I am not an elite runner. I do not know it all. And I’m pretty much a newbie to this sport running my first real race in 2005 with the Madison half marathon. Since then I’ve run in my first full marathon, completed another half marathon, and am now currently training for my second full marathon [eek!]. I was not a track or cross country runner in high school—quite the opposite, actually. I was a basketball and volleyball jock who would rather line up for sprints and stairs and punch herself in the face before running a mile. Then came college when I was no longer exercising for 3+ hours each day with high school sports and I was deathly afraid of the freshman fifteen. So I started running about 2 or 3 miles at a time just to burn some calories, but I ended up addicted to running.

Running is such a mind game. It’s methodical, simple, and accessible. The feeling of accomplishment you feel after a great run should be bottled up and sold for ridiculous amounts of money. Whether you are training to run/walk a mile, doing the Couch to 5k program, running in your first half marathon, or even a full 26.2 you’ve probably been overwhelmed by the running world out there. I mean, there are so many things to learn, so many questions to ask, and so many hard-core runners out there that scare the crap out of us newbies [at least, in my opinion]. So when Hanna asked if I would write a post about running—must have gear, clothes, equipment, etc—I decided to take her up on it in hopes that it will help somebody out there. I apologize for the length of this post already, but I just adore talking about this stuff [you can't tell, can you?]

PART ONE = ATTIRE

A. Shoes

Absolutely the most important piece of equipment for a runner is her shoes. Now ladies, this is not a place to skimp on quality just to save some money and since this is coming from a self-professed tightwad, you should know that it’s a big deal to me. I hunt for sales as much as the next person and usually spending $100-$150 on a single item would make me blackout. But your shoes not only protect your feet but they are the basis for proper body alignment and will definitely make or break you as a runner. As soon as someone tells me “My _____ hurts when I run” I immediately ask about their shoes: are they old, worn down, or ill-fitting? If so, it’s time to get professionally fitted for the perfect pair of kicks. I don’t go by the 500 mile rule, or the 6 month rule, but I just listen to my legs and they will tell me when it’s time to make the next purchase.

I am a big fan of shoe stores that watch you run on a treadmill to observe your foot mechanics in their shoes. They should measure each foot, watch you walk in different styles of shoes, and also watch you run in them before letting you walk out the door with a new pair. They will see if you over pronate, stay fairly neutral, or possibly over supinate and then prescribe you the correct shoe accordingly. We like Fleet Feet for this purpose but I know there are other stores out there that will do the same for you.

Right now I’m wearing the Saucony ProGrid Guide shoes:

But in the past I’ve been an Asics freak and ran my marathon in the GT-2140s. I have also purchased many-a-Cumulus and Nimbus styles:

After you have the proper running shoe, next you should splurge on some non-cotton clothing.

B. Socks

For my socks I am obsessed with the Smart Wool brand and believe their $13 price tag to be worth it.

I never really understood the importance of non-cotton socks until I experienced the delightful addition of mega-blisters after a 15 miler in cotton. Remember, ladies: Cotton is rotten.

C. Clothes

Now for the really fun part, my dearies. Going with the anti-cotton theme means you will become best friends with Dri-Fit materials. You will need to embrace tight-fitting running clothes and ditch the baggy tees and roomy shorts. If you want to avoid major chafing you will be forced to put your fears aside and don tight capris, actual running shorts, and…..if you dare….the running skort.  Ever a hot topic in the running world, the skort is my personal favorite because it is the perfect paradox of femininity and butt-kicking athleticism all rolled into one. Tight shorts underneath the skirt make it a little less scandalous but the idea is the same: imagine the surprise on a guy’s face when you run right past him wearing this bad boy. Girl power, indeed.

What you see above are my two skorts, both the Nike Running Skort. I’m definitely a Nike girl when it comes to running and although the reviews are mixed for this one I’m a huge fan. It ain’t cheap but oh-so-worth it. Give it a shot and let me know what you think.

But of course, a few running shorts and capris are a must, too. And don’t forget the moisture-wicking tank tops, most of which have built-in bras which suffice for us A-cuppers. One of the only times in life it’s nice to be a member of the Itty Bitty Titty Committee? Running. But that’s about it, in my opinion.

When you start to get into running you might find that spending money on work out clothes can be JUST as fun as buying dresses, heels, and frilly tops. In fact, I’d much rather buy running attire than ‘normal’ items these days. I guess my inner jock is shining through with a vengance, huh?

Stay tuned for the next parts of this running series: music, nutrition, Garmins, and training programs galore.

Any other runners out there? Feel free to suggest other topics as needed. And I’d love to hear your opinions on The Infamous Skort Debate. :)