What accessories do you run with?

[disneygirl76]

Hi everyone,

As I get into running and training for the Princess Half Marathon, I am finding there are all sorts of tools and accessories out there. Right now, I run holding my phone using MapMyWalk app with shows my route and time and pace and calories via GPS. I plan on running with my phone for music as well as using an app.

The app currently tells me verbal updates at the mile marks but nothing more.

What app do you train with?
What GPS app do you use?
Do you use an app or a watch?

What arm bands do you use or what do you use to hold your phone while running?

I have seen all sorts of things out there - Nike Fuel Bands, Fit Bits, your cell phones. There seems to be so much that I don't know where to begin.

Any advice would be great!

Thank you!

 

[Ariel484]

It depends on a lot of things...treadmill vs. running outside, longer run vs. shorter run, etc.

Treadmill inside: Not much. I've managed to wean myself off of running with music for the most part so I'll occasionally just have a water bottle.

Outside ALWAYS: Garmin Forerunner 210 (the white/green/blue one...Buzz Lightyear colors! ), a Road ID Sport Elite and sunscreen (Neutrogena Wet Skin or the sport variety)...then depending on the weather, sunglasses (really old pair of Oakleys) or a hat, etc.

If it's hot out, I take an Amphipod handheld bottle for runs less than 10 miles. For longer runs I use a Camelback, which is big enough to fit my phone and some other things. For fuel I like Gu Chomps.

I've heard good things about the RunKeeper app but have never tried it. MapMyRun would also be one to check out...again, never tried it thanks to the Garmin. It's tough to recommend gear because everyone's got different preferences (example: lots of people like water belts but I can't stand them). Good luck!

 

[joel_maxwell]

My main suggestion would be to keep it simple and dont over do it. The simpler your set up, the easier it is to focus on the task at hand. Also, if you have a lot of gear you rely on, and then forget one piece of it (like I did once) which completely ruined my day.

My gear:
305 Garmin
road id
Salomon hydration vest on runs over 6 miles in the summer only with pods in front - only use bladder in back on runs over 10
go ruck tac hat
iphone in vest

That is it. Once I eliminated the things I didnt need, life got easier.

Everyone is different, just remember to try and simplify, which makes things less stressful to prepare for.

 

[Kristia]

Depends on how long my run is. For short runs of 5 miles or less, I just have my Garmin 405 watch and maybe my music. Runs longer than 5 miles, I also bring water or Gatorade (in a Nathan waterbelt) and GU Chomps. I carry the Chomps in a spibelt which will also hold my phone if I need to bring it. I usually run with my husband, so he brings his phone during longer runs too. If doing a Disney run, I always take my camera too!

 

[JillC LI]

I agree with Joel. I run outdoors with very few "extras." I wear my Garmin watch and use my Nano on a neck lanyard for music. If I'm running longer than an hour, I'll wear a fuel belt with gatorade in it. If I'm running more than 10 miles, I'll throw some Gel or Bloks in my pocket too. I keep meaning to get Road ID but still haven't done it after 18 years of running. I almost never bring my phone. Probably stupid on both accounts.

 

[Kristia]

I agree with Joel. I run outdoors with very few "extras." I wear my Garmin watch and use my Nano on a neck lanyard for music. If I'm running longer than an hour, I'll wear a fuel belt with gatorade in it. If I'm running more than 10 miles, I'll throw some Gel or Bloks in my pocket too. I keep meaning to get Road ID but still haven't done it after 18 years of running. I almost never bring my phone. Probably stupid on both accounts.

Sounds like me. Rarely bring my phone and I don't have a road id either. I usually don't run alone so that's how I justify it, but you never know... I do really need to get something.

 

[JillC LI]

Sounds like me. Rarely bring my phone and I don't have a road id either. I usually don't run alone so that's how I justify it, but you never know... I do really need to get something.

Yeah, but I almost ALWAYS run alone. Once in awhile my hubby will ride his bike with me while I run on a trail on the weekends, but usually not. For an intelligent person, I do some dumb things. Maybe I'll order that Road ID this weekend. If I remember.

 

[JillC LI]

road id

Joel, in the vein of striking while the iron is hot, I just went to the roadid.com web page to see what they have. I like the idea of the shoe version (no pouch) because it seems the least invasive, but I don't know if it stays flush against the shoe or if it flops around while you run. Which one do you have, and do you like it? Anyone else with Road ID, feel free to chime in as well.

