There are certain sports that demand proper shoes and accessories. Cross country and long distance running are two of these sports. Though an abundance of shoes are available for jogging and running, the question is which of them will suit you best.
In addition to the basic running equipment, many people believe that some smaller running accessories are a must. Despite what other people think, what matters the most is having the items that you consider important.
Shoes
While plain cross country shoes can serve the purpose, cross country shoes with spikes work well for any distance.
Spike shoes are mostly worn by sprinters. As they run long distances, they require light shoes with soft soles and spikes at the bottom. These spikes offer pronounced traction on the field and tracks. Also, they offer better grip on different terrain. However, if you are using spike shoes for any formal sport event, make sure you have the right length spikes in the shoes.
Track spikes and cross country spikes are the two most popular kinds of spike shoes among sportsmen. Though they sound similar, they are used for different purposes. The length of track spikes is shorter than cross country spikes because the latter is used for all terrain and prevents the user from slipping on muddy and uneven surfaces. For paved and tiled surfaces, you do not need a cross country spike.
Spikes on cross country shoes are removable and replaceable. So it is always best to have a couple pairs of them on hand as spares while you are running a cross country race. This way, you can easily replace your shoes in the middle of your run if necessary. If you are a regular runner, then you should wear them even during practice so that you give your best in the finals.
Besides shoes, running accessories such as headbands, specialized running clothing, socks and water bottles are manufactured by many sportswear companies. For the best accessories, you can either look around online or visit your nearest sports store and explain to them exactly what you are looking for. The salesmen are usually trained to know the accessories required for each type of run; they also know which brands offer the best quality. They can guide you in finding the kinds of accessories that will make your run most enjoyable.