This article provides an overview of essential running kit, footwear and additional electronic gadgets that are useful accessories when becoming a regular runner.

Footwear:

It is important to have a pair of good fitting running shoes that provide support for your feet, especially to the mid sole and heel of foot. Also, as a runner you are hitting the ground with two to three times the impact of your bodyweight, so running specific trainers will help to prevent injuries. Your foot structure will determine your running style and the type of shoe you will need.

If most of your footwear is on the inside of the shoe, then you overpronate and probably need to choose motion-control running shoes. If most of the wear is on the outside of the shoe then you underpronate and most likely need to choose cushioned running shoes. A neutral foot strike is one that is even across the foot surface and these runners are best off choosing stability running shoes.

You will need to invest between £50 and £100 for a new pair of shoes, but there are often good deals to be had on end of season stock.

Clothing:

Listed below is your basic running apparel, that is needed to run comfortably at various times of the year:

• Running shorts: should be comfortable, lightweight and have the ability to wick away sweat when you train.
• Tops: running tops must move moisture away from your body to prevent chill. The fabric should be fast- wicking polyester (e.g. cool max) to keep you dry.
• Sports bras: for women, a proper fitting sports bra significantly reduces the movement of the bust when running. It should fit snugly but not so tight you can't breathe.
• Tights: snug leggings for cold weather running.
• A Jacket: (lightweight, breathable, and windproof).
• Hat and gloves: thermal hats and gloves keep you warm without you overheating.
• Running socks: provide extra cushioning around the heal.
• Reflective running gear: (for night time or early morning running).
• Water bottle.

Electronic Gadgets:

As a fun runner, you do not need any specific gadgets for running, but if you are more serious about improving your fitness or want to carry out specific timed sessions etc. you may want to invest in some electronic aids to assist you.

Heart Rate Monitors: Through direct contact with the skin, a heart rate monitor, (HRM) reads the pulse and provides an accurate heart rate. Most HRM have two components to them, a wristwatch, and a monitor that straps around the chest. In order to get an accurate reading, both parts have to be in direct contact with the skin. In addition to their basic heart rate reading, these devices usually include clocks, stopwatch timers, calorie-counters and storage of heart rate data. Prices range from £40 to over £200 for the most sophisticated HRMs.

Pedometers: A pedometer or speed and distance monitor measures how far you have run. Simple devices count how many steps you have taken, while more precise versions measure your speed, distance and pace using GPS, (global positioning system).

I-pods: Some runners can’t head out the door without any musical gadgetry. The most high tech I-pods on the market have a receiver that connects to a sensor in your trainers. As well as playing you your favorite tracks, the device records your time, distance, pace, and calories burned.

The running kit you need is fairly minimal in comparison to other sports. By having the basic apparel plus a few extra gadgets you be sure to enjoy your runs that little bit more.