I was already pretty invested into yoga when I started jogging a few years ago. For me, the hardest part of getting into the gym life was knowing what I should have and how to get started. Yoga was a bit simpler- yoga mat, comfy and easy to move in clothes, and yoga podcasts. Everything was a 1 step, 2 step process. Running was a bit different.
There are a great many friends of mine who have started running in the past few months. I know many have had this same question of "where do I start"? There are a few things that I did/got when I was starting out that I either hated or worked well. The best things for getting me up and out were quite simple and turned jogging into that 1 step, 2 step process.
Get a Heart Rate Monitor
Really, this is one of the most important components of any cardio activity. It is so super easy to go over your max heart rate when first running. When this happens for more than two minutes at a time, your body starts burning muscle to get more energy. This is also when a higher amount of lactic acid is released into our muscles and they get sore or micro tears- also leading to soreness. Nothing is good about a new jogger over working their body, it can lead to massive injuries and an unneeded hate for cardio activities.
Start out simple. If you are just starting to jog, there is no reason to go out and get the $300 Garmin ultra marathoner HRM. The HRM market is vast, start with something that can monitor distance if you are running outside, stores up to ten workouts (so you can see progress), has a chest strap, and has good reviews. I like the Polar brand, but I know Timex also has some great, starter HRM. The monitor I started with and used for about two years was the Polar FT4 Heart Rate Monitor for about $60. It is inexpensive and a great introductory model. The watch is uber easy to set up and has a simple interface with all the info a new jogger needs. This watch does not monitor distance, but if you are running on a treadmill, the treadmill does that for you.
If you are not running on a treadmill and want to calculate distance, there are two main options. The first is the cheaper, just look up the distance on google maps and run that far. The easier option is to get a HRM that measures distance too. I just got the RS300X Monitor with Foot Pod for about $125. This is a bit more than an introductory model and about twice the price. If you are not sure that running is for you, it may be wiser to start with the FT4 and google the distance.
Get a Good Pair of Running Shoes
Running shoes are expensive, prepare yourself. You can get them from sites like Amazon for much cheaper than in the store, but it is never a good idea to get your first pair of running shoes from the internet without trying them on. Every foot is different. If you have small arches and pronate while running, you will need something completely different from the person with high arches who runs on the balls of their feet. Specialty stores like Fit 2 Run have people who run daily and know what types of shoes are best for whom. They can even do running tests to see what is more comfortable.
Yes, this will be more expensive than Amazon, but it will be worth it when you are not rolling your foot every time you run (know from experience). Besides, you only need to spend the big money that one time. Once you know the shoe that works best, put you internet resourcing skills to work and find the best price out there on your perfectly fitting, super comfy shoes.
Get an App for Running
There are tons of great work out apps out there. Running apps make it so you have a place to start and you know where you are going. This is the best thing for someone who does not run a lot or is starting to run for the first time.
The app that I used and what I know most people like is Couch to 5k. It is simple and takes you from not running much at all to running a 5k in 8 weeks. Perk, the app is free and can be used while listening to music.
Get Some Good Music and a Way To Listen
Music is so handy while running or doing any type of fitness routine. It somehow helps us forget that we are putting our body through turmoil, or, gives us the courage to keep going past the point of giving up. If you are not one of those music junkies who has a completely full iTunes library and needs extra hard drives for their music like the hubs, get a streaming app. Something like Pandora is great when jogging because it gives you variety and tries it's very hardest to understand what you like. If you have Pandora on your phone, all you will need is a pair of light-weight headphones (I use the generic Apple ones) to get jogging. Very simple.
Get Comfy Running Clothes
If you are a girl, this means a sports bra. There is absolutely no reason for a girl to go on a jog without a sports bra on. We are not Baywatch. Sports bras keep connective tissue intact and will help decrease wrinkles and sagging. Plus, there is a new study that shows the girl bits can rise and fall up to eight inches while running. Ouch, ouch, ouch.
If you are not a girl, or, you already have the sports bra bit covered, the next thing is comfy clothes. There are few things as annoying and embarrassing to me than uncomfortable shorts that ride up while running. I hate to admit it, but there are times where I have gotten out to run, this has started to happen, and I turn around to go home.
The best thing I have found and what I started off wearing is capri length, black spandex pants, a sports bra, and either a light-weight tee or a sweat wicking shirt. There is almost no ride up here and everything is pliable enough to move with you no matter what speed you are going.
The spandex pants are the most expensive part of this whole ensemble since most people already have a wide variety of tees. If you do not want to shell out the $60+ for a pair of spandex cuteness (joking), go to a store like TJ Maxx. They usually have a pretty good athletic department and have some great spandex options for much cheaper. It might not be Nike or Under Armor, but if you do not care, no one else will either.