I Had Never Run a Day in My Life—Here’s Everything I Bought to Train For My First 5K

I was never an athletic person—especially when it came to running. In high school, I used to joke with my track-star friends that I’d join them when hell froze over, or if a zombie apocalypse forced me to sprint for my life. Spoiler: neither happened, and I remained firmly planted on the sidelines with a bag of red Doritos. But somewhere between late nights at my desk and too many Grubhub orders, my body started to change. My metabolism slowed, my curves arrived (as they should) and I realized that all those hours spent sitting and writing were taking a toll. I bought a standing desk, invested in a walking pad—both great in theory—but something was still missing. Then, my friend ran the Brooklyn Half Marathon, and I felt such an unexpected rush of pride for her that it sparked something in me, too. No, I wasn’t about to run 13.1 miles, but a 5K? That felt doable. Achievable. Maybe even kind of fun.

To be clear, I wasn’t totally new to movement. I’d hit Rumble or SoulCycle when I wanted a good sweat, but I never felt strong. I wanted something that would challenge me, that would remind me my body could do more than just sit behind a laptop. So, I did what any rational beginner would do—I signed up for a 5K in a vineyard on Long Island (because if I was going to run, there had better be wine waiting at the finish line). I downloaded the Couch to 5K app, popped in my headphones and started my slow, slightly painful, but surprisingly empowering, journey. One mile at a time. And while running technically doesn’t require much beyond a good pair of sneakers, I quickly learned that having the right gear makes all the difference. From preventing shin splints to actually making the experience fun, these tools helped me fall in love with running. Or at least, not dread it.

Read on for everything I bought to prepare for my first 5K—and what’s stayed with me long after crossing the finish line.

The 7 essentials I bought for my first 5K

1. Nike Vomero 18 running shoes

I quickly learned that no matter how cute your running outfit is, if your shoes aren’t right, the run will humble you. After a few too many shin splints and sore arches, I invested in the Nike Vomero 18s—and they completely changed the game. They’re cushioned yet responsive, supportive without feeling bulky, and the breathable mesh keeps my feet cool even on humid summer runs (and trust me, it was humid this year). The Flyknit upper hugs my foot in all the right places, and the ZoomX foam midsole gives me just enough bounce to keep my stride feeling light. Simply put, these shoes made running feel (almost) easy.

2. Shocks OPENRUN Bone Conducting Headphones

I’ll admit, I was skeptical about bone-conduction headphones at first, but one of my runner friends swore by it, so I had to give it a try. And after one run with the Shokz OpenRuns, I was converted. They sit comfortably above your ears rather than inside them, which means I can still hear cars, people and the world around me (a must for city running). The sound is crisp, they’re sweatproof, and they stay put no matter how bouncy my ponytail gets. Plus, they’re so lightweight I forget I’m wearing them—until my favorite Nickelback song kicks in and suddenly I’m sprinting like I’m in a Nike ad.

3. Function Botanicals CBD + Magnesium Topical Cream

Running introduced me to muscles I didn’t know existed—and they were angry. I needed some relief, and this functional topical cream became my saving grace for post-run recovery. The magnesium helps soothe soreness while CBD calms inflammation, so I can actually walk the next day without waddling. I rub it on my calves, hips and knees after every run, and the cooling effect works almost instantly. It’s clean, non-greasy and smells spa-level good, making it a small but mighty ritual I now swear by.

4. RISE311 Plant-Based Protein Powder

As someone who isn’t a big meat eater, I struggle to get enough protein—which, for any type of fitness, is a non-negotiable. I needed something that would help me recover without tasting like chalk, and this plant-based powder was the perfect fix. It blends seamlessly into my morning smoothies and has a surprisingly creamy texture for being dairy-free. Plus, it’s packed with clean ingredients and 20 grams of protein per scoop, which helps repair my muscles and keeps me full for hours post-run. The best part? It’s easy on the stomach, even first thing in the morning—which, if you know, you know.

5. Cambivo Knee Braces

My knees and I have a complicated relationship, so knee braces were a must before I even hit the pavement. These knee braces are slim, supportive, and surprisingly comfortable. They stabilize my joints and absorb impact, which helps me run longer without worrying about pain flaring up halfway through. The silicone grip keeps them from sliding down, and the breathable fabric means I don’t overheat. They might not be the most glamorous accessory, but they’ve been essential for keeping my runs pain-free.

6. Ultima Replenisher Daily Electrolyte Powder

I had no idea how draining running could be until I found myself guzzling water and still feeling like I’d been hit by a truck. After falling down a rabbit hole of Reddit threads and articles from expert runners, I learned the missing link: Electrolytes. This bad boy is sugar-free, loaded with magnesium and potassium, and unlike most electrolyte mixes, it actually tastes good (the lemonade flavor is my ride-or-die). I mix it into my water before and after runs, and it keeps me hydrated without the bloating or sugar crash of sports drinks. It’s a tiny addition that’s made a huge difference in how quickly I recover.

7. Slim Running Belt

Carrying my phone in my hand while running was…not it. I constantly felt like I was going to drop it or sling it across the West Side Highway. This slim running belt on Amazon solved that instantly. It’s sleek, lightweight and barely noticeable once it’s on. The adjustable band sits flat against my waist, doesn’t bounce, and fits everything I need (phone, keys, card) without feeling bulky. It’s also water-resistant, so I don’t panic when I get caught in the rain. Now, I can run hands-free and actually focus on, you know, running.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Alyssa Rotunno, Contributing Writer

Alyssa Rotunno is a NYC-based writer with a focus on beauty, fashion, shopping, travel, and culture. Her work has appeared in Real Simple, InStyle, Travel+Leisure, Parade, and other national outlets, where she brings a sharp, timely lens to the products, places, and trends worth knowing. She’s endlessly curious about what people are talking about—and loves connecting the dots between trends, products, and real life.

READ ALYSSA’S FULL BIO

The post I Had Never Run a Day in My Life—Here’s Everything I Bought to Train For My First 5K appeared first on The Everygirl.

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