Running for broke

April 5, 2015 8:19 AM

I'm training for a 10K - what equipment do I need, and what are my cheapest options?

I have a pair of canvas sneakers (not sports shoes) and basic socks, cotton leggings and t-shirts, and a pile of worn out nursing bras. Currently, I wear the sneakers, leggings and t-shirt and double up the bras on their tightest straps. I'm a 34 DD now, and this works for brisk walking and is not too bad for running, but my feet ache at the end of the day. I'm only running short sprints now (1-2K, then walk for an hour every other day) and plan to slowly lengthen them as I train for a 10K in fall.

What do I need to run comfortably and safely? Shoes, sports bra, running shorts, water bottle etc? And in terms of priority, what should I buy first and what's worth spending for quality over getting the cheapest?

posted by dorothyisunderwood to Health & Fitness (26 answers total)

Best answer: Running shoes are #1--you really need to find a pair that matches your running style (pronation, etc). Any other clothing is really optional: as long as it's not actively hurting you by chafing, whatever you have on hand is fine. Technical clothes will make you feel less sweaty and encumbered, but there's nothing necessary about them. You can get a cheap bike bottle that you can carry fairly comfortably in your hand for < $10, but a 10k should take you somewhere around or below an hour and a half: hydrate well beforehand and as long as you're not running in super hot or humid weather, you don't need water while you're exercising (make sure to rehydrate well when you're done, though).
posted by The Michael The at 8:26 AM on April 5, 2015 [9 favorites]

Spend on shoes. Find a running store, tell them that you want to run a 10k, and throw yourself at their mercy. If they try to sell you the most expensive shoes they carry, walk out of there and go somewhere else. I'll leave the sports bra advice to those who use them. Get a cheap waterbottle per the above. Start slow, and learn what you need as you go.
posted by Emperor SnooKloze at 8:28 AM on April 5, 2015 [2 favorites]

Just FYI, every thrift store I've ever visited has had a shelf overflowing with water bottles that people got as freebies various places and never used.
posted by geegollygosh at 8:31 AM on April 5, 2015 [4 favorites]

I third the running shoes--go to a shop/store that sells to runners and be sure and take your worn sneakers so they can see the wear pattern. This will help demonstrate your foot plant and whether you pronate/supinate or have a neutral foot plant. Running shoes vary to accommodate these differences. If you wish to buy your shoes at a Big Box store find some one who can honestly help you assess your foot plant. best to you
posted by rmhsinc at 8:36 AM on April 5, 2015 [1 favorite]

Best answer: Shoes first, then a good bra, preferably one designed specifically for running (the difference is that it will control jiggle up-and-down and side-to-side both. Ahem.) For shoes if you work with a local store on budget sometimes they will sell you older models at deep discount, which will still be pretty awesome. In Toronto the Runners Shop on Bloor W. is really a great place and they will get you to run up and down the hallway.

I don't personally carry water for a 1-1.5 hr run, unless it is super hot out.

From there: good running socks, comfortable shorts or pants that don't chafe, a sweat-wicking top, outdoor gear for rain, something to carry stuff along
posted by warriorqueen at 8:46 AM on April 5, 2015

Running shoes, yes. Go to a running store and get a real fitting. Also do not skimp on a bra! One that will provide real support is worth every penny! I have one from title nine (I think the 'three reasons' bra and it is amazing! Running is so much easier when everything is strapped in. You will never regret it!
posted by munichmaiden at 8:51 AM on April 5, 2015 [1 favorite]

Best answer: I think it's pretty clear that shoes are absolutely #1. I've gotten the bulk of my running clothes from Target and thrift shops. The bigger thrift stores especially tend to have an "athletic" section, and I've gotten lots of shirts and shorts there. Runners accumulate and cast off technical-fabric shirts at an alarming rate, and we can benefit from this. You can also get decently priced, well-made sports bras on eBay, once you know what you like. I have an unusually sized friend who tends to buy one bra in a brick and mortar store to get the proper fit, and then get duplicates of it gently used or resold with tags on through eBay to save money.

Basically, shoes first, and then address anything that starts to bug you (boob jiggle, thigh chafing, sun glare, whatever). And if you are running at night at all, for the love of all that is holy get at least a couple of the clip on LED lights to put on yourself to cut down on the risk of getting hit.
posted by bowtiesarecool at 9:16 AM on April 5, 2015

Best answer: While I love my local running store, I'm not quite on board with the 100% necessity of having an in-depth gait analysis and buying your shoes there - especially since a lot of that "science" is a little on the questionable side, and especially given the distances you're looking at. You can get perfectly decent running shoes at a department store/Target type store and spend a lot less money. Try on some shoes, run around the store, buy a pair that feels good. Give yourself a little more room than you think - running shoes should usually be 0.5-1 size larger than your daily shoes. But definitely new shoes. If you're injury prone, it may be worth going to a running store, though.

