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What To Wear Running: Top 5 Essentials
I’ve been running for six month’s now. By no means am I a professional runner, but I have learned more than I could have imagined in the last few months!
When I am headed out for a run, no matter the length, I’ve found a select number of items I cannot run without. Of course, the obvious necessities are top of mind. A good quality sports bra, clinical strength deodorant, moisture-wicking undies, non-chafing shorts, and so on and so forth. In addition, there are five things that are absolutely essential, in my humble opinion. Drop a comment below and let me know if you too can’t live without these essentials and any other running essentials you have in your running routine!
As a runner, five essentials I can’t live without:
#1 | Comfortable Shoes
First, shoes. Just in the last month, I ran the longest distance I have ever run in my life. With the added miles came added pain in my knees. Unbearable pain. After several weeks of pain, my friends strongly recommended I visit Tryathletics, a local store than understands the need for a good pair of running shoes. I began talking to the salesman about my running goals, the roadblocks I faced and asked, no begged, for his advice. Just a few short minutes later, my feet and knees were singing praises as I was prancing around the shop in these Mizuno kicks that have more cushion and support than I truly believed was even possible in a pair of shoes. I was in so much pain before, yet bouncing and jumping in joyful, painless strides now! Why did I wait so long? Trust me, if you’re just getting your feet wet or the running bug is about to bite, get to your local athletic store now. Your feet and knees will thank me later.
I absolutely love my Mizuno Wave black and rose gold tennis shoes. For those who know me well, you know I love rose gold in every area of my life! Don’t wait, give your feet the hug they deserve with these sweet sneakers.
#2 | Apple AirPods
Second, Apple AirPods. Stay with me, I promise this isn’t an Apple commercial. As a very special Christmas present, I was gifted my very own Apple AirPods. Although completely unexpected, I am so grateful for the gift. The gift of crystal clear music that drowns out my very audible breathing sounds is the best motivator while running, especially when Bang Dem Sticks comes in loud and clear, forcing a mini breakdance session on mile 11.
The battery life will outlast your longest run or full days work. I’ve been asked multiple times by friends how long the battery lasts, and I don’t even know, that’s how infrequently I have to charge them. Even if you’re terrified these headphones won’t stay in your ear, because let’s get real, the other Apple headphones you’ve had never stayed, these are different. Petrified you will lose this teeny-tiny piece of pricey technology, get ready for essential #3! I can’t recommend these headphones with any greater sense of urgency.
Apple AirPods are so much more than a set of headphones. Stay connected, stay focused, stay motivated with Apple AirPods. If you can’t stand the sound of yourself panting like a dog while running, these will drown out that horrible sound with your favorite running playlist.
#3 | Apple AirPods Holder
Is the sheer size of the Apple AirPods holding you back? I was fearful myself when I first opened the package. How in the world am I supposed to keep track of two tiny earbuds? Look no further than the Apple AirPods Holder for your Apple Watch band. This sleek and simple device slips right onto your watch band, holding your AirPods securely in place. No need to worry. I love this holder when I’m running with friends. It is so easy to keep one AirPod in one ear while the other ear is listening to my friends tell me about how their week went.
At the office, this holder is even more of a blessing as I am frequently interrupted with incoming requests and can easily slip the AirPods into the holder as I tackle the next project. Remove the worry from your life, pick up the AirPods holder to save your future self.
Keep your Apple AirPods within reach with this Apple AirPod holder for your Apple Watch. Order it and join the cool kids club. Never be without your tunes on your next run.
#4 | Armband
Finally, an armband for your phone. I love my armband for carrying my phone with me when I run. My armband securely straps to my arm, isn’t weighing me down in my pants pocket, easy access if needed and I don’t even have to take my phone out of its case.
If you’re like me and you are extremely prone to dropping your phone daily, then you have a very bulky case on your phone, just in case. For me, it’s an OtterBox Defender Series case. It’s dependable, protective, and I really love the OtterBox support, but this dude is nearly impossible to take off my phone and requires a great deal of patience when even attempting to remove. Therefore, there is no possible scenario in which I will commit to removing this case every single time before I go for a run. Given my situation, I searched and searched until I found an armband that would accommodate my plus-sized iPhone WITH the case! Take note of the style and size of case you have on your phone and be sure you read the specs very closely on any armband you add to your cart!
Safety first. I do not run anywhere without my phone, for more reasons than one. An armband gives you peach of mind while freeing up your mind to focus on running and less on keeping track of your phone
Another reason I love this armband, the fingerprint access while the phone is in the case. Yes, you heard me correctly. You can use the phone, unlock it, all while it’s still in the case! It doesn’t get any handier than that, folks.
#5 | Running Belt
Finally, if you’re getting serious about running, find yourself a running belt that matches your needs. I use my running belt to hold my keys, animal crackers, starbursts and a couple of pieces of gum. While my phone is securely in my armband, I use my belt to hold all of my treats for any distance run. Easy access to all my snacks is vital when running so you don’t have to worry about wearing that one pair of shorts that has pockets and potentially losing the snacks you carefully packed if your pockets aren’t secured!
For me, I am not a fan of the running belt styles that can hold a water bottle. I would much rather plant waters along my long-distance running route, or drink after my run than carry the extra weight. In addition, I highly recommend a belt with zipper closure. Instead of stepping into the belt and bringing it up to your waist, this running belt securely zips on the side for easy on and off! There are a multitude of options out there, so do your research before settling on one that fits your running style.
Finally, storage. Ample storage is key. However, ensuring the contents of your belt remain securely in your belt is important as well. This belt contains a special clasp to hold my keys. When I go for long-distance runs and have to drive to the trails, it gives me peace of mind when I run knowing my keys are securely fastened to my belt. Then, the keys are readily available and easy to access when my run is complete.
I highly recommend finding a running belt that has ample storage space, fastens with a zipper and features a secure clip for your car keys during your run. Storage space is important for keeping all your snacks and treats while you run. If you’re training for a marathon or half marathon, you will need the extra storage space. Don’t forget to fill your belt up with starbursts before your long run! (However, when you go to do laundry, be sure to get all the extra starbursts and wrappers out of your belt…I know from experience, that can get messy.)
Don’t go another run without the security of a running belt to hold all your essentials.
#6 Body Glide
There are so many essentials. It was too stressful narrowing it down to five! So, here’s #6 — Body Glide! Y’all. You have no idea what you’re missing. If you’ve been running for a while, you’ve likely experienced chafing. If you haven’t, get yourself a stick of body glide so you never have to. It’s terrible.
Order yourself a stick of body glide BEFORE you need it. Don’t suffer first, then buy. Body glide goes on smooth, quick and easy. The peace of mind knowing your thighs are protected from the awful nightmare of chafing is completely worth it. Don’t be afraid to be very generous with the body glide as you never know where you might chafe, especially on your longer runs.
You are now in the know. I trust my secrets are safe with you. Happy Running!
Drop a comment below and let me know if you too can’t live without these essentials and any other running essentials you have in your running routine! Share your running pics with us on the social. Tag us @Tribble_Tribe and use #MyRunningTribe
Here are a few photos of my running tribe lately!
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