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
- 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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{ 8 comments… read them below or add one }
Today I ran free - well except for my watch. lol
Depending on the run, I’ll carry all of that stuff…. or mostly none of it, but it’s rare I go w/ out the Garmin.
I’ve also stocked up on RaceReady shorts… it bums me out to need all those pockets, but they sure come in handy.
M
@Marcus - Glad I’m not the only one who carries lots of stuff!
I usually only take my cell phone (to serve as a watch as well) and my keys and maybe my I-Pod or a radio. I prefer not having to carry a bunch of stuff with me and I haven’t quite acquired the new technology out these days such as the Garmin. I am hoping to snag a Nike+ wristband though so that might be added.
Good advice, need to rethink my Camelbak, I’ve only used it once and it seems like I got blisters on my back and hips from chaffing. But you have to carry all that stuff on the long runs.
Today, I wore my commitment skirt and had keys in each side pocket, and carried water in my hand with a strap, and wore the hat and that worked. My legs are TRASHED, but it’s all good!
Anybody know how to get into the St. George Marathon?
@Rachel - the Nike+ wristband looks nice - I was using the regular Nike+ iPod system for a while and thought it was fairly accurage, but I didn’t like feeling like I always had to bring an iPod. The wristband gets around this restriction nicely. It’s also quite a bit cheaper than a Garmin.
@Rachel M - Picking the right water system is a tricky thing - I personally don’t like the water bottle/strap systems because I feel like it throws off my arm swing, so I’ve learned to live with the Camelbak. I don’t usually have chafing problems with it, but on really hot days I try to remember to use Body Glide. Glad the bottle/strap system is working for you though.
Wow, good to see that someone else loads up with the gadgets–just like I do–for the long runs! Love the Nano + podcasts, and love the Garmin!
I would be LOST without my Garmin!! I, too, am a distance/time geek! The ipod is also an essential but I’m trying to get away from it during shorter races. Glasses - yes, camelpack - no, hat - no. We have more similarities than differences!
Fun post!
Sandy