Welcome back to another week of Tuesday Tips with Running Rachel (Running Edition).
Check out the links below to see what you missed!
1. Proper Form While Running
5. Breathing
7. Hill Running
We have discussed proper form the past few weeks. When you have proper form… it makes running easier and you are less prone to injury.
This week I will be talking about Running Gear!
Shopping for running gear can be overwhelming! There is something for everyone, every distance, EVERYTHING! I find that the LESS I run with the better I run. I have less things banging against me, bells ringing, rubbing wrong, or just plain annoying me. Just being honest.
I will share with you a few items and what I have found is important to look for. I will also share with you what I personally use and love on my runs and races.
Shoes: This is the MOST important gear. I highly recommend purchasing good quality running shoes. Now, I am not talking the most expensive brand/shoe in the store. However, if you are going to be diligent with your running, training, and distances you should invest in a good quality shoe. You can visit your local running store (like Fleet Feet) and get a free gait analysis – this is where they watch you run and suggest a shoe specific for you! Cool, huh? Another thing to keep in mind, keep track of your mileage for your running shoes. Running shoes should be replaced every 300-400 miles.
Apparel: This includes shirts, shorts, sport bras, socks, etc. When shopping for running apparel you want to find items that are made from a wicking material. Most running/athletic apparel has this as their standard. Also, you want to pay careful attention to the lining of the garments – so that you will not chaffe (because that extra rubbing from running will hurt after while!)
MP3 Player/iPod: I love running with nothing but the sound of my thoughts and my feet hitting the pavement. However, for my 30th birthday this past May, my husband bought me an iPod with Nike+. I must say I love it! I use it every time I run (when I remember to charge it). I find that it is extremely motivating when I hear a great song, or Lance Armstrong rooting me on to finish my long training run! 🙂
GPS Devices: I have never used a GPS device (like Garmin or the new Nike+ app for iPhone). But it is on my wish list.
Heart Rate Monitor: I used to run with a heart rate monitor. I find that it is very good to make sure that you are not pushing yourself too hard. I also find that it is great to use to get to know your body and what you are really capable of. However, it is not for me (at this time). The one I had flaked out on me mid-run… and when I was already exhausted I thought my heart stopped beating and I was having a heart attack! LOL No kidding! I have since stayed away from them – but I am sure they have improved since I have used one (10 years ago).
Supplements/Hydration Belt: If you read my post on how my 1/2 marathon went a few weeks ago, you know that I WISH I had one of these on my race! Although I do not use one on my regular running days… I find that if you will be running long distances or in extreme weather conditions this would be a wise investment (ranging from $20-$40).
Jogging Stroller: If you are a parent to young children… this is a MUST! I currently have a double Tike Tech Sport Jogger. I love it… I use it daily! However, do you need to purchase an expensive jogger? No. My first was a $100 jogger from Target. It worked well, and I ran/walked it hard! You can also check out your local consignment shop or craigslist.org to score a great deal on a used jogger! One thing to remember is that when jogging with a stroller is that you need to pay careful attention to your form. Also, it is completely NORMAL for you to run slower while pushing the jogger (a good 1 minute per mile is normal). And of course, why would you do this… because you burn 10% MORE calories running WHILE pushing a jogger than you would running solo! Burn calories burn!
Stay tuned next week for tips on running: Getting Started!!
“Racing teaches us to challenge ourselves. It teaches us to push beyond where we thought we could go. It helps us to find out what we are made of. This is what we do. This is what it’s all about.”
-PattiSue Plumer, U.S. Olympian
Have a blessed week!
Disclaimer: I am not a fitness professional. The opinions on my blog are written and based solely from my personal experience and what works for me.)
This was very helpful because as I was reading, some of the points you touched were mentioned to me when I first started running. Also, I liked how you mention the clothing rubbing into each other because I learned it the hard way and that was not really nice. There is one thing I have to agree with in your post, and that is the sound of shoes hitting the ground while you run. Every time I run I believe I enjoy it more if I hear my footsteps rather than music, but then there are times where music can help one relax more and make the run less painful.
Great post! Changing the demands placed on the body is often the cause of injury. Changing demands can involve simply changing the surface you run on, or changing the shoes that you run in. Large changes to activity can often lead to problematic episodes of injury.
Here at ProGait we advocate having your gait analysed before you embark upon any of these changes, so that you can get some sound professional advice to reduce the risk of injury.
Excessive forces running through a joint with repetition can be a source of injury. We can analysed the direction of forces through joints with our motion analysis software, and measure the forces running through your feet with our high end pressure scanner. All of this will serve to produce a very detailed picture of your mechanics and allow us to produce a plan with the aim of reducing the risk of you suffering an injury.