Run. Just run.

I took up running several months ago.  Besides the obvious health benefits, the added weight loss, and the awesome endorphins- it just feels awesome to move. You would think that it's as easy as throwing on an old pair of sneakers and hitting the road, but for me, I found there's a whole lot of gear involved a successful run. I recognize that everyone's needs are different, but I thought I would share some of the things that have made running a lot more comfortable for me.

• First, if you have a smart phone, do yourself a favor and download an app to track your runs. I've had a good amount of success with both RunKeeper and Nike+ Running.  Both Apps use GPS tracking to track your route, mileage, pace and calories burned. They both allow you to add a playlist to your run- which for me is important.. I need music when I run. (Which reminds me, I should post my playlist.. it's a good one!)  I use the Nike+ Running app exclusively now- mostly because when I break one of my own records, I get a "Keep it up, you broke your record!" message from a celebrity.  No joke. Ellie Goulding congratulated me on my fastest mile the other day. It's a stupid thing.. but it gave Nike a fun edge to the other apps I've used. I should note, these Apps are free- I won't pay for one.
• To bring that phone along on your run.. I don't suggest shoving it in a pocket.. or your sports bra... neither is a good place for your phone.  Invest in a good arm band, or a sleeve to protect your phone from sweat. I have a generic arm band that I don't love, but it is functional.  My running partner has the Nike Forearm Sleeve which he swears by.  The nice thing about the Forearm sleeve is that it is made with their Dri-Fit Fabric which wicks the sweat away.
• Invest in a very good pair of running pants. I have several pair, but by far, my favorite are these Nike Legend Tight Fit capris.  I don't find that the shirt I wear makes any difference. The sweat wicking shirts are nice, but definitely not necessary. Don't wear something that's too big... it just gets in the way. Wear something that fits you.
• Shoes. Man- shoes are hard. Everyone's feet are different, and there are so many options out there. I think sometimes people underestimate the importance of having the right shoe to run in. For me, I tried several. (I did everything short of being measured for a pair of running shoes-only because I know my feet, and I know what I need.)  Having the right pair of shoes has changed the way I feel when I run. It has helped to correct my posture, which has in turn also helped with my breathing.  The magic shoes for me, are a Nike Free 7.0 Mens sneaker. 

 

 

Yes. We wear the same shoes. Don't Judge.

• Ok, so last but CERTAINLY not least- and this one only applies to the ladies.. you need a good sports bra. I'm so jealous of all of you who have small chests and can wear one of those stupid tube sports bras. No underwire, no chafing, no bouncing. However, I was not blessed with a small chest.. and wearing two of those uni-boob style sports bras does NOT work for me.  I did a bunch of research- which means I used the google machine to tell me what I should buy instead.  And the Google Machine.. well, it told me I should buy a $68.00 sports bra. Since I got my sneakers on sale for $15.00  (YES!  $100.00 magic making sneakers for $15.00!!) I was not going to spend $60.00 for a sports bra. So I kept looking.. and google found me this gem! It isn't pretty. It doesn't come in fun colors.... but I'm used to this, I can't buy bras in a normal store... which means they're never pretty or lacy or fun. But I digress... this bra, which I found online for $26.00 (I think I even found a coupon code and got it cheaper..) is amazing. No bounce. No uni-boob.  And it is SO comfortable. 

Again, I fully recognize that everyone is different, everyone's bodies are different.. these are just the things that work for me.  And I should note that it took me months of trying different things to see what made me feel the best.  Comparison shop- this stuff can get super expensive if you let it- but if you wait for sales- you can get it cheap!!  And cheap is good.