they make great bras for folks that the Boobie Fairy has gifted with an excess.  They run about $70 with tax, but OOOH PURPLE!

I need to get one to try.  Of course, in the interest of science and all.