Things that make my runs SO much easier!

This week were talking about oldies but goodies. These are possibly items that you may have acquired during your first years of running but they are still serving you well!

 
I can tell you these simple little things may be simple but they definitely make my runs SO MUCH better when I have them with me.


1. Of course my Garmin GPS. I am a data nerd and am driven by results so of course I don't go on a run or walk without it.

I have the Forerunner 10 which is a perfectly fine watch and does everything I need it to BUT the only downside is the battery life is only 4 hours. Unfortunately for me, I know I will never complete a marathon in under 4 hours. Scott offered to buy me a new watch when I first started marathon training but I told him not to bother cus the marathon was one and done. No need for a new watch. Well, I am now considering a third marathon so I think it may be time for an upgrade.

2. My handheld water bottle. This is the perfect size for the palm of my hand. Also the pouch is nice for a key or fuel.

 Although it's lightweight and easy to hold onto it' really not a lot of water for a long run. I find that I almost always run out by mile 9. Since this bottle is getting a little worn, I did receive a new one for Christmas ( I just can't find it at this point).

3. This Under Armour Cold Gear Infrared Hood has been a life saver during winter runs.

 I bought one for myself and my mom while we were training for our first Princess Half Marathon. BEST piece of winter gear EVER!

4. I love, love, love Running skirts from runningskirts.com. I have worn a running skirt for almost all of my disney races ( I think). The reason I love these skirts is the pockets.

 My phone fits perfectly and securely in one of two velcro pockets these skirts have. These are well made skirts but really if it weren't for the pockets, I wouldn't buy so many of them.

What running gear of yours is an old favorite? Do you have any suggestion for me for a new watch?   -M

We will be linking up with the gals from TOTR.


56 comments:

  1. I think that music is the one thing that makes my runs easier. Well, it certainly makes them go quicker, that's for sure!

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  2. Most of my old running gear has been upgraded in the last year or two. I do have a favorite running jacket that is probably my oldest piece of running gear. It's a North Face Animagi jacket - it's the best.

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  3. My podcasts!!! If I have a good one, time flies!

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    1. I have tried to listen to people talk but I have determined I need music!

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  4. My handheld water bottle has been great but I've been looking for a solution for more water too. I haven't needed it in the past because I've either trained with a group where they provide water refills at the half way point or it's been in the Summer when the water fountains are on.

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    1. I like when Scott rides bike beside me and then he can carry 2 full size water bottles on the bike!

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  5. I love all of these items and I'm with you on the Garmin - I owned that same watch at one point but didn't keep it because I knew I would never run a marathon in less than four hours!

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  6. That UA hoodie looks great! I don't really like hats so I would rather a built in hoodie like that. Their winter stuff is so warm

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    1. Yea, hats don't really cover my ears and this is nice cus it covers your whole face.

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  7. Garmin, running skirts, Ipod, gum, and chapstick are must haves for me, hehe!!

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  8. I think I need to invest in one of those hoods! My face gets so cold when it's freezing and windy out.

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  9. I def and obsessed with my watch and running skirts too! So much more fun than pants :-)

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    1. Yes, and very few of my running pants have pockets to put anything larger than a key in.

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  10. I'm the same way about my Garmin. I don't always look at it when I'm running, but I always wear it so I can check the stats after. Also the same about running skirts. :)

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    1. I gotta be able to track how far I went! If not, there is no proof I went at all, right?

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  11. My Nike watch doesnt last long either - so on race day, I see myself wearing my old school BIG OLD Garmin - like the OLD fashion ones that take up like half of my lower arm.

    I need some of those skirts!

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  12. I've noticed this in our house, since we started running we have accumulated a bunch of running equipment lol.
    #1 - absolutely agree
    #2 - agree as well
    #3 - I don't think this would work in 60° paradise or 150° death
    #4 - sorry, my legs don't look good in skirts :)

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    1. I totally agree on the accumulation of running gear. It's to the point where I think I don't need anymore. Yet..lol

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  13. I too am a data nerd and will never run or walk without tracking my mileage. Whether its using my Garmin (I have the Forerunner 15 in case I ever decide to tackle a marathon), or RunKeeper, I always like to track my stats. And for the non-treadmill runs and walks, I usually also use the Charity Miles app.

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  14. I love Running Skirts too. I think I have 5 now since I got a new one for Christmas. I think that's all the designs I want, unless they come out with new designs I need to have.

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  15. I completely agree with you on all of these great gear items, especially the Garmin and the handheld water bottle! Other favorites include my Road ID, GU, and Body Glide. =D

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  16. I have a similar face mask from BeFree--I just love it for those cold mornings. And my handheld is a regular water bottle but I use a bottle band on it.

