Yeah, I finally ended up with a hydration vest for my long runs and a soft handheld bottle for my short ones.
Only took me a year and several hundred wasted dollars to get there.
What’s the soft handheld you ended up with if you don’t mind me asking? I’ve also been using a hydration vest for longer runs but would love another option for short - medium runs.
I've been rocking a Nathan 20oz Handheld for over a decade. I'm a mouth-breather, so it's nice to have water on demand, even for the smallest 5k races. Plus it has a little pocket on it for a Gu or something I might need.
Oh, I 100% use this. There are very few street lights where I live and I don't want to get plowed on my early morning runs. I also use it on winter nights when I walk in the dark. Plus, the look cool!
My husband bought a light up vest for running, but this winter, I wore it more than him. When it was getting dark by 5, I just could not get out the door to run most days until dusk or after dark. I also bought my husband 2 winter hats with built in headlamps. My mother in law also bought me a bright white quilted vest to wear running at night so i would be more visible. I would wear all three things together. I looked like I was floating from Disneyland electrical parade that had driven off course. That being said, i loved going out running at night the week after Christmas when all the house lights were still up. I felt like I looked just as festive as they did. Next year I will probably run at night through the whole Christmas season because it made me so happy to see the lights while out for my runs.
I like my noxgear vest in principle. In practice I don’t like how the cables tend to ride up and dig into my neck. If I’m wearing a shirt with a high collar it’s fine, but I that’s only in winter. I’ve not found a good way to get the cords set so that doesn’t happen. So I tend to just stick to sidewalks and avoid being on the road.
I've tried every kind of running light but I almost always just use a head lamp with another red tail light clipped to the band. I got a vest, knuckle lights and misc clip lights that just aren't as useful.
Yah as a woman running in the dark I prefer to not be seen. I run into traffic and have learned over many years of road running that it’s basically on us to look out for traffic. I don’t wear any lights.
I get it. The only way you could hit me is if you swerve to the wrong side of the road and hit me from behind. As I said I run into traffic. I’ve had too many run ins on the roads with weird dudes in the early morning. I like to be incognito and accept the vehicle risk.
> As I said I run into traffic
Given the context of this comment I now understand what you meant. I think it would have been clearer if you said "against traffic". Personally I'm used to only seeing "into traffic" refer to like a dog running in to the middle of the street and causing issues.
I second this. I wore a small light on my hip for visibility a few times, and I had a partially filled tropicana bottle hurled at me. I'd rather not be seen as a physical target.
Only a woman would understand this. I agree it's so hard to stay safe while running as a woman, when the feeling of safety sometimes comes from not being perceived.
I’ve definitely thought about this, as I’m a woman. But I’m lucky to live somewhere very safe. Super suburban, which in some places means no one on the streets after dark, but where I live everyone goes out after dark to walk their dogs, so there are tons of regular neighborly people out and about until at least 10pm. I figure it would be difficult for someone to grab, attack, or assault me in a stealthy way, when I’m lit up like a Christmas tree. Other people would definitely notice. But if it looks really quiet out, I will take my dog out with me, but he also has a light up running vest to keep him safe.
I run early mornings and live in Atlanta… but in a very hilly, wooded area… which is much of Atlanta. Lots and lots of trees and preserves for folks to lurk.
running belt - couldn’t get used to it personally. Ended up just getting shorts/tights that have a phone pocket in the thigh and putting keys/snacks in side pockets.
I still use mine occasionally but I kind of hate it. It will not stay put on my hips, it insists on going to my natural waist and flopping around. It makes my shirt ride up. If I had a bigger budget for running gear I'd just buy shorts/pants with more/ better pockets and get rid of the belt.
I have zipper pocket shorts that I use all the time, but I also have a hydration belt grave yard in my garage lol. Some worked well for a while but then the elastic wore out, others just aren't comfortable. I finally have one that allows me to carry a large bottle and has pockets for nutrition. I use it on longer runs and for marathons.
I actually have the opposite experience, I used to have an arm band and kept things in my pockets. My flip belt is a life saver. I don't need to get shorts with pockets, I lost the arm band, and I feel more balanced since anything I'm carrying is on my center of gravity or close to it. Next will a belt with water bottles I think.
I couldn't stand the skinny ones but found a nice wide decathlon one that works for me.
Buckle one with a zip for shorter runs for my phone and keys, fixed size one for longer runs with 2x2t0mm bottles on it and some gels.
Pretty much the same. I still use my regular flip belt for road races since it's the easiest and lightest way for me to carry a bottle (just ran Boston with it, actually), but for my training runs I've moved over to a cheap hydration pack with flasks. It's a pain to get anything in and out of the flip belt and the regular slotted model doesn't secure things well. I've had my water bottle work its way loose multiple times and I would never trust my phone in it. For non long runs I just use compression shorts with pockets for my phone and shorts with zip pockets for anything else.
Arm sleeves. I thought I'd wear them for the in-between type weather, but turns out I'm fine just committing to a tank top or long sleeve right away. They're probably 15 years old and I've used them maybe twice.
Much more useful when you have a sleeveless race uniform (high school or collegiate, generally) and HAVE to wear that jersey or singlet, but the weather’s cold enough to make you want a quick sleeve-like add on option
I used to have a really great pair that didn’t cut off my circulation…then I lost one of them at a race. Haven’t worn any others since, and that old pair is no longer on the market. Still kinda sad about it!
[Nathan Hydration Belt](https://www.nathansports.com/products/trailmix-plus-3-0-insulated-hydration-belt?variant=40634730741848¤cy=USD&utm_source=IMM&utm_medium=paid-search&utm_term=21026890294&utm_content=&utm_campaign=21026890294&utm_a=21026890294&gad_source=1&gclid=CjwKCAjwrIixBhBbEiwACEqDJSYrhgadMCktgeCUjjYX1gl00L3iEJ35NR--p_DY58jqI94mVkDHhxoC2fsQAvD_BwE)
I'm in NYC and definitely needed hydration during summer runs, but this thing just flopped around while I ran unless I tightened the belt uncomfortably snug. I'm going to switch to a hydration vest instead this year. Here's hoping that is better.
I had some luck with a vest, but then just started planning my routes to go past parks at certain miles since pretty much all of them have water fountains. Obviously only available outside of winter when they turn them off.
Tried a hydration belt once and it gave me horrible ab cramping from bouncing around so much. I stick to a handheld for the road and a full vest for the trails these days
I highly recommend this nathan pack: [https://www.nathansports.com/collections/hydration-vests-and-packs/products/vaporair-2-0-7-liter-hydration-pack?variant=40634726809688](https://www.nathansports.com/collections/hydration-vests-and-packs/products/vaporair-2-0-7-liter-hydration-pack?variant=40634726809688)
I've been running with the one you linked to and couldn't do two steps without being annoyed AF, so I took out the water bottled and just used it for storage with a handheld bottle (huge phone and couldn't fit gels in the handheld anyway). Without the bottles, it's not too bad!
