Running for Beginners: Start with the Right Kit to Increase Your Chances of Success

By: Roy Palmer
Submitted: 2007-01-17 16:26:23
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It would be so easy to put on a pair of your old trainers and kit you used to wear at the gym and shoot straight off for a run. However, you would be following in the footsteps of many a failed runner before you! You will increase your chances of successfully becoming a regular runner if you make a commitment by spending your hard earned cash on specialist running gear.

Here are three good reasons to buy specialist running kit.

1. Making a financial commitment is a statement of your intent. You really don’t want to waste your money by giving up after a week and end up wearing your brand new running shoes for nothing more challenging than a walk to McDonalds!

2. You won’t be surprised to discover that specialist running kit is designed for the rigours of running. From shoes to the vest you wear, they are made to be comfortable to ease the wear and tear on your body.

3. Wearing specialist running kit will actually make you feel the part. Put it on and look in the mirror and you will see a runner looking back! It’s like putting on a uniform that will help you get into the mindset of a runner.

So make the commitment early on to do your research and find the right kit to get you started. Let’s look at the basic kit.

Running Shoes

It is vital to get this one right. A badly fitting, inappropriate pair of running shoes is going to make your whole running experience unpleasant. Everyone is different. We all have different mechanics, body shape and running style so please don’t buy on price (or appearance). Ask around and find a reputable running shop you can visit where they will check your style and find the most appropriate shoe. Even if you have a drive all day to get there, it will be worth it.

Running Apparel Running apparel is designed to keep you comfortable in the eventuality that you will be running for long periods. The hi-tech material will take the sweat away from your body and prevent rubbing and soreness. Believe me when I say that there are few things in life as unpleasant as ‘runner’s nipple’ when you still have another hour to go before your finish the race!

Safety is also an issue. Most running apparel has reflective strips or bright colours so you can be seen in the day or night. In addition, you can always buy separate reflective gear for added safety.

Running Socks

A more recent development in running gear is the running sock. They are made up of two layers of material to stop rubbing within the shoe and prevent blisters. If you are going to be running for longer distances and periods these are well worth the investment.

Sports Bra

Obviously this one applies to women only. It is essential to visit a good sports store that can advice, measure and fit a sports bra that is going to prevent excessive movement when running. A poorly fitting bra that provides inadequate support can cause discomfort and even lead to health problems including back pain.

Running Glasses

Perhaps not as essential as getting the right shoes and kit, but many runners would not be without them. Apart from protecting the eyes from UV light during prolonged periods out of doors, they also prevent flies, grit and specs of dust getting into your eyes. In most cases these will not be a serious hazard, but it does interrupt your stride if you get a fly stuck in your eye!

Stopwatch

Find a watch that can be easy to operate with one hand and has a lap function. At a later stage you can use the ‘lap button’ to record times at intervals through your run. Not essential at the start of your running career but it can be useful to record your times so you can see your progress.

Roy Palmer is a teacher of The Alexander Technique and has studied performance enhancement in sport for the last 10 years. In 2001 he published a book called 'The Performance Paradox: Challenging the conventional methods of sports training and exercise' and is currently working on a new project about The Zone. More information for novice runners can be found by clicking Running for Beginners

Article source: Expert Articles

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