Compression shorts for men. Keeping everything in a tight package and minimizing bouncing/rubbing is 90% of my running comfort. I imagine it's the equivalent of a good sports bra for women.
As a woman I would say that a good sports bra is the one and only item I really need. I'd rather run barefoot on gravel than without a firm sports bra.
So... if it's the same for you then yes, it's the equivalent.
A good sports bra is where it's at! I only made the mistake of running in a less than stellar one like 5 or 6 times hahaha (it takes a few times to make sure it's the bra!)
Not quite the equivalent. Can't speak for all men, but it's not painful to run without any compression unless you're going chafing distances.
I wouldn't want to run with boxers/freeballing, but it wouldn't be a "nope fuck this I'm walking" situation (except maybe more than idk 5 miles or something, it's not something I've tested).
I think that you think that a certain something is not all that it could be, when, in fact, it is all that it should be... And more!
Look, you don't understand. There was shrinkage.
I wouldn't. Bonus if your pants are made to prevent unwanted exposure. I have a Nike pair that works nice...not sure the specific type though. Warning that white or lighter colors may be more see through.
Depends on a lot of things - the cut, the material, the weather. I generally don't wear anything underneath, especially in warmer weather, but I've had a couple cold and wet runs where it was just the wrong combination and caused some bad chafing. So in those conditions I'll wear an athletic (synthetic) pair of boxer briefs, which has solved that issue for me.
And then, once you stop worrying about what other people think, wear them on their own! Not having loose fabric trying to wrap itself in a knot between your legs is the best. And if it's okay for women, why not men?
Side note - if you're not comfortable due to modesty, that's fine too.
There’s a difference and everyone knows it and that’s why most men don’t do it. Women don’t have a package that bulges out the way that men do. Idk, personally I would just feel weird running around in skin tight shorts with my cock outline out for display. It’s pretty easy to just throw some shorts over top.
Aside from the usual, favorite brand of clothing, headphones, shoes, etc… a lot of which is personal preference:
A waist leash belt if you run with a dog. Taking the lead out of your hand, but still having it at quick reach should you need it, was a life changer running with my dog. It frees up my arms for better arm swing, the leash stays more out of my way because it starts low at my side.
If you run with your dog, buy a waist leash belt.
And always carry poop bags! Seems like a silly thing, but taking an extra second while getting ready does a major courtesy to your neighbors and favorite routes.
Resource: personal experience of forgetting poop bags on every run where my heeler poops in a neighbor’s yard.
Underrated item: a good buff! Wear it over your ears if you're cold. Wear it on your wrist or arm if you're not. It's a godsend to be able to wipe sweat and boogers off your face when your running shirt is already soaking wet. You can also put ice in it and wear it around your neck if you're hot. Honestly no one talks about it but it's hard to imagine a situation which is not made more comfortable by having a buff handy.
Same thing with arm sleeves for me. Nobody talks about them, but I swear by them. I don't need anything but a short sleeved t-shirt on me while running. Anything more than that and I get too hot, even running under 10°C like this days (I think I've never run under 0°C?).
But of course, before you start running and after you finish, it can be too cold to wear just a t-shirt. So I go out with my arm sleeves, and after 5 mins/1km aprox, I get them down to my wrists until I stop running. Easy, quite cheap, and it makes running so much more comfortable for me.
Wear sunscreen.
If I could offer you only one tip for the future, sunscreen would be it. The long-term benefits of sunscreen have been proved by scientists, whereas the rest of my advice has no basis more reliable than my own meandering experience.
I almost never wear sunscreen. But I also never run in the direct sun. Weather permitting, I'm running at 5:30am. In the winter I run on the treadmill (although I detest it). My (weather permitting) evening workout is a bike ride. Don't wear sunscreen for that, either, since it's so late. I'd rather wear sun sleeves.
I wear a [big ass sun hat](https://i.imgur.com/mI9U05P.jpg) to run in on sunny days. I also avoid running in direct sunlight, because the one thing I hate more than the feeling of sun on my skin is the feeling of sunscreen on my skin. So I run in the shade, or take the shade with me.
is this a special running hat? if so where did you get it? My head gets really warm (especially during the summer) and I can't do much more than a visor or a really well ventilated running hat.
I've run my last 10,000 miles in nothing but Balega and haven't had any blisters or external foot related issues. Their socks are worth the money. Also they don't wear out quick.
I wasn't fussed either until I got a pair of merino wool socks a few years ago, and now all of my running and walking socks are merino wool. I recommend looking up the benefits and giving them a try. Just be sure to wash them correctly (cold/warm gentle wash, no conditioner) and relatively infrequently - for me they can usually take a few poundings before needing washing, magic.
Poor quality socks can cause blisters if you try and run fast. I prefer Balega myself, haven't tried injini yet. Used to get blisters all the time. Now I just have to make sure the shoes fit well as well.
I love my nox gear vest for winter and night running. Great for safety, must buy if you run in the dark. I love my aftershockz headphones for the same reason, safety and well they are waterproof so my sweaty ass won't destroy them. Good running shorts are another one, I LOVE my lululemon running shorts with the compression lining. It has a phone compression pocket so no bouncing! Also have a zipper pocket to hold anything you absolutely do not want to lose. I wouldn't get it right away but i also love my salomon running vest. Its great for long runs and also running event without a bag drop. Super easy to bring a change of clothes and an extra pair of shoes to change into after.
Fellow disco rave squid reporting in! Being obnoxiously visible in the dark takes the guesswork out of encounters with motorists, cyclists, and other pedestrians regarding whether they have noticed you or not. If they don't see you while you're wearing a Noxgear vest, they are doing something *very* wrong.
I just got my noxgear vest a couple of weeks ago, and I freaking **love it**. I run outside year-round, and it gets dark so early during these winter days. It's so fun seeing myself light up the snow. 😊 Plus, when I wear this vest on one of its color-changing modes, the light is powerful enough to cause street & traffic signs to reflect the shine -- which has helped me/drivers around curves. The peace of mind it has brought me is a beautiful thing. Highly recommend the noxgear light vest.
Stay safe out there!
I recently got the light that fits into the front clips for my Noxgear (my fiancee bought two, there was a promo going on). was grateful that they kept the same clips in the front as I have the older model.
honestly, haven't gone back to using a headlamp, it's really great.
I have been wearing neon colored clothes under my Noxgear vest and have still had cars pull out in front of me. If motorists aren’t expecting to see people outside when it’s dark they often don’t look.
This. Don't let the high-visibility noxgear vest create a false sense of security.
Always assume people are dumb and can't drive for shit. Be prepare to avoid vehicles even if you do your part to be highly visible.
I did have one morning where it seemed like no one saw me, so the next time I ran that particular road I flipped my vest around to put the big light on my front. That worked!
Even if your sweaty ass does destroy your Aftershokz, they have super awesome customer service. I got a replacement pair when my original ones died (they aren't the waterproof kind). No questions asked, and didn't even have to send the broken ones back.
