This post is inspired by the site everyday-carry.com.
These are the things I run with, every time, without fail. If I don’t have one of them, I don’t run.
- Vibram FiveFingers – KSO
- Nike+ GPS Sportwatch
- iPod Nano
- Crappy headphones
What about you? What do you run with?
Let us know in the comments.
[...] + Everyday-Carry-inspired post over at ReluctantRunners.com today. [...]
ChocolateOrchid: No, I cannot foresee me ever considering a maratho...
adam: ok, it\'s been long enough...have you guys decided...
Brandi: I love it! I\'m definitely the guy in this......
Dusty: Perfect........
Shauna Marie: Oh and what about Skinny Girl Runner: Totally deck...
© 2012 RELUCTANT RUNNERS. All Rights Reserved.
Powered by WordPress. Designed by 
That looks like an iPod Nano to me… Just sayin’. :)
I always run with my Brooks running shoes, iPod Nano, a house key, and sometimes either a hat or sunglasses.
Good call. I’m an idiot.
Glad you’ve learned that by now.
I have to have gum, Nike shuffle with earbuds, and sunglasses or I won’t make it past the end of the driveway.
Sunglasses, huh?
I’ve never run with them.
Putting on sunglasses helps me get in the zone. Glasses go on = freaking “Go Time.” Unless it’s 6 a.m., then you just look like a dick.
My RoadID.
Asics GT2160′s, iPhone 4 with RunKeeper, cheapo earbuds with YurBuds, RoadID and Oakley Half Jackets.
- shorts
- cheap aqua-socks / water shoes
- shirt if i’m somewhere i need one
- occasionally a gps watch and heart-rate monitor
aqua-socks??????
Since I commuter run normally – backpack with my walking (old running shoes), work clothes, bus pass, Asics or Nike shoes, iPod, Blackberry, Garmin and camelbak.
On the weekends I opt for a minimal as possible – hat, Garmin, iPod (if running solo), keys and shoes.
I wear a visor – yes I am 87 years old. A hat’s too hot, sunglasses slide off my face…visor wins. Carry my iPhone and car key in an ArmPocket (http://www.armpocket.com/) and use these headphones – http://www.amazon.com/Sennheiser-PMX80-Sport-Behind-Earphones/dp/B001GT185K/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1310060854&sr=8-1
I have two aps going during my runs – Couch to 5k – lets me alternate running and walking, tells me when to switch – and the Nike+ GPS ap.
When you said that reluctant runners need “gadgets” you were totally talking about me.
No shame in needing gadgets. We celebrate that here.
Will your phone’s GPS work with two different programs at the same time (or does C25K not use GPS?)?
I like Runmeter better than Nike+ for most running, but have been using Nike+ for the July Challenge.
Yeah, it will Blake. I use runkeeper and nike+GPS simultaneously.
Cool. I gave it a try before seeing your reply…and yep, it worked w/ RunMeter as well. But I was getting audio cues from each app. I need to turn one of those off before next time.
Thanks for the tip.
Glad Caleb answered cause I don’t know. C25K has a GPS option but I didn’t upgrade since I was already using Nike+.
Asics, Watch, Droid-X (for mytracks app and pandora), earbuds, Sunglasses. I house keys and water/powerade zero in the garage for when I get back
I honestly gave up on the iPod years ago in lieu of going all natural. Even on my longer runs (about 8 miles at this point), I feel like I do better when I can hear my own breathing and can think a little bit.
I usually only have my sunglasses and $10 watch I got from Walmart a decade ago. I currently have Adidas Supernova Sequence 4 shoes, but I’m not a huge shoe snob.
iPod touch, crappy earphones, running shoes.
This may have already been discussed, but would you recommend the Vibram FiveFingers?
I LOVE them.
Have you read Born to Run? That’s what put me over the edge.
We should write a post about them.
You should write about them – I’m curious too. I have read BTR but still not sure it’s for me.
I haven’t read it but will definitely pick it up. Thanks!
You should. I’m interested in reading that book.
What’s been your personal story with the foot glove?
Best shoes for running EVER. Love mine. Been a fan for years – have gone through several pairs and still love them. Can’t recommend them highly enough!
David – which model do you run in and on what type of surface? I usually run on paved surfaces and the vibrams just seem more for trails/soft ground.
Chrystal – I have the same pair as Tyler, the KSOs. I primarily run on paved surfaces also – they’re great!
I have a couple of pair of FiveFingers KSOs and while I love them for hiking and all things outdoors, I simply cannot run in them. I get hot spots almost immediately.
Thanks for all the feedback! I’m looking into the FiveFingers as we speak!
if you’re looking for new earbuds…yurbuds have never even slipped in my ear, much less fallen out. I really can’t say enough good stuff about them.
http://www.yurbuds.com/ybcart/ironman-earphones
Casio and shorts
For shoes, I alternate between Nike Free+, Asics Cummulus and Asics Noosas.
