Running Gear and Essentials?
>> Wednesday, August 1, 2012 –
Half Marathon,
Running
Now that I'm starting to train for the half marathon, I would like your advice. What do you make sure to have with you before you pound the pavement? I would love personal recommendations on kinds of ear buds (over the ear or not, what brand) and anything else you think I need. (So far, I have great shoes and a water bottle.)
THANKS!
Hmmm... I have Nike over the ear headphones, I like them because I don't have to have them stuffed in my ear and I can hear other runners on the path coming up behind me. I also have a spibelt, it's a small fanny pack type thing that I store my ID, keys, bus pass and cash. I like my Garmin 305, it's reliable and accurate. I don't use it much any more as I'm not training for anything, I'm using my iPhone now but kind of feel like it's not as accurate with pace & distance. Can't think of much else, I like running in capris vs. shorts. I like my Champion sports bras from Target.
BODY GLIDE!!! It's the best thing ever for training in this muggy heat. It makes running in shorts comfortable and on long runs, I used to put it under my bra band and even on my feet sometimes. I also LOVE Thorlo Experia cushion socks. I always liked having a watch on to get a feel for pace, but the $10 Target watch worked just fine for me. I'd plan my routes on Google Pedometer first so I'd know where my mile markers were.
I cannot survive without an amazing playlist pumping in my ears. Shape magazine posts their monthly cover celebrity's favorite ones each month on their website. Hope you can find some great tunes to get you through those 13.1 miles! :D
Check our yurbuds, they're ear bud headphones but they don't fall out and they're totally worth it!! I feel like I've spent much more trying over the ear headphones and all types of sized ear buds trying to find headphones that won't fall out or off my head while running. These finally work!! If you've ever had issues with headphones I HIGHLY recommend these. :)
Target Champion sport bras are great if you're not big chested, easy to get on and off after a workout.
Sport/wicking socks, please do not go out running in cotton socks. You will be amazed at the difference this can make! Same with shirts and shorts no cotton!
I love the running shorts with the built in underwear but that's probably one of those personal preference items, either you dig it or you don't.
Finally, music with a good beat, I find I'm a much stronger runner when running to techno then I am when running to more mellow music.
Have a blast and hope these help!
I'll second the yurbuds! I just bought a pair last weekend and love them! I have issues with earbuds because I have small ears, but the small size of these (that are on the white pair, or the smaller of the two on the black pair) fit perfectly and never fall out. They're a must for me because I have to have music.
I'll also second the shorts with built in underwear and bodyglide. I actually use bodyglide on 2 spots on my toes where I get blisters as I increase mileage. That plus non-cotton socks make a huge difference!
Most importantly though, have fun!
Thanks girls for the great suggestions! Keep 'em coming!
I second Body Glide! If I don't have it I tend to chafe like crazy in between my thighs and get blisters on my feet.
Also Zensah compression sleeves. They completely changed my running experience and recovery. If you have any calf or shin problems you should look into them.