My Favorite Running Gear

Every once in awhile someone asks me what sort of gear I’m using, so today I’m dropping some links and talking about what I use and why I like it.

UnderArmour CoolSwitch clothing, Nathan running hydration vest, RoadID bracelet, and Saucony Ride 8s

• Good Running Shoes That Fit: My current pair is Saucony Ride 8, however everyone has different needs when it comes to footwear. This is the most crucial part of your running gear and I would highly recommend that you go to a running shoe store and have them check your gait and fit you for something at least on your first pair. Once you have a brand and style that you like, you can order from ShoeKicker.com, which will search the internet for the best price on the specific style and size you’re looking for. I CANNOT STRESS THIS ENOUGH. Good footwear will prevent injuries and in my case, help prevent my existing spinal nerve issue from flaring up. I picked up a pair of running shoes on clearance at a store and was using those before, but I kept having problems with my spinal nerve. Since getting my Sauconys, I haven’t had nearly so much trouble and most of the time I forget I even have spinal pre-stenosis.
• UnderArmour CoolSwitch: I have been a fan of UnderArmour workout gear for years. I’ve tried other gear, and while some of it is pretty good it’s not always consistent in quality. I’ve worn my UnderArmour gear for years and it still holds up, so I have faith in its durability and worth. Now, the CoolSwitch line is new and is even better than HeatGear. It’s lighter and more breathable, allowing more air flow. In a place like Houston, this is crucial and every slight improvement to my gear makes a world of difference.
• Polar M400 Training Computer & Activity Tracker: There are all kinds of dongles out there to use, but when I became a Tae Bo instructor years ago Polar was recommended overwhelmingly to me and I’ve had one or other model since. The M400 features built-in GPS so you can leave the phone at home. It notifies you when you’re out of your HR zone if you do zone training (which I do). It’s also an activity tracker, sleep monitor, tells you about your recovery status from your workouts, has a VO2max aerobic fitness test and offers a “relive your session” feature on the Polar Flow website which gives you a play by play.
• Nathan Running Hydration Vest: I’ve used armband cases, water bottles with a strap to be held as I run, and running belts. I don’t like any of them. The armband eventually leaves a tan line and only carries a few items, so I have to have a water bottle in hand with an armband. Running belts shift around and bounce, which I can’t stand. My cousin recommended the above-linked hydration vest, and since getting it I have been very happy. It holds lots of water and has pockets for everything I need and then some. I loop a towel on one of the side straps and it’s out of my way yet easily accessible. It doesn’t bounce, is totally adjustable and fits perfectly, and overall just does everything I need it to do. Important things to note:
  • Don’t use a biking or hiking hydration pack, as these are too long and will chafe as you run. They’re perfect for their designated sport, but for running you need a running pack.
  • If you’re a woman, you will also want to get the women’s version of the running pack as womens’ torsos are shorter than mens’ and you’ll have the same issue as with a pack for a different sport in using a mens’ pack.
  • You’ll likely need to trim the tubing, as it’s a little long. Just pull off one end, snip, and put the end back on.
• RoadID Bracelet: An ID bracelet in case of emergency. RoadID offers an online medical profile you can update with your allergies, blood type, physician info, etc and the face of the bracelet has a place for your name and emergency contacts. There are all sorts of options including tags to fit on your shoe or on the band of your FitBit if you have one of those. It’s a safety precaution. There is also a RoadID app that is downloadable for free — you can set up an automatic alert message to be sent to designated people at the start of your run and in case you stop moving for 5+ minutes. So long as you take your phone with you and it has power, this is also an option. Stay safe!
• BurnOut Ocean Tested Sunscreen: Sunscreen has a lot of ingredients that can be bad for you. This stuff is usable in the water, is meant for sporting activity and above all meets the Environmental Working Group’s criteria for safety and efficacy. I cross-referenced the EWG’s list with Amazon ratings, and this particular brand is what came out on top for me. Right now I’m running mostly in the morning so I haven’t needed this often, but as my marathon training lengthens I’ll be using this religiously.
• EWG-Recommended Bug Repellent: Depending on where you’re going and what you’re doing, your bug repellent needs will vary. The link provided goes to the EWG’s bug repellent guide, so that you can select the one that is right for you. Some chemicals in these sprays will literally melt plastic — do you want that on your skin? I sure don’t, and I don’t want to breathe it in either. A good bug repellent is important for outdoor activities.
• SeatSkull Seat Protectors: These are lightweight, easy to use waterproof seat covers for your car. They fold up into their own bag to boot, making them easy to store. When running in a hot climate especially you end up soaked through with sweat, and over time that’ll make your car stink or ruin your seats. These things help prevent that issue – and now that I have them, I won’t need to fuss with towels and the like or worry about what havoc my coming OCR will wreak on my car.
• Vega Sport Pre-Workout Energizer (Lemon Lime): I’ve tried a bunch of different pre-workout supplements over time, but many of then left me jittery or, weirdly, itchy. Vega Sport’s supplement does neither of these, but offers a steady energy boost via ingredients I’m down with. A word of caution, though: the Acai Berry flavor is an acquired taste. I’d recommend Lemon Lime.
• Coconut Water: A natural “sports drink” containing electrolytes, to replenish on longer runs or harder workouts. I prefer this to sugar-filled, dye-injected alternatives like Gatorade.

The above relates to running. If there’s interest in what I use for HIIT, Tae Bo, Piyo, yoga and so on, I will post again with more about what I use and why.