FeastVoyage: Your Culinary Compass

LINDSAY: Quite a wild collection we have here. If you don’t already know, Janji creates collections inspired by different regions of the world where they collaborate with local artists and nonprofit water partners. The West Indies collection is inspired by the connection between nature and art. It’s full of bold prints and colors which acknowledge characteristics seen in the Caribbean islands of the West Indies.

Now, I will admit, when I first got these pieces, it was a lot to take it. The patterns were just… a lot. But, man, Janji had a goal, and they nailed it. These pieces reflect the Caribbean islands all the way down to the sand between your toes.

Even better, when I went on the website to check out more of the collection, I found a whole lot more! There are solid versions of all the shorts, tops, hats, and accessories to complement the patterned pieces. While this review highlights just a couple of the outfits, make sure you head over to Janji’s website to check out the whole collection.

Alright, that’s enough chit-chat. Let’s get into the review.

RENALDO: Of all the companies I’ve had the pleasure of reviewing, Janji is one that never misses. From bags to hats to tights, Janji always puts out something comfortable and reliable while also bringing that HEAT with its styles and patterns. And their latest collection, based on the West Indies, keeps that same great Janji vibe.

JANJI RUN ALL DAY TANK

LINDSAY: We love a good staple piece. The Run All Day Tank was great to just throw on over the Ascend or Pace sports bra on my way out the door (likely rushing because I like the adrenaline of being late, IYKYK). Once I was warmed up, this lightweight tank was easy to whip off and tuck into my waistband until my workout was done. It does have a bit of length to it, so my short torso gals will want to keep that in mind, but I’m not exactly tall, and the way it’s contoured through the waist keeps this piece very flattering regardless.

The neck is high but not at all suffocating, so it provides good sun protection. The underarms are fitted without being too tight, so there’s no chafing. If tank tops are your thing, the Run All Day also comes in a version with short sleeves so you can benefit from the breathable, odor-controlled material like the rest of us during these hot and humid summer days ahead.

RENALDO: Now this I got in the Midnight colorway, which is just black. But it’s a nice strong black like you’re in line to be an extra in the Matrix or John Wick. Not much to write home about this one. A nice tech tank that’s light, dries in the blink of an eye when it comes to sweat, doesn’t cling when it IS wet, and even has HeiQ odor control for those two-a-day workouts. The reflective Janji logo is present on the front and back of the tank, giving a very sophisticated look that you could probably get away with at the club too.

PRICE: $54 for Men, $58 for Women

JANJI AFO HYPERLIGHT CAP

LINDSAY: I’m not a big hat wearer, but if I’ve learned one thing, where there’s a group of runners, there is sure to be a Ciele cap. Not for long, though. Janji’s AFO Hyperlight Cap just might give Ciele a run for their money.

This super lightweight cap is sweat-wicking and stays cool, dry, and comfortable on the most humid days. The back strap is actually a bungee cord with a rubber toggle, so it’s easy to adjust. It also doesn’t cause any (extra) tangle when a ponytail is threaded through it.

I always feel like hats cover too much of my face, but this sport-fit model covered just enough to protect me from the sun and sweat while still maintaining my peripheral vision. When all was said and done, it was easy to crumple up and stash away until the next time.

PRICE: $38

JANJI TRANSIT TECH CAP

RENALDO: Starting from the top, we’ve got Janji’s Transit Tech cap. A no-nonsense cap for the no-nonsense runner that likes to party every now and then. I got mine in the beautiful Primary Collage colorway. A mishmash of all the colors of the rainbow in one hat. It’s a pretty great hat with a wide brim, a great adjustable fit for just about any sized dome, and even a surprisingly well-sized side pocket complete with a zipper. It soaks up sweat like nobody’s business, stays in place in strong winds, and is light enough to roll up and stash away. A great piece to add to the collection of the fashionable runner on the go.

PRICE: $38

JANJI ASCEND SPORTS BRA

LINDSAY: The design team had their thinking caps on for this one. A highly supportive and highly functional bra, Janji’s Ascend Sports Bra is one of my go-to’s for the summer. I’ll just start by saying there’s a phone pocket in the back, and it’s just so hard to top a bra with a phone holder these days.

The Ascend Sports Bra is available in multiple solid and patterned colors to fill everyone’s cup of tea. The material is like a bathing suit material with lots of stretch, so it’s easy to get on and off while still being very supportive. The straps are about an inch wide with a high neck rise. It’s similar to a halter with no decapitating features and no chafing at the underarms. The padding is removable but also stays in place very well during runs and laundry.

10/10 sports bra.

PRICE: $80

JANJI RUN ALL DAY TEE

RENALDO: Same as the Tank but with sleeves. This one came in a beautiful Twilight colorway that I can only describe as something The Artist Formerly Known As Prince would probably run in. And that’s a high compliment to this shirt — it’s soft as velvet and super comfy. Another one to add to the “going out after the run” list.

