Now, I know that there have to be other people like me out
there; those who like to know exactly what they need to be successful before
they start anything new in their lives. I’m forever collecting manuals and “how
to” guides solely for the lists they provide on possible equipment and gear one
must acquire to be prepared for any situation encountered in their new endeavor.
I have learned, through trial and error, that with running,
these lists can be very vague and can even complicate the process. I’ve found
running to be one of the most personal activities I’ve ever participated in. Your
personal preference and the movement of your body dictates how you use gear and
accessories. I honestly had no Idea. I naively thought that as long as you had any
old pair of sneakers, you were good to go. I will gladly admit I was wrong.
I’ve played sports where certain equipment was needed to participate,
like a glove, a bat, cleats and shin guards; I have never participated in anything
where the variety of equipment and sea of options was so vast. Also, most of the
activities I took part in have a season in which they’re played or performed and
then you put everything away until the next year. The beauty of running, I have
discovered, is that it is season-less and can be done anywhere, potentially at
any time.
The slight downside to that is the necessity of having two
sets of gear: cold weather and warm weather gear. As I’m so new to running I,
personally, have only needed cold weather gear (well come on, I do live in
Vermont, people). I have enjoyed trying out and collecting what I need to be comfortable
enough to find pleasure in running out doors, or on a treadmill for that matter.
I’ve made some mistakes (some expensive
mistakes) but I believe that what I’ve learned through the trial and error
process has been more valuable than reading a list out of a “how to” guide.
That’s not to say that you shouldn’t read those guides!
Those of you out there, like me, who want someone who’s “been there, done that”
to tell you what they think you need and want, do not hesitate to go searching for
and analyze that information. It’s out there for a reason, use it. I’m sure those books provide very valuable
information and, at the very least, a starting point.
I’d just like to offer, the lessons I’ve learned about the
gear I’ve tried out and the importance of making sure it fits your personal
needs.
1.
Amazingly
beautiful and well fitting RUNNING SNEAKERS. This may be obvious to some
people, but let me tell you, it was not obvious to me when I first started
running. The first steps I took on the treadmill were in a pair of Reebok walking
sneakers that I liked simply because they had a lot of cushion and arch support
for my relatively flat feet and didn’t make my toes go numb like other sneakers
did. I thought that was all that mattered. They were heavy and bulky and made
me feel like I was walking through mud when I tried to run. It’s not that they
were bad sneakers, but I didn’t know the difference and thought that was just
how it was supposed to be. It wasn’t
until the tenth or eleventh person told me to make sure I had a really good
pair of sneakers to run in while eyeing my clunkers that I actually decided to look
into the shoe situation. I promptly headed to my local Fleet Feet Sports store
to find out what was so important about sneakers. I must say I was impressed
with the staff and their knowledge. I didn’t know there were so many measurements
to be taken of a person’s foot! The sales guy brought out 4 pairs of sneakers
to try and compare so I could find what was best for me. Of course, the first pair was perfect and are
the ones I went with but I indulged him and tried every pair on. And when I say
tried every pair on, I mean I went outside, walked up and down the sidewalk
with him watching me, came inside and ran on the treadmill for a quarter of a
mile and repeated the process four times. (It was a similar experience to
picking out my wedding gown; the first one I tried was “the one” but I put on a
couple others and walked around the store just to make sure.) That being said,
it was a time consuming process but the effect it had on my running was amazing!
I no longer felt like I had bricks for feet while running; me feet felt light
and airy and it literally shaved about half a minute off my average mile time. It
was an “Ah ha” moment for me (thanks Oprah!). So this is what they were all
talking about! The perfect running shoe is going to have a hefty price tag but
don’t be discouraged. I’d never spent that much money on sneakers before in my
entire life but the difference in your running will be instantaneous. I literally
ran my first 5k race in them two days later without having to breaking them in
and without any pain in the end. You can’t put a price on comfort and support
for your feet. Remember, if your feet are not happy while running, there is no
possible way that the rest of you can be, so why make it more difficult for
yourself? Invest in a good pair of running shoes; you’ll be forever thankful
you did! Oh, and that amazingly beautiful part I mentioned? Those sneaks
fitting perfectly and your feet in them pounding pavement is what makes them amazingly
beautiful! Although, some rocking color or rad laces (I’m currently on the hunt
for some neon ones to spice up mine) could pump up the volume on the amazing
part…
2.
