How to be a runner

A quick guide.

I love running because you can do it anywhere. You don’t need a gym. You don’t need a team. You don’t need to drive to a class and awkwardly hide in the back. You just put on your shoes, open the door, and go.

The beginning sucks. You’ll feel slow. You’ll wonder how anyone does this for fun. You might cry. All normal. The only secret to getting better is to keep going. That’s it.

So if you’re sitting there thinking, I want to start running but I have no idea where to begin, this is for you. I’m not going to talk about how I got started. This is more of a practical, mildly chaotic guide. The products you’ll need and the things to remember. Simple.

The gear

Shoes: Number one. Start here. I love the Hoka Skyward X and Hoka Cliftons. I've tried a bunch, but those are my go-to's. That said, what works for me might not work for you. Try some on. Get fitted if you can. And please, I beg you - don’t do all your runs in carbon-plated racing shoes. They’re fun and cool and fast, but your feet will hate you.

Shorts: I hate running in leggings. I always end up rage-yanking them the whole time. Shorts are the move. I have a stash of cheap running shorts from Amazon that have lasted forever. You do not need the $80 ones. Unless you want them. You do you!

Sports bra: Non-negotiable. I’m in the itty-bitty-comittee so don’t need a crazy amount of support, but I still like to feel nicely tucked in. I wear mostly Alo these days.

Top: I almost always run in a bra and shorts because Florida is a sauna, but sometimes I’ll chuck on a tee or singlet if I’m wearing my hydration vest. I have a couple of long sleeve tops in case I have to run in a snow storm (I’ve never run in a snow storm). Bandit and Tracksmith have some cute stuff.

Hat + sunglasses: Wear a hat!!! Also sunscreen!! No one wants to look like an old leather bag. During the peak of summer I love my visor from Omius that has fancy cooling technology. Maybe it works, maybe it’s placebo. Don’t really care which. I’m also obsessed with running glasses. Apparently it reduces perceived effort which may also be something I read that has no scientific backing whatsoever. Andy used to make fun of me until he came home the other day wearing his own pair. GOT HIM!

Headphones: I use the Shokz OpenFit Air. They sit outside your ears, so you can hear traffic, nature, and weird men breathing too close behind you. They’re light, comfy, and don’t fall out like my old AirPods did during long runs.

Running belt: ​I love this one. Stores your phone/keys/gels and doesn't bounce. Super comfy. Don't hold your phone in your hand, it's way too annoying.

Hydration vest: You don't really need this unless you’re running for over an hour but it’s good to think about. I have this classic hydration vest. It works great but is kinda ugly. I'm eyeing one from a new brand called Mileoff which is currently sold out but I’ll be first in line when the restock. Way cuter.

Hydration belt: For races I always use a hydration belt because my #1 fear (aside from sharks) is being thirsty. I’ve run all my marathons with this belt and honestly love it. Not chic, but essential for me. I don’t wanna be battling 1000 elbows for a little cup of water only to spill it everywhere.

Body Glide: If you're running long distances, this is imperative. I can’t tell you how many red welts I’ve had on my body cause I forgot to lather up. You can use Body Glide or just swipe on some Aquaphor like a 90s mom.

Sports watch: Do you NEED this? No. Do I feel like the world is ending if I wake up and find my apple watch isn’t charged? Yes. Do with that what you will.

The fuel

Not eating enough before, during, or after a run is the #1 reason you feel like garbage. If you’re going longer than an hour, you probably need fuel in the middle.

I use Precision Hydration gels, and sometimes the Maurten gel. My coach would prefer for me to use natural sugars like honey or maple syrup, so let's see if I can make the change. He also wants me to avoid coffee before my run (which is never happening). I’d rather be slow than uncaffeinated. Great guy tho!

Carbs are your friend. Don’t let the diet culture ghosts whisper to you mid-run. Carbs = energy = the difference between feeling happy or horrendous.

---

Some of the links in this newsletter are affiliate. If you happen to buy something I might make a commission.