As you rise from your slumber, you jolt up and out of bed and race for the restroom. After performing your daily requirements, you gear up to start running in the early morning. But, just as you are about to set off into the distance, you realize…your gps watch is out of juice! You become so distressed because it does so much for you. It keeps track of your average heart rate, ideal pace, miles logged, and most importantly, your time! Now your whole run is ruined. You feel as though your training will be limited due to the lack of data you will obtain to let you know you are improving. For the elite athlete, this may be a viable reason to postpone your training for a couple of hours till your watch recharges. But, this doesn’t have to be so for the average runner.
Most runners are intuitive as to what they require in order to practice what they enjoy doing most, running! Whether running has dawned upon you as the next activity/hobby/destiny that you wish to devote your energy to, or even if you’re an initiate seeking knowledge on what a more experienced runner feels is essential to the sport here are a few essentials, physical or not, from my point of view:

Conditioning
You can’t just crawl out of the cave and start logging in those miles! When starting off in the world of running. Conditioning yourself is key. The more you put your heart to work, the more endured it will become to the trauma you wish to bring upon it.

Nutrition
Athletes are always told and expected to watch what they eat. For the novice runner, this may seem difficult at first, but in time you’ll be glad you did. A runner’s diet should be roughly 60% carbohydrates, 20% protein, and 20% fat. This doesn’t have to be right on the money but it should measure up close to it. Carbs take the bigger part of your diet because science has proven that our bodies generate energy faster and sustain it longer with carbohydrates. Good sources of carbs are in fruits, starchy vegetables, whole grain breads, or whole grain pasta.
Vitamins and minerals are also important to the runner’s life. Calcium helps maintain strong bones to help fein off osteoporosis. Iron helps transport oxygen through the bloodstream to give your body endurance. Taking multivitamins is a good way to supplement the nutrients you should be absorbing through whole foods.

Equipment
Running isn’t the same unless you have the proper tools to get you moving. Shoes, tech material apparel, and a source of hydration are all I need for a good run. When it comes to shoes, I prefer anything lower to the ground. Reason being? I am intrigued by the minimalist movement where using less shoe means more strength in your feet, stabilizing the rest of your lower extremities.

Training Partner
Running can sometimes get a bit boring. Finding someone to run with you can be a great way to: Keep you motivated, build camaraderie, and keep you socially entertained all in one package. Find someone similar to you in level of fitness and you’re golden. A goal is always more satisfying to conquer when you have a friend to cheer you on and compete with you.

Test Site
Sure you can go right ahead and slap on that stopwatch and count how long it takes you to complete a given amount of miles. But choosing a race to compete in can give you a greater sense of accomplishment when setting a PR. Challenge yourself on your individual training, but test yourself at a race event where thousand are sharing the same passion and goals you are. The atmosphere and fellowships constructed will keep you doing what you love, running.