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:
Instagram Tips & Tricks for Runners
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caught up with the sizes of phones these days (or at least not if you’re buying discount gear that may be a little outdated!)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! π
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!
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Ready to check out what the other fabulous Just Run ladies are definitely not running without? Click the links to get their essentials for a run!
Love these tips! Lip balm is one I should remember!
Sandra D Laflamme recently posted…{Just Run} 5 Things I would Hate to Run Without on a Trail Run
I have to have lip balm if I come out of the pool and hit the road for a run or it’s torture!! I’ve learned that the hard way. And I absolutely love that you included strength training because that is SO true!! Even though I usually only dedicate 45 min/week to strength, it makes a HUGE difference in injury and performance. You sure are smart lady cake π xo
Allie recently posted…5 Things I Would Hate to Run Without #JustRun
Strength training is an absolute must! Once I started thinking about it as part of my training and not a type of cross-training, I noticed a big difference in my running. Thank you for the reminder to get an SPF lip balm!
Laura recently posted…Six Running Bloggers Share Their Must-Have Running Gear
The one thing I could not run without is my Garmin. I never run with my phone. I know that is is bad!
So IΒ΄m not the only one who runs with lip balm :-)) And one thing I always need when I run is my baseball cap. It keeps my hair out of my face while running!
Simone@nutritionisthenewsmart.com recently posted…Glutenfrei bewirkt einen Nährstoffmangel
Awesome List Carly!! Most people miss the Seasonal Must haves…Thanks for pointing that out…
Madhu recently posted…10 Best compression running tights in 2018 β Buyerβs Guide