Runners: what are your "must haves"?

kendradl

1. Good Running shoes
2. Moisture wick socks - mine are comfy and I love them.
3. Camelbak - will never run a race without it again (I am used to the weight of it when it is full)
4. Siege ear buds (the only ones I have found that are comfy) Although would love to hear other suggestions on good earbuds :happy:
5. My phone for music and my GPS tracking app
6. Paden - my dog, he goes with me to every race that he is allowed :bigsmile:

I am also running in the 5K Tinkerbell race in January and can't wait for that one, planning on doing some sightseeing as well :bigsmile:

MaggieMay131

Properly fitted shoes, my SpiBelt (great for the day of the race- fits your power gels, phone, ID, $$, etc) but super lightweight, and iPod shuffle.

I also use Nike earbuds that stay in place pretty well.

runnergirljaime

Did my first half last November, and am in week 10 of 22 weeks of marathon training for my first marathon this November (Thunder Road in Charlotte NC). I have been running since 2009 and have found that my must haves are:

1. BODY GLIDE!! I use the stick version plus the liquid powder version...can't live without it!
2. Wicking socks....I use the Brooks ones and have found they help a ton with blisters.
3. IPod!! I have one of the cheaper shuffles b/c I don't like having my iphone strapped to my arm...too bulky.
4. Water belt....I have 4 (depends on the distance as to which one I use) but 2 are Fuel Belt and 2 are Nathans....both a good brand.
5. GELS!! I tested a ton of gels during my training of my half last year and found the ones I like are the GU power gels in orange.
6. Garmin watch is a must!
7. Properly fitted shoes not only saved my knee pain but helped me to enjoy running more b/c I was doing it properly.

I used the USAFit training program last year for my half training. They are scattered throughout the USA and you can find the local one near you on their website. Because I had done the half, I had the full training schedule as well so that is what I am following for my marathon training. I am a lone runner (don't like running with others) so it works perfect for me. I pop my ipod in, hop on the pavement, and take care of business;-)

Best of luck in your halves :-)

kobzal

I do have a Garmin Forerunner 305 and that's handy but I noticed the calorie burn isn't as high as when I use my normal HRM. Another runner uses 2 HRMs. I've thought about doing this but haven't tried it.

The Garmin FR 305 actually doesn't use heart rate to calculate calories burned unless you have had a New Leaf VO2 test at a New Leaf Test facility. It uses a speed/distance/weight calculation in absence of the New Leaf test. What kind of HRM do you have? If it is newer, it may actually take heart rate into account.

My must haves for running would be:
brooks adrenaline shoes
pants or a shirt with pockets
GU for runs over 6 miles

rickydeuce

You may laugh, but try the Body Glide for nipple rub also. Unfortately I felt that even with a tech shirt. I acutally use Gold Bond baby power for elsewhere. I switched from entirely GU to a mix of GU and Power Bar Energy Bites (oatmeal raisin) because my digestive system doesn't like all GU.

Nikstergirl

Proper shoes. Running skorts (super cute and I like to look good when I'm sweating like a pig). The best sports bra you can find. Polar FT7 HRM, I love it to keep an eye on my exertion and cals burned. Fuel belt for longer runs (I have a Nathan one and it's awesome). Jelly Belly Sport Beans for runs 7+ miles. My RunKeeper app for my iPhone which I always carry with me (either in my belt or armband).

I've only been running for just over a year but I'm training for my first 1/2 marathon, so the runs are getting much longer than I ever thought I could do and I love it! I'm still experimenting with Gatorade during/after long runs and so far I like the low-cal version best since it's not as sweet. I also run with my Rudy Project sunglasses (I need prescription and these are so lightweight and I get them from work since I work for an optometry office) and a ball cap, but I'd like to find a lighterweight ball cap or one that breathes better.. I've just been dealing with it.

wbgolden

You may laugh, but try the Body Glide for nipple rub also.