Polarized
sports SUNGLASSES. I was so nervous for my first race that I didn’t even
think about the weather conditions. I’d been training, but it was all inside on
a treadmill. You don’t need sunglasses inside. (Well, ok maybe Angelina Jolie
does, but not me!) When you’re running outside with the sun shining brightly
overhead and bouncing off car windows, shiny metal, or ice and snow, you need
sunglasses. It is difficult to run with your hand shielding your eyes. Not only
does your arm get tired and you develop a muscle cramp in your bicep but it
throws you off balance and you could accidently run into parked cars. (Trust
me, I know.) Anything polarized is a plus because it drastically cuts the glare
and its effects on you. I like the sport style because they fit closer to your
face and they reduce the amount of light that gets in. It really is personal preference
though, so try a few pair on and see what works best for you. I got an amazing
pair from Optic Nerve for Christmas and don’t know how I lived without them!
They came with 4 pairs of interchangeable lenses so they can be customized to
protect your eyes depending on the amount of natural light. Love them!
3.
Separate
BEANIE and NECK WARMER. While being overly ambitious and wanting to be
prepared for the Vermont winter conditions I got a Balaclava to go running
with. I was excited about this and couldn’t wait to try it out. Now it may be
that I wasn’t running in cold enough weather, or that I have too much hair, or
maybe I’m claustrophobic, but this did not work for me. End of story. First of
all. It matted my hair down around my head and I think I ended up eating some
of it. Second, if conditions are not exactly perfect for having your head
completely encased in a stretchy-ninja-hood-type-thingy, it simply is not
practical. When you run, your head heats up and sweats; it gets hot. (At least
mine does and I’m pretty sure that’s normal, although I’m no expert.)When the
gear keeping your head and neck warm is made from one piece of fabric, this can
cause a problem. At one point, I wanted
to take the neck warmer off, but couldn’t because then I would lose the covering
for the top of my head. I decided to put the head part down and keep the neck
warmer on figuring that if one part was still covered then maybe I wouldn’t get
as chilled while I ran. I tried to tuck the extra fabric in and down in the
back but it ended up coming undone, spinning around and making its way to the
front so it looked like I was wearing a bib. It was not attractive. I got so
frustrated that I just took it off and stuffed it in my pocket. I have never used
it since. Do yourself a favor, unless you’re really running in -10 degree
weather, are bald and don’t mind the slight feeling of suffocation, use a separate
beanie hat and neck warmer. That way you have more control over what part is
covered without having to sacrifice your personal comfort.
4.
GLOVES
with a place to WIPE YOUR NOSE. I never really knew what these were for until
I started running. Actually, discovering this necessity was another “Ah ha”
moment for me. (I wonder if Oprah gets money every time someone uses that catch
phrase?) As I was running in my second 5k, First Run in Burlington, VT on New Year’s
Day, I developed a very urgent need to wipe my nose as it was running with just
as much effort and just as much speed as I was. I had nowhere to go and nothing
to use but my hands at that point and even though everything in my adult body
told me not to touch my face cause that was sooo gross, there truly was nothing
I could do. As the back of my thumb came in contact with my nose, I was surprised
by the feeling of something soft against my skin. I had been prepared for the
hard cold feeling of the leathery tech fabric of my sports gloves but lo and behold
there was a portion of fabric on the back of my gloves that had been replaced
with something that felt almost like thin micro fleece. I couldn’t imagine it being there for any
other reason. “So that’s what that’s for” came flying out of my mouth and the
runner next to me looked startled that I’d just spoken out loud. I smiled as
she sped up a little to get a head of me.
I don’t think she saw the snot I’d wiped on my gloves or known what I
was referring to; at least I don’t think she did. But in all seriousness, if
you’ll be doing any cold weather running, I’d say these are a must. It’s
inevitable that your nose will run with you.
5.
