Running gear aka What's in YOUR wallet? and other questions

[christinascreative]

Questions for the runners re: gear:

1) Do you wear a wrist wallet / runner belt? If so, what kind do you wear and what are the pluses / minuses?

2) What do you bring with you on runs (short vs long) and how do you get used to carrying stuff with you / how do you make it not as annoying? I'm talking fuel types to cell phones, etc. I get that you probably wear a belt / have a wallet, but isn't it still annoying?

3) Do you wear a GPS watch? If so, which one and why do you like it, why do you NOT like it? If not, and you've tried one, why don't you?

4) Hat vs no hat? Thoughts?

Here's where I'm at- I bring BARE minimum. Cell phone, ID. I wear a hat because I have long hair and hate it going anywhere near my face while running though I hear I shouldn't wear one?

I also don't run more than 3 miles right now as I'm just starting. I know I'll have to "pack" fuel and other stuff when I do the Princess 1/2 but I'm just curious how the more experienced runners manage their stuff and how they've gotten it down to a science.

 

[Ariel484]

1) Do you wear a wrist wallet / runner belt? If so, what kind do you wear and what are the pluses / minuses?

This is the fuel belt I have:

http://www.amphipod.com/products/holders/music/electronics/airflow-lite

I like it because it's breathable and has some elastic in the straps, but I can never get it to sit quite perfectly, and I can't fit my phone inside when I am also carrying fuel. I haven't used it in awhile. Now I either wear a black Sparkle Skirt (amazing pockets!) or, on my longer runs, I put all my stuff into my Camelbak:

http://www.amazon.com/Camelbak-Annadel-50-Hydration-Pack/dp/B0043831BU

2) What do you bring with you on runs (short vs long) and how do you get used to carrying stuff with you / how do you make it not as annoying? I'm talking fuel types to cell phones, etc. I get that you probably wear a belt / have a wallet, but isn't it still annoying?

Short - house key only (my shorts have a small pocket above the butt just big enough for a key). If I need a small amount of water, I bring a handheld bottle:

http://www.amphipod.com/products/hydration/bottles-handhelds/handhelds/hydraform-handheld-lite

Longer runs: In the Camelbak, I have fuel, my cell phone, water and some kleenex.

3) Do you wear a GPS watch? If so, which one and why do you like it, why do you NOT like it? If not, and you've tried one, why don't you?

Yes. I have a Garmin Forerunner 305 and I LOVE it. The only thing i don't like is that it's bulky, but it's worth it.

http://www.amazon.com/Garmin-Forerunner-Receiver-Heart-Monitor/dp/B000CSWCQA

I wear a RoadID on the other wrist:

http://www.roadid.com/p/the-Wrist-ID-Elite

4) Hat vs no hat? Thoughts?

I prefer no hat just because I feel cooler without one...I much prefer to run with sunglasses, but I'll wear a hat if the sun is really beating down.

Here's where I'm at- I bring BARE minimum. Cell phone, ID. I wear a hat because I have long hair and hate it going anywhere near my face while running though I hear I shouldn't wear one?

why?

It's all about finding what works best for YOU...which might take some trial and error. Good luck!

 

[HootDad]

This is the fuel belt I have:

http://www.amphipod.com/products/holders/music/electronics/airflow-lite

I like it because it's breathable and has some elastic in the straps, but I can never get it to sit quite perfectly, and I can't fit my phone inside when I am also carrying fuel. I haven't used it in awhile. Now I either wear a black Sparkle Skirt (amazing pockets!) or, on my longer runs, I put all my stuff into my Camelbak:

http://www.amazon.com/Camelbak-Annadel-50-Hydration-Pack/dp/B0043831BU

Short - house key only (my shorts have a small pocket above the butt just big enough for a key). If I need a small amount of water, I bring a handheld bottle:

http://www.amphipod.com/products/hydration/bottles-handhelds/handhelds/hydraform-handheld-lite

Longer runs: In the Camelbak, I have fuel, my cell phone, water and some kleenex.

Yes. I have a Garmin Forerunner 305 and I LOVE it. The only thing i don't like is that it's bulky, but it's worth it.

http://www.amazon.com/Garmin-Forerunner-Receiver-Heart-Monitor/dp/B000CSWCQA

I wear a RoadID on the other wrist:

http://www.roadid.com/p/the-Wrist-ID-Elite

I prefer no hat just because I feel cooler without one...I much prefer to run with sunglasses, but I'll wear a hat if the sun is really beating down.

why?

