Basic Gear to Get Started

Wear the right shoes

You don’t really need a new pair of running shoes when you begin running. You can run in your regular trainers or walking shoes. But when you’re ready, the right pair will make your runs more comfortable, while adding extra injury-prevention features. Selecting these shoes can be a complicated process. That’s why it’s a good idea to go to a specialist running store. The experienced staff will make sure you get shoes that fit properly and provide the biomechanical support you need.

Wear polyester

You don’t need a lot of expensive gear to run, which is good news in a recession. That said, you’ll never regret the cash you spend on breathable socks, and even shirts and shorts. These garments, made from polyester fabrics, are a world apart from the scratchy material your dad ran cross-country in. The best are lightweight, soft and non-chafing. You want the clothes to wick moisture away – cotton holds moisture and stays wet, which causes rashes and blistering.

Forget about gadgets

Heart-rate monitors and GPS watches that tell you how fast you’re going – none of these glitzy products are really necessary for your first efforts. All you really need is a watch with a stopwatch function, to help you keep track of your walking and running intervals. Don’t worry about other fancy gizmos. But if listening to your iPod makes your runs go better, by all means take it with you – as long as you run in a safe place and are aware of traffic.