Gear for Runners
Whether running for fun or competitive sport, consider the following items as part of your checklist for a safe and enjoyable run.
Proper Running Shoes
The right shoes will help prevent injuries or problems you might have by correctly aligning your body. Our Shoe M.D.s can advise you on the correct amount of support for your specific type of training.
Moisture-Management Socks
Remember, no cotton! Cotton soaks up sweat and stays wet. Moisture causes friction, and friction causes blisters. Socks made from moisture-managing fibers, like CoolMax, will wick moisture away from your feet and reduce friction.
Moisture-Management Apparel
Whatever you choose - short-sleeve, long-sleeve, sleeveless, shorts, pants, etc. - remember that cotton is not nice during exercise.
Sports Bra
A properly-fitting sports bra is just like a properly-fitting shoe. It needs to have the right amount of support, but even more important, it needs to fit well. Otherwise, it's not able to do its job correctly.
Energy/Electrolyte Supplements
Energy and electrolytes are essential for success in training. Gels (i.e. GU, PowerGel, Clif Shot, Accel Gel), non-gels (i.e. Clif Bloks, Luna Sport Moons, Jelly Belly Sport Beans) and sport drinks (i.e. Accelerade, Ultima, Gatorade Endurance) will help. Just remember that once you start taking it during your run, you need to keep doing it. Otherwise, you can crash.
Hydration Belt
Dehydration can cause fatigue, cramping, headaches and stress, just to name a few symptoms. Just remember, if you're thirsty, you're already dehydrated!
Reflective Gear
When training at night, blinking lights or reflective gear (i.e. vests, wristbands) are obviously important. Remember that you should run facing traffic, so you can be seen.
Anti-Friction Stick
BodyGlide and Sport Shield are just a few options you have to help prevent chafing.
Running Watch
Having a watch keep time (or distance) for you allows you to set and attain goals. Some watches are capable of keeping multiple timers, called interval timers, just in case you're doing a run/walk program.
Running Sunglasses
Sun protection should always be in mind when training outdoors during the day. Running sunglasses should be light (to minimize bouncing), should have polarized lenses (to minimize glare yet maintain, if not enhance, clarity) and should be vented (to minimize fogging).
Running Cap
Again, sun protection is very important. A running cap should be made of moisture-managing fibers, so it's not soaked at the end of your run.
