Equipment and injuries

When I set out on this journey it was a means to an end, I hated running.  However, the more I ran the more I began to love what I was doing, and even excited to do it the next day.  I thought, as probably many beginners think. It's running, get a pair of tennis shoes some weather appropriate clothing and run. How wrong I was.  Sure technically all you need to run is shoes and clothing, but if you are going to succeed and enjoy yourself you need good equipment.  Now I consider everything from shoes to compression tights.  If you spend your hard earned dough on one thing I would say get fitted for shoes specific to your running from a store that specializes in running. If you run trails get trail shoes, if you run on the road get shoes for that.  This might seem like a waste of time or money when you could very easily just pick up "running" shoes any where and for much less than those designed specifically for running.  I speak from experience when I say I wish I would have taken the time and spent a few extra dollars on good shoes specific to my needs. I have encountered untold injuries, and many set-backs due that can be directly attributed to my poor choice in shoe. Even the shoes that I thought would solve some of the issues I was having ultimately ended up giving me the most major injury I have had to date. Since I have switched shoes my injury issues have begun to fade, my runs seem smoother, and I have more of a desire to go longer or push for that faster pace. I never thought that it made that much difference.

The same goes for clothing, sure pants and shorts are pretty much what they are.  The things you may have to pair with them can make a huge difference in the way you perform. One such example is my choice to purchase a good pair of compression tights for my winter/cold weather runs. The tights made such a difference from both a warmth and performance perspective that I am currently looking into purchasing more. The same goes for technical shirts, socks, gloves, head gear, and run tracking equipment. You don't have to go out and get the most expensive items, but springing for that pair of pants that is wind and water resistant for running on those cold fall and winter mornings is definitely worth cost. Many times after purchasing an item I may have been wanting  for a while, but compromised on a lesser product because of cost I find myself wondering why I hadn't just purchased the product I wanted in the first place. I hope that I will be able to help you by sharing reviews, and my experiences with you.

I have reviews planned for many products  and plenty of new product that I would like to try as I work to achieve my goals. Since I feel that I have a pretty steep learning curve it should be both entertaining and informative.