The Running Thread - 2018

[Princess_Nikki]

QOTD: What is your must have gear? Favorite hat? Sweat band? Winter hat? Electronic device? The only pair of shorts you ever run in? Fluid or nutrition carrying item? Lucky rabbit foot? Make a list, name the brand, shout it from the mountain tops!

I always have to run in GOOD solid running capris or leggings on a general everyday run. My badonkadonk is just way too big for a comfy run in shorts. For the Disney runs, it’s ALWAYS an awesome tech Sparkle Skirt. I use running headbands as it’s always wicked hot here in Florida. Disney runs, I switch to Sparkly Soul bands. I’m terrible about fluids as I HATE always having to stop to pee. So i don’t carry fluids on me. For the Dis runs, I do really like the Stinger honey gels.

Still a diehard New Balance fan.
Gotta have my Goodr polarized sunglasses.
Also hate cell phone arm bands but use one with my wireless Bluetooth head phones so I don’t die of boredom. Funny, I pretty much only use my phone on Disney runs for camera taking possibilities!!
I don’t wear makeup on normal runs, but Disney runs? Psssht, I sure do! Put those Character Princesses to shame! Lol

 

[Princess_Nikki]

ATTQOTD: I only run in lululemon Speed Up Shorts unless I am wearing a sparkle skirt for a costume, I have a pair of lululemon run compression shorts. I always have a bow or ribbon in my hair on race day and an almost full face of makeup because I can't shake the former cheerleader side of me. To add to how extra I am, I run in Kate Spade polarized glasses because when I find something I like, I stick with it. I always wear my socks inside out because it's the only way I don't get blisters.

Ok this is so me too hahahahaha

 

[kbenson13]

This is a great QOTTD. I've already got a few items/ideas y'all are using that I may need to add to my repertoire...

Shoes
I envy y'all who can wear any shoe or even just multiple shoes. All I've found so far that work for me are New Balance 1500s, which are racing flats. They have pronation support that I don't need but they have the wide width that I do need. All other shoes seem to jack my knees up, even other New Balance shoes...

Watch
Garmin Vivoactive 3. I used to run with an apple watch (and still do) but as others have said it's sadly buggy/unreliable (at least using the Nike app). I've been much happier with the Garmin. But the apple watch remains my "all day" watch.

Headphones
Jaybird X3s. Just got them. I had X2s that worked great but they finally died. I was using decibulz custom mold inserts with them and they were perfect. Unfortunately the decibulz were discontinued when they started making their own (apparently inferior from the reviews) wireless headphones. My first pair of X3s went insane after one use and needed to be returned. The replacements seem to be working well but I do miss the perfect fit I got with the decibulz.

Clothes
Nike or Brooks lined running shorts.
New Balance, Brooks and Under Armor singlets/tanks in the summer.
TASC long sleeve bamboo fabric running shirts in the "winter".
Thicker padded running/hiking socks from New Balance, Balega and Thorlo have all worked. I think the thinner socks cause me more blister issues as my feet can slide around inside the shoe more...

Other
Spibelt belt for my phone (which I bring to play music on--Spotify all the way). It can hold one of the big plus sized iPhones which is awesome.
1-4 6-8 oz clip on water bottles, depending on the weather and the length of the run.

 

[FFigawi]

For me it's more a matter of I'd rather know ... I dont want to get home and find an ambulance outside my house and wonder what happened. I'd rather know what happened and from there make the decision to continue my run or find a faster way to get home (because if I have my phone, uber is an option).

And I think theres a difference between expecting the worst and being prepared for it. I dont expect an emergency when I'm out, but in case it does happen, I want to be reachable.

But maybe I'm just an entitled millenial who believes phones can actually be helpful instead of a nuisance.

I only find phones a nuisance when running

That's actually a good call! I run with an ID on me, but not everyone knows where to look for my ID (it's in a pocket inside the zipper pocket of my belt wrapped inside a $20 bill... so not exactly easy to find), so I probably should have something more visible that has important info on it...

RoadID for the win! Plenty of easy to wear options.

https://www.roadid.com/

 

[Chaitali]

But maybe I'm just an entitled millenial who believes phones can actually be helpful instead of a nuisance.

I think we all think phones can be helpful. Everyone just has different preferences and different things that make them feel most relaxed. For some people that's being reachable, for some people it's carrying nothing at all, and for some people it's something in the middle. No judgements.

