Running Gear

Clothes, Shoes, Gadgets and More

I’m not going to pretend I’m an expert here. My workout wardrobe is straight from Kohls, Target, and TJMaxx.

If you want some sophisticated advice on running gear, check out a specialty running store (like Fleet Feet in Winston-Salem). They’ll be more than happy to sell you a bunch of stuff! 🙂

Regardless of brand or cost or necessity, here are some things I’ve learned that I like over the years, that you may find helpful as well.

1. Wicking/Technical material. Cotton absorbs sweat, which makes the wet material cling to your body and does not do an efficient job of cooling you. Choose to skip the cotton when you can (including underwear!)

2. Running socks. Also a cotton issue. Running socks are often more comfortable, plus decrease blister issues when you don’t have wet cotton rubbing between your toes.

3. Layers! I’m usually cold when I start, but heat up quickly, so I’m pretty much a pro at taking off a windbreaker jacket and tying it around my waist while still on the run. Removing a long sleeve shirt isn’t quite as smooth, but I still do that too. 🙂

{Speaking of… I’m a weenie when it comes to cold weather. I LOVE my fleece lined running tights (which I did splurge on at a special running store), but that’s the only way I’ll get outdoors if it’s below 50.}

4. Running shoes. I would definitely recommend having a shoe specialist analyze your running gait (again – at a running specialty store, not just a big-box mall place). They’ll be able to make the best recommendation for your stride because there are different shoes designed to help with pronation/supination (how your foot strikes the ground).

5. Bra – Women… SO important. It’s no wonder so many well-endowed women do not like running. How uncomfortable if you’re not wearing a quality bra! Wear two if you need. Don’t let that be an excuse to not run.

6. Gadgets. I’m not all that techy when it comes to running. There are stopwatches with GPS, and fitbits, and – gosh, even pedometers, that can report amazing data, but really, I prefer to just run. Keep it simple. Don’t worry about the numbers. Just enjoy the experience.

Even though there are benefits to running with music, (unless I’m on a treadmill), I try to leave the ipod inside. Obviously, it’s a safety issue – you need to be able to hear oncoming traffic and other runners. Plus, (even though it’s almost never enforced) – running a race with headphones is usually against the rules (if it’s a certified race at least).

7. Sunglasses? Hat? Even though it’s usually bright out, I don’t like running with sunglasses because they always start slipping around on my face when the sweat begins. Instead, I typically wear a hat. The issue there, though, is that it definitely increases your body temperature, so that’s usually a race day decision depending on the weather forecast.

Regardless of what you wear, just get out there and do it. Put one foot in front of the other and enjoy a little exercise today!

What do you wear on a run? Any favorite must-haves?