I’ve been running for 10 years — these are the 12 crucial products I always recommend to beginners

I had a couple of false starts when I tried to get into running as an adult, and both of them were caused by using the wrong gear. The wrong running shoes in particular — the first time I tried, I used a worn-out set of Converse and almost immediately got shin splits; the second time I bought a set of lightweight racing shoes that were nowhere near comfortable enough, just because I’d seen elite runners wearing them.

So, when it comes to running gear, I always recommend beginners start with a comfortable pair of cushioned running shoes. The Asics Novablast 5 or Nike Vomero Plus are my two top picks for this, and both will make your first steps in the sport a lot more comfortable and enjoyable.

It’s not just proper running shoes I wish I’d known about, though. I’ve been running most days for over 10 years now and have logged 15 marathons in that time, and I know that getting the right apparel and accessories makes a huge difference to your comfort on the run

That's things like 2-in-1 shorts that reduce the risk of chafing, a belt to carry your phone, open headphones so you can listen to your music while staying aware of your surroundings and durable running socks that save you from blisters.

Here are the 12 bits of running kit I’d suggest looking at if you’re a beginner.