Running Gear You Don't Need

I'm a sucker for accessories. Maybe it's because running is such a minimalist sport -- essentially you just need some great shoes -- that when a new must-have, will-change-your-life piece of running gear emerges, I'm keen to try it. But if you take a peek in my Goodwill pile, you'll see a whole lot of useless, high-performance clothing and gadgetry that didn't improve my runs and simply serve as expensive reminders of how genius companies are at filling a need you didn't know you had.

Case in point : My favorite running gloves ever cost me exactly 99 cents and were purchased at Target. There was nothing high-tech about them, but they got the job done. When I lost them, I decided to upgrade and got a fancy-pants replacement. They didn't fit as well as the cheapy polyester variety and were not nearly as warm, but they did cost $30. Lesson learned.

I asked some runners from around the country, what running gear they simply can live without. Here's what they said:

"Last time I was in my local running shop I spotted "Body Glide for Women." I use Body Glide, but I'd been using the gender neutral variety, unaware that there was a version just for the ladies. Upon examination, I discovered that you got half the amount of product for nearly the same price and the only ingredient that was different was that the women's version had Red 40 (presumably to make it pink). Yeah, don't think I need that." -- Joanne, Ann Arbor, MI

"When my Garmin Forerunner 405 broke off my wrist during a fall, they sent me a brand new one with a heart rate monitor. I ran with this a few times, but mostly it is an uncomfortable piece of plastic against my skin (and another thing to chafe). And the data is not as helpful to me as overall time/pace. Also, arm sleeves make me laugh. Wear long sleeves or tank top or both! And remove outer layer once warm." -- Cate, Princeton, N.J.

"Unless you're running long distances without any water stations throughout, you can probably skip the fuel belt. One water bottle or Gatorade bottle should get you through. For extra fuel, I also like to eat half a power bar before going out for long runs (six miles or more)." -- Stephanie, Kansas City, MO

"Maybe because I live in the northwest I find 'running sunglasses' unnecessary. A good dark-brimmed hat (I have a Nike ball cap) works quite well without the issues of getting sweat on the lenses. Also, Gore-Tex running shoes. My problem isn't getting wet from the outside (like rain or water puddles), the problem is sweating. Gore-Tex might "breathe" but it doesn't breathe enough to prevent my shoes becoming a steam bath. Running in my area in the October to April time frame is an experience in running in the rain. Out of 100 or so runs in the rain this last season I got wet feet twice from rain, whereas running in Gore-Tex shoes always give me swamp foot even over fairly short distances." -- Bo, Duvall, WA

"Pretty much compression anything, the ubiquitous iPod/mp3, $50 tubs of 'recovery' drink mix , miscellaneous sensors and gadgets beyond a watch, oh and insoles." -- Jules, Rancho Cucamonga, Calif.

"I'll be a little bit controversial here and say the heart rate monitor. I am a big fan of the going easy when you're supposed to go easy, and going hard when you're supposed to go hard. I thing all the HR zone training stuff is too much detail for too little benefit. I don't need an HR monitor to tell me that I'm working hard." -- Tom, Chicago, IL

"I'm probably being nitpicky but the running water belt that has only a single bottle of water is kind of annoying to the point where it's useless for me. I hate the sensation of hearing/feeling the weight of the bottle against me as the water sloshes around. I tried to position it at the back and the side, but it doesn't work. I guess that's partly what makes the belts with multiple small bottles a little better. I thought those looked weird but they probably make more sense." -- Jamilla, Washington, D.C.

"I run with the following: Not expensive running shoes, good running socks, Adidas soccer shorts, lightweight shirt, Nike visor, cheap sunglasses, iPod. I don't have the need for any other accessories." -- Rob, Gainesville, Fla.

Runners, get inspired: Grandmother runs 600 miles through four deserts to raise money for a drug and alcohol treatment center.