Welcome to Part 4 of our "So You Want to Run a 5K" series. We talked about where to run in Part One, and essential running gear in Part Two. And in Part Three, we discussed a bunch of great 5k Training Programs.
You are ready to get out now, but there are so many more things you can waste spend money on, and some of them are actually quite helpful!
Here are a few things I use that you might want to consider:
ID Bracelet
Sure, I could carry my ID with me, but then I'd have to remember to move it between my shorts and my wallet. And that early in the morning, or after a run, or heck, any time the kids are around I'm not really in a position to remember something like that. So I use a Road ID bracelet, which is basically a nylon bracelet with a little metal plate your info engraved on it. They also have ones that go on your ankle or on your shoelaces. If you order one, search online for a discount code and you can get a couple of bucks off.
Safety Gear
In addition to my ID bracelet, I have a geeky reflector belt that I wear if it's really dark when I go out. The bracelet has some reflective qualities to it, but a little more reflective surface can't hurt. Yes, it's pretty dorky, but it's one of those things where I'd feel pretty dumb getting hit by a car for something that's so easily preventable. Road ID also has lights and other safety equipment, and you can get stuff at a running store too.
Headwear
For a long time I ran without a hat, and then my wife bought me a running hat. It's waterproof and has a little sweatband inside, and now I LOVE running with it. Your mileage may vary. Heh, get it? It's a running joke! Sorry folks, I don't dance.
If you don't want a hat, you might opt for a headband if you sweat glisten anywhere near as much as I do.
Running Watch
This is the big toy area, and you could argue a watch is actually essential gear. You can go simple if you're just starting out and get a watch with an interval timer. This will help you out a lot so you don't have to keep looking at the time to see if it's time to walk or run.
As you get more into running, or if your a geek like me, you can get a more advanced watch. I'm using the Garmin Forerunner 305 GPS watch and love it. It allows me to map my runs when I get back and collect more information than anyone could possibly care about. Is it necessary? Hardly. But it keeps me motivated, so I think it's worth it.
That's just a sampling of the goodies you can buy that are running related. If you've got any favorites we'd love to hear them in the comments!
- Bill
I made a dog tag in one of those machines at Wal-Mart and attached it to my shoelaces. I'd never remember to put on a bracelet before a run, so this was a great way for me to carry ICE info while running. Now, I run with my iphone and have an app that shows my husband's name and number when someone turns it on.
I can't run without my iphone. I don't know how some of you run without music! I also use runkeeper pro to log my runs, so I must have my phone since I don't have a watch.
I love love love my Enell sportbras. They're the only ones I've ever been able to wear without having to wear a second one over it.
Finally, I have to double up the hairties to make my tail nice and secure. I can't stand to have my hair bouncing around while I run, so I need to make sure it's not going to move at all.
Posted by: Brandi | 08/21/2009 at 10:25 AM
The hat with the sweatband is so smart. I need to get one.
Posted by: shredheads | 08/21/2009 at 01:13 PM