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My Top 10 Running Essentials

December 19, 2014 By fitness4mamas 22 Comments

Prague marathon medal

I have been running for almost a decade now, and during that time I think I have developed into a runner who cannot be without running. It’s true that in colder months I tend to return to my favourite swimming and also spinning classes, but still go at least once a week for a run.

Running is my kind of relaxation and I never wear headphones as I try to concentrate on the surroundings, on my thoughts and very often this is the way how I release the stress. I always feel fantastic after a run, and unless training for a marathon or a longer challenge my run usually does not last longer than 40 mins, about 5-8 km. As you could have seen lately I am back to buggy running as I have no babysitting and have shared a few tips on that if you are up for it.

During past decade I have learnt a few things every runner should have or know about, and I would love to share these with you today. You do not have to plan to run a marathon, but if you are serious about running these should be your running essentials too.

running trainers and socks1. Trainers. Such an obvious thing, isn’t it? When I started running I just bought some running trainers I liked the look of from a sports shop, and had no idea they were wrong for my feet. It was not until I was training for my first marathon back in 2011 (which is alarming!) where I have learnt there are 3 basic feet types, and that you should not just buy any running shoes. I went to our local running shop where I tried running on a treadmill and thanks to their system it showed exactly the way I run and what trainers I needed. This is exactly what all people who are serious about running should do.

2. Supplements. It was not until I had an injury, so called runner’s knee, when training for the London Marathon back in 2011 when I found out I should be taking some supplements like other runners or athletes. Fish oil is highly recommended. I can tell you that I saw the difference just a few weeks after taking some. It is so important to support your joints. Just one a day can mean keeping your joints happy for much longer.

With so many available products on the market, you might be lost, so I am suggesting giving Perfect7 a go. I have been sent a few samples and will be telling you a bit more about my experience in January. It is a unique blend of marine oils, rich in Omega-3, and key vitamins and minerals. Marine oils are known to help maintain normal heart and brain function, and vitamins and minerals to help contribute to reducing tiredness and fatigue.

perfect7 (1)Men and women are not the same this is why Seven Seas has developed two distinct formulations for Perfect7 Woman and Perfect7 Man, so get some for your partner too. And this is not all you get. You might know that one of the external signs of a healthy body is good skin. Perfect7 Woman is designed to provide you with nutrients to help maintain normal skin and nails from the inside. What else to wish for?

3. Running socks. Another obvious thing, but maybe not? I used to run in normal cotton socks for years. I used to have many blisters, and sweaty feet. Not anymore after realising how much difference these make. I remember sharing this tip with a fellow blogger who was training for a marathon a that time. She had no idea either, so I really think that many people underestimate these. Get a few pairs, and to be honest, the shortest running socks do not provide the same protection of your heel and ankles as the longer version, that’s why I prefer a bit longer ones.

4. Running bra. If you have big breasts like me, you needs loads of support, and after trying quite a few popular brands, I finally came across Shock Absorber Ultimate Running Bra while I was breastfeeding my nowadays 2 years old Olivia. That was a gift I can tell you, and it helped me continue running just a few weeks after giving birth when breastfeeding. I believe GP recommend to wait 6 weeks before doing any exercises, but I think you will know when your body is ready for a run. It might be a bit later than that.
shock absorber ultimate running bra
5. Water bottle. Staying hydrated is very important. I always carry a water bottle even if I don’t run, and when training for a running challenge or do longer runs, always make sure I think more about how I consume the amount of water in the bottle. Just little sips and often works the best. I use an average sports bottle, and got used to it, but many runners use specially shaped bottles which are supposed to be easier to hold.

6. Technical running tights and t-shirt. You should not be running in plain cotton t- shirts and leggings/trousers. Why? If you go to a sports shop you will find loads of different products made especially for runners. The material these are made of is very different, and there is a reason behind it. It keeps all the sweat away from your body, which is very important.

buggy running 2

7. A lightweight reflective running jacket. I went for a bright yellow very lightweight jacket which keeps the wind away, and is great for chilly mornings. Once I warm up, I take it off and have it easily tied around my waist. It also keeps me warm if it starts raining and I need to finish my run.

8. A Sports watch. I have to be honest and say that I use it only when properly training for a challenge otherwise love running and not checking my speed and distance. Once I know I have to run for a certain time or a certain distance, I use a sports watch. You don’t need to get a Garmin watch, there are much cheaper ones other there, but I think Garmin watches are supposed to be the best as highly rated by most runners.

9. Running hat/gloves. This is mostly for colder months or early mornings or if you go running late in the evening. Your hands and head can get very cold, and these will make a huge difference to your running experience.

10. Attitude. If you go for a run and think you are not really up for it, leave it for the next day. I believe you need to enjoy what you are doing to be good at it, and never run if I don’t feel I would enjoy my run. Also listen to your body. If you are not well, don’t push yourself. It might make you feel worse!

before Prague marathonIn collaboration with Seven Seas

Filed Under: Health & Fitness Tips, in collaboration with, Running Tagged With: #ageisjustanumber, marathon, running, running essentials, top 10 running essentials

Comments

  1. Morgan Prince says

    September 30, 2015 at 1:36 pm

    Brilliant tips. I hadn’t heard about the socks one, I’ll have to invest in some new socks when I start running again. I’ve contracted another cold (stupid back-to-school bugs!) so am not up to running yet. I’m hoping to get back to it soon though. I must admit I’m missing it. 🙂

    Reply
  2. Elle @ keep it simpElle says

    September 29, 2015 at 1:22 pm

    true essentials 🙂 …I will be trying out the seven seas soon too so look forward to reading how you get on with it!

