What To Wear When Running
You’ve decided to adopt a healthier lifestyle and part of your exercise routine is going for a regular run. The beauty of running is that you don’t really need any special gear and most of the time you don’t even need to do anything special. All you need to do is get out of the house and hit the pavement.
To get the most out of your run it’s important to be comfortable and that means choosing the right footwear, clothing and a few added extras so that your focus is on running and not the on the pinching you may feel from overly tight clothes or poorly fitting shoes. Here are 10 things to wear when running so you can really enjoy your daily run.
1. Running Shoes
As obvious as it may seem, the first thing you need to be wearing when you run is a good, comfortable pair of running shoes. Your feet are doing most of the work so you want to make sure they are properly cared for. Choose a pair of running shoes that fit snugly without being too tight and if you are running on hard surfaces like concrete or asphalt, make sure the sole of your shoes is thick enough and strong enough to absorb the impact of your feet pounding on these hard surfaces.
2. Running Socks
One thing you should never do is go running without socks. Putting your bare feet into a pair of running shoes can be pretty uncomfortable and your feet will get hot and sweaty pretty fast. Most running socks have extra cushioning and support and wick away moisture so your feet stay dry no matter how hot you get.
3. Shorts Or Pants
Depending on the weather you may choose to go running in shorts or pants. There are many great bottoms available today fall under the category of compression wear that has been specially designed for runners. They are usually made from synthetic materials that wick moisture away from the skin and are comfortable and breathable. They stretch where you need mobility and offer great support for your limbs. If you prefer shorts, you have a few more choices and as long as they are comfortable, you can wear proper running shorts or just stick to your favorite old, comfortable pair.
4. T-Shirt Or Sweater
Whatever you prefer to wear up top, your main focus should be on your comfort. You may have a proper running shirt or any comfortable t-shirt. If the weather is cooler, you may also want to take a sweater or hoodie with you. Just remember that when you are running you will get a little hot so don’t put on too many layers.
5. Bulk Up For Winter
A little bit of snow and wind in winter shouldn’t stop you from running so invest in some winter running gear. Your running pants and top may need to be longer, but that doesn’t necessarily mean they need to be super thick. Sporting apparel has come a long way in recent years and ultra-light sporting clothes with thermal technology have made it easier to choose the right running clothes for any weather. You should also invest in running jackets to keep you warm when the mercury dives below zero. Jackets have the added benefit of having pockets for your keys and phone so they are definitely worth wearing when you go running. Keep in mind too, that you will feel the cold in your extremities and your fingers and hands tend to suffer the most from freezing conditions. A good pair of running gloves will keep your hands warm and many have special pads at the fingertips so you can still use your smartphone without removing your gloves.
6. Smartwatch Or Smartphone
If you’re like many enthusiastic runners then you probably enjoy running more to your favorite tunes. That usually means you take your smartphone with you when you go running. If you want to block out all the other noises in your neighborhood while you run, the next item on your list would be a set of running earphones. Unlike ordinary earphones, these ones fit a little more snugly so they won’t fall off while you run. The other benefit of taking your smartphone with you is that you can track your progress with an appropriate running app. if you don’t want to use your smartphone for this then a smartwatch is a good alternative.
7. Hats
You should always wear a hat when you go running. In the winter you’ll need a warmer hat and for summer you’ll really appreciate keeping the sun out of your eyes with something as simple as a baseball cap. Most people have a good collection of hats anyway, so choose the right one to protect you from the elements or sun exposure, and make sure it’s a comfortable hat too.
8. Sunscreen
When the weather gets warmer you’re more likely to shed several layers of clothing when you run and that means lots of exposed skin. The last thing you want to do when you go out running on a bright sunny day is get a nasty dose of sunburn. Before heading out for your run, apply some sunscreen to any exposed areas of your skin and that includes your face. It will only take you a few moments to protect yourself from those harmful UV rays, but it will spare you days of pain if you get burnt.
9. Sunglasses
While you’re taking measures to protect yourself from the sun’s rays, don’t forget your eyes. You need to remain alert and focused when you run and that can be a little complicated if you’re vision is impaired because you keep squinting. You can find great sunglasses that have been specifically designed for athletes. They are generally more flexible for a comfortable fit and most designs wrap around the eye area so they won’t fall off during running.
10. Rain Protection
If you’ve made running a part of your daily fitness routine then you’re going to get out there no matter what the weather. Even in the middle of summer, you could find yourself running in the rain. Good rain jackets have a waterproof outer layer that will keep you dry, but still, feature breathable or mesh inner linings so you stay comfortable without accumulating a lot of sweat inside the jacket. The materials used in sports rain jackets tend to be lighter in weight and water tends to collect before rolling off the jacket. Many also come with hoods so you can keep the rain from getting in your eyes.
Like any sporting or fitness activity, you need to be prepared. Running may not require a lot of gear, but with the right gear you’ll get the most out of your run and you’ll enjoy it a whole lot more. Keep it simple and make sure you’re comfortable. The only time you should be thinking of your running gear is when you’re putting them on. Once you get out and actually start running, forget about your gear and enjoy the run. Focus on your stride focus on your stride. Most of all, enjoy your run.
