What do you need?

1. A watch. Most of our runs are based on time spent running, so you absolutely need a watch. You absolutely do not need a fancy GPS smart watch. The best running watch when most of your older coaches were fast was the Timex Ironman, which is still a great running watch and available for about $35.You can find good running watches (digital watch with a stopwatch function) for $20, and it will last your entire high school running career.
2. Good running shoes. These will cost you a bit more than your running watch and need to be replaced every 3-6 months depending on how many miles you are running each month. East runners get a discount at Runners Roost; the staff there will help you find the right pair for you. If you have a favorite running shoe, you can generally find good deals online.
3. Clothes comfortable for running and appropriate for the weather. Obviously it is getting warm this time of year. You don’t need anything fancy or name brand, just comfortable. If you are new to running, whatever you wore to play soccer or lacrosse or play outdoors on a warm day will be appropriate.
4. A water bottle. Fill it with water!
5. An awesome attitude and readiness to challenge yourself.
6. If you use an albuterol inhaler for exercise, it is not a bad idea to have this on hand.
7. Arrive well hydrated. Most of our runners will have a small snack prior to running so their energy stores are not completely depleted when arriving at practice, though we discourage a heavy meal in the two hours prior to running.

What to leave behind?

1. Earbuds. Talk to your teammates during the run! Also, we need to listen for traffic and your coaches. (Earbuds are not allowed by CHSAA when we race).
2. Anything of high value you don’t want to carry during your run. We may not have a safe place to store your things during our runs. We sometimes are able to store phones in someone’s car during the run, but if you don’t need it, don’t bring it.
3. Fear. Nobody is ever expected to anything for which they are not capable. Everyone is capable of doing hard things and becoming a better runner. (And not everyday is hard).