Besides sneakers, most runners will need a handful of other items:
Core Items
- Singlet, short-sleeve and/or long sleeve drytec apparel
- Sports bra (ladies)
Gear can span the spectrum of price ranges. Depending on how often you're running, you'll need more or less of it. You will also need different items for different seasons. The first and foremost tip: Cotton is not your friend! Tip two: as the miles creep up, you will be doing more laundry than ever. I have not run more loads since having a newborn! Back up a few key luxury go-to items with some cheaper buys to get you through the week. My well-loved items will typically come from Dick's sporting goods, Athleta, Victoria's Secret and Lulu Lemon. To supplement, I'm a big fan of Old Navy and Target. Keep in mind that you will probably receive many a tech t-shirt as part of race finisher swag. (Most of my sports wardrobe comes from this source!). Unfortunately, if the objective is weight loss, you more likely than not will also have to replenish in new sizes eventually, too. Keep both of these things in mind as you make purchasing decisions.
Fave running tights for winter: Under Armour Cold Gear
Not me, but you get the idea .. gear goals! :)
There are many ways to track your progress during the year. Be it an excel spreadsheet, an app, a print out of your work out log, or a calendar, find a training schedule that will help you meet your goals. When I first started, I used the app: Couch to 5K. After signing up with the Atlanta Track Club for a half-training program, I also had a printed log for each training session / season. One favorite visual is this calendar:
It is not intended to be a streak. Most runners need rest days. But I love visuals! This doesn't just help me when I am on a roll, but more importantly, when I am NOT on a roll. Two years ago, I'd work out for four days straight (woo), and then take 3 days off (boo), and then because I took 3 days off, would guilt trip myself into not looking at a treadmill again for two months! With the calendar, I see the 4 days on, the 3 days off, 2 days back on, one day off, and it says to me: look, you're okay. you're human, and you're inconsistent, but consistently inconsistent. yes, you pushed that one work out off, but you're doing fine, and you don't need to give up running. If the calendar stops working, start taking selfies. If your friends threaten to unfriend you on Facebook for taking too many run selfies, start a blog. Keep it fresh, cross it off, and you'll never get bored!
mile emo
(in this version of the calendar, the sneakers are races).
For longer runs, you'll eventually need to consider where you will carry essential items, and how you will hydrate and fuel your efforts. I use:
Fitletic 12-oz Hydration Belt (I will typically have this with me for any run longer than a 10k)
And I will use this little handheld for race mileage between 3.1 and 6.2. I'll also use it for short training runs.
That will cover you immediate Running 101 needs.
What I'll call running 2.0 gear will come in handy as you progress deeper and deeper into the sport of running. These items include:
- Pace / distance app or GPS watch - I have a Tom Tom Runner GPS Navigator in Pink ($89.99)
Avoid this ...
... get this
I've had great success with both tech gloves that let you type on a phone, but are pricier, and the Walmart 2 for a $1.00 version. I stock up on the latter, and feel completely at peace when I decide to ditch them on the side of the road at mile 3 of 13.1 during a race.
- Head bands/ pony tails
- Headlamps, lights, safety vests
Its hard to imagine that you will be so hard core that you will want to run before the sun comes up, or after it goes down. As a busy adult, believe me, it will come sooner than you think. My tip: you will be wearing this on your head for mile upon mile. Spend a little more, and buy something that you won't dread using. I have this guy: Led Lenser SEO7R Rechargeable Headlamp, and totally geek about how awesome it is to anyone who asks me! You can also get lights that attach to your sneaker laces, or that you wear on your knuckles. Do not skimp on having something. Safety first!
- Headphones / phone case
- Specialty running socks
- Compression socks
- Foam roller
- Fuel
- Duck tape
Runner pro tip.. last season's sneaker + a bit of duct tape = a rain runner's best friend! :)
- Scarf
- Ear warmers
- Face mask
- Trash bag, old blanket, and/or good will items
If you can wear it in the corral, and then ditch it on the run, its worth having! :)
Apps & Other Great Tools
- Couch to 5K
- My Fitness Pal
- Fitbit (obsession much! daily step trackers, with friend lists and daily challenges are ALMOST as energizing as a training schedule. I highly recommend knowing the FULL SCOOP on how active you are!)
And that's almost everything I know about gear. :)
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