NT Runners and Running Gear Thread

[rocman23]

Fam, I've become a runner over the last 6 months or so and I love it. It's fun to clear my mind and what not. I want to keep running during the winter, but these east coast winters are harsh.

My question for runners is, what are you guys wearing during the winter if you run outside? I'm looking for something that can block out wind, water resistant, and has a hood. Something that can keep me warm and dry in the winter while running is what I'm looking for.

Any suggestions?

Also if there's already a thread or somewhere else I should be posting let me know.

Here's a good guide that maybe the OP could put in the first post?


http://www.rei.com/learn/expert-advice/running-shoes.html

Running Shoes: How to Choose

Most running shoes feel comfortable when you're standing in a shoe store, but the true test comes several miles into your run. You'll soon realize that the ideal shoe has more to do with your running style and the shape of your foot than it does with the logo stitched on the side.

In general, a pair of running shoes should last between 400 to 500 miles of running (3 or 4 months for regular runners). Take a look at your shoes and check if the midsoles and outsoles are compressed or worn. If they are, it may be time for a new pair.



Running Shoe Categories

Road-running shoes are designed for pavement and occasional forays onto packed surfaces with slight irregularities. Light and flexible, they're made to cushion or stabilize feet during repetitive strides on hard, even surfaces.

Trail-running shoes are designed for off-road routes with rocks, mud, roots or other obstacles. They are enhanced with aggressive tread for solid traction and fortified to offer stability, support and underfoot protection.

Cross-training shoes are designed for gym or Crossfit workouts or any balance activity where having more contact with the ground is preferred over a thick platform sole.



How Do You Run?

If you own a well-used pair of running shoes, check the wear pattern on the soles to help determine your running mechanics.

View media item 1360170
Pronation shows a wear pattern centralized to the ball of the foot and a small portion of the heel. It is the foot's natural inward roll following the heel striking the ground.


Basic (neutral) pronation helps absorb impact, relieving pressure on knees and joints. It is a normal trait of neutral, biomechanically efficient runners.

Overpronation is identified by wear patterns along the inside edge of your shoe, and is an exaggerated form of the foot's natural inward roll.

Overpronation is a common trait that affects the majority of runners, leaving them at risk of knee pain and injury. Overpronators need stability or motion control shoes.


Supination (also called under-pronation) is marked by wear along the outer edge of your shoe. It is an outward rolling of the foot resulting in insufficient impact reduction at landing.

Relatively few runners supinate, but those who do need shoes with plenty of cushioning and flexibility.


Barefoot/minimalist running: In traditional running shoes, feet tend to hit the ground heel first. This is because a shoe heel has an elevated cushion. With barefoot runners, it is the mid-foot or forefoot that strikes the ground first.




Types of Running Shoes

Cushioning shoes: Best for mild pronators, supinators or neutral runners for off-pavement runs. Provide increased shock absorption and some medial (arch-side) support.

Some super-cushioned shoes provide as much as 50% more cushioning than traditional shoes for even greater shock absorption and stability.


Stability shoes: Good for neutral runners or those who exhibit mild to moderate overpronation. They often include a firm "post” to reinforce the arch side of each midsole, an area highly impacted by overpronation.


Motion control shoes: Best for runners who exhibit moderate to severe overpronation. Offer features such as stiffer heels or a design built on straighter lasts to counter overpronation.


Barefoot shoes: Soles provide the bare minimum in protection from potential hazards on the ground. Many have no cushion in the heel pad and a very thin layer—as little as 3–4mm—of shoe between your skin and the ground.

All barefoot shoes feature a “zero drop” from heel to toe. (“Drop” is the difference between the height of the heel and the height of the toe.) This encourages a mid-foot or forefoot strike. Traditional running shoes, by contrast, feature a 10–12mm drop from the heel to the toe, which encourages heel striking.


Minimalist shoes: These feature extremely lightweight construction, little to no arch support and a heel drop of about 4–8mm to encourage a natural running motion and a midfoot strike, yet still offer cushioning and flex.

Some minimalist styles may offer stability posting to help the overpronating runner transition to a barefoot running motion.


Running Shoe Features

Running Shoe Uppers

-Synthetic leather is a supple, durable, abrasion-resistant material derived principally from nylon and polyester. It's lighter, quicker drying and more breathable than real leather. Plus, it requires no (or very little) break-in time.

-Nylon and nylon mesh are durable materials most commonly used to reduce weight and boost breathability.

-TPU (thermoplastic urethane) overlays are positioned over the breathable shoe panels (such as in the arch and the heel). These small, abrasion-resisting additions help enhance stability and durability.

-Waterproof/breathable uppers use a membrane bonded to the interior of the linings. This membrane blocks moisture from entering while allowing feet to breathe. Shoes with these membranes keep feet dry in wet environments with a slight trade-off in breathability.


