WHAT
SHOULD I WEAR?
While it’s true that running or walking don’t take much more than a pair of shoes and some shorts, using the proper gear can definitely make your training more enjoyable. In general:
· Avoid cotton (sweatpants, t-shirts, and cotton socks). Cotton retains moisture (sweat) and clings to your body. Most of your cooling takes place through evaporation, and a layer of wet cotton traps heat. Choose sports-oriented synthetic fabrics such as polypro, coolmax, and similar.
· Dress as if it’s 20 degrees warmer. Long sleeves might feel comfortable at 75°, but during your workout, you’ll warm up. Don’t bring a jacket you’ll have to tie around your waist after 10 minutes.
· The big online store: http://www.roadrunnersports.com. They have everything.
Shirts/Tops
· Whether you prefer long sleeves, short sleeves, sleeveless, or singlets (tank tops), it’s most important that you wear a breathable fabric. A single layer of appropriate thickness is better than multiple layers…your body can cool itself better.
Shorts
· There’s such a wide variety here, that I recommend you experiment. Lately, I’ve been buying running shorts from The North Face. They’re a little longer, and double-stitched, so they last forever. InSport’s Circuit Shorts also have a slightly longer cut.
· Biking shorts are also great, and have the added benefit of reducing chafing on the inner thighs. Some studies have shown that bike shorts improve performance (probably by increasing muscle temperature).
Tights
· Tights are fine, and you may prefer them if it’s cool outside, or if you chafe on the inner thigh. Getting a good fit means finding something that doesn’t sag but which also doesn’t fit like a sausage casing. You should look for a polyester/lycra combination, not a cotton blend. Nike and Asics are good choices.
Underwear
· Whether you wear underwear or not under your running shorts is a personal preference. If you choose to, most sporting goods stores offer sports-oriented briefs (seamless and low-cotton content).
·
Long underwear? If it’s really cold,
consider layering up with
Sportbras
· Again, this is probably an area where you’ll need to experiment. For some women, a sports bra may have enough support, while others may need a jogbra. Roadrunner Sports (see address above) has a huge selection of bras and information on finding the right fit/support combination. Champion (the sweatshirt people) is probably the biggest manufacturer.
Socks
· Hands down, my favoirites are Ultimax’s Ironman Triathlon socks. They’re available in both thick and thin varieties, about $7 a pair. However, they don’t bunch, which helps prevent blisters.
· “Dual layer” socks actually have two layers sewn together. The idea is that the inner layer clings to your foot, and the outer layer to the shoe, and you only get sock-on-sock rubbing. Again, try out some different types in training.
Hats
· Get a hat. Weat it. You need something to keep the sun off of your head, especially for summer endurance events. Hats should be mesh, light in color (preferably white), and lightweight. Visors keep the sun out of your face, but leave your head exposed.
Jackets
· In the event of a rainstorm (quite possible during spring training), you’ll probably want a good, ventilated windbreaker. Look for one that has benting in the back. Helly Hansen makes very good, very affordable jackets (usually available at Sports Chalet).
Gloves
·
As for gloves, the lighter the better. You may
try Patagonia’s glove liners (fine for most
Sunglasses
· Two things to check: 100% UV protection and good ventilation. There’s no need to spend $200 on a pair of Oakley glasses. Sports Chalet has a good selection of good glasses.