Yesterday I received an email from Erin, an elementary school teacher who wants to get into running. I loved the way she phrased her email when she asked me about my favorite running gear. She wanted to know what running gear motivates me to get out there and run. Not just the necessities… the stuff that makes you want to run!
“Do you have any advice for fun running gear that I should try out to get motivated to MOVE? I’ve had my eye on some new earbuds/armband for my iPod and maybe some new running shoes but I need help!”
I totally get her email. What is the not-so-necessary gear that adds enjoyment to a run?
Of course quality running shoes and comfortable workout apparel are pivotal, but I came up with a list of a few not-so-necessary items that seem to add fun to any run:
These earbuds ROCK! I don’t know what it is about my ears, but before I discovered YurBuds, traditional earphones would either slip out or make the insides of my ears feel sensitive and slightly sore. Now I only run with my YurBuds and can 100 percent vouch for their TwistLock technology that guarantees that these earbuds will stay in place and won’t hurt.
- A Great Playlist
Nothing motivates me to get out there and run like an energizing playlist. Knowing that my iPod is full of upbeat songs that I love encourages me to lace up my sneakers and head out the door. You can find a bunch of my favorite playlists here: Workout Playlists. My current go-to playlists include my Half Marathon Playlist and my High Energy Workout Playlist.
- Headband That Stays In Place
I cannot stand when my hair gets in my face when I workout, so I almost always wear a headband to keep little whispies out of my face. I swear by BICBands! They stay in place and after I slip one on, I can forget all about it since it doesn’t annoy me or slide around. Love them!
- Yummy Fuel
After training for my first half marathon without fuel, I think I can safely add this to my “running necessities” list when I head out to tackle longer runs, but it’s still something that definitely contributes to the enjoyment of a run. By fueling properly I help keep my energy levels up and prevent burnout which makes a run 5,000 times more enjoyable. My favorite fuel sources during long runs are Gu Chomps or CLIF Shot Blocks. They taste like fruit snacks! I typically carry them in my Sprigs wrist wallet.
- An Enthusiastic Running Buddy
No, this isn’t an item you can buy, but it is probably the best motivator out there! Whether your running buddy is a friend or something slightly furrier, having a running buddy who is always excited to join you for a run is priceless! There are running clubs everywhere, so if you don’t know anyone who likes to run or if your dog isn’t a maniac like Sadie, Google running clubs in your area to find like-minded people who are training for a race or just looking for a group to keep them accountable.
- Running Watch
Even though I’m not a competitive runner and really don’t care about my time, I still love my Garmin Forerunner 305 running watch. Most of the time I head out the door with a specific distance in mind that I’d like to run and this watch allows me to just run without taking the time to plan a specific route since it tells you how far you’re running and your pace. Though a running watch is not a necessity, I am a sucker for my Garmin and think it contributes to my desire to run.
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Interested in running? Check out these past running-related posts that have popped up on PBF:
- How Do You Find Races?
- My Favorite Running Gear
- So You Want to Run a Half Marathon
- Training for a Half Marathon on a Treadmill
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Now it’s your turn!
Question of the Morning
- What is one item you think contributes to the enjoyment of your workouts that is not really necessary?
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i will NOT run without music; headband needs to stay in place; love chafing stick and the feel of a new pair of shoes
I love my GoldBond anti-chaffing stick. I swear by it,! It’s even perfect for thick thighed girls, like me, on dress/short days!
Great tips!
I love having cute (and functional of course) workout clothes to wear — if I’m excited to put on my running clothes, it makes running more enjoyable!
Agreed! 🙂
I 100% couldn’t agree more with this. Even though it has nothing to do with my running ability, I find I go farther and enjoy the run more when I like what I’m wearing =)…ridiculous, I know!
everything you mentioned and cute or new running clothes. I love when I get a new pair of running capris or a new top, it makes me excited to get out there and run!
One thing that really helps me is having a training plan. I like being able to see my progress and check it off the list. It gives me a sense of accomplishment and a goal to shoot for.
This is a GREAT one! A training plan makes a BIG difference for me, too.
Totally agree about the Yurbuds! They are fantastic! I had the same problems with regular earbuds too.
I totally agree about the clothes. I just bought some new ones to work out in because I just didn’t feel like I was commiteed to working out in my shlepy ones. It has made a difference.
All good ideas and great tips. I also use work out clothes themselves as exercise motivators -there are a ton of super cute options out there and you can feel like Sporty Spice and a bad a$$ all at the same time. When my dog wasn’t so senior, she was a great running buddy and it makes for a special bonding time between you and your canine companion.