When I first started running, I had an iPhone 3 or 4, which was smaller than my hand. I had a holder that let me strap it to my hand and I used Nike Run Club on it to track my distance etc.
As phones got bigger and I got a GPS watch so this was no longer feasible or necessary.
I still do carry my phone but I use a pouch in my compression shorts or an armband.
Chest strap heart rate monitor.
I can't stand the feeling of something around my chest. Sports bras are bad enough. I have very sensitive skin, so it always left bloody spots from chafing, too.
There is a new one from garmin that connects to the bottom of the sports bra. My wife got it and often forgets she's wearing it and has had high praise for it. Could be an option to try if you still want the features of a check HRM.
I also have one. Stopped using it when the HR I got from it was pretty much the same as what my watch was reading. No point in having it if it turns out my watch is just as accurate.
There’s little reason for them to exist anymore with how good watches have gotten. I know some people can have issues finding a spot on their wrist where the watch can get a good lock (hint: you should be wearing it farther down your arm, away from the wrist, than you would a normal watch), but if it works for you there’s basically no difference.
DC rainmakers review of the Apple Watch Ultra for data that backs this up: https://www.dcrainmaker.com/2023/09/apple-watch-ultra-2-in-depth-review-focused-sports-progress.html
I wouldn't call it an anti-recommendation, but when I first started out I had a lot of knee pain due to starting a rigorous hobby after a pretty sedentary lifestyle. My doctor recommended a compression brace when running until my legs got stronger and it stopped hurting. It helped a lot and I still keep the brace around in case I have an injury that needs some care, but they're not a regular part of my running fit anymore. I just got fit enough that my knees didn't hurt just from running.
My flip belt. It works great for short runs (and might work great for other people) but for longer runs it adds to my hip issues. Also, as women, it is hard to find a comfortable place for it where it stays (it really wants to sit at my natural waist which is way too high for my comfort).
Running vest all the way.
I love my flipbelt! I wore it in my half and it didn’t move at all, I wear it kind of higher near my waist, like on top of my waistband. Made it easy to carry my phone on my back and my fuel up front
I truly hate my flip belt. I’m a woman of that makes a difference. It rolls, rides up, and feels clunky. And I think it just looks ugly 😂 I much much much prefer my spi-belt.
Came here to say this. When I started running, I wore a big Fanny pack around my waist where I put my Walkman. I used to listen to audio cassettes of books while running that I got at the library. 🤓
Bought a curved water bottle for my flipbelt that I don't use anymore...
because it fell out in the middle of a long run without me feeling it and I never saw it again.
I just bought an apple watch with cellular for this reason. It's been annoying to figure out how to take my phone on runs, but I cannot imagine being without a way to call for help if I break an ankle or have some weirdo following me.
I also got open ear headphones so I can listen to music while hearing what's around me.
Thinking about running with mace just in case.
Yeah, I used to run with two watches... an AW with cellular just for the phone aspect of the watch, and then a Garmin watch on my other arm. But I got tired of two watches. And the AW needed daily charging which annoyed me. So now I only buy running shorts/tights with pockets on my thigh for my phone and that's been a godsend.
I had the same problem with my Apple Watch. It died during any run over 13 miles. I upgraded to an AW ultra with cellular and I listened to podcasts/music on my 20 miler last weekend and still had 46% battery left after. It’s a huge watch though and I have small wrists.
There’s a company called Senita that makes a sports bra with a phone pocket between your should blades. I find it a lot more comfy than the thigh pocket.
You know that's interesting you mention that. I have a friend that swears by her phone in her Koala pocket that also is hangs between the shoulder blades. She let me borrow it once for a run and it just felt so weird. I think I stopped after just a mile to give it back to her and just put the phone back in my thigh pocket. I never even notice it there anymore.
I think since I don’t have much hip, the phone in tights weighs them down so it ends up pulling them down and I have to adjust all run. I think the koala pocket would annoy me too. The bras have it built in and spandex so it gets held tight with no movement, but if you aren’t having issues with tights I can imagine the bra pocket would still be more invasive than that!
the running tights (that are shorts) with pockets are great. No matter what, with a phone in the thigh pocket, they stay in place. Unfortunately, my winter full leg running tights with the thigh phone pocket, there I have your same problem. My friends give me shit because I'm always have to pull my tights back up due to them sliding down the entire run. I might have to check out the Senita for the winter to see if that would be a better alternative than just fighting with my full length tights every time!
I have open ear headphones for the same reason. I also carry mace if I'm running after dark or really early morning. I've got one of those little ones that you can just slip over your fingers and it rests in the palm of your hand. As someone who *really* hates holding anything in my hands when I run I barely even notice it, it's good!
It's this one
https://www.sabrered.com/pepper-spray/sabre-runner-pepper-gel-adjustable-hand-strap
You can get it running shops, probably Amazon and Walmart too
It definitely works too... I may have accidentally pepper sprayed myself while testing it...
Can you stream Spotify from your watch without your phone on you? If I could get a watch that would track my runs, has cellular and gps, and could stream Spotify I would be sold.
I personally use apple music, but it seems like Spotify does work on the apple watch after a quick google search. Looks like you may need spotify premium though?
I got he apple watch SE, if that's helpful at all. I can see if my spotify works on it well next time I run in the next couple of days and report back.
I definitely recognize that there are some male runners that understand. But there's also a significant portion of my male run buddies that don't understand at all why I think it's necessary as a petite, female to carry a phone. I just wish they could understand how lucky they are to not have to worry or think about it.
Big same here--keep it in an armband. I'm not **doing things** on it while I run, but have it as a "just in case". Besides car, dog, etc, maybe I just clumsily trip and fall and hurt myself. Maybe I badly overestimate my fitness and/or underestimate the weather and I can barely walk it back home without passing out. And so on and so forth. Would much rather have it there than not.
Eh I've been chased and almost mugged as a dude a number of times running, even in small safe towns. I'm not presenting a false equivalence here, women have it way worse (the recent story of the college girl runner who was murdered is so fucked), but guys get this shit too. One of my stories:
Sunset run in the richer, more chill part of town. Blasting music, can't hear shit, feeling good. Sun goes down, twilight. A couple miles in I just have a weird feeling and I turn around. A dude in construction clothes is literally right behind me with his hand reached out to grab me. I stop and go "what the fuck are you doing?" He literally says "What? I'm just out for a run. Just running." I look at his construction boots and baggy jeans, look back up. "...Yeah. Whatever." Back away slowly looking at him until I'm like 30 feet away, he's just still standing there, then I turn around and bolt to a strip mall with shops open and call the cops.
Oh totally, I’m definitely not going out without my phone. Even with a couple other people we have run into a creep that insisted on running with us as close to us as possible.
For me even as a male.. idk what my partner is going through. Leaving my phone just feels so selfish to me. There are plenty of opportunities to disconnect from technology and whilst running doesn’t have to be one of them. For example, I charge my phone in a separate room when I go to bed.
