Tips on Apparel and Gear

These are some basic tips that I learned from my participation in Team in Training and other runners:

Shoes:

• This is your most important investment, don't skimp!
• Expect to spend $75 - $125 a pair
• Most expensive ≠ best
• Buy shoes based on foot mechanics (depends on arch and pronation), body size, and comfort
• Shoes last about 300 miles (full marathoners will need a second pair before January)
• Consider two pairs to alternate
• Purchase shoes only from a running specialty store:

1. Finish Strong Sports on Memorial and Dairy Ashfor
2. Finish Line Sports on 59 and Sugar Creek Blvd
3. Texas Running Company on 59 and Hwy 6 (next to Wholefoods)

At the store:

• Tell them you are new and want to be fitted for running shoes
• Be specific about foot/ankle issues like flat feet or high arches
• Come with your current running shoes, they will want to see your gait
• Try on at least three pairs and run around the store with them
• The heel will be snug, but don't buy a shoe if it is tight anywhere
• Try them with socks you will be running in

Socks:

• No cotton or wool
• Try out different styles (thinner, not so thin, double layered...)
• Expect to pay $4-$12 a pair
• If you want to save some money, consider to buy one that you like at the running store and then looking for something similar at Target, Walmart or Marshalls

Shorts/Tights/Shirts:

• No cotton
• Buy only moisture wicking material, such as Dri-Fit or CoolMax
• Consider one with pockets if you are not using a power belt, in this way you can carry your energy supplements
  
• You can buy these anywhere. Cheapest finds are at Target, Walmart and Marshalls, also Academy is a little higher. You could easily spend much more at specialty stores were you can find better variety, but your basic needs can be met at department stores.

Sports Bras:

• Should minimize motion when you jump
• Should fit tight and not necessary flattering
• Consider one with adjustment options

Accessories:
Hats/Visors

• Consider to keep sun and sweat off your face
• Wicking/breathing material is a must

Water Carriers

• If you are doing the full marathon this is almost a must and for half marathon consider it
• Try them on in the store (Academy or running store) to test comfort
• There are belt or backpack types
• Several bottles on one belt allows variety of energy fluids

Watches

• You should have a watch that has a stopwatch that gives splits and a timer that will allow different length intervals simultaneously (for breaks, sprints, and easy/tempo intervals)
• You can get a durable, multi-function watch for less than $40, and you can spend much more than $100

Supplements

• As the miles start to add up, you will need to carry nutritional supplements.
• Consider this when buying your belt, backpack and shorts
• Several gels can be combined in a bottle on your belt
• There are gels, jelly beans, bars, boost drinks

Chaffing Preventatives

• Body Glide and Vaseline are popular choices
• Pre-run application of band-aids will prevent rubbing

Identification

• Always have something that identifies you
• There are bracelets, snap on shoe ids, wristbands

Money/Cell Phone

• Some people carry these just in case, if you do so, be sure to secure it somehow
• There are shoe wallets, arm purses

Winter Apparel:

• Layering is important as you will start cooler and then your body warms up and you don't want to get overheated
• Always look for breathable materials
• Cover your head and ears
• Have options for windy days
• Don't over do it, add as you need