The Equipment You Need To Start Running

Running is a very simple sport and requires very little specialist equipment. The most important point is that you have suitable clothing (particularly footwear) and that you feel comfortable in everything. The most technical and most important things you need to buy are your running shoes. These have evolved over the past ten years into sphisticated pieces of technology of which each manufacturer has developed their own version

A specialist retailer with gait analysis and pressure plate testing will be able to assess your requirements.

You want to be comfortable when you run, so finding the correct shoe size is very important. When you shop for running shoes, always go in the afternoon because after lunch, your feet will have expanded a little. Hence a snug fit in the morning could mean a tight fit in the afternoon and blisters when training, which is certain to curb your enthusiasm.

Working upwards from shoes, next you need some socks:

• Can be simple white sports socks.
• More technical socks can wick away moisture and sweat from the foot so you don't slip and consequently suffer from blisters.
• These socks are designed with more padding in certain areas for enhanced cushioning.
• The most advanced socks are designed for the appropriate foot i.e. they are left and right foot specific.

After socks come shorts, or when it is colder, tights

• Most running shorts now come with a liner so you dont have to wear anything else with them.
• Nearly all shorts come with elastic waist bands and the more expensive ones come with a drawstring as well.
• When the weather is colder it is advisable to wear tights.
• Fabric Technology has exploded recently with the aid of new synthetic materials and running tights are now available which hug the legs more efficiently and stop the wind and rain penetrating to the leg itself.
• The fashionable and technological runners are choosing high tech garments that help them in their running

Short and long sleeve t-shirts have also benefitted, like tights, from technological advances. The mid to top range t-shirts all wick away moisture to keep you cooler and allow a greater air circulation through the fabric. They feel very lightweight but have the properties to keep you warm or cool depending on when and how you wear them.

• Running t-shirts should be reasonably tight but not figure-hugging and likewise they shouldn't flap around when you run in them.
• With long sleeves t-shirts, you should aim to get ones with cuffed sleeves so they stay down around your wrists.
• Similarly, for hot weather training, vest are also designed with technological, wicking fabrics that also help air circulate around you body to aid cooling.
• When the weather gets cold it is advisable to run in a Gillet - these are sleeveless jackets and ideal for quicker running in slightly warmer climates.
• Full long sleeve waterproof jackets are better for cooler and wetter climates. These types of tops are multi purpose because they can be used casually as well and the ones at the top end are very high tech and guaranteed waterproof and windproof

It is important to wear a sports bra that fits you snugly and gives adequate support for running.

• Your bra should fit snugly under the bust without being uncomfortably tight.
• All of your bust should fit in the bra without any bulges around the sides.
• The shoulder straps should not dig in (for larger busts wider straps are more comfortable

To receive regular information on all things to do with women's running, health and fitness please visit:

http://www.running4womengroup.com/

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