You'll probably end up assembling your running 'wardrobe' as you go, picking up a favorite pair or shorts or hat at a marathon expo, or some running store you visit in a far away town on a business trip.

One piece of advice: if you find something you really like, go back and buy a couple more in different colors. You'll use them.

Retail

• LUCY
  1230 Montana Ave.
  Santa Monica, CA
  310-255-9994

  A little pricy, but pretty good spot for women's gear. For women of all shapes & sizes!

• ROSS
  (all over)
  

  Ross is a good source for inexpensive warm-ups or light jackets. Sizes and quality are all over the place, but the price is usually right. A good source for a pair of throw away wind pants ($5 or $6) that you might want to wear before a race.

• TARGET
  (all over)
  

  Target carries the Champion brand, which has been around for years. Their stuff is very good quality, and you don't have to pay the big name price.

Online

• Athleta - http://www.athleta.com - women's specialty shop, mostly clothing.
• Campmor - http://www.campmor.com - great deals on clothing and watches. They're a clearance house for outdoor goodies.
• Patagonia - http://www.patagonia.com - while a little pricy, Patagonia's wear comes with a lifetime guarantee (check it out on their website). They'll replace anything for the life of the garment, taking into account normal wear and tear. If you want to read about a company that's devoted to providing a superior product while protecting its employees and the environment, read Yvon Chouinard's book, Let My People Go Surfing.
• Road Runner Sports - http://www.roadrunnersports.com - shoes and gear for both men and women. They're based out of San Diego, and have some local stores in Southern California, too.
• Title Nine Sports - http://www.title9sports.com - women's specialty shop, mostly clothing.