Comfort is key in the sport of running, and quality gear such as breathable fabrics, well-supported shoes, and Shock Doctor compression shorts can all help to shave precious minutes off your PR (personal record). Obviously, running is an intense, high-impact sport, and studies have shown that the more comfortable an athlete is, the more likely they are to train harder, run longer, and move faster.

When purchasing clothes to run in, be sure to choose fabrics that will wick away sweat from your body. This will allow your sweat to evaporate off your skin, rather than soaking your shirt and weighing you down. Also try to choose light-colored shorts and tops that will reflect sunlight away from your body to keep your body temperature down.

All runners know the importance of buying good running shoes, but it’s a good idea to visit a specialty running store where you can get personally fitted for a shoe, rather than attempting to buy a pair on your own. Specialty stores are often staffed by experienced runners that know what to look for, and can help you find the best shoe for your gait and running style.

And last, but certainly not least, you definitely want to nip any chafing problems in the bud before they have the chance to cause any serious damage. Shock Doctor compression shorts are a great way to minimize discomfort in the groin area and allow your run to flow smoothly, helping you to get one second closer to that marathon PR.