Have you started running and do not know what you need to purchase? I have created a list of five or so items to get you started.
- 5 – Running Watch
At number five on my list, I have put a running watch. For more advanced runners it is an absolute must have, but for beginners you could easily go without one. When I started, I had my mobile phone connected to an app in the pocket of my cheap running shorts and a set of headphones. I was at least 7 months in before I decided to purchase a watch. That been said, it you are not on a budget and want to go all in on your new hobby, you should pick up a watch. You will not be disappointed; you just might not know exactly what to do with it. I will write a running watch list at a later point, but for beginners you just need to know this. A watch will help you know your pace which can be useful as you progress. It will also track your heart rate and Vo2 max levels. It can be useful to more accurately determine how many calories you burnt during your session, which may be helpful for those trying to lose weight.
- 4 – Safety Gear
Safety should always be a high priority so consider purchasing some reflective gear. You will need this when running in low light and it can be purchased at quiet low cost too. A simple reflective arm band could do the trick. If you are running in a very dark place, you should purchase a headlight to keep you from tripping over. If you want to spend a bit extra you could also purchase reflective jackets and tops, and they can come in all different shapes and sizes. I would put a mobile phone holder in this category also. My very kind wife purchased mine for me and I do not know why it had taken me so long to realize I needed one. You can buy some that fit on your waist or your arm. I personally prefer mine on the arm so I can change songs as I run. I also prefer the feel of it on my arm rather than anywhere else.
- 3 – Running shorts or leggings
The next two are obvious but particularly important. When I started, I bought a ridiculously cheap pair of football shorts that had pockets. There is absolutely nothing wrong with this to start with, but you might be best to just buy running shorts from the offset. It will save you the hassle of repurchasing proper shorts at a later point and its more sustainable for the environment. As a runner, you will notice the difference with a proper pair of runner’s shorts. They will feel lighter and more breathable for those warmer runs. Leggings are handy too during the winter season, and this is whether you are male or female. I personally like to wear mine with a pair of shorts over them, but you may choose otherwise. Keeping the legs warm on a wintry night can keep those muscles warm and prevent injuries.
(The links below are an affiliate link to amazon. If you click it and purchase I will earn a small commission from the sale. It will not affect the price for you)
Why not try these for men
Why not try these for women
2- Running tops, T-shirts, and Jackets
Personally, you can never have enough running T-shirts. When I started, I wore a few cotton t-shirts. This is not advisable though and they can become heavy and awkward if it rains. Buy a few light and breathable shirts for yourself. If you want to spend extra, you could go for the anti-chafing gear. This could be useful if you are a heavier runner, but it depends on the person. When you start ramping up those miles however, it may become a necessity. I am at 18k now in terms of my longest distance, and I have just purchased some anti-chafing cream (not the t-shirts yet). Tops and Jackets are good options for the colder nights. I have a few distinct colours, including bright neon style for the nighttime runs, and a black one for the cold wintery day time runs (my personal favourite time to run). Jackets can be a nuisance and I try not to wear them if I am honest. However, on particularly chilly days they can be useful. Try to get one that has some safety reflective gear already on it.
Try these t-shirts for men
Try these t-shirts for women
(The link above is an affiliate link to amazon. If you click it and purchase I will earn a small commission from the sale. It will not affect the price for you)
- 1 – Running Shoes!
I cannot stress enough how important it is to buy good running shoes. I will be honest though, when I started, I had an old pair of cheap running shoes that I purchased a few years prior and left them in the back of my closet. It wasn’t until I was running for about five months that I invested in a decent pair of running shoes. There are so many different shoes out there and all of them are good for different paces and distances. I would recommend going to a specialised store where a member of staff can assist you. There are many specialised running stores out there, so just walk in and ask for advice. Brooks, Hoka, Nike and Asics are all high-quality brands. I now have 4 pairs, but I’ll get into that in more detail later. For now, go get shopping and look after those feet. You will not regret it!
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