(Note that I'm not saying you *can't* run without these things. Many of these items are luxuries, but I'm saying that if you have the money and are wanting to spend it on running gear, this is where I'd personally focus - I'm sure you could ask 10 runners and get 10 different answers, though.)
1. Shoes - Period. Hands down. No question. This is not the place to skimp. Go to a running specialty store, have them watch your gait, and get a good pair of running shoes. Heck, if you can afford it, get two different styles of running shoes so that you can alternate them (I love this because different shoes will activate your muscles differently and have different pressure points - varying that can reduce some potential for over-use injuries... plus it allows shoes plenty of time to decompress before you use them again). Popular brands: Brooks, Asics, Nike, Saucony, Mizuno, and New Balance. But there are also other brands out there, like K-Swiss, Adidas, Pearl Izumi, and Etonic that might work for you. I happen to be a huge fan of Brooks, but it really is about what works for you.
2. Race - I know, most people would put this down the list a bit, but you have seen the title of this blog, right? A race is a goal, a tangible day and distance set to accomplish. For me, this is what keeps my running on track. Even if the race is a long time off. Pick one, sign up, and write it in stone as your goal! Racing a lot can be very expensive - so plan ahead, sign up early for lower fees, and shop around for one that works for you in terms of cost, location, etc.
3. Moisture-Wicking Clothing - I see it all the time... runner shows up for his/her first race and receives a cotton t-shirt in the race packet, and then promptly puts it on and runs in it. Moisture-wicking clothing is important for many reasons - when it's hot, you need to move the moisture away from your body so it can evaporate and your body can continue to sweat in order to cool itself down; when it's cold, you want it to pull the moisture away from your body so you can stay dry and warm; lastly wet cotton will chafe your skin, badly, it's not pretty. And go ahead and add socks into this one too...
4. ID - Safety, safety, safety. I personally use Road ID, and recommend them highly, but there are a few other companies who make IDs for your wrist, ankle, or shoe. These are uber-important in the case of a medical emergency. Don't chance it, spend the cash and get some proper identification!
5. Sports Bra - Alright guys, you can skip this one, but supporting the girls properly is worth the price tag. Personally, I love Moving Comfort - great support, and I get to still have TWO instead of an uni-boob. Find what works for you, but do not be afraid to spend a few more dollars on something that will really work and last (besides, if you have to double-up on cheap bras, it ends up being just as expensive as one good bra!).
6. Garmin - Yes, you can live without the super-sleek watch that tracks your pace and distance using GPS, but it can also be an amazing tool. Especially cause one of the things that plagues beginning runners, in my opinion, is pushing too fast and not pacing properly so that he/she can go the distance. The good news is that you can find some pretty good deals on older versions of the Garmin.
7. Hydration - I prefer the Nathan Handheld water bottle, but some prefer hydration belts (iFitness has a great one), and others prefer hydration packs like Camelbak. Find what works for you, and give it several runs - it takes some getting used to, but it's important to keep hydrated, even in the cooler weather.
8. Anti-chafe Cream - There are several brands of this, but I cannot live without Mission Athletecare's Anti-chafe cream. I don't care what size you are - things rub when you run. And when you start pulling double digit distances, parts attempt to start fires. Don't be a chafed runner, lube up and get out there! (And while you are there, pick up some sweatproof sunblock and some muscle rub.)
9. Nutrition - GU gel, GU chomps, Sports Beans, Clif Gels, Clif Shotbloks, Powergel, Honey Stingers... the types are endless. You won't need these likely until you hit about 8 miles or more, but it's worth getting a few types and trying them out and figuring out what works best for you and your body BEFORE your first big event. I'm personally a huge fan of Chocolate GU - hello brownie batter!
10. Running/Race Belt - When you are alone or racing, you often need to carry your phone, your key, your nutrition, etc. A comfortable belt that holds these items without bouncing around is a huge help. I can't say enough great things about iFitness belts. I love their ultimate race belt. Holds my GU, keeps my phone safe in a water resistent pouch, holds my race number (I hate pinning!), and doesn't bounce around.
11. Compression Socks - OK, yes, I said that I would give you my top 10, but I can't leave out my beloved compression socks. I am a big believer in compression, especially for recovery... I'm a huge fan of CEP socks - I think they are the most compressive of the brands out there, and my calves love me for wearing them, but they aren't cheap... definitely a luxury!
What would YOU add to the list???
18 comments:
I think a headband of some sort is necessary. I love my Bondi Bands in the summer, for absorbing sweat & a cuter type is fun in the cooler months.
