Are you gearing up for your first marathon or half marathon? Or maybe you're a veteran just trying to log a lot of mileage? If so, you may have encountered or will encounter an instance where you said to yourself, "What if I had just remembered....."
The ending of that sentence could include countless items. But there are 7 essentials that can mean the difference between a killer "I could run for days like this" run and a sub-par "I hate my life" run. Let us help you before you head out for your next long run.
#1. Proper Footwear - Any seasoned runner will tell you having the proper shoes can make the difference between choosing the couch over the trail. Getting the proper FIT can help alleviate unnecessary pressure to the foot, shin, knee, hip and lower back, just to name a few. Let one of our trained team members help get you FIT.
#2. Proper Socks - Admit it... you sweat a lot! Do you start a run saying you want soggy, uncomfortable feet after your long run? No. So get some good socks already. Pick up a pair of moisture wicking Balega Socks when you pick up you next pair of shoes. Their polyester/acrylic blend helps pull moisture away from your foot, unlike its cotton counterparts, and will create a never-ending love affair with some sweet, sweat free socks!
# 3. Apparel - Ever felt like you gained weight while you ran? You were probably wearing cotton. While technically you still lost weight from sweating, calorie burning, etc., your clothes now feel like they weigh 20 extra pounds! Throw out the cotton and pick up some new digs, of the sweat wicking type. Fleet Feet carries a complete line of women's and men's apparel from Nike, Brooks, Saucony, Mizuno, and others.
# 4. Hydration - Even on nice, cool mornings we need to keep our bodies happy by staying hydrated. Short of leaving gallon jugs along your running route, there's no better solution than a Fuel Belt! These little suckers can carry two to four bottles each capable of carrying 8-10oz of fluid. You even get a cool little pocket to carry you favorite nutrition product (see # 5). They come in race-car red and pretty-princess pink. Which Fuel Belt suits your fancy?!
# 5. Nutrition on the Trail - We burn fuel quicker than a beat-up, old Chevy Suburban. Face it, you probably don't have the best diet in the world, and even if you do there comes a point during your run or walk when you've exhausted all your energy stores. Replacing lost electrolytes and carbohydrates can lead to dramatically more pleasant long runs as well as better results. You should experiment with various products such as GU, ClifShots, Jelly Belly Sport Beans, GU Chomps and others to find your preferred treat for the trail. Don't forget your post-run recovery snacks like ClifBars and Myoplex.
# 6. Got Chafing? - Do you have a constant source of irritation after your runs? (Not referring to those lovely folks who like to yell, "Run Forest, Run.") Nothing is worse than soggy feet than the souvenir that keeps on giving - chafed skin! Slap a little Body Glide on that irritating heel blister, or that spot under your arm which burns after every run. You name the location, Body Glide's got you covered.
#7. And, For the Ladies - No woman in the world wants bouncing breasts while running. So how about bouncing, saggy breasts?! That's why it's extremely important to invest in a quality shock absorber sports bra - regardless of your cup size. Don't let another run go by without the support and stability you need. We have many styles from Enell, Moving Comfort and Saucony sports bras.
Since 2004 Nike has helped the Lance Armstrong Foundation raise over $80,000,000.00 to fight cancer. Come check out Nike's Livestrong line of technical running apparel. Who knew that a splash of yellow cloth with "LIVESTRONG" graphics could turn an otherwise cool piece of apparel into a bold fashion statement?
The Kinvara is an excellent second shoe for those short up-tempo workouts, as well as a great option to race in. Watch out, it will definitely turn some heads.