Despite all the popularity of all the low-impact cardio exercises out there, running is still the best way to get your body in shape and improve your cardiovascular health. That being said, you can’t just put on whatever shoes you have and hit the track. If you really want to get the best out of your effort, you’ll need to invest in quality running gear. Why? Let’s find out.
Running Shoes
Running shoes are your best friend. They’re the only thing keeping you from long-term injuries and blown joints. Going out for a run on concrete in shoes that aren’t made for running isn’t fun. On the contrary, you’ll feel miserable. The thing to know about choosing the right running shoe is that the selection process involves a lot more than just the brand of the shoe, or its price.
As it turns out, building a proper running shoe is a science. Everyone’s feet are different, but more importantly, all of us walk differently. When you decide to buy a running shoe, you need to go to a dedicated running goods store. Once you get there, the employees will run a few measurements on you. You might be asked to walk or run so that they can get all the data they need.
What running shoe experts are looking at is your gait. How you step, which part of your foot makes contact first, how you lift off — all of these things you’ve never thought about absolutely make a massive difference in your choice of a shoe.
The type of running you’ll do matters as well. If you’re planning on hitting your local track, you’ll do fine with performance running shoes. However, if you’re all about trail running, you’ll need to find the best trail running shoes you can find. All of these factors matter.
Running Socks
That’s right, running socks are a thing. Have you ever spent a day commuting in socks that bunched in one place? Or socks that were too tight? If walking with ill-fitting socks is uncomfortable, can you imagine running in socks that don’t fit?
The idea behind running socks is to reduce any potential comfort to a minimum. We’re talking seamless sock design, advanced moisture-wicking materials, special running cut, and more. Some socks even have built-in anti-blister technology that should in theory prevent you from getting blisters.
All that said, running socks are a matter of personal preference. The one thing you should remember about socks is that changing the thickness of socks will affect the performance of your running shoes. Thick socks will reduce your shoe’s range of motion, while a thinner sock might provide a looser fit. Figuring out which socks to get is a matter of trial and error.
Clothes
Running clothes are so far detached from regular clothing that you can’t really substitute them with a random piece from your closet. There are several key conditions that all running clothes should meet.
- Lightweight – Running is an intense activity as it is. You’re pushing against your own weight and a slew of other factors working against you. The last thing you need is to fight bulky, heavy clothing as well. The first requirement running clothes need to meet is a lightweight construction. The lighter, the better. The same applies to winter running clothes.
- Moisture-wicking – Any runner out there will tell you that straight cotton isn’t the most optimal material to wear while running. Cotton collects moisture and sweat but has trouble keeping it away from your body. Modern running gear is made of materials that have moisture-wicking properties. This is essential, especially in the winter when you don’t want moisture sticking to your body in cold temperatures.
Keeping Logs
Last but not least, you need to find a way to keep logs of your performance. Fitness trackers, sports watches, or even phone apps will do just fine. Find a solution that works for you and stick with it.
As long as you’re able to extract consistent data for your performance logs, you’re good. Performance logs are important as they offer key insight into your progress. Running a log (no pun intended), is the only way to recognize any plateaus or potential issues that are preventing you from becoming a better runner.
Buy Once, Cry Once
Quality running gear isn’t cheap, but it’s worth every penny. It’s a buy once, cry once type of thing. If you’re serious about running, investing in quality gear is a must. Otherwise, your equipment could be preventing you from reaching your full potential.