|
Believe it or not, Ethiopian runner Abebe Bikila won the marathon (26.2 miles) in the 1960 Rome Olympics
without shoes. Sorry, but we can’t recommend you follow his lead when running. Pounding the
pavement and striding on trails are both hard on mere mortals’ bodies. Seriously consider rounding
up the following gear:
The Essentials
Shoes: Chances are if Bikila could see what’s available in running shoes today,
he’d immediately lose his barefooted bias. Whatever your body type and running tendencies
and foot shape, there’s a shoe for you. Budget and sale models go for as little as $20 while
high-end ones fetch upwards of $150. A beginner can probably get a good pair for around $50.
Don’t trust anything under about $30 (though sometimes you can find amazing prices at outlet
stores). A good dealer can advise you if you explain what kind of running you plan to do. Consider
bringing in a worn pair of shoes, which an expert can learn from. Finally, be sure to try running
in the new shoes in the store before buying (don’t just stand in them). If the store you
visit doesn’t ask questions such as how far and where you run, obviously, look for a more
professional store. Consider asking friends who run where they shop for shoes, too.
Socks: Blisters, calluses, corns, ingrown nails. Man, feet can be gross. Avoid as much grossness
as possible by wearing socks when you run. Yeah, yeah, some stars shun them. But we think you ought to
at least start running with socks because they can prevent many of the problems we just mentioned.
Socks wick moisture, helping keep feet dry. Drier feet don’t move as much inside the shoe, which helps
prevent blisters and other foot ailments. Any old sock such as those $6-for-three-pairs sets will help.
Or, consider purpose-built models, which are made of better materials such as Cool Max or cotton and
nylon blends to wick better ($5 to $10 per pair). Some even include padding to soften the impact of
your foot on pavement.
Clothes: Chafing can be a problem on long runs if clothing (particularly shorts) binds or is
ill fitting. Two popular choices are loose-fitting garments and tight-fitting Lycra. (Try each to decide,
as they both work equally well, depending upon your preference.) A rain suit is handy in cold wet
weather though it may be too hot in humid areas. Bright colored clothing helps ensure safety in
traffic areas. For women, sports bras are essential for support. Instead of wearing a basic cotton
T-shirt, which when damp will become cold, consider a tank top or T made of modern materials such as
Cool Max. These wicking fabrics move moisture away from the body preventing chafing and increasing
comfort.
Nice to Have
Personal Stereo: Ever hear of the loneliness of the long-distance runner? Well, there’s no need
to ever be lonely if you bring along a portable stereo. Tiny ones are available that can be hand carried,
slipped in a pocket, or attached via a belt clip or pouch. Push-button tuning allows switching from AM
to FM to tape instantly. And you'll barely feel the featherweight headset. On fast days, crank the
motivational music. On easy days, cruise to books on tape. Just stay alert to traffic and other road
and trail dangers.
Heart Rate Monitor: If you’ve set goals and are hustling to reach them, getting a heart rate
monitor and using it is a great way to speed up your progress and ensure that what limited training
time you have is spent wisely. Wireless heart rate monitors, which we recommend, have a belt that’s
worn around the chest and a wristwatch monitor worn around the wrist. Some include alarms to guide you
during workouts and memory (even downloadable to a PC) so you can easily record your training data.
Using this great tool you can ensure that workouts are hard and easy enough to correspond exactly with
your training schedule. Prices range from $50 to $300 depending on features.
Training Diary: Many athletes overlook the importance of keeping a training diary. But
there’s no better way to set and focus on your goals and workouts. You can make a diary from
a notebook but commercial versions usually include inspirational quotes and photos rewarding you
for each entry. Plus, the cost is cheap usually $15 to $20. By looking back, you can see what
training worked best and tune your future schedule for optimum results. And, over a period of
years, you’ll compile an impressive workout library charting your athletic progress. As an
alternative, consider software versions, which automate tasks such as totaling mileage (cost $40
to $60).
Watch: Any old wristwatch won’t do when you start logging quality miles and doing
intervals. You’ll want one with a stopwatch to record results and track your progress.
Watches are handy for events also because it’s not always possible to get your time at the
end of the race unless you run with your own watch. Great sports watches are available for $40 to
$50 dollars.
|
