Equipment
Our sport is a pretty simple one in terms of equipment at its most basic level. You really just need a decent pair of running shoes and some athletic clothing, and you are good to go. Everything beyond the #1 - Running Shoes listed below is optional to the sport, but there are a few other racing and training items that are helpful. In order to guide some decision making, below is an outline for what equipment is important in the sport.
#1 - Running Shoes - this is hands down the most important item. Many stores sell good running shoes, or they can be purchased online. The store we recommend to all of our runners for a proper fitting and a knowledgeable staff is Run N Fun in Saint Paul at https://tcrunningco.com/ Just tell them you are a high school runner for us and you will receive a discount on your purchase. If you are new to the sport they will help you get into the pair of shoes that is right for you and their price will be hard to beat anywhere else.
#2 - Racing Spikes - spikes are specialty shoes used mainly to race, but occasionally might be incorporated into training. You can either purchase a cross country specific pair of spikes or else a distance pair of track spikes. The track spikes will be lighter while the cross country spikes will have a rubberized sole meant for more uncertain footing. Neither is right or wrong, and different runners prefer different spikes. Either pair could also be used in track during the spring season. Please do make sure to get the cross country specific metal spikes to screw into the bottom. They are longer than track spikes and are available at most any running store. This can be a little confusing for new runners as the racing shoes themselves are called spikes and the actual metal screw in spikes for the bottom of the shoe are also called spikes. Ask at the store or at practice if this is still at all unclear before making your purchase.
#3 - Running Watch - for training, a running watch is right up there with a good pair of shoes. At the bare minimum the watch should have a stopwatch feature and a timer. It should also be able to take and save splits. Target is a good store for this purchase or any running store as well. Timex Ironman is a popular brand and on the low end will run around $30. They get pretty expensive on the high end and have extra features that are nice, but a basic watch is just fine.
#4 - GPS Watch - Instead of a traditional running watch, many of our runners are switching to GPS watches. A low cost GPS watch will just about equal a high cost traditional watch. These can get really expensive and may also incorporate heart rate monitors either through a separate chest strap or now through a sensor that can take the heart rate right at the wrist. The heart rate is a nice feature, but more than needed. A good GPS watch will be able to tell a runner their instantaneous pace as well as how far they have run. It will have the other features of a traditional watch as well. These range from about $75 up to around $300 depending on the model. Garmin is the most popular brand among our runners.
#5 - Technical Clothing - Technical socks, shirts, and shorts are all really nice to have versus traditional cotton. They wick away sweat and prevent blisters. These are totally optional and can be purchased many places. Two or three basic running outfits should be enough even for the hot August practices. Of these, the socks are probably the most important, even if they are the least seen item. Happy feet make for a happy runner!
#6 - Racing Flats - Finally, there is a third type of shoe that is very lightweight and meant for racing, but it is not a spike. These shoes can be worn in very dry racing conditions instead of spikes or during training sessions where we are running at a faster pace. This is a completely optional purchase, but they do exist and some of our runners have liked training in them. The shoe will feel light and have very little support. It is not meant for everyday training, but to be used in speed sessions or perhaps early season races.