Running Gear

There are many reasons why we might start running.  For me, I got into it during graduate school, when I had limited time and money for working out: it was convenient (no gym membership required!) and virtually free.  I mean, all I needed was a pair of shoes, right?

As some of you may be discovering, running is not as inexpensive of a sport/hobby as it seems.  If you walk into a running store, you're instantly overwhelmed with expensive gear.  So what should you buy?  What do you really need?

MUST-HAVES:

*appropriate footwear
      --Yes, running shoes are expensive, but please go to a running store (example: Luke's Locker or Run On!) and get fitted for shoes.  Proper running shoes are essential, as many injuries occur due to an ill-fitting shoe.  The better your shoe fits, the less likely you are to suffer from unsightly blisters or black toenails. :)

     --No, you can't just go out and buy the shoe your best friend/spouse has.  Example: my husband has flat feet, and I don't.  If I bought the same type of shoe he has, my arches wouldn't be supported during the run, and I could eventually injure my foot, calf, knee, or even hamstring--all because I wore the wrong shoe.

*Technical fiber socks
     --Cotton is a wonderful thing, but not when you're a runner.  While running, your feet will sweat, and cotton doesn't have the ability to wick the moisture away.  Cotton socks have the potential to bunch and cause blisters.  Once cotton is wet, it stays wet--so for rainy days, technical fiber socks are a must.  Running for an hour with soggy feet = no fun.

*Technical fabric clothing

     --I know it's tempting to run in your Hard Rock Cafe t-shirt, but as mentioned above, cotton is not moisture-wicking material.  When we run in this lovely Texas heat, our bodies sweat in order to cool us off.  Cotton absorbs the moisture, which means we end up with soggy shirts sticking to our bodies after a long run.  Wearing nylon/polyester/etc shirts and shorts result in a cooler, lighter, and more comfortable run--and reduces your risk of chafing.

                **NOTE: I know this all sounds awfully expensive.  Head down to Target, where they have some non-cotton workout gear for $10.00, whereas you'd spend $30+ at a specialty store.
      --Ladies: Have you gotten the message that cotton is bad news?  Guess what--that goes for your sports bra too.  First off--make sure you're wearing a bra that is specifically designed for sports.  Second: do NOT go to Target or Wal-Mart and buy the $10 dollar cotton thing.  Make sure it fits properly and is made of synthetic materials.  Not only do you want to have proper support (your back can suffer if you don't), but you don't want to increase your likelihood of chafing.

*Water bottle
     --We'll discuss how much fluid you need to drink in the future...but for now, plan on having a water bottle that you can take with you on runs.  Running stores have a variety of options that range from hand-held, waist packs, and hydration backpacks. 

*Body Glide
     --AKA anti-chafing gel/stick.  I scoffed at this stuff at first, but now I'm not afraid to admit that this is my favorite running product EVER.  If you have any part of your body that rubs anywhere (read: inner thighs, arms, etc) you must buy this product.  It's only a few bucks and is wonderful.

Optional Equipment
*Head lamp/flash light
     --The days are getting shorter, which makes it more difficult to get a run in during daylight.  While head lamps do look slightly goofy, they are lifesavers during a dark run.  A small, hand-held flashlight would also do the trick.

 *Reflective Gear
     --As summer fades into fall, daylight decreases and we do more of our runs in the dark.  There are reflective shirts, jackets, vests, shorts--you name it.  Wearing reflective gear makes you easier to spot for oncoming runners, cyclists, or vehicles.  Safety first!!

*Heart Rate monitor
     --Our heart rate increases as we begin to exercise.  A heart rate monitor allows you to track how intensely you're exercising.  We often train harder/faster than we need to, and a heart rate monitor helps us to track our intensity during workouts.

*Running GPS receiver (such as a Garmin)
     --There are many wonderful mapping tools to determine how far you just ran, but if you want to have it at your fingertips, I highly recommend a Garmin.  They cost from $125 - $350 on amazon.com, and while it's an expensive accessory, once you have it you can't imagine running without it.  The garmin tracks your mileage, pace, and has custom interval workouts and pace alerts.  Who doesn't want a watch to beep at them when running too slowly?

If you're still unsure about what to purchase, check out these sites:
All about running shoes

Running Gear Basics



Happy training!