Shoes

The most important investment you can make for running is having a good pair of shoes. Keep in mind that if you’re putting on a lot of miles and running regularly, your shoes will only last about 4 months or so; after that, their ability to properly absorb shock is greatly reduced, and your risk of injury increases. Some shoes provide more lateral stability, while others are built to accommodate the arch of your foot. Your best bet is to visit an athletic shoe store with knowledgeable staff who can help you find a shoe that fits properly and accommodates your needs.

Safety Gear

If you are running early in the morning, dusk, or at night, wearing reflective products are a must. There are lightweight reflective vests and bands you can purchase at most running stores to wear over your clothing as well as clothing items with reflective strips built into the fabric. Another good, inexpensive investment is a walking light that you can clip to your back (similar to a tail light for a car or bike) so you can be seen from further away.

Regardless of the time of day you run, you want to make sure that if something happened to you, your loved ones would be contacted.

• www.roadid.com – personal identification tags to wear on your shoe, wrist, ankle, or neck when out and about – safety is important! What if you had an accident while running, walking, or biking? It’s worth it to you and your loved ones to check out this inexpensive, handy tool.