Gear Starter Kit

Before you get started, I’d recommend a few basic items to make your first day on the sidewalk or the treadmill a pleasurable experience. You don’t have to take out another mortgage and buy loads of new clothes, but here are my few must haves:

*Sneakers

I would recommend taking yourself to the local running store to get fitted for a pair of running sneakers. This is a very individual process, and there are many pieces to consider when picking the correct shoe for you. My favorite go-to sneaker will probably not be your favorite, and vice versa. You will likely be asked about your running experience, if any, (and saying you are just starting out is A-okay!), and any previous or current injuries. Most local stores have a treadmill, so you can be observed while jogging. This helps in determination of gait which may influence choice of shoe.

*Sports bra

I think this may be second in level of importance, only to the sneakers. For the bigger busted among us, it has been a challenge to find what works. As in, you will know if the bra is not working, because you will be sore in the chest area for days after your run. For the smaller chested, you can probably stick with most popular brands advertising bras with “moderate support”. When I started running, I felt that perhaps many companies creating sports bras didn’t realize that those with a higher cup size actually run too. Who knew?

I like the Ennell brand (and let it be known that I’m not receiving anything to say so). Ennell’s bra fits like a straitjacket, with a lot of front hooks, but it provides great support. They make a racerback option, which does work better with a typical racerback tank, but I have found that it does not provide as much support as their “Sport” version.  Keep in mind, they have a unique sizing system. You will need a measuring tape! It does not have an underwire. I even wore this sucker for my sprint triathlon. I practiced with it once in the pool and once in a lake, prior to the swim in the bay during the race. It held up fantastically in all settings.

For getting started in the sport, your basic workout attire will do just fine. My biggest recommendation here would be to pick articles that wick. Cotton is the enemy. Nylon and polyester are better at wicking sweat. If you are running in colder weather, layering is the name of the game.

As you proceed, you will learn whether you prefer to be cooler or warmer when you run. I tend to run hot. My husband looks at me funny when I want to wear a running tank when it is 50 degrees outside, but that’s me. We will expand in the future re: gear options, running in the cold vs the heat, and all sorts of other good stuff, but for now, find a decent pair of sneakers and a sports bra, use whatever you have in your drawer as far as workout attire, and let’s hit the trail!