You have the shoes.  You have the clothes.  Maybe you even have the vaseline.  But do you have everything you need to become a runner?  Here are 5 pieces of gear I swear by, backed up by 12 years of running.

Nathan Trail Mix Plus Insulated Hydration Belt, Bluestone, One Size
Historically, I like running with the least amount of stuff on me as possible.  Sadly, I've had a few dehydration encounters that forced me to pick one of these bad boys up.  The fact that I can bear to run with it speaks volumes about how well it works.  I can hold my phone, keys, and water to make sure I get a safe run in.

Garmin Forerunner 220, White/Violet (Certified Refurbished)
This might be controversial to some.  I tried a lot of other GPS apps, but nothing is as close to being accurate as a Garmin watch.  It's pricier than most, but it lasts years and the battery life lasts days.  I bought mine back in 2012, and I still have it.

Road ID Bracelet - the Wrist ID Slim 2 - Identification Bracelet, ID Wristband, Child ID, and Sport ID - Fits Adults & Kids
In a worst-case scenario, Road IDs allow someone to access emergency information quickly.  Because let's face it: unconscious people can't tell you their passcodes.  Basically, you're paying about $30 for a huge peace of mind.

TriggerPoint GRID Foam Roller with Free Online Instructional Videos, Original (13-inch), Black
They're at basically every marathon expo.  Buy one.  It will change your life.  I hate stretching, so now I just roll out my muscles at night.  When I finish, my body feels about five years younger.

Day-by-day Run Planner | Running Journals by Gone For a Run | Believe Running Girl
Use a journal to catalog all your triumphs and defeats.  They help process your experience, and they're also a fun read a few years down the line.

Author's Bio: 

Hannah is a business school graduate, New Yorker, and an avid marathon runner. To date, she has finished over ten marathons including the Boston Marathon. With over a dozen years of competitive running under her belt, she began a running blog called www.unicornswelcome.com. She hopes to give runners an honest opinion of what has worked and what hasn't by calling upon her own personal experiences.