So you’ve decided to start doing some running, set your sights on doing your first Parkrun, or you’ve decided to give a Couch to 5K plan a go. Now you’re wondering what you’re going to need (other than throwing on appropriate clothes and shoes and getting out there, or into the gym on one of the best treadmills).
The best advice is to keep things simple. You don’t need to spend loads of money on lots of new kit, but buying the right things can be beneficial when starting that running journey. The best running shoes, or best cheap running watches, and even a few extras like water bottles and running belts can help you commit to, and achieve, your 2024 running goals.
If you’re afraid of feeling like a novice, or you just want to make sure you have the kit to give you the best chances of achieving that goal of running that distance, we’ve compiled a list of things you should consider grabbing for your first 5km run.
Get some good running shoes
This does not mean you should buy a pair of elite-level Nike Vaporfly 3s, or that you need to spend the really big bucks on the best running watch money can buy.
If you don’t have running shoes, a good pair of neutral shoes like the Saucony Axon 3 below should be your first port of call. If you really want to find the perfect shoe for you, you should get your gait analyzed in a running store if you can.
However, it's not essential, and a shoe like the Axon 3, Saucony Ride 15 or a cheap, comfortable pair of Asics Gel-Contend 8, which you can pick up for around $50 or £50 on Amazon, will be enough to see you through your first 5k challenge and beyond.
Track your runs
Keeping track of your runs is a good way to mark your progress and while there are plenty of running phone apps that can do that job for you, strapping on a dedicated running watch or fitness tracker can make sure you get the most reliable data while also leaving your phone out of sight.
Wear a running belt
You could pack in a lot of the items you want to carry on a run in any spare pockets but investing in a running belt to drop your keys and phone into can reduce the chances of them jumping around and distracting you by placing them much closer to the body.
Carry a water bottle
Whether you’re heading out in warmer or cooler conditions, having a water bottle is a worthy addition. You could simply grab any old bottle to join you on those jaunts but it also might be worth investing in one that’s better suited to being on the move
Ease up with a recovery tool
Running more regularly will ache. There’s no getting away from that. The more regularly you put in that time on the treadmill or down your local park, the more accustomed your body will be to the feeling of the sensation. It's good to have a foam roller in your armory to help deal with those running aches. For heavier duty muscle work, check out our best massage guns guide.
Grab some headphones
If you’re using an app like Couch to 5k to chart your progress or you think you’ll need some audio motivation (or distraction), invest in some headphones that are a better fit for being on the move. Sound quality is of course important, but you also want to consider how secure those headphones are going to sit once you start running. Also, look for something that offers some protection against sweat or getting caught in a downpour.
This article is part of TechRadar's Get Fit for '24 week of fitness content.
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