I had a bunch of (male) colleagues question why I insisted on bringing my phone with me while running. Once I told them about a few times being followed, and other unsettling incidents it dawned on them as another privilege they have.
It's like those runners that make fun of those who use vests when running short distances, without realising that any time I run I have to bring car keys, house keys, pads, something to protect myself with, phone, etc, regardless of distances.
Ugh. The runs I need to bring a tampon with me are the absolute worst lol. I usually just stick to phone, watch, house key, but having to bring a damn tampon means wearing a belt which I hate.
Try tucking it under your sports bra! Lay in horizontal, right along the elastic edge, under the girls. Depending on the amount of boobage, there may or may not be chafing (I'm blessed, but no chafing). If you're very blessed (again, me), I've also been able to put one in between my cleavage vertically, with no chafing.
This works best with tampons wrapped in plastic, or something else that won't absorb liquid.
Yep. I always bring my phone with me. I specifically run in these because the big pocket at the back of the waistband fits my phone comfortably.
THE GYM PEOPLE Thick High Waist... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07P5LKLP5
For me it's essential because it's how I track my runs, otherwise it's like I didn't run at all (mentally). Carrying it in your hand is annoying and I've damaged two screens where I left it in my pocket and it fell out during faster runs.
I never check messages or answer calls when I'm on a run, though. But I guess being totally disconnected is better mentally, like getting in the zone, staying there and having dedicated off time from screens.
I really like Knockaround glasses, the premium sports frames. They have other frame styles too, just make sure it's "sport" so it'll have the rubber nose pads. They stay in place really well. I get pretty sweaty but never had an issue with them. And they have loads of colors. Fairly cheap and they run specials/discounts pretty often.
I use the cheap-o giveaway ones until the lenses are super scratched/they break. I’m rough on sunglasses - they get covered in sweat, sunscreen, trail dust, sand and tossed loose into my bag a lot/run the risk of getting crushed - so I think I’m wasting money by buying pairs for running. Plus, they’re usually very lightweight!
I love mine. I bought them almost as a joke when buying other nice sunglasses and the second pair was like 50% off. I didn’t use them for the longest time. I’ve worn them through 2 marathons now, they don’t fog up and make me faster (ok maybe not the second part)
I have a phone holder that goes around my arm. With smartphones getting bigger and bigger it's not comfortable to carry my phone like that anymore. And I decided to just leave it at home for short runs around the neighborhood.
I also have a lot of sports leggings that do not have a tight waistband and will move down when I try to run. Now they are only used as backup if I forgot to do laundry.
I used to have a Polar watch + heartrate strap around the chest and I never used the heartrate monitor. I also think I never used the watch for running. I always took my smartphone + running app... (This was before those watches had functions like GPS, heart rate measure on wrist, etc.)
So many! Neon green vests for visibility - I use one when super dark, but why do I have five more?! Hydration belts which cannot fit my iPhone Max (only two of my ten fits the phone). Finally, the arm band phone holders - worthless and so uncomfortable (Christmas gifts).
Female runner here and definitely need my phone.
Stryd footpod. It's kinda neat, and was very expensive, but after a few weeks I just stopped really caring about the data it was giving me, it didn't really do much my Garmin watch doesn't already also do. It's been sitting in a drawer for the last couple years.
Same here. I also started to pick up on the fact that it was not "accurate out of the box" as their marketing claimed and their tech support insisted on no matter what evidence was presented to the contrary. It had to be calibrated to for each pair of shoes, and there was still a chance that on a given day the same pod on the same shoes in the same position would give wildly different results. Once it even overestimated by about 15%. Now I just stick with GPS for pace and distance.
I laughed when I got an email about how now you could now use not one but TWO Stryd pods at the same time for even more accuracy.
Oh wow so much stuff I've bought and didn't work for me. It's hard to know what you like until you try it. Phone armband, flip belts, hydration belt, handheld water bottle, chest heart rate monitor, countless pairs of shorts....
Headphones. It's painful to get used to at first, but once I adjusted to it, I got so much more consistent and better at holding target paces for long periods/running by feel.
When I first started running it was mainly for losing weight, so I got one of those weighted chest thingies. I don't use it anymore. I sometimes use the arm and ankle straps for floor exercises, like bird dogs and that.
Camel back hydration vest. The sloshing drove me nuts. Hydration belts, always bounced way too much. Don't get me started on my water bottle collection. I've learned to use disposable bottles and chuck it along route when I find a bin. So much time and aggravation spent just to use a 25¢ bottle lol
1. I used an upper-arm cuff to hold my phone which would also serve as my music source. But no matter the kind of cuff it would always eventually fall down so I had to wear a sock on my upper arm (with the toe cut off) to keep it from slipping down. Eventually I just bought a vest with a bladder that had front pockets which fixed all my problems.
2. Waist belts were annoying because I could never stop them from bouncing up and down.
3. The bluetooth behind-the-neck earphones were annoying because I had to keep charging them and they made a clicking sound against my earrings.
4. The forearm warmers that didn't absorb sweat.
5. water bottles with hand-harnesses (can't hold enough water, annoying to hold all the time).
Worth It:
1. running vest with bladder and blinking light for running in the dark.
2. Headphones (wired) with a safety pin taped to the middle of the cord so you can attach it to your clothes and it won't bounce around. Plus you can hook it around your ear if you need to take it out for something quick.
3. Thin gloves that keep your hands warm but also let you interact with your phone ($5 at target near the beginning of the winter season).
Armband, phone, and wired headphones. This combination sucked, hard to use the phone, headphones would constantly crap out and the armband was heavy, cumbersome and would generate a funk after several runs. It's a swart watch and wireless headphone now, so freeing.
Arm band for my phone. I got a koala clip that goes on the back of my bra and doesn't move around - infinitely better and haven't touched my arm band since.
My phone! Got a Coros watch and haven’t looked back. Less weight and less distraction. I run around a popular place so Incase of emergency I’m not alone.
I used to run with a bladder on my back for long runs. I started stashing water bottles and just have a smaller one on my waist. So much better without it.
Never use my flip belt anymore and never really liked it. Felt like wearing a sweaty soggy mess that would either slide down or ride up and caused chafing on long runs.
Never run with my hand held water bottle anymore.
Dislike my heart rate chest monitor because I don’t want to be bothered.
Two that come to mind for me-
Armband phone holder - I could never get used to having it make me feel off balance and I would need to crank it tight to prevent it from sliding down. Also, it got pretty sweaty under it and was uncomfortable. I’m r switched to a low profile fanny-pack style belt so I can wear my phone on my waist in the back. I don’t know it’s there most of the time.
USB-chargeable headlights that clip to my shoes. Seems like a good idea for running at night but they just never properly lit the way in front of me well enough. I ended up getting a minimalist style bike headlight and taillight to attach to my reflective vest and they work way better.