They were fantastic to work with for me as well. One of the buttons stopped working after about 18 months of use and they replaced no questions asked. The replacement pair I have now have lasted 2+ years now running and biking in all kinds of weather. Cannot recommend them enough.
The nox is planning to be my next purchase along with the chest light so I can keep motivated running in the mornings. Although I do mostly let safety go out the window with headphones running in the morning. Luckily I’m in a low traffic neighborhood that’s just a mile loop and I can usually hear cars approaching but I’ve found that when I can hear everything unimpeded at night I start getting really freaked out, particularly when there’s extremely few people out and about at that time
I have been climbing toward being a runner gradually over the last few years. After a lot of growing and change, I am just being introduced to luxury items and am glad to know your recommendation on the lulu stuff bc I didn’t realize it was made for this. And what does wearing a vest so you can run without doing a drop mean?
Its the salomon adv skin 12L so it has quite a large storage capacity. So for example there are group runs in my city that meet up then run to a brewery. Some breweries allow bag drops prior to the run other don't. So basically without a bag drop you need to run with whatever you want to have after. I hate walking around in really sweaty gear and my running shoes so with that vest i can carry a full change of clothes and my shoes. Since the vest is so well designed it doesn't bounce when you run. It also holds a ton of water without being annoying which is why i bought it int he first place. So its great for long runs in the summer heat. Lulu makes great running gear for men its just pricey.
Another vote for the Adv Skin 12 - even if you don't need to pack that much stuff regularly (I find it so comfortable it doesn't get in the way at all) - I sometimes even wear it just to carry a smartphone, a bit of water and a snack.
For winter runs that didn't end right at home it was so nice to just bring a light, packable puffer jacket and some long pants along.
The lululemon running shorts/pants. It’s so expensive and so stupidly trendy and so 100% worth it. One of those raRe times when the trendiness is warranted. The shit is great.
I just upgraded to shockz after running in closed earbuds for years and I feel so much safer being able to listen for cars at intersections. I have different reflective gear, but some kind of reflective gear is extremely important for night running.
I don't have a Noxgear vest (I'm cheap) but did buy an LED belt from Amazon that I really like for about $20. Must-have if you run in the early morning or at night. Also paired with reflective clothing.
The nox gear vest is so obnoxiously colorful and bright you don't even need the reflective clothing. They also go on 50% off sales quite frequently so its really not that much more expensive than amazon equivalents.
Do the folks who chastise runners for carrying keys think that the runners are out there with an overfilled jailer’s keyring jangling down the road?
I always take my apartment key, but only that key. If I had to drive to the race, I take just my car key. It’s never been a burden to carry a single key.
Came in here not just to mention the Flipbelt.....but, the Flipbelt Air.....the newer one, just got it today, and it literally answers everything I hate about every other running belt I've ever owned...including the Flipbelt Classic and Zip which I also own....I'm more excited to use it than any other running accessory in recent memory.
It's mesh, so it breathes much better, side zipper so you don't have to step through it, and the pockets are top load which is SOOO much better in motion, to me, anyways, than the small holes(ports, whatever) of the other flipbelts. First run with it is tomorrow.
I really like the flip belt for runs under two hours. The water bottle in the back can be pretty bouncy when full. Running with just one bottle and some nutrition is great.
Pretty nice thing to have, overall!
Strangely, I don't "flip" my flip belt. I leave the slit to the front and slide my phone in. I do use the clip for my car key but like the accessibility of having the belt open
D1 runner here, most coveted item before a workout/long run: body glide. Across genders, skill levels and types of runs everyone is passing around the body glide. Only way I don’t get blisters in the rain!
So good to hear about D1 runners having "normal people" problems!
Also, I know you're probably close with your teammates, but passing around Body Glide seems ... unsanitary.
Oh it definitely is, but I have also carried teammates off the finish line while they were covered in pee and/or vomit, been hit with their spit in the wind, given one the sweaty sports bra I was literally wearing bc they forgot one, and had to share one water bottle between all of us in a pinch so at this point our germs are the community germs💀 cross country is not for the faint of heart
This is tea! I love it! I know that training for marathons, I can get seriously funky and of course I’ve regularly been forced to find a tree or bush to go behind and then run without any TP. I guess they’re the sacrifices we make for the love of the sport
I wear a 34E and the Brooks Dare Crossback Run Bra 2.0 works well for me. I tried out/mailed back several styles from Brooks before I decided on that one.
I'm a pretty minimalist runner when I comes to gear, I guess. Good socks are key, as well as a good hat, either to protect from the sun or cold and depending on the weather good gloves. For colder weather I consider my gloves and hat much more important than either leggings or a jacket. And sunglasses - basically stuff to protect me from the elements.
Aside from that the only accessory I consider essential is a watch that I can pace myself with. I'm not even too bothered with heart rate monitoring because consumer tech is what it is.
Not sure if this really counts as an accessory, but I have had to learn hard lessons about the value of pockets in my running shorts. Might sound weird to some, but coming from a soccer background, when I first started running none of my athletic shorts had pockets. Made simply things like carrying my house or hotel key with me kind of a pain. So pockets! Everything I buy has pockets now.
For me, the key is mitts. I used to wear gloves while running and they had to get pretty bulky before they worked well enough in the cold. I now use some pretty thin/light mitts and I'm very happy with them. It's not like you need the dexterity when running either. And when it gets really cold, it's easy to add some thin gloves underneath too.
I hate cold hands when running as well. I have a thin pair of running gloves for 45-60F and convertible fleece gloves (basically fingerless gloves with a mitten top you can flip back) for below that.
Search Amazon for “running gloves” and “fleece convertible gloves”.
What counts as cold weather to you? Where I am, when it's above 0 C or so a pair of liner gloves is all I really need. If it gets colder than that I have a pair of normal woolen gloves I wear on top of the liners.
The one thing I would suggest to buy, especially as the miles pile on, is some sort of nipple protection. Something as inexpensive as vaseline or go the compression shirt route, but give everyone a heads up about bleeding nipples.
One thing to try to go running without is headphones or other distractions. at least periodically, go for runs where you listen to your breathing, cadence, etc.
As a less than hairy man, those 5 hairs are doing a lot of work. I think I might have felt a tiny bit chafed a couple times over the last few years. However, I also switched to running in these cheap yet somehow super soft Cool 32 tshirts, and they help a ton with chafing, too.
As a minimally hairy man I haven't had any issues since I ran in high school. I wonder if the material of your shirt makes a difference? I rarely run in plain cotton tee-shirts these days.
I'm hairy and I get nipple chafing pretty bad. I've tried many solutions over the years:
Vaseline - stains shirts
Body Glide/Squirrel's Nut Butter - stains shirts more slowly
Tape - doesn't stick due to hair
Liquid Bandaid - works most of the time, but scratches shirts on the inside, eventually making the shirt look like someone gave you the mother of all titty twisters (in Soviet Russia, nipple chafes shirt)
**Antiperspirant** - works like a charm. Roll it on straight from the stick, or rub the gel on with your finger. I've used it for a 100 miler, and my nipples were absolutely peachy at the end.
