Running Gear

18 Feb 2024

I used to think running was inexpensive, but I find myself with a lot of stuff when I go out the door. Shoes only last about 400 miles until they get uncomfortable to run in. If you are doing 40 mile weeks, they only last 10 weeks. Maybe 2 months if you run a lot. When you run far, you sweat a lot. Sweat in the eyes hurt, so a head helps a lot. You want your legs to and groin to be cool, but supported, so running shorts with liners are good. You might run at night during events like ultra marathons, so reflective vest and a headlamp are a must. Sometimes the shorts have some refective parts. If you run more than 90 minutes, you probably need to fuel while you’re running. Some people use gels, but they get sticky. I prefer gummies. Metrics are important for tracking progress and adjusting training. Heart rate monitor is very useful as well as GPS watch. You don’t want to get cancer, so you need to put on sunblock. You want to use less sunblock, so long sleeve shirt. Mineral sunblock, since chemicals are bad. Technical shirt since cotton sticks to the body. You also want to protect your eyes from UV and avoid glare for safety. Also to protect your eyes from guano. If you run distance your nipples can get rubbed raw, so body glide is useful. Your feet also get sweaty, so wool socks are better for wicking moisture and odor. The running socks also have compression and padding. For some trail races, you need to bring your own water bottle. Also move agains disposable cups for enviornmental concerns.

This amounts to a lot of stuff for running. You can run naked, but it won’t be as comfortable.