Must-Have Running Gear

Past Running Series Posts:

My Running Story

Apps, Watches, & Training Plans

When I started running, I literally had some tennis shoes and an armband to hold my phone. Once I got more serious about running, I found out there is so much more that goes in to making your runs successful. Now that I've been running for a few years, and running longer distances, I've found some things that work and don't work for me. So today I'm sharing some of my favorite running gear.

Shoes - When I first started running, my longest runs were only three miles, so I was able to run in my Nike shoes that I had been wearing for years. However, when I got in to training harder and longer runs, I bit the bullet and invested in better shoes. We have stores in Grand Rapids (Gazelle and Striders) that will actually fit you with a running shoe. My first "real" running shoe was the Saucony Ride 9. I learned that running shoes wear out after a certain number of miles (usually around 300-400 miles), so I just recently got the Saucony Ride 10. Once you start getting serious about running and getting in more than a few miles a week, I definitely recommend investing in a good running shoe. 

Socks - I never realized that socks can make a difference in running. A few months ago, I started getting blisters on the ball of foot, near by big toe. They were painful when running and I'd have to pop some of them after a long run. It was pretty miserable. I'll spare you and won't post any photos. I invested in a few pairs of good socks, all different brands. Those socks, along with putting on lotion on my feet before each run, helped a ton. I no longer have any blisters, which is making my runs much more enjoyable. I have Swiftwick, Smartwool, and Thorlo socks and I'd recommend all of them. The Thorlo socks actually have padding in the exact spot I needed, so I used those a lot until my blisters were healing.

Clothes - I'm not picky when it comes to running clothes. Something comfortable and moisture wicking is all I need. Most of my running clothes are from Target and Old Navy and I've been really happy with them. I've also picked up a few things from the Adidas Outlet store near me and I really love their shorts. I wear pants, capris, shorts, tanks, and long sleeves, depending on the weather. Gloves and a headband in the winter when it's cold...but I don't want to think about that yet. 

Running Belt - Now that I'm running longer distances, I use a running belt to old water and fuel. I use a Nathan Running Belt and I love it. There are a ton of them out there, so just find what is comfortable for you.

Reflective Gear - When I'm running early in the morning and it's not quite light out yet, I make sure to wear a reflective arm band, along with bright clothing. There are tons of options for these, just make sure you wear something so drivers can see you!

Head Bands - In the winter I wear a headband to keep my ears warm and my hair out of my face, but the rest of the time I just wear athletic headbands. I hate when hair touches my neck when I'm running, because then I sweat and it sticks to me. So annoying. I've found the adidas headbands are great (picked them up at the local outlet store). But anything similar seems to work for me.

What are some of your favorite work out items? Special shoes? Clothing brand? Random thing you can't live without now that you have it?


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