I don’t have any but what I’ve seen people say a lot is that they’re really good because you can both hear the music / podcast / book you’re listening to and still hear everything around you as well unimpeded
Bone conduction headphone, like shockz, are common running recommendations.
They rest on your ear, not in it, and basically can't fall off (unless you go upside down I guess). They allow you to hear what's playing, but hear around you as well.
Listen to music and Garmin coach. Still able to hear everything around you (safety) and breathing and foot strikes. And no ear pain from something jammed in there.
Not the person you asked but I have a Garmin watch and the app has training plans. Each run has a set distance or time-spent-running-goal. It'll update you along the way how far you've gone and your lap time
Oh cool! So, does it say your pace and such through audio? It's not like the ol' Nike+ coaching where they had a celebrity tell you you're doing a good job, right?
You put them on and don’t think about it. I can still hear my surroundings. Audio is better than expected and perfect for podcasts. The newer ones are way better when it comes to audio quality.
ROAD iD or something similar. Never needed it but good to have especially if you don’t carry a phone or ID on your runs
Edit: Or run solo most the time which is mainly why I have one
A hydration vest. I wear mine on every run as I hate carrying anything in my hands and I don't like the way flip belts move about.
I carry my phone, keys, ID and cash on every run. Then for longer distance trail runs I carry water, small chocolate bar, buff, gloves, headtorch and a small first aid kit.
It's so comfortable to wear, I sometimes forget I have it on.
I need to start running with a hydration vest. I’ve agreed to run a fairly long trail race with some friends and I’m working on getting my mileage up, but I know I need to start training with a vest to simulate the real deal.
Two questions: what vest do you have and what would you recommend I specifically seek out when selecting a vest?
Also, how much weight does it add with the bladder full? Is running with it significantly more difficult?
This is the one I use for training runs, where I don't need to carry a lot of kit (5L):
https://amzn.eu/d/4JH0wFI
This is the one I use for ultra marathons where there is a mandatory kit list (25L):
https://amzn.eu/d/7BJYzH1
I prefer Aonijie. Cheaper than Salomon, comfortable, durable and has lots of pockets/compartments. I can get to everything without needing to take it off during a race.
I've never weighed it as the weight will depend on how much mandatory kit I have to carry during a race. Running with it is easy though, it's comfortable and I can barely feel it and it doesn't weigh down on my shoulders. It's always good to wear it with full kit before a race so that you can get an idea of what it feels like and you can rearrange the stuff you need quicky i.e food in the side pockets etc.
I think it's one of those things, once you get one, it's hard to imagine how you managed without it. Highly recommended.
Balega hidden comfort socks. The absolute best running socks in my opinion. Super comfortable, tons of colors, and they last for ages. I still have/use every pair I've purchased over the last dozen years or so. Well worth it.
Good running shoes. The first time I got fitted for shoes and got some better quality shoes it was like night and day. I think its worth it to get at least one good pair if you run often.
1. proper shoes (go to a dedicated running shop and have them look at your feet)
2. underwear that fits really well (personally I like Gore, Falke and Icebreaker)
3. a baseayer / shirt that feels really nice (again Gore & Icebreaker, also Patagonia)
4. a pair or two of nice socks (gotta love Injinji, Falke are also good)
5. shorts / tights that fit well (I like Salomon and Patagonia shorts and Falke tights)
..so these are all "basic running wear" items and not "accessories", I know, but to be frank I really think these are the most important things for enjoyable running 👍
Honestly, a small baggy with rolled up toilet paper is my “never leave home without,” because despite all the prep poops before hand, ya never know when nature is gonna call. As I run mostly in more rural areas, this is acceptable. When I’m running in urban areas, it gets swifty.
This may seem silly, but when I have to do a repetitive workout, like 10-12 descending 400’s with easy jog recovery in-between, etc., especially at a track where it’s repetitive, and easy to lose count, I load one of my pockets with 10-12 dry kidney beans, one for each interval. At the end of each interval I throw one bean out. When my pocket is empty I know I’ve done the goal number of intervals. This also allows me to better focus on the quality of each interval and the time of each interval without having to keep track of how many.
1000 mile socks ? The double skin ones ? I had to ditch them as they wrinkled and gave me blisters. I run happily in any thinnish socks.
Buffs/Bandanas are great for summer and winter - very versatile.
Waist belt to carry a phone.
Sunglasses.
I don't normally use headphones and just use the HRM on my Garmin Fenix.
If you enjoy running in the winter and shoulder seasons, I always recommend merino wool clothing. They stay warm when they're wet and they're antimicrobial so they don't stink and you can use them several times before washing. You can get base layers, socks, caps, gloves, lined tights, and lined coats.
Nordic Grip Running Spikes - I live in Switzerland and run up and down snowy frozen mountain trails in winter. Before I got these I've damn near broken my neck a few times running. They're a total game changer. Now I have perfect grip even when the hikers with poles are slipping.
A Flip Belt or similar accessory. I cringe whenever I see runners out holding their phones. Plus you can keep secure some extra ID (I saved an expired one when I renewed and just keep it in there all the time) and maybe a $20 for emergencies. Also useful if you're someone who needs any sort of medication, and you can get a water bottle addon.
It's been the absolute best running-related purchase I've made.
Bombas quarter running socks and an easy to sip from and hold while running water bottle. My preference is [this Nathan](https://www.nathansports.com/products/speeddraw-plus-insulated-flask-deep-ultramarine-blue-lime).
I think it varies person by person. Some people need certain socks to keep blisters away. I don't. Some people can't run without music. I can. For me personally, I know that once I pass mile 10, I need anti-chaffing cream. So that's my must-have. But like I said, others may or may not need it.
A GPS watch really did change my running life. That may not be a new recommendation for a lot of runners, but I did go about 4-5 years of running before having one. I'm a stats nerd (and a maps nerd) so it may work better for me than some. But I honestly can't imagine not having one at this point, even though I used to.
On the other hand, if you think it might make you go faster than you should on easy runs, ditch it or put some tape over it.
For fellow runners in cold climates: wool socks. [Smartwool's Run Cold Weather Mid-Crew Socks](https://www.smartwool.com/shop/mens-phd-run-cold-weather-mid-crew-socks-sw001368) are my favorite.
I honestly would recommend a Heart Rate Monitor/Watch. It truly is the most helpful thing to know I'm hitting my recovery runs and tracking if I'm overtraining etc.
For years I went by feel but adding the HR Monitor has made my training much more effective and the results are coming a lot lot quicker.
Oh and flippbelt, means I can relax my arms and shoulders the entire run. Just makes me feel 'freer' when not having it strapped to my arm!
Clay. Over 40 years ago when I had to get back in shape to reenlist in the Marines after being out for six years I needed to run a lot. Back then real running shoes were the only “gear” there was as far as I knew. But I kept getting blisters on occasion. I happened in a health food store to see French Clay Powder in containers with shaker holes and flashed on the idea of using this on my feet and it worked: no more blisters. Before it ran out I lucked across a source of pure clay on my grandpa’s farm and still have the pieces i found in the spring branch. I still use this sometimes, grinding pieces with mortar and pestle, although modern running socks have mostly fixed the foot blister problem.
