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Beginner Runner's Essentials

Purple Star emoji 17 items
I fell into the mid-20s to running pipeline. Signed up for a half-marathon, joined a run club, the whole shebang. Here's a list of beginner runner friendly items that have made my running journey slightly more bearable.
Sections
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Accessories

 
Frankie profile picture
This running belt is big enough to hold your phone and keys (the essentials) when running, but small enough that it won't flop against your body! Small and convenient. It has a key ring on the outside so you can hook your keys to it.
Fast and Free Running Belt - Lululemon
 
Frankie profile picture
Similar to the Lululemon running belt but I bought this one too because I wanted the white option! I tend to wear lighter colors when running so the white matched my outfits better.
Pacesetter Run Belt - Athleta
 
Frankie profile picture
Love my New Balances! If you have wide feet and high arches, this shoe is for you. When I first started running, I used shoes that were five years old. I rarely ran, so I didn't think they were that worn out. Once I started running consistently, I re...
Fresh Foam X 1080v14 - New Balance
 
Frankie profile picture
Running glasses that don't look like running sunglasses! They're polarized and stay on my face pretty well. I have a low nose bridge and these sunglasses stay in place while running. They're not super expensive either so great for beginners.
Running Sunglasses - goodr
 
Frankie profile picture
I love these shorts! I have this pair in the cool iridescent color. I opted for the bright color so cars can see me when I run at night. They're nice and breezy, and you can move around a lot in them. They also have a key loop sewn into the shorts so...
High Rise Stride Shorts - DSG
 
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These shorts are super soft!! As a beginner, I didn't want to spend too much on running clothes yet since I wasn't sure how consistent I was going to be. DSG is high quality and affordable. They often have sales too so keep an eye out for those.
Knit Waistband 3" Performance Stride Shorts - DSG
 
Frankie profile picture
I was gifted this jacket and I've used it for years! It's light and breathable. I enjoy throwing them on when I run on a cold day.
Define Jacket - lululemon

Tech

 
Frankie profile picture
App to track running and other workouts! It's community based so you're able to add friends. You can give and receive “kudos” on your workouts and it encourages friendly competition between your friends. It's a fun and social way to track your workou...
Strava - Running App
 
Frankie profile picture
Love my Apple Watch! I've been using the one I bought back in 2020 and it hasn't failed me. I only wear this to track my workouts. It connects to Strava and texts on my phone. You can also download songs from Spotify onto the watch if you want to wor...
Apple Watch SE 2nd Generation (GPS) 40mm Aluminum ...
 
Frankie profile picture
I made the switch to open ear headphones and I like them! The sound isn't crystal clear like you would get from over the ear headphones, but it's still pretty crisp. The benefits are a good tradeoff for top notch sound. When running with friends, I a...
soundcore AeroFit Open-Ear Headphones - soundcore
 
Frankie profile picture
Don't think I could run consistently without music. I recommend Spotify! They make playlists based off of your taste. I have the crossfade setting on too so there's no pauses in between songs which is better for working out, in my opinion.
Spotify - Music Streaming App

Body

 
Frankie profile picture
If you run in daylight, you definitely need sunscreen! The Hawaiian Tropics sunscreen is one of my favorites; it has a light coconut scent that also helps masks the smell of sweat when running (especially because I run in a group and socialize after)...
Spray Sunscreen - Hawaiian Tropic
 
Frankie profile picture
Cheaper sunscreen option from Target. Target often sells these as a bundle/deal so you get even more savings! I switch between the Hawaiian Tropic brand and this one often.
Spray Sunscreen - up&up™
 
Frankie profile picture
Helps with chaffing if you suffer from it! I definitely feel smoother when I use this.
Anti Chafe Stick Balm - Body Glide
 
Frankie profile picture
I fell and scraped both knees :/ Yeah, you definitely need this just in case. I fell right at the end of our route and in front of everyone in the run club. It was embarrassing but one girl in the run club thankfully had a first aid kit and we became...
First Aid Kit
 
Frankie profile picture
I drink this before or after a run and it keeps me hydrated! Although it's sugar free, it's still flavorful if you're into sweet tasting drinks. I really enjoy the sugar free white peach flavor.
Liquid I.V. Sugar-Free White Peach
 
Frankie profile picture
When I run after work, I like to snack on a Chomp when I clock out. It's a nice little snack that gives me fuel for a short/easy run. It's also less greasy and salty than other meat sticks I've tried so that's a plus. My favorite one is the jalapeno ...
Chomps Meat Sticks