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:
- Finish Strong Sports on Memorial and Dairy Ashfor
- Finish Line Sports on 59 and Sugar Creek Blvd
- Texas Running Company on 59 and Hwy 6 (next to Wholefoods)
- 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
- 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
- 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.
- Should minimize motion when you jump
- Should fit tight and not necessary flattering
- Consider one with adjustment options
Hats/Visors
- Consider to keep sun and sweat off your face
- Wicking/breathing material is a must
- 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
- 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
- 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
- Body Glide and Vaseline are popular choices
- Pre-run application of band-aids will prevent rubbing
- Always have something that identifies you
- There are bracelets, snap on shoe ids, wristbands
- Some people carry these just in case, if you do so, be sure to secure it somehow
- There are shoe wallets, arm purses
- 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
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