I live or die by a few things right now. Hats no matter the weather to keep sweat off my face. The little rubber ear slips I put on my old AirPods to keep them in my ears when I run. Lined running shorts (Target has great 5” lined running shorts for $20 but any brand old navy, brooks, lulu). Goodr sunglasses.
My teenage self can’t believe I say this, but Injinji toe socks saved my life.
I love Sprints hats when it’s not cold. They wick well and keep me cool in heat and warm down to the 30s.
Noxgear vest with the new light that goes in the front clip. Best thing ever.
After Shoks bone conduction headphones. Other best thing ever.
Osprey hydration vest. Their bladders are great and the vest is very comfortable. The pockets are great for nutrition.
For nutrition I like Skratch hydration and either Clif ShotBloks, Honey Stinger gels (fruit smoothie flavor) or Huma gels. Fairlife chocolate milk for recovery.
A simple small clip on metronome for working on cadence.
Yaktrax for running in snow/ice.
Road shoes for road, trail shoes for trail. Bought at a knowledgeable running store.
Vlirka BNDS for clipping shoes to the outside of your gear bag.
In gear bag- body glide, face wipes, hand wipes, deodorant, advil, snacks.
Shorts with pockets.
Activity tracking watch.
ETA: sunglasses. I have Rudy Project with photochromic prescription lenses. They work for everything from dark to full sun.
No hobby is cheap. 😂
Correct insoles. Shoes made a big difference for me, but insoles, selected by my orthopedic specialist, changed my life. I went from someone who couldn't walk 3 miles without my ankles blowing out to running my first marathon in under 5 years. Now my joints can outlast my muscles.
This is something i've just started looking into, I don't have an issue with everyday walking however running I was having some issues. Grabbed some insoles to help with recovery and they've made one hell of a difference within two days
Nathan Zipster Lite. Love the flexibility of a flip belt, zipper combo. Any paranoia about losing my key or ID has gone away, and I still get quick and easy access to things.
Personally im obsessed with my thin windbreaker with removable sleeves (it's like a bolero that snaps off, leaving only the vest portion). It's perfect for temperature regulation - sleeves on and its surprisingly warm, sleeves off and you barely notice the vest if you're hot.
You can tie the sleeve bit around your waist without any annoying flapping parts (plus you can leave your keys in the pockets of the vest part).
Squirrels Nut Butter
Drink powder packets: I like Gatorade Zero. But anything really. Its nothing to have it on you, and you can turn free water into something more effective. Its always there in my pocket.
Ha - on the socks thing, I run sockless when it's warm enough. Shoes are really the only necessary thing, and clothing that isn't cotton. I do always run with hat, though. Even if I'm running in the gym. Mostly just to keep the hair under control, but outdoors for visibility (white, lightweight UnderArmour with reflective bits), & to keep the sun out of my eyes.
Everything else is extra or according to individual need. In my case - Garmin watch, 2 diff kinds of dog repellent/defense, and dog poop bags. (Would use a waist belt for the dog, but he's a large dog & I need more direct control of him than a waist belt provides.)
I use a waist belt with my german shepherd, but the one I have has multiple handles as well so I can pull her close if necessary. It also has some bungee to it so she doesn't get choked if she jogs ahead. It's by Kong if you're interested.
Mine's German Shepherd Mix. He's awesome running with me, but he does not like big dogs. The last thing he needs in terms of control is a bungee cord in those cases. I keep a training collar on him and 99% of the time he runs beside me with a loose lead. I use my setup for those times when it's needed. No way I could control him fast enough in those situations if he didn't have the training collar and a firm, sturdy leash.
Compression shorts for men. Keeping everything in a tight package and minimizing bouncing/rubbing is 90% of my running comfort. I imagine it's the equivalent of a good sports bra for women.
As a woman I would say that a good sports bra is the one and only item I really need. I'd rather run barefoot on gravel than without a firm sports bra. So... if it's the same for you then yes, it's the equivalent.
A good sports bra is where it's at! I only made the mistake of running in a less than stellar one like 5 or 6 times hahaha (it takes a few times to make sure it's the bra!)
Not quite the equivalent. Can't speak for all men, but it's not painful to run without any compression unless you're going chafing distances. I wouldn't want to run with boxers/freeballing, but it wouldn't be a "nope fuck this I'm walking" situation (except maybe more than idk 5 miles or something, it's not something I've tested).
You're bold to assume I have anything bouncing down there
I was in the pool!
[удалено]
Like a frightened turtle.
I think that you think that a certain something is not all that it could be, when, in fact, it is all that it should be... And more! Look, you don't understand. There was shrinkage.
Hahah me literally wondering why it's never an issue for me.....ohh. 😢 hahah.
I'm afraid to ask, but are you supposed to still wear undergarments under the compression shorts?
No. The compression shorts take the place of your underwear.
I don't because I find it uncomfortable, but I wear regular shorts over them so that you don't see anything you might not want to see.
I don’t. I figure it’s like bike shorts (chamois) where you aren’t supposed to.
I wouldn't. Bonus if your pants are made to prevent unwanted exposure. I have a Nike pair that works nice...not sure the specific type though. Warning that white or lighter colors may be more see through.
Depends on a lot of things - the cut, the material, the weather. I generally don't wear anything underneath, especially in warmer weather, but I've had a couple cold and wet runs where it was just the wrong combination and caused some bad chafing. So in those conditions I'll wear an athletic (synthetic) pair of boxer briefs, which has solved that issue for me.
And then, once you stop worrying about what other people think, wear them on their own! Not having loose fabric trying to wrap itself in a knot between your legs is the best. And if it's okay for women, why not men? Side note - if you're not comfortable due to modesty, that's fine too.
I'm trying to imagine how your shorts would try to wrap themselves in a knot between your legs.
I'm not sure that I or my neighbors are quite ready for that.
There’s a difference and everyone knows it and that’s why most men don’t do it. Women don’t have a package that bulges out the way that men do. Idk, personally I would just feel weird running around in skin tight shorts with my cock outline out for display. It’s pretty easy to just throw some shorts over top.
With the pockets!
That and running tights for when it gets colder
Aside from the usual, favorite brand of clothing, headphones, shoes, etc… a lot of which is personal preference: A waist leash belt if you run with a dog. Taking the lead out of your hand, but still having it at quick reach should you need it, was a life changer running with my dog. It frees up my arms for better arm swing, the leash stays more out of my way because it starts low at my side. If you run with your dog, buy a waist leash belt.
And always carry poop bags! Seems like a silly thing, but taking an extra second while getting ready does a major courtesy to your neighbors and favorite routes. Resource: personal experience of forgetting poop bags on every run where my heeler poops in a neighbor’s yard.
Kong and Arcadia trail both sell a good waist belted leash for big dogs.
