My Top 7 Running Gear Essentials

On Sunday, I ran 9 miles in my Vibrams and I realized I haven’t been writing on this blog when I’ve been training for a longer race. I had my personal family blog that preceded A Foodie Stays Fit, which was FILLED (perhaps too much so?) with stories of running and my favorite running gadgets. So, when I finished my run, I grabbed my iPhone and shot shoddy pictures of my favorite gear when it was still fired up from action.  

My #1 Favorite Running Gear: Currently, my Vibram FiveFingers (~$85). Obviously.

Can you see that my feet are all veiny and a little poofy? Yeah, I guess 9 miles semi-barefoot will do that to ya. Answers to your Qs on VFFs coming later in the week so keep those questions coming!

Other favorites (in no particular order):

#2. Amphipod Micropack Satellite clip-on pouch ($16) 

It’s big enough to hold my iPhone, my key clicker, and a couple of GUs.  The website says it’s supposed to ride on the outside of your waistband, but I’ve found that it flops around that way. So, I wear it with the big pocket (the longer side) on the inside of my waistband (similar to the Micropack Explorer) and it’s great. No bouncing around.

#3. Ultimate Direction FastDraw Plus ($18)

I’ve had mine for almost 5 years and it’s taken me through multiple half marathon trainings, and I used it all on my long runs last year while training for a marathon. It’s still holding up nicely, I’d say.

The handstrap tightens so I don’t even have to “hold” onto it. It just stays on, which, honestly, is really an improvement over gripping a traditional water bottle.

And the pocket is big enough to hold a full set of keys, a bunch of GUs (vanilla and mint chocolate are my favorites), Shot Bloks (Black Cherry), or a baggie of dates. I’ve put 3 GUs in there and probably could have fit another.

#4. iPod nano and InCase Sports Armband Pro ($30)

I know my iPod could fit in my Micropack of water bottle pocket, but I think it’s obnoxious in those places so I strap up on my arm.

#5. Garmin Forerunner 305 ($200)

I’ve had this for a couple years and still think it’s one of the best purchases I’ve made. The best part is that it tracks my distance, so I can run whatever route I want and always know how far I’ve gone. It also tracks my current pace, average pace, lap pace, best pace, paused time, calories, heart rate, and probably a million other things.

From my limited experience with the newer 405, I actually like the 305 better because I think the screen is easier to see and customize. Plus, the 305 is cheaper now!

Yes, it’s kind of big and takes getting used to but it doesn’t bother me. Seriously, it’s awesome to not have to map out specific routes trying to plan long runs!

#6. Sony Active Style earbuds + detachable over-the-ear hooks, also pictured below under #7 ($40)

I sweat a lot when I work out. We’ve established that. Consequently, I have a really hard time finding headphones that give decent sound without falling out. I also tend to destroy headphones because they short out from all the sweat. So far, these are doing well. They give decent sound since they are in-ear (and come with three bud sizes) and the detachable hooks prevent them from falling out and off.

#7. Reflective Vest ($30)

If you do any outdoor running at dawn or dusk or ever run in the complete dark (and you had better not be running alone), this is a MUST HAVE. No exceptions.

Drivers CANNOT see you, even if you wear white, even if you can see them, even if you think the street lights are bright enough, even when it’s still kind of light out. I think dawn and dusk are more dangerous than complete darkness because it’s a very difficult time to see with the weird lighting and drivers aren’t on high alert. Get one. It’s only $30.

There is a guy that runs on the road by my house that I nearly hit once because I couldn’t see him until my car was about 10 feet away from him. I see him every time I go to the gym in the AM and even though I know he’s there somewhere, it still makes me nervous because I can’t see him until I’m very close. I’m tempted to stop and give him my own vest. Reflective vests help drivers see you from MUCH further down the road.

I’ve run in multiple brands and styles and the Amphipod Xinglet Pocket vest is, hands down, my absolute favorite.

It’s adjustable in four places so you can get a great fit instead of those panels that flop all over. I’ve worn it in the summer over a tank top and in the winter over three layers. I don’t even notice it when I’m running. And I especially love the large pocket on the front to hold keys, GUs, credit card, etc. [Can you tell that I never have a storage shortage while running?]

Now, of course, you don’t need any of this (except the reflective vest). Usually my favorite and best runs are unplugged and equipment free. But when I am gearing up for battle (as Rob teases me when I’m strapped into all this), these are things that make long run logistics a little easier.

What’s your must-have gear for running, long or short distances?

[Keep those entries coming for Alo capris! And yes, if you were already following me or Alo on Twitter/Facebook, that still counts as an entry. Just leave a comment telling me so!]

Tagged as: running, workout gear