When I first started running, I had no idea what sort of equipment I would need. Besides shoes of course. Over the years, I’ve narrowed it down to what are now my must haves! Keep reading to find out what these things are!
Shoes
Shoes are very important. I tried a couple different pairs before settling on these pink Asics. I remember one pair specifically, that I had tried out, made my feet go numb after about five minutes. Well that wasn’t going to work! I realized that since my feet are a bit wider than average, I needed shoes to accommodate this. And these runners have served me very well. Can you see the hole forming in the toe?! I’m due for a new pair of runners but since virtual race day is in a couple of weeks, I won’t be using a new pair until after the race is done. I don’t want to change anything about my training regimen this close to race day and risk it not going well. But I’ve started checking out my options already!
—Update— Guys, I bought some new running shoes! They are waterproof ON Running shoes and they’re like running on air. If you’ve never heard of ON Running (I hadn’t either!) I highly recommend you try them, you won’t regret it.
Light and airy clothing
For summer running, I like shorts that are light and airy along with a jersey. I have one pair of shorts that have a small zippered pocket at the top in the back which comes in very handy when I need to carry a house or car key. The jersey material has to be something that wicks the sweat away from my body and keeps me cool. A good sports bra is also a necessity. I really like this Under Armour one pictured above.
A hat
I had never worn a hat until last year after I bought myself this black one and I immediately wondered what took me so long! I have long dark hair and my head would always get super hot, but no more! It also works well to help keep the sun from shining down the top of my sunglasses into my eyes. Sunglasses are also a must have for me. I’m very used to wearing either prescription glasses or sunglasses for seeing far, that when I run, I need to be sporting a pair of these.
Headphones
I have tried several types of headphones and earbuds. The Method Wireless ones I received as a gift work great! They have everything I need. They are wireless. They stay in my ears. The controls are accessible. They are small and light. The generic type of earbuds were not wireless and caused me more grief than anything when needing to be plugged into my phone. What was I supposed to do with this cord to keep it out of my way? I had also tried a pair of headphones that attached around my ears. While these ones stayed on my ears a lot better, I still had the cord to deal with. There are many times when using my current wireless in-ear headphones that the FlexSport collar feels like it’s moving more to one side of my neck and I end up constantly readjusting them. I’d really like to try out a pair that doesn’t have this collar one day. Headphones allow me to listen to my tunes, my favorite podcast or an audiobook, depending on my mood! And sometimes I don’t use them at all but they are there if I want them.
Running watch
Lastly, I need my running watch. I say need but that’s not exactly true. Most of the time I run with a goal, and in order to reach my goal, I need to be able to track my progress. There have been a few times that I have run simply for pleasure, and in those cases, a running watch would be optional. Running is something I am always working on improving so for me, it’s generally a need and not a want. I have a Garmin Forerunner 910XT. I chose this watch for a specific reason. Triathlons. Yup. This watch can track all three sports in one place. It’s waterproof and also easy to use. All the information I need to perform at my best is right on my wrist and available to me at all times. I have not trained or completed a triathlon since purchasing this watch, but I wanted to make sure that the one I bought would serve me well for my long-term plans.
There’s a lot of running gear out there so it’s important to know what your wants are! It’s important to try out different things to see what you like and what works for you. What will help you accomplish your goals and make you enjoy the process? For running, I want to be comfortable and have good shoes. I want to keep track of my progress and I want to listen to something I enjoy. Anything else is not necessary for me and simply creates clutter in my home and therefore in my mind. I like to keep things simple!
What running gear do you use and why is it important to you? Tell me in the comments below!
Ok so…. what about on colder days? Do you have leggings or something? What are your pants of choice in colder whether?
I’m glad you asked! My winter running gear consists of running pants, very similar to leggings, and a long sleeved shirt. Both need to be wicking material. I have a running jacket, which is breathable, and then gloves and a couple buffs depending on how cold it is!