Company:
Co-founders Mike and Dave ran the 10k at the 2010 NCAA Division III Outdoor Track and Field Championships on the hottest day of the year. Drenched in sweat, they were able to finish thanks to the hoses showering cool water on them as they ran, and the water stations located every 100 meters.
Aware of the importance that water played in their race and all of the training that led up to it, they wished that everyone could have the same access to safe water. They spent the bus ride home discussing how runners like themselves could make an impact on such a critical problem throughout the world. They knew that runners are particularly attuned to hydration, and the impact that even the smallest sip of water could have on the outcome of a run. They also knew that runners are driven to be a part of something larger than themselves, forming running groups and training teams to motivate each other throughout the process. By the end of the bus ride, the idea of Janji had formed: what if they could connect runners like themselves to help support clean water initiatives throughout the world?
Mike and Dave knew that runners were charitable, but they saw that philanthropic running begins – and unfortunately ends – on race day. Janji is different. Through Janji’s high performance apparel, runners fund solutions and raise awareness for the global water crisis in a lasting and meaningful way. Rather than racing for a cause on just one day, Janji lets runners give back through their everyday training.
Through Janji’s partnership with DigDeep, each piece of apparel provides clean water for 1 YEAR to a person in the US or a foreign country in need!
Product: Men’s Ethiopia 2-in-1 Running Shorts (Retail: $52.00) Even though I have been a “runner” for the past 4 years or so, I have never really gotten into the running shorts thing. However, even though I feel most comfortable in gym shorts (which is what I usually run in), there are times when I can tell their heaviness weighs me down a bit. I have tried running shorts and though they are lighter, I generally feel uncomfortable in both the short length and the liner that many have. These 2-in-1 running shorts are essentially my dream come true. Here are the details:
- 7.5′” inseam
- Body: 97% polyester, 3% spandex
- 95% polyester, 5% spandex compression liner
- Tonal seasonal print inspired by global artists
- Hidden security pocket in back
- Asymmetric wrapping seams
- Signature Janji waistband elastic
Inside out view of the shorts and compression liner
Since I always run in compression shorts, these made perfect sense for me. The stitched in compression liner felt no different from the ones I already have and the light weight of the “body” portion was a nice change that what I am used to.
With a 7.5 inch inseam, they were probably a tad shorter than I generally run with, but still weren’t uncomfortably short. I do have bigger quads, and the first fit was a tad snug. However, after wearing them a few times, they have stretched ever so slightly and they fit perfect.
With these shorts, I was able to assist with supporting those in need of clean water. Since the style, and title, of the shorts are “Ethiopia”, through Janji’s partnership with Water.org, communities in Ethiopia will be able to access clean water by “funding the implementation of community based water solutions.”
Each running collection benefits a different country, so make sure you check them all out. There are plenty of options beyond running shorts as well – including tanks, shirts, tights, and hats as well.
