Beginner's Running Gear

September 6, 2010 7:43 AM

I've got good running shoes. What should be my next piece of running gear?

I've gotten into running over the past 6 months, and have really been enjoying it. A few months ago, I went to a great running store and finally invested in a nice pair of shoes that fit my feet, stride type, etc. It was an incredible improvement over my old pair.

Now I'm wondering: other than your shoes, what single piece of gear have you found to improve your workouts the most? 'Improvement' could come from comfort, speed, fun, whatever you might value.


A few details about me (though I would love broader answers that others would find useful too):
I'm in Texas, so it's hot, and I sweat buckets.
I'm just wearing a cotton t-shirt and basketball shorts at the moment. I realize this is an area that should be upgraded, but how big of a difference does it make? I'm also wearing cheap sweat-wicking socks.
I'm using a bandanna as a crude headband. Is a hat or a real headband helpful?
I've tried running with my iPod, but hated how the headphone cords kept flying all over the place, and the extra incumbrance of the iPod and its armband. Maybe it's just how I was carrying it. Solutions to this?
I'm using my digital watch's stopwatch for timing. Is something with GPS, a heart rate monitor, etc a useful thing to have? I do like data.
I typically run 5Ks and 10Ks. I don't have any immediate plans to try a half-marathon or full marathon, but who knows?
Anything else I should consider?


Thanks everyone!

posted by goateebird to Health & Fitness (24 answers total)

I would invest in some clothing that is better for working out in hot weather, made of breathable fabrics that dry fast, etc. I live in Texas and don't run, but I bike. I used to just wear a t-shirt and jorts to bike in, but I recently saw this shirt on sale at Whole Earth Provisions (not sure if you live in a city that has one) and bought it. It's got UV protection, breathable fabric and some kind of special armpit sweat no-stink fabric, and a zippered pocket. I've noticed a big difference in the heat and plan on getting more suitable shorts and undergarments next.
posted by elpea at 7:48 AM on September 6, 2010

Here are some other suggestions:
iPod: get one of the new nanos or a shuffle. They're pretty cheap now and shouldn't be nearly as cumbersome as a regular-sized iPod, if that's what you have now.
Timing/distance: If you have a cell phone with GPS there are apps available for tracking distance (at least on Blackberrys, surely on iPhones and Droids, too)
posted by elpea at 7:50 AM on September 6, 2010

Best answer: Lightweight running shorts with a liner will keep you MUCH cooler (and so run faster!) and more comfortable, they might be your best comfort + performance increase for the $. A non-cotton tshirt would be nice also, but if you're on a budget I'd put the money towards the shorts first...
posted by JumpW at 7:59 AM on September 6, 2010

Best answer: Running shirts and shorts make a huge difference in comfort. You can get some pretty affordable ones at Target that work just as well.

After that, I suggest that all runners get a RoadID. I hope none of you ever have to rely on it. (I will admit that after I broke my phone, I used it to look up Mrs. Advicepig's cell phone number since I haven't memorized a phone number since the invention of cell phones address books.)

If you want more data, and to possibly fix your iPod issues, get an iPod Nano and Nike+. I know several people who use it without Nike's shoes, so don't let that discourage you.
posted by advicepig at 8:03 AM on September 6, 2010 [1 favorite]

Depending on what time of day you go running and where, I would go to Walmart and get one of the reflective safety vests that they sell for about $8. Mine has proven itself invaluable, as the local population here seems to be oblivious to the existence of runners/cyclists. In my case, "improvement" = survival.
posted by bolognius maximus at 8:07 AM on September 6, 2010

Good socks make a world of difference. I cheaped out the last time I bought running socks and have been paying for it with regards to weird dry patches and callouses on my feet.


REI is having a great sale this weekend and my favorite socks happen to be for sale. Wrightsocks are amazing and for $14 bucks you can get two pairs today!
posted by a22lamia at 8:11 AM on September 6, 2010

Buy a tube of Shoe Goo and apply it to the high impact/wear areas on the soles your shoes. After you run a while in your new shoes you will note areas of excessive wear. This will help you maintain the original/best foot plant and minimize excessive wear. I have done this for years with remarkable success. Please note, if you do use Shoe Goo prophylactically, as I do, your mid-sole is likely to lose its shock absorption before the soles wear out so exercise some caution that you don't over extend the life of the shoe. The nice thing is that you will then have a very serviceable pair of running shoes for every day, non running, use.
posted by rmhsinc at 8:15 AM on September 6, 2010

I have a silicone case for my nano and just hold it in my hand while running. I get less annoyed by the cord flopping around this way, since I have more control over it.

(The old nano is way better for hand holding than the new one, though.)
posted by smackfu at 8:22 AM on September 6, 2010

Best answer: I use an armband-style holder for my iPod Touch, and I route the headphone cord inside my shirt -- down the neck and then out the arm hole. No floppy cord. Alternatively, you can get a running shirt that has a pouch at the small of your back and then run the cord down your back.

