There are plenty of exercises and hobbies, many of which need some sort of equipment and planning and forethought before they can get started. Running is not one of those, or so you would think at least, it can only get more complex than running after all. You just grab some old sneakers, hit the trail, road, or treadmill, and place one foot in front of the other at a hasty pace for a while. So in theory, it is pretty simple, although the physical exertion is anything but that, and you would not think you need much, if any equipment or gear really, but surprisingly enough, you kind of do. Certainly, if you want to, you can just go running barefoot, but that does not mean you should. There is some gear you should absolutely integrate into your apparel if you are an avid runner, and you are in luck because we are going to show you some of those today.
Shoes, Good Shoes
No real surprise here, but if you already are or are thinking about being a runner, you should be prepared to invest in some high-quality running shoes. And not just any old running shoes you snatched from a random store either, but shoes that specifically fit your gait, feet, and style of running. The right Running Gear can make all the difference, and shoes especially can be the difference between an injury and running for two hours with no issues, which is why it makes sense when we say that running shoes are not one-size-fits-all. People have different gait patterns, where some runners have a neutral style whereas others over-pronate, and there are running shoes to accommodate these different kinds of gait patterns. So if you want some really good running shoes, you should get yourself fitted for them by an expert. When you have the right shoes, your runs will feel much more comfortable and the shoes themselves may even last longer.
The Right Socks
You should not underestimate the power of a pair of socks, they can make or break your running experience. When you wear a pair of badly-fitting, saggy, old socks, you have a recipe for blisters and hot spots, which can turn a good run into a horrible one faster than you can even imagine. Ergo, get yourself some quality running socks, an often-overlooked essential because your nice new running shoes are not going to be any good if your feet are sore and bleeding from blisters. Running socks will prevent them, letting you run for longer without pain. There are plenty of options on the market but they are not all created equal, so do a little research before buying anything. Look for highly-reviewed and popular socks from a reputable brand with wicking qualities that will help to keep your feet dry. An added tip, the right running socks should sort of hug your feet and stay firmly in place, as it is the excess movement that can lead to all the irritation, so do not compromise on fit.
Compression Leggings
Leggings are not an item you will wear on most runs, but when the weather is chilly or cold, a quality pair of compression running tights is the perfect gear for a good run. Not only will they keep you nice and warm, but they also have some performance-related benefits too, so you may want to break them out when it is a bit warmer out too. To be clear, the studies are quite mixed about this, and the evidence varied, but it has been argued that wearing lower-limb compression garments, such as leggings, during sub-maximal running can help reduce muscle displacement, soft tissue vibrations, and muscle activation associated with the impact forces in running. All this is to say is that it made the muscles more efficient. This is not saying that you will be a faster, better runner if you wear some compression leggings, of course, but they will keep you warm and may give you the mental placebo effect of having an edge too, so there certainly is no harm in it.
Watches
Running watches or fitness trackers are an extra you should consider, letting you monitor your performance and progress. These gadgets can track metrics like steps taken, heart rate, distance run, and all those lovely calories you have burned. They can also provide valuable data like route mapping and pace. A smartwatch is basically what you are looking for—something that has features like basic water resistance, calorie counter, and step counter. These are necessary, but again, a proper smartwatch will have all the features you could hope for, like remote camera control and Bluetooth integration.
Water
Hydration, hydration, hydration. This is true, always, as our bodies are composed of mostly water, and need to be hydrated, and this cannot be ignored when it is already summer and hot like now when you are running, sweating, and exerting yourself. Bring a water bottle with you; it is vital for your health and performance. Ideally, you should have a drink every 20 minutes during your run. There are those sports drinks or what have you too, of course; in the end, it is your preference, but you cannot beat good old water. If it is too annoying to carry a big water bottle, canteen, or whatever around, consider getting a small backpack and just sticking it in there with any other essentials. An added benefit of a backpack is that it makes your run a little harder, which will make you even tougher, sort of like a casual boot camp, where it makes you more prepared for whatever lies ahead.
Running is one of the simplest and most effective kinds of exercise you can do, as you barely need to plan anything much or get special gear or a partner or anything, and you can do it pretty much anywhere at any time where you want. Running is so popular for a reason, but there is some gear you should definitely have in your wardrobe.