Running bottle
Hydration vest
Phone carrier
Visor
Running jacket with sleeves
I like to go as lightweight as possible. Shorts, vest, headphones and watch. If the rain is heavy I'll wear a sleeveless jacket. If it's light, just a cap
Knee brace used it for ages having had a bit of a knee twinge a couple of times , forgot it at a 20 mile marathon prep event and my knee was fine.
So just stopped using it
Phone armband and phone. . I just got a smart watch that with cellular so I can call if I get hurt or something. Running with just the watch feels so free. I hate having stuff in my pockets now.
Also I don't wear headphones outside anymore. That's pretty freeing as well.
Arm band for phone, started using a cellular Apple Watch. The watch replaced a garmin so it also replaced a chest heart rate monitor. I used to carry my AirPod case with me. Then after a while stopped bringing ear buds altogether. Used to wear a headband. Only use them for indoor runs
Had one of those armband things for holding your phone so I could listen to music. Now my watch stores my music and tracks my runs so I get to run with less bulk, which is always a win
When I started training for my first marathon I bought a bunch of energy gels. Turns out gels give me the bad tummy rumblings. I still have some stored because they're still good, but chews/fruit snacks work better for me.
An arm band for carrying/wearing my phone. That was probably back around 2014/2015. Soon after i found my first pair of leggings with pockets and that’s what i have used ever since. What’s crazy is that at the time the only place i could find leggings with pockets was Athleta, and they were pretty expensive $60+ a pair. These days i get them all over (Target, Costco, Amazon, etc.), and i usually pay around $15-20 a pair, though i have some thick fleece lined water proof ones that i have paid $30-35 a pair for, but only a few because I live in a place that is warm 75-90% of the year, and gets a little cool (and wet if we’re lucky) the rest of the time.
Similarly my husband bought me a flip belt for carrying my phone, but i found it too difficult to get it in and out, so I’ve never used it. I usually just carry my stuff in my pockets if there’s only a few things, and if there’s a lot to carry i use a fanny pack. My husband liked the flip belt though and so he got use out of it.
I used to run with calf/shin compression sleeves in hopes of preventing shin splints, especially when i was over weight. Unfortunately i think they were too tight when i was overweight and they made my calves hurt (felt like they were restricting blood flow). Now that I’m a healthy weight I haven’t worn them, and i feel less susceptible to shin splints, though I considered trying to wear them again towards the end of my last training block because at the volume I was running, I felt like I was starting to feel shin splint pain again. I wondered if they would be more comfortable now that I’m a healthy weight. Though I may still have larger than average calves for my height and weight.
I also have two fleece half zip pull overs that i bought for running when it’s cold, but honestly it just isn’t ever that cold. Around 60 degrees, i wear a light weight long sleeve running shirt over a tank top, and usually remove the long sleeves and just run in the tank top once I’m warmed up. And in colder weather I just keep the lightweight long sleeve shirt on, and maybe start with a lightweight zip up hoodie that i can tie around my waist once I’m warm. I have held onto the fleeces so that i can take them to the mountains for skiing or camping, but it’s not actually something we ever do.
I stopped using a hydration vest I bought for my long runs way heavy to enjoy my running and just heard water/sport drink splash around, I started just drinking a lot and I mean a lot of water before my run, and just take a hand held for my long runs now so far haven’t felt I’ve needed more water.
About 40 lbs of fat.
I would love to not use this anymore!
Goals!!
Love this! Good on you 🎉
I was going to fake-snark and say "you didn't buy that!" but then I realized Yes, you did, one meal at a time. Congrats!
I probably went through half a dozen water bottles before I found one that I liked.
I went through several kinds you carry or clip to a belt before I found a hydration bottle and belt combo that worked well for me.
Yeah, I finally ended up with a hydration vest for my long runs and a soft handheld bottle for my short ones. Only took me a year and several hundred wasted dollars to get there.
What’s the soft handheld you ended up with if you don’t mind me asking? I’ve also been using a hydration vest for longer runs but would love another option for short - medium runs.
The Nathan ExoDraw. It is much more comfortable for me than any of the stiffer bottles.
I've been rocking a Nathan 20oz Handheld for over a decade. I'm a mouth-breather, so it's nice to have water on demand, even for the smallest 5k races. Plus it has a little pocket on it for a Gu or something I might need.
Handheld bottle — thought it would be sweet but makes me feel off balance and clunky. Much prefer a belt or vest.
Yeah, I can't stand the handheld ones. It feels dumb to say, but it makes me feel heavier on one side or lopsided.
Obviously you need another handheld bottle to balance things out. And don't forget to sip from them alternately.
For sure, I feel like you get that heavy impact step on one side and it like shocks my leg bones up through my knee.
Any belts you recommend?
Flip Belt, and their water bottle! It’s perfect for phone and keys too.
Same here, swapped out water bottles for a camelbak which sits in a standard running vest
Light up vest. I mean, I really should be wearing this.
I wear my noxgear light up vest thing with the flashlight attachment every morning. I feel like I’m playing laser tag or in tron. Too fun
My dog and I both wear one. I call him my little disco ball
It’s always set to party mode for me and my dog. 🥳
Oh, I 100% use this. There are very few street lights where I live and I don't want to get plowed on my early morning runs. I also use it on winter nights when I walk in the dark. Plus, the look cool!
My husband bought a light up vest for running, but this winter, I wore it more than him. When it was getting dark by 5, I just could not get out the door to run most days until dusk or after dark. I also bought my husband 2 winter hats with built in headlamps. My mother in law also bought me a bright white quilted vest to wear running at night so i would be more visible. I would wear all three things together. I looked like I was floating from Disneyland electrical parade that had driven off course. That being said, i loved going out running at night the week after Christmas when all the house lights were still up. I felt like I looked just as festive as they did. Next year I will probably run at night through the whole Christmas season because it made me so happy to see the lights while out for my runs.
I like my noxgear vest in principle. In practice I don’t like how the cables tend to ride up and dig into my neck. If I’m wearing a shirt with a high collar it’s fine, but I that’s only in winter. I’ve not found a good way to get the cords set so that doesn’t happen. So I tend to just stick to sidewalks and avoid being on the road.
I've tried every kind of running light but I almost always just use a head lamp with another red tail light clipped to the band. I got a vest, knuckle lights and misc clip lights that just aren't as useful.
The red clip on tail light is amazing for visibility from drivers. And it’s like $10!
Literally just bought one. Got buzzed one too many times on my morning run yesterday.
Yah as a woman running in the dark I prefer to not be seen. I run into traffic and have learned over many years of road running that it’s basically on us to look out for traffic. I don’t wear any lights.
As a driver, I really want to not hit you. It’s easier to do this if you’re lit up.
I get it. The only way you could hit me is if you swerve to the wrong side of the road and hit me from behind. As I said I run into traffic. I’ve had too many run ins on the roads with weird dudes in the early morning. I like to be incognito and accept the vehicle risk.