Nth-ing getting some "real" running clothes; it'll make more of a difference than you think.
posted by genehack at 8:26 AM on September 6, 2010

I sweat a lot too when I run, and getting a properly vented running shirt has made a big difference in my comfort level. I’ve settled on the Nike Pro Hyper Cool Short-Sleeve Men's Shirt. It has a vents for the armpits and back. My old cotton shirt was always sticking to my back. I’d also recommend get a non-white coloured shirt. My white shirts would end up getting permanent sweat stains pretty easily.

Another product I’ve found helpful at times is Body Glide. It’s an anti-chafing balm. If you’re running a lot and your thighs, chest, or feet are getting chafed from your clothing rubbing against your skin, then Body Glide does a good job of preventing it. But, it does tend to stain your clothes (which is another reason to get a non-white shirt).

I’ve also been using the Garmin Forerunner 305 heart rate monitor/GPS unit for the last nine months. Being able to see how far you’ve run is sort of motivating. It also lets you plot your runs on Google Earth (but, I almost never do this since I mostly run the same path). A heart rate monitor/GPS is nice to have, but I would focus on getting a good, breathable shirt and pair of shorts.
posted by Jasper Friendly Bear at 8:28 AM on September 6, 2010

Sorry if this is annoying but I'm going to suggest that you get a copy of Born to Run. I'm sure I sound like a nut/fundamentalist by pushing it on you (it, kind of, advocates barefoot running) but I comfort myself with the fact that the book is a great read, irrespective of whether you buy into the arguments regarding barefoot running.

And those dry-wicking shirts and shorts make a huge difference - I also live in a hot climate and on the days when mine are all in the wash and I have to just wear a regular t-shirt I notice a huge difference.
posted by HopStopDon'tShop at 8:29 AM on September 6, 2010

I think upgrading your running clothes is your next big move. You'll be surprised (and delighted) at how awesome it feels to run in cool, breathable fabrics that don't bunch or chafe or get soaking wet. If you don't want to spend serious money I've had good luck getting name-brand stuff at Ross or Marshalls for MUCH cheaper than the local New Balance or Nike shop.

Socks, too, are a good call, although I don't know a super-cheap place to score those. My favorites, Wrights double layer running socks, run 10-13/pair. Sigh.
posted by Bella Sebastian at 8:30 AM on September 6, 2010

Since you are just starting, I would forgo the GPS/Heart rate monitor. Instead, get the new ipod nano and use the NIKE+ software. The NIKE+ is a chip that goes into your shoe and uses a gyro to measure your running distance. I found it was accurate enough. It would typically be off by +-5%, which is not that big of deal. It logs your data and displays it in pretty flash if you are in to that too. If you already have a ipod, you can get the nike kit for 30$
posted by ShootTheMoon at 8:37 AM on September 6, 2010

Best answer: I hated using an iPod with an armband, so I bought an iPod Shuffle and clip it to the waistband of my shorts and run the headphone cord underneath my shirt to prevent it flopping around. Mine is a 2nd generation (they are currently going for ABSURD prices on eBay because the 3rd generation's form factor was terrible, but they should get a lot cheaper once the newly-released 4th generation starts shipping), and it is awesome.

Proper running clothes are essential, especially in the heat, and they really do make a huge difference in terms of comfort. I have some nice Nike Dry-Fit shirts, but I also have some similar shirts from Champion that were $10 at Target. I am a girl so my shorts/undergarment concerns are different from yours, but after running in Under Armour compression shorts or shorts with a liner built in, I cannot imagine running in cotton underwear ever again.

I just started running in a hat a few weeks ago, and I never realized what a difference it made not to be squinting all the time. I don't think I'd go back to running without it.

If I had to rank what made the biggest difference, I'd say: underwear/shorts, hat, non-cotton shirts, iPod.
posted by cosmic osmo at 9:29 AM on September 6, 2010

Definitely ditch the cotton and get more comfortable clothes that are made for running in hot weather. It feels SO much better on a hot day. I also find that good socks make a difference for comfort. Good running socks are a bit thicker on the bottom and provide more cushioning and are much nicer on the feet.
posted by synecdoche at 9:29 AM on September 6, 2010

Seconding Born to Run, which you should purchase and read with a gimlet eye. Some runners take to it, others don't. Some toss their traditional high-soled running shoes in the trash, log on to the 'net and buy Vibram Fivefingers; others absorb the important points but stick with conventional heel-strike running. You may be either. Of course, if you become a convert, your spanking new running shoes will soon be your go-to pair for yardwork.