GPS watch, RoadID, sunglasses, and mp3 player (sometimes). I don’t use it in any event. Mp3 players are against the rules in some events I participate in.
I never run w/out my asics gel-nimbus, iPhone, armband, anger, self pity, & the remorse of knowing I have to run bc I have no control over my terrible eating habits.
Wow. That’s a lot of baggage to carry while running. Add to that list: my pity for you.
Brooks or NB shoes, iPhone (and a plastic bag if it’s really hot and my hands will sweat much (or it looks like rain)), podcasts/music (on phone), shorts, shirt, socks.
i try to bring someone who will talk to me… if not, ipod shuffle, gum and asics. there have been several long runs that ive brought along a couple squares of toliet paper just to play it safe
Nike Zooms, injinji/bridgedale socks, iphone 4 (1-3 apps going), Sennheiser PMX80s… sometimes heartrate monitor…and stashed nearby are water, anti-blister, and chapstick.
What HRM do you use with an iPhone4?
My favorite accessory is my chocolate lab. Leashed on the roads, unleashed on the trails.
SPI belt packed with iPhone (for music and Runkeeper tracking), driver’s license, insurance card, and a credit card. Yep, I’m paranoid that one day I’ll hurt myself and need all those things when I get carted to the hospital in an ambulance. House key goes in the key pocket of my shorts. If I’m going out for a bit, I also carry a 10 oz water bottle.
> Huarache Sandals
> Loincloth
> red bandana as headband
Asics GT2150s (fitted at Roadrunner Sports for “stability plus”)
Oversized iPod that I really need an armband for. I hate hand-carrying it, but I hate a lack of music even more. Headphones are D-loops because earbuds would just pop right out.
Blackberry 9700 that swings around in my shorts pocket. I need it to track my runs with SportyPal’s app.
Car keys that swing around in the other pocket. I once dropped these on the trail in the pouring rain, learning that at the end of the run. Then I had to do it again to find them. My 16 year-old son wasn’t too happy.
1) Garmin 405, and heart rate monitor (dunno why, maybe to make sure I haven’t died yet)
2) iPhone and armband – Running Nike+. miCoach, Words with Friends, Email, Texting, and the 26GB of music on shuffle.
3) Car/House Key depending on if I’m running the trail or around the ‘hood.
4) Water. On my long runs (read Saturday 10k+) I need a hydration station somewhere.
5) Bug spray. Is anyone else a mosquito or biting fly magnet?
6) $5. Just in case I pass a great sale at the ice cream place along the run.
7) ID. Just to make sure that if #1 tells me I’m dead, someone knows where to drop my carcass off.
I think I’m gonna need a running man-purse soon.
What is the deal with being a mosquito magnet? I can be at the lake with a group of friends and come home with 10 bites and everyone else will have maybe 1.
Other than the obvious neccessities.. I run with my iPhone-with iPod set to “Run Like a Champion” mix, sunglasses and my favorite “Sweaty Bands” headband (for you ladies Sweaty Bands are really cute sports headbands that actually keep your hair back without flinging off your head the first 1/2 mile of your run:)).
Curious to know what is on your “Run Like a Champ” mix.
I never leave home without
1. Asics Gel-nimbus
2. iPhone in a plastic baggie running both runkeeper (my normal running app), and Nike+ (for the sake of the reluctant runner challenge)
3. Armband
4. A healthy dose of self-pity and remorse that if I could just eat healthier I could quit running all together, but unfortunately I have absolutely ZERO self control around basically anything with carbohydrates.
Tyler, I’d love to know what you think of the Nike+ GPS Watch. I’ve been eyeing it for awhile – looking for a good review, though. I want something relatively light-weight and low-maintenance that’s not overly pricey. Heard good things about it, but I’m curious how you feel about it overall – pros and cons?
Omron pedometer – Hate this thing, but it is part of a “heath initiative” where I work. I can win prizes from logging the most steps before November, so I wear it all the time (except sleeping).
Gymboss Interval Timer – If you follow Jeff Galloway’s Run-Walk-Run method ( http://www.jeffgallowy.com ), you gotta have this. If you don’t Run-Walk-Run…you should.
12-Year-Old pair of black Oakley XX Sunglasses. I never run without these unless it’s dark. I have, on occasion, run with these on the top of my head in the dark.
Sansa Clip (4Mb) w/ work-out mix – only when running by myself. I mostly run with my son. We have some great convos on our long runs.
Crap…I misspelled the url: http://www.jeffgalloway.com
We’re big run-walk-runners. Planning on writing a post about it soon.
Very cool. Can’t wait to read your take on it.
At first, it killed my pride. It seemed there was always someone running near me when it was time to walk. I wanted to wear a shirt that said “I may be walking, but I’m still running a 10 minute mile.” (Ok, so actually, I run closer to an 11 minute mile pace, but that doesn’t sound as cool).
After sticking with it for several months though, I am sold on the concept. Now, I don’t give it a second thought (unless of course the runner is female). DBTG.
Same here. Killed the pride.