Music is HUGE for me. If I don’t go to the gym when cmt and vh1 have music videos on… my booty will NOT be on the treadmill.
I’m a runner… I can conquer anything…. until my ipod goes out.
An enthusiastic running buddy is the best!! 🙂
My favorite motivation for running would be having a new route. I get bored going on the same run everyday, so I’m all about finding a new route or trail to try out! Also signing up for a fun race keeps me motivated. 🙂
Even though I’ve been forcing myself to do it for years now, I still don’t consider myself a runner. That said, I recently got a FitBit Flex, which tracks your steps and allows you to compete with friends over your activity levels, and it’s addicting to get more steps than everyone else! That’s been the single most motivating factor I’ve had in years, and it really gets you up and moving.
I love logging my runs in RunKeeper. Although I log most of my miles on the treadmill and therefore don’t the GPS function; I like seeing my miles logged, setting goals, noting improvements, etc.
Great post! However, I think fuel is completely unnecessary when you’re training for a half. When you’re doing runs longer than 14, 15 miles, then yes, but I think everyone is way too obsessed with “fueling” just because they think their body needs the extra glycogen. It’s simply not necessary. Nearly all of us has enough glycogen in our bodies to run a half marathon without even eating beforehand, most of the time!!
Definitely good tips, while I’m not necessarily a runner I find these all pretty helpful tools to do cardio or even get out the door to workout in general. I always find it super important to have a plan in mind, or write out some sort of weekly plan and time I’ll workout at…otherwise it might not happen.
I like having good music too.
Ah! Those earbuds.. I can never get mine to stay in my ears. I will be buying a pair of these as soon as I can get my hands on them. Thanks for the rec!
A good playlist is totally key for me! I love finding good songs with a steady beat I can match my pace to. I think finding interesting scenery is also important. I used to run in my neighborhood, which was really boring, but now I make the 5-minute drive to Colonial Williamsburg so I can have stuff to look at while I run. Makes all the difference!
Beautiful scenery/weather! Trail runs during the peak of fall are my absolute favorite. I also love running in new places when I travel. It’s the best way to scope out good sites to check out after my run!
Great shoes, cute headbands, and fun running clothes!
Definitely a running buddy!! I used to hate running with friends but after a few recent long runs with different girlfriends, I’ve realized that it makes running so much better when you can talk the run away 🙂
I’ve recently begun running without music (never thought I could!!) so I could listen to my breathing. So far so good! Even on the long runs.
What I can’t run without is a good plan. I need to map out my run (i.e. hills, good lighting at night, etc) and mileage ahead of time, then stick to it. Moisture wicking, weather appropriate clothing is HUGE so I stay comforatable and dry. Otherwise I’m a sweaty, cranky bitch 😉
I love the MapmyRun App. There’s nothing like lacing up for a 20 miler knowing that when you are done it posts on your Twitter and Facebook so all your friends can see how badass you are!
I definitely agree with the playlist but also finding new running routes! Sometimes if you Google running trails people have run in your area, you come across hidden gems with GORGEOUS views!
I definitely agree with your must haves, which has reminded me to update my playlist. I’d add reflector straps because I run in the morning and it’s dark now so I want people/cars to see me! Safety 🙂
I have to have a great playlist (or a good Pandora station!), my Polar or Garmin, and a cute outfit. I have so much more confidence when I feel cute!
My must have for all of my runs are: GPS watch, music, and a positive attitude. I make sure my mind is in the right place before I begin!
I would love a post about how/when you started running with Sadie. How did you train Sadie to run beside you (not pulling the whole time) and to not get distracted by every.little.thing? My dog wants to smell every tree we go by and i feel bad pulling her along, because sniffing is her favorite! But I also feel like I’m not adequately exercising her because we’re stopping all the time and she has endless (seriously… endless) energy. I have lab so she really shouldn’t be doing much more than a few miles (so says the internet), but even that can be quite the ordeal. I’d love to hear from others’ experiences.
This post is perfect, thank you!! I’m training for a marathon and I’m in the market for a watch. It looks like yours might be discontinued but I saw a 310XT that looked similar. My must have is a good pair of socks, lol and a gift certificate for a nice pedi after this race is over!
I have a Garmin Forerunner 110 and I love it. They aren’t that expensive anymore. It has a round face so it’s not at bulky as the square faced ones. Good luck with your marathon. A Garmin will change your running world.
Thanks Noelle! This is my first marathon, I’ve only done 5ks. Ive been using the run-keeper app, and while that is nice, I need a new HRM, so thought Id spring for one with GPS too!
