I've gone on at length before about the importance of a good pair of cushioned running shoes -- they are the one thing you cannot go without.

If you're a woman -- there's one more thing you simply must have: A good sports bra. (Male readers, you are hereby excused from today's blog entry).

Regardless of your cup size, a good bra is essential for a comfortable, ummmm...how can I put this nicely, un-obscene run.

No doubt you've seen a woman running in a bra that was not made to be run in. Scary, wasn't it? Imagine what it's doing to the skin in the chest-area. You know, the tissue that's expected to keep those pups up where they belong.

I have no scientific proof (though I'll bet there is some) that running in bad sports bras contributes significantly to the southward progress of a woman's breast, but I'm not taking any chances. I've already got gravity and Father Time to fight on that front.

So, with that in mind, ladies, let me say this...you can expect to pay dearly for a good sports bra. Consider it an investment (really, aren't your breasts worth it?). And, I speak from experience when I say, you will get your money's worth out of a good sports bras. Provided you care for them correctly, you will get years of use out of them -- making your R.O.I. (return on investment) pretty darn high.

And, if you're lucky...keeping some other things up pretty darn high.

Here is a site that has some great sports bra info and shopping tips.

BTW -- almost any "sports bra" you can buy at Kmart, Wal-Mart or the like is not good enough. You need to spend the big bucks and get yourself some good bras from a real sports store.