I would also recommend some sport-specific non-cotton socks to help prevent blisters.

A sports bra is a must, and while there are lots of nice expensive ones, I've also had pretty decent luck with doubling up bras made for smaller chested women. This is my current running bra, and it works just as well as the bra it replaced that cost 3x as much. (I'm a 34F - I've found a 36D in this bra gives me the appropriate running fit. No doubling needed.) Definitely buy a bra you can try on.

Anything else doesn't matter much, as long as you're comfortable. The nice thing about signing up for races is you often get free tech tees! You probably don't need a water bottle for these runs. If you'll be running in the sun, you might want to get a brimmed/baseball cap that you don't mind getting sweaty.
posted by obfuscation at 9:20 AM on April 5, 2015 [4 favorites]

Definitely get tested for running sneakers. You can damage your body running in shoes that don't provide proper support, especially if you're running on asphalt. If cost is a consideration, get tested and then order running shoes on eBay for much cheaper than they would cost in the store, but the shoes are important. If you run daily I'd even recommend two pairs that you alternate every day (to let them dry properly between workouts).
posted by Enchanting Grasshopper at 9:20 AM on April 5, 2015 [1 favorite]

Thrift shops often carry wicking running shirts from prior events, however I'm more likely to find one at a non-goodwill shop. Yard sales & the like can get you some summer-weight options for a song. Run a yelp search on thrift shops & see what your region has.
posted by childofTethys at 9:48 AM on April 5, 2015

Best answer: Nthing shoes first, bra second, and that having someone at a running store look you over as a new runner is a good idea.

I'm a 34DD too and my go-to is Moving Comfort's Fiona bra, but several similarly-endowed friends swear by the Panache--I have and like both, totally a matter of preference (and the Panache converts to a racerback, which I find uncomfortable for long periods but can come in handy.)

Pretty much everything else, I go as cheap as possible.

Good luck!
posted by jameaterblues at 9:50 AM on April 5, 2015 [1 favorite]

Best answer: I don't think anyone mentioned this yet- but I got a cheap stretchy "runners belt" (aka fanny pack) that I love. I used to put my phone in my bra, but nearly ruined the camera when sweat got into the case. This belt your keys, id and phone/MP3 player sweat free. I think it was under $10- far cheaper than replacing ruined electronics. :)
posted by KMoney at 10:25 AM on April 5, 2015 [2 favorites]

Best answer: I've had good luck finding shoes that I like at the store, then ordering a model of that shoe a few years old off Amazon. I've never splurged on the whole running store gait thing. My advice is to get a shoe marketed as light since you're working in canvas shoes now then ordering a half size up from your normal. Your feet will swell when you run, I also lace for high instep. The internet is all over stuff like this.

I would suggest you try and run without a water bottle if you plan to finish in an hour to a hour and a half, you may not need it.

I also like the champion running bras, but I also like their compression pants, like leggings, but keeps everything tight. I really like it for whatever reason. I've also found running tanks (with built in sport bra for double the security) and running socks at thrift stores. Nice runnng socks with a little arch support make more difference than I'd think. They also help keep your feet dry.

Random, but sunglasses I love and ear buds that stay in place help me feel invincible they complete my "costume" that make me feel like a runner. I got my glasses on Zenni, cheap but solid. I also got a SPF 50 bucket hat on deep clearance from Amazon .

$1.99 for Run Double's 0-10k for Android has been crucial too. Good luck!
posted by stormygrey at 10:29 AM on April 5, 2015 [1 favorite]

If you're going to wear shorts I definitely recommend Body Glide on the inner thighs to help with chafing. Just a few bucks and one stick will last at least a year or more.
posted by augustimagination at 10:51 AM on April 5, 2015 [1 favorite]

Shoes for sure, then only new clothes if what you have is uncomfortable. I'd also recommend getting a few pairs of actual running socks- good socks will help you avoid blisters (ask me how I know :/). I get most of my running clothes at Target- I frankly don't notice any difference in comfort between their running tights and shorts and Nike ones that look the same and cost three times as much.
posted by MadamM at 11:42 AM on April 5, 2015 [1 favorite]

Best answer: I'm currently doing 10k training, and from what I have, I would personally go for the following order: a good pair of shoes chosen with expert advice, firm support bra, running leggings/capris that don't chafe or fall down, a waterproof MP3 player case, earbuds that don't move, a light jacket that blocks the wind, clip-on lights for night runs, technical tops from long-sleeved to vests. The first two are the critical ones, though for me (and YMMV) running pants were a serious enhancement.