Running Shoe Midsoles
The midsole is the cushioning and stability layer between the upper and the outsole.

-EVA (ethylene vinyl acetate) is a type of foam commonly used for running-shoe midsoles. Cushioning shoes often use a single layer of EVA. Some will insert multiple densities of EVA to force a particular flex pattern.

-Posts are areas of firmer EVA (dual-density, quad-density, multi-density, compression-molded) added to create harder-to-compress sections in the midsole. Often found in stability shoes, posts are used to decelerate pronation or boost durability. Medial posts reinforce the arch side of each midsole, an area highly impacted by overpronation.

-Plates are made of thin, somewhat flexible material (often nylon or TPU) that stiffens the forefoot of the shoe. Plates, often used in trail runners, protect the bottom of your foot when the shoe impacts rocks and roots.

-Shanks stiffen the midsole and protect the heel and arch. They boost a shoe's firmness when traveling on rocky terrain. Ultralight backpackers often wear lightweight trail runners with plates for protection and shanks for protection and support.

-TPU (thermoplastic urethane) is a flexible plastic used in some midsoles as a stabilization device.



Running Shoe Outsoles

Most road shoes are made with rugged carbon rubber in the heel. Blown rubber—which provides more cushioning—is often used in the forefoot. Trail runners tend to have all carbon rubber outsoles to better withstand trail wear, while road-racing shoes are frequently all blown rubber to reduce weight.



Heel-to-Toe Drop

The drop of a shoe represents the difference between the height of the heel and the height of the toe. This primarily affects how your foot strikes the ground when you land. A low or medium heel-to-toe drop (zero to 8mm) promotes a forefoot or mid-foot strike, while a high-drop shoe (10–12mm) promotes heel striking.

Note: Heel drop and cushioning are independent of each other. It is possible to find ultra-cushioned shoes that still have a zero or low heel-to-toe drop, for example.

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Heel Counter

This refers to the rigid structure around the heel. It provides motion control and is sometimes supplemented with a heel wedge, which adds support and cushioning to the heel. It can help those runners who are bothered by Achilles tendonitis.


Medial Post or Torsion Bar

These are located on the sides of shoes to help control excessive inward or outward motion. They are designed for the over-pronator or supinator.



Running Shoe Fit Tips

Foot size: Shoe lasts (which determine shoe sizes) vary by manufacturer and even from one shoe model to another. You may need a half-size or even a full size smaller or larger than you think. If you're unsure, have your feet measured.

Try on shoes at the end of the day. Your feet normally swell a bit during the day's activities and will be at their largest then. This helps you avoid buying shoes that are too small.

Aim for a thumbnail's length of extra space in the toebox. The width should be snug but allow a bit of room for your foot to move without rubbing. Laces should be snug but not tight. Barefoot shoes are an exception: Heel and toes should “fit like a glove” without any extra space in the toes.

If you wear orthotics, bring them along. They impact the fit of a shoe.

You don't have to wear a shoe of your gender. Men: Try a women's shoe if you have a narrow foot. Women: Try a men's shoe if you have a larger or wider foot.

Consider aftermarket insoles (a.k.a. footbeds). Insoles come in models that can enhance comfort, support or fit—or all 3.

 

[projectmayhem]

Don't know how comfortable you are with wearing compression tights out in public, but I run in compression tights with running shorts over them, so I can still have pockets for my keys and whatnot. If this isn't a route you want to take, run in sweatpants, or sweatpants over the compression tights. As for upper body, I run in a longsleeve tee made of tech materials as the baselayer. check out nike, brooks, asics, saucony, etc. If its really cold, I'll throw on a sweatshirt over, if not, I'll just throw on the jacket over the tee. Remember, you will warm up after a mile or so. Now for the jacket, be prepared to spend over $100 for a good jacket that will keep you dry, visible and won't get in the way of your stride. Check this article out that details this seasons jackets. If you are have not already, bookmark runnerworld. If its REAL cold, buy a tech beanie, running gloves, and maybe even a neck gaiter.

http://www.runnersworld.com/running-apparel/hoodies-for-runners

 

[willzway26]

Whats a good pair of warm running leggings with a good price

 

[SC kid]

Under armour (maybe different brand) at target ^^^^
The only ones they got

Runners

 

[rocman23]

projectmayhem Yeah man, I definitely have compression tights, one of the smartest investments I've made. I'm good on the lower half, just need that upper warmth.

