Running 101: Gear You Need
By, Vickie Leff, MSW, LCSW aka RunnerMom.com
Having the right gear is critical to your success as a runner. No matter how far you go, how fast or slow, your gear can make a huge difference in your comfort. Here is the inside scoop on what you really need! If you are just getting started, you’ll want to get 1-2 sets of clothes/socks. Your birthday, holidays and anniversaries will serve as great opportunities for friends and family to support your running habit.
Running Shoes: The most important piece of gear you’ll need as a runner. If you are new to running, please don’t start in your everyday sneakers or tennis shoes! Running shoes are built specifically to take the impact of running – your fashionable sneakers/tennis shoes are not. The key to finding appropriate running shoes is getting a proper fit. Your local specialty running store offers an extensive shoe fitting process, including gait analysis, foot measurement, and viewing your pronation. These folks are very committed to finding the right shoe for you! You should allow for some extra time for this process when you go to the store as you’ll need to try on several pairs of shoes to find the best ones for you. Make sure that the store has a return policy which allows you to try the shoes and return/exchange them if they don’t work. Running shoes should last approximately 300-500 miles. It is important to get a new pair at that time.
Socks: There are some fantastic sock options out there. I’d recommend synthetic, moisture wicking socks– not cotton, for best results. Your feet get very hot and perspire while you run. Cotton will trap that moisture leading to blisters. The synthetic socks will help to evaporate the sweat and leave your feet dryer. Using thick or thin socks is a personal preference. I like a medium weight sock that provides some cushioning without bulk. Try a few brands and see which work best for you. You are going to spend anywhere from $5 – $10 per pair. They should last you for years.
Clothes: There are a few things to look for when shopping for running clothes. The material and fit of your workout clothes are critical. You want to wear items made of a wicking material. They will help to keep you dry, minimize chafing, and are lightweight. They generally wash well, lasting a long time. Stay away from cotton for the same reason you don’t want to wear cotton socks. If you are searching for women’s running shorts, you’ll want to make sure they have at least a 3-inch inseam for good coverage and a liner for comfort. Running skirts/skorts are a great option also and are fun to wear and look fantastic. When looking for running tights or capris, wicking fabrics work well but, watch out for seams that could rub and chafe. Think about what you may need to bring with you while you run; do you need a pocket for a key? Somewhere to clip your mp3 player?
Sports Bra: Almost as essential as the shoes, for your women’s comfort. There are as many options as there are sizes for you to choose from. You want to look for a sports bra designed for high impact sports. Trying different styles on is important to finding the right fit. One size does not fit all. Remember that the bra will only stretch just a little, so feeling comfortable from the start is important.
Those are the absolute essentials to ensure your comfort. There are also some extras that can make a significant difference in your running comfort and enjoyment.
Some of those extra items to consider would be a time/pace watch, hydration belt, headband and/or sunglasses. For those who want to keep track of their pace, time and distance there are options from a standard Timex to the Garmin watch to using the Nike + iPod. The Garmin does everything but run for you and is a little pricey, but very fun. If you just want to keep track of miles/pace, and enjoy music, the Nike +iPod is a solid choice.
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Vickie Rance Leff is the mother of two children, ages 15 and 13. She began running as a way to handle the stress of working in oncology. With the help of other mothers, and friends, she was able to integrate her love of running with being a full time mom. At 44 she ran her first marathon, completed the 2002 Chicago Marathon, the 2002 New York Marathon and the 2003 and 2005 Boston Marathon. She lives with her husband and two children in North Carolina.
