Running Necessities: Tools, Gear, and More to Get You Ready to Run

Many people say that running is one of the easiest sports to join because it is virtually free, needing very little equipment to get started. While it is basically true that all you need is a good pair of shoes, most runners will tell you that they have a lot of running necessities without which they won’t leave the house! Once you have those shoes, you need to think about socks, a cute outfit, fuel, recovery, and other things that will make you, if not a better runner, feel and look better out there. And that’s important too, right?

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Running Necessities

Here’s a list of the running necessities that I use on every run.

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Running Shoes

Running shoes are a very personal choice and really the only way to find the right shoes for you is to get to a running store, talk to the shoe guy or gal, try on a few (or many) pairs, and run in them.

Many runners prefer to have two or more pairs of running shoes and alternate them. It gives them a chance to dry out, plus you can choose different shoe types for different workouts as you advance. Running shoes should be replaced around 300-400 miles. Keep your running shoes just for running, don’t add extra mileage to them by wearing them for everyday use.

My Faves: I’ve been running in the Mizuno Wave Rider for the last few years and I love them. They are neutral shoes, but they do provide a little support and feel very cushy.

Clothing

Yes, technically you can head out the door in shorts and a t-shirt, but I can promise you that you will be more comfortable in clothing that is designed for running. Regular cotton shirts and shorts will just absorb water and keep you damp and uncomfortable, not to mention increase the chance of that running evil: chafing.

Running specific clothing is made of materials that will dry quickly and wick the water away from your body. You can select styles that can help prevent chafing, give you the amount of coverage that you prefer, and, of course, look good.

My Faves: I jumped on the running skirt bandwagon years ago and Skirt Sports skirts and capris are almost the only things that I run in now. Skirts have an inner compression-type short to cover you up and protect from chafing. They come in many lengths, so there is something for everybody. You can save 15% on your purchase with my code 971WOOD!

Running Bras

Running bras may be one of the few running necessities that I don’t have an opinion on. As a relatively, ahem, smaller person, I can buy an inexpensive sports bra from Target without any problems. Women who are more well-endowed cannot. There are bras out there that are made to help support larger breasted women, so the best thing to do is to ask another runner. I hope that runners who are reading this will jump in and advise in the comment section.

Running Socks

If you head out for a run in your old cotton socks, there is a really good chance that you will end up with blisters, not to mention hot, sweaty feet. Just like with clothing, running socks are made with specific materials that will keep your feet drier and more comfortable.

My Faves: I usually wear Pro Compression socks when I run. They look great, feel good, and there is some evidence that they can help with recovery. Now that it’s getting hot I may be switching to the low version for some runs.

Do you have a hard time putting on compression socks? Here’s how to do it!

Sunglasses

If you run outdoors, you need a good pair of sports-specific sunglasses to protect your eyes. Ideally, they will not slip and have polarized lenses and sun protection.

My Faves: I recently discovered Goodr Sunglasses and they have moved to the top of my running necessities list. Not only are they polarized with UV 400 protection, they don’t slip, are made specifically for running, and they look good! They come in many different colors and designs (all of which have fabulous names like “Flamingos on a Booze Cruise”). Best of all, they are only $25! Yes, you read that right. Only $25, which allows me to add to my collection without guilt!

Sports GPS Watch

Once you start adding up the miles you will probably want a way to track your mileage. Unlike when I first started running, when I had to map out the mileage with my car, then use a regular sports watch to time my runs, GPS is the way to go.

My Faves: I’ve been using the Garmin Forerunner since it first came out (yes, I’m a little obsessive about my mileage) and my current watch is the Garmin Forerunner 235. I love it. It has everything I need, including a heart rate monitor plus I can sync everything to the app on my phone.

Headphones

While many may argue as to whether wearing headphones while running is a safe choice, the fact is, a lot of people enjoy listening to music when they run. It can be a great motivator and help keep you going when you’re tired.

 

My Faves: I agree that a runner needs to be aware of her surroundings, especially when running alone, and both of my favorite headphones allow you to do that. I recently received a pair of Jaybird Run earphones to try out (here’s my review) and I love them. They are truly wireless and the safety factor is that you can wear just one, leaving your other ear open and free to listen to what’s going on around you.

Trekz Titanium is another favorite headphone of mine. They use bone conduction technology so that they rest on the bone in front of your ear, leaving both ears open and able to hear better what’s going on around you. Here’s my Trekz Titanium review.

Drink Up

When the weather gets hotter or your runs get longer, it’s a good idea to think about hydration. The easiest way to do that is to carry your own water and to supplement that with electrolytes, and carbohydrates for longer runs.

My Faves: I use Nuun electrolytes for most of my runs, especially when the weather starts to heat up. For longer runs, I use Nuun Performance, which adds some essential carbs to help fuel you for the long run. Save 25% on your Nuun purchase with the code hydratewithus18 (through May 31, 2018)!

To hold all that liquid, I carry the SpeedShot Insulated Flask from Nathan Sports. It keeps my drink cooler longer, is a little smaller and more ergonomic than other handhelds I’ve used, which feels much better on my arthritic hands. Here’s my full review.

Recovery

Recovery is an important part of training and includes thing like refueling and rehydration, body care like stretching and foam rolling, and, of course, actual rest. Here’s more information on how to recover during training. Having recovery tools on hand can really help.

My Faves:

Refueling as soon as possible after a run is important, so I love to make a smoothie or smoothie bowl making sure that is has a boost of protein from Nuzest plant-based protein powder and lots of electrolytes from fresh and/or frozen fruit. Save 15% on Nuzest with code COACHDEBBIERUNS!

I rehydrate throughout the day by adding Nuun Vitamins + Electrolytes or Immunity: Electrolytes + Antioxidants + Anti-Inflammatories to my water bottle.

I have a lot of foam rollers and other self-myofascial release tools but my favorites include the Trigger Point Vibe vibrating foam roller, the Trigger Point Grid, the Intelliroll, and LaCrosse balls.

Perhaps my favorite body care tool is the Myobuddy Massager Pro. Not only does it give you a great massage, it helps with recovery, mobility, and fascial health. Read my full review here. You can save $100 plus get free shipping and no tax through Father’s Day with the code DRUNS!

As you can see, there is a little bit more to running than just heading out the door for a run. And while none of these running necessities are actually necessary, they will help your run be more enjoyable, help you recover faster, and, well, look good while you’re doing it.

What is your favorite running necessity? For women who need extra support please help your sisters out with some suggestions for great sports bras.

 

 

 

And Now It’s Time for the Running Coaches’ Corner!

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Weekly Linkups

My weekly linkups! Please stop by and check out all of the great recipes, workouts, and information that all these awesome bloggers share every week!

Meatless Monday with Sarah and Deborah
Meatless Monday with Annmarie  and Dixya
Tuesdays on the Run with Marcia, Erika, and Patty
Inspire Me Monday with Janice
Wild Workout Wednesday with Annmarie, Jen, and Nicole
The Plant-Based Potluck Party with Deborah
The Running Coaches’ Corner with Rachel, Lora Marie, and Me!
Friday 5 2.0 with Rachel and Lacey and Meranda
Weekly Wrap with Wendy and Holly