It's all about finding what works best for YOU...which might take some trial and error. Good luck!

John T - HootDad - http://www.thompsonfamilyweb.com - Sent from my iPhone using DISBoards

 

[FireDancer]

1. No, I don't.

2. I carry nothing with me other than my key which is in the key pocket on my shorts. I don't bring water, fuel, a phone, any music player...nothing. If I'm doing a long run I put water or Gel in my mailbox and run past the house to take it.

3. I have a Garmin Forerunner 305 though I don't use the heart rate monitor. I put off buying one for a long time but after my first run with it I knew I made a smart choice. It isn't so much that particular Garmin but that I had a GPS watch in general. If I were to buy one today I'd probably go with the 405 or 410.

4. I've only worn a hat in the winter and usually only if it is below 20. I hate running with anything on my head.

 

[amykay9377]

Questions for the runners re: gear:

1) Do you wear a wrist wallet / runner belt? If so, what kind do you wear and what are the pluses / minuses?

I bought a SPI belt, but end up never using it - I have a pair of capri pants from JCP that has a backside pocket that amazingly fits my small cell phone, car key and ID. I have an Amphopod case that clips inside my pants to hold my iPod.
The SPIbelt IS great, don't get me wrong, but for daily running around the block, I don't need it.

2) What do you bring with you on runs (short vs long) and how do you get used to carrying stuff with you / how do you make it not as annoying? I'm talking fuel types to cell phones, etc. I get that you probably wear a belt / have a wallet, but isn't it still annoying?

On short runs, I actually just run in the house on the treadmill - I'm a new run/walker, so I do 1.5miles on Tuesday and Thursday. While on the treadmill I have music, water, lip balm and gum.
For longer runs, where I leave the house, I carry my ID, cell phone and car key in my back pocket and my iPod in the Ampho pocket. If I remember, I tuck some lip balm in there too. I have an extremely cheap water bottle holder I found in the camping section of walmart that I put my water bottle in (keeps the bottle sweat from getting my hand wet). I plan on upgrading to an actual handheld water bottle soon, though. In the car, I keep a tumbler full of ice water and a bottle of Powerade in a lunch tote to keep that cold as well.

3) Do you wear a GPS watch? If so, which one and why do you like it, why do you NOT like it? If not, and you've tried one, why don't you?

I purchased a Garmin 110 Forerunner when I signed up for my second 5k. I like that it keeps my pace for me and I can tell if I need to go faster or not. I also love how ACCURATE it is regarding where I went (MapMyRun can never 'find' me!)

4) Hat vs no hat? Thoughts?

I think a visor may be better, but right now, I wear a BondiBand under a hat. I live in North FL and it's hotter than heck here right now. The BB keeps the sweat out of my face and the hat (a pink RunDisney hat!) keeps the sun out of my eyes (I have sensitive eyes). A visor would do the same, but let the heat escape the top of your head.

Here's where I'm at- I bring BARE minimum. Cell phone, ID. I wear a hat because I have long hair and hate it going anywhere near my face while running though I hear I shouldn't wear one?

You need to do what is best for you. If you want a hat, wear a hat - just make sure it is a hat designed for running or athletics - it will be made out of breathable and moisture-wicking materials, which is better for you.

I also don't run more than 3 miles right now as I'm just starting. I know I'll have to "pack" fuel and other stuff when I do the Princess 1/2 but I'm just curious how the more experienced runners manage their stuff and how they've gotten it down to a science.

The farthest I've gone so far is 4.25 miles, so we are about in the same boat! I know I'm not an experienced runner, either, but wanted to chime in with what I'm doing.

 

[adkkev]

1. Longer runs over 10 miles, I have a waist belt from LLBean (I had a gift card so it was 'free') so I have a 20oz water bottle. For long runs in town, I just have the water bottle & my cell. For trail runs outside of town I carry my keys, cell, & water bottle in the waist belt. I just used it for my 15 mile trail race last weekend & it worked out great.
2. See above. I do not use gels, etc., except on long trail runs.
3. Garmin 205. A bit bulky but it does the job. I track my miles with it ... that's about it.
4. No hat. In winter I use a headband to cover my ears. Unless it's really cold ... then I'll wear a ski hat but it gets kinda wet from my sweat.

