Your Running Kit Basics

Running is a sport which requires only the most basic of equipment to get started. There’s no expensive range of tools you need to buy as there is in other sports such as cricket, golf or tennis. You don’t actually need any expensive running kit at all to get started, you could literally run in a pair of old shoes, a t-shirt and shorts if you wanted to.

However, this isn’t the best way to do it. In my experience once someone has invested money in to something, they’ve then made a commitment and are far more likely to see it through this way.

So if you’re able and willing to invest a little money in to this new hobby, exactly what running kit will you need to get started?

Here are my recommendations for the running kit you might need: -

First things first, because your feet will be doing most of the work in supporting, balancing and reducing the impact of your running stride, running shoes really are the most important item you’ll need.

The rest of the running kit listed here is purely choice as to whether you decide to invest in, but running shoes really are an essential choice. Go here to find out more – Running Shoes

Running Socks

A good pair of running socks is a very good idea, because your feet will be subjected to constant movement, friction and rubbing. It’s very helpful to have a pair of socks that are specifically designed for running in. If you buy a couple of good quality pairs of specialized running socks or synthetic blend socks, they will actually wick away sweat from the skin at the same time as allowing your feet to breathe.

Shorts and Trousers

Again choose a pair of shorts or running trousers made of a fabric that wicks away sweat, and has frictionless or bonded seams to reduce chafing. The general rule of thumb here again although not always true is that the more you spend the better quality comfort you will have.

Running Tops

Tops need to be breathable, lightweight, comfortable and not rub or irritate the skin.  Most runners tend to wear a t-shirt or long sleeved top underneath a running jacket. If they get too hot, they simply tie this around their waist. Running jackets made of Gore-tex are a great choice as these are both waterproof and wind proof, whilst allowing your skin to breathe at the same time as wicking away moisture, so your sweat isn’t held inside the jacket.

If you decide to wear a hat, it will trap in body heat (great in cold weather) but a bad idea for very long runs in hot and humid conditions.

Once you’ve got all your running kit, be wary of over dressing. You should assess the need to wear running trousers, long-sleeves, gloves and hat etc just before you run, as excess clothing can lead to the body overheating. Doing so can make the "real feel" 10 degrees warmer once you begin running.

If you’re training in the winter though, it’s important to wrap up.  Although running will keep you warm to some degree, when running outside in the cold, your body temperature may start to drop because of a redistribution of blood to the working muscles. This will affect your extremities because of reduced blood flow, something you will feel particularly in your hands, feet and head.

One last point for women runners is the choice of sports bra, here's some good advice - sports bra

Well that’s your running kit basics covered. If you’d like to find out more about the type of running gadgets you might need as well as a superb and comprehensive beginners running schedule and training guide, click here now – Running for Beginners