Must-Have Gear for Your Morning Jog
About 15% of the US population participates in jogging and running as outdoor activities. It is one of the most popular sports and is loved for its flexibility and the fact that the exercise does not cost a lot. Jogging, whether done at dawn or dusk, comes with numerous benefits. It helps you start your day right if done in the morning, helps you clear your mind, and brings health benefits like burning calories, strengthening muscles, and building strong bones, to mention a few.
Whether it is among your most preferred activity for companionship during the month of love, or you have some fitness goals to achieve, getting the right gear for it will improve your experience.
Here are some accessories that every jogger and runner needs.
1. Running pouch
Most runners wonder how they can carry their essential possessions as they go about the fitness activity. Items such as keys and phones are impossible to leave behind. With a running pouch, runners can bring their phones for emergencies and keys to help them back into their homes.
With the pouch, you don’t have to worry about buying zipped pants or carrying a heavy back bag that will slow you down. A running pouch is lightweight and can be easily tied around the waist as you do your morning run.
To ensure that your items are protected regardless of the weather, you can get one with waterproof material that will ensure it does not get wet, whether from your sweat or rain. The pouches also have very comfortable designs; thus, you will not experience jiggling or any discomfort while running.
2. Hydration gear
Dehydration when doing your runs can affect your performance. Dehydration often causes fatigue, decreased coordination, headaches, muscle cramping, nausea, and fatigue. Hydration during your run will keep you feeling fresh and ensure that your body functions and energy are maintained.
Carrying your water during your morning run will ensure that you hydrate every 15-20 minutes during the exercise. There are several convenient accessories that you can use to carry your water, such as fuel belts, packs, or handheld water bottles.
3. Reflective clothing
Reflective clothing is one of the essential gear that runners cannot afford not to have. It is possible that you do your morning runs in areas that have cars, motorbikes, or bicycles. Reflective clothing will enhance your visibility in such areas and situations that pose a threat to your safety.
Whether it is jackets, running shoes, hats, or vests, reflective clothing will ensure you are visible to approaching vehicles or motorists. It would help if you picked bold colors that glow in the dark. Some reflective clothing features flashing lights that can be switched on and off.
4. Running socks
What you wear while jogging will determine your performance. Remember that not all socks are made the same, and the right pair for running should provide comfort and support. Running socks are designed for good ventilation and moisture control. Note that as much as you may have the right running shoes, if they are not complemented with the right socks, you will experience tons of problems while exercising, ranging from blisters and discomfort due to lack of support in the right places to overheating.
Contrary to what most people may think, cotton fabrics should be avoided. They trap moisture and hold it against your skin, resulting in blisters. Technical synthetic materials or natural fibers like merino wool would be ideal for the activity. The fabrics are breathable and transport moisture away from your skin. More so, they are usually anti-bacterial, protecting your feet from stinking. Polyester socks are also a recommended option.
5. Running shoes
This is one of the most necessary accessories for runners. Wearing the wrong shoes while jogging could result in blisters, IT band pain, shin splints, falls, injuries, and a myriad of other problems. You will enjoy comfort, outstanding performance, and safety with the right shoes.
While this may seem basic, the fit is a critical factor to consider in your choice of shoes. An ill-fitting shoe will cause compression, resulting in bone injury. On the other hand, an oversized fit will allow a lot of sliding while running, catalyzing the formation of blisters.
The shoe must also provide cushioning to absorb the impact between the floor and your feet. Stability is also vital as it allows the feet to flex and move naturally. They lower fatigue in the lower legs and feet, maintaining good performance throughout the run.
If you are a runner who advocates for barefoot running experience, mesh shoes would be an ideal choice for you. Look for a pair that also protects your feet from the rough ground. Mesh shoes also provide excellent airflow and barefoot experience.
6. Compression clothing
Every runner needs compression clothing, whether it is a top, stockings, or shorts. Compression clothing creates comfortable pressure in the muscles that give the blood vessels support in pushing deoxygenated blood back to the heart. With this, you can run for a longer distance as your blood will have enough oxygen to give your muscles power. You will also recover faster from muscle soreness due to the effective removal of waste lactic acid.
Take Away
You don’t have to break the bank to get expensive jogging gear. The right combination of running accessories like those listed above will enhance your running experience. The essentials above will ensure comfortable, well-hydrated, safe, and energized.
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