Works like a charm! lol

Mkmassey3

I just ran my first 5k last weekend and signing up for my second that will be in Oct. I have a great pair of running shoes, I too love my running skorts and all of the moisture wicking tanks and tshirts. I hadn't even thought about special socks, so that is going on my list of must buys. I have the Polar FT7 and I absolutely love it! I can't imagine running more than the 3ish miles that I am running now, but I can only hope that I can build up the endurance to try a half marathon in the near future. I have a friend that runs 50-100 mile races and I am in awe of him!!! I love reading everyone's must haves! Great post!

lclarkjr

My must haves are definitely a proper pair of running shoes, moisture wicking socks, and nipple tape! I can get by without my ipod or even my garmin, but I can't run with blistered feet and chafed nipples. HAHAHA

On a similar note, I really like my Yurbuds. They seem to work a lot better than any other headphones I've tried. I have the ironman ones. And of course the greatest training tool for any runner is a garmin. I love my 305.

kendradl

Proper shoes. Running skorts (super cute and I like to look good when I'm sweating like a pig). The best sports bra you can find. Polar FT7 HRM, I love it to keep an eye on my exertion and cals burned. Fuel belt for longer runs (I have a Nathan one and it's awesome). Jelly Belly Sport Beans for runs 7+ miles. My RunKeeper app for my iPhone which I always carry with me (either in my belt or armband).

I've only been running for just over a year but I'm training for my first 1/2 marathon, so the runs are getting much longer than I ever thought I could do and I love it! I'm still experimenting with Gatorade during/after long runs and so far I like the low-cal version best since it's not as sweet. I also run with my Rudy Project sunglasses (I need prescription and these are so lightweight and I get them from work since I work for an optometry office) and a ball cap, but I'd like to find a lighterweight ball cap or one that breathes better.. I've just been dealing with it.

For a great, light hat try the Nike lightweight hat, it is awesome and wicks away moisture as well.

MiladyMetal

Thanks for posting this question as I am a complete newbie here and would love to know such things as well! :flowerforyou:

tam120

bump

rybo

Must list of "must haves" is shorter than most.

For me the most important thing is proper clothing in order to stay comfortable. This applies much more in winter. The wicking and windproof materials are worth thier weight in gold.

After that just give me some fresh air!

For long runs or hot runs, a good water belt is also important. I have an amphipod.

ooOOooGravy

Bump, need ideas on what to buy with my next salary

ShaeDetermined

my must haves for race day are fairly simple (and have probably all been mentioned above)

1. proper fitting running shoes (as an overpronater i wear brooks adrenaline)
2. proper clothing (moisture wicking bra, socks, tank, etc and proper outer layers and hat when necessary)
3. recently added - sweatband/running band - the sweat in my eyes has started to really annoy me
4. jelly beans - for races longer than 10mi
5. garmin forerunner. sadly, i cannot run without that or my phone app. i'm obsessed with pace.

when training i add
5. icy water - only need a sip or two to refresh and it eliminates the stitch in my side when i drink too much
6. philips shs5200 headphones - best running headphones i've found so far. i run to music when training, but on race day i prefer to take in all the sounds around me, just heightens the rush!

jforddesign

Definately a garmin forerunner 405... its so liberating to be freed from set running routes. Good fitting sunglasses are another must. I highly recommend Oakely M-Frames with vented lenses. I also enjoy running with a hydration belt with a single water bottle for my 4-6 mile daily runs.

And... GOOD RUNNING SOCKS! I used to have a problem with my feet going numb after about 5 miles but since I use thicker New Balance socks, my feet feel great! I never use those paper thin wicking running socks for anything other than around the house wear now!

ineednapkin

-body glide for my thighs and actually around the top of my sports bra
-moisture wicking shirts and socks
-compression shorts (especially for long runs!)
-good running shoes
-I actually carry a water bottle when I am training but am looking into a fuel belt
-My Garmin Forerunner 305 or my phone
-my awesome hat or ChicaBand
-Clif Shot Bloks!
-my running buddy, my Dad!

rachel5576

bump

lucky1304

My must-haves?