PRICE: $58

JANJI PACE SPORTS BRA

LINDSAY: Aside from the unique pattern of the Pace Sports Bra, the strapping and neckline is one I haven’t seen yet in a sports bra. The cross straps are partially sewn together, so there is no tangled mess to undo before putting this on while still maintaining that strappy style — just really well thought out here, Janji. The neckline is curved almost like a halter top then the cut straightens out towards the underarms. It’s cute when you’re just standing in one place, but functionally wasn’t very flattering to the armpit fat (again, IYKYK), and I think it would’ve eventually caused chafing had I worn it for a longer run.

Compression on the Pace Sports Bra is just right for running in true-to-size fashion. The padding is minimal and removable with a cup that’s large enough to keep it in place without a revealing outline. I loved pairing this piece with the Run All Day tank for a sneaky little color under the loose black tank.

PRICE: $58

JANJI MULTI SHORT

LINDSAY: I wasn’t a collegiate runner, so I didn’t even know what split shorts were before running became a regular thing for me in 2020. They certainly are fun to run in, and I guess Janji knew it because they created a split short worth trying out.

If you’ve ever run in Nike split shorts, you know that they’re rather short. Janji’s 3-inch Multi Short offers a little more coverage all around without compromising the range of motion we all look for in this type of short. The waistband is soft with a drawstring for easy adjustment. It sits right below the belly button, so I guess you could call it midrise. I call it just right. There are also five (I’ll say that again, FIVE) literally hidden pockets in the double-lined waistband. They vary in size, so they hold everything from keys (with a built-in key clip) to nutrition and gels. It does fit an iPhone with some finagling, but I didn’t prefer to run with it like that.

Sticking to the status quo, the material is lightweight and quick drying. These are perfect for long runs and trails alike. Do your legs a favor and get these.

RENALDO: Gonna be honest, I don’t like 2-in-1 shorts. The compression feels nice, but the extra shorts always feel and sometimes look silly. Not to mention there can always be sizing difficulties and different pocket sizing expectations. A whole slew of issues. But these shorts might be my absolute favorite ones.

First of all, coming in a very eye-catching Verdant green, these shirts shine in the light and the dark. But beyond cosmetics, these shorts have done something I’ve never seen before in a 2-in-1… extra pockets all the way around the waistband. There are a few pockets with plenty of space for gels, keys (there’s even a keyring!), cards, change, whatever. But then, there are a few pockets in very strategic places big enough to store a phone, water bottle, or even a t-shirt. It’s actually incredible the stuff you can get in there. There are still the basic two pockets on either side of the inner short, but at that point, it’s more bang for the buck.

PRICE: $86 for Men, $78 for Women

JANJI AFO MIDDLE SHORT

RENALDO: Ah, these shorts are dreamy. Coming in with a Cyanotype Papaya colorway, these 5-inch shorts literally feel like you’re picking up air and putting it on. They are woven out of Ultralight AFO fabric, keeping them light and airy, with nothing else but a built-in liner (which also has a pocket and keyring) for support. These shorts are my new go-to favorites when I’m in need of some miles in this hot and muggy Baltimore summer. I love a good short that feels like it’s barely there at all.

PRICE: $64

JANJI TRANSIT TECH SHORT

LINDSAY: If you’re more of a features person than a style person, these shorts are for you. With a back pocket for cards and gels and a front pocket with a ring clip, these shorts are very functional. Granted, the back pocket has a nylon pull that is meant for “in-motion” access, but that just was not the case unless I was using my other hand to stabilize the pocket.

The waistband lays low and easy on the stomach with drawstrings for plenty of adjustment. The material is very lightweight and feels almost like a thinner, more breathable version of men’s swim trunk material. No chafing here. My only beef is the length. I’m 5’3,” and usually, 3-inch shorts fit fine. These just felt long and wide around the legs, which definitely also has its pros.

They’re not split shorts like the 3-inch Multi Short, so they do ride up on the leg during knee drive, but the stitch-free, airy fabric makes that barely noticeable. No restriction. No exposure. These quick-drying shorts are great for a cool, long run.

PRICE: $78

WHAT POST LONG-RUN DREAMS ARE MADE OF

Back in 2020 when we were all binge watching The Great British Baking show and attempting to make sourdough starter, I learned how to make bagels. Most of my months are spent marathon training with long runs on weekends, so I have a pretty good idea of what I love to eat after 10-20 miles on the road. And I can assure you– nothing beats a round wheel of dough warm out of the oven with egg and cheese in between its slices.

