GEAR | Derry Area Cross Country

RECOMMENDED GEAR

SHOES

Running Shoes - Your Most Important Piece of Gear

If you were to purchase a single thing for cross country, shoes would be the #1 thing. Shoes are the only thing that runners actually need in order to run safely.

I recommend going to a running store to get a gait analysis done. They will watch you walk/run and analyze your stride and walking patterns. From there, they will recommend the best shoe for you.

Everyone is different, so choose a shoe that feels comfortable for you! Some popular and recommended shoe brands are Brooks, Hoka, Saucony, Mizuno, and OnCloud. Prices range anywhere from $80-$130 and should be replaced every 300-400 miles.

Please AVOID running in worn-out shoes or non-running/athletic shoes such as Converse, Vans, or fashion sneakers. Running in non-cushioned shoes will lead to injurty.

Local stores that carry a wide variety of running shoes are Gingerbread Man Running Company in Greensburg (they also offer gait analyses), Dick's Sporting Goods in Greensburg, Fleet Feet in Pittsburgh or Pro Run + Bike in Monroeville. Click the photos to visit the site.

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Spikes - What Are They and Do I Need Them?

Spikes are lightweight racing shoes with small metal spikes on the bottom that provide extra grip on grass, dirt, and hills. They are designed for race day, not everyday training. Many runners wear spikes for cross country meets that take place on tougher, muddier, grassier courses.

You do not need to purchase spikes for the cross-country season if you do not want to. It is not even suggested to wear spikes at every meet, as they are not very helpful on concrete or paved surfaces. They can be a helpful tool, however, if you do choose to purchase them. The team also has some spikes that can be loaned out to athletes.

Local stores that carry a wide variety of cross-country spikes are Gingerbread Man Running Company in Greensburg (they also offer gait analyses), Dick's Sporting Goods in Greensburg, or Fleet Feet in Pittsburgh. Click the photos to visit the site.

SOCKS

This surprises a lot of new runners, but socks really matter. Blisters ruin runs, quality socks can prevent them!

Aim to purchase moisture-wicking socks. Everyday socks are made of cotton which absorbs and holds moisture, causing blisters. Popular brands are Balega, Feetures or Bombas, but you can search "moisure wicking" socks on Amazon and find other alternatives.

You don't need a ton of them, a few quality pairs will go a long way and make every run more comfortable!

Check out some of my recommended socks here.

COMFORTABLE CLOTHING

Running clothes don't have to be expensive or flashy -- they just need to work! When shopping for running clothes, look for tech fabrics or moisture-wicking fabrics that dry quickly and move with you. Avoid heavy cotton t-shirts and basketball shorts -- they hold sweat and can lead to chafing.

Instead, opt for lightweight shorts with liners, dri-fit tops and (for our ladies), sports bras that offer support.

Any athletic brand like Nike, Under Armour, etc. will carry everything you need. Alternatively, Target's All in Motion line or Old Navy active are all solid and affordable.

COLD WEATHER GEAR

The only way to see real improvement in your running is to run in the off-season, which means running in the fall and winter!

As the weather gets colder, the key is layering. A great rule of thumb to follow is to dress 20 degrees hotter than the real feel. So, if it's 45 degrees outside, you will eventually feel like its 65 degrees when you are running. Your run will start cold, so it is important to have layers!

Some key winter running gear may be:

Thin gloves
A headband, ear warmer, or hat
A long-sleeved base layer (moisture-wicking!)
A lightweight running jacket or quarter zip

Check for some of my recommended winter running gear here.

HELPFUL EXTRAS

Once you are running more consistency, there are some small things that can make training more enjoyable! By no means are these "must haves" -- all extra!

Body Glide or Vaseline - for anti chafing (especially underarms or thighs)
Running watch or timer - even a simple digital watch is helpful to track intervals or long runs.
Foam roller or massage stick -- great for sore calves or recovery
Running belt - for storing items during long runs
Water attachment for running belt - a great way to carry your water as you're running
Running vest - alternative to the running belt/water attachment -- used to carry small items and ater!
Hat or visor - To protect your head and eyes from the sun

Check for some of my recommended extra running gear here.