One of the things that initially attracted me to running as a way of keeping fit was that you don’t need much stuff to be a runner. Shorts, t-shirt, shoes (or not) and you are good to go. If the weather isn’t being kind, perhaps an extra layer … or two.

When I first started running, I had no watch or GPS. I didn’t even try to time myself. A couple of years down the road and I now wear a gadget on most runs. It’s an old Garmin 205 which I hope will survive for many years and it’s a very useful tool. That said, at least once a week I like to run without it.

Necessity also dictates that, for longer distances, I carry a small water bottle and wear a small belt-pack to carry a few essentials: phone, fuel, gloves (my hands feel the cold!) and sometimes a map.

There are many people who run exclusively barefoot and I admire them greatly. One day I may be one of them, who knows? In the meantime, I have to admit to owning a few pairs of shoes. I don’t know if it’s a lot compared to most other runners but I suspect it’s average. The shoes I own are thin-soled, with a zero heel to forefoot differential. Some are trail shoes, some are road shoes. Most of them double-up as casual footwear which is good because I no longer feel comfortable wearing anything with a built-up sole.

In time, I’ll no doubt and post reviews of my vast shoe collection on this blog.

If you mention minimalist running to other runners they may well interpret the term as relating to minimalist footwear. For me it means using the minimal amount of gear possible to achieve my running goals.