Happy Hump Day y’all!
How fun was this Monday’s guest post, where coach Suz shared her 5 tips on how to train for your first half?! A big THANK YOU to all of you who chirped in the conversation! There’s so much to learn.
The best part about running is that you don’t really need a gym membership or any fancy gear to get started. However, when you are new to the running world everything looks helpful. Sometimes it may get overwhelming and difficult to know what you actually need and what is superfluous. I would like to share some of my favorite running necessities that I can’t live without.
- Well-fitted running shoesI found some great tips on how to find perfect running shoes at Run Addicts, here are some of them:
- Go to the store in the evening: ‘studies have shown feet tend to expand few millimeters up to 2 centimeters by the end of the day’.
- Make sure to wear socks you normally run in.
- There must be a finger-width space between your great toe and the shoe box and a thumb width at the end of the shoe. ‘You will end up buying shoes that are bigger in size than what you normally wear but that’s perfectly OK.’ However, don’t exceed a finger-width span!
- ‘NEVER wear a brand new running shoe for a race; make sure you already used them for 100 miles runs at minimum’.
Here is some more.
*Read more on this here.*
- Foam RollerI have a love-hate relationship with my foam roller. It hurts so much at first, but then feels soooooo good. If you have never foam rolled before, head over to one of my previous posts to find out how to do it as a pro!
- Proper Hydration
I can’t stress enough the importance of staying hydrated not only when you go out for a run but also throughout the day. Why? Because it affects your performance and overall health!I personally like to use a water pack on longer runs *It was my life savior during the Spartan Beast race!*. I will also be soon trying out a Hydro Belt that I recently got as a gift from my parents.Regardless of what your preference is, take your water with you or simply stop at water fountains if it’s an option!
For more hydration tips check out:
– Hydration 101 – 8 hydration myths busted & tips on how to stay hydrated this summer.
– 4 Flavoured Water Recipes that will make you excited about drinking water. - Hat & Sunscreen
Sunstroke is a real thing, so apply your sunscreen diligently and don’t forget your hat before you get outside.
Source - Armpocket!
I was recently contacted by a representative from Armpocket to review their product. I was super excited about this opportunity because I use an app on my phone that tracks my runs, so I absolutely have to have it on me.
Previously I used a Flip Belt, which I still like very much. However, I always had to remove the case from my phone to be able to fit it in. *Our phones are getting bigger and bigger by the day! What’s up with that?* It worked, but it was challenging for me to take out my phone mid run. *Oh please, don’t you have to ABSOLUTELY take a picture of something? ‘Ahhh, that’s such a beautiful sunset!’, ‘Check out that beaver!’ LOL!* Also, when I run, I sweat… I won’t go too much in detail, but I think it’s a common knowledge that our phones are home to all kinds of bacteria as is.
So what is an Armpocket?
It is an armband that was engineered with many unique features that provides a comfortable and secure way of carrying their smart phones, keys, IDs and other ‘necessities’ for active people. It is weather and sweat proof. It has a touch-though screen, so you can freely use your apps. It’s moisture-wicking, anti-bacterial, natural bamboo rayon back and vented strap keep you cool and dry.
I was recommended to get Ultra i-35 based on the type and size of my phone. I picked it in Arctic Blue with a medium strap which is good for arm size 10″ to 15″.*It is available in 3 strap length.*
Of course, I was a bit apprehensive since I’m not used to have anything bulky on my arms as I run. I also wasn’t sure if it would be comfortable and whether it would slip.
I was very pleasantly surprised! To be honest, I completely forgot that I even had it on my arm. I didn’t experience any discomfort: My Armpocket didn’t slip nor did it bounce. I also looooove that it has 3 little pockets inside, so my phone won’t get scratched!
I can assure you that you will be seeing it a lot in my pictures. It’s perfect for any workout or an afternoon hike!
My friends at Armpocket were super generous and let me do a giveaway for you guys! One lucky pal or gal will win an Armpocket of their choice. The giveaway is available only to the residents of the U.S. and Canada. All you’ve got to do to enter the draw is to participate in the Rafflecopter giveaway in the link below:
The giveaway will be closed at 12am on April 26th (Eastern Time). I will contact the winner via email, so please make sure that you provide me with one.
Be sure to check out Armpocket Facebook, Instagram and Twitter too!
