What do I need to run?

I have on occasion been seen “jogging” to school council meetings in jeans. Why not? I’m usually late, I don’t always have access to the family car, and I might not have had any exercise those days. True, I didn’t think to walk the last five minutes to cool off, which meant walking in red-faced and sweaty. But I’ve learned my lesson and I would do it again.

The beauty of running, to me, is the simplicity. I don’t mean to say it’s easy. But you don’t need a lot of equipment to get out there. Basically running shoes, some polyester tops and leggings, and maybe a jacket and a cap for the sun if you're running in the middle of the day.

Of course you can spend hundreds of dollars on fancy stuff like running vests and sports watches, which--unless you’re training for a marathon--you don’t really need.

Shoes

Good shoes that fit well are important. When my husband, who competed as an amateur cyclist for several years, decided to see what a marathon would be like two years ago, the shoes he got did some pretty good damage to his toes. He ended up going to a podiatrist to get properly fitted and spent what was to me a shocking amount of money on well fitting shoes. He hasn’t left that model since, but let me tell you, I’ve spent a lot of time tracking them down online for half-price since that first pair.

You don’t need to see a podiatrist, though. Marathon training requires a lot of miles in running shoes, but 30 minutes of running a few times a week can’t do too much damage. Just make sure they are comfortable and give you the support you need. Good shoes will be more expensive, but they often last longer, too. There are lots of shoe reviews online that will help you find the right ones and if you go to a store like the Running Room, they will help you find a good match.

I don’t have the best balance, so I find stability an important feature. I like good cushioning, I overpronate a little, and I have high high arches. My favourite brand has a search feature where you can find shoes that have these features. Then I look for them on sale. I almost never pay more than half-price for running shoes. New models come out every year, so I will buy last year’s model. I’ve now found the pair I love, and bought ahead for next year. If you like to research shoes online, RunRepeat.com reviews hundreds of them.

The comfortable running bra

Before I started running, I thought being flat-chested was a bit of negative. The only time I had anything close to a significant bosom was during my breastfeeding years. After I started running though, it became a positive, especially when I discovered the magic padded sports bra. I have to confess, I find them so comfortable that they have snuck into every day use.

Everyone is different, and you will find a huge variety of options. Depending on how long and how often you're running, you'll want to consider how much support you'll need and what's most comfortable for you. Chaffing and pain is not going to encourage you to get out there, so it's worth investing in something that works for you. For more ideas, Runners World has a good rundown of what they consider the 12 Best Sports Bras for Runners. Verywellfit has their own best running bras list.

Clothing

Running clothes can be very expensive. But I have collected an extensive running wardrobe that has cost me a fraction of what it could have cost new. I love thrifting. It’s good for the environment, I keep telling myself as I run out of closet space. My local thrift stores have sections for athletic tops and pants, and I’ve found some amazing deals. Some of my girlfriends also do a clothing swap.

Just remember that if you’re sweating, the type of material matters. Cotton sucks. As the fabric gets wet, it clings to your skin and stays wet. Polyester wicks the sweat away from your body and helps it evaporate. In cooler weather, layers are good so you can peal them off as needed. I often end up tying my top or jacket around my waist for the last stretch. Again, just avoid cotton, because if you end up needing to walk, or it’s a windy day, that wet fabric next to your skin can give you a wicked chill.

If you want to run most of the year, a few tank tops and T-shirts are important for warmer weather, and they make excellent undershirts when it’s cooler. You’ll need a couple of long sleeves for spring and fall—half-zipper tops help you control your temperature more easily on your runs. I recommend a wind resistant jacket for those cooler days. Waterproof jackets don’t breath well and can make you really hot, unless you really are running in the pouring rain. Not my favourite.

A final word on clothes: Many of us are on budgets and it’s not always easy to justify spending money on “hobbies”. But remember, this is your health. If being comfortable and liking what you wear gets you out running, then I think it’s worth the investment.