So, what stuff do I need right now?

[disneyaway]

I am planning on doing the princess half marathon as my first marathon. I have been reading marathoning for mortals and am a little overwhelmed. I thought I was doing well by getting good running shoes, but after reading the book, I don't know. Gels, snacks, hydration packs, garmins, heart rate monitors, certain socks and clothes, etc. It's enough to stress a newbie out!

So, starting out, what are the essentials that I need for now? And what should I think about adding on as I progress?

 

[FireDancer]

All you need is good running shoes and running clothing (no cotton anywhere on your body including socks). All those other things, gels, GPS watches, hydration packs, etc are nice but not necessary. Once you start to run more often or longer you will find that you could use a gel pack after 45 minutes and having a Garmin watch (with or without heart rate monitor) does make training a bit easier and makes keeping your pace consistent easier but to say any of them are necessary is a stretch.

I would stick with the plan, get good running shoes, get proper running clothing, and just hit the road. As you get better at running all the additional equipment may make sense but you don't need them to start out.

 

[Octoberbride03]

I just finished reading the book myself. I'm not worrying about getting most of what they mention in the book. For clothes you just want stuff you know wont chafe. If you already have that then that's good. The shoes I'll worry about closer to race time. I'm planning on doing my first Half in March just walking it. And I may or may not get a HRM. I think John is a kid in a candy store most times.

And you've got time, so all you need right now is what you've got

 

[NeverlandClub23]

All you need is good running shoes and running clothing (no cotton anywhere on your body including socks). All those other things, gels, GPS watches, hydration packs, etc are nice but not necessary. Once you start to run more often or longer you will find that you could use a gel pack after 45 minutes and having a Garmin watch (with or without heart rate monitor) does make training a bit easier and makes keeping your pace consistent easier but to say any of them are necessary is a stretch.

I would stick with the plan, get good running shoes, get proper running clothing, and just hit the road. As you get better at running all the additional equipment may make sense but you don't need them to start out.

This. Completely agree with all of it.

It is overwhelming (I got into running really from reading Marathoning for Mortals) but honestly you don't need much of anything starting out. Once you get into your longer runs be sure to LISTEN to your body. I've just started testing out gels and I notice a difference if I take them about an hour into my longer runs but everyone is different.

It's funny because you may start with a great pair of running shoes and good running clothes/socks (doesn't have to be expensive) and then along the way you start "collecting" running stuff but it's not really out of necessity. You just start thinking about what would make you more comfortable on your runs. I bought a waist hydration pack (which is more for when I'm training for the marathon) and a Nathan Quickdraw bottle with a strap for my shorter runs (I've found for me personally I feel more energized if I have water with me to drink). It's all about finding what's right for you along the way. You don't need everything right now.

I did start to think about the things I would "need" for the Wine and Dine half this October. Like I knew I would need somewhere to put my car keys and room key as I'm going solo and would like to have them with me.

Some things just change as you go through running in different seasons and weather. I've found that when it's 40 degrees outside I like to run in shorts. When I first started running (knowing how anti-anything-below-65-degrees I am) I thought I'd at least like to have running tights on but found for me that's not true. It really is a learning process and a fantastic one at that.

One of the best running tools is a Garmin Forerunner (I have the 305). It really helps keep track of your pace, distance, time but it is pricey (although I think Amazon had it for like $130 the other day!) and isn't a necessity.

As long as you have a good pair of running shoes and good running clothes, you're all set! The stuff that works for you (and doesn't) will just come with time. Everyone is just so different it's hard to say what works for someone else will definitely work for you. Good luck!!

 

[VernRDH]

I agree with what everyone else said. Shoes and good socks are probably tops on the list. NO COTTON. Cotton is your mortal enemy in running. I have such a variety of shorts and tops, running tights, etc. Everything was trial and error as far as what worked/what doesnt. I didn't want to get a Fuel belt, so I got Race Ready shorts with the pockets on the back for what I may need to carry. Gels/fuel, well that you really have to work out on your own. I cannot stand the GU or gels (like eating toothpaste to me) and I have tried almost every sports/electrolyte drink available.

The Garmin, well, that is now necessity to me, but it wasn't when I first started running. I just used a stopwatch to time myself and mapped my routes on mapmyrun.com. Now training for half marathons 3 and 4, I could not imagine a run without my 305.