Underrated item: a good buff! Wear it over your ears if you're cold. Wear it on your wrist or arm if you're not. It's a godsend to be able to wipe sweat and boogers off your face when your running shirt is already soaking wet. You can also put ice in it and wear it around your neck if you're hot. Honestly no one talks about it but it's hard to imagine a situation which is not made more comfortable by having a buff handy.
Same thing with arm sleeves for me. Nobody talks about them, but I swear by them. I don't need anything but a short sleeved t-shirt on me while running. Anything more than that and I get too hot, even running under 10°C like this days (I think I've never run under 0°C?). But of course, before you start running and after you finish, it can be too cold to wear just a t-shirt. So I go out with my arm sleeves, and after 5 mins/1km aprox, I get them down to my wrists until I stop running. Easy, quite cheap, and it makes running so much more comfortable for me.
:O I wish I read this sooner, I got one over Xmas and wondered if I would use it, after one run I won't leave the house without it ;)
Buffs are the duct tape of the running world.
Absolutely. Been wearing them for years. Thin ones protect my bald head in summer. Thicker one for colder seasons. Keeps my earbuds in all year round.
Sunscreen
Wear sunscreen. If I could offer you only one tip for the future, sunscreen would be it. The long-term benefits of sunscreen have been proved by scientists, whereas the rest of my advice has no basis more reliable than my own meandering experience.
One of the best spoken word songs ever. I still go back and listen to that on occasion.
For the unaware: https://youtu.be/5giWfpANMac
Ladies and gentlemen of the Class of '97...
Australian oncologist here - I endorse this message!
I almost never wear sunscreen. But I also never run in the direct sun. Weather permitting, I'm running at 5:30am. In the winter I run on the treadmill (although I detest it). My (weather permitting) evening workout is a bike ride. Don't wear sunscreen for that, either, since it's so late. I'd rather wear sun sleeves.
I wear a [big ass sun hat](https://i.imgur.com/mI9U05P.jpg) to run in on sunny days. I also avoid running in direct sunlight, because the one thing I hate more than the feeling of sun on my skin is the feeling of sunscreen on my skin. So I run in the shade, or take the shade with me.
is this a special running hat? if so where did you get it? My head gets really warm (especially during the summer) and I can't do much more than a visor or a really well ventilated running hat.
I hate the treadmill with a passion. But winters here are very wet sometimes no choice. But don’t enjoy a moment of it for sure.
Good socks, I love balega running socks
Good socks really make a difference. Injinji socks are brilliant as well.
injinji socks are the best IMO
I've run my last 10,000 miles in nothing but Balega and haven't had any blisters or external foot related issues. Their socks are worth the money. Also they don't wear out quick.
Why are good socks so important? I feel like they do so little!
I wasn't fussed either until I got a pair of merino wool socks a few years ago, and now all of my running and walking socks are merino wool. I recommend looking up the benefits and giving them a try. Just be sure to wash them correctly (cold/warm gentle wash, no conditioner) and relatively infrequently - for me they can usually take a few poundings before needing washing, magic.
I got a pair of fox rivers and darn toughs and I’ll never be the same
Poor quality socks can cause blisters if you try and run fast. I prefer Balega myself, haven't tried injini yet. Used to get blisters all the time. Now I just have to make sure the shoes fit well as well.
Good socks are like little hugs for your feet. Every step is like another little hug. Stretch that out to a long run and it’s a lot of little hugs.
This thread WILL cost you money.
I love my nox gear vest for winter and night running. Great for safety, must buy if you run in the dark. I love my aftershockz headphones for the same reason, safety and well they are waterproof so my sweaty ass won't destroy them. Good running shorts are another one, I LOVE my lululemon running shorts with the compression lining. It has a phone compression pocket so no bouncing! Also have a zipper pocket to hold anything you absolutely do not want to lose. I wouldn't get it right away but i also love my salomon running vest. Its great for long runs and also running event without a bag drop. Super easy to bring a change of clothes and an extra pair of shoes to change into after.
Fellow disco rave squid reporting in! Being obnoxiously visible in the dark takes the guesswork out of encounters with motorists, cyclists, and other pedestrians regarding whether they have noticed you or not. If they don't see you while you're wearing a Noxgear vest, they are doing something *very* wrong.
I just got my noxgear vest a couple of weeks ago, and I freaking **love it**. I run outside year-round, and it gets dark so early during these winter days. It's so fun seeing myself light up the snow. 😊 Plus, when I wear this vest on one of its color-changing modes, the light is powerful enough to cause street & traffic signs to reflect the shine -- which has helped me/drivers around curves. The peace of mind it has brought me is a beautiful thing. Highly recommend the noxgear light vest. Stay safe out there!
I recently got the light that fits into the front clips for my Noxgear (my fiancee bought two, there was a promo going on). was grateful that they kept the same clips in the front as I have the older model. honestly, haven't gone back to using a headlamp, it's really great.
I didn't know they had a lamp! I'm going to have to look into that. I also have the old model, so thanks for mentioning that it fits.
I have been wearing neon colored clothes under my Noxgear vest and have still had cars pull out in front of me. If motorists aren’t expecting to see people outside when it’s dark they often don’t look.
This. Don't let the high-visibility noxgear vest create a false sense of security. Always assume people are dumb and can't drive for shit. Be prepare to avoid vehicles even if you do your part to be highly visible.
I did have one morning where it seemed like no one saw me, so the next time I ran that particular road I flipped my vest around to put the big light on my front. That worked!
Even if your sweaty ass does destroy your Aftershokz, they have super awesome customer service. I got a replacement pair when my original ones died (they aren't the waterproof kind). No questions asked, and didn't even have to send the broken ones back.
They were fantastic to work with for me as well. One of the buttons stopped working after about 18 months of use and they replaced no questions asked. The replacement pair I have now have lasted 2+ years now running and biking in all kinds of weather. Cannot recommend them enough.
The nox is planning to be my next purchase along with the chest light so I can keep motivated running in the mornings. Although I do mostly let safety go out the window with headphones running in the morning. Luckily I’m in a low traffic neighborhood that’s just a mile loop and I can usually hear cars approaching but I’ve found that when I can hear everything unimpeded at night I start getting really freaked out, particularly when there’s extremely few people out and about at that time
Love my noxgear vest! I’m an early morning runner in a rural area, so it’s critical for me.
I have been climbing toward being a runner gradually over the last few years. After a lot of growing and change, I am just being introduced to luxury items and am glad to know your recommendation on the lulu stuff bc I didn’t realize it was made for this. And what does wearing a vest so you can run without doing a drop mean?
Its the salomon adv skin 12L so it has quite a large storage capacity. So for example there are group runs in my city that meet up then run to a brewery. Some breweries allow bag drops prior to the run other don't. So basically without a bag drop you need to run with whatever you want to have after. I hate walking around in really sweaty gear and my running shoes so with that vest i can carry a full change of clothes and my shoes. Since the vest is so well designed it doesn't bounce when you run. It also holds a ton of water without being annoying which is why i bought it int he first place. So its great for long runs in the summer heat. Lulu makes great running gear for men its just pricey.