 

[BuckeyeBama]

ATTQOTD: My Garmin and compression short to avoid chaffing. I have been using Garmins since the Forerunner 201. I just can't imaging a run without one anymore. Maybe that is my equivalent to the separation anxiety felt by today's young people at the thought of leaving their cell phones at home. When I started running, cell phones didn't exist.

 

[Kerry1957]

QOTTD: I try to be a minimalist but I do have preferences

Clothes: Almost any moisture wicking shirt in normal weather or a Nike running singlet in hot weather

Running shorts with the liners cut out over Saxx Kinetic compression shorts
Smart Wool or Hidden comfort short socks
Running hat in hot or sunny weather
No sunglasses​

Shoes: About 95% of my running is on trails (other 5% is Disney) so Nike Terra Kieger shoes

Technology iphone left in the car; don't need it or want it during a run

Ipod shuffle about half of the time
Timex Ironman watch. Am waiting for the Garmin 245 Music to be released
​

For runs over 6 miles or so I'll stash a water bottle along the route and carry a couple of GU gels in my pocket. I don't carry any money, tissues, or other pocket lint. I know I should carry an ID but don't.

 

[Slogger]

@SarahDisney ......great question about phones.

Sometimes I have my phone and sometimes I don't.

I always carry my phone with me for long runs. Great for music or podcasts. Of course it's in my armband and tough to actually see the screen. I turn off my ringer to not disturb myself or others during the run. We had a cat make a routine visit to the vet last year and the worst news possible came from that visit.....my daughter and wife knew I was running but were frantically trying to find me. They know to text me if another situation comes up when I am running as they have a special text tone that alerts me.

Shorter runs I am usually within a mile of my house and easy to find.......translation=no phone.
Treadmill runs at they gym I have my phone and can see if someone tried to call or text and respond if needed.

 

[PrincessV]

Yes, I love Skirt Sports! I just bought a pair of Toasty Tights for winter and they have pockets even, I'm super excited!

True story: the Monday after this year's frigid marathon? I was online, ordering Toasty Tights and a Wonder Wool jacket. I had a few more really cold runs over the FL winter and man-oh-man, those tights (and the jacket!) were amazing! Total game-changer. I think you'll love them!

 

[Kerry1957]

I think we all think phones can be helpful. Everyone just has different preferences and different things that make them feel most relaxed. For some people that's being reachable, for some people it's carrying nothing at all, and for some people it's something in the middle. No judgements.

I find the phone conversation here really interesting. To make the dangerous leap of generalizing it seems that for some of us, part of the joy of running is to escape the "always on" nature of the modern world. Perhaps that is also why I run 95% trails. For many others being "always on" is just a great, normal part of life, and it seems odd to give that up for a run.

 

[MissLiss279]

My only must have is really my Garmin watch (currently a VA3 and 910XT). I have a favorite pair of shorts (Asics) and top (NorthFace singlet) but as long as it is wicking I'm good. I will list a few nice to haves though. Most aren't gear but they make it easier to run.

Car Seat Cover: Something to keep the seat from soaking up my sweat post run.
Epic Wipes: If I'm going right from a run to something else (post-race breakfast, hanging out at the park with the family) it is nice to be able to at least wipe myself down from head to foot.
A lightweight and breathable hooded running shell in case you need it for running in the rain.
ThinkSport SPF50 Sunscreen: A Zinc Oxide only sunscreen for summer runs.
Babo Botanicals Spray Sunscreen: A sprayable Zinc only sunscreen if I'm doing a run post work and there is no one to help with the places I can't reach.
Nathan Strobe Lights: I run a lot after dark and clipping some of these to me makes me feel safer. I like to do blue and red since those two flashing colors often get people's attention.
A Road iD

I may have just ordered the Epic Wipes. Thanks for the recommendation. I had been looking for a ‘shower wipe’ for an upcoming car camping trip, where I may want to run in the morning, but not have access to a shower immediately. And then for after whatever long hike we decide to do.

 

[run.minnie.miles]

ATTQOTD:
I don't have to have all of these things, but these are my favorites:
Clothes: Running shorts with a wide, soft yoga-type waistband. Current favorite are UA from last year. Or compression capris. I prefer either a tank top or a quarter tip, short sleeves are uncomfortable for me. When it's cold, an ear warmer and gloves are a MUST.
Shoes: Asics
Tech: phone, watch, & now airpods (got for my bday and love them so far!)
Accessories: Flipbelt! Love it!

 

[PrincessV]

I find the phone conversation here really interesting. To make the dangerous leap of generalizing it seems that for some of us, part of the joy of running is to escape the "always on" nature of the modern world. Perhaps that is also why I run 95% trails. For many others being "always on" is just a great, normal part of life, and it seems odd to give that up for a run.

