Wednesday, July 8, 2015

Running Gear Essentials

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Hello there! 

So instead of posting a typical fashion, beauty, or lifestyle post, I thought I would talk about one of my favorite things: running! 

For those who don't know, I am an avid runner. I ran track and cross country in high school and this past year, I completed two half marathons. It has always been a passion of mine. I'm not very coordinated so from a young age, I was never really good at team sports. But when it came to running, I could run for long periods of time. Hence why I love distance running! 

A lot of my friends say they want to start training for a 5k or a half marathon and ask me for some advice. So here are some basic running gear essentials that I think every runner, from beginner to pro, should have.

Running Gear Essentials

1. Yoga/stretching mat: 
I personally don't do yoga but a mat is great so you have a soft surface to stretch on after running or to do an ab workout on.

2. A watch:
For some, this might not be necessary but if you want to do interval training, a stop watch is a great tool to keep track of any timed workout you may be doing.
| Shown: Soleus gray jewelry |

3. Foam roller: 
These things are amazing...if you know you're going to be super sore from a run, or you did an intense leg day at the gym, using this can help prevent some muscle soreness from occurring. It can also relieve any soreness you may already have.

4. Phone armband:
I don't like running without music so in order to listen to some jams, and so I don't have to hold my phone in my hand, I use an armband to keep it safe and secure. 
| Shown: Forever 21 tech accessory |

5. Headphones:
These are a necessity for anyone who likes to listen to music on a run or while exercising in general. I use the normal Apple headphones that come with your phone because they are most comfortable for me.
| Shown: Sony white headphone |  

6. A water bottle:
It's important to stay hydrated while running so having a water bottle on hand is always a good idea.

7. Running shorts:
In the warmer months, I always wear shorts while I run. They are not constricting and give my legs the ability to breathe. My favorite are the Lululemon speed shorts. They feel like I'm hardly wearing anything and move well with me.

8. Tank top:
Again, in the warmer months, I only wear tank tops. Nobody wants to be weighed down by a lot of heavy material so wearing breathable, stretchy tops while running will help you to be more comfortable on hot runs.

9. Sports bra:
This is a necessity for any girl, but it's important when buying sports bras to get a style that is going to support your chest size. I was not blessed in the chest department, so I can get away with wearing a low support bra. However, for those who are more well endowed in that region, finding a high support bra is key to being comfortable while running and exercising in general.
| Shown: Lululemon balcony bra | 

10. Socks:
It's important to find running socks that will be gentle on your feet. Find socks that will not absorb water, that won't chaff your feet, and will prevent blisters.
| Shown: Smartwool socks |

11. A headband:
I hate when my hair falls in my face while I run so I always wear a headband to tame my hair. Plus, it's a fun way to accessorize your running outfit! 
| Shown: Lululemon hair accessory | 

12. Running shoes: 
And of course, you can't go running without some shoes! I recommend going to a running store or a place where they will analyze your feet to tell you what shoe will work best for you to correct any pronation or issues you may have with your feet.
| Shown: Nike athletic shoes |

Thanks for reading! Let me know in the comments what are some of your running gear essentials or any questions you have for me about running.

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