Monday, June 22, 2020

My Summer Running Essentials


Summer, easily, is my favorite season for running. 

I love the fresh air (even on a hot, humid day). I love the sunshine. And I love logging all those outdoor miles. Even without much happening this year for Fall races, I still plan on running and training as if there were (though with some modifications).

A huge part of running is the having the necessary gear. Having the "right" gear, though, will vary from one runner to another. Just as we all train differently, we all have different preferences on what we deem essential.

Here's a handful of my Summer Running Essentials....

The right shoes (duh!)
Obviously, we all need proper running shoes, but I also take it a step further (no pun intended) and use different shoes for different runs. I have my 'newer" shoes, which I usually reserve for the longer runs (5-6 miles or more). I have a few "older" pairs that are a bit past their prime, but are still in good condition. Those I wear for some of my shorter runs (anything less than 3 miles, when I know I won't be in motion for too long). I also sometimes wear those for speed work, since those runs don't usually involve a lot of distance.

The Garmin...(not always)
I have never been much of an on-going stat gal. Just not my gig. I do appreciate having the Garmin with me, though, to monitor my distance if I'm on a new or unfamiliar route. Similar to the music (see below), I often times leave the Garmin at home for my shorter runs, usually because I already know the distance. I'm not usually concerned with my pace unless I'm doing a specific speed drill (or am racing).


Sunglasses (almost always)
I have sensitive eyes, and the outdoor brightness almost always makes me squint. I also have extremely dry skin, so I'm prone to wrinkles...in other words, I see no reason to expedite the aging process by unnecessarily squinting more than I need to. I sometimes wear my sunglasses on cloudy and/or rainy days because they can act like windshield.


Lipstick (a basic necessity!)
Along with my dry skin, there's my dry lips. Yes, I know there's lip balm available, but if I'm gonna smear something on my lips to keep them moist anyways, why not add a bit of color and/or shimmer? That's my theory and I'm sticking with it.

Music? (Yes and no)
Truth be told, I'm getting so I don't bring the Ipod with me for all of my runs anymore. If I'm doing a long run, solo, I'll bring it along. A lot of my long runs, though, are usually with a friend...and I'd much rather be chatting than losing myself in music. I do a lot of 2-4 mile runs on my own, and for that short of distance, I honestly don't have a preference. It's kind of a nice change not being dependent on music every time I lace up my running shoes. I do appreciate having it for my treadmill runs, though (because those are so b.o.r.i.n.g.). 

My phone (almost always) 
Honestly, this is kind of a no-brainer in this day and age. Not only is my phone there in case of emergencies, but also for those necessary selfies. A new carrying device I've been loving is the Koala Clip ...so much nicer than a belt (in my opinion), especially for shorter runs where you don't need to bring extra fuel along.


Jewelry (why not?)
I'm a sentimental gal. I have several necklaces that were either given to me from special friends or my hubby. I almost always have at least one adorning my neck, especially on race day, but usually for just routine living. I seldom ever leave the house without earrings either. And, it's a given my wedding ring will always be with me.





Obviously, there are a few other necessities that weren't mentioned, like quality socks (I prefer wool), sunscreen, hydration (if it's a really hot day and/or you're running a long distance), and a hat or visor for extra sun protection. Those items are necessary enough that don't really need any accolades or special explanations (again, my opinion LOL)

 How about YOU? Do you have any special summer running must-haves? Are any of them on my list?
 
I'm linking this with Kim and Zenaida for the Tuesday Topics Link-Up


I'm also linking with Debbie,  RachelDeborahLisaSandra and Jenn for the Runners' Roundup



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30 comments:

  1. Thanks for this list, Kim!
    Haha, that's where you and me are definitely different: I would never leave my house without my Garmin.... I even sleep with it. If Garmin didn't measure it, it didn't happen. Obsessive? Haha, yes.

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    1. I don't have a Fitbit, either. I don't have OCD tendencies very often, but I think I would obsess over my stats if I had a tracker on my body 24/7 LOL Avoidance is my strategy for staying sane ;-)

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  2. Um, no sunscreen? Sunglasses -- always, unless I forget. Music never (on the run). Water -- always! Phone -- always (again, unless I forget). Visor! In a heat wave -- cooling towel.

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    1. I mentioned sunscreen in the last paragraph...it's one of those "given" items that I didn't feel the need to elaborate on LOL (kind of like a running bra).

