Long Distance Running Gear

Since we have different experience levels with our running, we’ve decided to create a series of blogs that show different perspectives on a variety of running topics.

This week we’ve decide to talk a bit about running gear: what are the essentials?

Michelle’s Take on Running Gear

As someone new to running, my first thought was that I didn’t need anything special. Running involves grabbing a well-worn pair of sneakers, some comfy socks, an old pair of shorts, a t-shirt, and heading out the door. As a tennis player, I knew the importance of having the right type of shoes for the court, using the right type of racket and grip, but never thought I needed to give running gear a second thought. Throughout the year when training for my first half marathon, I learned that it’s a little more involved than that, but it isn’t rocket science either.
I would love to report that re-examining the gear that I was using came from hours of careful study and consultation with experts but, in fact, it came simply as the result of a growing collection of blisters from the socks and sneakers I was using, running tops that seemed to hold in the sweat, and shorts that never felt quite right.

The first things to go were my sneakers. After several miles, I realized that my all-around athletic shoes did not provide the comfort level I needed for the repeated motion of my one-to-two hour training runs. I needed real honest-to-goodness running shoes. While many people suggested that I go to a running store and have my gait analyzed, I thought a good first choice would be to visit my local sporting goods store and see if I could find a pair of shoes designed for running that would be comfortable. That worked for me. I broke them in by wearing them around the house for a week or so and then took them out on the road. After that, I used those sneakers only for running and nothing else. I realize that others might have issues that require that an expert help in the selection of running shoes, but a $70 pair was perfect for me.

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My next revelation was that all socks are not equal. Each time I ran I would choose a comfy pair of cotton athletic socks and thought that would be fine. Along the way, some runner friends mention that wool socks are actually better, but I thought, “Pssssshaw! Wool socks?! These will do me just fine.” Nope. After a certain distance, especially in the warm weather, my feet would get sweaty and, as you might have guessed, the cotton socks held the moisture in very nicely. Then came the blisters. Not fun. I ended up investing (and at $10-$15 a pair, I do mean investing) in a pair of SmartWool socks. What a difference! I guess when I thought of wearing wool, I was thinking of the scratchy sweaters I wear during our long, New England winters. SmartWool is thin, comes with different levels of cushion, and truly wicks away the moisture. Now I own three pairs and won’t run without them.

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My next investment was in some running shirts. I was pretty happy just wearing cotton t-shirts for running, but then the charity I was running for sent me a “real” running shirt as a gift”¦.and I loved it. The mesh allowed the moisture out, but kept me warm during those cold, early-morning runs. I bought a few more and was all set.

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Underneath that shirt was my last important purchase: a really good sports bra. Being a sporty sort of person all of my life, I have found this is one area where you get what you pay for. I don’t cut corners with a sports bra because when I’m running all I want to worry about is running, so I pay a bit more for a really good quality one.

Because I live in an area that gets pretty cold in the winter, I also found that I needed to invest in a few other things: running gloves, running tights, and a long-sleeve running shirt. I picked these up on an as-needed basis and was very careful to just buy one of everything so that I could see if I used the item first.

So, I now realize that just as the case with any other sport, if you’re going to stick with it, it’s important to have the right tools for the job, especially when you’re putting in the time required to successfully complete a long-distance run. The right shoes, socks, top, and other gear has made me more comfortable and kept me healthy and able to continue training.

Mike’s Take on Running Gear

Comfort. When I think about running gear comfort is the priority. It can take you a while before you find the right combination that works for you, but it is worth the effort. Think of it as an investment towards helping you achieve your goal. Let’s face it, comfort will make the journey that much more enjoyable, regardless of the distance. Comfort is priority one.

The most important pieces of running gear are your running shoes and socks. If you are planning to run the WDW Half or Full Marathon in January you need to determine ASAP what shoe and sock combination will work for you over the span of two, four, or even six hours of running and/or walking. Actually it’s more than that because you will be in those shoes from the time you leave your room until you return from the race”¦easily anywhere from seven to as much as 12 hours. So the shoe and sock deal is VERY IMPORTANT.

I am not particularly 100% in support of the idea of going into a running store and having the personnel watch you display your gait to determine your ideal shoe, but it is definitely a start. The issue I have centers around who is making this call. Hopefully, we are talking about experienced runners or someone who really can look at your gait and come up with the type of shoe that best fits your needs. You don’t want to depend on a sales clerk in a sports superstore because most likely that person may know more about baseball gloves than running shoes. If you go to a running store your chances of getting the right help are much greater.

Once you know the type of shoe for you, then you need to look at all those models that offer you these components”¦stability”¦arch support”¦whatever. Prices will vary so you may NOT want to purchase your shoes in that running store unless you know their prices are compatible with the superstores. Try your shoes on and make sure there is not one iota of discomfort. If they feel comfortable then go with them”¦just do me a favor”¦try at least three different shoes before deciding”¦.don’t buy the first pair you try until you have tested at least two other pairs.

