The Essentials

So you want to be a runner? Well, we at least want to be. Obviously, to be a runner, one must have plenty of stamina and master the art of breathing. If you have that, you're definitely on your way to becoming a successful runner. But to become a marathon runner, it takes a little bit more than that. I have attempted to list a few more essentials that successful runners use.

First of, I can not STRESS enough how important a great pair of running shoes are. The most popular running shoes among avid runners are Saucony, Asics or Adidas. Do not, I repeat, DO NOT buy a pair of running shoes because they are cute. Take the time to go to a shoe store that specializes in running shoes. Of course, that depends on what part of the country you live in. I know in Houston, we have Fleet Feet and Luke's Locker. Through the power of the internet, though, you can research stores in your area that specialize in running shoes. These stores will not only measure your feet, the sales people will be able to tell you what type of shoe that will best fit your foot based on your arch and instep. Also, they'll watch you run and inform you what shoe is best for the way your feet move. For more on this, check out the link to your right: Beginners Guide to Running. Do not half step (no pun intended) and try to save money on a pair of running shoes. In the end, you'll end up paying for it through multiple injuries. Of course, you can always go to an Academy store, which has a full stock of great running shoes. The sales people in the shoe department are great and usually, a couple of them are avid runners and can answer all your questions.

*Side note: It's important to change your running shoes often, as well. As a runner, you wear out the shoes quicker than if you used them as your everyday shoes. Make sure to buy a new pair of running shoes every three to four months, or if you begin to get shin splints or sore ankles. Believe me, your body will tell you when you need a new pair of shoes.

Get a heart rate monitor. These monitors help you find your comfortable running pace, which is another important element in running. To run a successful marathon, you should be able to run a 7 to 9 minute mile. To place in the top 10, a runner's pace would be well under 7 minutes. You can purchase a heart rate monitor at any athletic store, Wal-Mart, Target, Walgreen's. So, in other words, they're not hard to find, so go out and buy one. They range anywhere from $29.99 to over a $100. Also, most monitors have a stop watch element that will allow you to time your run.

Women, please make sure you wear a sports bra. No, any bra will not suffice. A regular bra will not hold you properly and therefore, could cause great discomfort. If you buy a sports tank with the bra inserted in them, make sure it has good support. Most of them have pretty good support, but I've found that sometimes you usually have to buy a separate sports bra to wear under the tank.

So now you have the perfect pair of shoes, a heart monitor, and great support. What else is there? A killer outfit, of course. Yeah, I know, your going to sweat like crazy. Chances are your going to train in a pair of shorts or running pants and a t-shirt. But if you need a little more motivation, rock a great outfit. There's no reason you can't be stylish while running. Also, running is the ultimate cardio and a great way to burn fat. While doing all this training for a marathon, you'll be shedding away so much fat and and you'll want to show off your curves. Who knows, you just might find "Mister Right" on the trails.

Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate! Be sure to drink water at least 45 minutes to an hour before a run and drink plenty of fluids after your run. Running not only burns fat, you lose salt and electrolytes. So, you'll want to drink plenty of water and a sports drink like Propel, Gatorade or Powerade. They're basically all the same as far as replacing nutrients... pick the one that you find the tastiest. My favorite is grape Gatorade.

Stretch-2-3-4... The best defense against injury is stretching. Be sure to do stretches before and after your run. Check out these cool stretches courtesy of Cool Running.

I hope these tips are helpful and encourage you to run. Until next time, see you at the finish line...

--- The Write Stuff