A round up of my top five running essentials. Everything I need before I head out the door to put in some miles.
This post is sponsored by BabbleBoxx.com on behalf of Breathe Right®.
People say all you need to go for a run is your legs. While that may be true, I like to bring a few other things along with me to make my runs a little more optimal. 😉
Overall I’m a pretty simplistic runner, I don’t use a whole heck of a lot fancy gear, gadgets, or apparel. With that said, there are a few essentials that I make sure to have for every one of my runs. They make me more efficient and more comfortable.
Today I thought I’d share my Top Five Running Essentials. These are my must-haves, my non-negotiables. Without these things, I don’t feel like I am adequately prepared or ready to run!
FitBit Versa Lite
My go to running watch! I used to be a Garmin user but since I already wear my FitBit daily, it just makes sense to use it for running as well as the normal step tracking I use it for. I have it connected to Strava and the stats are always super accurate. It also has just the right amount of features without being too complicated or confusing to use. It tracks pace, time, distance, and heart rate (which I like keeping track of to see how my cardiovascular fitness is improving). I never have trouble connecting to the GPS signal and I find that the battery life is pretty long too. I love being able to review my runs and compare workouts when I’m done with them!
AfterShokz Bone Conducting Headphones
By far my favorite headphones for running. I have trouble with any types of earbuds staying my ears, so Airpods are totally out of the question for me. But another reason I love these headphones is that they are bone conducting. So instead of actually being IN your year, the speakers rest on your upper cheekbones outside of your ear to amplify the sound into your ear. This also allows me to stay more aware of my surroundings as I can still hear outside noises since these are “open ear” headphones. They’re lightweight, flexible, and totally comfortable to wear no matter how long you’re running. They also connect easily to Bluetooth on your phone and have a super long battery life as well. I’ve worn these for marathons and the battery never drained completely!
Bombas Socks
After years of running in thin, cheap socks…I finally bit the bullet and invested in some proper running socks. I tried a few different brands but I settled on Bombas as my favorite! Bombas socks are constructed for breathability and moisture-wicking. They’re made from a proprietary cotton-poly blend with comfort innovations like strategic zone cushioning and airflow ventilation. They’re a little more pricey than a pack of socks from Target or the grocery store, but I don’t mind spending extra on a few pairs of high quality socks for running to prevent horrible blisters and black toenails.
Asics Gel-Nimbus
For the last two years or so I had been a faithful wearer of Asics Gel-Nimbus shoes. I had a major problem with heal striking and after having my form analyzed, it was suggested I try these shoes (as well as implement some form correcting drills!). They provide a lot of cushion and stability without being too heavy. They are medium weight and great for my narrow feet. A good pair of well-fitting running shoes is so key and I’m so happy I found a model that works for me. I highly suggest getting fitted for a proper pair as shoes can (literally) make or break your run!
Breathe Right Nasal Strips
This one may surprise you…but Breathe Right® Nasal Strips aren’t just for when you sleep! Especially during the cold weather months, Breathe Right nasal strips have become one of my MUST have running essentials. I’ve never breathed more easily than when I am wearing a Breathe Right nasal strip. And that’s because the strips open your nose to allow for up to 31% more nasal airflow which has a host of benefits including reducing congestion to allowing you to breathe better. As soon as I put a strip on, I have this “a-ha” moment where I realize how poorly I was breathing before.
They’re super easy to put on as well! It literally takes seconds to apply one. Which is necessary for when I am trying to fit in a run in the middle of a busy work day. Just wash and thoroughly dry your face then position the nasal strip along the width or your nose with the tabs on your nostrils. The tabs should sit just above the flaring part of your nostrils. Press down and take a deep breath through your nose!
I buy mine at Rite Aid, but you can find them at any of your favorite retailers right in the cough/cold section.
Head HERE for a free sample and a coupon to buy your own Breathe Right Nasal Strips!
All of these things plus a good placement and I am ready to rock!
After compiling my own list, I thought it would be fun to see what all of YOU consider your ‘running essentials. Here’s a few things you shared…
Properly fitting shoes (and 2 pair of same shoe!) | Tammy
Bottoms with pockets- leggings, skirts or shorts- I don’t mind as long as they have pockets! | Charlie
My Flip Belt! I always need something to carry my keys and phone for music and route tracking. | Celia
If you asked me a few weeks ago, I would have a different answer (my Garmin 920xt and HRM-Run strap), but now I’d say without a doubt it’s Toms Blister Shield. | Bryan
Funny you should ask? I just had a week away from my Garmin and it killed me! | Megan
My Amphipod Running Belt. | Janelle
My number one running essential would have to be good running shoes! This is something many people look over, but investing in quality shoes will take you far. | Deanna
Three hair elastics. Two for the braid in my hair and one for the wrist in case one breaks. | Sarah
Mine would be a good water carrier like Orange Mud and SportShield for Her to be chafe free! | Smitha
A good pair of socks to prevent blisters and wick sweat. I swear this makes as much difference as a good pair of shoes. | Laura
My Skirt Sports Gym Girl Ultra skirts. They are so comfy and I love them! | Shannon
A can run without many things but I cannot run without a sports bra!! | Lau
Compression socks! Especially the ones by ProCompression! | Leah
Good music! | Krysty
My Garmin. I have to know exactly how far I ran. | Kiersten
Interesting to learn what everyone’s essentials are!
What are your running or workout essentials?
Do you listen to anything when you run? Music? Podcasts? Audiobooks?
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21 responses to “Top Five Running Essentials”
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Wireless headphones are a must for me – I hate getting all tangled up in the cord!
Need to get a pair of those!! Christmas list?! LOL
I never thought about putting my phone in my sports bra… I always hold it in my hand which is pretty inconvenient especially in the winter when my fingers freeze if I can’t make a fist. Do you wear it down in the front?
Yes! Sort of in the middle with speaker facing upwards! LOL
I’ve recently heard about wireless headphones and how handy they are. I totally want a pair for the gym!
I must get a pair!!
I love the sound of Giving Tuesday – I’ll have to mark it on my calendar =)
Great running essentials! I need thick band sports bras too, but for comfort.
It’s one of my favorite days of the year! 🙂
That sports bra would be awesome!
It’s so innovative!!
I can do with the Garmin 110. The one I was given last Christmas is so complicated I can’t and haven’t been able to get much use from! Thanks for sharing, great info.
No problem!
Looks like some great stuff for runners. Thanks for sharing this with us at Savoring Saturdays linky party!
Of course!
Great tips! Thank you for sharing over at #Bloggerspotlight. Hope to see you again! Pinned!
I’ll be back!
I love to run and totally agree with your list. I love running with music. Usually my favorite up beat worship music. Like Hillsong united. I take my phone so I can listen to my music and use runkeeper. I like sauconys also. I wear a head band that I made myself, it never slips! I also like my compression shorts that have a pocket for my keys. Linking up with you at #100daysof happy 🙂
That’s so cool that you made your own headband! Very creative!
I usually listen to podcasts but lately I’ve been trying out some guided runs. Good socks are absolutely essential for me! I’m still trying to decide on a good watch but for now I just track with my phone.
I’ve been wanting to try the guided runs on the Peleton app!! As for watches, I was a Garmin user for years. Love those, but my fitbit is just so convenient and connects right to Strava. 🙂
I also run in Asics, albeit in a different model, but it’s very convenient.