Whether you're just getting into running or a seasoned marathon veteran, it's great to check-out the gear that works for fellow runners. Here's my late summer edition of running "must-haves".
1. (Properly fitted) Running Shoes
A good running shoe is the single most important thing a runner needs! Having a pair of shoes specifically designed for running helps provide the support and cushioning your body needs and can help you avoid injury. There are plenty of specialty running shops that have trained associates who can help guide you to the perfect shoe. Roadrunner Sports is conveniently located around the corner from our office and I highly recommend them. They offer "shoe dog" foot analysis AND they have a 90-Day "Wear ‘em & Love ‘em" guarantee for VIP members. I currently have a pair of Adidas Energy Boost and they are super comfortable and supportive (link below).
2.A Sports Watch
I recently purchased a Nike+ GPS watch and it was money well spent. Especially when training for an event like a marathon or half marathon, it's great to have your pace, distance and mile splits in real time. Post-run, it's helpful to see my stats plotted on a map so I can see how my training is progressing and how terrain impacts speed and fatigue.
Not ready to spring for a new watch? There are plenty of iPhone apps that do essentially the same thing (Mapmyrun, Endomondo, etc.)
3.Moisture-Wicking Clothing
Cotton+sweat= heavy, damp and uncomfortable!
Moisture-wicking clothing (ie- Climalite, DriFit, Omni-freeze) moves sweat away from your skin to the outer surface of the fabric where it evaporates. They feel light, cool and comfortable against the skin; the good ones work so well that they're almost wearable straight out of the washing machine.
4. A furry companion & The Buddy System!
My 1.5 year old brittany spaniel, Wynnie, has tons of energy: she is a great running companion! While I love running with her, I haven't always enjoyed holding a leash in my hand (especially on long runs). The Buddy System solves that problem. The product is an adjustable belt (worn around my waist in the photo above) that attaches to an adjustable leash which fastens to the dog's collar. It allows Wynnie the perfect amount of lead and keeps my hands free.
Last but not least....
5. Motivation
This one is free and sometimes the most difficult part of running. Whether you set a goal of running a mile in 6 minutes, register for a marathon, or think of someone who would love to run but cannot, it's important to find something that motivates YOU to get out and RUN! There will inevitably be days when you don't feel like running, so having a goal can keep you accountable during those times of low energy.
What are your must-haves? We'd love for you to share!!
Great post. Very helpful tips!
ReplyDeleteI echo the thoughts about MapMyRun- it's a great IPhone app. Amongst other things, it syncs well with MyFitnessPal, which is my favorite food and exercise tracking app