Getting started with running-- how much new stuff do I actually need?

Running Shoes/Running Gear

11 months ago 07/17/2023 11:50am EDT

So I'm planning to start running regularly now that the summer is here, and I'm trying to determine how much new equipment and clothing I will actually need. I have already looked at a few online guides for running, and they all recommend the same thing: dedicated running shoes, ergonomic clothing, a watch for timing, and something to hold a water bottle. Going over what I have, I definitely need new shoes; beyond that, though, I feel I could easily keep track of time on my phone, and I think I have t-shirts and shorts that will be decent enough to run in.
So, to those of you who are experienced in regular running for health and exercise: how much new stuff, realistically, will I need, other than new shoes, vs what I clothes I already have?

11 months ago 07/17/2023 11:52am EDT

re: fossil786

Step 1: Run

Step 2: goto 1

11 months ago 07/17/2023 12:06pm EDT

re: fossil786

fossil786 wrote:
So I'm planning to start running regularly now that the summer is here, and I'm trying to determine how much new equipment and clothing I will actually need. I have already looked at a few online guides for running, and they all recommend the same thing: dedicated running shoes, ergonomic clothing, a watch for timing, and something to hold a water bottle. Going over what I have, I definitely need new shoes; beyond that, though, I feel I could easily keep track of time on my phone, and I think I have t-shirts and shorts that will be decent enough to run in.
So, to those of you who are experienced in regular running for health and exercise: how much new stuff, realistically, will I need, other than new shoes, vs what I clothes I already have?

Literally nothing besides decent shoes. Even a watch (or a phone) for timing/tracking distance isn't a necessity, although it's helpful. If getting fun new equipment and gear makes you more motivated to get out there (and if you can afford it), great! But what's 10x more important is that you run consistently and often with enough recovery and stretching to prevent injury.

11 months ago 07/17/2023 1:02pm EDT

re: fossil786

shoes

t shirt

shorts

socks

(fanny pack/LRC subscription)

11 months ago 07/17/2023 2:05pm EDT

re: fossil786

To get started you don't really need anything.

I would recommend the right running shoes for your feet from a good running store but you can start with just the trainers you have.

Everything else is not important at all.

11 months ago 07/17/2023 2:09pm EDT

re: fossil786

Decent shoes. That is all you need. You already own shorts and a t-shirt I'm guessing.

11 months ago 07/17/2023 2:17pm EDT

re: decent shoes

Shoes for the type of foot that you have.

Socks

Watch

You said you already have shorts, t-shirts (moisture wicking). Moisture wicking athletic underwear

11 months ago 07/17/2023 2:33pm EDT

re: fossil786

fossil786 wrote:
So I'm planning to start running regularly now that the summer is here, and I'm trying to determine how much new equipment and clothing I will actually need. I have already looked at a few online guides for running, and they all recommend the same thing: dedicated running shoes, ergonomic clothing, a watch for timing, and something to hold a water bottle. Going over what I have, I definitely need new shoes; beyond that, though, I feel I could easily keep track of time on my phone, and I think I have t-shirts and shorts that will be decent enough to run in.
So, to those of you who are experienced in regular running for health and exercise: how much new stuff, realistically, will I need, other than new shoes, vs what I clothes I already have?

You don't even need shoes honestly. I started out barefoot running on urban sidewalks, paved roads and bike paths in San Jose, CA. I did all my running (~10-20mi/week) for the first two years barefoot and didn't wear shoes until I had been running barefoot for years. I wear shoes quite a bit now but I still do a lot of running barefoot.

Other than that I would get a watch. I like having a watch because I like all the data. HR, pace, cadence, distance, etc. And you don't even have to look at it if you don't want. In the future you'll want to look back and see your progress. You can do that with your phone somewhat, but it's less convenient and also handling a phone with sweaty hands sucks.

11 months ago 07/17/2023 2:50pm EDT

re: fossil786

How does someone who is new to the sport/activity of running seem to stumble across letsrun and ask questions like this? Seems fake. You have to be kind of diehard to have heard of this place.

11 months ago 07/17/2023 3:11pm EDT

re: fossil786

It’s the “I got this” bot

#11

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