Before running, many people wait until they buy the best of everything they feel is necessary to run, no matter how long it will take. Wait, you too? Oh, no, you’ve got it all wrong.

Let me steal a helpful tip for you.

Before shopping, check your closet for any athletic or comfortable clothes you may have, especially in your clutter (clothes you last wore a few months ago). Chances are ¾ of what you’ve been waiting months to buy is in your closet.

In this article, we’ll discuss the following:

• Must-have items to start running
• Running items to get later
• Running stores to buy your running products.

Let’s begin…

The Only Useful Items You Need to Have to Start Running

1. Running Shoes

A good running shoe should protect you from pain, blisters, and discomfort. Therefore, to test if it’s comfortable on your foot, move or run in it a little before buying. Check for these other qualities before Buying a Running Shoe.

Qualities of a Good Running Shoe

• Lightweight to stride freely and comfortably

• Fitting/Neither tight nor loose for breathability and to enable you to wiggle your toes

• A running shoe with laces so that you can adjust whenever it’s tight or loose

• Waterproof. Buy running shoes with no holes in them so you can run comfortably in the rain.

•   Wipeable. They are the best shoes for outdoor running because they are easy to clean and dry.

• Have a thick midsole. A midsole is part of a shoe sandwiched between the inner and the outer sole.

It is said to be the most significant part of a running shoe as it cushions the foot from feeling hard or sharp objects. It also provides stability and comfort and acts as a shock absorber that reduces the strong impact of your feet hitting the ground.

• Attractive. This quality may sound minor, but it’s not.

Buy a running shoe you will feel good running in. A beautiful running shoe is a great motivator to start running.

Tip

• There’s no need to buy running shoes if you have a comfortable pair of sneakers in your closet unless you want to buy another.

Sneakers are designed for sports purposes and thus fit for running.

2. A High Impact Sports Bra

Your goal when buying a sports bra for running should be support and comfort.

A high-impact sports bra is designed for exercises requiring a lot of running and jumping, making it the best for running.

Features of an Excellent High-Impact Sports Bra

• It has bra cups that are soft to avoid skin irritation.
• It has individual bra cups to support and protect your boobs from bouncing. If you want to test it, wear it and try jumping to see whether it secures your boobs comfortably.
• It is well Fitting, from the front to the back. A tight bra will hurt your back, neck, and shoulders.
• Non-stretchy to avoid any changes of it becoming loose
•  It has thick bra straps that sit comfortably on your shoulders and can’t pierce into your skin or slip off your shoulders

3. Running Leggings, Running T-shirt, Running Jacket

• The most important feature to look for when buying running leggings or tights is stretchiness.

They should be able to stretch and not limit your movement as you stride or stretch after a run.

• No Cotton

The no cotton rule applies to all running clothes, from sports bras, t-shirts, shorts, leggings, socks, jackets, etc.

Reasons Why Cotton is Not the Best Fabric to Run in.

• Cotton fabric is absorbent. It will soak up your sweat and leave you feeling damp and uncomfortable, and the easiest way to get blisters quickly.
• Cotton fabric is heavy and heavier when damp, so unable to dry fast
• It reacts when damp by wrinkling.

What fabric should you buy?

According to research, polyester, and nylon come on top of the list as the best fabric to buy for running because they are light and non-absorbent, thus quick to dry up and never wrinkles, wet or dry.

4. Water Bottle

The major purpose of buying a water bottle is to motivate you to drink more water.

As a runner, water will help;

• Energize your muscles to run longer without getting tired,
• Build your muscles, as 76% of your muscle mass is water,
• Act as a cushion preventing your joints from injury,
• Repair your muscles after a run, and
• Quicken recovery.

Therefore, drink lots of water after each run and throughout the day. Also, buy a fancy one because, from experience, a water bottle can motivate you to run more.

5. Running Cap

If you are shy and don’t like people in your business (like me), a running cap is a must-buy as it will protect your face from people, wind, and sun.

On Google, I see people asking, “how can I overcome anxiety and self-consciousness when running outside?” well, get yourself a couple of running caps and hats.

That’s the simplest way.

6. Running Gloves

The main reason for buying running gloves is to keep your hands warm and dry. Therefore, buy those that fit your hands, are lightweight, and are breathable to permit air to your skin and let sweat out.