 

[BernardandMissBianca]

I bought a belt from New Balance

http://www.newbalance.com/Runner-#3...dwvar_NB4819B_color=Black&start=1&cgid=216500

I carry my car key, phone, drivers license, debit card, sometimes a small amount of cash ($5), and my insurance card. I put everything but the key and phone in a small ziploc bag so nothing falls out by itself if I take my phone out. Once I have the belt on, I don't even notice it.

I run my headphones down the back of my shirt and into the belt for music (but only on trails I know).

I have long hair, but just put it up in a ponytail, no hat. But I have been looking at the run disney ones.

I just carry my water bottle in my hand but I haven't done anything over 4 miles yet and most of that is on a loop so I pass my car a few times.

 

[PrincessV]

1) No wrist wallet, but yes on the belt for runs away from home. I like that my Amphipod belt doesn't creep up from where I like it to sit - on my hips - and I love that it has tabs to hold race bibs, but its zipper requires two hands to open and close. My SpiBelt is roomier and the zipper only needs one hand, but it creeps up as I run and doesn't hold a race bib. I keep alternating between the two depending on which annoyances I'm willing to tackle on any given day.

2) Trust me - by the time I'm over 5 miles, stuff in a waist bag is the least of my concerns! For short runs (3 or under) at home I bring: my iPhone (music and iSmoothRun GPS app) in an armband and a 10oz hand-held bottle of Nuun in hot weather. For long runs, I bring: same as above plus car key, chapstick and Honey Stinger chews in my waist bag. I plan my runs around water fountains and my car, where I keep another 20+ ounces of cold Nuun, more Honey Stingers and Biofreeze, just in case.

3) Nope, no GPS watch. I tried one and it was way too big for my teeny-tiny wrists; left me bruised. I'd carry my iPhone regardless, so I just let it handle GPS/pace/etc.

4) In daylight I either wear a wicking hat or visor to keep sun and sweat out of my eyes. In the rain, ditto to keep rain out of my eyes. Indoors or after sunset, I use Bondibands to keep the sweat off my face.

You didn't ask, but I also wear an ID bracelet with my emergency info for every run.

For runDisney races, I also throw a room key, credit card and $20 in my waist pack.

 

[reagansmom]

Questions for the runners re: gear:

1) Do you wear a wrist wallet / runner belt? If so, what kind do you wear and what are the pluses / minuses?

2) What do you bring with you on runs (short vs long) and how do you get used to carrying stuff with you / how do you make it not as annoying? I'm talking fuel types to cell phones, etc. I get that you probably wear a belt / have a wallet, but isn't it still annoying?

3) Do you wear a GPS watch? If so, which one and why do you like it, why do you NOT like it? If not, and you've tried one, why don't you?

4) Hat vs no hat? Thoughts?

Here's where I'm at- I bring BARE minimum. Cell phone, ID. I wear a hat because I have long hair and hate it going anywhere near my face while running though I hear I shouldn't wear one?

I also don't run more than 3 miles right now as I'm just starting. I know I'll have to "pack" fuel and other stuff when I do the Princess 1/2 but I'm just curious how the more experienced runners manage their stuff and how they've gotten it down to a science.

1) Just got an Armpocket and love it. I can fit my phone, key, Credit cars and cash in it. I can even fit a gell, if need be. I also have a Nathan's belt w/2 water bottles and a pouch and a handheld water bottle with a pouch. Depending on my run distance and the weather, I use any one of them and sometimes all 3.
2) I sometimes feel like Insprcotr Gadget, but I do what I need to so I am safe. I like point to point runs for my long runs, so it means I don't have anywhere to stop along the way and refill.
3) I have a Nike + and like it. I've been using the Nike system for awhile, so it have all my records. Also, if I forget my watch or the battery is dead, I can use my Nike+ app.
4) Again, depends on the weather and time of day. I like a hat because it provides shade, protection from branches/spiderwebs and controls my hair. Some days, though, I use a Bondiband to keep the hair out of my face and let my head "breathe".

 

[John VN]

1)Yellow RoadID wrist band at all times.