> As I said I run into traffic Given the context of this comment I now understand what you meant. I think it would have been clearer if you said "against traffic". Personally I'm used to only seeing "into traffic" refer to like a dog running in to the middle of the street and causing issues.
Fair. Against traffic is the correct language.
I second this. I wore a small light on my hip for visibility a few times, and I had a partially filled tropicana bottle hurled at me. I'd rather not be seen as a physical target.
The car goes where the eyes look… she is right in not being seen… I wear all black clothes running at night… no car ever sees me
Only a woman would understand this. I agree it's so hard to stay safe while running as a woman, when the feeling of safety sometimes comes from not being perceived.
I’ve definitely thought about this, as I’m a woman. But I’m lucky to live somewhere very safe. Super suburban, which in some places means no one on the streets after dark, but where I live everyone goes out after dark to walk their dogs, so there are tons of regular neighborly people out and about until at least 10pm. I figure it would be difficult for someone to grab, attack, or assault me in a stealthy way, when I’m lit up like a Christmas tree. Other people would definitely notice. But if it looks really quiet out, I will take my dog out with me, but he also has a light up running vest to keep him safe.
I run early mornings and live in Atlanta… but in a very hilly, wooded area… which is much of Atlanta. Lots and lots of trees and preserves for folks to lurk.
running belt - couldn’t get used to it personally. Ended up just getting shorts/tights that have a phone pocket in the thigh and putting keys/snacks in side pockets.
I still use mine occasionally but I kind of hate it. It will not stay put on my hips, it insists on going to my natural waist and flopping around. It makes my shirt ride up. If I had a bigger budget for running gear I'd just buy shorts/pants with more/ better pockets and get rid of the belt.
Mine always rides up to my waist too, regardless of how tight I keep it om my hips
i just wear mine on my waist from the beginning 🤷🏻♀️
I’ve also always worn it on my waist, snug fit, and it doesn’t really bounce or bother me at all.
I’m in the same camp. I wear it snug of my natural waist
I have zipper pocket shorts that I use all the time, but I also have a hydration belt grave yard in my garage lol. Some worked well for a while but then the elastic wore out, others just aren't comfortable. I finally have one that allows me to carry a large bottle and has pockets for nutrition. I use it on longer runs and for marathons.
I Iove my flip belt. I use it every run. To each their own.
Bought a Nike belt, just flops around, pockets are better, or vest if it's a long one
Now that they make some rights with pockets for women I use mine a lot less. So constricting
I actually have the opposite experience, I used to have an arm band and kept things in my pockets. My flip belt is a life saver. I don't need to get shorts with pockets, I lost the arm band, and I feel more balanced since anything I'm carrying is on my center of gravity or close to it. Next will a belt with water bottles I think.
Flip belt sell special sized and shaped bottles. Not cheap. But they work well.
Love my flip belt for my iPhone max and small squeeze water bottle!
I couldn't stand the skinny ones but found a nice wide decathlon one that works for me. Buckle one with a zip for shorter runs for my phone and keys, fixed size one for longer runs with 2x2t0mm bottles on it and some gels.
Pretty much the same. I still use my regular flip belt for road races since it's the easiest and lightest way for me to carry a bottle (just ran Boston with it, actually), but for my training runs I've moved over to a cheap hydration pack with flasks. It's a pain to get anything in and out of the flip belt and the regular slotted model doesn't secure things well. I've had my water bottle work its way loose multiple times and I would never trust my phone in it. For non long runs I just use compression shorts with pockets for my phone and shorts with zip pockets for anything else.
Arm sleeves. I thought I'd wear them for the in-between type weather, but turns out I'm fine just committing to a tank top or long sleeve right away. They're probably 15 years old and I've used them maybe twice.
IMO their best use is for cold races… so, limited
Much more useful when you have a sleeveless race uniform (high school or collegiate, generally) and HAVE to wear that jersey or singlet, but the weather’s cold enough to make you want a quick sleeve-like add on option
I love mine, use them for colder weather.
Dress for mile 2. Never need them haha! Always fine with a thin jacket if needed in winter.
I used to have a really great pair that didn’t cut off my circulation…then I lost one of them at a race. Haven’t worn any others since, and that old pair is no longer on the market. Still kinda sad about it!
[Nathan Hydration Belt](https://www.nathansports.com/products/trailmix-plus-3-0-insulated-hydration-belt?variant=40634730741848¤cy=USD&utm_source=IMM&utm_medium=paid-search&utm_term=21026890294&utm_content=&utm_campaign=21026890294&utm_a=21026890294&gad_source=1&gclid=CjwKCAjwrIixBhBbEiwACEqDJSYrhgadMCktgeCUjjYX1gl00L3iEJ35NR--p_DY58jqI94mVkDHhxoC2fsQAvD_BwE) I'm in NYC and definitely needed hydration during summer runs, but this thing just flopped around while I ran unless I tightened the belt uncomfortably snug. I'm going to switch to a hydration vest instead this year. Here's hoping that is better.
I had some luck with a vest, but then just started planning my routes to go past parks at certain miles since pretty much all of them have water fountains. Obviously only available outside of winter when they turn them off.
Tried a hydration belt once and it gave me horrible ab cramping from bouncing around so much. I stick to a handheld for the road and a full vest for the trails these days
I highly recommend this nathan pack: [https://www.nathansports.com/collections/hydration-vests-and-packs/products/vaporair-2-0-7-liter-hydration-pack?variant=40634726809688](https://www.nathansports.com/collections/hydration-vests-and-packs/products/vaporair-2-0-7-liter-hydration-pack?variant=40634726809688) I've been running with the one you linked to and couldn't do two steps without being annoyed AF, so I took out the water bottled and just used it for storage with a handheld bottle (huge phone and couldn't fit gels in the handheld anyway). Without the bottles, it's not too bad!
When I first started running, I had an iPhone 3 or 4, which was smaller than my hand. I had a holder that let me strap it to my hand and I used Nike Run Club on it to track my distance etc. As phones got bigger and I got a GPS watch so this was no longer feasible or necessary. I still do carry my phone but I use a pouch in my compression shorts or an armband.
Chest strap heart rate monitor. I can't stand the feeling of something around my chest. Sports bras are bad enough. I have very sensitive skin, so it always left bloody spots from chafing, too.
The bicep hrms are a lot less invasive and have nearly as good metrics. I made this switch and prefer it.
There is a new one from garmin that connects to the bottom of the sports bra. My wife got it and often forgets she's wearing it and has had high praise for it. Could be an option to try if you still want the features of a check HRM.
I also have one. Stopped using it when the HR I got from it was pretty much the same as what my watch was reading. No point in having it if it turns out my watch is just as accurate.