 

[joel_maxwell]

Joel, in the vein of striking while the iron is hot, I just went to the roadid.com web page to see what they have. I like the idea of the shoe version (no pouch) because it seems the least invasive, but I don't know if it stays flush against the shoe or if it flops around while you run. Which one do you have, and do you like it? Anyone else with Road ID, feel free to chime in as well.

@JillC LI I have this, in red for medical and someone would see it. I have name, year i was born, hospital, Sam mobile number and name, NKA - ORG DON - blood type.

I like the wrist version. It is very coMfy and I dont even notice it. This make it washable, or, I just wear it in the pool on Fridays and let the chlorine do its job. I like this webbing type version instead of the rubber products for the wrist.

Nick has this one and it is on his vest. Naturally a black band.

Please get one. I cant go do anything without mine. I feel that if something happened, it is my responsibility to get back to my family the best way I can, and not to sound like commercial, but if I cant speak, it does. Sam wears one while riding too.

 

[Mad Stitch]

Not that you haven’t already done this, but before you get caught up in accessories you should go to a running store and get properly fitted for a good pair of running shoes.

I run with my Garmin and my iPod nano. If I’m running over 7 miles I’ll bring water with me on an iFitness belt. I’ve never run with my phone or ID, I should probably get a Road ID in case something were to happen.

 

[Sumrdog]

As everyone else has said its really what your comfortable with.

On runs shorter than 6 miles I usually take nothing but my iPhone for music and GPS.
I use the RunTracker app. I love it, but I am thinking of getting a Garmin because the app sucks the battery life out of my phone.
I keep my phone in a hippie runner waste belt it has two tiny pockets that can stretch amazingly huge, this goes on most runs with me.

Long runs I have a camelback for water, fruit snacks, TP and a small bottle of powerade, I have to cinch it way down though, I hate stuff bouncing.
And for early morning runs I take bear spray, in case I surprise a bear . At least once a year I read about some innocent jogger or mountain biker getting mauled around here...That may not be an issue where you live.

I can't carry anything in my hands when I run because they will go numb and get really cold. You will figure these things out through trial and error.

For hot days, I wear a hat and sunglasses and Handana, which is a cool little sweat wiper that fits over your hand.

For cold, icy days, I used to wear these little cleats that strapped to my sneaks, then I got a stress fracture in my 5th metatarsal. So if you need ice cleats get the ones built into the shoe, or the coil type that wrap all they way around and don't leave the mid section of your foot sagging...I learned that lesson the hard way.

As far as apps, I think the Zombies Run app is clever, especially if your needing something to keep you motivated. Its a post apocalyptic running game, it tracks your runs and immerses you through your headphones with a story in which you are a runner out getting supplies for your community during a zombie apocalypse. You can do intervals where you'll here the zombies breathing down your neck making you run faster. There is a whole story with characters which seamlessly integrates with whatever music you listen too. I don't use it all the time, but its definitely a fun little diversion.

Anyway I inserted the links if you want to check out any of these things. Happy running!

 

[imagination30]

i use runkeeper app for my iphone.. , and you can cyn it with the site .. on your computer.. , i also have.
Gu chomps... ( thanks to Krista and shannon ,) and i use them on my long runs at times... and then there are my asics gel 3700 , and i run like the wind bulleye!

 

[Fievel]

I run with a Spibelt with GU hooks that I can put my fuel in on longer runs.

Inside the belt, I keep my phone that runs my runkeeper app.

I don't like running with fluids on me, so if I run longer than 6 miles, I plan to run past a convenience store that I can get a quick shot of water or gatorade that I only have to deal with for a mile or two before I can throw it away.

I also use the RoadID band. I'm allergic to bees, and often run alone during the summer....which reminds me. I should add an epi-pen to my gear if I'm alone.

 

[Sumrdog]

I run with a Spibelt with GU hooks that I can put my fuel in on longer runs.

Inside the belt, I keep my phone that runs my runkeeper app.

I don't like running with fluids on me, so if I run longer than 6 miles, I plan to run past a convenience store that I can get a quick shot of water or gatorade that I only have to deal with for a mile or two before I can throw it away.

I also use the RoadID band. I'm allergic to bees, and often run alone during the summer....which reminds me. I should add an epi-pen to my gear if I'm alone.

