This part is where most of my affiliate links are in the whole articles on running, I am just trying out how effective affiliate marketing is as well as sharing useful information for running. Please support me by clicking on the links. It will open a new window/tab. Get yourself something if you really feel that it is something that you can benefit from. Have fun reading and have fun shopping.
Shoes
Shoes is obvious. It is what protects you from the harshness of the road. It is what people wear when they are running. Whether shoes provide any manner of performance can up for debate. Some research have shown that different types of foot would benefit from different types of shoes. And there are arguments on the part that the increased padding in shoes may have weakened our foot structure. I would suggest go to a foot clinic to scan your feet, and get the proper recommendations. DO NOT buy tight shoes that the sales person says it will stretch to fit your feet, because your feet will also try to fit the shoe. and your feet is already perfectly designed for your feet. If you were to wear a shoe, get the one’s with 0 degree elevation.
I have in the past years discovered the joy of Running barefoot. I save money from buying shoes 2-3 times a year. My feet hasn’t had an incidence of sprain. But the early periods, I did suffer from blisters. I may still suffer from blisters if I run too fast and to far, and if its too hot. My current limit on barefoot is 25km in under 3 hours at night. and 21km morning run. I will have another section on running barefoot. But if you can’t wait, read up on barefoot running on amazon.
Glasses
I highly recommend safety/running glasses. It would reduce the amount of debris going into your eyes during running. I actually bought one because I frequently had those issues. And I found that it was useful for running myself. I bought a pair of oakley sunglasses with prescription. I am near-sighted. I bought mine for USD$200.
Running Cap
Any cap would do. I wear caps under two conditions, It’s gonna be a long run on a hot day, or its a rainy day or night. Any cap would do. But I have seen people wearing caps with flaps that cover the rest of the neck. I guess it is useful for ultramarathons that run through mid-day.
Armband
Useful to place items such as your phone, keys, cards, extra money. Gonna be useful for especially long runs. I’d recommend at least the armband, If possible, get a specialized armband for your phone, it will fit snuggly. Additionally get a water proof one, you might be running in the rain, or you will be sweating like crazy. If you have an iphone get a sweat proof armband for running. Or if you use an android phone, there are general sports armbands.
Hydration backpack
Depending on your body weight, hydration requirements, running distance and time of day. I find that I can run 21km at night without any hydration. But when it is daytime, any running above 1 hours I will need some hydration. I will even wear during race events, just in case the organizer runs out of water. The laggards like myself often experience this. There was even a run where the water points had no water in the beginning of the race. so just be prepared. You can buy different sizes from 1 litre to upto 3 litres. Keep in mind that this adds to your weight. So highly recommended you train with the weight as well if you are training for marathon or ultramarathon runs. I personally bought and used a Caribee Stratos XL Hydration Pack.
Running Vests, or Fluid Race Vests and Hydration belts.
These are similar to Hydration packs, but these are belts or vests that you wear that can hold 2 to 4 water bottles. I have seen ultramarathon runners wear this. it is either for easy refills at the water stations, or for them to be able to put different liquids in different bottle. some people alternate between isotonic drinks, cold water, and energy drinks. I will cover hydration topics later.
handheld bottles
either bottles held in hand or held in a strap in the hands. some people bring one, others bring two for balance. I don’t like anything have in my hands, so I don’t prefer it. but other may like it because it makes them look like a runner and not a hiker.
Night LED Lights
LED (Light Emitting Diodes) Lights have become a trend with night runs. It gives the runner visibility to other road users. I highly recommend it for night runners. LED lights comes in different forms, and runners may wear it on different parts. Some runners put it on the whole of their body that makes them look like a christmas tree. For some people it may look ridiculous, but more visibility is more safety.
Blog Of Bobby :p 