You make me want a pup full of energy SO bad!! I want to get back into running and I’ve always said a dog would be my kick-in-the-butt to actually mix running back into my strength training/HIIT. Thanks for the earbuds suggestion… I have to buy the ones that wrap all the way around my ears (slightly unattractive… Looks like something from Star Wars) but these are super cute!
This is silly but when I feel I look good I am more motivated to workout harder. New clothes and attitude really change my workouts.
I absolutely cannot run without (1) headphones that stay in my ears, (2) rap music, (3) cute running shorts, (4) and a million clips to keep my crazy fly-aways out of my face.
I’m looking into getting a Garmin Forerunner watch, how did you choose which one to get?! There are so many options!
I love GARMIN! I used to run with the same watch you have, but now I run with the Garmin Forerunner 10, the BEST and most simple watch ever. It makes every thing easier for me and it definitely motivates me to get out there and run. I also love a good pair of running shoes or a new cute running shirt.
I agree that a good playlist that you are waiting to listen too is important, along with good shoes! I am there with you when it comes to not using fuel during my half marathon training! I’ve begun using clif gu or chomps and boy do they help! Idk what I was afraid of. I’m excited to see how much better ill do next month for my next half!
Cute Running Shoes and a Cute Running Outfit! 🙂
I love the Zombies, Run app on my phone. I look forward to hearing the next part of the story & the extra motivation to move out when the Zombies show up to chase me!! Too much fun!
The headbands with velvet on the back are FINALLY being mass produced by a drug store brand. 2 pack on sale by Goody for $8 at target! I’ve worn mine all week and they are just as good as bic and chica bands! maybe even better! the elastic is thicker than on the chica bands so I’m hoping it won’t stretch out as quickly.
Love all of these. I’ve been looking for a wrist pack to carry my fuel in and that looks perfect!! I can’t believe I’ve lived without that for so long! And I’m a sucker for my Garmin too..it just makes me feel like I’m really accomplishing something while I’m running, rather than just putting one foot in front of another!
I’m not a hardcore runner but when I do I always bring a water bottle with me. Hydration keeps me going that extra mile.
Haha thinking about how much I loved the taste of my fuel definitely got me going on a lot of my long runs while I was marathon training!
I love my Ipod and MapMyRun app. I don’t have a Garmin watch, so this app is the next best thing. I love how it chimes in at ever mile with my pace and split times. Awesome.
Question for you re: GU and Clif BLOKS. I like them a lot, I can definitely tell a difference in my stamina, HOWEVER, they mess with my digestive track something awful. So, if I am going to snack on them during long runs, I have to plan on cramping for the rest of the day and being near a bathroom. *ahem* Anyone else have those issues, and have you found a product that doesn’t irritate you as much?
Gu make me cramp during my runs, but I can tolerate pretzels, dried cranberries, or gummy bears, no problem! Have you tried anything like that?
I like payday candy bars cut into small pieces.
I too have a running buddy in my very energetic black lab! He helps me get out the door when I don’t feel like running, because I tell myself I’m doing it for him 🙂 I also find that playlists are important, but technically not essential. I hate running without them though.
I have to agree with the playlist (or great podcast), which helps the time fly by. Also, I would say that (similar to the running watch) my iPhone app “Runstastic” pedometer works great. I can glance at it and know how far I’ve gone and how many calories I’ve burned (roughly). It also has a great feature in that it tracks the intensity and speed of your run and you can see a graph when its all said and done that gives a nice visual to what you’ve been doing!
can you tell me more about the sprigs wrist wallet?
thanks!!
This is weird but I have to have matching socks. If I glance down and see mismatched socks, it throws me off for some reason. Weird, I know!
Great suggestions! Does anyone run with a water bottle? When I run over 3 miles i have a waistpack holder I use but it never stays in place and ends up flying all over and is a huge distraction, any ideas?
I forgot to mention, thank you for posting about the wrist wallet! I’ve been wondering what people use to carry extra things while running and the only thing I could think of was a fanny pack! As I couldn’t bring myself to get one of those, it’s good to know I have other options 😀
A great playlist definitely gets me out the door – I have no problem running without music when I have a buddy but without one, I cannot make it out the door if I don’t have music! SUCH a necessity! I also downloaded some of the songs on your previous post about your current playlist and they are amazing so thank youuuuu!
Hmmmm – for longer runs I like audio books. Find a good one and then only let yourself listen when you are out running!
LOVE my Yurbuds and wearing a Sweaty Band is an absolute must to keep hair off my face. A new route/trail always helps to keep me motivated. Also new music is a great tool for getting out the door.
DEF a good playlist & an awesome running outfit! 😉