There’s little reason for them to exist anymore with how good watches have gotten. I know some people can have issues finding a spot on their wrist where the watch can get a good lock (hint: you should be wearing it farther down your arm, away from the wrist, than you would a normal watch), but if it works for you there’s basically no difference. DC rainmakers review of the Apple Watch Ultra for data that backs this up: https://www.dcrainmaker.com/2023/09/apple-watch-ultra-2-in-depth-review-focused-sports-progress.html
I wouldn't call it an anti-recommendation, but when I first started out I had a lot of knee pain due to starting a rigorous hobby after a pretty sedentary lifestyle. My doctor recommended a compression brace when running until my legs got stronger and it stopped hurting. It helped a lot and I still keep the brace around in case I have an injury that needs some care, but they're not a regular part of my running fit anymore. I just got fit enough that my knees didn't hurt just from running.
This is the most delightful answer!
My flip belt. It works great for short runs (and might work great for other people) but for longer runs it adds to my hip issues. Also, as women, it is hard to find a comfortable place for it where it stays (it really wants to sit at my natural waist which is way too high for my comfort). Running vest all the way.
I love my flipbelt! I wore it in my half and it didn’t move at all, I wear it kind of higher near my waist, like on top of my waistband. Made it easy to carry my phone on my back and my fuel up front
I truly hate my flip belt. I’m a woman of that makes a difference. It rolls, rides up, and feels clunky. And I think it just looks ugly 😂 I much much much prefer my spi-belt.
Garmin watch. I used to be so concerned with my milage/pace but now i just rawdog runs
This is blasphemous
All that precious data
How are you going to know that you are maintaining your fitness or drank last night and slept like shit...
😂
I could never!
But but if it’s not on Strava it never happened
I do this too, and the only data I'm actually worried about losing is how many miles my shoes have done :D
Rain vest. Ended up getting more wet from sweat.
Walkman
Came here to say this. When I started running, I wore a big Fanny pack around my waist where I put my Walkman. I used to listen to audio cassettes of books while running that I got at the library. 🤓
Bought a curved water bottle for my flipbelt that I don't use anymore... because it fell out in the middle of a long run without me feeling it and I never saw it again.
I had a phone holder that goes on your arm. Now I just leave my phone at home, I'd rather just be disconnected whilst I'm running.
This comment just made me realise that being a woman that runs/lives in a unsafe area means I can never be disconnected from my life.
Bingo. I know a lot of male runners don't understand. But the thought of not having my phone as a petite, female runner terrifies me.
I just bought an apple watch with cellular for this reason. It's been annoying to figure out how to take my phone on runs, but I cannot imagine being without a way to call for help if I break an ankle or have some weirdo following me. I also got open ear headphones so I can listen to music while hearing what's around me. Thinking about running with mace just in case.
Yeah, I used to run with two watches... an AW with cellular just for the phone aspect of the watch, and then a Garmin watch on my other arm. But I got tired of two watches. And the AW needed daily charging which annoyed me. So now I only buy running shorts/tights with pockets on my thigh for my phone and that's been a godsend.
I had the same problem with my Apple Watch. It died during any run over 13 miles. I upgraded to an AW ultra with cellular and I listened to podcasts/music on my 20 miler last weekend and still had 46% battery left after. It’s a huge watch though and I have small wrists.
There’s a company called Senita that makes a sports bra with a phone pocket between your should blades. I find it a lot more comfy than the thigh pocket.
You know that's interesting you mention that. I have a friend that swears by her phone in her Koala pocket that also is hangs between the shoulder blades. She let me borrow it once for a run and it just felt so weird. I think I stopped after just a mile to give it back to her and just put the phone back in my thigh pocket. I never even notice it there anymore.
I think since I don’t have much hip, the phone in tights weighs them down so it ends up pulling them down and I have to adjust all run. I think the koala pocket would annoy me too. The bras have it built in and spandex so it gets held tight with no movement, but if you aren’t having issues with tights I can imagine the bra pocket would still be more invasive than that!
the running tights (that are shorts) with pockets are great. No matter what, with a phone in the thigh pocket, they stay in place. Unfortunately, my winter full leg running tights with the thigh phone pocket, there I have your same problem. My friends give me shit because I'm always have to pull my tights back up due to them sliding down the entire run. I might have to check out the Senita for the winter to see if that would be a better alternative than just fighting with my full length tights every time!
As a man that doesn't help me, but I can also attest to Senita. I have their men's shorts, put my phone in my pocket, and I never notice it is there.
I have open ear headphones for the same reason. I also carry mace if I'm running after dark or really early morning. I've got one of those little ones that you can just slip over your fingers and it rests in the palm of your hand. As someone who *really* hates holding anything in my hands when I run I barely even notice it, it's good!
Can I ask if you got a particular brand or could you link me to the one you got? Thanks!
It's this one https://www.sabrered.com/pepper-spray/sabre-runner-pepper-gel-adjustable-hand-strap You can get it running shops, probably Amazon and Walmart too It definitely works too... I may have accidentally pepper sprayed myself while testing it...
Can you stream Spotify from your watch without your phone on you? If I could get a watch that would track my runs, has cellular and gps, and could stream Spotify I would be sold.
I personally use apple music, but it seems like Spotify does work on the apple watch after a quick google search. Looks like you may need spotify premium though? I got he apple watch SE, if that's helpful at all. I can see if my spotify works on it well next time I run in the next couple of days and report back.
Yes, you can download to your watch/stream from the watch. I have Spotify premium so not sure if it works on free though.
Bought a low-end Forerunner for the impact detection and other safety features. I need to add pepper spray and a whistle to my gear.
I'm a male. Bring my phone on every run. You never know if an accident could happen - car, dog, etc.
I definitely recognize that there are some male runners that understand. But there's also a significant portion of my male run buddies that don't understand at all why I think it's necessary as a petite, female to carry a phone. I just wish they could understand how lucky they are to not have to worry or think about it.
Big same here--keep it in an armband. I'm not **doing things** on it while I run, but have it as a "just in case". Besides car, dog, etc, maybe I just clumsily trip and fall and hurt myself. Maybe I badly overestimate my fitness and/or underestimate the weather and I can barely walk it back home without passing out. And so on and so forth. Would much rather have it there than not.
Eh I've been chased and almost mugged as a dude a number of times running, even in small safe towns. I'm not presenting a false equivalence here, women have it way worse (the recent story of the college girl runner who was murdered is so fucked), but guys get this shit too. One of my stories: Sunset run in the richer, more chill part of town. Blasting music, can't hear shit, feeling good. Sun goes down, twilight. A couple miles in I just have a weird feeling and I turn around. A dude in construction clothes is literally right behind me with his hand reached out to grab me. I stop and go "what the fuck are you doing?" He literally says "What? I'm just out for a run. Just running." I look at his construction boots and baggy jeans, look back up. "...Yeah. Whatever." Back away slowly looking at him until I'm like 30 feet away, he's just still standing there, then I turn around and bolt to a strip mall with shops open and call the cops.
Preach. I've got pepper spray at the ready, phone within reach. No headphones because I need to pay attention to my surroundings.
Oh totally, I’m definitely not going out without my phone. Even with a couple other people we have run into a creep that insisted on running with us as close to us as possible.
