Running Starter Kit

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When Dan started getting interested in running, he immediately started asking me about all the things he would need.  Did he need a heart rate monitor?  What about special socks?  Are regular gym shorts OK to run in?

As a few of my other friends started running and asking me the same question, I thought it would be useful to others to come up with a guide of a "Running Starter Kit".  These are the items that I think are useful, if not necessary, for a runner who's starting their running journey.  People may say that running is a cheap sport, but unless you're running in cotton tee shirts and bargain shoes (which is completely fine!!), there's a big up-front cost!

I'll be sharing my choices for a starting kit from clothes to accessories, from summer to winter and everything in between.  I also break it down into a "save" and "splurge" version and offer my opinion on what's worth a splurge, and where I save money.  I hope you enjoy this and find it helpful!  I would also love to hear what all my experienced runners out there think!

Tops

Sports Bra

For running, you need a high-impact sports bra.  This is definitely an article of clothing that you don't want to scrimp on, because that can cause a lot of pain and discomfort, as well as make you feel insecure if you pick the wrong type of bra.  Make sure that it isn't too loose or tight, you can move freely without chafing at all, and it has enough coverage and padding to make you feel comfortable.

Save: C9 Champion Women's High Support Sports Bra With Molded Cup

Target has excellent sports bras for a really reasonable price.  I have multiple styles that are all durable and comfortable. (P.S. The C9 bras are all 50% off this week!)

Splurge: Moving Comfort Hot Shot

Brooks recently bought Moving Comfort, which makes really high-quality sports bras.  They have great designs that are both feminine and functional.  Their site also has a Sports Bra finder so you can get the perfect one!

Short Sleeve Top

Short Sleeve tops are a main part of my running wardrobe.  I wear them more often than any other kind of top, because they work well in the heat as well as slightly cooler days.  I usually look for a top that is fitted but not too tight (or I find that it rides up while I'm running).  For warm days, I prefer light weight tops with mesh or ventilation in the back.  For cooler days I look for a heavier material that is slightly longer to cover more of my core.  

Save: Women’s UA HeatGear Armour Stripe Short Sleeve

My favorite place to shop for cheap running gear is at the outlets.  I always stop in the Under Armour store to pick up super cheap tops (usually under $10).

Splurge: Lululemon Swiftly Tech Short Sleeve Scoop

It's no secret that Lulu makes really cute workout clothes that hold up really well through years of use.  I really like the swiftly tops, which are flattering and really comfortable.  Plus, they're constantly coming out with new colors and patterns in this style!

Long Sleeve Top

I haven't purchased many long sleeve tops, because most races (particularly longer distances) give them with registration.  It is nice to have a few options for layering under jackets or vests, or even wearing out and about!  There are so many cute options available in different price ranges, so getting a good quality top can be a great investment piece.

Save: C9 Champion Women's Long Sleeve Crew Neck Pullover

Most of my tops are from Target, and I find their quality is really high for such a low price.  Their C9 line seems to go on sale really frequently as well!

Splurge: Athleta Fastest Track Top
Athleta makes some amazing workout gear and constantly has terrific sales, which makes the line much more affordable.  This top features ruching on the front and back to camouflage trouble areas and rubber edges to keep it from riding up!

Light Weight Jacket

Getting a good quality jacket for running can be a great investment piece.  I not only wear my jacket in most conditions from a windy, cool morning to a heavy downpour and everything in between, but I also wear it outside of working out.  Spending a bit of extra money in this category helps in the long run, so you're not soaking wet from a "water proof jacket" or repurchasing when it rips unexpectedly.  I like to get a jacket that is lined with mesh to keep you dry and warm!

Save: Nike Impossibly Light Jacket
I would recommend checking out Marshalls or TJ Maxx to find great quality running jackets!  I actually purchased a New Balance jacket before my trip to Costa Rica a few years ago, and still wear the jacket weekly for both running and to work.  I got it for under $20, so make sure you stop there first!  This jacket from Nike is a great choice for slightly more money- however it is super lightweight and can be folded into its own pocket and worn on the wrist if you get too warm on your run!

Splurge: Lululemon Go the Distance Jacket
Jennifer recommends this jacket and says that the material keeps you warm and dry (and also says to stay away from the Brooks LSD Jacket!  Noted!).  Plus, who can resist that gorgeous pattern?

Vest

Running in a vest is my newest winter obsession.  Most of the time, it's not cold enough for a full jacket, but a long sleeve shirt is too chilly.  Keeping your core warm is a necessity when the temperature drops, so adding a vest to your collection is (in my opinion) a wise choice.  Make sure you get one that will keep you dry in case it snows or rains (so no cheap fleece vest, please!) and you'll be comfortable all winter long.