I foolishly run without my epi-pen half the time. I should be better about that...

 

[disneygirl76]

Depends on how long my run is. For short runs of 5 miles or less, I just have my Garmin 405 watch and maybe my music. Runs longer than 5 miles, I also bring water or Gatorade (in a Nathan waterbelt) and GU Chomps. I carry the Chomps in a spibelt which will also hold my phone if I need to bring it. I usually run with my husband, so he brings his phone during longer runs too. If doing a Disney run, I always take my camera too!

I'm looking up these Garmin watches b/c they tend to be the most used. Pricey little things aren't they! I think I might be asking for one for my bday.

 

[disneygirl76]

I agree with Joel. I run outdoors with very few "extras." I wear my Garmin watch and use my Nano on a neck lanyard for music. If I'm running longer than an hour, I'll wear a fuel belt with gatorade in it. If I'm running more than 10 miles, I'll throw some Gel or Bloks in my pocket too. I keep meaning to get Road ID but still haven't done it after 18 years of running. I almost never bring my phone. Probably stupid on both accounts.

I have a silly question - the Road ID is for if something happens to you so your info is on there?

 

[disneygirl76]

Not that you haven’t already done this, but before you get caught up in accessories you should go to a running store and get properly fitted for a good pair of running shoes.

I run with my Garmin and my iPod nano. If I’m running over 7 miles I’ll bring water with me on an iFitness belt. I’ve never run with my phone or ID, I should probably get a Road ID in case something were to happen.

Thanks! Yep - all set on the front. Actually going this weekend to look at getting another pair. I think my feet have changed since I first got my Mizunos. I am doing this weird thing with my right foot making my ankle hurt and i'm getting an odd shin pull on my left foot. So we are going to reassess.

 

[disneygirl76]

As everyone else has said its really what your comfortable with.

On runs shorter than 6 miles I usually take nothing but my iPhone for music and GPS.
I use the RunTracker app. I love it, but I am thinking of getting a Garmin because the app sucks the battery life out of my phone.
I keep my phone in a hippie runner waste belt it has two tiny pockets that can stretch amazingly huge, this goes on most runs with me.

Long runs I have a camelback for water, fruit snacks, TP and a small bottle of powerade, I have to cinch it way down though, I hate stuff bouncing.
And for early morning runs I take bear spray, in case I surprise a bear . At least once a year I read about some innocent jogger or mountain biker getting mauled around here...That may not be an issue where you live.

I can't carry anything in my hands when I run because they will go numb and get really cold. You will figure these things out through trial and error.

For hot days, I wear a hat and sunglasses and Handana, which is a cool little sweat wiper that fits over your hand.

For cold, icy days, I used to wear these little cleats that strapped to my sneaks, then I got a stress fracture in my 5th metatarsal. So if you need ice cleats get the ones built into the shoe, or the coil type that wrap all they way around and don't leave the mid section of your foot sagging...I learned that lesson the hard way.

As far as apps, I think the Zombies Run app is clever, especially if your needing something to keep you motivated. Its a post apocalyptic running game, it tracks your runs and immerses you through your headphones with a story in which you are a runner out getting supplies for your community during a zombie apocalypse. You can do intervals where you'll here the zombies breathing down your neck making you run faster. There is a whole story with characters which seamlessly integrates with whatever music you listen too. I don't use it all the time, but its definitely a fun little diversion.

Anyway I inserted the links if you want to check out any of these things. Happy running!

Ok - I totally thought Bear Spray was like a name of something and I checked and nope, its really bear spray! I run around DC - no bears here...politicians....but no bears.

 

[Sumrdog]

Ok - I totally thought Bear Spray was like a name of something and I checked and nope, its really bear spray! I run around DC - no bears here...politicians....but no bears.

It could come in handy if someone creepy is following you too, it's like a small fire extinguisher size can of pepper spray. It's pretty much standard issue outdoor equipment here in Montana, it clips to your belt. Honestly, it's mostly precautionary every bear I've encountered has run away from me, but it's good to be prepared.

 

[Mr mom]

I wear a hat if it is raining but other than my mp3, a really old one I carry nothing. water in the summer on hot days which is seldom that hot. In general I have run over 20 miles without even taking a water bottle. I know I should carry some identification though and I never take my phone either.