I don't bother carrying water (I like to have hands free to adjust my music), fancy running socks make no difference to my feet now that I'm choosing good shoes and replacing them often, my capris have a little pocket for keys and a few quid, and when it's neither really cold nor really hot, I'm happy wearing t-shirts I already owned. I try to save on just about everything - least of all the shoes, but buying a past season colorway online is easy now that I found a great fit. If you're comfortable for now in leggings and a t-shirt, go with it until you want more and find a good bargain.

But, yeah, shoes are way cheaper than foot/shin/knee/hip injuries.
posted by carbide at 12:49 PM on April 5, 2015 [1 favorite]

Best answer: When I first picked up running back in my working poor days, I made it through my first few 5Ks in a pair of $30 Champion running shoes from Target and lived to tell the tale, despite being at an obese BMI and having suboptimal biomechanics. But if you can afford to spend $60-70 then yes, go to a running store and see what they recommend for you in that price range. I'd also recommend getting a new sports bra just because the elastic tends to break down as it ages and so even though someone in the thrift store looks barely worn, if it's been sitting in someone's closet for a few years gathering dust it may be only a few wears/washes away from deciding to give out on you. Champion from Target or the like will probably be fine. Third on my list would be comfortable shorts. For me that means bike-type shorts due to chub rub, but here, thrift store or Target/Walmart is fine. Finally, headphones that don't fall out of your ears when you sweat!
posted by drlith at 1:05 PM on April 5, 2015

You definitely need athletic shoes, and running shoes would be best by far. These are worth spending on. Everything else should be cheap. You don't need a water bottle, at least not now. You might be able to run the 10k without one, but for sure that is something you can figure out for yourself as you work your way up training (it sounds like you don't need one now).
posted by J. Wilson at 3:54 PM on April 5, 2015

Yes to new running shoes at a specialty store -- and, don't wear them except for running. They'll last a lot longer that way. This will help a lot with your sore feet, I think.
posted by bluedaisy at 4:28 PM on April 5, 2015

Best answer: Nthing everyone else that shoes are most important, then bra, then other stuff. With regards to the socks, you don't need fancy expensive running socks, but you do want non-cotton. Target running socks will work fine.
posted by Blue Jello Elf at 5:13 PM on April 5, 2015

Best answer: Agree that shoes are first, but my personal next is a Spibelt waist pack to hold my phone, credit card, bus pass and key.

it's $22 on Amazon. I once was 5min into a run and tripped while holding my phone in my hand, breaking my fall with my $450 iphone. (Broke the phone too.) The spibelt stays put and protects my phone!
posted by samthemander at 7:11 PM on April 5, 2015

Well, this isn't about Stuff To Buy, but for comfort and safety, training wisely is even more important than having the right shoes (which I agree are the #1 thing you need to buy). Seriously. On a nice grassy field, you can comfortably work out barefoot, but you could hurt yourself overdoing it on a hot day or pacing yourself wrong or something.

I like sports bras from the Gap, and they always seem to have stuff on sale.
posted by the_blizz at 9:01 PM on April 5, 2015

I was just about to recommend a Spibelt too, if you plan on running with your phone for music or run tracking. And as far as tracking apps go, I love Strava.
posted by slogger at 7:17 AM on April 6, 2015

Best answer: I wholeheartedly agree on getting yourself a good pair of running shoes. Have a gait analysis done at a running store and try on a few pairs/brands of shoes to see what brand/model is most comfortable for you. I wear Saucony shoes exclusively, but I have friends that swear by Brooks. It's all about what's best for you. After that, you will need a good sports bra (I am a 36A and I even need a good sports bra to minimize the bounce) and non-cotton sports socks (I get mine at Target). If you want running apparel, you can shop TJ Maxx and Marshalls for running tights and other moisture-wicking running clothing. Moisture-wicking clothing is not 100% necessary, but will make your training runs more tolerable, especially if you live somewhere with hot, steamy, sweaty summers. I generally buy Nike running apparel -- I've had good luck with it and have never had chafing issues. I also use a SPIbelt on occasion so I can stash sports beans or chews for my longer runs.

Good luck on your 10k!
posted by ATX Peanut at 1:54 PM on April 6, 2015

Response by poster: Thanks all - I got new running shoes on sale with fancy socks, and have found a discounted sports bra in my size. It took way more searching to find the cheapest shoes that fit well and felt great while running, but it was possible in a long afternoon and worth the savings. I skipped the gear for some $5 long tanks that will dissolve in the wash eventually but are great for now with leggings. I also split the cost of the flipbelt with a friend so whichever of us prefers it after trying will keep it so I can postpone that cost to next month.
posted by dorothyisunderwood at 11:10 PM on April 13, 2015

Response by poster: All the answers were helpful, so I marked those with details I specifically used for my situation.
posted by dorothyisunderwood at 11:13 PM on April 13, 2015