Save: Columbia Mix It Around Vest

Last year I picked up a vest at Columbia's outlet store, and I've been loving it for runs.  Even though it wasn't marketed for running, it was comfortable and kept me warm and dry in the winter.

Spend: Nike Aeroloft 800 Running Vest

Nike always makes amazing vests that are a great mixture of lightweight yet really warm.  This vest is down-filled and has ventilation to keep you comfortable, but only weighs a few ounces so you won't feel weighed down.  I'm also lusting over the reflective version!

Bottoms

Capris

The majority of the year, I'm running in capris.  Every runner has different preferences, but I always feel comfortable wearing crops unless it's over 80 or below 40 - and in those instances I might even run on an indoor track or treadmill!  The majority of my bottoms are in this category, and have lots of recommendations.  I don't really wear shorts that often, so I thought that for a beginner runner, it would be a better idea to pick up a good quality pair of capris!   

Save: C9 Champion Women's Advanced Performance Capri
My all-time favorite pair of capris are from Target (what a surprise).  They are comfortable and also flattering.  They hold up really well through runs and have stayed in great shape through many trips in the washing machine.

Splurge: Calia Women's Essential Printed Tight Fit Capris
Carrie Underwood's athletic brand is full of feminine prints and great looking clothes that are perfect for running on the treadmill or running around town!  

Tights

Once the temperature dips, I reach for my trusty full-length tights.  It can be tricky to find the right pair for yourself- some people prefer yoga-type pants while others like it to be compressive and tight all the way to the feet.  I like a pair that is tight and fitted, but not overly compressive, and has at least one pocket.  In the cold, I also love wearing fleece-lined pants to stay nice and warm!

Save: Old Navy Running Tights
Old Navy makes some amazing athletic gear, and these pants are no exception!  They feature a few pockets, including a big zippered one on the hip.

Splurge: Lululemon Toasty Tech Tights
These pants come on recommendation from Suzanne, who says that the fleecy interior is soft and warm.  I also love all the pockets in the pants to store keys, a phone or gels.

Other

Socks

It is really important to get a comfortable pair of socks in a lightweight material, otherwise you could get very painful blisters.  I like wearing socks with a bit of cushion and a raised back so that they don't slip down into my shoes.  My favorite brand is Balega for every day socks, and Pro Compression for recovery after longer or harder runs.

Gloves

I've been getting gloves in race bags a lot recently, so I usually just grab those when I need a pair for running.  I have get cold hands, but they always seem to warm up about a mile into a run.  I usually just pick up cheap gloves from Target (usually in the dollar section), but most companies offer more athletic, running-specific gloves (Brooks and Saucony for instance).

Hat or Headband

I'm not really a hat person, so when it's cold out I always bring out a headband.  I find them more comfortable, and I can avoid getting hat hair!  My favorite headband is from Target, but there are cuter options available from Saucony,  Nike, or Old Navy.  When the weather is too frigid, I prefer wearing huge fleece-lined beanie hats- particularly my Steelers one!

Shoes

Getting the correct pair of shoes is a huge part of starting out running on (literally) the right foot.  I can't suggest a "one shoe fits all" for a beginner runner, so my advice is to start at your local running store and have them help you pick out the correct shoe for your stride, goals and weight.  Make sure you don't pick a shoe based on what is the prettiest or what the winner of Boston wore- pick what works best for your feet!  In Pittsburgh, I recommend going to True Runner, Elite Runners and Walkers or Fleet Feet!

Accessories

Armband

If you're a runner who enjoys listening to music or podcasts on a run, an armband is a must!  There are so many different styles for every phone imaginable.  I prefer a sports band that lies flat on my arm, so I don't feel it flopping around or have any extra bulk- like this one from Belkin.

Headphones

My favorite headphones for running are Yurbuds.  They are really comfortable in your ears, and have never slipped or fallen out when I run.   They come in tons of different colors and options, and mine have lasted years without any issues!

Road ID

It's always a good idea to have some type of ID when you're going to be out running, particularly if you have any previous health problems.  Putting down basic information and allergies could end up saving your life!  Road IDs are sold for the wrist, neck, added to a Fitbit, or on shoe laces.

There you have it!  These are the products that I think are essential for a new runner.  Of course, this may vary depending on where you live, how involved you want to get in running, and your preferences.

One thing that I don't have listed is a running/GPS watch.  While I think these are great to have, they are a bit of an investment (think $100+) and not completely necessary.  There are tons of apps that track runs if you're interested in timing yourself, or you can just go out and enjoy the run and not worry about time!


What do you think are "essentials" for a new runner?
Are there any traditional running items that you don't think are necessities (like a GPS watch for me?)

linking up with Tuesdays on the Run, Amanda and Jill