Favorite Running Gear

Running can be both a really inexpensive and a very expensive sport depending on how many "extras" you want to run with.  I only bought shoes when I first started and just wore my cotton t-shirts and pants.  The more I ran the more comfortable I wanted to be.  The first luxury I bought was tech clothing followed by a running watch.  There is a lot of running gear out there and I always found it helpful to ask fellow runners what they tried and liked.  So, I have decided to compile a list of running gear I love and can't run without. 

Running Clothes - Technical!  Unlike cotton clothing, synthetic fabrics, such as CoolMax or Dri-Fit, wick moisture away from your skin.  Cotton is heavier, doesn't breath well, and doesn't dry off if it gets wet.  As a side note on clothing, if you are a woman, make sure you get a well supported sports bra.  I also LOVE running skirts!

Running Watch - I CANNOT run without my Garmin Forerunner 305.  It is by far, the most expensive piece of running gear I own but definitely worth it!  If you are going to be doing a lot of running, you will want a running watch.   It gives you your speed, distance and pace along with many other awesome features.  There are many running watch options out there but this is the only one I have owned so I cannot give you a proper comparison.  However, I have found most runners like the Garmin.  There are much smaller models out there then mine, which would be my only complaint.  Mine is pretty bulky. 

Hydration - I bought a hydration belt before my last Ragnar and loved it.  I got the Amphipod Hydration Waistpack.  The bottle is flat on one side so it doesn't dig into your back.  There is a zipper pocket to carry keys or other items (I actually put my ipod in there instead of using an arm band.)  It is very easy to pull out the bottle even while running.  It stays very secure and does not bounce.  I have tried a Camelback and like the belt much better.  The Camelback made my back too hot and moved around too much.

Shoes -  We all know how much I love my Vibram Five Fingers.  I haven't personally tried out the Merrell Road Glove (or Dash Glove for Women) but my husband loves his.  I have also heard a lot of good things about the Newton Trainers which gives you cushion but is designed to make you run forefoot/midfoot which is what you want.

Music - I think any small music device would work just fine (I use an Ipod touch) but the thing I want to tell you about are RunPhones!  My ears are on the small side and any ear buds I tried would just fall out of my ears.  I finally found RunPhones and I LOVE them!  It is basically a sweatband with speakers inside.  You can take out the speakers and wash the band.  They are AWESOME!!  They have a "summer version" and a "winter version".  I really don't see the point in get both unless you have extra money lying around.  The summer version keeps my ears warm in the winter and they don't get too hot in the summer.      

Comment with any other gear you have tried and love!

Party on the Run!

If you really want to have fun while running sign up for the next Ragnar or Epic Relay race with 11 of your friends (or strangers, like I do)!  They are a blast!!  I will be running my third relay this weekend and I will be doing my fourth in August!  What is a Ragnar or Epic Relay?  Take 12 people and divide into two vans.  First van of 6 runners drop off their first runner at the starting line and the other 5 get back into their van and drive to the next exchange while stopping along the way to cheer on their runner and making sure they are nice and hydrated.  Once they get the exchange, second runner gets out ready to take the nice and sweaty slap bracelet from the first runner and starts running.  Here it continues until all 6 runners have run their first leg of the race.  Then it is Van 2s turn.  You do this three times.  You do all your eating and (if you're lucky) sleeping along the way for two days.  I promise, IT'S SO MUCH FUN!!  Need some training?  Here's an idea from Lazy Bones Running:

Get up early, about 5am, eat breakfast from a gas station, drive around in the car, get out, walk around, get back in the car, get out of the car and then go for a run.  Get in the vehicle immediately after the run DO NOT STRETCH and drive around, go do errands, whatever.  DO NOT SHOWER.  Eat again, sit around, go find a construction site with a rank smelling port-a-potty and no toilet paper, then go for another run.  You should be getting sleepy about now. Find someone who talks non-stop and ask them to talk to you while you try and sit quietly. It is very important that the  non-stop talking occurs for the next 7 hours. DO NOT SLEEP. It should now be nighttime and you should be very tired.  DO NOT SLEEP. Turn on the TV, find PBS and a show about wild animals, turn up the volume on the TV. Kick back on the couch with your spare roll of toilet paper that you carry with you everywhere after the port-a-potty incident, close your eyes and just when you are about to sleep, the wild animals should start to roar, this should continue for 2 hours. If it is effective roaring, you will laugh from delirious tiredness and wonder when you can get up and run again.  At 3 am, get up and go outside, walk around, get in and out of the vehicle for good measure,  drink some luke warm coffee or hot chocolate, take Pepto Bismal for the upset stomach and then go for another run.  By this point you should be tired, smelly, stiff and sore but well trained for losing your Ragnar virginity.   

And this is what you look like when you are all done!

Make Friends

Enjoy the Scenery

Feel the Love