Tina’s Top 10 – Running Gear

A few weeks ago, I wrote this post about going from no exercise to running 1.5 miles in less than a week. That post focused on how I did that, and what I tried differently than before. I can definitely say that part of it was mindset – and a lack of pressure to achieve perfection right away. Paradoxically, it was exactly that which led me to success. I don’t actually want to run a marathon. I just want to do some simple runs to keep my cardio fitness levels up.

One thing I didn’t talk about though, was gear. Doesn’t gear make a difference?  

From me, you get a resounding YES to this question! And gear that works for my preferences can be tough to find. 

Here, I’ll talk about my favorite gear and why I like it.  Just so that you’re aware, my links are affiliate links, which means that if you choose to try the gear I use and recommend, I will make a small commission. I never recommend anything I haven’t used – and as of this post, I haven’t recommended anything I have used only a short while. The things I recommend are things I’ve used over a period of months or even years. 

So let’s get to it!

10. First and foremost, I *have* to have high-waisted leggings for running. Mid-rise tends to ride down as I’m running and eventually becomes a distraction. Comfort is key for me. I find that these high-high-waisted leggings from Fabletics are amazing.  I’ve had two pair for over a year (black and gray).  I also love this new pair of leggings, also Fabletics.  I’ve had these for a few months. I don’t roll the waist down like they show in some of the pictures.  All of these stay put during a run.

9. I lose hair ties like crazy. So I use the really simple small bands. That way if they break (they do sometimes break), or if I lose it, it’s not a big deal. They also stay put. I have to get my hair out of my face so that I’m not having to mess with it while running. Can you say distractions?! Plus that random hair tickling my nose is super annoying!

8.  We are getting into cooler weather here in Colorado, so I find that a jacket is necessary. I love mine – it’s by Exficcio. It has a long line, so won’t work if you’re shorter-waisted. Longer in the back covers me a bit more which I like.  Then there are the thumb holes which I do tend to use while running to keep the sleeves from wandering up. ** Update: I’m totally bummed out!  I can’t find this jacket anywhere and it’s so great. I’ll update if I find it!

7.  My favorite socks are the Smartwool run socks. They’re thicker than other running socks and these come up a bit higher on my ankle, which means they don’t slip down into the shoe. I have had that issue with some socks, although I have these with the lip in the back and they are pretty good too.

6.  I like a loose shirt with a sports bra instead of a tighter shirt with built-in bra. I’m small-chested so I can get away with less support (low or medium). I love these cute Fabletics sports bras!

5. These are the looser shirts that I like.  I have a couple from Fabletics, a couple of chi tanks from Athleta, and one C9 tank from Target. I like that these work for running, walking, lifting weights, doing pilates, etc. I buy a size that isn’t as form fitting. Plus I love that I can wear a cute sports bra beneath them.

4.  For the much cooler mornings, I need something I can pull from around my neck up to cover my ears. I have this headband by C9 Champion (mine is black but this one is a pretty blue). It’s lined with fleece so it’s nice and cozy!

3.  Hoka One One shoes – I got the trail runners for women. At first I was super turned off by the bulky look. But realistically, I needed something with support so that my running would end up being a long term habit. I have to say here that SO many things matter when picking shoes. Do you pronate? Are your arches high? I supinate in my stride, so I ended up also buying some small inserts that angle my foot differently in the shoe. But there are shoes specifically designed for different strides. So it is a great idea to get checked out for stride before buying new shoes.

2. I don’t go for a run without my Fitbit Alta HR. It’s small which I really like. My wrists are small and so a wider band and big face doesn’t look quite right on me. I love that it monitors my heart rate and tracks my statistics and calculates things like my Cardio Fitness level. I also love that it tracks my steps and my mileage. Bonus is that it recently started tracking my feminine cycle!  I know that might sound weird, but it helps me to see how regular I am and it gives me the predicted date of my period, duration, and my fertile window. We’re not having any more babies so I just threw that in there because it’s probably relevant for some of you! I also recently got this new 3 pack of bands for it…   for $7.90. Bargain!  I’m using the purple one right now!

1.  And lastly…   I always use Beautycounter peppermint lip conditioner before a run. My lips get dry so quickly but this conditioner keeps them from drying out. I notice a huge difference if I forget to put it on. Colorado is so dry, I don’t get far before I realize it. This product is one of my favorites!  I keep hoping they make it into a stick version (it comes in a little pot and I apply it with a small brush). BC also has a great sunscreen that is chemical free and rubs in well!!

And there you have it!  My top 10 for running gear! What products would make your top 10 list? Share in the comments!