New Runner needs and avoid

bump.....plan to start running in September or October because I just can't see doing it when t he outside temp is 115. My thought the temp will probably make me hate it before really giving it a chance.

Heart Rate Monitor: #1 especially if you are counting calories, and want to increase your speed and distance later.

I wear a tank top with whatever shorts I have clean, but I definitly recommend "wicking" socks, or "quick dry" socks, this will help keep your feet healthy and HAPPY! It will also mean, hopefully, on those long runs you wont get as many blisters.

Like wildside said: Any running app you like, if you have a smart phone or touch ipod. I have runkeeper, which I love, c25k, and Run training- for when I increase from a 5k to my half marathon.

Cloths wise, I know wicking cloths are great, help keep the sweat dry on your body- definitely during a race, but I would just look around at what big brands offer: Nike, Addias and then go off that... They have been making this stuff for a while and would prob have the better products. But buy at an outlet mall or discount store!! LOL

http://health-freeak.tumblr.com/post/23732291028/running-tips-wear-spandex-shorts-under-your
It has a good amount of running tips that I follow. By the way, be mindful to land in the middle of your foot I strained my calves and can't run till they feel better.

Sports bra, and you can get cheap tech shirts, shorts, and pants at Target. The C9 line is great and you can't beat the price. Definitely get the good socks either online or at the running store. They are pricey but they will cut down on or eliminate blisters. Also, when you wash your tech garments (including socks) never use fabric softener (it destroys the wicking properties). Don't put tech gear in the dryer.

I use the Runkeeper app on my phone and LOVE it.

I run quite a bit (like 25 miles a week) and I find that the biggest motivator to keep myself running and reward myself is new running clothing. Yoga pants and spandex shorts will save your life as you get the milage up and you start to discover the "chub rub" from your thighs touching. Plus nothing feels better than knowing that you look good as you run (well until the sweating part starts lol)

MP3 players are a godsend in running, so if you don't have one I would invest.

Good sports bras also (they really do make a difference, I prefer spandex I find that they work better without trapping the heat as badly as cotton ones).

Just make sure you stay safe with it. Many new runners try to conquer the world and up their distance too fast which can cause some pretty awful injuries. The rule of thumb I was always taught is 10%, so if you do 2 miles distance the first week than you increase it no more than 2.2 miles for week two etc.....

Good luck and I am so glad you enjoy running!!!!!!!!

there are arm bands or running belts out there to hold your phone/ipod/etc

I only run in nice, lightweight running shorts now, or other bottoms designer specifically for running, like running capris. Also, good sports bras and comfortable tops are also highly advisable.

If you start running long distances, I would highly recommend investing in some sort of hydration pack to carry water and food with you. I have a Camelbak Annadel and I love it. It has a couple little compartments for food, and it carries 50oz of water, which is usually more than enough for me. I didn't really need this until I hit the seven or eight mile mark though, so if you're just running 5ks, you probably won't need one. They also sell waist packs, so you'll have to shop around and see what suits your needs best.

I also have an armband to put my phone in for music and my Nike+. If you have a smart phone, I highly recommend getting an app like Runkeeper or Nike+ to track your runs. Great way to measure your progress.

I also agree with others- sign up for a race! Races are super fun, and are where I really fell in love with running. Find a 5k or other race near you on active.com or runningintheusa.com.

Happy trails!

I started C25K two months ago and started off running in my old trainers and hiking gear. After just two weeks I was enjoying it so much I went a bit mad (albeit at a discount sports store). I see it as money well spent if it encourages me to run (and is cheaper than a gym membership, which I have now given up).

Clothes:

* Cycling top - wicks away sweat like a running top but come in cooler styles and have pockets at the back for all my bits and pieces (keys, asthma inhaler, keys, iPod, tissue for my inevitably runny nose). Some of the trail running tops also have pockets (and longer sleeves). Is beyond me why normal running tops don't have pockets!

* Running tights - I was terrified of these at first, choosing to run in hiking combat pants. But, despite my fat thighs, they are actually quite flattering as they tend to suck everything in! I've got some Adidas Response ones - drawstring round the top for when I hopefully get slimmer! They make you feel the part and are also much easier to run in as there is less friction. I also prefer them to shorts as my legs are really white and British summer weather is cold and wet, so the ankle ones keep the mud off!

* Running socks - wick away the sweat to prevent blisters and wash really well so last forever (I also use them as liner socks when hiking and have pairs I've had for years).

* Sports bra - and absolute must! Go into a store and try on every style and size. I used to be a lingerie buyer for a living and no amount of tape measures will tell you a good fit). For me I've gone down a cup size in the style I use (from the UK store M&S - half the price of ShockAbsorber) to stop any bounce.

* Baseball cap - wouldn't usually be seen dead in one but they are great for when it's raining to keep the rain out of your eyes! Also help to keep your hair off your face.

* Sunglasses - I just wear a pair of big fashion sunglasses as I run along a river and learned quickly that even when there is no sun out I will get flies in my eyes without. Yuk!

* Waterproof jacket - depends what climate you live in. I found them very short (not enough to cover my big bottom!) so I bought a mountain biking one in a discount store instead. Cheap and looks more stylish than a running jacket.

Gadgets: Not a necessity but they do help

* HRM/GPS - I've got a Garmin 110 as it not only records your heartrate and calorie burn but also tracks your routes. Great fun for seeing where you have run, how far you have run, whether you have improved on a particular route, how many hills you ran up. I also use it for hiking - really easy to keep a log now of where and when I have walked.

* iPod/MP3 player - great for uploading not only music but running podcasts to listen to (I've been using the free NHS podcast for C25K: http://www.nhs.uk/LiveWell/c25k/Pages/couch-to-5k.aspx

Did I mention than in just two months of running I am already addicted? Addictions can be an expensive habit - but at least I won't have to buy any more gear for ages!

I'm going to agree with the other posters on the apps for a smart phone...I love runkeeper.com and am currently using the app by active.com for C25K...I bought an armband at ****'s Sporting Goods that will hold your smartphone and it has a place for a key too! I think I paid $30 for it so not too bad...good luck and have fun!