There are a number of things to be counted on an essential kit of short distance runners such as trainers, shorts and a vest for a man and a sports bra for a woman. A GPS to track your distanced accurately will be needed when you are more into your sport. An extended kit is required if you want more distance to be covered. These following essentials should be taken into consideration if you are training for a marathon.
Vaseline – Sports kit that seems to be really comfortable over short distances, will start to rub over longer distances – jogger’s nipple is a good example of this. Something like Vaseline is the best solution to this problem. It should be applied to all areas that are likely to rub.
Hydration belt – Ensuring that you are hydrated is less of a problem over short distances. If you are running a five kilometre race, you can take water on board before the race and after the race. A ten mile race is likely to provide you with water stops. However as you progress beyond ten kilometres on training runs, you are going to have to work out how to take you chosen liquids around with you. The main options are a hand held bottle, a camel pack or a hydration belt. They all have their pros and cons. A hand held bottle will become awkward over long distances, a camel pack will make your back sweaty and can be restrictive. A hydration belt seems a good option but check reviews to see how wobbly they are – 26 and bit miles is an awfully long way anyway – without a wobbly belt banging up and down.
Energy gels – Most gurus advise using energy gels on runs over two hours long. Energy gels typically provide around 100 calories and should be consumed every hour. If you are running with a hydration belt, they can usually be stored in a pouch within the belt.
Sports sunglasses – squinting into the sun might be acceptable over five or ten kilometers, but it does begin to get tedious as you lengthen the distances. You could consider acquiring sports sunglasses to assist you. Sports sunglasses can be brought with prescription inserts for runners who wear glasses.
First Aid – Consider having a first aid kit to hand – antiseptic cream and plasters for blisters and Ibuprofen for swollen joints.
Steve Hocking is MD at Kontrol Sports. For more information on Sports sunglasses and prescription sunglasses he recommends you visit the Kontrol Sports website