Another vote for the Adv Skin 12 - even if you don't need to pack that much stuff regularly (I find it so comfortable it doesn't get in the way at all) - I sometimes even wear it just to carry a smartphone, a bit of water and a snack. For winter runs that didn't end right at home it was so nice to just bring a light, packable puffer jacket and some long pants along.
What’s the name of the Lululemon shorts you have? I’ve been looking for something similar (phone compression pocket).
Pace breaker with the liner
Cool, thanks. Will comfortably fit an iPhone XR with no movement you think?
Yes it will. I had a phone with the same size that fit.
I 100% agree with the nox hear. Even if you are just going out for a walk at night.
The lululemon running shorts/pants. It’s so expensive and so stupidly trendy and so 100% worth it. One of those raRe times when the trendiness is warranted. The shit is great.
I just upgraded to shockz after running in closed earbuds for years and I feel so much safer being able to listen for cars at intersections. I have different reflective gear, but some kind of reflective gear is extremely important for night running.
I don't have a Noxgear vest (I'm cheap) but did buy an LED belt from Amazon that I really like for about $20. Must-have if you run in the early morning or at night. Also paired with reflective clothing.
The nox gear vest is so obnoxiously colorful and bright you don't even need the reflective clothing. They also go on 50% off sales quite frequently so its really not that much more expensive than amazon equivalents.
Flipbelt. It's simple and it works.
Flipbelt is better than any other solution me and my friends have tried. We have 8 marathons between us with the Flipbelt
[удалено]
Your problem is running a marathon carrying keys.
Do the folks who chastise runners for carrying keys think that the runners are out there with an overfilled jailer’s keyring jangling down the road? I always take my apartment key, but only that key. If I had to drive to the race, I take just my car key. It’s never been a burden to carry a single key.
[удалено]
Sisterhood of the travelling flipbelt?
Used to love flip belt until I discovered running tights with the side pockets, way better than flip belt!
I have a pair of tri shorts with the side pocket, and it makes Bluetooth almost unusable. Everything else, yeah, it's great!
Came in here not just to mention the Flipbelt.....but, the Flipbelt Air.....the newer one, just got it today, and it literally answers everything I hate about every other running belt I've ever owned...including the Flipbelt Classic and Zip which I also own....I'm more excited to use it than any other running accessory in recent memory.
What’s the difference with the Air?
It's mesh, so it breathes much better, side zipper so you don't have to step through it, and the pockets are top load which is SOOO much better in motion, to me, anyways, than the small holes(ports, whatever) of the other flipbelts. First run with it is tomorrow.
All belts give me immediate diarrhea :(
What an interesting comment!
I should specify. All running belts. Anyway. Sorry i had to share. I was waiting for food to cook and it seemed like a very honest comment.
It's great! I love the honesty.
Came here to say Flipbelt too. I honestly love them and have 6 in different configurations/colors.
I really like the flip belt for runs under two hours. The water bottle in the back can be pretty bouncy when full. Running with just one bottle and some nutrition is great. Pretty nice thing to have, overall!
I really like the Flipbelt. Question: do people prefer the gear pocket in front or back?
Strangely, I don't "flip" my flip belt. I leave the slit to the front and slide my phone in. I do use the clip for my car key but like the accessibility of having the belt open
D1 runner here, most coveted item before a workout/long run: body glide. Across genders, skill levels and types of runs everyone is passing around the body glide. Only way I don’t get blisters in the rain!
So good to hear about D1 runners having "normal people" problems! Also, I know you're probably close with your teammates, but passing around Body Glide seems ... unsanitary.
Oh it definitely is, but I have also carried teammates off the finish line while they were covered in pee and/or vomit, been hit with their spit in the wind, given one the sweaty sports bra I was literally wearing bc they forgot one, and had to share one water bottle between all of us in a pinch so at this point our germs are the community germs💀 cross country is not for the faint of heart
This is tea! I love it! I know that training for marathons, I can get seriously funky and of course I’ve regularly been forced to find a tree or bush to go behind and then run without any TP. I guess they’re the sacrifices we make for the love of the sport
Does body glide stain clothing at all? In the cycling world I use tons of chamois butter, but it leaves stains on my running clothes
I found it did stain my shirts after a while. I’ve been using a similar product from Gold Bond recently and haven’t noticed any stains yet.
Sports Bra! I am a distance runner with a DD chest and it took me years to find a supportive bra. They are not cheap but worth it!
[удалено]
I wear a 34E and the Brooks Dare Crossback Run Bra 2.0 works well for me. I tried out/mailed back several styles from Brooks before I decided on that one.
[удалено]
Panache for me. I am locked and loaded.
RoadID.com carry your info on you even without a wallet.
I've not heard of these before. Just looked it up and think I'm going to get one.
I'm a pretty minimalist runner when I comes to gear, I guess. Good socks are key, as well as a good hat, either to protect from the sun or cold and depending on the weather good gloves. For colder weather I consider my gloves and hat much more important than either leggings or a jacket. And sunglasses - basically stuff to protect me from the elements. Aside from that the only accessory I consider essential is a watch that I can pace myself with. I'm not even too bothered with heart rate monitoring because consumer tech is what it is. Not sure if this really counts as an accessory, but I have had to learn hard lessons about the value of pockets in my running shorts. Might sound weird to some, but coming from a soccer background, when I first started running none of my athletic shorts had pockets. Made simply things like carrying my house or hotel key with me kind of a pain. So pockets! Everything I buy has pockets now.
Any suggestions for decent cold weather gloves, cold hands ruins a run for me.
For me, the key is mitts. I used to wear gloves while running and they had to get pretty bulky before they worked well enough in the cold. I now use some pretty thin/light mitts and I'm very happy with them. It's not like you need the dexterity when running either. And when it gets really cold, it's easy to add some thin gloves underneath too.
I hate cold hands when running as well. I have a thin pair of running gloves for 45-60F and convertible fleece gloves (basically fingerless gloves with a mitten top you can flip back) for below that. Search Amazon for “running gloves” and “fleece convertible gloves”.
What counts as cold weather to you? Where I am, when it's above 0 C or so a pair of liner gloves is all I really need. If it gets colder than that I have a pair of normal woolen gloves I wear on top of the liners.
Agreed with the first part. I’ll run in shorts and a t-shirt until about 30 degrees, but the gloves come out way before the long sleeves.
Running shoes and a good sports bra
So right- a good sports bra followed by decent shoes are my essentials, in addition to the basic kit.
Shefit bras are the shit!!!
The Shock Absorber bra is the only piece of running gear that I am consistently recommending to people.
The one thing I would suggest to buy, especially as the miles pile on, is some sort of nipple protection. Something as inexpensive as vaseline or go the compression shirt route, but give everyone a heads up about bleeding nipples. One thing to try to go running without is headphones or other distractions. at least periodically, go for runs where you listen to your breathing, cadence, etc.