One of the fun things is the expo at the race, never will you see so much stuff you don't need but will feel compelled to purchase. Like any other addiction, us runners like to have cool stuff and toys

And don't forget, Christmas is coming, maybe a birthday or anniversary too? You can always ask family and friends to buy you running gear or a gift certificate/card to your local running store to indulge in some neat stuff!

 

[crewmatt]

I'd say the best thing for you is to set up some shorter races (5k's, 10k's) on your way to the half marathon. This way you will get to see the various things on the course and get to know tons of other runners. One thing about runners is that they love to talk about running. Also doing those races will let you try stuff out on race day, learn how to grab a cup of water, make those mistakes that you'd rather not worry about on the big race day. Just go out to have a good time, get in a workout, and play around with fun new running stuff. The only way to find out what really works for you is to try it.

But seeing as you listed specific things:

1) Gels/Snacks - Most people have glycogen (fuel) in their bodies for about 2 hours of sustained physical activity. After that you've run of glycogen you're body is stuck burning fat, which is a much slower energy source. You wont be able to maintain your level of effort because your body simply can't provide you with enough energy. The Gels/Snacks are designed primarily to replace those carbohydrates (altho they also replace electrolytes - fancy word for salts). There are dozens of different brands and types of these, but the most popular forms are a small pack of gel, jelly beans (safe bet if you're just starting to try them), gel cubes (I like these as well). There are also now crunchy ones for people who dislike the texture of the others. Need right now - no probably not unless you're already running more than an hour. These are usually pretty cheap, say 50 cents - 2 dollars a piece depending on what you get and where you get it.

2) Hydration Packs - on longer runs you'll find you'll need water. Its a good idea to consume water while running longer than about an hour (it varies for different people). In the summer heat that hour can quickly become 15 minutes. Some people (I'm one of them) are lucky to live in areas with trails and water fountains. Others not so much. A hydration pack will allow you to carry water with you while running. There are 4 main types of them:
1) Water Bottle with hand strap - you just kind of hold it, it holds water, very basic
2) Single Water Bottle with Waist Pack - you wear it on your waist with the water bottle bottle behind you.
3) Multiple Water bottles on belt - this distributes the weight more evenly but leads to a slightly bulkier belt
4) Backpack style - these are very popular with bikers/triathletes because they bike very well. Hikers also use these quite often, they have a tube running from a small backpack to your mouth. They can bounce up and down a bit tho.
Need right now - no probably not. Its the summer which can get quite hot, but there are plenty of ways to get water without needing to carry it with you, and if you're not doing really long runs its easier to plan to circle a spot and get water.

3) Garmins/GPS Watches - these allow you to know precisely how fast and far you're going. Depending on your personality this may be good or bad. Some people would obsess over the numbers and ruin what could otherwise be a good run. Your pace is going to fluctuate over time, some days a 10 minute mile is impossible to hold, other days a 6 minute mile is a breeze. But they are very convenient speedometers, but can be quite expensive. Need right now - no.

4) Heart Rate Monitors - knowing your heart rate and level of intensity gets important after you've completed the first half marathon and want to increase your speed and efficiency to do better in subsequent ones. In general most beginner plans want you to run at a conversational pace (HR somewhere mid 140s). You should be able to speak complete sentences while running. This will work on your aerobic fitness, supporting muscles, basically building a good strong foundation for running. Once you've got yourself as aerobically fit as you're gonna get you're not going to get much if any faster. The next step is to work on running efficiency, lactate threshold, and muscle recruitment and more complex stuff like that. That involves knowing your heart rates more accurately. Need right now - no

5) Certain Socks - So I'm gonna go against the grain, I do my normal runs (up to 2 hours or so) in normal standard every day white socks. I dont really get blisters much if I am not changing distances drastically. I do however, swear by Wrights Double Layer Coolmax socks for anything longer than 2 hours - especially marathons. Also if you're feet are going to be very wet or something - in a triathlon for example. So bottom line do you need special socks right now - no. As your distances go up if you feel yourself getting blisters etc then they can help. They are also nicer when its hot out if your feet tend to sweat a lot.

6) Clothes - I'm more picky about clothes. The synthetic fibers are much nicer, than standard cotton. I would say the shorts are more important than the shirt, but I'm a guy and I also tend to run shirtless in anything above 45 degrees. But there are hundreds of runners everywhere who run in cotton shirts. The synthetic shirts are way nicer when they're wet from sweat as they wick it away from the skin. They also chafe less. I would stick to something slightly form fit, as large and billowy can cause all kinds of chaffing and discomfort. You'll find what you like fairly quickly. You can usually get good deals on running clothes at race expo's, clearance areas of running stores where they sell last years stuff, etc. Need now - maybe - it'd really depend what you are running in and how long your runs are. You'll also collect running shirts - lots of races are giving "tech" shirts which are the synthetic style running shirts. I have a few dozen at this point. And some of them are actually my favorite training shirts. So if you sign up for races its a good way to get the shirts.

