Here’s a not-so-attractive truth about me: I love to shop. However, I always do my best to avoid paying full price. The only reason I understand percentages is because my mother taught me how to figure out discount prices.
The truth is, like many of us, I can’t afford to regularly pay close to $200 for running shoes or $100 for shorts. (I do shop Poshmark and eBay, because I still want to look and feel like a runner despite a limited budget).
If you’re a new-to-the-sport runner, I think it’s important to make a little investment in your passion. Buying the right shoes is essential, but some other key items—many of which cost very little money—can help you take yourself more seriously and give you a little joy.
Example: One of my favorite running treats is a printed version of my Runner’s World training plans. I stick them on my fridge (with cheap running-themed magnets, thank you, Etsy!) and cross off each day’s workout with my favorite charcoal pencil. Doing this brings me so much happiness, and you can join Runner’s World+ to get all our plans for literal pennies a day.
Here are some suggestions from Runner’s World editors for inexpensive (and a few expensive) ways to look and feel like a runner.
Look for sunglasses that don’t fall off while you run, and then wear those babies for every speed session.
Why: They don’t fall off and they look great
Goodr Sunglasses are around $30 (a bargain!) and they come in a variety of styles and colors. Designed for athletes, their run functionality makes the money worth spending. Wear those sunglasses on an interval run, says Associate Service Editor Matt Rudisill, to make the investment pay off.
For a less expensive treat, he suggests trying something more exciting than a straight run. “I still get a huge boost of confidence from completing an interval workout,” says Rudisill. “I think for first-timers, that confidence will make them feel like a runner too!”
Look for socks that hold your foot like a mother holds her baby.
Why: They make a big difference in how your feet feel
Socks designed specifically for runners are definitely underrated. Mallory Creveling, deputy health and fitness editor and five-time marathoner, recommends Balega performance socks, which have padding in the heel and forefoot, and most importantly, support through the arch of the foot. There is still the question of how high those socks should be (some of us love knee-highs and crews, while others don’t want those socks to be seen). We say buy socks in every color and style and wear what makes you feel great on any given day. (Quick tip: Take note when your specialty running store has a sock sale, and buy in bulk!)
Helpful so you’re not carrying a giant tumbler.
Why: It looks cool and you’ll stay out longer
Everyone has a water bottle they can pull out for a walk or run, but finding a bottle that straps to your hand to carry for a mile or more is less of a hassle than holding a bottle. Also, the handheld strap often has a zip pocket for you to carry some money and ID, sometimes even a phone. Both Health and Fitness Editor Monique LeBrun and I recommend Nathan products. She uses the handheld water bottle, while I love the Nathan belt to be hands-free and carry even more stuff.
Inexpensive Necessity: Signing up for a 5K
5Ks: Very little pressure, lots of fun.
Why: You’ll feel like one of the pack
“Not that you have to race to be a runner, but running my first 5K helped me feel like a runner!” says Senior Health and Fitness Editor Kristen Wagner. “It was a wonderful reminder of how diverse the running community is when it comes to varying paces and abilities—and feeling like I was as much of a runner as someone way ahead of me or trailing behind. We’re all in it together.” Signing up for a local 5K is typically from $35 to $50 and, often, the money goes to a charity.
When You’re Ready to Invest
Other favorites our editors love are the Coros Pace 4 and various Garmin styles. We test ’em all.
Why: It tracks your runs like nothing else
Look around the Runner’s World office and you will see that every editor has a different watch on their wrist. I love my Fitbit Charge 6 (about $150), while Kristine Kearns, associate health and fitness editor, wears her Garmin 35 from 2019 to track her runs (and her other workouts) on Strava. Rudisill, meanwhile, recommends the Coros Pace 4, which is good for beginners and is relatively inexpensive.
Look for leggings with a back pocket and side pockets to carry your phone, glasses, and various snacks.
Why It’s Worth It: Take care of them, and they’ll last forever
Before I ran my first race, I didn’t know where I was going to put all the things I always carry with me when I have to use a porta-potty, including tissues and hand sanitizer, as well as things (phone, glasses) I need to have with me at all times. Where would I carry all of that? Fortunately, my coworkers turned me on to the glories of the many-pocketed pair of leggings. My favorite is Oiselle Pocket Jogger Tights, but more inexpensive brands also come in various lengths and levels of compression. However, workout clothes are worth a splurge, in my opinion. Wash them well, never put them in a dryer, and they will last for years.
Donna Raskin has had a long career as a health and fitness writer and editor of books and magazine articles. A certified run coach who has practiced yoga for many years, she also loves to lift weights, dance, and go for long walks with her hound dog, Dolly.