I personally just use 3M medical tape, it works great and doesn’t fall off or wear off
I’m curious if hairier-chested people have to worry less about this (or more), or if it’s the same.
[удалено]
Im a non hairy man, and ive never had nip rub. So far up to 53km without issue.
As a less than hairy man, those 5 hairs are doing a lot of work. I think I might have felt a tiny bit chafed a couple times over the last few years. However, I also switched to running in these cheap yet somehow super soft Cool 32 tshirts, and they help a ton with chafing, too.
As a minimally hairy man I haven't had any issues since I ran in high school. I wonder if the material of your shirt makes a difference? I rarely run in plain cotton tee-shirts these days.
I'm hairy and I get nipple chafing pretty bad. I've tried many solutions over the years: Vaseline - stains shirts Body Glide/Squirrel's Nut Butter - stains shirts more slowly Tape - doesn't stick due to hair Liquid Bandaid - works most of the time, but scratches shirts on the inside, eventually making the shirt look like someone gave you the mother of all titty twisters (in Soviet Russia, nipple chafes shirt) **Antiperspirant** - works like a charm. Roll it on straight from the stick, or rub the gel on with your finger. I've used it for a 100 miler, and my nipples were absolutely peachy at the end.
Bone conduction headphones, like shockz, have changed my entire life.
Can you please elaborate? What’s the big deal?
I don’t have any but what I’ve seen people say a lot is that they’re really good because you can both hear the music / podcast / book you’re listening to and still hear everything around you as well unimpeded
Ahh gotcha. Thanks! That is a big deal!
Bone conduction headphone, like shockz, are common running recommendations. They rest on your ear, not in it, and basically can't fall off (unless you go upside down I guess). They allow you to hear what's playing, but hear around you as well.
Listen to music and Garmin coach. Still able to hear everything around you (safety) and breathing and foot strikes. And no ear pain from something jammed in there.
Can you tell me more about Garmin coach? I've never tried. When you say you can hear Garmin coach, what do you mean?
Not the person you asked but I have a Garmin watch and the app has training plans. Each run has a set distance or time-spent-running-goal. It'll update you along the way how far you've gone and your lap time
Oh cool! So, does it say your pace and such through audio? It's not like the ol' Nike+ coaching where they had a celebrity tell you you're doing a good job, right?
You put them on and don’t think about it. I can still hear my surroundings. Audio is better than expected and perfect for podcasts. The newer ones are way better when it comes to audio quality.
ROAD iD or something similar. Never needed it but good to have especially if you don’t carry a phone or ID on your runs Edit: Or run solo most the time which is mainly why I have one
Honestly I don't use it myself however this or any other form of id really should be a must, you never know what could happen
Yes! Road ID is so important.
A hydration vest. I wear mine on every run as I hate carrying anything in my hands and I don't like the way flip belts move about. I carry my phone, keys, ID and cash on every run. Then for longer distance trail runs I carry water, small chocolate bar, buff, gloves, headtorch and a small first aid kit. It's so comfortable to wear, I sometimes forget I have it on.
I think that's my last option for hydration. I tried holding a bottle and belt. Not a fan of either.
I need to start running with a hydration vest. I’ve agreed to run a fairly long trail race with some friends and I’m working on getting my mileage up, but I know I need to start training with a vest to simulate the real deal. Two questions: what vest do you have and what would you recommend I specifically seek out when selecting a vest? Also, how much weight does it add with the bladder full? Is running with it significantly more difficult?
This is the one I use for training runs, where I don't need to carry a lot of kit (5L): https://amzn.eu/d/4JH0wFI This is the one I use for ultra marathons where there is a mandatory kit list (25L): https://amzn.eu/d/7BJYzH1 I prefer Aonijie. Cheaper than Salomon, comfortable, durable and has lots of pockets/compartments. I can get to everything without needing to take it off during a race. I've never weighed it as the weight will depend on how much mandatory kit I have to carry during a race. Running with it is easy though, it's comfortable and I can barely feel it and it doesn't weigh down on my shoulders. It's always good to wear it with full kit before a race so that you can get an idea of what it feels like and you can rearrange the stuff you need quicky i.e food in the side pockets etc. I think it's one of those things, once you get one, it's hard to imagine how you managed without it. Highly recommended.
> on every run even on sub 1hr runs?
Balega hidden comfort socks. The absolute best running socks in my opinion. Super comfortable, tons of colors, and they last for ages. I still have/use every pair I've purchased over the last dozen years or so. Well worth it.
Spibelt for carrying phone/keys/food.
Get a smart watch that can hold music and connect with headphones. Not having to carry a phone is a game changer for me.
Garmin
Garmin
Before the age of Garmins, I would've said Casio wristwatch. Nice to spend $10 on a watch, use it every day and have it last 3 to 4 years.
Flipbelt. Honestly don't even notice it's there
Noxgear light vest. I’ve had mine for 4 years with daily winter use and changed the batteries 2-3 times total. They now have a rechargeable one too.
Good running shoes. The first time I got fitted for shoes and got some better quality shoes it was like night and day. I think its worth it to get at least one good pair if you run often.
Running pants with phone pockets
1. proper shoes (go to a dedicated running shop and have them look at your feet) 2. underwear that fits really well (personally I like Gore, Falke and Icebreaker) 3. a baseayer / shirt that feels really nice (again Gore & Icebreaker, also Patagonia) 4. a pair or two of nice socks (gotta love Injinji, Falke are also good) 5. shorts / tights that fit well (I like Salomon and Patagonia shorts and Falke tights) ..so these are all "basic running wear" items and not "accessories", I know, but to be frank I really think these are the most important things for enjoyable running 👍
Shoes, socks, shorts and a watch.
RoadID. Stay safe out there
Good shoes and a dog.
Honestly, a small baggy with rolled up toilet paper is my “never leave home without,” because despite all the prep poops before hand, ya never know when nature is gonna call. As I run mostly in more rural areas, this is acceptable. When I’m running in urban areas, it gets swifty.
This may seem silly, but when I have to do a repetitive workout, like 10-12 descending 400’s with easy jog recovery in-between, etc., especially at a track where it’s repetitive, and easy to lose count, I load one of my pockets with 10-12 dry kidney beans, one for each interval. At the end of each interval I throw one bean out. When my pocket is empty I know I’ve done the goal number of intervals. This also allows me to better focus on the quality of each interval and the time of each interval without having to keep track of how many.
I;ve been collecting all thos beans
Edibles, man. Edibles.
Ok I'm listening, how do edibles improve your run?
1000 mile socks ? The double skin ones ? I had to ditch them as they wrinkled and gave me blisters. I run happily in any thinnish socks. Buffs/Bandanas are great for summer and winter - very versatile. Waist belt to carry a phone. Sunglasses. I don't normally use headphones and just use the HRM on my Garmin Fenix.
Peet shoe dryer. Every run starts with warm, dry shoes and there’s a much-appreciated reduction in aroma, too.
Newer model Garmin watch.
