Running Gear That Gets Me Out the Door

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:

• YurBuds Earphones

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.

***

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

***

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?