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Sifting the Good from the Gadgets
Hi,
Being new to running, I wondered if there were certain gimmicks not be taken in by when looking for gear.
I know shoes are the most important thing and I used Nike - GPS on the iPhone and, to be honest, I am not really sure I need much more.
Can anyone please comment on good or bad products from all areas whether it be tech, clothing, shoes, nurition, etc ...
Ta.
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Comments
Nasal strips - bad
Compression gear - good
Camelback hydration system - good
Lidl running socks - good (believe it or not)
SiS drinkies - good
Powerbreathe - bad
vaseline for seams when commando - good
Barefoot shoes: Good! Work for me! (I wear Nike Free Tr+ Fit and have had them for a few months with no pain, am recovering from having had near constant shin pain for the past few years! And yes, I do have an over pronation which was getting worse!)
And on that note: Born To Run (book): Very interesting and worth reading, I'll let you make your mind up, I'll just say it made sense to me and works for me.
Sweat Wicking fabric: Otherwise known as dri-fit, clima-cool...etc. Very good. But only in black.
Designated sports socks: very much worth the money. Blisters can infact be caused by poor footware.
Sports bra (it works out best if your a women!) Very good!
Compression strapping: Very good but only if fitted correctly and never wear at night!
Jelly beans for running: just save yourself the expense and go to the sweet shop, buy a packet of cheaper kids stuff, don't try to kid yourself your doing good buy buying jelly beans just because they have a picture of a runner on the front!: Refined sugar is refined sugar, bad for your teeth, blood sugar drops and there are better and cheaper options out there.
Along the same lines: Carb Bars. You do not need special foods, drinks or similar to run, you just don't! Just eat/drink something normal! Relying on refined sugar for your energy is not a good idea and there are other options out there, say for example a banana? fresh milk/soya milk with sugar (if you really need the calories), and if you're really strapped and on the go/prefer that congealed food type feel, a normal cereal bar will do pretty much the same thing. For an extra boost take a iburprofen with caffiene pill or have an espresso before a run.
Heart rate monitor - bad if not used properly.
Technical fabrics - very, very good.
And I'm going to disagree with jennn about socks... they're a very personal thing. What works for you might not work for someone else. Some people run in cheap socks from JB Sprots without any problems while other people find they cause blisters so need more expensive socks.
And disagreeing again... don't take ibuprofen unless you need them for pain killing or anti-inflammatory purposes.
Heart rate monitor - waste of time unless you live in a totally flat area or train on a treadmill
Garmin forerunner - great
Technical fabrics - good
Lidl socks - excellent
1000mile socks - nightmare - the only ones ever to give me blisters, and every pair have worn through the toe in under 50 miles!
Windproof gilet - excellent
Running gloves - essential
Waterproof jacket - waste of time & money
Gels and sports drinks - waste of money if going less than 2 hours
Agree with the exiled Burnley fan. Waterproof jackets can be a waste of time. A couple of saturdays ago I met my friend for a run in drizzle. I wore a t-shirt and he wore a jacket. By the end he was as wet as me but just more uncomfortable. I only wear one for wind protection so would be a wind jacket. Must admit I am contemplating my first gilet for this winter.
I have 8 - they get me through any combination of weather whether running, biking, hiking, skiing or just keeping the chill off
Yes, is this a problem for you cos its not for my stress fracture and knee cartilage damage (both diagnosed by an NHS orthopedic surgeon)? Whyever would I take offence? Does it matter how far I run?
Suunto HRM with foot pod - good
Compression tights - good
Bodyglide - very good
Torq products - good
Montane Marathon windproof - very good
Helly Hansen Lifa - very good
Ipods - no good
Inov-8 waistpack and backpacks - good
Gilet - not for me
Double skin socks - no good
Injury - not good