My local running store.

I love my local running store --- Varsity Sports.  http://www.varsityrunning.com/  Until I really started getting serious about trying to become a runner, I don't think I truly relaized how important a good local running store can be.  Take shoes, for example.  It is imperative that you are properly fitted for the correct shoe; I learned firsthand that not all local running stores are equal in that regard.  I am in no way trying to suggest they don't all mean well, but being improperly fitted can be disastrous.  The folks at Varsity Sports are true professionals in terms of fitting.  They are patient, educated, insightful, and there every step of the way no matter how novice of experienced you may be.  I especially like how they keep track, online, of the shoes that you have tried and the reasons why you chose or declined a specific shoe.  Plus, they give you a t-shirt each time you buy a pair of shoes with them.  (Brilliant marketing!)

It isn't only about runnning shoes, though.  I never realized how much equipment goes into running.  When I started to have issues with my achiles, for example, I wouldn't have known about calf compression sleeves.  On long runs (for me) when I was getting dehydrated, they were able to recommend electrolyte drinks (not Gatorade) and gels that have, thus far, gotten me through the hump.  You may not think about the potential chafing on your feet, legs, arms, etc. --- but they have, and offer you products like Body Glide to help.  And, most important, the watch.  It tracks my pace, mileage, calories, and lets me know how I am doing.  I have the Garmin with the foot pod (for when I am on the treadmill).  The watch is amazing.  It links to my computer and, along with Google Earth, shows me my pace at any point during my run. 

Maybe I'm behind the times, but without my local running store, I don't think I would have known about any of this.  Sure, there are tons of web sites that you can go to and buy this equipment over the web.  It wouldn't be the same, though, without those people at Varsity Sports that I have gotten to know.  You see, it's not just their advice and their products.  It's also about their encouragement, advice, and their willingness to always help.  I know there is no way I would be where I am without them, and I also know that I wouldn't necessarily have the courage to go where I hope to go as a runner without them. 

Bottom line, go to your local running store.  Speak to the people who work there.  Use them for advice and encouragement.  Those are things you can't get over the internet.