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  3. Big ol' visor and a flipbelt with a water bottle are my must haves. I need to be better about wearing sunscreen, as it is my face is protected by the visor and I'm out early, usually for shorter distances in the heat. And of course my farmer's tan from being flaky about sunscreen;-)

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    1. I have a few different options on belts, and really don't love any of them. None fit me right, and ALL of them ride up (I think it's me and not them LOL), but they are vital on occasion. I prefer visors to hats, but I also like brightly-colored headbands (usually with a funky pattern).

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  4. I love that you run with lipstick! I do not wear makeup at all while running haha. I'm a roll out of bed and go girl. And I always have to have my Garmin! I get heart palpitations if I forget it!

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    1. Well, I know I'll be taking a selfie (don't we all?)...why not glam it up just a little? I always say "A little shimmer never hurt no one."

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  5. We have a lot of the same summer running essentials. The three things I always have for summer runs are my sunglasses, a hat and sunscreen. Those are my three non-negotiables.

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  6. I'm with you on ALL I think.

    Jewelry and lipstick always and matching clothes.

    Music only if long solo run.

    Garmin only if racing. Newer shoes on longer runs or big races.

    Always sunglasses!!

    I do wear a baseball cap and you do not.

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    1. I prefer a visor, but do wear caps on occasion (like rain!).

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  7. Interesting list...I don't consider jewelry or lipstick and essential item for running. But hey, we're all different...

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    1. Oh, but they are most essential. A little glam and shimmer keeps us youthful ;-)

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  8. A ponytail holder, visor, sunglasses, and sunscreen (and lipstick to seal in the sunscreen on my lips) are my most important summer accessaries for exercising outdoors during the summer.

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    1. Yes, all of the above ;-) I totally didn't think of ponytail holder, but that's a requirement LOL

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  9. I love my Koala clip! I dont like running in jewelry. I used to wear my wedding rings when I ran, but a few years ago I fell and broke my finger. I came really close to landing right on my engagement ring (I fell on the sidewalk), so now I avoid running with them on. If I'm traveling I will wear them because I don't like leaving them in hotel rooms.

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    1. That would be scary landing right on the ring itself! The Koala Clip is a nice little gadget...even when I don't have it secured all the way on my strap(s), I never notice it bouncing of sliding. Too bad I can't say that for any of my belts...

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  10. Haha! I love that lipstick and jewellery made it onto the Essentials List!

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    1. Well, of course lipstick and jewelry made the list. Would you expect any less of me? ;-)

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  11. A great list here. I keep forgetting my sunglasses and the sun is always out first thing now and I remember when I'm out.

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    1. There are times when I leave the house early enough that I don't need the sunglasses, so I don't think to grab them. I always regret not having them when the sun does emerge, so I try to remember to prop them over my head (like a headband).

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  12. Sunglasses are a must even on cloudy days. I like a little shimmer on my lips as well but it does not seem to last long. Sunscreen is my new necessity as well especially on my face. Happy running!

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    1. Yes, sunglasses are a requirement, for function AND fashion!! Since most of my runs happen in the early hours, before the sun is barely above the horizon, sunscreen isn't a huge priority. On the days, though, when I'm going to be out after 8:00 (when the sun is above the trees/skyline), then I do make sure to have it. We gotta show our skin all the love, right?

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  13. I always carry my phone no matter what. I wear Skirt Sports which has great pockets for holding your phone. Love that you wear lipstick when you run. A little sparkle and color, yes!

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    1. Yes, I think we all need a little color and sparkle ;-)

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  14. I always wear my Garmin but it's more to track my overall mileage that to worry about my pace. And always my phone, both for security and selfies. :-) I also listen to books, which I download to my phone so my headphones are a must though if I'm with someone I'll but them away.

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    1. When I do wear my Garmin for training, it's more more mileage (than pace, etc.) as well. I just take a pass on wearing it for every run since I usually know how far I'll be going.

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  15. Shoes, Garmin, music, and phone are also only list. Isn't the Koala Clip the BEST!!!

    Thank you for linking up with us!

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    1. I do like the Koala Clip! It's only recently (the past month or so) that I've used it consistently. It was too cumbersome to tuck under my full shirts (when it was cooler), but it fits under my tank top straps with ease.

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