 

[projectmayhem]

Whats a good pair of warm running leggings with a good price

Saucony has some good ones for $70:

http://www.saucony.com/en/omni-lx-t...=80919-BKBK#cgid=mens-apparel-bottoms&start=1

I have two of these Brooks tights, the previous version. These will cost $85:

http://www.brooksrunning.com/en_us/...ii/210529.html?dwvar_210529_color=001#start=1

I'm looking into getting these from nike since I am starting to run after work and it's getting dark earlier and earlier, so these might come in handy. Kinda pricey those.

http://store.nike.com/us/en_us/pd/flash-running-tights/pid-1527328

 

[Meangene45]

P4l

 

[trappstar]

Man, running got me through my break up. Just having an outlet to clear those emotions. Not sure how I would have been able to persevere without it. It's such an incredibly cleansing regimen. Whenever I have something on my mind, I just stretch and run then everything is fine.

I recently just bought a ton of jogging pants and thermal tops. I feel fine running in the winter. I actually prefer running in the cold; its incredible therapeutic.

 

[jjs]

man i hate running in winter.

in 4 info

 

[Meangene45]

Last month I did my first race got one next Saturday it's forecast in the 20's. I got some tights from target.

 

[rfx45]

My go to gear is mostly Nike or Under Armour. I'm in SoCal so it doesn't get overly cold or wet but UA compressions underneath and Nike running shorts or sweatpants and dri-fit shirt w/ Windrunner jackets are my go to gear.

There are lots of cheaper alternative though, even H&M has running gear now too. I know plenty of people of people who swears by Uniqlos heattech and they also have those Ultra Light Down Vests that will keep you warm without being bulky.

 

[timcity2000]

I always wear shorts, no matter how cold it is.

Windbreaker, long sleeve dri-fit shirt, gloves, beanie, and I'm good.

 

[SC kid]

Wat headphones do u guys use?

I like bud type ones cuz theyre light but wen i sweat they always get loose

 

[rfx45]

I swear by Powerbeats, when I would wear it on a threadmill attached to the ipad as I watched vids while running, I've swung my arm and hit it on almost a weekly basis and it's still functioning like it is new. Really considering the Powerbeats 2 Wireless.

I know many hates Beats but it has served me well in about 2 years now iirc?

 

[SC kid]

I NEVER had some headphones last 2 yrs.

Will try.

 

[Meangene45]

Head gear you guys use in the winter?

 

[rfx45]

Not necessarily for winter or cold but I always run with a Nike Dri-Fit Featherlite cap on, I got like 3 colors for $8 each on sale at Macys.


Want to get some Gyakusou hats though.
View media item 1261035

 

[tmak15]

If you're looking to save some funds just get some no name tights at a Ross/Marshalls and just wear some shorts over those.

 

[albooboo5]

Don't consider myself a runner but I do it for my cardio workout. Have a stocky build and bad knees and wouldn't be able to run if it weren't for Asics. My advice is go to a runner's gear place and ask them to help you with your foot strike. Have them show you different brands suited to your needs and go from there. Spend money on good shoes. Like I said I like Asics but you'll find what you like. That is the starting point.

 

[SC kid]

Wat do yall wear to run? (Kicks)

Lunaracer are my favorite.

But i had a pair of lunar mariahs and they felt like clouds

Put alotta miles on those

 

[djyoung08]

i wanna run gear one day

 

[ronniefieg]

Fam, I've become a runner over the last 6 months or so and I love it. It's fun to clear my mind and what not. I want to keep running during the winter, but these east coast winters are harsh.

My question for runners is, what are you guys wearing during the winter if you run outside? I'm looking for something that can block out wind, water resistant, and has a hood. Something that can keep me warm and dry in the winter while running is what I'm looking for.

Any suggestions?

Also if there's already a thread or somewhere else I should be posting let me know.

Layers are your friend my man. I usually run about 100 miles a week outdoors and I don't stop for the winter. Disregard what the one dude said about scoopin up cheap tights. You are going to want a nice pair of Nike/Asics/Brooks, your nuts will thank you.

In terms of a jacket, there are tons available, but like I said layers. A basic windbreaker or winterized running jacket gets the job done for me along with a tshirt, and a long sleeve shirt underneath. I do a lot of my runs in the morning and I use the all-over 3m Nike jacket, which is a godsend for running in the dark. Also Nike makes some awesome winterized trainers that are great for running through snow and slush.

 

[ronniefieg]

Wat do yall wear to run? (Kicks)

Lunaracer are my favorite.

But i had a pair of lunar mariahs and they felt like clouds

Put alotta miles on those

I'm all about the Vomeros for training. They're built like goddamned tanks, but their cushioning is unreal.

And the OG Lunarracer is the goat racing flat. God do I miss Lunarlite.

 

[Meangene45]

Which nike shoes are good for east coast winters?

 

[rfx45]

I'm guessing any Nike running shoes you like but in their Shield version?


For long distance running, I prefer more cushioning and the Pegasus and Lunarglides are my go to shoes. FOr quick sprints or short distances, I like Free Run 2 and Flyknit Free 5.0.