Run Faster

I saw this the other day on Popgadget and had no idea how soon I would need it. A combination lock that uses letters so you can spell a word - much easier to remember than numbers, at least for me. You can even set your own word so it’ll be easy for you to remember. Simple yet brilliant.

Monday I went to the rec center after work to get a run in on the treadmill. I hadn’t used my (ordinary numbered) combination lock for about a week, but it was open and I locked my locker without thinking about it. However, when I finished my workout, I couldn’t remember the combo for the life of me. Since I was hungry and ready to go home, after a few minutes of unsuccessful pondering, I got someone to cut it off for me.

Masterlock also makes one of these that is similar but has only 4 letters. I found it at my local WalMart. It was slightly cheaper than the Wordlock and seems just about as good. I think this may just save me from buying another lock for a good long while.

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One of the many things I like about running is its simplicity. Unlike a lot of other sports (hockey for one - I’m glad I’m not a hockey parent!) - very little is needed to participate. Arguably, all you need are some clothes - how little or how much is up to you and your modesty - and some shoes and socks (although some people don’t even run with those).

However, most days I have at least some running equipment that I consider almost essential, although others might disagree. For example, here’s a list of what I took with me on this morning’s 10 mile run:

• Garmin Forerunner
• Camelbak
• RoadID
• Clif Shots
• iPod Nano, loaded with podcasts
• Cell phone
• Sunglasses
• Hat

That’s pretty much my standard list for a longer run, although the iPod I probably only take about half the time. Here’s my rationale for these items:

The Garmin

Okay, this is definitely not essential, but I’m kind of a geek and I like to keep track of my time and distance. If I don’t wear the Garmin, I at least wear a running watch. I just like to have at least a rough idea of the stats I get from these tools so I can decide if I want to tweak my training plan.

Camelbak

I usually only take the camelbak or a water bottle if I’m going to be out for more than an hour or if it’s a particularly hot day. I figure that for shorter/cooler runs, I can re-hydrate fairly well after, but for long/hot runs, it’s particularly important to keep hydrated.

RoadID

Safety. You just don’t know when you might get hurt and can’t speak for yourself. Enough said.

Cell phone

Basically for the same reason as the RoadID, but for less serious situations.

Clif Shots

I usually take Clif Shot Blocks, gel, or some other form of on-the-go nutrition if I’m planning on running 8 miles or longer. It gives me enough of a boost that I feel better both during and after the run.

iPod Nano

This is my least essential item. I rarely take it on shorter runs, and almost never take it on tempo runs or other hard runs because I like to try to focus on my form on those type of runs and I find music and podcasts too distracting. I do like having it on longer runs though.

Sunglasses

One of the more essential items, at least for me, especially on sunny days. However, I even wear sunglasses on cloudy days because I feel like it helps keep my eyes from drying out and it keeps bugs and other things from getting in my eyes.

Hat

I usually have a fleece or merino wool hat in the winter ( + gloves) and a light cap in the summer. I like the warmth/shade a hat provides, and as a bonus, it keeps my hair out of my face so it doesn’t bug me.

So am I overdoing it or what? What do you consider to be the essential equipment for your runs?

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