You’ve decided to start running…now what?
I’m seeing a lot of virtual friends and in-real-life friends talking about their fitness resolutions, and many of their resolutions involve working out and/or running. And about half of them have questions on what they “need” versus what is just a lot of fun.
I’ve been a runner for a long, long time. I’ve had a few breaks in there, but suffice it to say I’ve been running since 7th grade – on teams and then just for fun after college (and to help with weight loss.) I have my share of running necessities and running toys. I do use different kind of sneakers for running so they do change over time, for example, one day I’ll try something like Vessi shoes and another time I’ll try barefoot running shoes. The following are items that I think are necessary for me to get through a few miles without being in too much pain the next day.
1. Good running shoes. Don’t skimp on these. Get fitted at a running store, if you have access to one. I still wear Asics 2170s and they can only be found on RoadRunnerSports.com, so I order months before I actually “need” them, because the style has been discontinued. In fact, my latest pair were just shipped on Friday. I’m in need and while I ordered them weeks ago, they were on back order for almost a month. (Lesson learned.)
2. A good sports bra. This is oh-so-important. I’ve gone cheap. I’ve gone cotton. I clearly had lost my mind. I do not run in cotton. Ever. Cotton causes chafing and you don’t want that. (Trust me!) I (mostly) wear the Nike sports bras. I can usually find them a little cheaper, but they’re generally in the $25-$30 range. And that’s on the cheaper side. I also have a few of the Champion sports bras from Target. Those are good for my Jillian Michaels workouts that aren’t going to be longer than 30-45 minutes. They do the job.
3. Good socks. Just as you need good running shoes, you need socks that aren’t going to cause blisters and offer some cushioning. I’ve been wearing the DryMax socks ever since I signed up for my first marathon in 2007. I love them.
4. A hat. Last year, I was on a mission to find a new running hat at my DC half marathon. I wanted something that would allow my head to “breathe” and that would keep the sun out of my eyes. I found one that not only did those things, but also served as a souvenir of my race. I love it and I wear it often.
5. Shirts and pants/shorts that aren’t cotton. I have three long-sleeved shirts (one was a race shirt) and two pairs of pants that I wear during the colder weather. One of my pairs of running pants I bought back in 2007 when I started training for that first marathon. I still wear them. They’re by Ativa and they’ve been great. My other pair are made by Under Armour and are made for freezing temperatures (so I wear them less often.) I have more running shorts than I care to discuss, but I can often find them on sale – I own some made by Nike, GapFit, but mainly Nike. My short-sleeved shirts are also by Nike. I can’t recommend them enough (and you can find them on sale/clearance at sporting goods stores a lot.) More and more races are getting into the technical tees and these contribute to my running attire collection. And the great thing about these is that I can use them for any other sporting activity I decide to do after getting into the flow of exercise some more. My friend started doing taking some tennis lessons Philadelphia and she says that it helps her make running fun because she has a goal that running will help her work towards. She wants to improve her ability to keep up with the ball.
If you have all of those things, might I recommend a few things that making running easier for me?
The Bic bands. I have one that I bought after the Boston Marathon bombings last year (it was a fundraiser.) I. love. it. I’m asking for more, for Valentine’s Day. I usually have my hair pulled back in a pony tail and these help keep stray hairs and my bangs out of my eyes. They’re awesome.
A running belt. This holds my keys, gels, cell phone, EVERYTHING! I won a double pouch running belt just after I got pregnant, so it took me a few months to be able to try it out. I love this belt from iFitness. (And I have 3 running belts.)
A Garmin or a really great running app. I love RunKeeper and honestly I don’t remember the last time I wore my Garmin. I recently discovered something better than a running app which has really been helping me out and I’ve seen an improvement in my running as a result!
I wasn’t compensated for this post, and the links above are not affiliate links. I’ve been asked questions many times, and I thought this would be an interesting topic to touch on. I hope you’ve found some of this helpful!
Are you runner? What would you recommend for new runners (or for me??)
GREAT tips. I recently started dabbling in running – not because I necessarily want to, but I take martial arts and eventually I will need to be able to run a 7 minute mile when I am testing for my black belt.
Today is actually going to be my first day back at the gym and I am determined to follow through with a jog for the rest of the week. It’s very important to have the proper workout gear, especially a GOOD pair of running shoes. I learned this the hard way and ended up investing in a pair last year that still look brand new!
I wish I could run! If you see my running then something is chasing me! I do walk
everyday though for at least 3 miles.
i love the pink garmin!! i have really big boobs and sports bras are a nightmare for me tho š
Thanks for these tips! I’ve been thinking about running and it’s nice to have this to reference to!
These are such great tips. I’d love to be a runner….but I need to work myself up to WALKING long distances first!
This is such a great post! I’ve never actually got into running seriously so I knew none of this stuff. Well I knew that you would obviously need good shoes but I never thought of good socks or a sports bra. Or the fact that it’s better to not have cotton shorts!
I could guess the shoes, socks and sports bra. I never would have thought of the running belt or the bic band. Great suggestions, thank you!
Great tips! – I always think about running, but I’m really not a runner… maybe on a treadmill though, in front of the tv or something, ha!
I lurve lurve lurve my sports bras from Target. They are the C9 collection, heavy intensity for running.
I’m not a runner – yet! I started training myself using the Couch to 5K app but got pregnant after week 1. That sidetracked me, but I’m going to start it back up once I’m released to exercise this Friday.
I need some of those Bic Bands too – my hair is just the right length where not all of it will stay up in a ponytail!
Yes, good running shoes are a must unless you like podiatrists!
I am so not a running type person. Thanks for the tips list, this will come in handy should I decide to give it a try!
Great tips. My most supportive tools are good shoes and a good sports bra.
A good sports bra is so important, just as important as sneakers I say. Great tips, now if I could only start running!
This is for me. I have always wanted to be a runner.
I’m going to look into that Bic band! I also really like chafing balms.
Marvelous tips! š I agree with having good running shoes and a hat is a great idea. There’s no need to worry with “pretty” hair when your running anyways and a hat keeps the hair out of your face too!
I’m a runner and I agree with you. Shoes are one of the most important items to get!
Ahhh.. teach me how to run! I can’t for the life of me. I run fast and get tired out really quickly – SO bad for a 20 year old!!
Great tips! When I am at the gym I like to use the treadmill, but I don’t run too long before I am out of breath.