Running Gear Guide

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By Jessica Graham

The only thing you really, REALLY need to run...is a good pair of running shoes! Seven Hills Running Shop in Seattle is the best place to go to make sure you're fitted in the right style for your foot and running needs. The owner, Phil, is super knowledgeable and in COVID times he can even schedule you a special time to pop in the store to try shoes on if you'd like. The shop also carries nutrition, hydration packs, and other gear you might need for your outdoor adventures.

Oiselle is a Seattle-based, woman-owned company designing athletic apparel for woman athletes. Besides just making great running gear specifically designed for women (rather than a scaled down version of a man's design), Oiselle also networks women together through the Volee, a network of running groups connected on the local and national level. Oiselle also sponsors professional athletes and has a great charity program including the Bras for Girls initiative to keep middle school girls feeling confident and comfortable in sports. My favorite gear items include the flyout tanks, roga shorts, and pocket jogger shorts.

This vest is an essential part of my morning and evening run gear, from fall until the sun returns in the spring. It is easily adjustable, lightweight, and battery powered. It is both reflective and color changing, so you are much more noticeable to cars in the dark! They also make a dog version so your pup can stay safe, too.

This running vest is great for longer runs or trail days, where you need to carry more water and extra snacks. The 12L capacity pack is super lightweight and can utilize both a bladder and front bottles. There are lots of pockets and the vest is adjustable so you can get a secure fit with no bouncing around.

Chafe happens! Squirrel's Nut Butter prevents chafing and blisters, and is made with all-natural ingredients like coconut oil, beeswax, and vitamin E oil. It helps stop chafe and blisters both from the heat and sweating, but also from being wet with waterlogged shoes on a rainy run.

If you're into data, a GPS watch is great to track your runs and monitor your progress. Coros watches have an amazing battery life, and a navigation setting that allows you to download a GPS track and then use your watch to follow the route. You can also program workouts, sync with smartphone notifications, and monitor health data like heart rate and steps per day. Compared to other GPS watches, the price is great, too!

Buff headwear can be worn lots of different ways: a headband, headscarf, bandana, and in these days, a mask! It's just a tubular knit piece of fabric so it's easy to wear around your neck and then pull up to cover your mouth and nose when you need to come close to others to pass on the trail.

Balega socks use mohair to keep your feet cool and prevent blisters. It's always hard to spend money on "just" socks but your feet will thank you! Compared to cotton socks, these are also very durable so just a few pairs in your rotation will keep your feet happy on the run.

The Koala Clip is a game changer for women when it comes to bringing your phone with you while exercising when you don't have pockets. The pouch clips onto the back of your sports bra and is sweatproof/waterproof. I've worn it in a marathon in the pouring rain with no water damage to my phone, and no chafing damage to me.

These sunglasses stay on my face while running and don't slip or get foggy with sweating. At only $25, the price point is great, too! There are several different styles for different face shapes and sports.