Shoes, Gels, and Music

I have had a couple of conversations recently about running, though the questions were different than mileage or split times. When it comes to preparing to run and running, let your preferences rule your decisions. I am referring to what you eat, wear, and listen to before, during, and after runs and really there is not set system.

I like to read and hear other perspectives to make sure I am willing to try new things. Technology rapidly improves and we will be better runners if we take advantage of the advances.

That said, here are some of my preferences for the peripheral running items:

Music - I generally listen to my iPod unless I am running with someone else and vary from music to talk radio depending on the day. Anything with a driving beat helps me run, so I have a lot of variety from Tom Petty to T.I.

Food - I have to eat prerun, even if I am running 3 miles. Otherwise I will cramp the entire time. I like the GU energy gels, but there are a number of options. Do not expect them to taste good. The manufacturers blended a cup of coffee, a banana, and a gatorade of nutrients into a 2 oz. gel. It will not taste good. Make sure you take it with a sports drink or water because it will dehydrate you.

Shoes - I wear the Brooks Beast, the most overbuilt motion-control shoe on the market. I also like Nike's and Asics for my overpronating, but they do not last much longer than 300 miles. Also, try wool socks. Smartwool's Adrenaline series gives great cushion and wicks as well as synthetics.

Feel free to comment with your preferences.