1. Layer Running Gear in Cold Weather
Cold weather running requires wearing layers of clothing. When wind hits damp skin or cloth, it makes you feel even colder. To prevent this chilling factor, choose shirts that wick moisture away from the body. Look for materials made of poly-cotton or nylon-lycra blend. Over the shirt, wear a wind proof, waterproof breathable top. Wind pants are good for cold days, but if it is really windy, running tights are better. You lose the majority of your body heat through your head, so a hat is also a must when running in cold weather, as are gloves.
2. Running Gear for Ladies Only
Every woman absolutely needs a good running bra to minimize bouncing. Running bras come in two types: light support and firm support. Light support is ideal for women with smaller chests (B-cups and under) because it flattens the breast against the body. Firm support is a better choice for women that are a C-cup or larger. A firm support bra has molded cups that keep the breasts in place. When trying on a running bra, do a couple of jumping jacks to test the support. If there's any jiggling, you need more support.
3. All Running Sneakers are not Created Equal
The most important piece of running gear you buy is running sneakers. When buying running shoes, consider comfort and shock absorption. Running sneakers don't "break in" like pair of high heels, so they should feel comfortable from the get go. They should be snug for stability but not so tight that your feet hurt after wearing them. Good sock absorption is vital because the foot absorbs as much as four times your body weight when running. Look for running sneakers with ethyl vinyl acetate liners, which offer superior shock absorption.
4. Don't Forget the Socks
People don't often pay much attention to the type of socks they put on. When looking at running gear, the right sock can mean the difference between comfort and painful blisters. People with sweaty feet or who plan to run more than 90 minutes should opt for socks made of synthetic fibers, which wick moisture away from body. Double layer socks are good for preventing blisters, making them ideal for long runs or marathons.
5. Running Gear for Your Heart
A heart rate monitor is an easy to use device that gives you instant information about your heart rate, letting you know how hard your body is working. This monitor straps around your chest and features a wristwatch that includes your BPM (beats per minute), the amount of time you've been running and the current time. Heart rate monitors are ideal for people training for races to monitor their progress.
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