From the Founder: My Favorite Gear for Running
Running was the first exercise I got into when I was young, and it has been a major part of my life ever since then. To start running, all you really need is a pair of shoes, but over the years, I’ve picked up a few pieces of gear that have become an essential part of my running experience.
I like to run short distances, preferring one mile sprints, 5k’s, and the occasional 10k. I also focus on simply getting out and running, so I don’t worry about some of the technical elements that other running enthusiasts do.
Nike Run Club
I’ve been using Nike Run Club to track my runs for years. Nike’s app makes tracking your runs more fun, and Nike has managed to keep their app interesting even after 10+ years on the market. The guided runs are a cool way to get some live coaching and motivation. And Nike has a longstanding relationship with Apple, so they get great integrations with the iPhone and Apple Watch.
Nike Run Club won’t give you some of the granular details you might want if you’re training for a serious race, but I actually like that the app sticks to the essentials. For the casual runner who wants to keep track of their miles, their speeds, and their records, Nike Run Club has more than enough. And it’s completely free.
Get Nike Run Club from the Apple App Store
Get Nike Run Club from the Google Play Store
If you want other apps to make your run more fun, check out our post.
Apple Watch
The Apple Watch is the perfect companion for runners who want the functionality of a phone without all the weight. I personally love not having to take a phone on runs or walks. It’s less weight and less to get distracted by.
The Apple Watch tracks your runs using the built in accelerometer, GPS, heart rate monitor, and altimeter. You can also use your favorite third-party apps like Strava and Nike Run Club, but unlike what you find on other smart-watches, these are fully-functional apps.
The Apple Watch connects to bluetooth headphones to listen to music, although you need to use Apple Music if you want to store music to the watch itself.
If you’re already in the Apple ecosystem, I think the Apple Watch is a great piece of gear for runners, especially if you like taking music on your runs (and I made a video sharing who I think should get the Apple Watch).
I pay extra for a cellular connection. This allows me to receive calls, dictate text messages, and stream music without a phone nearby.
Running Belt (I.E., Stretchy Fanny Pack)
I hate having stuff in my pockets when I run. I used to hide my keys in a bush when I went out for a run just to avoid carrying them with me. Then I found these running belts, which are essentially stretchy fanny packs. The pack is slim and sticks close to your body, then stretches around whatever items you put in it. This means you’re not running with a big bouncing pocket on your hips. It stays out of the way so well, that I forget I’m wearing it.
You can find several options on Amazon.
Ready to Run
Running is a great way to exercise, but it’s also a great way to get injured. I have had my fair share of torn muscles, joint pain, and plantar fasciitis.
Written by Dr. Kelly Starrett (one of the most flexible and buff doctors alive), Ready to Run includes a step-by-step guide on preparing your body to run properly, including instruction on form, tips on shoes, and information on rest and hydration. The book is full of running specific stretches that serve as a manual for preventing and treating injury.
Foam Roller & Lacrosse Ball
If you run, you’re going to get sore. Massaging tissue is an invaluable part of recovery as it quickly helps reduce soreness and improve mobility. I’ve played with tons of recovery tools and I always come back to the cheapest and simplest of them: the foam roller and the lacrosse ball.
If you’ve never used a foam roller or a lacrosse ball, treatment is simple: put the tool on a spot that needs love and press into it. Foam rollers are great for large muscle groups. Lacrosse balls help dig deep or hit smaller areas. Just prepare for a little bit of pain.
You can get fancy with the rollers or balls you use here, but the essentials are inexpensive and easy to find.
Polar H10 - Heart Rate Chest Strap
Tracking your heart rate during a run is a great way to objectively gauge how hard you’re pushing yourself so you can decide whether you need to ease up and rest, or whether you need to go a little harder. Unfortunately, most smart watches are inaccurate at measuring heart rate during runs. The smart watches themselves are fine, but there are limits on the technology they use (that eerie green light) which makes heart rate measurement tricky during runs.
The Polar H10 chest strap uses electrical signals to more accurately measure heart rate, and importantly, it stays out of your way when you run. It connects via bluetooth to your phone or smart watch to provide second-by-second readings.
Vivo Barefoot Running Shoes
I hopped on the minimal/barefoot running movement when it was trendy. I loved what it did for my feet, so I never dropped off.
I struggled with finding cool shoes, until I discovered Vivo Barefoot, and I’ve moved to running with those almost exclusively.
Vivo’s shoes feel amazing. They are wildly flexible and completely flat with minimal padding (e.g., no heel drop). One of my favorite design elements is the wide toe box, which really allows your feet to spread out.
They’re not going to win any style awards, but they don’t look bad. And they are nowhere near as ugly or stinky as Vibrams (sorry Vibram).
Disclaimer: if you’ve never tried running with minimal/barefoot shoes, you should train up to it to avoid injury.
Music
I need music during my runs as much as I need shoes. I cannot keep a good pace without a heavy beat pushing me forward. Spotify and Apple Music provide tons of curated running playlists, but there’s nothing quite like making your own playlist. I use Apple Music because the integration with the Apple Watch allows me to take music without bringing along a phone.
I have a rap playlist I have been running to for a decade. Check out my post on that here for links to Spotify and Apple Music.