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Running Gear for Beginner Runners

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Running doesn’t have to be intense to be enjoyable. This running gear list is designed for the beginner /unserious runner—the one who values comfort, convenience, and a good vibe over personal records. These essentials help make running feel approach...
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Tops

A few basic tops Iove 

 
Elizabeth profile picture
These are my favorite tops to run in. They are double lined which adds a little extra support. They come in a bunch of cute colors an are affordable, so you can have multiple without having to constantly be doing laundry.
Colorfulkoala Women's High Neck Sleeveless Crop Top
 
Elizabeth profile picture
Flattering cut and sweat wicking
Nike Women's Dri-FIT Legend Training Tank

Sports Bras

Sports Bras are super personal but these are the best sports bras I've found to run in

 
Elizabeth profile picture
I tried a ton of sports bras when I was training for a marathon. This was my favorite that I found. It is super supportive, has removable pads, and never chaffed me.
Ewedoos High Support Adjustable Sports Bra
 
Elizabeth profile picture
This is a super basic compression bra. It's comfortable and my go to for shorter 2-3 mile runs. Longer than that on me personally it can tend to chafe.
Nike Women's Victory Compression Sports Bra

Bottoms

I've tried countless leggings and shorts over the years these are the ones that meet the mark. 

 
Elizabeth profile picture
I have tried SO MANY pairs of leggings over the years. Currently there are only two pairs I like and these are one of them. They don't slide down, they have the perfect amount of compression and they have pockets. I never have to think about my tight...
Colorfulkoala Women's Dreamlux High Waist Leggings with Pockets
 
Elizabeth profile picture
These are my absolute favorite running tights of all time. They fit so nice, compression is perfect, material is the best never showing sweat, there are pockets, and a draw cord. I will purchase these over and over-- they are also really good quality...
Fast and Free High-Rise Tight 28" *5 Pocket | Women's Leggings/Tights | lululemon
 
Elizabeth profile picture
As a person with thicker thighs these are the only shorts I will run in. They don't ride up and they are long enough to keep chaffing at bay. I've tried pairs from other brands but usually the material is to thick or there is too much compression mak...
Fast and Free High-Rise Short 6" *5 Pocket | Women's Shorts | lululemon

Socks

All of my suggestions have wool in them because they are naturally moisture wicking and temperature regulating  

 
Elizabeth profile picture
This is a wool blend sock, which helps wick away sweat. All of my favorite running socks are a wool blend. These also have zoned cushioning.
Women's Run Brushed Print Low Ankle Socks
 
Elizabeth profile picture
Bombas is another good brand. They have fun colors if that is important to you!
Women's Merino Wool Blend Athletic Ankle Socks
 
Elizabeth profile picture
These are not cute socks. In my opinion though they are probably my favorite socks to run in. They are part wool and feel naturally cushioned, there is no intentional cushion built into these.
REI Co-op Merino Wool Lightweight Hiking Quarter Socks | REI Co-op

Shoes

The are my two favorite running shoes. Keep in mind these recommendations come from a forefoot striker with a wide foot.  

 
Elizabeth profile picture
These are some of my favorite running shoes. I've gone through multiple pairs over the years. Usually they come in good colors, and bonus for the wide footed people-- they come in wide!
GEL-NIMBUS 28 Running Shoes US - Asics
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Elizabeth profile picture
These are my new favorite running shoes. They are so comfortable the wide gives my foot plenty of room to breath. Also they have a perfect amount of cushioning. Enough to not feel like your joints are slamming on concrete , but not too much that your...
Fresh Foam X 860v14 - New Balance

Hydration

Remember hydration is so important!

 
Elizabeth profile picture
Great vest for taking your essentials on a longer run. Lots of pockets and light weight. Get a flexible water bottle and stick it in one of the pockets for hydration on the go.
Nathan Pinnacle FeatherLite Hydration Vest | REI Co-op

Electronics

Literally could not run without these

 
Elizabeth profile picture
Basic airpods--need I say more?
Apple AirPods 4 Wireless Earbuds
 
Elizabeth profile picture
I always use my trusty old apple watch for running. It gives me just enough info and comes at a reasonable price
Apple Watch Series 11 GPS 42mm Rose Gold Aluminum Case with Light Blush Sport Band - S/M

Recovery

My go to tools to help me recover fast

 
Elizabeth profile picture
The hyper ice massage gun is great at getting out knots after a long run. I like this “GO” version because it's a bit more affordable and having used the more expensive versions at my gym I feel this one works just as good.
Hypervolt Go-2: Portable Muscle Recovery
 
Elizabeth profile picture
I like a high density foam roller because I feel like it really works. I've tried less dense one and it doesn't feel like it's getting my knots out. Also I like the 3 foot one best- I find it it much easier to balance and roll on.
Amazon Basics High Density Foam Roller