Running Attire and the Gear

10 Must Have Running Gears For Long Distance Running

As promised, Wendy and I are back with our experience of training and then finally becoming competent in long run & 10K races.

Stride in Style:Tips on Proper Running Attire

Must Have Running Attires & Gears 

Running Shoes for men & women 



Running tights for women & men 



Running Socks 



Running Shorts 

 

running t shirts

As told earlier, we were totally new to running with no experience of previous running except for a little jog here and there.

Running is a physical activity that requires one to be comfortable while doing it. This is what our coach Gary repeatedly told, as improper gear would make us feel stressed during running and we would never achieve our potential. Also, without proper marathon running gear, the comfort levels remain low and that in turn will lower our motivational levels as well.

He told us that cold weather running is different from running during summers and that cold running gear is important while winter running. This is very important.

The most important of the accessories for a runner is of course his/her shoes. The market is full of shoes for running of all types some of which are damn expensive. However the good thing about running medium distance and long distance races is that you need not buy expensive shoes and the attire. Never make the mistake of taking out your old tennis shoes while training for 5K or 10K as they are not meant for running.

Gary told us that cushioning is very important in shoes meant for 5K and 10K racing. He told us to look for cushioning but try different pairs before buying a pair that makes us feel comfortable while running. He told us that good fitting shoes are compulsory to run 5K and 10K races.

Gary also advised us that we should buy Nike running shoes keeping in mind the shape of our foot and our distinctive running styles. However, we liked ASICS shoes along with calf compression socks. Compression socks are good for injury free running & also quick recovery.

Don't forget to have mens running tights . Short running tights are a great way to prevent discomfort from legs rubbing together and can be worn under running shorts to prevent chafing.

I prefer to for long run with the Asics ASX Boxer Brief ($25). The three-inch inseam is short enough so it doesn't bunch up, but long enough to stop skin-on-skin friction.

Applying a lubricant to your inner thighs is another option. If you prefer that route, then give several a try and see what works best for you. Body Glide ( anti chafe balm  )is excellent!

Another often neglected running gear is nipple protector for men & women both. We purchase Band-Aid nipple protectors. Do not neglect this. 

To cut a long story short, we went into a specialty running store and asked for running shoes. The salesman examined our feet and made his recommendations. We tried certain pairs. Wendy and I finally bought ones that we were not only comfortable in but also made both of us feel natural while running.

We would like to add that buying good running shoes is the key to avoid injuries during training and to increase speed and stamina while going for the set goals.

Socks for running are different from everyday socks as they are meant to soak up perspiration and also to prevent any rashes and irritation to skin.

Special compression socks actually help in enhancing the performance during running. Wendy chose a pair of women's running shoes with locklaces elastic shoelace and fastening system , running pants & socks women.

Gary also made it clear to us that comfort rules supreme when running long races like 5K and 10K and that we should wear workout clothes that we normally wear during our workouts at the gym.

He insisted that we should avoid fancy clothing that would make us look glamorous but adversely affect our performance.

Leave your baggy T-shirts in the drawer and go for slim-fitting shirts and tanks made from technical fabrics. Apparel that sits close to the skin makes you more aerodynamic and comfortable. Running gear for women is made to look attractive and running apparel that Wendy bought for her was not only functional but also good to look at.

Both of us had to buy good fitting running underwear. Wendy had to buy a good fitting enell sports bra while both of us bought running T-shirts and shorts according to our physiques. The shock absorber bra is meant to absorb the shocks and not let Wendy feel the pressure in her breasts while running.

Here is a great informative article on how to wear running shorts.

Gary told us that though cotton is a good material for comfort, more sophisticated fabrics for running such as Dri-Fit and CoolMax are ideal for runners as they suck in moisture and keep it away from our bodies. He also told us to wear synthetic socks to avoid developing blisters while running.

Running Hats and Headbands for Protection from Sweat

There are many people who run without any head gear, but there are thousands of runners, who find it very distracting when sweat comes down into their eyes from their head and the brows while running.

Whether a hat or a headband, it is always a good idea to cover your head while running. This is because your head remains protected from the heat and does not produce a lot of sweat while running. During winters, body heat is lost, if the head remains uncovered.

Running hats and headbands are made of wicking fabrics so that they wick the sweat produced during running and do not allow it to drop down on the face or the eyes. Wendy normally use Sweatband These are super fashionable yet highly functional for all kinds of athletic activities. I use Lightweight, classic style run outdoor sports hat with a flat front panel.

We did some practice in cold weather & will share our advises on selection of running gear for cold weather in a separate article.

In  summary, 10 must have running attires & gears for  long distance running 

10. Body Glide

9.   Nipple Protectors for men & women both

8.   Sports Bra for women

7.   Running underwear

6.   Sweat Band or Sports Hat

5.   Compression socks

4.   Running back pack or belt

3.   Running T shirts

2.   Running Shoes

1.   Running Tights

I would recommend visit Amazon for discount running apparel & accessories

Interesting articles on selection & purchase of running attire:

• 1.  Is cheap running gear worth the trade-off in quality?
• 2. A good pair of running underwear adds a comfortable layer of insulation and support. Read the article Brief Encounter from runnersworld.com
• 3. In colder climates, wet conditions can include snow and ice, which should be considered when choosing a shoe. Shoes with a lugged sticky rubber outsole such as the Salomon XT S-Lab 5 Softground will provide traction in most snowy runs. For more extreme conditions, a spiked shoe such as the Salomon Spikecross CS can provide the grip you need on snow and ice. Click here to know more on "running rain gear"
• 4. As winter sets in, motivating yourself to go out and get fit becomes increasingly difficult. No one enjoys a soaking wet run through a muddy marsh. Here is an informative article by Jamie carter on best wet weather running gear.
• 5. Cold-Weather Running Tips and Gear to Keep You Warm .
• 6. 10 Tips When Running in the Rain : wear a hat with brim , dress in layers etc.

Related latest articles on various tips on long distance running 

• What I learned from my first marathon
• Running Earbuds and Headphones
• Common running injuries
• Why Camelbak Magic Hydration Pack?
• 10 Tips on How to Run A 5K
• Barefoot Running
• Running Attire and the Gear
• 5k Running for a cause
• Vibram Five Finger Vibram Review
  
  Ask a question on running gears to running doctors & coaches