Your running uniform

I'm on Week 5 (for the third time) of C25K and just did my 2nd outdoor run last night. I didn't have a stellar experience, but it could be just a poor choice in running location (along a trail that runs by a canal). I was swarmed by bugs! I would have appreciated a face mask! lol!

I just wear long athletic pants (warm ups, if you will) and a t-shirt. I found on the treadmill, that shorts ride up between my legs, and I was constantly pulling them back down.

I also bought an arm band carrier for my cell phone, where my C25K Pro app is. I also downloaded RunKeeper onto my phone so I knew how far I was going, my pace, etc. I wear my HRM too.

I don't drink water during my run. I get cramps if I do. I just make sure to drink enough all day before my run, and replenish afterwards. I think 30-45 mins without sips of water is tolerable.

Hope this helps, and happy running!!

ETA: Oh shoes - I have Saucony Grid Cohesions - I love them!!

I wear a tech shirt with a reflective strip in the back
Basketball shorts
Saucony Kinvara 2 running shoes
Headphones and ipod shuffle
Small bottle of water in my hand
Stopwatch in my pocket or around my neck

I run at night typically which makes it easy to see cars so the music in my ears is no biggie. The cars can't see me as well, but I'd rather avoid them than vice versa, them avoid me. Headlights make it easy to keep track of all the moving cars in the area (I run through residential neighborhoods).

From top to bottom

hat (if it is raining)
sunglasses (if it is sunnY)
tech shirt or tank
good quality bra
garmin
running short
running socks
running shoes

Bondi Band to keep my head phones in place and my hair out of my eyes. Ipod. Sunglasses. Hydration Belt. LCP. Compression tights or shorts with compression knee socks, Tank top in summer. Some type of gu or carbs on runs longer than 7 miles. And.... my garmin 405.

And plenty of sunscreen!! Can't forget that!

I know too many runners who have never laid out or used tanning beds, but end up with skin cancer because they ran outside all the time and never thought to protect themselves with sun screen.

For my short runs (7 miles or less) I wear a BondiBand, Ascics running shoes, running socks, running shorts, sports bra, running tank and my Garmin watch (and HRM strap). I don't listen to music when I run. I run early in the morning so I like to watch the sunrise and listen to nature wakeup instead. I also wear an armband that carries my phone (I only carry it for in case of emergency).

For my long runs (8 miles or more) same as above except I lose the armband and add my hydration belt (it has 2 10 oz. water bottles). My midrun snack and phone go in the pouch of my hydration belt.

What functions does the Garmin have?

They are all a little different, but generally they keep track of all of your stats. You can check you speed, distance, elevation change etc, some of them have heart rate monitors. It makes it easier to log your runs and keep track of your progress.
Mine has a function where I can set up a route I usually take, then it will remember my best time and I can essentially race against myself. Kinda fun.

But these days I just run, just me and the dog and some music. I don't like all of the other distractions.

I am partial to the Brooks HVAC shirts. For shorts I have a variety of running shorts that I have from the local running store. I have several pairs of the exact same socks (blue thorlo experia) so finding a matching pair isn't a problem. I usually wear sunglasses and sunscreen and since I run on a trail I have no problems with using an iPod nano. I also use a Nike+ GSP watch.

I am a college track coach and have seen a lot of different choices on distance runs. Also, I have gone through phases of different things. I personally do not like to go on a run holding water bottles (even if they are in a belt). Even when I was going out for 10 mi runs. What I used to do, however, was go to either the beach or the park and leave my water in the car for when I got back. If you need water, it is personal to you. Actually all of this is personal to you. A little known fact as well about sneakers. Do not go to a ****s or a Sports Authority. Go to a running shoe store. Talk to the sales people there because 9 times out of 10 they will be runners themselves and be able to properly fit you to the correct shoe (and stay away from Nikes to run distance in). I prefer to run in spandex (years of gymnastics and college track got me used to them). I also will run in either a hat or a good sporty pair of sunglasses. I always have SPF on, but be careful what you put on your face, you don't want it running into your eyes. Another SUPER important thing is a really good sports bra (assuming you are a female). I am more endowed and have fallen in love with an underarmor bra that is a zip up. I normally wear 2 when I run (one underneath with cups to hold them in place, and another super tight one on top). Even if you have smaller boobs, you should be wearing a well fit sports bra. Again, whatever is good for you personally. I don't really run with headphones in. If you are on the roads, I would stay away from them. I will also bring my phone with me and tissues.

Hope this helps

IMO, crucial things are:
- good underwear (no riding, no chafing, etc)
- good socks
- good shoes
- ID

After that:
- comfortable shorts (running shorts are good, but regular athletic/workout shorts work too most of the time)
- comfortable shirt (polyester/wicking materials are nice, but a basic cotton T works too)

Accessories, based on your preference:
- sunglasses
- hat
- music
- sunscreen
- phone
- food/water

.

Oh yeah - also always wear my RoadID when I'm out running or walking.

Running shorts/Dry Fit t shirt
Sony flash player/headphones
New Balance Minimus Trail or Vibram Bikila LS (Love barefoot/minimalist shoes.)
No water if my runs are under 4 miles
Two Hammer supplements for runs over 10 miles (Wife paces me on the bike and has water.)
Sunglasses

Android with Strava running app.

hair tie, sports bra, running shorts, Garmin watch, vibrams

I wear a t-shirt, compression shorts (to stop chaffing) and shorts. Then of course my running shoes and Droid with music/GPS/coaching app. Sunglasses only if needed. I only run 30-40 minutes, so I don't bring water.

I don't live is a great neighborhood, but I suppose if it was really bad I would carry a gun. I would be intent on winning the dual if ever needed.

I found a single earbud on Amazon. This way I get my music but can still hear traffic and dogs. I tried just using one of a set of earbuds, but hated having the extra cord hanging around or coming untucked.