My Favorite Running Stuff

Over the past few months I’ve had several people ask me about running gear, shoes, and what is needed to start running. So I put together a list of my favorite running stuff. I’m no pro. Not even close. But that’s what you want, right? An everyday runner sharing their favorites.

Most of the things on this list are a luxury. They aren’t needed to run.

They only thing you really need is a good pair of running shoes.

I can’t stress enough how important a good, quality pair of shoes are. Most people are clueless about running shoes, their foot type, and what type of shoes to run in. I can’t tell you how many people I have heard of injuring themselves by not having the correct pair of shoes. Nike shox are not made to run in (yes they are labeled running shoes, but trust me). Neither are the pair of shoes you wore in high school.

So, my very first recommendation is to get tested and fitted for running shoes. Go to a real running store (not the place that sells athletic shoes in the mall) and they will do it for free. If you’re in TX, Luke’s Locker or a locally-owned running store are good choices. If you are in the area I can direct you to a place. Most of these stores will test your running form on a treadmill, analyze your foot, and make shoe recommendations based on how your foot strikes the ground when you run. You don’t have to buy shoes from their store, but most are competitively priced as the internet.

Yes, good shoes are expensive. Expect to pay around $100-$150. But good shoes are vital to running, even low-mileage runners. The good news is they will last you 350-500 miles of running. The last thing you want to do is injure yourself and then pay $100+ on doctor’s, chiropractors, and orthopedic visits.

So, besides good running shoes, here is my list of my favorite running stuff:

GEAR

Compression Socks and Sleeves- I have fallen in love with compression products this training season. Compression socks were originally designed for diabetics to help with blood flow in the extremities, but athletes soon found out that they can aid in recovery. You’ve probably seen me wearing them in all my running pictures.

I have lived in the compression calf sleeves and marathon socks since October. I wear them at night, on long runs, after long runs, during races, and even to church.

I can tell a huge difference during my long runs and afterward when my muscles are recovering. I prefer not wearing running pants and capris, so they also keep me warm when I wear shorts and run during cold weather. I have tried a few different brands and I love ProCompression the best. I wait for them to go on sale or for a promo code. Right now ProCompression Black socks are 40% + free shipping with promo code SOM113. For sizing references, I wear an XS and my dad wears a Small. Highly recommend if you are going to run or train for a half marathon or more.

Swiftwick Socks- If you don’t invest in a good pair of running socks that wick away the moisture, you might just pay for it later.

Yeah, not fun.

I have tried many different socks from Academy, but Swiftwick are my favorite running socks. $10 a pair, but better than blisters or athlete’s foot.

The site has an overwhelming number of different type of socks. I have tried a few of them, but my favorite pair of SwiftWick socks are the Vibe. Up to you what height you want, but I would stick with Zero or One. Sometimes you can find them cheaper on Amazon.

Nike Pegasus- I’ve previously expressed my love affair with the Nike Pegasus shoes. Love them.

I’ve been tested and fitted 3 times for shoes at a running store and I always go with the Nikes. They fit my foot the best. I have a neutral foot for anyone interested. However, my 2nd choice are the Mizuno Wave Riders (my mom’s choice of shoe) and The Brooks Ghost (my dad’s choice of shoe). Again though, don’t buy Nike because that’s what I buy. Go get fitted.

6″ Shorts- In the past I’ve had the hardest time finding shorts that aren’t super short. For one, I don’t like the immodesty, and secondly, I really don’t like my inner thighs rubbing together when I run. I know, TMI. Normal running shorts that you can buy off the rack at Academy have a 2″-3.5″ inseam. Too short for this mama.

BUT, if you search high and low it is possible to find shorts that are longer without them coming to your knees and looking like a basketball player. Our Academy carries Adidas 6″ shorts. Love em.

My favorite pair of shorts though are the Nike 6″ Woven shorts. I have found them at Dillards in the past, but they are no longer available there.  Right now Running Warehouse has them for $30 (I bought mine for $20 each). I don’t care if I look like a mawmaw. I choose modesty and comfort over being stylish.

A new trend are running skirts. I’ve never tried them because the ones I have tried on are really short; however, I recently found a company that sells some a little longer (although very pricey).

Sports Bras & Tops- I don’t have much to support. Again, TMI. But, I buy the cheap, off-brand kind from Academy with wicking material.

Updated: I have been told that for bigger chested women the Nike Victory Shape for High Intensity has great support and is well worth the price.

