Running apparel

Running is simple. Don’t overcomplicate it. And that goes for your running apparel. If you’re starting out, use what you have and wait to see and figure out what you need. Don’t rely on what reviews, websites, ads, and “influencers” tell you that you need.

I started running on July 11, 2013. I didn’t have “running gear.” When I decided to walk to the Gorzycki Middle School track and run one mile (that was my foray into running), I was wearing

• A cotton t-shirt
• A pair of “athletic shorts” that I think I’d gotten as a Christmas or birthday present from my parents, and were probably just some random inexpensive pair of polyester shorts that my mom found at Sam’s Club
• Whatever socks I had in my sock and underwear drawer. Probably cheap, standard-issue cotton socks from Walmart
• A pair of Nike Lunarfly shoes that were given to me by my neighbor, Sandy, who is the mom of famed running back Ricky Williams. I was wearing Ricky Williams’s shoes!

I knew absolutely nothing about running apparel. I did absolutely fine on my first 1-mile run (other that nearly dying from the actual running part because I was an unhealthy, overweight, and sedentary human).

A week later, when I’d decided that I was to commit to running, I treated myself by going out to buy myself some running clothes. I had no idea what to buy or where to buy it. So, naturally, I went to Target and picked out a couple “athletic” polyester t-shirts and pairs of shorts. If I had to guess, I’d say that a shirt and a pair of shorts were $10-$15 each.

SHORTS

After some weeks or months, I decided to upgrade my running apparel and went to Academy Sports and Outdoors and bought myself some house brand (BCG) running shorts. I still buy and run in those same $20 shorts today. I’ve run ultramarathons, traversed the Grand Canyon, run the Boston Marathon four times now, and probably a dozen other marathons, and ten of thousands of miles in $20 BCG shorts from Academy. And they’ve done just fine. I have a friend who swears by the $80 shorts he gets from Patagonia. I don’t get it.

SHIRTS

Over the last 11 years I’ve amassed athletic/technical shirts from races. I wear my old race shirts for 99% of the miles that I run. I mean, you have to pay for a race registration, but I always like to think of the race shirt as “free.” In the warmer months I’ll often run shirtless.

Wear whatever is comfortable and works for you. If style and outfit coordination is important to you, then by all means, buy what makes you look and feel good. After a run at effort you’re going to be a sweaty, hot mess, so does it really matter?

SPORTS BRA

For women, I would recommend researching and investing in good sports bras. I wouldn’t recommend trying to save a buck here. I know this because I live in a house full of women, and I work with and coach a lot of women, and I’ve heard feedback on sports bras. Get fitted. Try on as many bras as it takes until you find what works for you. And don’t just settle. Take the time and find and invest in the sports bra that works for you. Just like running shoes, it has to feel like it was made just for you. Just like feet, no two busts are the same.

SHOES

This is probably the most-asked question. Which shoes should you buy to run in? The answer: whatever works for you. Like bras above, they have to feel comfortably and serve you. DO NOT RELY ON MARKETING TO TELL YOU WHAT RUNNING SHOES TO BUY AND WEAR. In that same vein, don’t rely on what your friend tells you. Don’t rely on what the guy at the run club tells you. Don’t rely on what social media tells you. Don’t rely on what you see the elites wearing. Don’t rely on the cute/fancy/flashy shoes that you see at a race. Go get fitted for running shoes at a run specialty retailer, a podiatrist, a sports doctor (who has experience with runners/walkers/hikers). Don’t just buy a pair of running shoes on Amazon or some running warehouse online discounter site unseen. And don’t be cheap about it. Running shoes is where you should invest the most. You’re obviously using your feet when you run, and there’s a lot of pounding and employing of sensitive and fragile foot bones, muscles, tendons, and ligaments. You need to protect, support, and strengthen those those musculoskeletal assets if you want to stay a happy and healthy runner.

There are all kinds of brands and models of running shoes. Take your time and try on shoes. If you can’t figure it out in one sitting, that’s fine. Take your time. I can’t emphasize that enough. You don’t want to settle here. You might luck out early and find the pair(s) that feel like they were custom made for you. It could take hours and weeks. Invest the time (and money) in good running shoes that fit and serve you. And, again, make sure to get fitted. you might have a high arch or wide ball of your foot or a narrow foot or plantar fasciitis or weak ankles or any kind(s) of uniqueness to both or either of your feet. Take the time, work with a professional, and find the shoe that fits and serves you.

SOCKS

I invest in socks too. I think it’s absolutely crazy that I own socks that cost me $30 for a pair, but I have noticed a difference. And, like shoes, it’s a personal preference. My feet get sensitive after a while of running, so, over time, I learned that having a good pair of socks helps while I’m running, and in my recovery after a hard bout or a really long training run or a race. I like socks that have extra padding built into the bottoms for extra cushioning. You might have feet that are tough as nails and can get away with a 10-pack of athletic socks online or from the big box or club store.

SIMPLE SUMMARY

The long & short of it is: keep it simple. You don’t need spend a lot of money or keep up with the Joneses in running (or in life), especially when it comes to your running outerwear. Invest in the important things that support health and function (specifically shoes, and bras for the women). Expensive Patagonia shorts and lululemon tops aren’t going to make you train better or get to the finish line faster.