2)short/short distance 5K-cell phone. medium distance 10K to 13.1 miles-cell phone, 4 bottle Fuel Belt with water, POWERADE ZERO or Cytomax, 1 or 2 Gu gels. long distance +13.1miles-same as above but additional water/gels/Cytomax/banana at house because I do laps past my house

3)Garmin 910XT with heart monitor everytime I'm out. It has everything I need to know plus I use it when bicycling and swimming. Started with the Garmin Forerunner 305.

4)sometimes yes and sometimes no

 

[cewait]

Questions for the runners re: gear:

1) Do you wear a wrist wallet / runner belt? If so, what kind do you wear and what are the pluses / minuses?

I only bring a fanny pack on race day for things like keys, room keys, etc. It's a really small pack

2) What do you bring with you on runs (short vs long) and how do you get used to carrying stuff with you / how do you make it not as annoying? I'm talking fuel types to cell phones, etc. I get that you probably wear a belt / have a wallet, but isn't it still annoying?

wWith the exception of my Garmin and RoadID, Nada, nothing... This time of year, I will carry a water bottle in one hand. When traveling I will usually stash my room key in or around something in the hotel hall or just outside the front door if the doors are locked during off hours.

3) Do you wear a GPS watch? If so, which one and why do you like it, why do you NOT like it? If not, and you've tried one, why don't you?

I wear my Forerunner 610 for all activities, running, cycling, swimming and strength training.

4) Hat vs no hat? Thoughts?

Here's where I'm at- I bring BARE minimum. Cell phone, ID. I wear a hat because I have long hair and hate it going anywhere near my face while running though I hear I shouldn't wear one?

I also don't run more than 3 miles right now as I'm just starting. I know I'll have to "pack" fuel and other stuff when I do the Princess 1/2 but I'm just curious how the more experienced runners manage their stuff and how they've gotten it down to a science.

Visor over hat for ventilation. Over half you body heat escapes through the head.

As mentioned above....

It's good to get ideas from folks but honestly all you need are a great pair of shoes and some running clothing made from tech fabric. Everything else is just a worry for a newer runner. As you get comfortable running, you will start to see a need for what you need to accessorize. For instance, I would never think of an inhaler but there are a high number of folks who carry one. Likewise, I run to get away from work... No Way would I carry my phone. I would be too tempted to stop and see what just popped into the inbox if I were having a tough running day.

 

[runner_princess]

I'm a somewhat seasoned runner - 13 halfs and 1 full completed, and getting ready for 3 fulls this fall. Here's what I do - but my best advice, to echo some others, is that running gear is super personal, and it may take some time and expierimentation to figure out what's best for you.

Questions for the runners re: gear:

1) Do you wear a wrist wallet / runner belt? If so, what kind do you wear and what are the pluses / minuses? I currently don't use anything expect for trail running more than 5 miles, during which I wear a Fuelbelt brand 4 bottle belt. I also have used a Spibelt, but just don't carry much stuff anymore

2) What do you bring with you on runs (short vs long) and how do you get used to carrying stuff with you / how do you make it not as annoying? I'm talking fuel types to cell phones, etc. I get that you probably wear a belt / have a wallet, but isn't it still annoying? Short runs - under 6 miles: car key, Ipod Long runs 6 to 15 miles - car key, ipod, $5 for one G2 gatorade at the halfway point Long runs over 16 - car key, ipod, 1 gel, $10

In terms of keeping belts comfortable - The key for me has always been to wear the belt really low on my hips, like low rise jeans, and cinch it a little tighther than you think you need to in the beginning of the run. This keeps it from sliding around

3) Do you wear a GPS watch? If so, which one and why do you like it, why do you NOT like it? If not, and you've tried one, why don't you? I have a Garmin 310 and adore it. Best running investment I've made in the 3 years I've been running

4) Hat vs no hat? Thoughts? Super personal here - I hate hats, but for you, if you like them, make sure you have one made of wicking material and enjoy

Here's where I'm at- I bring BARE minimum. Cell phone, ID. I wear a hat because I have long hair and hate it going anywhere near my face while running though I hear I shouldn't wear one?

I also don't run more than 3 miles right now as I'm just starting. I know I'll have to "pack" fuel and other stuff when I do the Princess 1/2 but I'm just curious how the more experienced runners manage their stuff and how they've gotten it down to a science.

 

[christinascreative]

Thank you all for the responses and keep 'em coming! SO MANY GREAT IDEAS!!

