It’s no secret that I’m a minimalist at heart, and unsurprisingly that minimalism spills into my running. There are countless products available for runners, most of which you can survive just fine without. If you’ve just started running, it might be tempting to go out and buy a bunch of running accessories.
Expensive Shoes
You might think that the more you pay for your shoes, the less likely you are to suffer an injury. However, research has found that the more you spend on your running shoes, the more likely you are to get injured (link).
Expensive Clothes
You could spend hundreds of dollars on specialised running clothes made of high-tech fabric and that will make you look more gazelle-like when you run. Or you could do your small bit to save the planet and use an old t-shirt that would otherwise end up in landfill. Although I admit, a good pair of running shorts is not as negotiable, as that’s where the chafing can happen. Let me know in the comment of you have any money saving suggestions for running clothing.
GPS Trackers
Did you realise that before GPS running watches and apps were invented, people got satisfaction from the simple act of running without uploading a map of their workout to the internet? I know! It’s hard to believe, but you can do it too. Just give it a try. It feels so liberating. Like running naked (but I don’t recommend that, of course).
Water Bottles
Use your own judgement on this one. If you’re running a long way or in hot weather, ignore me. However, if you’re running for less than an hour, you can’t sweat enough to need to drink during your run. If you like a bit of controversy, check out Tim Noake’s book, “Waterlogged”. Disclaimer: don’t blame me if you die.
I would love to hear your suggestions of running products that you don’t need, or money saving ideas for running. Let me know in the comments.
