Girls: Essentials for running?

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  • AllonsYtotheTardis
    AllonsYtotheTardis Posts: 16,947 Member
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    Properly fitted running shoes are the only essential. The rest, you either discover very quickly (oh hey, I need a more supportive bra), or develop preferences through experience.

    Moisture wicking socks are an inexpensive and wonderful thing to get, though. Cotton socks will make most runners get blisters.

    Some runners prefer capris, some prefer running tights, some prefer shorts, or skirts. My decisions were based on this - if what I was wearing was causing me discomfort, I looked for something that solved that particular issue.
  • iankirsch
    iankirsch Posts: 24 Member
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    Anything under 1 hour you don't need any nutrition or hydration unless it is hot.good shoe fitting at a shop is essential if you haven't any idea.you will risk injury if you are unlucky without.c25 only goes for thirty minutes and eases in so it should be fun.clothing for running is optional and not worth spending loads on unless you get hooked and see yourself running for ever.and you can! Comfort is important as are layers if cold.one more thing Enjoy!

  • iankirsch
    iankirsch Posts: 24 Member
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    I would love just to run on fine sand in bare feet however this is not an option available to me
  • sweetdixie92
    sweetdixie92 Posts: 655 Member
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    NearlyJen wrote: »
    Essentials? Nothing at all. Don't buy into a lifestyle, it's just running. Run. Not even "running shoes" are essential - they were a fad created in the 70's.

    +1

    Just buy a pair of comfortable sneakers. I end up getting cross training sneakers a lot. I just buy what keeps my feet comfy.

    I personally need a medium or higher impact sports bra.

    Shorts and just a regular old tank top for warmer weather is fine. You don't need any special *running* stuff.
  • mumblemagic
    mumblemagic Posts: 1,090 Member
    edited March 2015
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    NearlyJen wrote: »
    Essentials? Nothing at all. Don't buy into a lifestyle, it's just running. Run. Not even "running shoes" are essential - they were a fad created in the 70's.

    Err, fads generally go away. Running shoes are still a thing. I wouldn't call something that's old enough to be a grandma a fad. But then I'm a pedant.

    Also, sports stuff isn't always just bought to 'buy into a lifestyle'. Sometimes you actually need some of the gadgetry or specialised clothing. Like Hi Viz to stop you getting splatted by cars, for example.

    To clarify my earlier comment:

    A sports bra is essential because it can cause pain and you can even do permanent damage to your breast tissue if you don't wear one.
    http://www.sportsinjuryclinic.net/sport-injuries/chest-abdomen-pain/joggers-breast
    http://www.womenshealthmag.com/fitness/breast-pain
    http://well.blogs.nytimes.com/2013/05/01/the-problem-of-breast-pain-in-women-who-exercise/?_r=0

    Running shoes are a very-nice-to-have but not essential IMO. Cheap comfy trainers would be fine. I find that running shoes provide significantly more support than my standard trainers so I can relax about spraining my ankles (I have v. weak ankles), and the cushioning in them makes the impact of running much less on my knees.

    Other clothing, wear comfy shorts or joggers and a comfy t-shirt or something. Don't wear jeans. If you're running in the dark, or poor visibility like fog, wear something bright, preferably hi viz.
  • meritage4
    meritage4 Posts: 1,441 Member
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    as well as shoes get good socks. They make a difference.
    As for a bra-use your pullover one.

    When I ran lots (I've completed 2 1/2 marathons and 1 full plus numerous 10 and 5 ks) I could run with a pull over bra or even be fine running without a bra. No lasting effects here. The only time I HAD to have a bra was when breasts were tender right before TOM.
  • ThickMcRunFast
    ThickMcRunFast Posts: 22,511 Member
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    NearlyJen wrote: »
    loratliff wrote: »
    NearlyJen wrote: »
    Essentials? Nothing at all. Don't buy into a lifestyle, it's just running. Run. Not even "running shoes" are essential - they were a fad created in the 70's.

    I wouldn't call running shoes "a fad," but to each their own. Sure, if you're Meb, you can probably run in whatever and be fine, but for someone who is unfit, or overweight, or might have prior injuries, shoes can be the difference between miles of happy running and miserable, painful running.

    Google the origin of running shoes. 1970's. Do you think that we ran badly for millenia prior? Many books on the subject (start with Born to Run) and my opinion after running since 1979 is to agree with the research.

    Substitute "marketing gimmick" for fad, if you like.

    Just fyi, an actual read of Born to Run will reveal that while the author championed minimalist running, he himself rehabed his running ability while wearing the Brooks Beast, which is as about as far from minimalist as you can get. Wearing the WRONG shoes is bad, and Nike has been great at marketing shoes that are terrible for running as great, but that doesn't mean all shoes are bad.

    In fact the entire running community is moving towards things with zero drop, but tons of padding, like Hokas.

    Not believing everything you read counts for minimalist running ads as well
  • lngrunert
    lngrunert Posts: 204 Member
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    What kind of socks are you guys talking about when it comes to moisture wicking? I bought wool socks to wear when I walked during the winter. They were the only thing that kept my feet warm. I typiclly just wear cotton socks, but my feet can get sweaty.

    I like these: http://www.target.com/p/all-pro-women-s-socks-3-pack/-/A-15689912#prodSlot=_1_4.
  • ThickMcRunFast
    ThickMcRunFast Posts: 22,511 Member
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    Also, is it okay to feel sick after jogging? After I start walking again after running for a couple of minutes, I feel like I am gonna puke. I've heard this means I'm pushing myself too hard. But other times, people say it is normal and good. For instance, my boyfriend played football in high school and the coach was just fine with them puking. He said if you needed to puke, go puke and then get right back into working out again. So I'm just confused on what my body means when I get sick to my stomach.