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    1. We have a bottle band but I haven't given it a try yet.

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  17. I really need to get a winter gaiter or hood. Thanks for the suggestion!

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  18. I have the same garmin but I ended up upgrading because I didn't love it. On shorter runs, I tend to use my runkeeper app on my phone. I can't run without my iPod, though!

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    1. Besides the battery life, I love that garmin. What didn't you like about it?

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    2. The buttons are really awkward. I also like having 3 data fields on a screen and that one doesn't. Lots of people have it, though, so I must be in the minority. ;)

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  19. I have the same Forerunner 10. Let me tell you a little trick that will help you extend the battery for I've even had to go so much as 10 hours on a hike last summer.
    So after you start it. If you turn it back to the regular clock screen, (instead of leaving it on the screen that shows you your splits/laps/mile time (that screen drains your battery).)
    You can flip it back every now and then if you need a quick look at where you are at. But if you leave it mostly on the main clock screen it saves the battery especially if you are planning to use it for more than 4 hours.
    I've had mine for years, literally pre-ordered it when they first came out and it took me a few years to discover that trick. But even now, years past the battery will still last about 10 hours as long as I don't leave it on the screen that is draining the battery. Try it sometime, it works like a charm for me that way:)

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    1. OMG this is such good news! I don't know when I will be out on the road again for more than 4 hours but I can't wait to try this!

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    2. Ya, it works so great for me. If ever in need, definitely give it a try!!!

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  20. Upgrade! Upgrade! Upgrade! you wont regret it! But that trick mentioned above: GENIUS!

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  21. Love runningskirts.com. They really are well made, and look great. And a bonus for me is that they're slightly vanity sized so I get to order a size that makes me feel skinny. :)

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  22. I can't imagine life without my garmin- I have the same one!

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  23. I have never tried a running skirt. I have a salomon hand held water bottle that I LOVE but it is a newer purchase. I still use my first GPS watch that I got, Nike + tom-tom. LOVE it.

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  24. My issue with handhelds is so little water as well. The larger ones get heavier than I like. I'm with you on Runningskirts. Love them and have quite a collection! I just got the Garmin for tri 920XT. I know you don't need all that but holy cow the battery on that sucker! I've had it for over a month and still not even close to needing to charge it. Thanks for linking up!

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  25. My husband got me a 220 (on super sale b/c of the new 225) and it's awesome. I like being able to see more than 2 data points while I'm running. Also, I had a lot of trouble connecting with my 10. I would go outside and wait a few minutes before it made a connection. Not fun in the winter. Otherwise, I really loved the 10.... but the 220 is pretty awesome. :)

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  26. I have a Garmin Forrunner 220, my first, that I really enjoy.

    I also have some seriously old shorts & tanks that I still run in. Especially cold running gear. It's all probably 5+ years old, maybe more, but still chugging!

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  27. Love my Garmin GPS. Just had to replace my 410 and got a 220. I think I'm really going to like it. Bondi Band headbands are my absolute favorite to keep hair out of my eyes and ears warm. Check them out!

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  28. I love my Garmin 220. It lasts for a crazy number of hours. I need that UA hood though! It would have really come in handy this winter.

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  29. I have this black tank I got at an Adidas Outlet years ago, over the summer it became a favorite, I will be very sad if it rips.

    I also have a running belt I've had for years. I got it after making the mistake of carrying a drawstring bag to carry my phone and my keys for a 5K. My running belt is close to falling apart.

    I just got a 230 as a Christmas Gift and would recommend it as a replacement. The battery last a long time, and I wear it all day, for activity tracking. It has been an amazing Christmas Gift so far!

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  30. I agree about the Garmin. It's essential for training and even more important when running in a new place. I love the Running Skirts skirts too, though I don't wear them much anymore. My favorite gear is now my Ink n Burn shorts/tanks and capris. I love the vibrant designs and feel super strong wearing them.

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  31. I've never had a Garmin to compare it too but I use the TomTom Runner. It's simple and easy to use. Works for me. :)

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  32. I can't run without my Garmin. I just killed my 110 and now have the 225. It had a ton of battery life left after the marathon. I was so happy about that! I'm not sure my 110 would have made it. I wore a SkirtSports skirt at this race just because of it's great pockets. That is so, so important! I don't have a Running Skirts brand skirt. I'll check that out.

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  33. Ohhh, that infared hood looks awesome! I need something like that! I can't live without my garmin or my headsweats visor in the summer!

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