LOLZLetter 302 | An Email on Cyber Monday to Tell You What You DON'T Need
Cyber Monday.
For the last few years, I've thought about just not sending an email this week. I don't know about you, but I am so emailed out this week. I cleaned out my inbox last night, and today I had 20 new sale emails. Brands I didn't even know I was subscribed to were sending me emails about their latest sales.
In fact, every Black Friday weekend, I think: how much junk can I get rid of? We've now lived at Edwards for 3 years and in our same house for 2 years. That's a bit of time without moving and being forced to get rid of things. So I am very much in an "I don't need anything" mood. Last week, I got rid of about 15 pieces of running apparel I haven't worn in months (let's be honest...years). Now that I'm tapering for the California International Marathon on Sunday, I have plenty of time to clean things out. LOL, or be lazy and watch rom-coms.
This mentality of "things I don't need" kind of inspired the newsletter for this week about things runners don't need.
Running doesn’t have to break the bank, but the endless parade of shiny, overpriced gear might make you think otherwise. The truth? Most of the "must-haves" marketed to runners are unnecessary.
Here's a list of things runners don’t need, plus tips on how to focus on what really matters.
Overly Technical GPS Watches
Unless you’re planning to run to Mars, you don’t need a GPS watch that tracks your altitude down to the centimeter or calculates your “stress score.” A basic GPS watch is more than enough for most runners.
I started running before the GPS boom, and honestly, I’m glad I learned to listen to my body instead of obsessing over data. Watching some runners spend more time analyzing their splits than running is, frankly, exhausting. Don’t let your watch dictate your every move, learn to trust your instincts. A watch can't tell you whether you feel good.
Recovery Tools for Every Muscle
The recovery tool market has exploded, but do you really need a massage gun with 20 attachments? Probably not. A foam roller and a lacrosse ball can do the majority of it.
Most runners stick to the same attachment on their fancy massage gun anyway, so why pay for features you’ll never use? Save your money and keep recovery simple.
Trendy Running Shoes That Don’t Match Your Needs
Sure, the newest limited-edition shoes look like they came straight out of a sci-fi movie, but if they don’t match your biomechanics, they’re a recipe for injury. I can guarantee you, most influencers pushing shoes are being paid to do so. They might not even believe they are the latest and greatest. :-)
Your shoes should work with your stride, not against it. Stick to what you know works, even if it’s not the trendiest option on Instagram. Flashy shoes may turn heads, but your body will thank you for choosing the right option for you.
Unnecessary Supplements
Electrolytes, gels, and protein powders have their place, but you don’t need a cabinet full of products to fuel your runs. Start with real food and experiment with a few options that suit your body.
One supplement that didn’t work for me? Ketones. The hype promised everything, but it just tasted awful and made no difference in my performance. Don’t fall for the marketing gimmicks, most of these products are overpriced and underwhelming.
Compression Gear for Every Body Part
Compression socks are fantastic for recovery, but do you need sleeves for your arms, calves, knees, and possibly your pinky toes? Nope.
Compression gear for every body part is more about fashion than function. Save your money and focus on items that truly enhance your recovery.
Headphones That Cost a Small Fortune
Music can make runs more enjoyable, but you don’t need earbuds that cost as much as a car payment. Affordable options exist and work just as well for most runners.
Also, if you’re racing with headphones, please stay aware of your surroundings. There’s nothing more frustrating than getting stuck behind someone oblivious to their fellow runners because they can’t hear. Be courteous, stay safe, and don’t overpay for your tunes. I'm a big fun of the Suunto headphones that go over your year. I've had too many Shokz headphones break out of warranty.
Overpriced Running Apparel with Questionable Tech Claims
Do you need $200 leggings that promise to “boost circulation” and “reduce muscle fatigue”? Spoiler: No, you don’t. What you need is something comfortable, durable, and chafe-free. Chafe-free being the most important.
Marketing buzzwords may sound impressive, but functional, well-made clothing is what really matters. If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.
Running Insoles You Don’t Actually Need
Unless a doctor has recommended custom insoles, skip the off-the-shelf “performance” insoles. Most running shoes already have plenty of support, and slapping in a random insole could mess up your stride. Many chain running stores will tell you need a insole to well you guessed it: sell you an insole. Most people don't need an insert and running shoe. If you’re experiencing pain, see a professional instead of experimenting with pricey inserts.
Conclusion:
The running industry loves to overhype products, but most runners don’t need fancy gear to perform their best. Focus on essentials that truly make a difference and avoid wasting money on unnecessary gimmicks.
What’s the most ridiculous piece of running gear you’ve ever bought? Let me know in the comments below!
A Couple Good Deals I've Seen:
361 Furious Future 1.5 I raced the Los Angeles Marathon this year in the Furious Future and really liked it. You won't find many carbon plated shoes at $180. It feels a lot like the Nike Tempo Next.
Tifosi Sunglasses 30% off: I've learned (the hard way), good sunglasses are important to your eye health, especially when you spend so much time outside. I believe Tifosi is the best quality for price (and their lenses don't scratch easily).
What is keeping me entertained?
Supergoop! Glowscreen SPF Review
Edwards Turkey Trot 10k Recap: (44:57): Read about how I won a turkey and ended up jogging 2 miles home with it.
From Pool to Ocean: Taylor’s Journey: Taylor is incredible and training for a 12o mile swim.
Love this! Running can be as simple/cheap (or as expensive/complex) as we make it out to be…
Consumption comes with the growth of the sport, and while many of these items are fun/novel, they definitely aren’t required.
There’s something comforting about the fact that regardless of how the running industry expands, it always comes down to consistency, solid nutrition, and smart recovery; those will get us much further than a fancy watch or super-shoes will.