Running Gear

PositivelyFlawed

Does not having it increase the chance of failure? I have some good running shoes and my gym clothes, but reading over the gear it seems I missing much. Right now it's not financially feasible, is it something that if you are serious abut wanting to run you make money for?

MeanderingMammal

I had nearly finished C25K before I got any specific kit.

It helps with comfort, but that's about it.

LyssaJ1

If your shoes are good, then that'll do...at least that's my opinion on it. I figure when it warms-up, then I'll see about getting the wicking clothes, but for now my sweats and oversized tshirts are "good enough." I got new shoes at the local runner's store, but that was something I saved-up for and knew I had to make the investment (bad hips that are permanently off-kilter, thus I have an insert in one shoe.)

Mapanggulo

Looks to me like a great pair of shoes would be the only necessary "running gear" needed...but hey I'm just a beginner so maybe I'm wrong.

I can see the benefits of some of the wicking clothing or other gear...but I also see a whole variety of gear runners/joggers are using/wearing so don't see it as a necessity but more a "want" (and for some a fashion statement). Sweats & T-shirts are good enough for me...might treat myself to some tights/shorts later as I progress...but its not something I see as having to do to get serious. Next winter I'll also invest in some good winter running gear because I'm hoping I'll be up to speed (and a graduate of c25k), that will be more to keep warm without having to wear a ton of heavy stuff.

juliet3455

The basics are shoes and socks.
Then you start to slowly expand your collection of gear

#1 Good shoes and wicking/compression socks. Helps prevent hot spots on the feet
#2 Wicking top. Dry = happy
#3 Running shorts/tights
#4 Mens/Ladies speciality undergarments. Prevent chaffing ( nipple burn!!)
#5 Goretex style running coat ( a little rain should not be an excuse to stay inside)
#6 Goretex pants
#7 More socks
#8 2nd pair of shoes
#9 More socks
#10 Climate specific clothing to allow you to run through out the year.

When I started running I used my Gore-Tex coat ( no-liner ) from my ski gear as a wind/rain shell until I could find a more budget friendly option for a new coat.
Re-purpose what you already have in the closet until you can find a good sale. Its like any wardrobe build it one piece at a time.

LyssaJ1

Oh! Juliet...good point...I *did* fork-over some dough for really good sports bras. Luckily, they had "last year's model" (color) so I got a good deal on one of them. It's not like I'm *ever* going to run around in just a sports bra, so what do I care about the color?! ~lame chuckle~ Definitely worth the investment as my bosoms and chest is thanking me.

AglaeaC

I already had a sports bra and a pair of sports pants with wide legs, like for dancing or yoga. Still use both. Got a long-sleeved New Balance t-shirt and running shoes + socks, which weren't optimal so the latter are upgraded. For winter outdoor sports incl running I got a set of pants and jacket, and a hat with wind stopper on the inside. Since the t-shirt sleeves have built in "mittens" I use those until my hands are warm enough to be bare. I use a narrow/thin silk scarf to plug the neck opening.

In other words I slowly built my collection and still have no short-sleeved proper running t-shirt or mid-layer between jacket and long-sleeved t-shirt. I'd love to get a running cap in very light material for Summer, but more important was the sock upgrade. At some point I'll upgrade the running pants as well, but I just make do and wash frequently. Rather have one of very expensive proper technical fabric than several cheap crap that isn't perfect at all.

loratliff

Shoes are obviously paramount... Beyond that, it's whatever works for you!

I couldn't live without good wicking and compression socks and I have an unhealthy addiction to Dri-Fit, but I know plenty of people who run in sweatpants and t-shirts.

PaytraB

Good shoes and comfortable socks are all that's really needed.
I used to run in old gym shorts and t-shirts (yeah, it was a pretty sight ). Now I look over the sales racks to find wicking t-shirts (which make a world of difference in comfort) and run in yoga pants, capris or shorts. Keep checking out the sales racks and Costco is a good source of items, at times.
There's no specific gear required. When you're ready, you'll find what works for you.

Just_Ceci

I have built up my exercise gear over the last 3 years by making specific requests when asked, "What do you want for your birthday, Christmas?"

This past Christmas, I got the best gloves for running in the winter. They even have retractable mittens that block the wind!