What are your must haves when you run?
PS. Don’t forget to follow me on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter!
xoxo
Olena
candies & crunches 
Awesome! Entered the giveaway 🙂 would love a purple one- the website says I need the ultra I-35.
That’s awesome! Good luck, Gillian!
I must have wireless headphones when I run and my Garmin of course!
YES! I’ve got to see my stats hhahah!
Oooh they all look great but I’d maybe choose the Aero i-10 but any of them would be great to own.
My current running belt loosens up after just a quarter mile and I have to keep adjusting it.
Not a great thing for a smooth run.
thanks!
Hi Debbie! Thanks for stopping by! The great thing is if you win, Armpocket will make sure to provide you with the one that’s perfect for your phone. Good luck! 🙂
Properly fitting shoes is by far the most important first step. I see so many athletes get injured because they just pick a shoe that looks good. Going to a local running store for assistance is a perfect way to start.
Totally! Buying a proper pair of shoes is money well spent. Definitely an investment!
I think one of the Ultras would be good for my Samsung. Cool product!
It absolutely is! Thank you for stopping by and good luck!
I so agree on having the right shoes! Thank you Olena!
You are very welcome, Tricia! Thank you for visiting my blog!
I remember the armband for the iPod holders! I also remember getting some major chafing, which is why I went with the SpiBelt. Did you wear this band with short sleeves or a singlet? Chafing?
It’s still fresh here in Montreal, so I’ve been using it with a long sleeve. No chaffing so far. That being said, the material it’s made of is, I think, different from the one you are referring to, so in my opinion is more comfortable. But hey, if you win, you can try it out for yourself 😀 Good luck and thank you for stopping by!
Thank you for the great must haves and giveaway opportunity! Love this idea because I have tried many and do not like waist packs. My must haves are a Pebble Time smartwatch for Runkeeper, handheld water bottle, sunscreen, hat, and running pants with holster pockets for phone and gel.
You are very welcome! Thank you for stopping by! I’ve never an with a handheld bottle. Is it comfortable?
These are all good things to have for runners. I also tell all new runners to invest in moisture wicking clothing. Stay away from cotton, even socks. This will save your body in many ways!!!
YES! I definitely agree. Makes the run so much more comfortable and pleasant too!
Great tips! I totally agree with the importance of shoes. I recently learned that I over pronate when I run and it’s been causing terrible shin splints- the right shoes cured this right away!
Oh wow! How did you discover that? Did you go to a specialty store or had to see a doctor?
I love this post! This is so helpful for all runners! 🙂 And I am all about that armband! I’m trying to find one that works best for my phone so I’m so glad you shared!
Thank you, Chelsea, for stopping by! Good luck!
Love that this not only has pockets but also comes in awesome colors! I would go for the ultra in the awesome tie dye looking color!
They have quite a selection! I also love that pockets are not super tight and are actually useful. Good luck!
This is an essential for those who run and wants to be connected. Aero band with its double zipper feature is a nice one.
It definitely is! It’s nice to have your phone in case of an emergency too!
Now that the giveaway has passed I can comment 🙂
It is funny – I only have 3 of the ‘must haves’. 🙂 I have a SPIBelt rather than an arm band, which I never found comfortable in the past (this might be different).
I also have never used a foam roller. I started running long before they existed and have just never had the desire to do it. Maybe some day … or not! 🙂
But SHOES! OMG that is SO important. I have a friend who is training for a marathon and struggling with shoes and fighting with her local shoe place who were more interested in selling her what they wanted to sell than fitting her properly.
I am very fortunate – my feet deal with pretty much anything so long as they more or less fit. I have had one set of shoes – Merrell Vapour Gloves – that have only 2mm cushion, 5mm full stack, pretty much barefoot … that were just too little shoe for me, but otherwise I can wear ultralight, low drop minimal-ish shoes without a problem. And my feet fit pretty well. Whew.
And hydration?!?! SO Important … in fact, I took a drink from my water cup at my desk between paragraphs! 🙂
Great post and congrats to the giveaway winner!
Haha! You are so funny! Thankfully, I haven’t struggled with my shoes so far. It is very sad when a salesperson has very little consideration as to what you need. I’m a strong believer that those salespeople/businesses don’t last long. Or at least they lose me as a customer.
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