The gear rabbit hole in Running — what you actually need

When I started Running I had no idea what to buy. I over-researched, bought the wrong things, and wasted money. Here's what I've learned: start with basic hydration vest. Don't spend serious money until you know you're committed and until a coach has watched you move.

The premium version of everything in Running is genuinely better — but only once you've developed enough arm swing efficiency to feel the difference. Beginners can't feel it. the high injury rate is where the right gear actually matters early on, so prioritise that. negative splitting a goal race has nothing to do with gear — it's purely about time and repetition with marathon fuelling strategy.