The Ultimate Guide To Running Gear For Beginners

In the last year, I started running again. It had been many years since I did any sort of running and I needed all new gear. Here is a great guide to running gear for beginners to help you get all the equipment you need to start on your running journey.

Originally Posted: 6/16/22, Updated 1/25/23

I used to run competitively and I really enjoyed it! Once I started having kids, I felt like I just couldn’t find the time or energy. This past year, I decided I needed to start prioritizing my fitness and mental health. This guide to running gear for beginners has all the essential items I bought when I started running again.

So, after about a 7-year break from running, I have started again and it feels good to get back at it! It really helps me to decrease stress and just feel good about myself.

I started scheduling several runs and workout sessions into my week. Check out this post for how to find time to exercise as a busy mom.

It’s felt so good to get back into a running routine. I really think running has made me a better person, but it wasn’t easy to get started again.

Since it’s been so long since I have trained or run any distance, I needed to get all new running gear. I have been researching and trying different products and brands to find what works best for me.

It seems that running gear has changed quite a bit over the last 7 years. I didn’t know where to start and what to start buying (other than shoes). There are so many products out there, that it can be overwhelming to find good quality gear at a decent price.

I wanted to share what I have discovered so far in hopes of helping someone else find great products to help them along their running journey (without having to try so many different products as I did). Here is a guide to running gear for beginners, trying to get back into running or any type of exercise.

*Disclaimer: I am not a medical professional. Do not take any of this information in this post as medical advice or as a replacement for medical advice.

This post may contain affiliate links. I may earn a percentage (at no extra cost to you) if you purchase through a link that I have shared. I am an Amazon Affiliate.

Best Running Gear For Beginners:

• Good Quality Running Shoes.
  • I have Brooks Glycerin and I love them!
  • The best pair of running shoes is different for everyone, but you need to invest in a good pair of running shoes. If you aren’t sure what works best for you or where to start, I would recommend going to a good shoe store to get some recommendations and try on a few pairs of shoes. This is crucial for decreasing aches and pains down the road. This is one item I would not recommend skimping on. If your feet are sore, it affects your whole body.

• Good orthotics.
  • I love Powerstep orthotics.
  • They are affordable, supportive, and work for a wide range of people. I have recommended them to many different people (both runners and non-runners) and I haven’t heard any bad feedback yet.
  • I would recommend slowly increasing your wear time with these orthotics. I usually recommend people start wearing them for 1-2 hours during normal daily activities and then remove them. Then the next day, try to increase the length of time you have them on. Once you can wear them for 4-6 hours during daily activities, try wearing them during a run. Your feet might initially get sore when wearing these, but give your body a good 2 weeks to get used to them.
  • You do need to replace these around the same time you replace your shoes. Keep in mind that every foot is different and these won’t work for everyone. Some people do need custom orthotics, but they do come with a pretty hefty price tag.

• A good Fitness watch.
  • I love my Fitbit Versa 3.
  • It works great for tracking my pace, heart rate, and mileage.

• Good headphones.
  • I honestly don’t even know the brand of headphones I use. My husband bought them for me. I don’t think you need the most expensive headphones to get good quality.

• Running fanny pack.
  • This is the one I use.
  • It doesn’t slide and it isn’t bulky. It fits my phone and keys in it easily.

• Supportive sports bra.
  • I have tried a few different brands and they have all worked fine. I do like Zyia sports bras and these sports bras.
  • I am small chested. So what works for me, probably won’t work for everyone.

• Leggings and/or shorts.
  • Depending on the time of year you are running, you might need both. I am still on the prowl for my favorite leggings with pockets. If you have recommendations, I would love to hear them!
  • I have these shorts and they work well!

• A good jogging stroller if you plan on running with your kids.
  • I have a Kelty Double Jogging Stroller that I purchased used 5 years ago from someone that I know. From the looks of it online, they don’t even make them anymore!
  • If you plan on doing any running with the stroller, make sure it has a wheel that locks.

• Kinesiotape.
  • I have tried a few brands and this is the brand that seems to stick the best to my skin. I would recommend getting the uncut 2-inch wide rolls. You can cut them to the size you need.
  • I started training about 4 months ago. I was training for a race on short notice and was increasing my mileage and my pace a little quicker than I should have been to get ready in time. Well, I hurt my ankle in the process.
  • I found a great method for kinesiotaping my ankle on YouTube, and that really helped my ankle to feel better. Now if I have soreness or pain anywhere, I search the internet for good taping methods and try them out. I really think it helps. It’s something cheap and easy to try if you having aches and pains somewhere.

• Fitpulse massager. This isn’t technically running gear, but it helps decrease muscle tightness and soreness (both from running and non-running injuries). Even my husband uses this all the time!

• Reflective vest and head lamp if you plan on running at night. I don’t usually run at night, but for this next race that I am in, I will need to run at night. You want to make sure you are well seen if you plan to run when its dark.

• Socks
  • I did not realize how much a person could love socks, but I LOVE Bombas socks.
  • Maybe it’s a sign I’m getting to middle age, but I definitely have a sock preference at this point in my life!

It feels great for me to get back into running and just working on improving my overall health again. I hope this guide to running gear for beginners helps you to get (back) into running, or whatever type of exercise works best for you!

That is the running gear that I use currently, but I am always open to new suggestions and trying new gear. What is your favorite running gear?

If you enjoyed this post, check out- money saving tips for moms.