I’m also going to do a follow-up post about tips for the walk breaks (ie look at watch a lot so people will think you’ve just finished your run, etc)
Gotta add Kinesio Tape (KT) to the list. First pain free long run since I strained my calf 4 weeks ago. That stuff is like magic!
Guys I gotta be honest, I ran with nothing but shorts yesterday – only because my dog had chewed my earbuds. It was one of the hardest decisions I’ve ever had to make.
Wasn’t so bad.
#ruluctantrunnerposer
- Running shoes (I think they’re Brooks … I don’t really pay attention. I just bought what the lady at the running store told me to buy.) Both shoes quickly developed a little hole in the net part at the top near the toe, so sticks, straw, and stones can more easily infiltrate my shoes. This makes me an even more reluctant runner.
- iPod shuffle with my special workout mix. Not gonna lie – there are some Bieber songs.
- Pink plastic watch. It has buttons like a stopwatch, but I don’t understand how to set it, so I just keep track of time and then try to distract myself during the run by doing math. “I’m starting at 12:47, so if I do 30 minutes, that would be 1:17…..I’m almost 25% of the way through… I’m 5 minutes from being 50% done … etc. etc.”
- Clothes of course
- Blistex before I leave the house
- Cell phone for safety. In case I come across an unsavory person, get injured, or – the most likely scenario – I get lost. I don’t like having to carry it, but oh well.
- I hide my key under the doormat (NO ONE would look for it there….) rather than run with it.
I would like to carry cash with me but I know that I would just stop to buy ice cream (today I walked past a 7-Eleven and would have given my left leg for a Slurpee).
today i ran in my Swagger Wagon. but since it has my 26.2 sticker on the back, i think that counts. so, today i ran with my five kids in the car. with the local radio playing. but when i REALLY run, i have my brooks (same pair, purchased over 6 times now), my purple IPOD, the purple matters – it inspires my every step, my face shirt that says “JENNY” on it, so my neighbors and onlookers can call my name out, and my spandex shorts. i WANT to wear all the cool running shorts, the true runners’ clothes, but sometimes, when you have more skin on your legs, NOT more fat, things can rub a bit. so i go for the spandex. oh yeah, the ONLY socks i wear, are balga, and i often wear them inside out, mostly to drive my OCD hubby a little crazier
I wear my Polar HRM watch (looking at Garmins, though…any advice, anyone???), and my iPod Nano with my workout playlist full of songs that my children can’t hear the lyrics to. I’m in TX. It’s hot. I can’t handle anything else. Even a water bottle gets all sweaty. I tried a water belt. I hate it. I’ll just run earlier, or run later and gripe about how hot it is. I like races, because people stand on my route, and give me water, and popsicles. :) I like popsicles.
I have the Forerunner 110 (a wonderful gift from my dad) https://buy.garmin.com/shop/shop.do?pID=63511&ra=true. I like it – it has taken me a little while to get used to it, but as a whole I find that it’s been a huge source of incentive going from a Nike watch.
Garmin Forerunner :)
Which one? I want the 610. :)
The 305 probably. That’s the gold standard.
My Brooks running shoes
I’ve recently been able to give up my ankle brace (Yay! Small Victories)
My Droid/Music with whatever earbuds I pull out of the drawer
My Aphipod ( http://www.amphipod.com/products/holders/day-of-race/race-lite-go)
My Garmin
Sunglasses
A bottle of water tucked in my arm like a football. Yes, I’m one of those runners who needs more than the every mile water break.
VFF Bikilas, iPod Touch with headphones, belt holding my cell phone, ID, a few bucks & a couple tissues.
I don’t run with anything. Everyone asks me how I can’t run with music but I try to explain to them that I breathe to the rhythm of my feet and music would prevent me from doing this. When I try to show them how, I just look like a dick. I also enjoy just listening to the sounds around me so I can hear a car or a biker nearby. One thing I will bring with me on long runs is my Garmin Forerunner watch. It’s friggin amazing and everyone who runs long distance should look into purchasing one of these!
Agreed on the Garmin Forerunner. It’s really liberating to strap it on, pick a route on the fly, run, and stop when you reached your mileage. It made long runs less of a big production and more of a routine.
only run with shorts and shoes,gave up the watch years ago when my hair left me.
Can you track your run with the watch without the shoe chip?
I wore VFFs and always had to manually enter my run on nikeplusedit.com. Is there a different/better way?
yes, you can with the nike+ gps sportwatch, but not with the sportband. it comes with a chip, but it’s only used as backup in case the gps goes out. mine never has, so i never use it.
Droid Incredible running Endomondo (let’s others who don’t run sit in front of their comptuers and track me live) and Pandora
Nathan water belt
healthy supply of GU
Gotta wear the spandex running shorts because i had a bad chafing incident in an unexpected rain shower one day. Can’t be too safe after that. And I’ve found that listening to podcasts while I run is slightly more distracting than music when I need to not hear the sound of my out of control breathing.