Running Gloves- I have had my NIKE lightweight running gloves for 7 years, since the first time I ran a half marathon. Mine are so old they aren’t even touch screen compatible. But they are still in such good condition. They’ve been washed many times and have held up wonderfully. Well worth the $15 I spent on them 7 years ago. Nike has some thermal ones available too, but for our mild Texas winters I have found the lighweight ones work perfectly. If it’s really cold I wear hothands inside my gloves.

I bought a pair of these Saucony gloves at the Houston Expo last weekend and have fallen in love with them, mostly because the thumbs are made out of flannel for ‘snot wiping’. Oh yes, gotta love a glove that can wipe snot. They are thick, have touch screen fingers, and can be clipped together when not worn. However, I only paid $10 for mine. I wouldn’t pay more than that for a pair of gloves. Just my two cents.

Running Jacket- A few years ago my brother-in-law bought me this UnderArmor running jacket. I know, I’m spoiled. I never would have bought it for myself because of the high price tag, but I wear it all the time during my winter runs. Anytime it’s under 32 degrees (which has been everyday the past month), I wear it. This one has thumbholes and pockets inside and outside.

Athleta will periodically have their jackets on sale, so I’m keeping my eyes opened in the coming months. I’m debating getting a running vest instead since my arms tend to get warmer than my core when running. (Hey look Ma, they’re on sale!)

SAFETY

ID Band- A band you wear around your wrist or ankle that has your name and emergency contact information (or even medical info) in case something happens to you while running. Never leave the house without mine.

Taser/Stun Gun- Oh yes, I totally run with a taser. Don’t mess with me while I’m running or you’ll regret it. I’ve had to use it a few times to scare away dogs. It only works by contact, however all I need to do is fire it in the air and they run. God forbid I ever have to use it on a human.

The taser claims, “Simply touching an attacker will deliver a high voltage shock causing loss of balance and muscle control, confusion, and disorientation bringing him to his knees and making him incapable of further aggressive activity. Full recovery takes about five to ten minutes and there is no permanent harm.”

This is similar to the taser I have and I like it for many reasons. First, it also doubles as a flashlight. Second, it’s chargeable and doesn’t require batteries. Thirdly, the model I have has a safety feature that if the wrist band is pulled out it will stop working–in case it’s taken from you (I take this part out at home just in case my kids get a hold of it, although I keep it WAY out of reach of our children). Not sure if this model has that feature or not.

Some states don’t allow you to order or carry stun guns/tasers. But I live in Texas, where people are free.

Reflective Gear- So important when running in the dark. I wear reflective gear from head to toe and even wear extra reflective bands around my arms. I also have this reflective dog leash.

ACCESSORIES

Garmin Watch- LOVE, LOVE my garmin. I am addicted. Besides great running shoes, I recommend a Garmin watch. If you are going to splurge on any one thing, let it be the Garmin.

It tells me my pace, mile splits, calories, heart rate, and incline. The best part is that I can just go and run any route I want and know exactly how far I’ve gone. I used it when hiking in Alaska and training for the past 2 marathons. It helps me with training at the correct pace, it helps improve my time, and it’s really helpful in races to know my pace. I have the Forerunner 305 version, which is larger than a regular athletic wrist watch.

IPOD- I do wear an IPOD when running, but in the wee hours of the morning it’s either turned way down or I only wear one ear bud for safety reasons. Most of the time I listen to podcasts/sermons. My dad recently bought me YurBuds and I really, really like them (they never budged during our recent marathon).

Fuel Belt- In my opinion, a fuel belt is a must when running longer distances. It took some getting use to when I started wearing one 5 years ago, but now I never leave home without it, even on a 3 mile run. I have worn this one for the past 5 years and love it. It holds 4, 8-ounce water bottles, has two zip pouches where I keep my gels, and two velcro pockets where I keep my chapstick and electrolyte tablets. AND, it’s reflective..

It really depends on preference. My mom prefers to run with 2 water bottles. My dad likes this fuel belt, where the bottles ‘snap’ in and out. Some prefer to run with one larger water bottle, and some like to carry a hand water bottle. Most who carry a hand bottle will wear a SpiBelt for gels. Again, I like the belt because it frees the hands and can hold lots of other things too. I just ordered a SpiBelt to experiment with for shorter races.

Speed Laces- These are totally a luxury, but I have speedlaces in all of my running shoes. I had a problem a few years ago with the top of my foot hurting and bruising. So now I run with these laces, which are elastic in nature and give when I run. And an added bonus is no more tying shoes. I have the reflective iBungee laces with Zero Friction Fitting.