It only took one Sunday morning to realize we were never going back to the local bagel shop. These were too good and left the house smelling like a delicious bread bakery. The best part? They’re so easy, even an early morning runner can do it.

This is what your life can look like.

The entire recipe can be executed with stuff you probably already have in your pantry. And while I wasn’t working with Brooklyn water, I learned that Baltimore water is a pretty good substitute. Whatever you have coming out of your sink faucet will work just as well.

All that to say, the final product of this bagel recipe is what I think about for the majority of my long run. The reward is worth the work.

Of course, I reference this fueling option quite often on both The Drop and Fuel for the Sole podcasts, so after several hundred DMs requesting the recipe, I’ve finally put it up here. This should go without saying, but as with any recipe that you want to turn out right– don’t skip any steps! It’s worth the extra time.

HERE’S HOW TO MAKE MEG’S BAGELS

SERVINGS

INGREDIENTS

• 1 and 1/2 cups (12 oz) warm water (1 minute in the microwave)
• 2 and 3/4 teaspoons active dry yeast
• 4 cups (32 oz) bread flour, plus more for work surface 
• 1 tablespoon packed light or dark brown sugar 
• 2 teaspoons salt
• 2 teaspoons olive oil (for coating the bowl)
• Egg wash: 1 egg white (remove the yolk, this isn’t French toast) beaten with 2 tablespoons water 

For Boiling

• 2-4 quarts water, whatever you need to fill up a big pot
• 1/4 cup (2 oz) honey, I just eyeball this one

For Baking

• Parchment paper
• 2 baking sheets

Kneading the dough

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Prepare the dough. Place the yeast and sugar in a large bowl and add in the warm water (don’t mix). Then cover with plastic wrap and allow to sit for 5 minutes. 
2. Mix the dough. Add the flour and salt. Mix together with a plastic or wooden spoon for 2 minutes.
3. Knead the dough. Take the dough out of the bowl and place it on a lightly floured surface. Knead the dough for 5 or so minutes. The dough should still feel pretty soft after the kneading.
4. Let the dough rise. Lightly grease a large bowl with oil. Place the dough in the bowl, turning it to coat all sides in the oil. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and allow the dough to rise at room temperature for 60-90 minutes or until double in size. This is usually when I go and get that run in (Side note: Your run can be longer than 90 minutes, it’s just a minimum time requirement for the dough to rise. Alternatively, to save some morning work, you can put your dough in the fridge the night before and pull it out to rise right before your run.)

The house of the rising dough

5. Prep the baking setup. Preheat the oven to 425°F with two oven racks dividing the oven into thirds. Line two large baking sheets with parchment paper (wax side up).
6. Prepare the bagel bath. Fill a large, wide pot with 2 quarts (or more) of water. Whisk in the honey. Bring water to a boil, then reduce heat to medium-high.
7. Shape the bagels. If your dough looks ready (big and fluffy), punch it down to release any air bubbles. Then, divide the dough into 8 equal pieces and shape each piece into a ball the size of a small adult fist. Press your index finger through the center of each ball to make a hole about 1.5 – 2 inches in diameter and shape them. Loosely cover the shaped bagels with the plastic wrap and rest for a few minutes.

Doughy bagel balls

This is what they should look like before dropping into the bath

8. Check your Strava. You’ve been back from your run for 10 minutes, so make sure you give and get kudos.
9. Bath time. Drop the bagels into the bagel bath, 2-4 at a time, making sure they have enough room to float around. Cook the bagels for 1 minute on each side.

Bath bombs

10. Top ’em. Pull the bagels out of the bath and place them on a cutting board or clean surface. Brush the egg wash onto the bagels with a pastry brush, making sure to cover the top and the sides of each bagel. Add toppings and seasonings as desired! I love sesame and everything bagels.
11. Get ready to bake. Place 4 bagels (spaced out evenly) onto each parchment-lined baking sheet.

This is what they should look like before dropping into the bath

12. Bake away! Place baking sheets onto the oven racks. Bake for 20-25 minutes, rotating the pan halfway through. For my oven, I do 11 minutes, flip the trays around and put them back in for 10 more minutes. You want the bagels to be a dark golden brown. 
13. Check your Strava again. You’ve been back from your run for 20 minutes now, so make sure people are paying attention. If you ran 20 miles, feel free to post an Instagram story of the Strava activity to double your likes and feel better about your run.
14. Remove the bagels from the oven. Take them out and let cool for a few minutes. These are best eaten immediately (slice, toast, top)! But if you have extras, slice them in half and throw them into the freezer. When you’re ready to eat them, just throw them straight into the toaster and they’re just as delicious as day 1. 
15. Post your bagel pics to Instagram. Check back throughout the day to make sure people are jealous of your chef-level baking skills. Also, check Strava.

Et voila! Finished bagels!