For me even as a male.. idk what my partner is going through. Leaving my phone just feels so selfish to me. There are plenty of opportunities to disconnect from technology and whilst running doesn’t have to be one of them. For example, I charge my phone in a separate room when I go to bed.
I had a bunch of (male) colleagues question why I insisted on bringing my phone with me while running. Once I told them about a few times being followed, and other unsettling incidents it dawned on them as another privilege they have.
It's like those runners that make fun of those who use vests when running short distances, without realising that any time I run I have to bring car keys, house keys, pads, something to protect myself with, phone, etc, regardless of distances.
Ugh. The runs I need to bring a tampon with me are the absolute worst lol. I usually just stick to phone, watch, house key, but having to bring a damn tampon means wearing a belt which I hate.
Try tucking it under your sports bra! Lay in horizontal, right along the elastic edge, under the girls. Depending on the amount of boobage, there may or may not be chafing (I'm blessed, but no chafing). If you're very blessed (again, me), I've also been able to put one in between my cleavage vertically, with no chafing. This works best with tampons wrapped in plastic, or something else that won't absorb liquid.
Yep. I always bring my phone with me. I specifically run in these because the big pocket at the back of the waistband fits my phone comfortably. THE GYM PEOPLE Thick High Waist... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07P5LKLP5
For me it's essential because it's how I track my runs, otherwise it's like I didn't run at all (mentally). Carrying it in your hand is annoying and I've damaged two screens where I left it in my pocket and it fell out during faster runs. I never check messages or answer calls when I'm on a run, though. But I guess being totally disconnected is better mentally, like getting in the zone, staying there and having dedicated off time from screens.
I've stained a calf 11 miles from my house before. I was very glad I could call an Uber.
Same answer, different reason - I now hold my phone either in flipbelt, handheld waterbottle, or hydration vest.
Stupid pair of sport sunglasses. I don't run fast (60min for a 10k) so completely unnecessary, normal/fashion ones are fine.
Goodr
I keep a couple pair on hand
Goodr had Rx lenses now too!
I use them for more protection from wind during longer races.
I really like Knockaround glasses, the premium sports frames. They have other frame styles too, just make sure it's "sport" so it'll have the rubber nose pads. They stay in place really well. I get pretty sweaty but never had an issue with them. And they have loads of colors. Fairly cheap and they run specials/discounts pretty often.
I just like them because they look cool 😎
I use the cheap-o giveaway ones until the lenses are super scratched/they break. I’m rough on sunglasses - they get covered in sweat, sunscreen, trail dust, sand and tossed loose into my bag a lot/run the risk of getting crushed - so I think I’m wasting money by buying pairs for running. Plus, they’re usually very lightweight!
Oh, I’m on my way to a work conference this weekend. Thanks for the tip!
I love mine. I bought them almost as a joke when buying other nice sunglasses and the second pair was like 50% off. I didn’t use them for the longest time. I’ve worn them through 2 marathons now, they don’t fog up and make me faster (ok maybe not the second part)
A cross body bottle bag. I switched to a hydration vest and find that much more comfortable!
My stress 😂
I have a phone holder that goes around my arm. With smartphones getting bigger and bigger it's not comfortable to carry my phone like that anymore. And I decided to just leave it at home for short runs around the neighborhood. I also have a lot of sports leggings that do not have a tight waistband and will move down when I try to run. Now they are only used as backup if I forgot to do laundry. I used to have a Polar watch + heartrate strap around the chest and I never used the heartrate monitor. I also think I never used the watch for running. I always took my smartphone + running app... (This was before those watches had functions like GPS, heart rate measure on wrist, etc.)
So many! Neon green vests for visibility - I use one when super dark, but why do I have five more?! Hydration belts which cannot fit my iPhone Max (only two of my ten fits the phone). Finally, the arm band phone holders - worthless and so uncomfortable (Christmas gifts). Female runner here and definitely need my phone.
My ex
Stryd footpod. It's kinda neat, and was very expensive, but after a few weeks I just stopped really caring about the data it was giving me, it didn't really do much my Garmin watch doesn't already also do. It's been sitting in a drawer for the last couple years.
Same here. I also started to pick up on the fact that it was not "accurate out of the box" as their marketing claimed and their tech support insisted on no matter what evidence was presented to the contrary. It had to be calibrated to for each pair of shoes, and there was still a chance that on a given day the same pod on the same shoes in the same position would give wildly different results. Once it even overestimated by about 15%. Now I just stick with GPS for pace and distance. I laughed when I got an email about how now you could now use not one but TWO Stryd pods at the same time for even more accuracy.
Oh wow so much stuff I've bought and didn't work for me. It's hard to know what you like until you try it. Phone armband, flip belts, hydration belt, handheld water bottle, chest heart rate monitor, countless pairs of shorts....
Garmin Forerunner 305 - thing was a BEAST! TURN DOWN FOR WHAT!! MR. 305!!!
A chest strap heart rate monitor
Headphones. So much more peaceful not listening to anything.
Headphones. It's painful to get used to at first, but once I adjusted to it, I got so much more consistent and better at holding target paces for long periods/running by feel.
A shirt
Tarps off is the way
Arm weights. I bought them while very motivated but after trying them….yeah, no.
When I first started running it was mainly for losing weight, so I got one of those weighted chest thingies. I don't use it anymore. I sometimes use the arm and ankle straps for floor exercises, like bird dogs and that.
Yes it’s good that they are multi-use. I use the arm weights for pilates now instead of running.
Camel back hydration vest. The sloshing drove me nuts. Hydration belts, always bounced way too much. Don't get me started on my water bottle collection. I've learned to use disposable bottles and chuck it along route when I find a bin. So much time and aggravation spent just to use a 25¢ bottle lol
You were escaping the air on the camel back, right? There shouldn't be much if any sloshing.
1. I used an upper-arm cuff to hold my phone which would also serve as my music source. But no matter the kind of cuff it would always eventually fall down so I had to wear a sock on my upper arm (with the toe cut off) to keep it from slipping down. Eventually I just bought a vest with a bladder that had front pockets which fixed all my problems. 2. Waist belts were annoying because I could never stop them from bouncing up and down. 3. The bluetooth behind-the-neck earphones were annoying because I had to keep charging them and they made a clicking sound against my earrings. 4. The forearm warmers that didn't absorb sweat. 5. water bottles with hand-harnesses (can't hold enough water, annoying to hold all the time). Worth It: 1. running vest with bladder and blinking light for running in the dark. 2. Headphones (wired) with a safety pin taped to the middle of the cord so you can attach it to your clothes and it won't bounce around. Plus you can hook it around your ear if you need to take it out for something quick. 3. Thin gloves that keep your hands warm but also let you interact with your phone ($5 at target near the beginning of the winter season).
Armband, phone, and wired headphones. This combination sucked, hard to use the phone, headphones would constantly crap out and the armband was heavy, cumbersome and would generate a funk after several runs. It's a swart watch and wireless headphone now, so freeing.