Something I definitely took away from this- I needed a Road ID-- just ordered so I'm set. I got myself a shoe pouch too to see how that will work for me. For the time being, I'll bring my DL with me and tape emergency #'s to the back. I also have emergency #'s noted in my cell which comes with me too.

I'm eyeing some belts but don't think I'll be getting anything where water/gatorade will attach- I'm a spaz as it is I'll keep $ with me and buy some on my long runs like some of you have suggested.

I'm also eyeing GPS watches. I'll need to get a very basic one for the time being since they are pricey and I'm saving for the actual trip to the Princess 1/2 too. I'd say I will use my iPhone but alas, I'm stuck with my Blackberry until my upgrade in February so that's no use.

 

[poohbear8]

I love my spibelt and use it daily to hold my phone when I walk the dog (2 miles) and it held my camera when I ran the Royal Family 5k in Feb. I also used it to hold my number, so I didn't have to put pins in my shirt. It sits a little lower on the waist and does not bounce. I forget it is there. I don't use it on my short runs, since my phone is on my arm with music.

On longer runs I use a belt with water bottles and a pocket. The pocket holds the gels/chews.

For the TOT race, I will probably use the Spibelt to hold the camera, gels, and my number. I think I won't be running with the water belt.

I run with a ponytail and either the Run Disney Pink hat (it fits different than a man's and I don't "love" it) or a white mesh hat. Cotton hats are too hot to run in. Jeff Galloway says no hats, but I rather have one most days. I do have a Bondi Band and love it, though it slips sometimes if my ponytail is too high.

I wear an ID bracelet also. http://www.gosportid.com/ I went with this company because I could put a quote on the front and my ICE info on the back. I have the "inspire" style.

 

[jfinke]

1. We have an iFitness Hydration Belt. I like it. My wife does not. However, as our runs get longer, she is going to to have to start to like it because she will need her own. Having said that, I think that their website is horrible, but it is hard to find their products on something like Amazon. I only wear it on runs for five miles or more and that is because of the heat and humidity. I think as it cools down, it will probably be closer to nine miles or more.

2. RoadID whenever I step out. We have NiteBeam LED light straps for when we are out when it is dark. For longer runs, the hydration belt with some shots or jelly bellys. My MotoACTV. If we are traveling, cash, cards, phone, etc.

3. MotoACTV. At this point I can't recommend it to anyone. It is a beta product and I am worried about its long term viability. That division of Moto, I believe was sold off to Google and they are laying 4,000 people off. When it works, it is great. When it doesn't you are screwed because you are tied to their entire platform.

4. I am bald and sweat a lot, so I try to wear a hat. This is especially true when I am out in the sun to also protect from sun burns, etc. However, for our shorter early runs I have stopped wearing one. I have tried wearing some Bondi Bands a couple of times and they seem to keep the sweat out, however I also seem to get warmer in them.

 

[WeRunDisney]

Questions for the runners re: gear:

1) Do you wear a wrist wallet / runner belt? If so, what kind do you wear and what are the pluses / minuses?

2) What do you bring with you on runs (short vs long) and how do you get used to carrying stuff with you / how do you make it not as annoying? I'm talking fuel types to cell phones, etc. I get that you probably wear a belt / have a wallet, but isn't it still annoying?

3) Do you wear a GPS watch? If so, which one and why do you like it, why do you NOT like it? If not, and you've tried one, why don't you?

4) Hat vs no hat? Thoughts?

1. I used to run with a hydration belt which had a pocket, but I couldn't really get comfortable with it. I run with a hand-held water bottle now that has a pocket for a key and cell.

2. For anything longer than 6 miles, I bring 2 fuels - Clif chomps and a Guu. I make sure I can put my fuel in the pockets of my shorts or running skirt because that's easier for me. I'm very minimalistic when I run. I know some folks bring chapstick and tissue and all that. For me, it's a key, sometimes cell and fuel. I have a Road ID bracelet so that doubles as my ID/in case of emergency info.

3. I just bought a Garmin Forerunner 210 and don't know what I did before that. I love it. The 300's were too big for me and the 400 series have touch screens which have iffy reviews. I just wanted something high quality but basic to operate.

4. No hat for me. I get too hot. I use a headband and sometimes wear sunglasses (Oakleys).

Good luck and happy training!
Christine