New to running? I've been running for 20+ years and this is the gear I can't live without

I've been running for the past 20+ years of my life. However, running wasn't always my passion. In fact, I despised it at first.

I started running during my college years in an attempt to drop from my then 350-lb. weight. What started as an excruciating chore slowly became a passion and as I gained confidence, my runs gradually moved from the corner treadmill at my gym to the tree-lined roads of Central Park. After a few years of running, I entered my first official race — the New York City Marathon. Upon completing it, my love for running skyrocketed. (After my legs recovered, of course).

One of the things I love about running is that it's free and just about anyone can do it. That said, there are some things I wish I knew earlier. Your gear, for example, is important. Even if you're not looking to compete, the sneakers and apparel you wear will affect your run. Your recover routine is equally important. So below I'm sharing the gear, tech, and recovery tools that I rely on as a seasoned runner. Whether it's a zone 2 run or an all-out HIIT session, here's the gear I love and recommend.

Apparel

I sweat like a maniac when I run, so I gravitate toward clothes that rapidly wicks away moisture from your body. Soccer jerseys do an excellent job of keeping me cool and when it comes to shorts the Alo 5" Traction Shorts are made of a lightly perforated fabric, so they don't weight me down on those long distance runs.

Sneakers

I like running in sneakers that provide a little bit of padding. Because I have wide feet, I also look for sneakers that are spacious, offer stability, and are highly breathable. Saucony, Asics, and New Balance are my go-to sneakers for running and I alter between shoes based on whether I'm running indoors or out on the asphalt.

Tech

I'm always running to a playlist, so my iPhone 17 Pro and SHOKZ headphones are a must. When it comes to heart rate tracking, my Apple Watch is indispensable and I use it to gauge my effort during zone 2 runs and HIIT sessions. As an added bonus, it also tracks my mileage and calories burned.

Recovery

Throughout the years I've learned the importance of recovery. Whether you're trying to build/maintain muscle with protein shakes or looking to reduce muscle tightness with a roam roller, without a proper recovery routine your next run simply won't be as enjoyable.

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