GEAR UP
First off, if anyone tells you running is a cheap sport, they’re lying to you. The rabbit hole of running gear is never-ending and the purchases add up fast. There’s also a lot of trial and error involved. It’s not always easy to find what works for you, which makes things even more expensive. Given the cost, it’s natural to think you should wait until you’re “more of a runner” before buying the good stuff. I get it. Any fiscally aware person keeps an eye on expenses.
Spend the Money.
Listen to me, you don’t have to be hugely passionate about running or do some arbitrary amount of miles to justify the cost of quality running gear. Having the right gear makes running more comfortable and reduces injury risk. Those are not the kinds of things you have to earn. In fact, you deserve both of those things from the very first moment you lace up. I cannot tell you how much I struggled in the beginning because I wasn’t willing to spend the money on real running shoes or the right kinds of clothes. Don’t make my mistake.
Research Helps with Costs.
The most effective way to keep the budget in check is to research items before you purchase. They won’t all be winners, but research ups your odds. As we have established, I love researching things. Especially running things. This is my master list of running gear that currently works for me. Of course, just because something works for me, doesn’t mean it will work for you. So I make a point to go through the pros, cons, and provide alternatives where applicable. Amazon links here are affiliate links, everything else are just normal links. More information about the affiliate program can be found in the About section. Ok, now that’s all out of the way…
Let’s gear up!
The Running Basics
Running Shoes
Arguably, shoes are the most vital piece of equipment for a runner. They’re also pricey. It’s not uncommon to see a $150 price point for running shoes. Which makes it very tempting to buy something off Amazon instead. Don’t do it. Go to your local running store and get fitted. Having an expert help you is hands down the best way to go. Let me tell you why.
Our feet expand as we run, and you will likely need a size larger than your usual size to accommodate the expansion. The literal rule of thumb here is to have a thumbs width of space between your toes and the tip of the shoe. The shape of your foot also plays into this though. If you have a wide forefront, you may be most comfortable in a brand like Altra which is known to have a wider toe box. Additionally, some people naturally roll their feet in or out as they run. This is called pronation or supination, depending on the direction. In these situations, a shoe with stability support to help counteract the rolling motion may be the best option. Sizing, shoe shapes, and gait/motion are just some of the factors that go into a proper shoe fitting. A fit expert will be able to identify your specific needs and help guide you to the right shoe.
Balega Socks
You’re thinking this is one thing you definitely “do not need”. I hear you, and I’m still telling you actual running socks are worth every penny. Regular socks are made of cotton, and absorb moisture. As you sweat, all that moisture sits against your skin and it’s blister territory. Trust me, you don’t want to find out how much blisters suck mid-run. It also makes your feet really hot and gross, which nobody likes. In comparison, running socks are moisture-wicking, and depending on the style, can provide better arch support and cushioning under the ball and heel of your foot.
There are several great brands, out there. Feetures and Balega are all well-known brands in the running world. I prefer the Balega brand in general and the Balega Ultralight socks specifically. Our feet expand as we run and I’ve found I need the extra room the thin socks provide to avoid blisters. Feetures socks are much more compressive, which many prefer.
Raw Threads (and other Clothes)
Figuring out the right clothes is trial an error. You want items that are wicking and provide the right amount of comfort for the conditions (either hot or cold). It’s going to be a lot of trial and error. I like REI as a store because you can buy many name brand running items and work out in them, while still being eligible for a return. That’s a return policy that the brands themselves often don’t even offer. For Disney specific tops, I love Raw Threads. The materials are all eco friendly and the designs are created with the Disney runner in mind. The shop often will create specific designs themed to each race weekend and character.
Sports Bras
It’s almost become a running joke how many sports bras I’ve tried. I got so furious I went scorched earth and spend over a thousand dollars on sports bras in a month. All of them ended up getting returned because they didn’t work. You can follow along with the journey on instagram, but just be aware the quest is still on. My specific issue is that I have a large bust with a small band size. The best bra I have tried thus far has been the Yve
Watches and Head Phones
GPS Watch
I use an Apple Watch. Garmin’s are arguably more popular. Both get the job done, and I’ve used each watch brand extensively. There are a few reasons I prefer the Apple Watch:
Cellular Sevice. As a female who sometimes runs by myself I want the option to send/receive emergency texts and phone calls from loved ones and summon 911 via a long hold on the watch crown Garmin does have an option now with LTE. This such a deal breaker that for all the numerous watches Garmin sells, the LTE one is the only watch I would consider.
I prefer the touch screen interface of the apple watch. Clicking through a million menus is cumbersome. Garmin does have touchscreen watches, but I find that Apple does it better.
