The IronBaby Running Experience

Running Gear 101

Regularly running  requires proper apparel and gear, which is basically for comfort, performance, injury prevention and safety. Here are some of the basic and advanced gear for running I use.

Basic

Singlet or Sleeveless shirt
Shirt designed to let air into the body, making it cool to prevent excessive sweating, these are commonly included in race kits given when registering for running events.

Nike - Air Relentless
These shoes are very comfortable with a nice fit, breathable, water resistant and stylish. There is also a long reflective line located on the heel counter. Best for road surfaces, normal arched and neutral runners. Been running with these for about 3 months and haven't caused any trouble or injury with my feet. 
Tip: Do not just buy running shoes by just looking at the design and comfort on the first try. Consider the following: Surface(Trail/Road), Arch(Low/Normal/High), Stride or Pronation (Under/Neutral/Over). These factors will greatly affect performance, comfort and prevent injury as you run.

Equipe - Steer
Running shorts with inner brief, made out of lightweight fabric. Has two side pockets, and a wide radius across the thigh making it comfortable as you run, makes me feel that I am only wearing briefs.

Nike - Feather Light Visor
Regularly using this on late runs where the sun is up high. Excellent in blocking the suns bright rays and helps prevent sweat accumulation. This has the drifit techonology which makes it comfortable fit on the head and helps it stay dry.

Timex - Ironman 30-Lap Full
Its just like any other wrist watch, with additional features such as Indiglo which is used for lighting up the watch, 30-lap memory, Chrono-mode, timer and 3 alarms which are essential for timing purposes. Also has a water-resistance of 100m. This is perfect for practical beginners, where timing from point to point is measured. With enough budget you can move to a more complex watch with additional features such as GPS, Heart rate and calorie monitor.

Spyder - Heat
This eyeware is specifically for outdoor activity, made of Grilamid a material which is tough and durable resistant to corrosion brought up by sweat. Its lenses are made out of resillens technology which accordingly blocks UV rays.  Comes in 3 lens which are as follow: G-15 (15% light Transmission), Smoke(22% light transmission), Yellow (70-87% light transmission). Each lens for used for a specific purpose. I prefer to use the smoke lenses because they are perfect for late morning runs, providing protection from dirt and the sun.

Sony Walkman NWZ-262
A wireless, lightweight, comfortable, adjustable and water-resistant mp3 player that complements my active lifestyle. Has 8 Hours Battery Life and a 2 gigabyte capacity. Perfect for running, eliminating the wires and the heavy phones or music players which requires strapping unto the body.

Runnr - Running Socks
Socks designed specifically for running, super lightweight, low bulk, enhanced airflow mesh, secure fit, fast dry. These are features which running socks should have, airflow and fast dry are important for sweat reduction, running with wet feet would have a great risk of having injury such as blisters.  Left: Elite Running Socks, Right: Regular Running Socks.

Nathan Waist Pak - Traiangle 
Hydration plays a very important role when having a high-intensity activity, it can lose over 96 ounces of water per hour. Continual hydration optimizes body cooling and energy transport, resulting in peak performance and comfort. Has 70/30 bottle positioning for stability, 22 oz. (650 mL) Hydration Bottle with Clipless Cap, fully insulated angled bottle holster, Gusseted Power Stretch Mesh pocket, Key Clip, Bottle security Shock Cord, Incorporated waterproof ID/medical emergency card, Padded moisture-wicking backing. Reflective detail and an adjustable fit - one size fits most.

Nathan - Runners Pak - Gel Pak
The Gel Pak carries gel packets comfortably with easy access, while its unique Trash Pocket gives you a place to store the sticky empty wrappers. Has Limited-stretch elasticized belt with Featherweight Buckle, Incorporated waterproof I.D./medical emergency card, Lightweight, breathable Wall Mesh back panel and waistbelt, Internal valuables pocket with Key Clip, Dimensional zippered pocket, External Power Stretch Mesh trash pocket,
Reflective belt keepers and an adjustable belt - one size fits all

Technical | Advanced
2XU - Men's Elite Compression Tights - MA1936B

These tights are not your regular compression tights, designed for athletes demanding more power and support, with the Combination PWX FLEX front panel plus extra powerful PWX WEIGHT in rear panel for added calf and hamstring support. Also delivers support to quads, abductors and gluts, reduces muscle fatigue and damage. Has a graduated fit which promotes increased circulation for faster recovery, a Flatlock seam construction for reduced chaffing, UPF50+ Sun Protection. Made of Antibacterial and Moisture wicking material.

Nike - Race Day Singlet
Super-lightweight and breathable, the Nike Race Day Men's Running Singlet is a loose fit designed for long-distance competition. With a modern athletic graphic and bonded seams that reduce irritation, this singlet is a sweat-wicking racerback cut made to move. Product features are as follow: Dri-FIT fabric to wick away sweat and help keep you dry and comfortable, Bonded shoulder and back seams for comfort on the move, Allover mesh fabric for maximum breathability, Racerback for enhanced range of movement.

Investing in proper running apparel and gear is definitely important. Prices may vary across brands and functions, basic active lifestyle apparel are way,way cheaper than those technical ones. Once you try those technical gear, you would always prefer them than those basic gear. So choose only what you need, weigh the pros and cons, have a list of choices from a variety of brands and pick which one suits you best.