Congratulations on deciding to run! It can be a bit overwhelming to start with, especially with all the different recommendations about what you need to buy. It’s simple to start, and you can always build your stash later on.
Simple starter kit – There is only one thing you need to invest in to start running (two if you’re female). Go to a specialty sports store and buy the best pair of running shoes you can afford. Don’t worry about fashion, get the most functional and supportive pair you can. Ladies, invest in a fantastic sports bra. If you don’t you’ll find chafing and aches to be your new companions. If you don’t have the right shoes and support, you’re creating a battle you can do without.
Clothes – Start with whatever you have in your wardrobe. A simple t-shirt and shorts will do while you’re getting the hang of things. Once you’re getting into it a bit more, or want to reward your hard work, grab some specialty running clothes. The fabric is designed to reduce chafing all round and can help to wick moisture (sweat) away from the body. It also looks really cool.
Reduce friction – If you’re starting to nail longer distances, even specialised clothing may not stop chafing completely. Get some Body Glide (or Vaseline) to apply to areas that chafe before your run. It will reduce friction and you’ll be much more comfortable.
Water – Take a water bottle or even better, a backpack style water bag with you on longer runs. Although it’s cold now, warm days really take the hydration out of you, so take care of yourself as the spring and summer months approach. Consider adding electrolytes to replace lost salts too.
Apps – If you’ve got everything else sorted out, it can be fun and easy to add a running app or two to your smart phone. These apps can map your track, calculate distance or count calories. There are some great apps that provide coaching programs. They offer voice guidance to build your distances over time, and it takes the pressure off you deciding when to stop and start.
Music – In combination with the tracking and coaching apps, download some awesome tunes to keep you company. Happy, upbeat tunes that you enjoy will help keep you focused. Your running speed will often mirror the BPM of the tracks, so make sure they aren’t slow!
Insoles – Enertor insoles of course! Our insoles are designed to prevent a number of common running injuries and provide more comfort. Designed by leading podiatrists to reduce your risk of injury, the unique design features support your foot throughout training. Enertor insoles are enhanced by D3O impact protection technology, which means they can provide more shock absorption than any other insole. Our expertise, combined with the patented D3O shock absorption technology, enables Enertor to deliver the most advanced injury prevention insoles on the market today.
Enertor insoles are available online HERE .
Whilst Enertor has over 18 years Orthotics experience, our blog content is provided for informational purposes only and it is not a substitute for your own doctor’s medical advice. Enertor advises anyone with an injury to seek their own medical advice – and do not make any health or medical related decisions based solely on information found on this site
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