People engage in running for a variety of reasons. They may do it as a pastime, for a healthy lifestyle, to lose weight, or even as preparation for a race. No matter the reason for the interest in this activity, it is essential to be both protected and happy when running.
Here are some things to consider to run comfortably while running.
What you Wear Matters
Underwear
It is important to remember to support your intimate areas when running. Going commando can prevent chafing and may keep your body cooler, but almost 40% of runners rather have underwear. In choosing the right underwear, remember to select materials that are soft, breathable, and those that will disperse sweat. Different designs also provide levels of coverage and support.
For women, a sports bra should be designed for high-impact movements, must fit properly, and should not be too stretched. It should reduce unnecessary movements of the chest, which is vital to avoid hurting the supporting ligaments.
Shorts and Tights
Your running shorts and running tights are needed for the protection of your lower extremities. You can wear either of the two, depending on your preference and the weather. It is highly recommended that they should be made of breathable materials, lightweight fabrics, and must have a small mesh interior underwear lining. It is also good to have a zipped pocket for your ID, keys, phone, and even emergency cash. Running shorts and tights should not restrict your movements as you run and should be made from synthetic stretchable materials such as Nylon, Polyester, or Supplex.
Tops
The number one rule for your running tops is that it should never be made of cotton materials because such materials absorb liquid rapidly. Wet clothing can cause chafing under the arms and can even rub your nipples. It is also essential to dress in layers that are light and breathable when running during the cold weather.
Find Proper Fitting Shoes
A crucial part of running is a pair of running shoes. The intensity of the sport calls for specific types of shoes to protect the runner. Unless you are a minimalist runner, you may need to look at some features before buying your pair of running shoes. Also, consider your feet type and research whether you are a supinator, pronator, or a neutral. There are running shoes designed for specific types of feet for their comfort and care.
Cushioning
Shoes with heavy cushions are recommended for beginners because they can provide support during the impact on the ground. Although cushioning is thicker, running shoes tend to be lighter than the average shoe. You may observe that most running shoes are made of mesh as this keeps the foot cool and the shoe lighter.
Tread
The tread of the running shoes must also be considered depending on the type of running surface. Running on trails would call for shoes with deeper and thicker treads to help in slippery conditions. Whereas running shoes made for the road or treadmill will have even and low-profile tread patterns.
Protecting your Foot
It is recommended to use seamless running socks and choose the ones with a synthetic blend that can wick away sweat and moisture. The right socks can reduce friction while running and prevent blisters. The best choices for running socks are those made of acrylic, CoolMax, polyester, or SmartWool. You can also choose to have more padding in some parts of the socks, which will aid in cushioning.
To fully enjoy running, it is essential to feel comfortable. Your clothing and shoes should fit comfortably and should be made of materials that can protect you against chafing and irritation. Moreover, consider your safety when running, so select running shoes and clothing with reflective bands to make you noticeable during evening runs. Remember that being comfortable will help you run that extra mile, so choose what you wear sensibly.