Is minimalist running a trend, or wave of the future? Only time will tell. But it's a possibility that may appeal to you, and arguments have been put forth that minimalist or barefoot running prevents injuries. Keep in mind, however, that science has yet to come up with a long-term empirical study on minimalist running, in favor or against. Your milage may will vary.
posted by Gordion Knott at 9:34 AM on September 6, 2010

Lined shorts for sure, like this. There's also 7" and 9" versions available, but I'd skip the latter since they get to be uncomfortable at that length. If you want technical shirts, run some races. :)
posted by kcm at 9:45 AM on September 6, 2010

some cheap technical fabric shorts and shirt will make you far, far more comfortable.

and if you start doing any longer distances, Body Glide is the best invention ever.

and some polarised sunglasses make a big difference to comfort as well.
posted by wayward vagabond at 9:50 AM on September 6, 2010

I got massive value out of my GPS watch - garmin do some good options under the "forerunner" name.

On a cheaper front, I've also found it extremely handy to get some kind of waist pack/bag/thing for keeping small supplies of money / mobile phone / keys / etc.
posted by curious_yellow at 9:55 AM on September 6, 2010

Best answer: I'm just wearing a cotton t-shirt and basketball shorts at the moment. I realize this is an area that should be upgraded, but how big of a difference does it make? I'm also wearing cheap sweat-wicking socks.

I agree with other posters on shorts and glide as your first upgrade. If you are racing in 5Ks and 10Ks, you will shortly have a drawer full of tech shirts which will be fine. For socks, when I'm not wearing five fingers, I'm a big fan of Thorlo mini-crews, though they are expensive.

I'm using a bandanna as a crude headband. Is a hat or a real headband helpful?

I would suggest a visor -- hats trap more heat. A lot of the golf/tennis visors seem to be cloth and absorb sweat, which only works up until a point. My preference is for visors made out of something synthetic that won't absorb sweat.

I've tried running with my iPod, but hated how the headphone cords kept flying all over the place, and the extra incumbrance of the iPod and its armband. Maybe it's just how I was carrying it. Solutions to this?

I've tried a couple of the after market arm-band things and a variety of headphones. What I've found most comfortable is the iPod shuffle (2nd gen) and a pair of in-ear silicone ear buds. To control the cord, I've threaded it through a small office binder clip about a foot from ear buds. I clip that to the back of the collar of my shirt and then clip the shuffle to the waistband of my shorts. I find that the cord can whip around a bit and it won't tug on the ear buds.

I'm using my digital watch's stopwatch for timing. Is something with GPS, a heart rate monitor, etc a useful thing to have? I do like data.

Timex Triathlon for timing things; Polar heart rate monitor for heart rate. I always buy the cheapest model Polar at REI, they seem to last me about 2-3 years. Instead of GPS, I usually pre-map my regular running routes using MapMyRun to get my distances.

For running in low light or at night, a couple of other posters have mentioned a reflective vest. The Amphipod Xinglet is my favorite. A Road ID, mentioned above, is a must-wear for me at all times.

I usually just run with my house key on a lanyard, but when racing or away from home and have maybe a car key and a credit card/driver's license, I will use the Amphipod micropack, which is the most awesome running invention ever.

For long runs, you'll need hydration. Hydration belts are expensive and specialized, so I won't go into that here, but water bottles with a hand strap to help you hang on to it are pretty useful.

Unless you are a rare person, you will get injured while running from time to time. Don't try to train through injuries, rather, figure out what they are and how to rehab them. There are a bunch of books on this; you might pick up something like the Runner's World Guide to Injury Prevention

Good luck with the running and have fun!
posted by kovacs at 10:28 AM on September 6, 2010

After that, I suggest that all runners get a RoadID.

BTW, this is a perfect gift from Mom.
posted by smackfu at 12:04 PM on September 6, 2010

Best answer: I'm just wearing a cotton t-shirt and basketball shorts at the moment. I realize this is an area that should be upgraded, but how big of a difference does it make?

HUGE. Cotton shirts get soggy and clammy and heavy and CHAFE. Tech shirts don't. Totally worth it.

(And they don't have to be the pricy $40 ones; Target has cheapies, and most of mine were $10 a time from Ross.)

I'm also a big fan of my running shorts, but in terms of comfort for the buck the shirts were definitely the best upgrade. (And real running shorts don't seem to go on discount as often; the discount stores are full of last season's basketball shorts, but I've never seen running shorts there.)
posted by We had a deal, Kyle at 1:01 PM on September 6, 2010

If you are racing in 5Ks and 10Ks, you will shortly have a drawer full of tech shirts which will be fine.

I haven't found this to be the case in my local events -- 5Ks and 10Ks always give away a cotton T-shirt as a freebie.
posted by We had a deal, Kyle at 1:03 PM on September 6, 2010 [1 favorite]

Oh, and:

I'm using a bandanna as a crude headband. Is a hat or a real headband helpful?

I bought a Headsweats hat after seeing them recommended on an earlier thread here. Love it. Super-light; has a big bill (and an SPF rating) to keep the sun out of my eyes; and a built-in sweat-band to keep the sweat out of my eyes.
posted by We had a deal, Kyle at 1:09 PM on September 6, 2010