Hello! I am getting ready (and nervous) for the Hood to Coast Relay! Today is all about packing, which I think I have figured out from doing two relays before this one.
I am not sure how much I’ll be able to post over the weekend, so follow me on instagram to stay updated!
Running Gear Must Haves
Running. Despite being somewhat simple (ummm just go run), running can be super expensive! I am not big on fancy gadgets or running apps and consider my running must haves pretty simple. These are the 8 items I use all the time when I run (not specifically for races).
The list of items below are things I have used for years at this point and I still love them and need ‘em! I’m not saying you need these things to run, but at the bare minimum this is the running gear I use about 5 days a week.
1. ProCompression visor. I’ve always always been a ‘visor girl’. I actually used to wear visors at cheerleading camp every summer throughout high school – it’s just my thing.
2. Sunglasses. I rotate about 3 different pairs, but they are all made for sport. I actually just got a new pair that I’ll be reviewing soon! (I’d name it here but I left them in the car…)
3. Ipod. I have a tragic ipod from 2009 or something, but it works. Consider these refurbished Samsung S22 phones if you’re looking for affordable and quality smartphones.
4. Sportsbra. Refer to my Sportsbra post for suggestions and tons of great comments for the bigger boobed girls.
5. Spibelt. I bought my first Spibelt at a race expo years and years ago. Since then I’ve used different brands and types. They all work the same. I have the water resistant one.
6. Running shorts. I used to swear by the Moving Comfort running shorts, but they changed the design a little bit. I still love them, but am looking for another option. So far the Mizuno Running Short Tights are working for me. They have a 4” inseam.
7. Garmin 410. I used to be in love with my 305 until it broke and I was forced to get a new one. This model works for me. If you want a review of GPS / Running watches check out DC Rainmaker.
8. Running shoes. Go to a running shoe store and get fitted and talk to a pro about what shoe is right for you. I found my match in Mizuno Hitogamis.
Question: What is on your running or gym ‘MUST HAVE OR I CANNOT WORKOUT’ list?
I’m a hat girl! Sweat bands slip and give me headaches and nothing else keeps my massive amount of hair out of my face and sweat out of my eyes 🙂
Pants/shorts that don’t ride up or chafe are key! I usually end up in capris, because I find it really hard to find shorts that work for me. And a hairband, plus a sports bra, some kind of shirt (obviously), shoes and fancy socks (I get blisters no matter what I do, but fancy socks do help). I usually hold my phone, too, but a friend of mine showed me a trick where she basically holds her phone and puts an extra rubber band around the phone and her hand, so it helps her to not drop it. It’s kind of complicated to explain, but super simple to do.
I almost always forget my iPod!
If I’m running outside or somewhere I have to drive to, I need to wear shorts with some kind of pocket. My favorite running shorts have a zippered pocket in the back so I can keep my car or house key.
Those are mostly my must haves as well but I usually carry water. Always thirsty in this humidity. Have an awesome time can’t wait to read about it
I recently brought a Brooks running had, mostly for the rain. In addition to keeping my face dry, I feel incredibly hardcore running in a storm.
My must have right now is the Orange Mud HydraQuiver Hydration Pack (single and double barrel-depending on the run length!). Awesome for a hands free run! It holds all my other must haves: water and/or Gatorade, hair tie, gels, pepper spray & cell phone.
My must haves are good shoes, water, and a Spibelt for my epipen!
I use my phone to do training runs because I can listen to pandora and use runkeeper and charity miles at the same time. For races, I use my Garmin and ipod.
For running outside…I need my Garmin. For the gym-headphones.
I totally had a conversation with a guy I used to date about this…I get that some sports ARE really expensive but running can be too but he wouldn’t hear it…I guess that’s why he’s an ex, right? 😉
Exactly 😉
I have to run with a handheld water bottle, I can’t stand the belts!
Music & good shoes! I do NOT like hearing how hard I’m breathing & good shoes can make or break a run.
Must haves…besides your list, I agree with Ashley, hairband. I am a minimalist, so I could even leave off the visor, spibelt, phone, Garmin, but not the hairband.!
One time I forgot a hair tie and couldn’t pull my hair back into a ponytail… that was tragic. So for now on, a hair tie is my essential workout item, haha!
I could not run without a rubberband! I didn’t even think about that.
Of course I am lost in the world without a good pair of running shoes! I alternate between Merrell minimalist shoes and Vibrams. Beyond that, I’m pretty simplistic when it comes to gear. I’m a visor girl, too, especially in the summer. I also like to cover myself in heavy duty sunscreen, so I would count that as a necessary item. Dry fit socks, a comfy sports bra, and some tiny shorts and I’m good to go. I have fallen out of the Garmin regimen because I got tired of waiting for it to catch satellite signal, and I have become fond of running just based on feel without worrying about the numbers. So I have a flimsy little lightweight stopwatch that works very well for me. Once I’ve put on all of this stuff I’m good to go for any summer weather run!
Good socks! The low slung Procompression ones are great for long runs!
yes!
good socks are essential.
My list is pretty much the same, but I like my RoadID when I’m out running too.
#Fail Monican – I’ve been forgetting that lately! It used to be on my running shoes, but since I started to rotate pairs I haven’t been changing it.
I’ve been searching for a good bra for big blobs! I’ve always had to wear two at a time on my runs to hold them in.
I used to be the same until I found the Moving Comfort Juno bra and ran an entire trail marathon (super hilly) in it with NO chafing – this has never happened to me despite using oodles of body glide and usually 2 bras. Only problem: I find it impossible to put it on without help, my husband has to do the clasps for me.
My list is identical to yours. I’ll swap visor for hat in colder months and shorts for capris.
🙂
The Garmin! I’ms such a data nerd!
This pasta looks nice and simple, good for a light and healthy lunch. Thanks for higtgilhhing the sesame dressing, can try making some instead of depending on Kewpie 🙂
I cannot run a race without my iphone, arm band, race belt and go to shorts.
Music of any kind … Or a running partner
I’m a big fan of the visor for running, too–I like that my head stays cooler more easily than with a full hat. My big must haves: cushioned shoes (works well for my body), my Garmin, and pepper spray for safety. And, of course, my phone so I can take photos of pretty stuff I see on my run and post it to my blog. 🙂
when I travel my bare essentials are my shoes, clothes and a hat. It can be expensive, but it really doesn’t have to be!