My Running Essentials

Posted by on Feb 8, 2012 in Uncategorized

Photo credit: Chris Scott

I enjoy running all year round. From experience, I’ve learned that it’s possible to have a productive run in almost any weather and condition – if you use the right gear. Although the ability of temperature acclimation varies from person to person, it’s still crucial to wear appropriate clothing and gear. The saying “there’s no bad weather, only bad clothing” makes perfect sense now that I’ve run through some harsh wintry days. On the other hand, the temperature can also get quite hot in summer here. And that same rule about clothing applies to those steamy summer months as well.

Below I highlighted the most essential items that I make sure to use every run, in heat and cold. I left out some items that I only bring for specific conditions – such as sunglasses or water bottle. My philosophy is to bring as few items as possible when I run.

Heat

Cold

Depending on the given condition, I may add or remove an item or two – mostly for layering purposes. However I almost always use the items listed above without exception. Come to think of it, I don’t think I would’ve made it this far without most of them.

What are some must-haves for your runs during the toughest conditions? Is there a clothing item or electronic device you just can’t run (or live) without? Please share in the comment section below!

Author Bio: Kevin Lu is an engineer, currently working in the field of orthopedic devices. He received his B.S. and M.S. in biomedical engineering from New Jersey Institute of Technology. Science, technology, and running are Kevin’s passions. In his spare time, Kevin trains for and participates in races of various distances. In addition to Beyond Distance, Kevin also writes for iRunnerBlog as a contributing tech columnist. Find out more about Kevin here and follow him on Twitter.

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  • Ssangjune

    How about a water bottle and Gu for the long run?

    • http://www.BeyondDistance.com/ Kevin

      Absolutely. I left them out because I don’t bring them every run. But I agree they are extremely important.

  • http://thesolesearch.wordpress.com/ Sloan

    I have to have a visor or a hat of some kind to keep my hair out of my face!

    • http://www.BeyondDistance.com/ Kevin

      I don’t like hair in my face – or on my head! The one disadvantage of my shaved head is that sweat would get into my eyes. I wear hats with a sweat band usually. The visor also helps me avoid eye contact when I choose to do so.

  • http://aveteranrunnah.com/ Harodl

    A pair of winter running shoes (trail shoes) or converted spike/screw shoes (for ice/sleet/slush). Normal road shoes, just don’t cut it in winter running

    A pair of merino wool socks (I use the full boot cut sock), that stay warm even after they get wet, there will be days when your feet will get wet and if it is 30 or less you need to have something that will not make your feet colder. :-)

    On really cold days a facemask or a scarf to put over your face is very helpful

    Finally two new ones that I really believe in

    Tommie Copper calf compression sleeves – made a big difference in my calves during cold runs
    Ruez Underwear – things stay where they are supposed to, no chafing

    Harold

    • http://www.BeyondDistance.com/ Kevin

      I’ve always wanted to try those micro spikes. But winters are relatively mild in my area. Perhaps I’ll find the need to use them when I log more miles on trails in the future.

  • http://twitter.com/runwiki Lisa McClellan

    I love running in the cold.. my favorites are my North Face gloves and my Brooks ear warmer/ head band.

    • http://www.BeyondDistance.com/ Kevin

      I wear a headband over my beanie from time to time, when it helps tremendously in on those windy runs!