EAR BUDS
that WRAP AROUND YOUR EARS. Many a time have I been half dancing while
listening to my tunes and running on the treadmill or the bike path (dangerous
I know! And you haven’t even seen me dance!), and many a time I’ve gotten a
shock as my fingers got caught in the wires of my headphones and they went
flying across the room. That problem has since been resolved with a pair that
has a small rubber part that goes up around the back of my ears. Now, when I
unexpectedly snag the wires, I get a small yank on my ears and it serves as a reminder
to stop flailing about in an attempt to multitask by running and dancing at the
same time. (I’m sure no one wants to see that anyway. I know I should be saving
my moves for the privacy of my own home when my 2 year old and I Gleek out to
the Glee Concert DVD in the living room.)
6.
A pair of
RUNNING TIGHTS with a PERFECTLY FITTED WAIST. I emphasize tights and I
emphasize the perfectly fitted waistband. Seriously, I speak from experience and
from finding out the hard way on both counts. I always wore flared-leg work out
gear because I like the shape of it and how it made me look; I didn’t care
about function at all. (Vain, I know) Well, I learned to care! Apparently,
flared leg pants that are too long can become a safety hazard when the opening
slips over the heel and toe of your sneakers. I didn’t realize this until my
feet were shooting out behind me and I had only seconds to grab on to the
railings or end up doing a massive face plant on the treadmill. (How embarrassing!
And yes, mid dance move mind you.) Now, flared pants that are too short can be
just as annoying! In addition to making you look like you’re wearing high
waters, who needs a chunk of extra fabric flapping around as you’re running and
feeling like flies are buzzing around your ankles? It can be distracting! As
for the waist, if it’s not perfectly fitted one of two things can happen; first
they’ll fall down as your running. Even if they’re skin tight in the legs they’ll
slowly slide themselves from where they’re supposed to sit at your waist and
make their way as far down your butt as you’ll let them go, thus create a cycle
of them going down and you pulling them up every 45 seconds or so. This is very
annoying but also very dangerous. (remember my almost face plant? Well the same
thing applies here if you’re not careful!) If they’re too tight on the waist
then be prepared for stomach cramps and an inevitable side stitch while you
run. Moral of the story, make sure your running tights fit well before running
long distances so you don’t hinder yourself in anyway. I probably tried on 10
different pairs from different brands before I found one that was absolutely
perfect. It was worth it!
7.
An
unbelievably cozy zippered HOODED SWEATSHIRT. This may not be completely
necessary during your run depending on where you’re from, but I highly
recommend it for after. I have found that I get chilled very easily after I’m
done running. As my body starts to cool, I have a tendency to start shivering,
thus the need for a cozy sweatshirt to keep you warm. I have become a Lululemon Scuba Hoodie addict. They’re beautifully fitted, deeply hooded, high collared, pre-shrunk
and made from amazing quality materials. I’ve never had a hooded sweatshirt fit
so well or keep me so warm. (Just my personal favorite.) If at all possible,
get your wet gear (especially sports bras) off ASAP to help ease the chills.
8.
A tightly
fitted, light-weight, MOISTURE WICKING TOP. If you run, you will sweat;
plain and simple. I prefer a top that’s tightly fitted as I don’t want to get
caught in the extra fabric. (My nickname isn’t “Bubble wrap” for no reason! I
have a tendency to hurt myself as you’ll probably find out and anything I can
do to minimize that risk, I will!) You want something light weight to begin
with so that as the fabric picks up said sweat, it doesn’t weigh you down. And,
the faster that sweat is picked up off your skin, the cooler you’ll stay making
your running as delightful as possible. Easy enough, right?! I'm in love with the gear over at InkNBurn right now. The prints are like nothing I've ever seen; so vibrant and fresh! Seriously, Check them out!
9.
MUSIC
that drives you forward. Amazing music can only make your run that much
more enjoyable! Choose something up beat and loud to help you get lost in the
act of pounding the pavement. If you can, try different tempos to help you pace
yourself. The faster the beat, the faster you’ll run. Running makes me feel
strong and powerful so that’s the kind of music I listen to. I’m planning on using
tempo whenever I get to the point where I’m able to focus more on my speed.
Right now, I’m just focused of finishing. And that’s fine with me!
So, those are my tips for what you’ll need to start running;
at least for the time being. Like I said, I haven’t been running for very long
so I can only recommend products based on my experiences. I live in Vermont. It’s
cold.
I’ll be updating and adding to my “Unofficial Guide for Rookie Runners” as
I go along.
Fondly, Betsey
PS- All of the views in the post are my own. I was not
contacted by any brand mentioned and asked to do a review.
