Gear Not Stuff: Running Gear

I asked elite coaches and professional runners for their top recommendations. Here is what actually works, what doesn't, and the ultimate cross-training tool.

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Now it’s time for Gear Not Stuff. It is the second Friday of the month, after all.

We live in a world of mass consumerism and have more stuff than ever. As I point out in Scarcity Brain, the average home contains at least 10,000 items. Yet minimalism, as I wrote here, has failed us.

When considering how to make smarter purchasing decisions, I’ve started distinguishing between gear and stuff.

• Stuff is a possession for the sake of it. Stuff clutters. We buy stuff impulsively to alleviate boredom or stress, or to solve problems we could have tackled creatively with what we already have.

• Gear, on the other hand, has a clear purpose of helping us achieve a higher purpose. Gear is a tool we can use to have better experiences.

This month: Running gear

April marks the start of running season, with the 130th Boston Marathon happening on the 20th.

Last Friday, we ran a Burn the Ships workout to make you a stronger, more durable runner (or rucker, walker, hiker, rider, human, etc). On Wednesday, we looked at a wild study on fueling for extreme endurance events.

For this Gear Not Stuff, I asked professional endurance coaches, expert runners, and dedicated amateur runners a question: What’s your favorite running gear, and what running gear do you recommend most often?

I got a lot of responses. So I analyzed and ranked them, added my own picks, and included honest caveats so you can figure out what’s actually worth your money for your goals.

From here you’ll learn:

• The fitness watch feature that elite coaches say matters most—and why most people completely ignore it.

• Why the fastest runners in the world pay $250+ for a specific shoe feature, and whether it’s worth it for you.

• The low-impact training tool that consistently produces higher VO2 maxes than running itself.

• Where recovery tools like foam rollers help, but why they ultimately fall short.

• 8 pieces of gear (plus one that isn’t gear at all, yet might make you live longer) ranked and assessed for your specific goals.

Thanks to our partners

• Function Health offers 5x deeper insights into your health than typical bloodwork. You’ll learn critical information that can guide you into feeling better every day. It helped me identify a mineral insufficiency—and was cheaper than my insurance. Go to my page here to sign up, receive a discount, and pay just $340.

• David Protein Bars have the highest amount of protein per calorie of all protein bars. That makes them a great option for anyone who wants protein on the go without the excess sugar and fat of most bars. Visit DavidProtein.com.

• Do epic endurance feats with Janji, an independent running brand making gear built for ultra-distance pursuits. They’re the only brand making gear specifically for 200-plus-mile adventures—my favorite kind. The 7” Multi Short 2-in-1 is my go-to running short. Find Janji at Janji.com and at REI stores nationwide.

The Gear