And I sit squarely in the middle: the phone comes with me firstly because "getting away from it all" to me means being able to listen to my music without distraction or interruption - and running is pretty much my only chance to do that. Secondly, I feel safer having it with me in case I need assistance, and it's been needed for that a few times.

 

[TheHamm]

For me it's more a matter of I'd rather know ... I dont want to get home and find an ambulance outside my house and wonder what happened. I'd rather know what happened and from there make the decision to continue my run or find a faster way to get home (because if I have my phone, uber is an option).
And I think theres a difference between expecting the worst and being prepared for it. I dont expect an emergency when I'm out, but in case it does happen, I want to be reachable.

I find the phone conversation here really interesting. To make the dangerous leap of generalizing it seems that for some of us, part of the joy of running is to escape the "always on" nature of the modern world. Perhaps that is also why I run 95% trails. For many others being "always on" is just a great, normal part of life, and it seems odd to give that up for a run.

I also find this line of conversation fascinating! I think it is telling of peoples' back up network, that if a problem were to arise someone else is there to take care of it.
There was definitely a time where I would be fine being inaccessible, and I frequently was. I know I am the only family member on call sometimes as DH travels and family is not available to pick up the kids or meet them at the hospital. I will be there. Being rushed to the hospital for a very early c-section not knowing if we would all come out on the other end and not being able to reach DH for hours was perhaps the worst part of a very rough and lonely day. I guess I need more people as back up? And probably kids who do not try to scale objects 12x their height while pretending to sword fight with garden tools?

That is totally understandable!

Another thing I forgot to add is that I have a road ID thing on my watch as well. I didn't have one for the longest time, but finally realized that it is something probably everyone who runs should have, just in case.

I have thought about this as well, but have only seen ones that are stand alone items. Does it attach to your watch? I briefly considered engraving the back of my garmin, but I worry the vibration would mess up the electronics.

 

[FFigawi]

I may have just ordered the Epic Wipes. Thanks for the recommendation. I had been looking for a ‘shower wipe’ for an upcoming car camping trip, where I may want to run in the morning, but not have access to a shower immediately. And then for after whatever long hike we decide to do.

I bought a portable shower box last year to make it easy to cool and clean off after my long bike rides in the summer. It holds enough water for about 3-5 minutes of rinsing off, more than enough to de-stinkify after a few hours of serious sweating. Not as easy to pack as wipes, but might be worth looking into.

 

[kbenson13]

I only find phones a nuisance when running



RoadID for the win! Plenty of easy to wear options.

https://www.roadid.com/

This is exactly what I was talking about! I have been meaning to get one of these and thanks to the QOTTD and your post, I just ordered one!

 

[Wendy98]

My Garmin is the only thing that I absolutely need. I do typically carry my phone for music and safety reasons. I am not loyal to any one brand for socks, shorts, shirts, etc. I do only wear Nike Pegasus for shoes as those have worked really well for me.

Although maybe I should pay more attention as the other day I almost went to the gym with my shorts on inside out. Not sure what I was thinking, but luckily my husband told me or that would have been embarrassing . He told me I better be nice to him or next time he won't tell me

Last week on vacation I noticed after my run that my shorts were on backwards. Inside out has happened also. I wear mostly short compression like running shorts and the printed labels have worn off long ago. Same goes for shirts--many times inside out.

 

[gjramsey]

I have thought about this as well, but have only seen ones that are stand alone items. Does it attach to your watch? I briefly considered engraving the back of my garmin, but I worry the vibration would mess up the electronics.

Sometime last year, they had some bands that would attach to the watch band, based on your watch. It looks like know they only have bands that will attach to an Apple Watch. I am not seeing any for a Garmin. Which I am not sure why, if they sold out last year when they had them.

 

[sylkai]

This is exactly what I was talking about! I have been meaning to get one of these and thanks to the QOTTD and your post, I just ordered one!

I love my RoadID. They're great.

I may need to get mine redone because it turns out between my mother and myself we got my blood type wrong, as verified when I finally started donating again earlier this year. Oops.

 

[sylkai]

Sometime last year, they had some bands that would attach to the watch band, based on your watch. It looks like know they only have bands that will attach to an Apple Watch. I am not seeing any for a Garmin. Which I am not sure why, if they sold out last year when they had them.

They discontinued them for all but the Apple Watch. They said it was getting to be an issue with maintaining compatibility for the various Garmin models, whereas the Apple stuff is pretty standardized.