Shredheads

Lacing up - The importance of good shoes and exercise gear

With so many people running and starting the 30 Day Shred, I figured it was a good time to talk about exercise gear.

I realize that budgets are tight these days, and everyone is trying to cut corners. But that being said, there are a few essentials that you do not want to mess around with when it comes to exercise - specifically the 30 Day Shred and 5K training (or longer).

Also, if you originally bought new gear but haven't updated it in awhile, then you might want to consider going shopping, mostly to save yourself from unnecessary injury.

1. Sneakers

Both Bill and I strongly recommend new cross trainers for the 30 Day Shred. It's rough on the knees and you'll want all the support you can get.

For runners, we can't stress enough how important it is to get fitted for the proper running shoes. Yes, they are expensive but if they will help you avoid shin splints, knee problems, and even back problems, it's well worth the money. Once you find a pair that works, you can shop online for good deals on that shoe.

GET FITTED. PLEASE!

2. Sports Bra

Okay dudes, skip this one. But ladies. Do not skimp on a sports bra. Larger breasted women (including breastfeeders) swear by the Enell bra. It's not pretty, but from what I've heard, it does the trick.

I personally love my Fiona Moving Comfort Bra. Again, I have found that the better quality bras do cost more, but they also wash well and don't wear out as quickly.

Keep in mind that if you are working out every day, after a few months, you might need to get a new bra. They're really not made to last that long.

3. Socks

I recently noticed that all my good running socks seemed to have disappeared and surprise, I'm getting uncomfortable callouses on my feet. I paid around $10 - $12 for the sports socks that I love and again, it was well worth it.

They can give you extra support and actually help keep your feet dry.

--

Any products that you think are must haves?

So You Want to Run a 5K - Part 4 - Bonus Gear

Welcome to Part 4 of our "So You Want to Run a 5K" series.  We talked about where to run in Part One, and essential running gear in Part Two. And in Part Three, we discussed a bunch of great 5k Training Programs.

You are ready to get out now, but there are so many more things you can waste spend money on, and some of them are actually quite helpful! 

Here are a few things I use that you might want to consider:

ID Bracelet

Sure, I could carry my ID with me, but then I'd have to remember to move it between my shorts and my wallet.  And that early in the morning, or after a run, or heck, any time the kids are around I'm not really in a position to remember something like that.  So I use a Road ID bracelet, which is basically a nylon bracelet with a little metal plate your info engraved on it.  They also have ones that go on your ankle or on your shoelaces.  If you order one, search online for a discount code and you can get a couple of bucks off.

Safety Gear

In addition to my ID bracelet, I have a geeky reflector belt that I wear if it's really dark when I go out.  The bracelet has some reflective qualities to it, but a little more reflective surface can't hurt.  Yes, it's pretty dorky, but it's one of those things where I'd feel pretty dumb getting hit by a car for something that's so easily preventable.  Road ID also has lights and other safety equipment, and you can get stuff at a running store too.

Headwear

For a long time I ran without a hat, and then my wife bought me a running hat.  It's waterproof and has a little sweatband inside, and now I LOVE running with it.  Your mileage may vary.  Heh, get it?  It's a running joke!  Sorry folks, I don't dance.

If you don't want a hat, you might opt for a headband if you sweat glisten anywhere near as much as I do.

Running Watch

This is the big toy area, and you could argue a watch is actually essential gear.  You can go simple if you're just starting out and get a watch with an interval timer.  This will help you out a lot so you don't have to keep looking at the time to see if it's time to walk or run. 

As you get more into running, or if your a geek like me, you can get a more advanced watch.  I'm using the Garmin Forerunner 305 GPS watch and love it.  It allows me to map my runs when I get back and collect more information than anyone could possibly care about.  Is it necessary?  Hardly.  But it keeps me motivated, so I think it's worth it.

That's just a sampling of the goodies you can buy that are running related.  If you've got any favorites we'd love to hear them in the comments! 

- Bill