So, I have been watching a lot of running content lately, and I see professional runners with so much gear – gel, belts, soft flasks – you name it. Now I am not hating on this equipment, of course you need them if you are running long distance, but the influencer marketing trend has popularised so many of these accessories that novice runners feel like they absolutely need to have these in order to call themselves a runner.
But when you’re running your first 10 minutes, or at least trying to work your way up there, you don’t really need a whole lot of gear. So, to save you some time and trouble, I will make a list of all the things that you actually need as a beginner runner (don’t worry, it’s a small list).
Also, all the products I listed here are ones that I have tried and no the brands don’t know I have tried them, and I am not getting any commission or anything really from them, so you can rest assure that my opinion is super honest!
6 Running Essentials For Beginners
1. Running Shoes
Importance (on a scale of 1-10): 10 (VERY)
This should be your first real purchase if you want to get into running. A good shoe might be the one thing that protects you from all kinds of injuries. Running shoes provide you with the right kind of cushion around your feet, especially around your heel making it easier to get the bounce in your running.
That being said, running shoes are going to be the most expensive thing that you invest in when you first start to run and the one that you would have to replace frequently (depending on how often you run and how far you go). Many runners keep two running shoes – one for long distance and one for shorter runs. But as a beginner, just focus on getting one good pair of running shoes.
First Running Shoes – Which One Should You Buy?
There are some really fancy ultra expensive shoes in the market – you don’t have to buy them. Budget matters when you are started out something new and you will find plenty of moderately priced running shoes.
Avoid ultra-cushiony running shoes, instead go for a moderately cushioned shoe that absorbs the shock when you run. They will anyways need a little getting used to, so might as well start with something that doesn’t feel too crazy on your feet.
Always look for one size up or shoes that have a little more space around your big toe because your feet swell when you run and you need to give it some space in there to expand to its full glory.
Also, (I just read this online, don’t know if it’s true) but you should by your shoes in the evening because feet swell as you walk and move around so its best to get a pair that accommodates for the shift in size.
Lastly, I had made a mistake of buying my first running shoes online, but if it’s your first, I highly recommend getting them from the store because that way you’ll get to put them on and walk around in them – you know get a feel. Because the most important criteria for running shoes is comfort. You will after all increase your mileage with them on, so better get comfy!
Here’s What I Had Gotten
I did run in a pair of running shoes back in 2021 but I forgot their brand. These were my first REAL running shoes. They cost me about ₹1,500/- when I brought them (I also tried finding it on amazon.com and had no luck, so sorry guys if you are reading my article from anywhere else in the world) (Also! Hello and thank you for reading!)
So, anyways, you can see that they are not too expensive and they are a pretty durable. I got them 2 years ago and I still use them for some of my long distance runs.
2. Sports Bra
Importance (on a scale of 1-10): 9
If you’re a guy, you can ignore this but if you are a woman – especially a busty woman, then this needs to be on your top list. Go for a high impact sports bra that doesn’t feel too tight but keeps everything held in place. Most high impact sports bras are pretty expensive, which is why I go for local brands.
Here’s what I like:
This is a local brand (I think) and it’s great for its price. Many of their products have lasted me for more than years so you can rest assured they are pretty durable for the price range.
3. Active Wear
Importance (on a scale of 1-10): 7
Now we walk into the territory of ‘get it only if you want to’. As long as you have the right shoes and a sports bra – if you are a woman – you can start running in your oldest pair of loose cotton tracks – it doesn’t really matter.
I personally had running bottoms but for the longest time I ran wearing any old t-shirt I could find.
That being said, I do think active wear has a place in the running world. Fitted running bottoms for instance provide ventilation and protect you from chaffing. The ventilation part is so real for active wear tops as well – when I wore my first ever active wear running top I felt like I was wearing air!
So, in short, you can definitely start running in any pair of clothing. Especially when you are just testing out your stamina. But as you get better and more confident with your running, a cute active wear outfit will not only make you feel like wanting to run, but will also make sure you are cool during your runs.
4. A Fitness Tracker
Importance (on a scale of 1-10): 6
I personally think a fitness tracker (like a watch) is really helpful. I feel that every progress in kilometres helps me keep going. It also has reminders in place for when you exceed a heart rate limit – which I think is really helpful for beginners trying to pace themselves.
That being said, is it really necessary for a 10 minute run? Not really. Also, let’s not forget that most fitness trackers are expensive and having to spend so much before you even solidify a habit, can really get people off track (no pun intended).
If you’re running on a budget, the talk test can be really helpful for your initial runs (will discuss more about the talk test soon).
Here’s What I Like:
Although not the best, I have been using the above watch for 5 years. My previous one lasted me for 4 years before it started shutting down randomly, and then I brought the same model last year. I wouldn’t say that this is the best fitness tracker, it can certainly be off in terms of reading kilometres, but its good at reading your heart rate and I think it works pretty well for its price range.
5. Headphones
Importance (on a scale of 1-10): 6
(Depends on how important music is on your runs).
I think eventually you do get to a point where you can enjoy you runs in silence – I just haven’t reached that point yet. Music really helps me. The beats and the runs combined together work a sort of magic in my body and I wouldn’t have it any other way. But I think the kind of headphones you use make all the difference. Earlier I used a neckband from boat which actually worked fine during the winters and on shorter runs, but as I increased my distance and speed, I noticed that my headphones kept slipping – and that’s kind of inconvenient.
So eventually, I got those active headphones – you know the ones that loop over your ear and is sweat resistant and stuff:
Sharing an image for reference. Check it out on Amazon
Since they don’t go inside your ear, you can enjoy the music and hear car noises when you are out and about. I think they were a pretty solid purchase, but I brought them after I was able too run 20 minutes straight.
6. Running Belt
Importance (on a scale of 1-10): 4
Okay now you’re really walking into the ‘I’m running for Instagram’ vibe. Running belts are important, but for a 10 minute run? Not really! In fact, I spent three years with my phone on one hand and it worked out well.
I have been using a fanny bag since last year, but that was only after I started running more than thirty minutes at a time. That’s when I started needing water on my runs so I kept my phone in the bag and my bottle in my hand (it’s a super cute, tiny bottle; sharing a picture for reference).
It’s been 5 years of (inconsistent running) and I have never needed a running belt. Of course, that’s not to say that you won’t ever needed. If over time you build your skills up to running for more than an hour and a half straight, or running more than 10 kms, you should consider getting a belt. As for me, I don’t run more than 10 kms (if even that) at a time. So, perhaps get back to me on this if an when I cross the 10 km mark?
7. Running Gel
Importance (on a scale of 1-10): 2
Again, just like everything else, I will not undermine the importance of running gels. But should you really consider buying it when you are trying to run your first 10 minutes? No! You don’t need it now and you probably won’t need it for a really long time.
In fact, truth be told, I have never used a running gel – even on my 10 kilometre runs. I don’t know I just think they are too expensive and I’m all about making my runs economical. That’s not to say that I don’t fuel myself – more on this in another article.
So yeah, I think you should consider running gels after you cross the 1 hour mark in your running, and (based off of what I read) you should introduce them gradually into your system. But until you reach the 1 hour mark, you can shelf the running gels for now.
Conclusion
So, there you have it – my list of running essentials for beginners. Shoes are of course on the top non-negotiables on the list (of course!). Followed by sports bras and a headphone. But that’s just me. What is your must have when you go on a run?