Running Gear: what’s really essential?

Some people might take up running because is an “inexpensive” sport. All you need are sneakers, right?

Well, sure, if you’re a very low-maintenance runner. But by the time you invest in sneakers, clothing (for all varieties of weather), music-listening equipment, a GPS watch, water bottles, compression socks, recovery equipment like foam roller and special ice packs, race entries…it can add up fast!

In my opinion, you don’t really “need” everything that some runners might swear by. In my experience, you can run (and get faster) without spending a lot of money.

A Basic Watch

Just one that has a stop watch, and preferably does laps. I know everyone and their mother has a Garmin (I do too!) but I am living proof that you do not need a GPS watch to run, or to get faster.

I trained for and ran a sub-3:26 marathon without a Garmin. In fact, my watch was so basic it didn’t even have a lap feature. It just told time. I used to remember the street names where the mile markers were, so that I knew roughly where each mile began and ended, and I could subtract based on total time on my watch. It was probably a pretty inaccurate system, but it couldn’t have been that bad since I clearly got much faster over the course of my training.

I used the Timex Marathon Watch for years, and it was about $25.

If you’re just starting out running or not sure how into it you’ll get, don’t jump into the Garmin. Wait and see how it goes with a regular watch first. I also think there is something important to be said for running by feel, and not worrying about pace.

Some Dri-FIT Clothing (or any moisture-wicking fabric)

You hear “cotton is bad! it absorbs your sweat!” everywhere, right? Well, it’s true. But that doesn’t mean you need to go buy 6 or 7 Dri-FIT shirts to get you through a week of workouts. When it’s hot out and you’re doing a long run or speedwork and losing a lot of sweat, Dri-FIT will definitely make your workout much more pleasant.

But I don’t think it’s necessary to always be wearing “running clothing” while running, and you certainly don’t need to be decked out in full Nike or LuLuLemon every time you head out the door.

When I go to the gym to do cross-training, if I’m just going for an easy 4-5 miler, or if it’s chilly out and I know I won’t be sweating much, I have no problem wearing a regular cotton t-shirt. I know that goes against what most people would say, but really, having a damp shirt at the end of a semi-short workout won’t kill you. I prefer to save money invest in fewer nice running pieces.

Also, over the years you can build your “running wardrobe.” Don’t think you need to get everything at once. Family members love to give you gifts you’ll use, and running clothing is a great thing to suggest.

I would start with:

• 1 pair of shorts
• 1 nice Dri-FIT t-shirt
• 1 nice Dri-FIT  long-sleeve
• running tights

Anything with pockets are always a good idea!

Sneakers that are right for you

Even though I’m a total sucker for thinks that are pretty, things Kara Goucher wears, and things the color pink, with sneakers it’s best to ignore all of those impulses and go solely by fit.

If possible, go to a running store that will watch you run and recommend something based on your stride and foot strike. (I am going to do this once my injury heals, because as loyal as I have been to Asics, I’m not convinced I’m running in the best possible shoes for me.)

Strength workout “bare minimum” equipment

Strength training is really important to me, and I know it makes me a better runner. When I can’t make it to the gym, I like to have what I consider the “bare minimum”to get in some kind of full-body strength workout in at home. Even if it’s only 15 minutes, it’s better than skipping it all together! Also, when I’m home watching TV, it’s a great time for me to get in a little extra strength training.

Here are my essentials:

• a set of 10 pound weights (around $15)
• a stability ball (around $20)
• a yoga mat (anywhere from $10 for a cheap one to $80 for a nice one)

With just these 3 things, I can work my abs on the stability ball, my arms with the weights and push-ups, my legs with lunges, squats and exercises with the ball, and “full-body” strength plus stretching with the yoga mat.

Whatever You Need to Stay Injury-Free

Things that will keep you from being injured are also a very wise investment. Some examples:

• Foam roller (especially for people with IT band issues)
• Tiger Tail
• “The Stick”
• Compression Socks
• Ice Wraps
• The Sock (for plantar fasciitis)

Of course usually we all need to draw the line somewhere. Weekly sport massages would probably be great for me in terms of faster recovery and injury prevention, but that is far from being in my budget. Also, I can do with icing with frozen veggies, and some people say that using a rolling pin on your muscles is just as good as foam rolling.

Good headphones

If you listen to music while you run, actual sport headphones are worth the investment. When it comes to headphones, I tried to skimp and get by with the ipod headphones for a long time.

But they just didn’t work for me after a while. They’re not exactly meant for rigorous exercise and a lot of sweating! There are plenty of good sport headphones out there, and lots of different styles, so find the one that is most comfortable for you.

I actually won these headphones from a giveaway on Heather‘s blog recently.

These even come with different sized attachments to make sure they fit properly.

Headphones need to fit in your ears well, and even if you jump around they shouldn’t fall out.

From someone who is on a budget, I understand not wanting to spend money on every running accessory, and I really believe that you can get started running successfully and improve with these basics.

What are you running essentials?

Are there popular items you could live without?

Tagged as: Running, Running Gear