Running Essentials, You Will Need to Get Later

7. Jump Rope

Along the way, you will increase your runs to 5 days a week, and that’s when a jump rope will come in handy. Instead of running on all those five days, mix it up with jumping rope to bring fun into your running practice and rest your muscles from running.

8. A Running Belt

If you want to start tracking the pace and time of your runs, a running belt has a pocket that can help hold your phone safely so you can focus on the run and not where to place your phone.

You can also use it to put your keys, money, and your ID for safety when running outside.

9. A Running App

A running app is only useful later in your running journey after you’ve warmed up to running and it has become a habit. It will help you keep a record of your running journey. During a run, it will notify you of your pace, distance in km or miles, calories you burn in each run, your heart rate, and more.

Examples of free running apps I’ve found easy to use and function correctly are Adidas running app and Map My Run. You can also try Nike Run Club, Runkeeper, and Strava, among other running apps.

There you go. We have reached the end of our useful list of running items you need to start running. But where do you buy them, you wonder?

I’ve got you covered.

Sportwear Shops to Buy Running Clothes and Shoes in Nairobi, Kenya

While running products are everywhere, from malls, streets, and online shops, it isn’t easy to find shops with items tailored for runners.

If you’ve been worried about where to find such shops, worry no more; this list includes in-store shops to buy comfortable, affordable running gear for runners in Kenya.

The advantage of in-store shops is you try the fit before buying.

One-Stop Specialty Running Stores (Sell complete running gear from top to bottom)

1. Run Beyond

A running store offering all running products, including watches, hydration packs, Bluetooth headphones, and sunglasses, among many others. 

Open Monday- Saturday, 9 am-5 pm

Sunday 10 am-4 pm

Location: Warwick Centre, United Nations Avenue, Gigiri, Nairobi

Get in touch: Instagram, Website

Call/WhatsApp +254 711 892 032

2. Runners Point

An in-store running shop that specializes in running clothing, shoes, and accessories.

Open Monday to Sunday: 9 am-7 pm

Location: Ground Floor, The Waterfront, Karen

Get in touch: Instagram

0771342145

3. Nairobi Sports House

Dealers in all kinds of Sportswear and equipment. 

Location: Moi Avenue, Nairobi City Center, Opposite Imenti House

Open 9 am-5:30 pm

Get in touch: Instagram

Call 0733201145/0732201140

Stores Specializing in Running Shoes

1. Gerry Active Shoes

A running shoe store

Open 9 am-6:30 pm

Location: Stall Z6, Zodiak Stall, Imenti House, Nairobi

Get in touch: Instagram

Call 0721826007

2. Enda Sports Wear

A running shoe brand made in Kenya for men and women.

Get in touch: Instagram, Website

Call 0112180132

Stores Specializing Mostly in Running Clothing

1. Fit n Fab World

A sportswear store that sells affordable men’s and women’s running clothes for all body sizes and accessories like caps, belts, etc.

Open Monday-Friday, 9:30 am-6 pm and Sat to 5 pm

Location: 6th Floor Shop One, Bihi Towers, Moi Avenue-Nairobi

Get in touch: Instagram

WhatsApp/Call: 0796548935

2. J.Mannequin

A fitness shop that sells various running/gym essentials, including gloves and water bottles. 

Open Weekdays: 9 am- 7 pm

Weekends: 10 am-6 pm

Location: 1st floor Shop M20, Digital Mall, Moi Avenue Nairobi

Get in touch: Instagram

Call 0716484915/0710193174

3. Nia Fitness

A thrift fitness store that sells valuable fitness items, from headbands, fitness gloves, sports bras, running vests, T-shirts, leggings, shorts, jumpers, etc.

Open Monday-Saturday: 9 am to 6 pm

Location: Jeevanjee Gardens Shopping Mall NRB Shop 34

Get in touch: Instagram

4. Genio Active

A women’s activewear brand.

Open 10 am-10 pm

Location:1st floor shop 110, Applewood Adams, Ngong Road.

Shop 8 Wetlands Eatery, Mutithi Road.

To order, check: Instagram, Website

Call 0715 307703

5. Waka Active

A women’s sportswear brand.

Open Monday-Saturday: 10 am-6 pm

Location: Shop 17 689place, Opposite Waterfront, Langata Road, Nairobi

Call 0718 874465

Check their Instagram and Website for orders, reservations, and deliveries.

There you go. Now you have nothing stopping you from starting your running journey. Tap here to learn the easiest way to start running if you’ve never run before.

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