 

[crewmatt]

Oh and if you need to hold keys a couple tricks
1-You can tie a key into your shoelaces - works well
2-SpiBelt's are awesome. Big fan, about 20 bucks.

 

[NeverlandClub23]

I'd say the best thing for you is to set up some shorter races (5k's, 10k's) on your way to the half marathon. This way you will get to see the various things on the course and get to know tons of other runners. One thing about runners is that they love to talk about running. Also doing those races will let you try stuff out on race day, learn how to grab a cup of water, make those mistakes that you'd rather not worry about on the big race day. Just go out to have a good time, get in a workout, and play around with fun new running stuff. The only way to find out what really works for you is to try it.

I agree with this too!! (I'm so agreeable ) My goal for the rest of the year is to do one 8 or 10k every month (except for the month of the half). Doing races really helps you to get a feel for what it's like to control yourself when the adrenaline is shooting through you at the start and there's people everywhere plus a lot of the time it's for a good cause .

I'm by no means an expert (really got into running this year) but I've learned so much from the more experienced runners on this board and just through trial and error.

 

[FireDancer]

I 3rd the do a shorter race sentiment. Even a small local race will give you an idea of race day and how different it is then a training run. Running in a group with people who run different paces, learning how to navigate a water stop, the feeling while you are waiting to start or crossing a finish line are all things you want to experience before spending Disney money for an event. No matter who you are there are always things you learn doing your first event.

Plus most of them are for a good cause.

 

[disneyaway]

Thank you everyone for all of the advice. I feel so much better now and not nearly as overwhelmed. I will head out this weekend to look for some good running clothes as the stuff I have now is cotton. It isn't too big of a deal at the moment simply because I am not running too far and on the treadmill. But I am going to do my long runs outside now and something more comfortable for the Houston heat and humidity would be better.

I am planning on a 10K in november and whatever 5K's I can between now and then.

Thanks again!

 

[HockeyKat]

I can also chime in with a few ways to get bargains on what others have commented on...

I am a run/walker, following the Galloway program, that started in Jan to do the March 2010 Princess. I am also super cheap.


1) Socks. I buy my coolmax socks at Walmart, they have them for $2-5 per pair and they work just as well as the more expensive stuff. Through trial and error, I found that I need cushioned socks or I get blisters. YMMV. You can also sometimes find single pairs on clearance at Dick's.

2) Clothes. Kohl's is having a killer sale on running shorts, skirts, and tops, all under $10 each. Target has them for $9-15 regular price, as well. Make sure that you are getting the performance ones and not the cotton blend.

Also, TJ Maxx, Marshalls, Ross are good resources for clothes, sports bras, and socks.

3) Hydration belts. EBAY! Just type in fuel belt. I got mine for $9 shipped.

4) Garmin/GPS watch. If you have a GPS-enabled smart phone, they make apps that do the same thing. I have an Android based phone, but Blackberry and iPhone both have them too. I use RunKeeper, which tracks pace, location, route, elevation, and time. SportyPal is another. I also use an app called HIIT interval training to do my intervals.

5) Chafing. Invest $8-10 in a product called BodyGlide. Best. Stuff. Ever. Also works on a hot day if you want to wear a skirt w/ no hose.


I don't use a heart rate monitor, and I only use gels on run/walks of 9 miles or more. I prefer Gu, which you can get at Dick's for $1-1.50 a pack.

 

[MouseDogMom]

I am a run/walker, following the Galloway program, that started in Jan to do the March 2010 Princess. I am also super cheap.

I'm a member at REI ($20 for the lifetime membership), and get most of my gels there. If you buy 12 at a time, you get a 10% discount. Then you get a dividend on your purchases at the end of the year, so there's an additional savings. Not a whole lot, but it adds up!

Also, everyone may not be aware that runningwarehouse.com offers a 15% discount to WISH team members on most products. Use code WISHD. I'm a big fan of supporting your local running stores, but occasionally there are good deals to be had online, and the extra 15% is even better, especially with their free shipping.

