The training shoe for the future marathon runner delivers cushion to the right areas of the foot to ensure the foot stays protected from injury. The shoe designs for high arches, no arches or low arches cushion the foot when training and running a marathon. The shoe has a lightweight material with support to the entire foot and ankle. The proper shoe allows you to run distances without feeling any pain caused by heel strikes and toe bending.
Running shorts that fit properly and move with you body movements offered in spandex and cotton. When training and running the marathon, you may want shorts with a few front pockets in case you need a few small articles with you when running. These shorts provide comfort and should not be so tight as to be uncomfortable. The looser the shorts, the better you can move freely, bend, and twist if needed.
Women who run marathons need a comfort fit in a sports bra, this gives more support and stability when running. A regular bra will add discomfort to a runner with all the upper body movement. A looser fitting tank top over the sports bra gives added protection from sun and wet weather. Remember a tight fit is uncomfortable; sport bras should be a little loose for total comfort.
Since the shoe adds comfort to the foot, the sock should do the same. Socks available in many different types and some have an added cushion for more protection for the foot. There are crew socks and there are peds for men and women. The right sock insures your foot stays dry and cool while running. The heel designs have comfort cushioning since the heel is the area of the foot that feels the most shock when running.
If nighttime running, you want to sport a nighttime reflective vest so seeing you at night by oncoming foot traffic as well as vehicles is easier. A headband to keep sweats from running into eyes and comes in a reflective color as well. Another line of reflective gear is the wristband and the ankle bands. These all show up at night to protect you and others while running.
Hydration bottles and carriers allow you to choose from one, two or four bottles available while running. This product covers the need to hydrate while running and the convenient carriers allow hands free for running. Waist packs also allow you to carry small item you may need during your run.
Heart monitors and pedometers provide information on your heart rate while training and in a race, while the pedometer counts the miles you run both during training and during marathon running. These two essential items used correctly offer some much-needed facts when running.
Many tools available to prevent injury when running include the step stretch, which when used after running helps loosen your tendons and muscles. By using this type of equipment, you increase performance and muscle flexibility. Supportive insoles help prevent overpronation caused by unstable arch support.
Other essential gear relates to skin lubricant, which aides in preventing chafing and blisters. A non-petroleum based lubricant. The number belt allows no pins to attach your number during the race. Another essential gear item is the energy gel, which nourishes the body during running and enters the blood stream immediately.
Some good running books give you ideas about training and the marathon itself. These books help plan your training program and lead you down the road to a marathon runner. Many books have writing from actual runners who have competed in marathons and offer some good advice on the art of running for a marathon.
Sport drinks replenish your body when running long distances and are available at all grocery stores and is a good source to hydrate your body when running. Analgesic creams of some kind should be kept on hand in case of a need to ease a cramp or sore areas of the body after running. Water for shorter runs and a sport drinks for longer runs.
The lightweight jacket for cool weather running that moves with your body, but also layering your clothes allows for removal, as you get a little warm. Lightweight clothes allow for more layering then bulkier clothing. Marathon gear always includes extra lightweight clothes when planning to run a race.
Last, but not forgotten is the weight training equipment. There is the tower bench, flat bench and a crunch bench. Power benches or folding benches for those tougher workout routines you need to perform. Weights range in size from five pounds to one hundred pounds needed for workouts and some curling bars. The type of equipment depends on what workout you have planned. Weight resistance bands and gloves needed for lifting weights. In some cases, you may want to add lift straps for easier grips of the weight bar.
Start out with the things you really need right away and gradually add other essential gear items to your list. The proper gear for beginners working up to a professional runner may vary, but the same rules apply, proper equipment prevents possible injuries that may result from improper gear. Never substitute items with anything other than what is required.
Find all your essential gear items at local sporting stores that carry running and weight training gear for the avid runner. Beginners alike need encouragement and the right equipment and gear when starting the training for a marathon.
