I always like to see what other people use so...starting from the bottom up:
1. Shoes. I went to a 'real' running store back in February and bought my first pair. These expensive suckers don't seem to last long. I've tried a few pairs. Right now, I'm alternating between Saucony Ride 2 and Newton's (I anticipate a separate post in the future regarding shoes and my opinions so far on these and how I even ended up with them).
2. Socks. Alternate between Fox River and Balega. Fox River is a brand my parents swear by so all of these have come in the form of gifts and I have mostly from the XT collection. They were converted to the brand a few years ago. I love them too but picked up a few lighter pairs of the Balega socks to try for summer.
3. Shorts. I have 4 pairs of running shorts and they are all black and white...boring. One pair from Target, one pair of Under Armour and 2 pairs of these from Road Runner Spo
rts (B-Day gift from hubby). I like the ones for RR Sports. They have lots of pockets and are comfy.
rts (B-Day gift from hubby). I like the ones for RR Sports. They have lots of pockets and are comfy. 4. Hydration Belt. I only use this on long runs. I was shocked at the prices on these things when I first started looking. This one ended up being a birthday gift as well. I wasn't sure I'd like it since it's one, big single bottle but it's been OK. The only problem is I have to really tighten the belt so it doesn't bounce around. It has lots of pockets which is nice.
5. Tank Tops. Pretty much whatever I've gotten as a gift or the ones I've bought at Wal-Mart from the Danskin line I'm a fan of the tight, wicking ones with built in sports bra.
6. Sports Bra. Cheap ones from Target. Always do one of these plus the tank with the built in sports bra and that seems to do the trick.
7. Garmin. Forerunner 305. When I started running, I didn't even know these things were in existence. I love it so much now!
8. MP3 Player. For years, I've had a 1st generation iPod Shuffle. I love that thing and it's never quit on me. I'm oddly attached to it for some reason but I have finally stopped ca
rrying it around with me. Got a cheapy player from K-Mart with a clip. I really like the Sansa Clip I got my husband last year and figure I'll be getting one of those soon to replace the piece of crap I bought. There are times when I just really shouldn't be so damn cheap!
rrying it around with me. Got a cheapy player from K-Mart with a clip. I really like the Sansa Clip I got my husband last year and figure I'll be getting one of those soon to replace the piece of crap I bought. There are times when I just really shouldn't be so damn cheap! 9. Sunglasses. I bought a pair of Nascar sunglasses from K-Mart. I look like an absolute moron in them and I know hubby wouldn't ever want to be seen with me when I have these on but they do the trick.
10. Headband. I always need a headband to keep my hair back plus I use them to keep my over-the-ear headphones in place. I must have odd ears because I can never get any headphones to stay in place. I've found that using the over-the-ear kind and tucking behind the headband does the trick though.
Am I missing anything you consider a must-have?
you are set lady!
ReplyDeleteRUN ON!! :)
The Garmin is my hold out. Honestly I don't have lots of fancy running stuff, though - Ebay socks (not used!), sale shoes, race T-shirts, and a $7 walmart stopwatch is about it. Oh, and my dollar store sunglasses! I wear them on every run, even if it's overcast, to keep the wind from drying out my contacts.
ReplyDeleteLooks like you've got it pretty well covered, although I think a photo of you rocking the Nascar glasses is a must in a future blog post.
ReplyDeleteKeep on keepin' on.
Sounds good! Anything else is just extra weight. Although, I have become interested in these CEP socks everyone talks about...
ReplyDeleteI think you covered it all! I plan on doing a post like this in the next couple of weeks. It is interesting how much stuff we 'need' once we get into a sport like this!
ReplyDeleteI swap the sunglasses for a hat, and I also don't run without sunscreen. Other than that, I think we have most of the same "must have" items!
ReplyDeleteHi Abbi,
ReplyDeleteYou are right, running is not a cheap hobby:)I have spent so much money on running gear over the past two years...it is carzy:) I used to be like you and I would buy what was on special or do the Target and Walmart thing. Since I started to run more and do longer distances I am purchasing higher quality items. It is really too bad that my shoes do not last more than three months. I am going in to purchase new Asics all the time. I run on my toes and there is more gel put into the heels in these shoes:( I also purchase all of my sport bras at Walmart...I love their Danskin bras:) They are just $8....very reasonable and they are so comfy!
Last year I basically ran in all 5K races and the entry fees were 15 to 30 bucks. This year with all of the 10Ks and half marathons...lets just say ouch!
This was a fun post Abbi! It really makes me think about all of the money that I have put into my running:)
Looks like you hit them all! I always run in a hat in the summertime, although I just switched to a visor....I can get away with not wearing sunglasses now so I love it!
ReplyDeleteOh, I know that this habit is not a cheap one. The shoes, the Garmins, the registration fees all add up. Plus, my treadmill was a major investment for this hobby.
ReplyDeleteI run with a baseball cap on when it rains.
I still haven't put out the money for a hydration belt. I keep thinking I should look into one but to date have been able to carry what I need. Now, with the distances getting longer, I am thinking belt again.
ReplyDeleteI also do not have a Forerunner yet. It is on my wish list.
I have bought a lot of my shirts at Target. The Champion line seems to do well for me. I also have, as I lost weight, managed to fit into Under Armor and such that my kids use to wear.
I do run with a visor in the summer. Helps with keeping the sun out of my eyes and with keeping the sweat from dripping in my eyes. I picked up a $15 pair of "Ironman" sunglasses at WalMart that I absolutely love.
Shoes are my downfall. The last pair I got I am unhappy with the wear on. I barely got 150 miles on them before they looked worn out. I am heading to get new ones in the next week or so.
It's funny, I just posted on how I am finally giving in to a Garmin. I've always loved the simplicity of running...truly you don't need all that much to succeed. And black shorts--practical--they match everything!
ReplyDeleteOn another topic--shoot me an email. I'd like to feature you in an upcoming post. misszippy1@gmail.com
Yes, running requires a lot of crap! Especially when you do it so often, it's worth it to have stuff that makes you comfortable and happy on those runs, in my opinion. For socks, I love my REI organic athletic socks. They are so comfy and are great at wicking.
ReplyDeleteThis post pretty much sums it up! I had this same exact realization earlier this year when I realized my house was being cluttered by running gear and my trips to the mall became non-existent, but replaced by those to the running store! :) I would add that I love my GLIDE and SPIbelt as well!
ReplyDeleteI remember when I started running i thought it was so cheap...hmm adds up over time! I think you've got the bases covered there...until you need a foam roller
ReplyDeleteI love my Target sports bras! I wear an IFitness belt so I can carry my cell phone and gels. I love this thing!
ReplyDeleteShoes... I use Asics GT 2140's. Regarding price. I am on my second pair and really like them. The first pair, I got for $100 from Pacers. Like you, I don't like plunking down $$$ unnecessarily. So... since I already knew my size, I bought my second pair online for $65.
ReplyDeleteMileage - Generally, I go about 600 miles (about 6 months) and then get a new pair.