My husband is a great shopper and picks up tech shirts and running tights whenever he finds a bargain, so I've gotten several for gifts.

PositivelyFlawed

I already have a couple of dri fit tees i wear, but still cotton loose fitting capri. i may look into the socks since i have plain old regular socks and last time i ran hot spots was an issue. a better sports bra is probably something i'd invest in! Thanks for the info. i was feeling slightly intimidated, but i think mostly using it as an excuse..ya know.. i can't possibly start my c25k, i don't have [insert popular branded] top and matching tights/socks/headband... oy vay. i'll make it work

PaytraB

ellivort wrote: »

..ya know.. i can't possibly start my c25k, i don't have [insert popular branded] top and matching tights/socks/headband...

This made me laugh because I remember my training days. I was glad to be training on the treadmill at home so that no one saw the clothes I was running in. They truly looked awful. LOL!

Ceci, asking for gifts is a great idea. Love the mitts. I'm considering a pair of knuckle lights for next fall....maybe I'll put that on my Christmas list instead.

AglaeaC

ellivort wrote: »

I already have a couple of dri fit tees i wear, but still cotton loose fitting capri. i may look into the socks since i have plain old regular socks and last time i ran hot spots was an issue. a better sports bra is probably something i'd invest in! Thanks for the info. i was feeling slightly intimidated, but i think mostly using it as an excuse..ya know.. i can't possibly start my c25k, i don't have [insert popular branded] top and matching tights/socks/headband... oy vay. i'll make it work

I had three pairs of bad running socks, which caused blisters to form sometimes. Bought two different sorts of specialty socks about six months ago to test them and like the X-socks (brand) so much I will stick with them for now. And since I have the size I need, I can but them for less online. I won't buy more pairs than needed for one week's running, though, because I wash once weekly anyway.

juliet3455

Check out the Running in Cold Weather Forum/Message Board .
http://community.myfitnesspal.com/en/discussion/401508/running-in-cold-weather#Item_73
On the third page SchweddyGirl pasted a really good Cold Weather running gear layering guide.

@ Ceci_O_K That's a great Idea - put your gear needs in your wish list - whether it is Birthday, Christmas or NSV Celebratory gift.
Love those mittens you posted. Keeping the fingers all together helps them stay warm.

AglaeaC

juliet3455 wrote: »

Check out the Running in Cold Weather Forum/Message Board .
http://community.myfitnesspal.com/en/discussion/401508/running-in-cold-weather#Item_73
On the third page SchweddyGirl pasted a really good Cold Weather running gear layering guide.

Thanks for linking. It is a 'thread', though, not a forum or message board, which might confuse others too.

juliet3455

Thanks AglaeaC. Since MFP uses the term "Message Boards" at the start of each page that is how I have always referred to any links I have posted.

Message Boards › Groups › Couch to 5K Running Program (C25K) › Running in Cold Weather

AglaeaC

juliet3455 wrote: »

Thanks AglaeaC. Since MFP uses the term "Message Boards" at the start of each page that is how I have always referred to any links I have posted.

Message Boards › Groups › Couch to 5K Running Program (C25K) › Running in Cold Weather

This is no critique, but the message boards are divided into main forums and groups (the general overview which you can see when going to the Message Boards tab under the Community tab up on top). In each there are discussion topics or threads.

When you refer to the cold weather resource as message boards, it can be either a forum in main forums (which is unlikely given the topic) or a group. My first thought was oh my what a narrow scope for a group. Then I realised the thread sounded familiar and once I clicked your link, I saw that I had already participated in it.

Sorry about derailing.

Just_Ceci

juliet3455 wrote: »

Check out the Running in Cold Weather Forum/Message Board .
http://community.myfitnesspal.com/en/discussion/401508/running-in-cold-weather#Item_73
On the third page SchweddyGirl pasted a really good Cold Weather running gear layering guide.

@ Ceci_O_K That's a great Idea - put your gear needs in your wish list - whether it is Birthday, Christmas or NSV Celebratory gift.
Love those mittens you posted. Keeping the fingers all together helps them stay warm.

The best thing about these gloves is that the mitten part will slip off and store in a little pocket, so if I don't need that extra wind break it goes away!