Wish to begin running and join all the fun runs and marathons taking place around the country? Equip yourself with these running essentials before you join the fray!
As the summer readies to bid adieu and cooler days set in, the marathon calendar for India is already choc-a-bloc. Running is the new fun activity that’s captured the imagination of the people and running groups are increasing by the day. So, if you wish to jump in and try the next 5K, we advise you first sign up for a running coach in order to learn the correct way to run and avoid injuries. And yes, there are some running essentials that will make your run easier, safer and more fun. Here’s a list of a few such things you could consider before setting out for a run.
1. A great pair of shoes – like the Nike Joyride Run Flyknit
The most basic requirement to begin running is to invest in a great pair of running shoes. Not just any shoes, or the good looking ones, but shoes meant to help you feel great mile after mile. Lightweight shoes with good cushioning to absorb the impact of every step, great energy return to help you bounce right back to the next step and of course offer a great fit. We love the latest Nike Joyride series that features Nike’s latest proprietary sole made with TPE beads. It is engineered to keep your legs fresh and deliver a personalised underfoot experience. You could consider the Nike Joyride Run Flyknit, which is meant for all runners – new and experienced. It offers 14% better impact absorption than any other Nike running shoe, so it’s a great choice for someone still trying to perfect their stride. You can order it easily from Nike.com.
2. Sweat-wicking clothes, and maybe even UA Rush
When you run for an hour or more you’re going to hate being in cottons or any random clothes. Invest in proper athletic wear and you’ll find they improve your performance as they allow you perfect freedom to move and keep you considerably sweat-free. While you’ll easily find dry-fit clothes at stores of Nike, Reebok, Adidas etc., Under Armour has come up with an even more exciting technology that enhances performance. The UA Rush collection is made from a mineral-infused fabric, which – wait for it – recycles body’s energy! So, your UA Rush will absorb the heat generated by your body, convert it into infrared energy and re-emit it back into the body! This recycled energy then improves circulation and promotes performance, energy, recovery, endurance and strength! You can shop for the UA Rush tees, long-sleeved shirts, leggings, tights and sports bras from any Under Armour store or online.
3. Socks
You read that right. The socks you wear can greatly improve your performance. The Zensah Inivisi Running socks are made from proprietary anti-odour, lightweight, moisture-wicking fabric and are a great choice to keep your feet dry and comfortable even on long runs. Its seamless toes ensure that you don’t end up with any blisters or irritation or chaffing. The InvisiTab keeps the socks from slipping or sliding into your shoes. The sole has a light cushioning for added comfort but at the same time it does not interfere with the shoe’s fit. Tested on elite runners, these no-show running socks are a must-try. Check them out.
4. A ‘running watch’
While a lot of mobile apps and pedometers will tell you how many steps you’ve taken and how many kilometres you’ve covered, a good watch meant for runners will offer much more and is a great companion on a run. The Garmin Forerunner 645M GPS for example is loaded with features that will help you run better. Several biometric measurements help you understand your form and how to improve it. It tells you about your ground contact time balance so you can correct yourself if you’re putting more pressure on any one foot. It calculates your vertical ratio – bounce divided by the length of each stride – and advises on how to run more efficiently.
The watch connects with several apps and can inform you when your Uber is arriving or when rain will begin through the AccuWeather MinuteCast app. You can download up to 500 songs on the watch or listen to Amazon Music as well. You can order yours from here.
5. Stay motivated with great music, and wireless headphones
Running is fun and can be even more enjoyable with great music to keep you pumping mile after mile. Bulky headphones or the ones with wires aren’t very practical for runs so we’d advise you pick wireless earbuds like the Jabra Elite Active 65t. They offer great sound, connectivity and offer durability and fit for use in sports and training.
The Jabra Elite Active 65t has a special coating for better grip, accelerometer for tracking through the Jabra app, IP56 sweat, water and dust certification, and a music equaliser that can be accessed from the Jabra Sound+ companion application. It features four microphones and an optimised acoustic chamber with advanced noise suppression and voice enhancement to deliver great voice quality in any kind of environment. Integrated with Amazon Alexa, you can ask Alexa to play the music or check the weather or share the news with you as you run! Buy your pair from here.