Running: Remembering My First Steps and Gear

This is the first post in a series I have planned for beginning runners. I love running, and I want to share it with other people.

Step one. Just start running.

When I first started running, it was in spite. My mom wouldn't let me try out for the basketball team in eighth grade, so I would run 100 laps around the basketball court (72'x42')--about 4.318 miles (though it doesn't seem that long in my memory). It was a good goal at the time (I worked up to it slowly).

Step two. Increase frequency or distance if desired. Set goals.

I would soon start running laps around our yard (2 acres of land, made it my goal to run 20 laps), rewarded by swimming pool time. I would run laps/sprints of our driveway (about 150 meters long) until I got tired. Later, I would be permitted to run in the neighborhood. To one end of our street and back was 1 mile. To the other end (that had dogs) and back was 2 miles. To Dollar General was a mile. To Winn Dixie and back was six miles. I would run to Winn Dixie, buy some fruit or a Gatorade, recover, then run back. Finally, I joined the high school cross country team and ran my first race.

Simultaneous step to 1 and 2. Don't worry about everything that is not running.

Back then, I had NO CLUE how far or how long I had run. I just set my eyes on a solid feature (stop sign, store, number of laps, escaping dogs) and ran. It is that simple. I had hand-me-down shoes that didn't fit well, wore shorts from PE class or old soccer shorts that came to my knees, a cotton sports bra, and an oversized T-shirt. I wore my hair up in a scrunchi and didn't know anything about style or running. I would hose myself down outside after a hot summer run and lay on the hot cement driveway for a cool down. I would stop and walk if I needed a break. I didn't know jack about nutrition or hydration. I would down glasses of orange juice after a run and eat fruit all day.

Step 3. After you've decided you don't mind running, then perhaps you can now invest in some gear.

In rock climbing and cycling, I find the [large] investment of buying a harness, ATC, carabiner, and shoes or a bike, helmet, shoes, and bike shorts makes me want to climb or cycle more. It's like I'm buying motivation. With running, you can spend $30-$120 on your first pair of shoes (or even have a pair GIFTED to you) and find a way to quit or reasons to stop. Running is simple, and maybe that's why I like it. Running is hard, and maybe that's why people hate it. In my opinion, it's easier to plan and get out the door with running.

If you're reading this, perhaps you would like a beginner runner gear list. I'm pretty basic. When I forgot my running clothes in high school, I would run in my school pants, shirt, and dress shoes. Like I said, I was a weird one (and I had no boobs, so a sports bra didn't really do much for me).

Essentials:
Good running shoes. Find a specialty running store and get a pair that fits (should have some wiggle room for toes). I like Asics and Saucony. Brooks, Mizuno, and Nike also make good shoes.

Secondary:
Sports bra (ladies). I like Nike and Lululemon sports bras, but I wear 32A. Some women swear by Champion or Moving Comfort.

Good socks. I started wearing good socks last year, and it makes a huge difference for my feet happiness. I like Smart Wool, Thorolo, and Feetures socks, usually found at specialty running stores or REI.

Shirts. Any old cotton shirt will do, but you might like technical tees or lightweight special-weaved cottons. Old race shirts can be nice too.

Shorts. I like Nike shorts for every day runs, but Lululemon shorts are also awesome if you can splurge. As long ad the shorts have an inner liner, a slight split on the side for easy movement, and some kind of elastic at the waist band, I'm good.

Tertiary:
Winter gear:
Long sleeves. Cotton or technical. Worn over or under a T-shirt.
Arm warmers. I like Nathan arm warmers. Easy to pull on/off during a run.
Gloves. I have two pairs of Nike running gloves. Both are great. One pair has a pocket for a key.
Head warmth. I have a few hats and beanies, a set of ear bands, and a multi-use balaclava (hat, neck gator, ninja mask, ear band). I like my balaclava those best.

Watch. If you want to keep an eye on the clock, this is a good idea. I started off using my calculator watch I had in high school (Geek! Nerd! Dork!). After that, I began using a Timex Ironman watch full time (which I wear until the band breaks beyond repair--and even then I use rubber bands to hold it on my wrist until it dies completely). $20-$65.

Mile system. If you must know some information about your run, such as mileage or pace, and a map and watch just won't do, then you might invest in a GPS system. I have a Garmin Forerunner for GPS, pace, and heart rate. I started off with a $20 pedometer from my parents, though! It worked okay, but the ticking got to me. There are also phone apps to record distance and pace.

Hair bands. Simple thin bands from Scruncci are a good go-to. I put my hair in a bun to keep it from getting tangled or being used as a leash/someone grabbing my ponytail and attacking me. When my hair is short, there are thin sports headbands with a little rubber that work well for me.

Body glide. I don't use the stuff, but I know guys like to use it on their nipples to prevent chafing. People use it on their underarms and thighs and under sports bras too. I just thought I would include it.

Water bottle. I don't run with water (except once), but Nathan has a pretty slick water bottle holding system. Some people like the fuel belts; other people like the hand held systems. A lot of runners carry less and tie keys to their shoelaces, put ID in their sports bras or pockets, and use local water fountains.

A word on safety:
Buddy. Let someone know when and where you are running and how long/how far. Running buddies are also helpful.

Cellphones aren't a bad idea if you're running in the dark, in a new location, or have a feeling you will need one.

Road ID. Look it up. It is a simple bracelet with your contact information on it in case you're in an emergency (get hit or are having a medical emergency).

Safety vests and lights. I try to wear a reflective safety vest in the dark. Always try to be seen. Always pretend that cars can't see you. Err on the side of caution.

Safe running!