Oh, and, as it gets cold, I'd add gloves. ;) I like the mittens/fingerless gloves, so I can keep my fingers warm, but be able to use my fingers if I need to.
Bands are in my next post. ;-)
Hmmm. I ran for years, YEARS is $5 Soffe shorts and an all cotton bra from Walmart. I did 100% fine. I do a minimum of 6 miles each run, a minimum of 3x a week. These are my minimums. This summer during the heat wave I splurged on Nike Tempo shorts and dri fit bras. They are AWESOME, Im so in love and worth the money but IMO not necessary. I do not run with anything else except good shoes. I know what works for me(Aasics or NB) and I buy them at Nordstrom Rack, usually for less then $60 a pair. Its my honest, personal belief that you dont have to spend much to be a good, happy runner.
I will also add that I do not do races, I dont have the desire to in the future either but running is still on my top 3 list of personal hobbies that I love. It is no less important to me just because I dont race ;)
Nikki - I totally agree... that's why I said at the top that these are mostly luxuries, not must-haves at all. And like you, I ran in all cotton, no Garmin, no GU, no hydration all the way through my first half marathon. But I do get asked a lot about the fun stuff that a lot of runners like to have!
My longest run is typically between 10-12 miles and I dont do that very often. If I ran 26.2, my need vs want list would change dramatically I am certain lol. Speaking of which...I need to head out before I have to start shuttling kids around :)
I've not seen those cute running ID bands before - must find me a UK supplier! It's a good list :)
Did I write this? Did we clone ourselves? Did you rub off on me??
Because of you I am a big Mission Skincare fan!
Road ID - I bought one very early in my running "career" and always feel a sense of relief when I have it on. I like to just know my family can be called just in case.
Garmin - once I got mine my running made a huge improvement! I wish I had it much earlier!
Boobs ... come on Lesley, we ALL know and talk about it behind your back .... we know you have just ONE boob and use this bra to pretend you have two. It's okay to come clean about it.
I'm a shoe switcher! I train in Nikes that are more cushioned and a tad heavier, then I race in my smaller, lighter adidas. I love adidas!!!
A hat or visor is a must for me! Keeps my hair at bay and the sun off my face.*
I love this blog :D glad I found you. I actually found you through twitter of all places. Great list. I haven't reached into the double digits yet but as a newbie runner I find it funny that I got my priorities right...I have runners, just did my first race and I also bought NON cotton clothes :D I just need to work on getting a garmin
totally agree on all these! I would add a foam roller to the list!
As a beginner, this list really helps because I actually have a few of the problems that you mention and some of these itmes will help me in the future. Thanks!
Like all of them...I would have to add Ipod. Can't live without my music, but it could be because I'm always running by myself! Urgh....add a running partner to that list to. :)
Awesome list! I don't do the belts as the ones I have tried bug me way too much.
I would add SUNSCREEN and a Bondi Band! Perhaps a pair of sunglasses too!
Oh yeah, and beginners, please go straight past the cotton socks. :)
TOTAL yes on the RoadID. Such a great investment. Awesome list!
Sunscreen! And a hat - especially when it is raining, and I want to try to keep the rain off my glasses. And gloves.
I ran in cotton in high school, and no, you don't *need* wicking fabrics, but I definitely found my runs a lot more comfortable when I was able to afford wicking fabrics. I'm also a fan of foam rollers and arm sleeves/warmers for when I'm running in the mornings in the fall - I tend not to get out the door as early, but it is still cool out, but at the end of the run it warms up and I don't need long sleeves. I like it better than having to take off a top and tie it around my waist.
I think different things are more important for different people. Shoes, socks and bras are my top 3, but that might be different for other people. And while it isn't a purchased product, I think body awareness and the ability to rest when you are injured is pretty important too.
Music and headbands for me! But, besides the Garmin and fuel belt, I have all that stuff! Trust me, I want the Garmin and fuel belt though!
This is a great post! It's very helpful for me to look at this as a list of things I need for my upcoming half marathon.
I hate a fuel belt...so annoying to me and my weird sensory issues. ;) also, I hate thick socks, must only have super, super thin. I DO love having a hat or headband. I like my hat for sun and rain, and my fleece headband (I made ..tutorial on my blog!) for winter. I do not like cold ears!
other than that, I like having some kind of device for pace tracking. Thanks for this great list!!
What has saved me some race money is joining Dallas Running Club b/c they have so many free club races. It's really freed up my race budget a lot. Races are super motivating so I try to have at least one per month
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