First, LOVE the YURbuds. If you haven't tried them yet, I highly recommend them. And this is from someone who couldn't run with ear buds because they always fell out. I've run miles and miles w/ my YURbuds not falling out.

My others:
My Mizuno Wave Inspires
Ice baths are a yes when I'm running long distances
My iPod Nano
Run Like a Mother (great book)
Garmin 305 (it's my husband's and I used to hate it b/c it's so bulky, but I can't run without it now)
HRM
Running skirt w/ pockets (pockets are so essential)
Good running hat (love the one I got from Athleta)
Moving Comfort jog bras

Oh also, Nuun. Electrolyte replacement (like Gatorade) without the calories. I've tried the lemon-line and the kona cola. Good stuff.

And Running Warehouse. That site rocks for cheap running gear.

chridow

BUMP!!!

ATT949

List of important items:
1 - I believe in learning from the experts so I bought two books on running. "Marathons for Mortals" and Runners World "Road Racing". Extremely helpful.
2 - Runners World forums. Great source of running info.
3 - Fitted shoe inserts and properly fitted shoes. No way I could have started running with my old sneakers.

4 - A Garmin Forerunner 305 and Garmin Training Center. Impeachable information about my HR and an application that helps me understand my conditioning level.
5 - Wicking clothes (socks, shirt, and sun visor). I did cotton in the Army and it's horrible. Get the right gear and make it easier to succeed.
6 - Camelbak and Nathan water belt. I'm training for a half marathon on August 21 and the California International Marathon in December. The Nathan is 2 water + 2 gel containers so it's OK for runs < 10 miles. Over that I need the Camelbak.

7 - Changed attitude toward diet. When I was losing weight, I was eating 800 to 1k net cals/day. I've upped my diet to 1750 net but am having a hard time hitting that. The most important change for me was to change my protein/carbs/fat from 50/25/25 to 25/50/25. I'm still not doing it right. The big change for me is that this is now less "eating" and more of "putting enough carbs in my body". And I'm not doing that very well.
8 - homemade replenisher that's a Gatorade clone
9 - Gu

10 - "Peas" - ice packs for knees
http://tinyurl.com/29btra8
11 - A foam roller.
12 - A training plan. I use the SmartCoach application from Runners World on my iPhone. It's barebones but it works. I'd love to see an iPhone app for a half or a marathon that's got the features of C25k.

jtp5184

bump

jeffrodgers1

My list for what its worth;

1. Garmin Forerunner 305
2. tech material cloths (socks, shorts, shirt)
3. Decent sunglasses that don't slide(currently using Ryders)
4. Decent sun screen
5. Vaseline for the nipples
6. Duct tape for the heels to reduce blistering (yup! Red Green Special)
7. Ipod for some tunes
8. Running Cap
9. Decent shoes or my Vibram KSO's
10. Camera... if you enjoy the run... you may as well document it.
11. Fanny pack to hold the extra's in.
12. Gu Chomps, Granola Bars etc for extra fuel
13. Camelbak for the really long runs where there aren't water stations.
14. Cell phone... cuz you never know when you might have issues
15. Nice weather (optional)

46and2

Water


Just sayin.

emmaNEEDSskinny

just my legs and an ipod

nuttyfamily

I'm gearing up for my first half as well.

Enjoyed hearing the feedback.

For a fuel belt...how do you keep your water cold? Or do you not mind it warm?

alisonbank

bump to see responses.

kendradl

Loving all the posts and people's suggestions - would love to know what brand, type of pant all the women out there are wearing? I currently am working with a pair of fitted cotton pants that I love but they are getting old and starting to wear. So I am in need of a new pair and would love some suggestions. :happy:

bcbman

bump

Stooooo

Bump, so I can find this later. I am new to running as well. I have done a few 5k's and a Warrior Dash (but did not run the whole things). So I am currently doing C25k, then will do B210k and so on.