5 Things I Couldn’t Run Without – Just Run Series

We’ve all got our must-haves – the things we absolutely couldn’t run without. Today, the Just Run bloggers are sharing our 5 essentials we always have with us (or on us) when we run.

Want to catch up on this year’s series so far? Here’s what we’ve covered:

Tips for Beginner Runners

Instagram Tips & Tricks for Runners

Worst Race Ever

Best Race Ever

And if you want more from us, you can check out our Run It series here, and our Workouts for Runners here.

Lip Balm

This is the one thing I just can’t run without. It’s okay if I don’t carry balm with me, it’s just that I can’t start my run without it on. I can be at work all day, or out running errands, without even thinking about putting something on my lips, so it doesn’t make any sense, really, but it’s my thing. Bonus points if it has SPF as well.

Phone

Not just to get the perfect Instagram running shot (IG tips and tricks for runners here!), I would feel weird running without my phone. Yes, I take photos with it, but I also use it as a back-up to my watch (I use Runkeeper for nearly every run as well), because even when I run without a watch, I still want to know my pace and splits afterwards. I also, on one memorable trail run, used the ‘find my parked car’ feature to try to navigate my way back to the correct trail when I somehow managed to get myself lost. And finally, I want that reassurance of being able to call someone, or 911, if something went horribly wrong.

Gear Belt

Running gear hasn’t really caught up with the sizes of phones these days (or at least not if you’re buying discount gear that may be a little outdated!) so I need a gear belt for when I don’t have the right pocket for my phone. I really like the FlipBelt, I find it comfortable and forget that I have it on. It’s also great for races because I can tuck my little packages of Gummi Bears in it, too! 🙂

Seasonal Must-Haves

In the winter, I absolutely must have running gloves, a winter running headband, and a neck warmer if it’s super cold. (And living in Vermont, the neck warmer is rarely optional!). In the summer, I have to have sunscreen, even though it’s a vain attempt to avoid the racerback bra runner’s tan I still manage to perpetually have. And I prefer to run in a hat these days – it’s my back-up for the sunscreen and I like that it keeps my hair back without having to constantly readjust a headband.

Strength Training

Finally, I would not be able to keep running without strength training. It keeps me injury-free, it makes me stronger, faster, and increases my endurance for the long run. It is definitely something I couldn’t run without, and hopefully it’s something you don’t run without, too!

ANGELA – HAPPY FIT MAMA

NELLIE – BROOKLYN ACTIVE MAMA

ALLIE – VITA TRAIN 4 LIFE

LAURA – THIS RUNNER’S RECIPES

SANDRA – ORGANIC RUNNER MOM