Hair Bands- my recent obsession are bands that actually stay in place and hold back your wispy hairs. My favorite ones are Sweaty Bands and BIC Bands. I have a lot of the sparkly colors. I just saw that the Today Show said they’re one of the 2013 fashion trends. Me ahead of the fashion trend? Ha!

 

NUTRITION

I don’t drink sports drinks. I use to and I’m not against them, but I get my electrolytes and carbs in other ways during my runs. First, a very popular sports drink is made of high fructose corn syrup and drinking it everyday is not a wise beverage choice. Second, I am a very salty sweater and I need more electrolytes (salt, potassium) than the sports drinks provide.

Here is what I do instead:

NUUN (pronounced Noon)- an electrolyte drink without carbs. This is all I drink when I run. It replaces all the salt I lose when I sweat and prevents me from cramping or developing hyponatremia (which can happen when all you drink is water during long races). My favorite flavor is fruit punch.

Honey Stinger GOLD gels- During long runs it’s very important to consume carbs. There are a bazillion carbohydrate choices for runners and triathletes. Gels, chews, sports beans…Some with caffeine, some not. I have tried many and something about the consistency of the gels make me want to puke. I can’t stomach them. And then I can’t do the chews or beans because I can’t run and breath and chew all at the same time. Not talented enough. I love the honey gels. Tastes just like honey. Awesome. One gel has 29 grams of carbs and a little sodium and potassium. During long runs (anything over 9 miles) I take one every 45 minutes and wash it down with Nuun.

Pre-Run- Before runs over an hour I eat a combo of the following: whole wheat bagel with almond butter & honey, Clif Bar (chocolate chip), NUUN

Post-Run- I always make sure I consume carbs and protein within an hour of my run. It aids in the recovery process, especially after runs over an hour. There are all kinds of protein shakes and drinks on the market. However, the best choice really is Chocolate Milk. It has the perfect combo of carbs and proteins. 4:1 carbs to protein is what you need, however most people reverse this. In addition to my chocolate milk I love eating a handful of Healthy Bites. Based out of Austin, this gal makes the most amazing and healthy bites and will ship all over the U.S. I’ve tried making them and they are half as good. My mom and I are monthly customers and I anxiously await them every month (ahem, like this month’s Cranberry Sugar Cookie Bites).

Omega-3 Fatty Acids- My everyday diet is high in omega-3 fatty acids for many reasons. The benefits of omega-3 are many, but for runners they include: reducing inflammation and joint pain, increased lung function, and heart health.  My favorite omega-3 fatty acids are Chia Seeds, avocados, flaxseed, almonds/almond butter, & canola oil.

 {I got these Chia Drinks to try}

TRAINING

Hal Higdon offers many different training plans. This is what I used for my very first half marathon and last year’s marathon. He offers 5K training up to marathon training and training tips all for FREE!

Advanced Marathoning- my new favorite book for marathoners who want to improve their time. Don’t let the title scare you. Written by seasoned marathon Pete Pfitzinger. Anyone who wants a solid training plan to follow should buy this book. The basic training plan peaks at 55 miles a week, but you can do as much as 100 miles a week! Lots of good info in this book.

Daily Mile- A way to keep track of your workouts and connect with other runners and see their workouts. Good encouragement. I’ve loved connecting with other runners all over the South and see what other runners do to train.

Training Log- I like to have a hard copy of my training to write personal things and goals. And I really like this log because it has pace times in it. For example, if I want to run a certain time marathon it shows what pace I need to keep, and it predicts what time you can run the marathon (or half) in based on how fast you can run a 10K, 15K, etc.

OTHER

Foam Roller- this hurts yet feels so good. I use it to massage out sore muscles in the legs. It came in really helpful when I was nursing an injury in my leg. The kids use it for other purposes.

Mission Anti-Friction- A MUST for long runs. The last thing you want are chaffed areas on your body from all the rubbing of skin and clothes. Ugh. I love the mission anti-friction cream.

Body Glide- Another must for long runs. Lighter than the mission anti-friction. Good for feet and under the arm protection.

Udderly Smooth- I use this in addition to the Mission Anti-Friction. Same purpose but not as much protection. I will use this on my shorter long runs (12-16 miles). Personally, I would go with the Mission or Body Glide as my first choice.

 

I want to know, what are your favorite running products??

I recently tried arm sleeves from Gypsy Runner and love them.

I’m putting a running skirt on my to-try list this year.

 * This post contains some affiliate links. The pennies we make from affiliations are given away to widows and orphans who need the money more than we do. All opinions in this post are my own.