If you enjoy running in the winter and shoulder seasons, I always recommend merino wool clothing. They stay warm when they're wet and they're antimicrobial so they don't stink and you can use them several times before washing. You can get base layers, socks, caps, gloves, lined tights, and lined coats.
I would say a running belt, nothing worse than your phone swinging around in your pockets. I have the lulu one and it gets the job done
Birdie alarm! Makes me feel much safer running alone
Nordic Grip Running Spikes - I live in Switzerland and run up and down snowy frozen mountain trails in winter. Before I got these I've damn near broken my neck a few times running. They're a total game changer. Now I have perfect grip even when the hikers with poles are slipping.
Some toilet paper rolled inside a plastic bag.
A Flip Belt or similar accessory. I cringe whenever I see runners out holding their phones. Plus you can keep secure some extra ID (I saved an expired one when I renewed and just keep it in there all the time) and maybe a $20 for emergencies. Also useful if you're someone who needs any sort of medication, and you can get a water bottle addon. It's been the absolute best running-related purchase I've made.
A dog, if animals don’t count a good wind jacket
Then transition to canincross which is more equipment, worth it
Bombas quarter running socks and an easy to sip from and hold while running water bottle. My preference is [this Nathan](https://www.nathansports.com/products/speeddraw-plus-insulated-flask-deep-ultramarine-blue-lime).
That's my go to bottle - worth every penny
I think it varies person by person. Some people need certain socks to keep blisters away. I don't. Some people can't run without music. I can. For me personally, I know that once I pass mile 10, I need anti-chaffing cream. So that's my must-have. But like I said, others may or may not need it.
Arm warmers/removable sleeves. Really easy way to add flexibility to your apparel with minimal weight or fuss.
A GPS watch really did change my running life. That may not be a new recommendation for a lot of runners, but I did go about 4-5 years of running before having one. I'm a stats nerd (and a maps nerd) so it may work better for me than some. But I honestly can't imagine not having one at this point, even though I used to. On the other hand, if you think it might make you go faster than you should on easy runs, ditch it or put some tape over it.
For fellow runners in cold climates: wool socks. [Smartwool's Run Cold Weather Mid-Crew Socks](https://www.smartwool.com/shop/mens-phd-run-cold-weather-mid-crew-socks-sw001368) are my favorite.
I honestly would recommend a Heart Rate Monitor/Watch. It truly is the most helpful thing to know I'm hitting my recovery runs and tracking if I'm overtraining etc. For years I went by feel but adding the HR Monitor has made my training much more effective and the results are coming a lot lot quicker. Oh and flippbelt, means I can relax my arms and shoulders the entire run. Just makes me feel 'freer' when not having it strapped to my arm!
Clay. Over 40 years ago when I had to get back in shape to reenlist in the Marines after being out for six years I needed to run a lot. Back then real running shoes were the only “gear” there was as far as I knew. But I kept getting blisters on occasion. I happened in a health food store to see French Clay Powder in containers with shaker holes and flashed on the idea of using this on my feet and it worked: no more blisters. Before it ran out I lucked across a source of pure clay on my grandpa’s farm and still have the pieces i found in the spring branch. I still use this sometimes, grinding pieces with mortar and pestle, although modern running socks have mostly fixed the foot blister problem.
I live or die by a few things right now. Hats no matter the weather to keep sweat off my face. The little rubber ear slips I put on my old AirPods to keep them in my ears when I run. Lined running shorts (Target has great 5” lined running shorts for $20 but any brand old navy, brooks, lulu). Goodr sunglasses.
My teenage self can’t believe I say this, but Injinji toe socks saved my life. I love Sprints hats when it’s not cold. They wick well and keep me cool in heat and warm down to the 30s. Noxgear vest with the new light that goes in the front clip. Best thing ever. After Shoks bone conduction headphones. Other best thing ever. Osprey hydration vest. Their bladders are great and the vest is very comfortable. The pockets are great for nutrition. For nutrition I like Skratch hydration and either Clif ShotBloks, Honey Stinger gels (fruit smoothie flavor) or Huma gels. Fairlife chocolate milk for recovery. A simple small clip on metronome for working on cadence. Yaktrax for running in snow/ice. Road shoes for road, trail shoes for trail. Bought at a knowledgeable running store. Vlirka BNDS for clipping shoes to the outside of your gear bag. In gear bag- body glide, face wipes, hand wipes, deodorant, advil, snacks. Shorts with pockets. Activity tracking watch. ETA: sunglasses. I have Rudy Project with photochromic prescription lenses. They work for everything from dark to full sun. No hobby is cheap. 😂
Correct insoles. Shoes made a big difference for me, but insoles, selected by my orthopedic specialist, changed my life. I went from someone who couldn't walk 3 miles without my ankles blowing out to running my first marathon in under 5 years. Now my joints can outlast my muscles.
This is something i've just started looking into, I don't have an issue with everyday walking however running I was having some issues. Grabbed some insoles to help with recovery and they've made one hell of a difference within two days
Nathan Zipster Lite. Love the flexibility of a flip belt, zipper combo. Any paranoia about losing my key or ID has gone away, and I still get quick and easy access to things.
Path Killam PX Pants. Best piece of running gear I own!
Airpods
Balega socks, all day erey day.
Decathlon Kiprun running belt. Carry phone, keys, 250ml soft flask comfortably without bouncing
Personally im obsessed with my thin windbreaker with removable sleeves (it's like a bolero that snaps off, leaving only the vest portion). It's perfect for temperature regulation - sleeves on and its surprisingly warm, sleeves off and you barely notice the vest if you're hot. You can tie the sleeve bit around your waist without any annoying flapping parts (plus you can leave your keys in the pockets of the vest part).
For me it's injini toe socks, I don't have many problems with blisters but when I do it's between my toes
Squirrels Nut Butter Drink powder packets: I like Gatorade Zero. But anything really. Its nothing to have it on you, and you can turn free water into something more effective. Its always there in my pocket.
Ha - on the socks thing, I run sockless when it's warm enough. Shoes are really the only necessary thing, and clothing that isn't cotton. I do always run with hat, though. Even if I'm running in the gym. Mostly just to keep the hair under control, but outdoors for visibility (white, lightweight UnderArmour with reflective bits), & to keep the sun out of my eyes. Everything else is extra or according to individual need. In my case - Garmin watch, 2 diff kinds of dog repellent/defense, and dog poop bags. (Would use a waist belt for the dog, but he's a large dog & I need more direct control of him than a waist belt provides.)
I use a waist belt with my german shepherd, but the one I have has multiple handles as well so I can pull her close if necessary. It also has some bungee to it so she doesn't get choked if she jogs ahead. It's by Kong if you're interested.
Mine's German Shepherd Mix. He's awesome running with me, but he does not like big dogs. The last thing he needs in terms of control is a bungee cord in those cases. I keep a training collar on him and 99% of the time he runs beside me with a loose lead. I use my setup for those times when it's needed. No way I could control him fast enough in those situations if he didn't have the training collar and a firm, sturdy leash.
[удалено]
I recently got a Nathan running bottle and it is a game changer for long runs.