With everything going on in the world and the “Stay at Home” orders people are finding themselves exploring new normals. You want to be outside, your gym is closed you want to be active - now you want to run. I put together a list of some of my favorite running items because RUNNING IS NOT CANCELLED. Explore this new sport and make sure you have the right items with you to succeed.
Hello, World!
It’s super sunny here in Florida so shopping for sunglasses is really important. I went to a few race expos and saw these “special running sunglasses” and thought it was just a gimmick but then more of my runner friends would talk about how great they are. So for my second RunDisney event I treated myself to a pair of Goodr Sunglasses. WHY DID I WAIT SO LONG. They really are good. Sweat proof with no slip. I have run many miles in them and done HIIT workouts, including jump rope and these babies stay put. They come in some really cool color combinations. I have the red Phoenix at a Bloody Mary and just got the purple Gardening with a Kraken. They are also so affordable!
It’s important to have good support especially while running. Since it is humid here in Florida there are runs I go without a shirt so I like to have more coverage. These crop top style full support sportsbras are my go to.
I got a lot of compliments on my leggings and I’m proud to say I don’t pay an arm and a leg for my workout gear. These compression leggings are squat proof and stay put on the high waist which are major criteria for my workout bottoms. They also have options with a side pocket for your phone! I have them in maroon, black and grey.
When I would workout and do weight training I would wear my big over the ear beats by Dr Dre. But those don’t make sense when running so I needed to find another option. I wanted wireless but also wasn’t into the tiny in ear models. After a lot of research I went with Aftershockz. They are just outside of your ear but have great sound with the ability to still hear your surroundings which is great for my outdoor runs.
Even though I try to get leggings with a side pocket. For some races I need to take a few things with me, like my car key, my ID or CC, sweat wipe, tampon. So I like to have a slim fanny pack as an option. This one stays put and doesn’t ride up while I run. It is also a slim fit so doesn’t add an extra bulk where I don’t need it!
Along with good shoes, I think socks are super important. I have had a lot of feet/leg issues so my podiatrist recommended I wear compression socks when I run. There are a lot of pricey options out there but if you are just starting out this is a really affordable option, 3 pack and has a good amount of compression.
When I started my run journey I knew I would need to invest in a good pair of shoes. You are putting your feet through a lot during runs so take care of them! I went to a running store to get fitted. I love my Brooks Ghosts 12. They give great support and are designed for runners. They are both soft and are responsive to each stride.
It took some time, but I finally gave in and got a specialized running watch. There are a lot of high tech watches out there. You start with counting your step with a FitBit then get an Apple Watch that goes with your iphone or the Samsung Galaxy to go with your Android. They all have a fitness tracking component but I soon realized only the Garmin has the technology to really take your running to the next level. You can set up workouts with the pace you want to hit, you can set up repeat spring and recovery exercises and you can have an analysis afterward. It’s an investment, but if you want to be serious about running, do it.
When you start signing up and running races you want to show off that bling! I got this medal hanger that has a space for the bibs as well and a mini chalk board where you can write quotes or keep tabs on your personal best times!
Each race gives you safety pins with your bibs but I was tired of the tiny holes in my shirts. I found these bib clips. They come in multiple colors and there are a few of them in case you lose any. They stay put while running and do not leave any holes or marks on your clothing.
Alani Nu is a company that wants you to succeed. They have created products without the negative ingredients or fillers. They have really fun candy like flavors and everything is made in the USA.
Preworkout - every now and then I need a little boost. This preworkout has great flavor, don’t give jitters and there is no after burnout crash.
Recovery - this Branch Chain Amino Acids really help in recovery and get you back in the gym faster.
Staying hydrated is so important with any physical activity. When you sweat you need to be rehydrated. Nuun is great because you can carry it on the go. They are fizzy tablets you drop in water and are filled with electrolytes.
If you are combining strength training with your runs I highly recommend getting a massage Gun for recovery. They are designed to increase blood flow to a specific muscle area, which can help reduce inflammation and muscle tension and break up those pesky knots that seem to linger after a hard workout.
My physical therapist recommended a massage stick over the typical foam roller. This gives much more controlled and safe pressure to sore muscles and helps the flow of oxygen. Like a massage gun it helps relieve any muscle tension.