Running Changes Everything®: Nathan’s Running Essentials at Fleet Feet

Just a few years ago, Nathan Clemenson was an inspired new runner who knew he needed to invest in new shoes and apparel to get more involved in the sport and community that he was growing to love.

But how? There were so many different shoes available at running stores and online and such a wide variety of brands, styles and colors in running clothes that he didn’t know how or where to get started.

Fortunately, he walked into a Fleet Feet store in Austin, Texas, and was guided to several pairs of shoes that matched the shape of his feet and the characteristics of his running gait based on the data and expert staff advice from the Fleet Feet fit id® Outfitting Process. He also found a smartly curated selection of stylish and performance-oriented apparel, plus many key accessories he didn’t even know he needed.

“Walking into Fleet Feet that first time was such a big thing because I got so much help getting set up with the shoes and gear I needed,” Nathan says. “That helped put me on my way to get more involved with running, to improve my fitness, to run better and to enjoy every aspect of it even more.”

If you’ve been following Nathan’s story, you know his Fleet Feet experience was so amazing that he started working there and now manages one of the Austin stores. He has already run a couple of half marathons and has eyes on another one next year. With a summer of running quickly approaching, Nathan shares his must-have running gear available now online or at your local Fleet Feet.

ASICS Gel Nimbus Lite 3

$160, 8.1 oz (W), 9.2 oz (M); 13mm heel-toe drop (W), 10mm heel-toe drop (M)

The ASICS GEL-Nimbus Lite 3 is a soft and bouncy lightweight neutral training shoe. The plush, energetic FlyteFoam cushioning material provides endless comfort and energy return, while additional segments of ASICS’ signature GEL cushioning material in the heel and forefoot provide soft landings and a smooth ride. The breathable, “barely there” upper is made from recycled materials and environmentally friendly dye to create a more sustainable shoe.

Nathan loves the soft, smooth ride it provides and how it accommodates his tendency to roll along the lateral side of his wide feet when he runs.

“I love the Nimbus Lite 3 because of the way it tapers to the ground and has an extended width,” he says. “But I also love it because it’s nice and responsive. Even though it’s a highly cushioned shoe, it still has a responsive feel to it from the energy it returns.”

Saucony Endorphin Speed 2

$160, 7 oz (W), 7.9 oz (M); 8mm heel-toe drop

The Saucony Endorphin Speed 2 is a neutral, lightweight, hyper-energetic training and racing shoe that will put a spring in every step. It’s built on a platform of Saucony’s advanced PWRRUN PB foam, SPEEDROLL technology and a nylon propulsion plate that combine to create a comfortable and lively sensation.

“I really like the amazing responsiveness it has and the fact that it’s really light and very durable,” Nathan says. “It’s a great shoe for training and for racing. I wore it in the Austin half marathon and pretty much everybody I was running with was wearing that shoe.”

New Balance FuelCell Rebel v2

$130, 5.8 oz (W) 7.3 oz (M); 6mm heel-toe drop

The New Balance Rebel v2 is a neutral training shoe that delivers responsiveness in every stride from the high-rebound FuelCell midsole foam. The FuelCell Rebel v2 sports a reimagined FuelCell midsole with beefier cushioning at the forefoot to promote quick transitions and super-supportive cushioning. The upper design has been revamped from the original version to tactfully integrate the New Balance logo on each side as a way to offer additional support.

“I really, really like the Nitrogen-infused FuelCell foam because it’s super responsive,” he says. “And like the ASICS Nimbus Lite 3, it also has a beveled design that provides a nice wide base for added stability.”

rabbit Beach Break 5" Short - $68

These modern performance shorts have a beach-inspired design and board shorts look while providing optimal comfort and functionality for running, thanks to the flat waistband and external drawcord. They’re made from sustainable, lightweight COCOTEX Coconut Charcoal Polyester fabric that wicks away moisture to keep you dry and help reduce odors.

“I think the fabric Rabbit uses in these shorts is super lightweight and feels good on your skin,” he says. “I sweat a lot and it’s super breezy and helps wick away moisture, and that’s especially great in Texas, where we run in 90-degree temperatures a lot.”

Nathan Speedshot Plus Handheld - $25

This convenient grip-free handheld flask is an ideal hydration accessory for short to long runs. It has a 12 oz ergo flask with a Push-Pull Blast Valve™ cap, no-slip grip and a zippered pocket that can carry a smartphone, nutrition or other on-the-run essentials.

“I like the version of the Speedshot Plus with the firm plastic bottle because you can squirt water right into your mouth while you’re running,” he says. “Plus, it has a pouch where you can carry a few things if you need. I typically don’t run with anything, but it’s a nice option if you need to put a key or credit card in there.”

Ciele GoCap - $40

Ciele GOCap SC Athletics is a great performance hat made with lightweight, fast-drying COOLwick™ fabric, recycled performance fibers and a SOFTcurve brim to shield the sun and rain from your face. This five-panel hat protects you in the sun with UPF +40 rating on the brim, front and back panels. It also protects you at night with reflective detailing on the front and back for night run visibility.

“It’s just stylish and that’s one of the big reasons I love it,” he says. “I think Ciele makes really good hats for running.They’re super light and breathable with the right amount of material. It fits my head perfectly!”

Garmin Forerunner 245 Music - $350

The low-profile Garmin Forerunner 245 Music is a feature-packed GPS running watch that does everything you need. It tracks your daily miles using GPS, GLONASS or Galileo satellite systems, it has a built-in heart rate monitor to keep tabs on how hard you're pushing and it can carry up to 500 downloaded songs plus playlists from your Spotify®, Deezer or Amazon Music accounts.

“This is my favorite watch, even though I really don’t run with music much,” he says. “It’s lightweight, small and can track your data, carry your music and be there without getting in the way.”

Aftershokz Air Headphones - $120

These next-generation headphones have an open-ear design that uses bone conduction technology to deliver sound through your cheekbones, allowing you to run with your favorite music or podcasts while still hearing passing traffic and other ambient sounds. The lightweight comfortable design of Aftershokz Air Headphones doesn’t put anything inside or over your ears to distract you, Nathan says. The unique technology delivers a dynamic stereo experience with deeper bass, less vibration and louder volume than traditional headphones or earpods.

“This is a great way to listen to music when you run because it allows you to hear things around you,” Nathan says. “I don’t use them quite as much for running as I do for cross-training and cycling, but the sound quality is amazing. Plus, I have small ear holes, so I can’t use any of the ear bud products, but the way Aftershokz headphones sit next to your ear are perfect for me.”

Roll Recovery R8 - $139

The revolutionary, spring-loaded design of the R8 deep tissue massager provides enough pressure to work out the gnarliest knots and rejuvenate your weary legs while taking the work out of traditional foam rolling. Massaging with the R8 also improves blood flow to flush your tired muscle of toxins and reduce inflammation left behind by your toughest workouts. The compact design makes the R8 easy enough to take anywhere, Nathan says, but it’s burly enough to massage most major muscle groups, including your hamstrings, quads, IT bands, glutes, arms, shins and calves.

“It's probably my most prized possession. I wouldn’t be the runner I am without my R8,” Nathan says. “If you don’t want to get down on the floor and use a foam roller, this is a really good option because it kind of does the work for you. I can let it stay on one spot on my leg for a few moments and move it while I’m watching a show on TV.”

You can find all of Nathan’s favorite gear and more at your local Fleet Feet store or at FleetFeet.com.