It’s another edition of Just Run, where each month a group of my running blogger friends gather with their tips, tricks and thoughts on all things running.
In case you missed the previous editions:
This month we are talking about our running essentials. The things we’d hate to run without.
I like to think of myself of a no frills runner. Yes, I do like high tech, fun stuff but I’d be just as happy to run with nothing but my running shoes on. Now, I’m not saying I’m going to do a nude race (one word: ouch) but for me, I just need the bare essentials to hit the road or trails running.
Shoes
By far, shoes are my #1 essential. I cringe every time I see someone running barefoot in a race. All I can think of is stepping on broken glass or something nasty like dog poop with a bare foot. I like the support and cushion of a shoe. My favorite shoe right now is the Saucony Ride 10 for roads and Saucony Peregrine for trails. I like to rotate through shoes for different runs. Currently in the rotation, I have Altra, Hoka One and New Balance along with a couple pairs of Saucony. If you’ve never been professionally fitted for running shoes, do it now. It’s the best thing for your running.
Sports Bra
I couldn’t imagine running without a good supportive sports bra. I don’t have a big chest but I like the girls locked and loaded while running. If my sports bra makes the girls bounce at all, I’m not a fan. Those bras are reserved for low impact workouts like biking, strength training or yoga. Currently, I’m loving the Saucony Bounce Trouncer and the Handful Y-Back.
Socks
Over the years, Feetures socks have become my favorite for road running. I prefer lightweight over cushioning. That just makes me feet too hot. The Elite Ultra Light is usually my go to. For trail running, I like Darn Tough for a little bit of cushion. I’m also more likely to wear calf sleeves on the trails. CEP Compression is my fav. It’s kind of weird that I can’t stand wearing compression sleeves or socks when on the roads but love it on the trails. Maybe because it provides extra protection for my shins from rocks and sticks?
Phone
You guys know that I love taking Run-fies (i.e. running selfies). For that reason I take my phone on every single run. But even more importantly, my phone comes along for an extra dose of security. After having a creeper following me while out for a run a couple of years ago, I’ve been extra vigilant about running safety. I don’t want to run with my phone in my hand so I use a belt. Usually, any type of belt annoys me, particularly hydration belts. Those things do not stay in place. I started using a belt from Fuel Belt last year. I don’t think they make the one I use anymore, but THIS one is similar. No bouncing and stays in place for the most part. If it does start to creep up my hips, I’ll tighten the belt and it stays put.
Watch
I could absolutely run without a watch. I have a general sense of the mileage for different routes around town. I like feedback and data, though. I’m not a slave to pace but I like to see how far I ran or at least how many minutes I was out there. I’m not afraid to leave the GPS at home and use my simple Timex instead. But then there’s the Strava data…what can I say, I like the data! For the past 6 months, I have been using a Epson ProSense GPS but last week I started adding my trusted Garmin Forerunner 230 back into the mix. Right now I’m doing a mix of both watches to see what’s more accurate.
Want to know what my running blogger friends can’t run without? Be sure to click on the image or their name to find out their essentials for racing and running.
Check out what 6 running bloggers consider their #running essentials for the latest edition of Just…
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Linking up with Coaches Corner and Wild Workout Wednesday.
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What are your running essentials?
The post 5 Things I’d Hate to Run Without {Just Run} appeared first on Happy Fit Mama.