    This is definitely not normal. While the whole "run till you puke" think is popular with athletes, its counterproductive. Vomit is your body's way of saying STAHP. Its not something you want to aim for. Not that I haven't gotten woozy at races or during a hard sprint workout, but actually vomiting? And on a regular basis? No.

    What are you eating before these sessions? I cant' handle things in my stomach, so I will either eat two hours before a run, or not at all.
  • Adc7225
    Adc7225 Posts: 1,318 Member
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    Since you plan on listening to music while you are running outside you might as some point consider getting earbuds/headphones for runners, they stay in place outside of the ear to allow for you to still hear some of the goings on around you.
  • AmyRhubarb
    AmyRhubarb Posts: 6,890 Member
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    The only time I have ever felt like puking after a workout or run in 3+ years was at the end of a 5k race on a hot day when I was really pushing it the last 1/2 mile to the finish line.

    I don't buy into the push til you puke mentality or feel that it's ok. You definitely need to learn to slow down on the running portions - shorten your stride, and just focus on taking it easy.

    My essentials for running (I'm a c25k graduate!) - good shoes, good socks (Smartwool is my fave -thicker in winter, thinner in summer), good sports bra, shorts that won't chafe, wicking fabric tops (tanks for summer, half zip tops for winter), armband for my phone, good playlist on shuffle, earbuds, sunglasses, and a visor or cap. B) Gloves if it's cold, and a fleece headband over my ears if it's really cold.
  • wellthenwhat
    wellthenwhat Posts: 526 Member
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    I don't always run, but when I do, I like to use my birthday shoes. :smile: My 4 year old can ride his pedal bike(no training wheels) very well now, and it's just the right speed for a slow jog, and he'll only get faster, so I'll naturally have to go faster and faster to keep up.
  • Kanohane
    Kanohane Posts: 112 Member
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    NearlyJen wrote: »
    Essentials? Nothing at all. Don't buy into a lifestyle, it's just running. Run. Not even "running shoes" are essential - they were a fad created in the 70's.
    This....all you need is a good pair of shoes and some music...
    well and a good supportive bra if you're bigger chested
  • sistrsprkl
    sistrsprkl Posts: 1,013 Member
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    I swear by green Superfeet. That, and just make sure the girls are strapped down well, I usually wear 2 sports bras. You're good to go.
  • Charliegottheruns
    Charliegottheruns Posts: 287 Member
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    psq691cetuf2.jpg
    Runner's have heart !
  • airangel59
    airangel59 Posts: 1,887 Member
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    tat2cookie wrote: »
    My 2 new favorite things are my flipbelt and my Bluetooth headphones. Never leave home without them.

    I second this, hate corded earbuds and love my FlipBelt as well as SPIbelt (depends on the day). It is hot here (Southern Az) so my mouth gets dry so I take gum or Tic Tacs or something. Hate running with water bottle but I have them in cooler in my car for afterwards.

    Good fitted sneakers a plus, I damaged toe (nail) walking and took over a year for the nail to grow back.

    And with C25K if you are just starting, RUN slow, SLOWER than slow. Puking is not a good thing.
  • juliet3455
    juliet3455 Posts: 3,015 Member
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    Loratliff and AllonsYtotheTardis are wise and have always offered positive encouraging comments.
    loratliff wrote: »
    You're going too fast if you're feeling sick. It is entirely normal for it to be harder to go slower than to run faster—but running slow is the only way you learn to go for long distances and build up your aerobic endurance.

    Professionally fitted shoes are the only absolutely 100 percent requirement for happy running! Everything else is so subjective.
    Properly fitted running shoes are the only essential. The rest, you either discover very quickly (oh hey, I need a more supportive bra), or develop preferences through experience.

    Moisture wicking socks are an inexpensive and wonderful thing to get, though. Cotton socks will make most runners get blisters.

    Some runners prefer capris, some prefer running tights, some prefer shorts, or skirts. My decisions were based on this - if what I was wearing was causing me discomfort, I looked for something that solved that particular issue.

    If it hurts/chaffs replace it.
    Socks - the store where you get a gait analysis and fitted for shoes should have some good wicking socks in stock. Smartwool, Balega's and Nike are just a few examples.

    This is a classic example of a shoe that was 1/2 a size to small or had a Toe Box that was to narrow, causing the Toe to bang into the front of the shoe, keeping the Toe Nails Trimmed short will help prevent this.
    airangel59 wrote: »
    Good fitted sneakers a plus, I damaged toe (nail) walking and took over a year for the nail to grow back.

    And with C25K if you are just starting, RUN slow, SLOWER than slow. Puking is not a good thing.

  • summer92008
    summer92008 Posts: 202
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    The only time I have actually puked was coming into a warm house after a jog in the cold. I got too hot and puked. But I regularly feel sick to my stomach when jogging. Is it bad if I'm just feeling sick?
  • shreyashiganguly
    shreyashiganguly Posts: 30 Member
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    Earphones that stay in place, a couple of good quality sports bras (you will need it), comfortable socks and a dedicated timer (physical or app). You will only improve when you constantly challenge yourself :)
  • misskris78
    misskris78 Posts: 136 Member
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    You're talking a 5k not an ultra marathon, so the gear that you need is pretty minimal. At that distance, seamless clothing is not a must unless you're prone to chafing. A sports bra is important because it helps minimize the shoulder and upper back pain, even if you're small. I'm a fan of getting properly fitted for shoes. Proper fitting shoes does not necessarily equal $200 shoes. Tell the store your goals, and they should be able to find a good mid priced shoe that will get you where you need to go. While I'm sure our paleolithic forefathers did not have snazzy kicks, they also only lived until about 50 (assuming they survived childhood). I assume you'd like to keep your joints in tip top shape past that point.