Although shoes may feel comfortable in the store, you really won’t know for sure as to whether or not they are right for you until you have spent at least an hour in them during a training session, be it a run, a walk, or a combination of the two. I’ll take it one more step. You may not be able to decide until you have trained in them for a week. So I guess I’m suggesting that you give your new running shoe several training sessions before deciding if it is the shoe for you. If it is, then take note of the model and start looking for sales because running shoes can be pricey.

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For the record over the last ten years I have been running in the same model shoe. It works for me so I stick with it and whenever I see a sale I purchase another pair. Here’s a tip: if you settle on a shoe that from year to year goes through a “model upgrade” then think about searching for last year’s model to save money. If in December of this year I see a 2010 model going for $89 and the still new 2009 model going for $59 (to move the inventory) guess which one I’m buying? I have about 10 pairs of running shoes all the same basic model”¦Ill stick with this model for as long as it’s around. I hope when you find your perfect shoe that you too have a long term relationship.

I’m not going to tell you what kind of socks to wear. I use basic running socks, ones that wick if possible. Let’s face it, if you have a certain affinity for certain sock material then stick with it for your training and the race ahead. It is somewhat true that for some folks the marriage of socks and shoes are VERY important. It is to me too but it’s simple, give me comfortable socks and I’m fine. I do suggest finding the softest socks you can”¦not the thickest, but the softest.

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Running shorts/tights/pants come in all types of fabrics. Again comfort is the key here and once you find what works for you it’s not only important to stick with it but also to supply yourself with an extra pair or two. Remember, the race you are planning to do in January will have you spending a lot of time with your running gear so for sure you need to have comfortable shorts. And a word of advice, go into a running store and invest in the lightest material shorts you can find.

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Running tops will also be something that for some folks is of vital importance while others will not care. The material always comes into play here and if you have a preference by all means go with it. Over the last several years wicking material seems to be growing in popularity but if you have never worn it, and especially if you have never run with this material you need to try this before wearing it during a race. The bottom line is that you need to find something that will be comfortable for several hours.

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So that’s about it for running gear…at least for now.

Finally, and this is the bottom line, whatever you train in is what you should race in. That is, the comfort level you have for your training runs should be the same for the race. Don’t make the mistake of saving that new pair of shoes, socks, shorts, or top for race day. Test them out”¦break them in”¦don’t take a chance.

That’s our take…gear up.


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8 Replies to “Long Distance Running Gear”

  1. Love the running skirts…room for iPod, hotel card key, chapstik…and they fit me better than the running shorts.

  2. I must disagree on one point.

    You must, must, must get someone to look at your running gait. Lots of proper running shops have machines to run on that analyse your gait, others might have someone who knows what they are doing who will watch you run (if they don’t look from directly behind you and in front of you as you run away from and toward them…….they don’t know what they are doing).

    Your shoes may feel fine, you may not be getting blisters, but if, for example, you over pronate and don’t have adequate stability you could be putting continual strain on joints that will cut short your running years.

    Getting your gait analysed and proper shoes fitted does not mean you will spend enormous amounts on shoes…….it just makes sure you get the right ones and are not storing up problems for later.

    My advice – make sure you get the right shoes, it is not something that you want to take a chance on.

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    Hi Bob,

    As long as your gait is observed and analyzed by someone who knows what they are doing you should be fine.

    My point is that not every clerk in every running store has that skill in identifying the proper shoes for everyone.

    Mike

  3. I would also like to recommend the running skirt. I got mine at the Princess Half Marathon expo – it is from http://www.runningskirts.com. They have two styles – one with the fitted bike short and one with more of an underwear style – I chose the second which I LOVE although I do put a little antichafing stick on my thighs for the longer runs … total comfort!

  4. Great blog my captains¡
    I used before a pair of running shoes that gave me blisters after running 6 miles. Fortunately I have a pair that has not given me any problem so far.

    By the way, yesterday I saw a new type of Nike shirt that says is made with cotton dri fit fabric ant it feels quite nice, have you heard anything about this fabric? Have you tried it?

  5. Great advice, you two!

    I have to chime in with my own advice for the girls: try the running skirt!

    I always had a hard time finding running shorts that were comfortable but didn’t ride up or chafe my legs. The solution for years was to wear tight shorts that are most easily described as bike shorts only without the padding. I don’t know about you, but for me this is not a particularly flattering look. They felt good physically but I hated to wear them and they were not good for my self confidence.

    But then, a few years ago, the running skirt arrived! They had the right kind of bottoms but they were hidden beneath a super cute skirt! I was in love, skeptical, but in love with the idea. I tried one and now I can’t go back to running without them. Skirts don’t chafe and they make me feel cute and that helps tremendously with my mental focus on race day!