Jackie

 

[FireDancer]

I'm a member at REI ($20 for the lifetime membership), and get most of my gels there. If you buy 12 at a time, you get a 10% discount. Then you get a dividend on your purchases at the end of the year, so there's an additional savings. Not a whole lot, but it adds up!

Also, everyone may not be aware that runningwarehouse.com offers a 15% discount to WISH team members on most products. Use code WISHD. I'm a big fan of supporting your local running stores, but occasionally there are good deals to be had online, and the extra 15% is even better, especially with their free shipping.

Jackie

I didn't know about the discount, that is great. RunningWarehouse often has the best prices on shoes. I try to strike a balance between supporting the local stores and getting the deals online.

 

[Ronda93]

Another plug for runningwarehouse. The WISHD discount is great. They also have free shipping and, most importantly for running stuff, free return shipping. I tried shopping roadrunnersports.com. Sending one thing back destroys any discounts, deals or VIP pricing.

I'll also plug SPIBelts and Ultimate Direction water bottle (the hand strap one). It can't be repeated often enough, no cotton. I don't take fuel unless I'm going beyond five miles. At my pokey pace that's an hour. Try several brands to see what sits well with you.

Running some local races gives you a chance to see other people's gear. Great ideas spread that way. It also gives you a chance to wait, pack in tight and run in traffic. Even water stop practice pays off.

My first half was at Disney this past January. I'd been running almost a year and had done three shorter races. I've done another half and plan to do the Disney full in January. The heart rate monitors are great. I use a Polar HRM. It uses a footpod to measure distance. Works indoors or out, treadmill or track and doesn't mind tall buildings.

Good luck as you train. Keep coming back to the WISH board. Great advice is dispensed daily.

Ronda

 

[NeverlandClub23]

Also, everyone may not be aware that runningwarehouse.com offers a 15% discount to WISH team members on most products. Use code WISHD. I'm a big fan of supporting your local running stores, but occasionally there are good deals to be had online, and the extra 15% is even better, especially with their free shipping.

Do you know where you enter this code at? I've found some things I need (want ) and am putting together an order but the only place I've found to enter a code is for gift certificates (and I tried there ).

Thanks for the code! I had no idea and they have some great prices!

 

[FireDancer]

Do you know where you enter this code at? I've found some things I need (want ) and am putting together an order but the only place I've found to enter a code is for gift certificates (and I tried there ).

Thanks for the code! I had no idea and they have some great prices!

In the upper right part of the page just next to the phone number and picture you will see 3 options. The middle option is team discounts. Click there and enter WISHD as the code and hit enter.

 

[NeverlandClub23]

Great! Thanks

 

[MaMa3Princess]

THanks Hockey Kat,

for those bargin tips. All these tips were great. I learn so much on these boards. I was starting to get hot spots but not blisters, but now I know I need to wear better socks. I will look into Kohls as I have a coupon for their sale going on. Thanks OP for asking this question as all the advice has definetly helped me feel less confused and feeling like I need a million bucks to start running

 

[Zoesmama03]

Great info. Thanks everyone. I have a ways to go to get prepared for even training as I want to get off about 40 lbs before I attempt jogging even. I will probably walk in a 5K walk in Nov, its a local walk for Autism I did another year in past with out any training at all. I made it and made good time too which sadly I didn't record. I got in before my friend who RUNS them BUT she had her family with(3 kiddos and dh) so wasn't trying to go fast or anything. I wasn't either but we got separated and I only had one kiddo to push(strollers allowed at this one). I would love to participate in a Disney half or full marathon in 2012(if the Jan one sooner maybe) so compiling helpful tips now.

All you need is good running shoes and running clothing (no cotton anywhere on your body including socks).

What do you mean "no cotton"? Is this for sweating purposes? I'm confused I thought cotton socks and underwear in particular were best. Explain please. A long time ago I had read to turn standard socks inside out and did that when I skated back in high school to prevent blisters as well as when I was running shortly after.

 

[FireDancer]

What do you mean "no cotton"? Is this for sweating purposes? I'm confused I thought cotton socks and underwear in particular were best. Explain please. A long time ago I had read to turn standard socks inside out and did that when I skated back in high school to prevent blisters as well as when I was running shortly after.

Cotton absorbs water which isn't what you want. Technical fabrics and clothing will wick the sweat off of your skin and allow it to evaporate. It isn't really the process of sweating itself that cools you, it is the process of evaporation that actually cools you and cotton clothing trapping water against your skin slows that process.

In addition to cotton just soaking up sweat and weighing you down cotton socks can lead to blisters and cotton clothing can lead to chafing.