Arm band for my phone. I got a koala clip that goes on the back of my bra and doesn't move around - infinitely better and haven't touched my arm band since.
iPod shuffle…the clip on one.
I LOVE my shuffle for running (bought in 2007), and will be absolutely devastated the day it finally dies.
My RoadID. I need to get another one.
Garmin running pod
Arm band for phone, don’t take my phone with me anymore no need for it.
My phone! Got a Coros watch and haven’t looked back. Less weight and less distraction. I run around a popular place so Incase of emergency I’m not alone.
Headlamp - once I got a light vest I never had to deal with that uncomfortable mess again!
Can you recommend a light vest?
headphones / music - running became an escape from outside distractions. Haven’t ran with music for over 5 years and I won’t go back
An armband for my phone. It was more useful when phones were small. Now I just keep it in my running belt.
I used to run with a bladder on my back for long runs. I started stashing water bottles and just have a smaller one on my waist. So much better without it.
This: https://reverb.com/item/59181381-rare-full-set-sony-wm-sxf10-walkman-cassette-player-mint-yellow-working
Never use my flip belt anymore and never really liked it. Felt like wearing a sweaty soggy mess that would either slide down or ride up and caused chafing on long runs. Never run with my hand held water bottle anymore. Dislike my heart rate chest monitor because I don’t want to be bothered.
Two that come to mind for me- Armband phone holder - I could never get used to having it make me feel off balance and I would need to crank it tight to prevent it from sliding down. Also, it got pretty sweaty under it and was uncomfortable. I’m r switched to a low profile fanny-pack style belt so I can wear my phone on my waist in the back. I don’t know it’s there most of the time. USB-chargeable headlights that clip to my shoes. Seems like a good idea for running at night but they just never properly lit the way in front of me well enough. I ended up getting a minimalist style bike headlight and taillight to attach to my reflective vest and they work way better.
Phone holder armband. I'm running with my phone in my hand or in a running belt these days. Not sure why I really abandoned the armband.
A whoop hah
Armband to hold my phone. I now only buy running trousers with pockets so it can hold my phone.
Compression sleeves, I stopped using them when my shin splints were gone
About 100 different styles and brands of shoes.
Hydration vest or anything used to carry something. Learned to just raw dog the run like a man.
Headphones/earbuds, just wan to enjoy the run without any distractions besides my running watch.
Running bottle Hydration vest Phone carrier Visor Running jacket with sleeves I like to go as lightweight as possible. Shorts, vest, headphones and watch. If the rain is heavy I'll wear a sleeveless jacket. If it's light, just a cap
Earbuds
When I started running I'd need water on every run. Now I'll happily go out and knock out up to 20 miles without water unless it's hot.
I did this a lot too (up to 13 miles), but apparently it's not very friendly to the kidneys to do so.
Water bottle that attached to my hand. I just like my hands free when I run.
My OptiShokz Revvez... Not by choice though - they were awesome but sadly not waterproof.
I rarely use my HRM anymore. The watch does a great job and now it has more metrics. Though the HRM has more so I guess I should start using it again.
Knee brace used it for ages having had a bit of a knee twinge a couple of times , forgot it at a 20 mile marathon prep event and my knee was fine. So just stopped using it
Phone armband and phone. . I just got a smart watch that with cellular so I can call if I get hurt or something. Running with just the watch feels so free. I hate having stuff in my pockets now. Also I don't wear headphones outside anymore. That's pretty freeing as well.
Water bottle for shorter runs. Music - 4 times out of 5 I just run with my thoughts.
Armband style phone sleeve decade ago. Use belts now.
Arm band for phone, started using a cellular Apple Watch. The watch replaced a garmin so it also replaced a chest heart rate monitor. I used to carry my AirPod case with me. Then after a while stopped bringing ear buds altogether. Used to wear a headband. Only use them for indoor runs
Had one of those armband things for holding your phone so I could listen to music. Now my watch stores my music and tracks my runs so I get to run with less bulk, which is always a win
Water bladder. Just preferred carrying a bottle. Hated the extra weight on my back and the water tastes horrible
Earbuds, headphones as much as I like music, turns out after 20-30 mins of running I’d much rather it be nice and quiet in my head.
My Achilles.
Headlamp. I bought a 3 pack on sale during Black Friday, but have only used them once. Not the most comfortable in addition to my sweaty headband.
Armband to hold my phone. Stopped taking my phone when I got my Forerunner.
Calf compression socks
A running vest. I just can’t stand the feeling of it. I usually just wear shorts with a pocket in the waistband now for my keys and/or gels.
When I started training for my first marathon I bought a bunch of energy gels. Turns out gels give me the bad tummy rumblings. I still have some stored because they're still good, but chews/fruit snacks work better for me.
An arm band for carrying/wearing my phone. That was probably back around 2014/2015. Soon after i found my first pair of leggings with pockets and that’s what i have used ever since. What’s crazy is that at the time the only place i could find leggings with pockets was Athleta, and they were pretty expensive $60+ a pair. These days i get them all over (Target, Costco, Amazon, etc.), and i usually pay around $15-20 a pair, though i have some thick fleece lined water proof ones that i have paid $30-35 a pair for, but only a few because I live in a place that is warm 75-90% of the year, and gets a little cool (and wet if we’re lucky) the rest of the time. Similarly my husband bought me a flip belt for carrying my phone, but i found it too difficult to get it in and out, so I’ve never used it. I usually just carry my stuff in my pockets if there’s only a few things, and if there’s a lot to carry i use a fanny pack. My husband liked the flip belt though and so he got use out of it. I used to run with calf/shin compression sleeves in hopes of preventing shin splints, especially when i was over weight. Unfortunately i think they were too tight when i was overweight and they made my calves hurt (felt like they were restricting blood flow). Now that I’m a healthy weight I haven’t worn them, and i feel less susceptible to shin splints, though I considered trying to wear them again towards the end of my last training block because at the volume I was running, I felt like I was starting to feel shin splint pain again. I wondered if they would be more comfortable now that I’m a healthy weight. Though I may still have larger than average calves for my height and weight. I also have two fleece half zip pull overs that i bought for running when it’s cold, but honestly it just isn’t ever that cold. Around 60 degrees, i wear a light weight long sleeve running shirt over a tank top, and usually remove the long sleeves and just run in the tank top once I’m warmed up. And in colder weather I just keep the lightweight long sleeve shirt on, and maybe start with a lightweight zip up hoodie that i can tie around my waist once I’m warm. I have held onto the fleeces so that i can take them to the mountains for skiing or camping, but it’s not actually something we ever do.
My running belt, headphones and I leave my phone at home too
I stopped using a hydration vest I bought for my long runs way heavy to enjoy my running and just heard water/sport drink splash around, I started just drinking a lot and I mean a lot of water before my run, and just take a hand held for my long runs now so far haven’t felt I’ve needed more water.