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You can’t buy happiness, but you can buy running shoes, and that’s kind of the same thing…
Grab your gear and get out on the road to freedom, fitness, and overall well-being!
Did you know that running is one of the most affordable sports you can get into? You don’t need to break the bank on fancy gear – just make sure your shoes fit well and are comfortable, wear clothes that won’t rub or irritate your skin, and if you’re interested in tracking your progress, a few extra tools can come in handy. Here are some of my favourite products that I regularly use and can highly recommend. When items are gender specific, I am referring to women; however, each product has a men’s or unisex equivalent.
Running Shoes
Personal preferences and biomechanics vary greatly, so these recommendations should be interpreted as nothing more than my own choices. Suppose you are new to running, returning after an injury, or wish to try different shoes for alternative running formats (trail / road running / track). In that case, I recommend getting a professional to help you with a running analysis.
The Running Centre and WA Sports Med offer this comprehensive assessment in Perth.
Saucony Endorphin Speed 3
These are an excellent every day running shoe. They have a nylon plate, offering highly responsive cushioning and comfort. They are lightweight also, my size 7.5 US women's weighs a mere 192 grams.
Nike ZoomX Vaporfly Next % 3
These feature-packed super shoes with carbon plate technology are my favourite for races. I ran the Boston marathon (a notoriously hilly race) in pouring rain in these, straight out of the box with not a blister, hot spot or sore toe at the end! Ultra lightweight, my size 7.5 US women's are just 155 grams.
Nike Invincible 3
These are my choice for long training runs, particularly on (non-technical) trails. Lightweight but highly cushioned and stable, the out-sole is flat so you won't collect stones or other debris. Size 7.5 US women's weighs 225 grams.
Apparel
There are so many running apparel brands now we are truly spoiled for choice. It can be a tricky and expensive exercise though to filter through so many products to find something that is perfect for you: that fits comfortably, doesn’t chafe or ride up, and most importantly, has enough POCKETS! As recreational runners, we need to carry things like car or house keys, phone, ID or a credit card, and gels on longer runs. I am not a fan of running belts or side pockets, I find they generally don’t fit what I want in them, and if they do they make my hips and thighs bulge with whatever is in the pocket. I much prefer waist-band or rear pockets, and luckily there are some brands that have created excellent products with clever ways of packing in storage options.
Sub4 custom running racerback singlet
Sub4 is an Australian-owned sporting brand that offers customised apparel in premium and technical fabrics. I could specify every aspect of design for my Running For Life apparel, and weighing in at a mere 40 grams, these singlets are sweat-wicking, non-chafing, and supremely comfortable.
Soar women's race vest
Soar Running is a UK-based company making ultra lightweight apparel. This laser-cut singlet is made from recycled fabric and it is super comfortable
Soar women's marathon shorts
When I first wore these shorts on a rainy run, I had to look down to check they were still on! They are so lightweight as to feel like you are wearing nothing. Laser cut, with a rear zip pocket to fit a key and/or card, and enough space to carry up to six gels (two in the front waistband, four in the rear pockets) without dragging them down. These are pricey but worth it in my opinion.
Rabbit Running first place 2.5" shorts
Because I'm short, I prefer shorts to be shorter than longer. These fit me perfectly, do not chafe, and have two front internal waistband pockets as well as a rear zipped pocket, so for a marathon, I can carry up to four gels in these.
Brooks running drive 3 pocket bra
POCKETS! This bra comes in a range of colours and has a back pocket large enough to fit a smartphone (it doesn't bounce, and you can easily forget it's even there). There are also two side mesh pockets large enough for a car key.
Rabbit running strappy pocket bra
Similar to the Brooks drive 3 bra, this also comes in a range of colours, it has a large back pocket to fit a smartphone but has a strappier front. Both of these bras are comfortable, non-chafing and offer enough support to cope with long-distance runs.
Gadgets & Tech
I will freely admit I am not much of a geek or a whiz when it comes to technology, and I also prefer to run with as few accoutrements as possible. That said, there are a few small items that I use on every run, and one or two others that I use occasionally. While not technically a gadget, there are also a couple of apps I use to help track my runs and progress. One is Garmin Connect, the other is Strava. They are both compatible and provide some easy to read statistics, workout and training programming, as well as social connectivity.
Garmin Fenix smartwatch
Garmin are a popular choice worldwide for their GPS based sports smartwatches. Technology is always developing and every new product has more exciting and helpful features. I currently have the Fenix 6S pro solar, it allows me to store music, workouts, and provides a whole lot of performance statistics.
Julbo Aerolite sunglasses
These sunglasses are lightweight at just 22 grams, designed to be forgotten and sit comfortably without slipping or digging in anywhere. They feature photochromic reactiv lenses that adjust to the light. Aero is an international brand but many Australian companies stock Julbo.
Polar verity sense armband heart rate monitor
I prefer the armband HR monitor to the chest strap as I find them constricting, and the Polar verity is a bit more accurate than the wrist-based HR monitor built into my Garmin watch. It pairs easily with Garmin via bluetooth.
Shokz Openrun mini
I generally do not listen to music when I run; I prefer to hear the sounds of the birds, my footsteps, and conversation if I have company, as well as cyclists and other path users. However, a physiotherapist suggested that I listen to music during my runs when recovering from injury as it helps to distract the mind from focusing on the pain. This is true. I cannot bear to have anything inside my ears though, and I still want to be able to hear surrounding noise, so these bone conducting headphones are perfect, they come in a mini size to fit smaller heads, connect easily via bluetooth, and despite being very lightweight, the music quality is excellent.
Cross training & workout equipment
A vast range of equipment will aid you in building your cardiovascular fitness and strength. You would not need to purchase specific items if you have access to a gym. You can benefit from having a few items if you prefer to do your strength and conditioning exercises at home. I use these regularly: skipping rope, free weights or dumbells, kettlebells, resistance bands, a yoga mat, foam roller, and pilates balls.