Smartwatch features are better on the Apple watch. Things are more seamless, and I find I will wear my Apple Watch all day. In comparison, I only wore my Garmin during the runs.
Garmin does a few things better than Apple. They have watches that are better for multi-sport use, such as triathlons. Their built in interval timer is much more robust (great for run/walk). They also have a longer battery life. My apple watch will last through a marathon, but it would not last several days. Because I take my watch off to charge at night, I don’t have any sleep data.
Both watches have tracking options for safety while you run (though I find the “find my friend” option on Apple to be more robust). They also both have options for crash detection.
People will say you don’t really need a watch, and I guess technically that is true. However, if you ask a runner what their most important running item is, most will list their watch in the top 3. Having immediate feedback and data on your runs is really engaging and makes training a lot easier in several ways.
Apple Airpod Pros
I love these and I use them all the time. They are noise canceling and the silicone tip on the airpods comes in multiple sizes for a more comfortable fit. There is a transparency mode, for when you need to be more aware of your surroundings outside, which I have used and have been impressed with. However, I mostly use these on the treadmill. The noise canceling feature takes care of the treadmill sounds and I can listen to the TV at a reasonable sounds level. The apple bluetooth also registers pretty seamlessly with our Apple TV, which I love. I hate it when headphones are constantly connecting and disconnecting.
Aftershokz
Runners love Aftershokz. The headphones are bone conducting, which means they sit outside the ear near your temples and vibrate. It allows you to still hear your surroundings, which is critical when running outside. It sounds a bit like snake oil, but these really do work. The technology is pretty wild. However, the knock offs don’t work very well at all. I suspect it has to do with the vibration frequency or range. My only complaint is the band that goes around the back. My ponytail kept hitting it. My husband loves these though, and Aftershokz just released a version without the band that I want to check out.
Hydration
Nathan Handheld Waterbottle
Hydration Vest
Hydration Belt
Spiblet
Honey Stinger Gummies
Salt Tabs
Justine’s Almond Butter
Fuel
Hydration Handheld
Hydration Vest
Hydration Belt
Spiblet
Honey Stinger Gummies
Salt Tabs
Justine’s Almond Butter
Safety
The Birdie Personal Alarm
You should have a personal alarm. It’s useful both if you’re attacked and if you happen to get hurt out on a trail and need to guide people to you . Pretty much all of the personal alarms out there will get the job done, but there are a few features you want to make sure your alarm has:
Easy to securely attach and remove. Think locking carabiner. You want something that can’t accidentally fall off, but also allows you to easily move it to whatever vest or belt you are using that day. The personal alarm only works if it’s on you.
Durable. You don’t want the plastic breaking or cracking in the elements.
Flashing White Light, this will help bring visual attention to you and could be useful if you’re hurt in a rural area (think trail running) and you’re trying to help people find you.
Loud. People need to hear it.
Bright colors. A bright colored alarm is more visible and can act as a deterent to-would be attackers if they spot it.
She’s Birdie meets all these criteria and it looked cute. So I bought it.
Safety Light
This light does it all. It is bright enough to illuminate the sidewalk in front of you so you don’t trip and fall. It has a strobe option with red lights to catch the attention of drivers and cyclists. It even has a mode where it tapes out SOS in morse code should you become injured and stranded in a remote trail running location. It can last for hours on a single charge, and you don’t have to deal with batteries because it’s rechargeable. It come in a two pack, and I recommend using the flood light in front and the strobe in back while running. If you need to drive to get in your outdoor runs, you can also keep one handy in your car.
Road ID
Road ID is a where you can list emergency contacts, medical conditions, medications, or allergies. Most runners don’t run with a wallet or ID on them, and having this information easily available to the EMS should you be hit by a car is invaluable. I have the apple watch version of this (pictured) but they also make versions for garmin watches, standalone bracelets, shoes, etc. I’ve been told that shoes can go flying if you are hit by a car though, and that bracelets or necklaces are the best option.
Weapons
This is a big topic that get’s people heated quick. Personal opinions, local laws, and what someone is comfortable with are all going to vary. This is a decision you’ll need to come to on your own. The only reason I’m including this topic is because there’s one very specific thing I want to say about pepper spray for my mommas that run with strollers.
Most of you have probably been told that if you want to use pepper spray, to practice with it to learn how to avoid blow back. There’s also a gel formula which isn’t as susceptible to blowback, but has it’s own downsides. When practicing, remember that pepper spray (gel or spray version) can fall into the stroller if you’re having to spray across it.