    Reply
  3. Lily Lau says

    January 1, 2015 at 7:15 pm

    Thank you for sharing these tips with us! I feel motivate to go run a bit harder 😉

    Reply
    • fitness4mamas says

      May 15, 2015 at 2:35 pm

      Glad to hear that, thanks for popping by!

      Reply
  4. Jess - MummysCrochetWorld says

    December 22, 2014 at 5:27 pm

    Good tips! I took up running over the summer and managed to go pretty regularly, though since it has been colder and I haven’t been as much! #thelist

    Reply
    • fitness4mamas says

      May 15, 2015 at 2:35 pm

      If the weather is bad it’s much harder to get out, but the joy after completing a run is just so goooood!

      Reply
  5. Michelle Reeves (bodfortea) says

    December 22, 2014 at 6:38 am

    For me getting out for a run is a real mood lifter so I do it regardless of how I’m feeling beforehand – I always come back feeling amazing! Great tips Mirka – I swear by running socks too – and those supplements sound fab. I’ve been taking a very high strength fish oil for my eyes and it’s done wonders for my knees too! x

    Reply
    • fitness4mamas says

      May 15, 2015 at 2:34 pm

      I know, so important, aren’t they?

      Reply
  6. You Baby Me Mummy says

    December 21, 2014 at 9:57 pm

    I really like the idea of running, but I have multiple back/pelvis issues so can’t do it. I am sure these tips will be super useful for loads of people though. Thanks for linking up to #TheList x

    Reply
    • fitness4mamas says

      May 15, 2015 at 2:33 pm

      That’s a shame, and thanks for the comment!

      Reply
  7. Emma says

    December 19, 2014 at 3:20 pm

    Good read 🙂 I’ve just started getting back into running again after having my baby a few months ago & I’m loving it! I’ve got myself new trainers & socks which definitely help get me in the mood & I’ve also started to not to listen to music anymore. With all the hecticness of baby I find it really clears my head x

    Reply
    • fitness4mamas says

      December 19, 2014 at 10:25 pm

      Good to hear Emma. I know that many people love running while listening to music, but I am the same like you, need to clear my head!

      Reply
  8. Mama and More aka Zaz says

    December 19, 2014 at 12:02 pm

    You always have such great pictures Mirka! Love this post, really useful and interesting – I’m surprised that more brands don’t do gender-specific supplements, as we do have different needs as men and women, so great that a trusted brand like Seven Seas is doing it! Reflective jacket and all the other gear is so good to have – no excuses for not going out for a run!

    Reply
    • fitness4mamas says

      December 19, 2014 at 10:27 pm

      I know Zaz, men and women definitely need different things, well done to Seven Seas for doing so!

      Reply
  9. Mind the Step says

    December 19, 2014 at 11:59 am

    I ran for about a year a few years ago now, always enjoyed it more than I thought I would and am determined to start again, so great to have some pointers to give me focus and more enthusiasm. Fortunately a ParkRun is starting up nearby in the new year, so will hopefully be ticking some things off this list. Attitude is definitely the most important I think!

    #TheList

    Reply
    • fitness4mamas says

      December 19, 2014 at 10:29 pm

      Good to hear I encourage you to go running again, and can only agree that attitude is very important as well as all the other things on my list 😉

      Reply
  10. Honest Mum says

    December 19, 2014 at 10:15 am

    Love this post and going to try those supplements, love the shot of your feet up-you deserve it! I really wish you lived closer so we could run together and you could kick me up the butt-so cold out there and garage with treadmill is freezing and can never remember to get the mini heater on before I run! Going to run over Christmas though! Thanks for the inspiration x

    Reply
    • fitness4mamas says

      December 19, 2014 at 10:30 pm

      Please do, Seven Seas is a fantastic brand, and these are brilliant! Can you imagine? I would be knocking at your door and there would be no excuses for you 😉

      Reply
  11. Kelloggsville says

    December 19, 2014 at 10:11 am

    If I waited until I was up for it I would never go but after the first 3km I’m always pleased I got out, so my number 10 is ‘just get off your backside and go’ 😉

    Reply
    • fitness4mamas says

      December 19, 2014 at 10:32 pm

      Ha ha ha, I have to say I sometimes go despite I really do not want to especially when I know that I would not be able to go running the next day or so, and doesn’t it feel great when you go and don’t feel like it? Running is just fabulous!

      Reply
  12. Tracey Egan says

    December 19, 2014 at 10:11 am

    Hi love your post – really informative and helpful especially for new runners. I started running two years ago and like you totally love it. Sadly had to stop due to a sore knee – reading this reminds me why I loved it and gives me motivation to keep on with rehab exercises!

    Reply
    • fitness4mamas says

      December 19, 2014 at 10:33 pm

      Sorry to hear that you are having problems with your knee. Taking supplements is one of the things many people should be aware off much more. Hope you will soon feel better and start running again soon.

      Reply

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Mirka Moore Team Polar UK Ambassador
Mirka Moore, Mum, Jetsetter, Marathon Lover, Multi-award Nominated Fitness Blogger & Business Founder JAMON.CO.UK

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