Just for fun: what’s your most unused runnin... - Bridge to 10K

Bridge to 10K

16,525 members26,586 posts

Just for fun: what’s your most unused running item/ gadget?

Millsie-J profile image
97 Replies

Following on from ju-ju- ‘s recent post about her running draw:

healthunlocked.com/bridgeto...

I was thinking about all the things I have bought for running. Lots of us just love to have all things running related! Take a look at a few of Hidden or Jay66UK past posts (for example), on the subject!

So what is the least used running item/gadget you have succumbed to! Top of my head without even looking..... waterproof socks. I paid a small fortune for them but have NEVER worn them, not even broken them out of the wrapper two years later! I have no idea why I felt the need for them, I doubt I will ever wear them,

Come on, folks.....time to own up amongst forum friends 🤭

Written by
Millsie-J profile image
Millsie-J
To view profiles and participate in discussions please or .
97 Replies
Jay66UK profile image
Jay66UKGraduate10

My new running shoes are going to go unused for a while. I’ll break them out when my current ones have done about 150k and run in them once a week so I can spot when the old ones die.

My running coat was deliberately bought off season and in the sale and I’ve not needed it yet.

I have a pair of Decathlon shorts that were too small. I ran W1 and 2 in them and bought new to stop me sounding like a Bee Gee. I might be heading towards that size at the moment though!

The biggie is my brace of water bottles - a 500ml and 250ml. Not used hardly at all. I suspect the longer runs might mean breaking out the small one at some point.

orangeguy profile image
orangeguyGraduate10

A pair of shorts bought in haste online with some other stuff some years ago . . . they are just too short, its not a good look for a 61 year old 😂😂😂

Millsie-J profile image
Millsie-J in reply toorangeguy

😏

SaskAlliecat profile image
SaskAlliecatGraduate10

Right about now, my running jacket. The few times I thought I needed it, it was peeled off in minutes. But I’m sure that will change in the next 2 months 😁.

I’ve just ordered some trekking poles to use while running some of my crazy @$$ hills on my trail runs (that cost as much as my shoes 🤫). I know they’ll only get used for certain trail runs but I’m planning on running the 20k trail race next year where they’ll most definitely be needed. So, hopefully they won’t become an unused item 🤞🙏🏻

RunBrianRun profile image
RunBrianRunGraduate10

Lycra shorts. What was I thinking? 😳

Millsie-J profile image
Millsie-J in reply toRunBrianRun

🤣🤣

Tasha99 profile image
Tasha99Graduate10

My running visor. Too self conscious in it so opt for a mesh cap instead! Also knee supports for pain in c25k week 3 and 4 which I think didn’t help at all. Oh and a headband I look stupid in 😂

Oldfloss profile image
OldflossAdministratorGraduate10

Heart monitor that came with my Garmin..I figure as long as I can run, talk, and the heart is still beating..it's all good😉

Dexy5 profile image
Dexy5Graduate10 in reply toOldfloss

I think I need to switch mine off too Oldfloss. A bit scary when the alert comes on.....

Oldfloss profile image
OldflossAdministratorGraduate10 in reply toDexy5

Yep.. that is what would worry me :)

AnnieW55 profile image
AnnieW55 in reply toDexy5

Just switch the alert bleep off and you'll be fine. As Oldfloss says, if your heart is beating you're good. I generally wear my monitor but with no heart rate alerts and on the odd occasion I don't wear it it takes a while to realise why the data field is empty 😊 plus when I record my stats in my diary it looks a bit bare without the HR readings.

TedG profile image
TedGGraduate10 in reply toDexy5

I’ve got my HR monitor disabled on my Garmin.....flippin’ alert keeps going, can’t handle it 😠😊

Dexy5 profile image
Dexy5Graduate10 in reply toTedG

It sounds like I’m not the only one this has happened to then. Mine went to the maximum rate for a 20 year old, and that I am not!

TedG profile image
TedGGraduate10 in reply toDexy5

I’m pushing 70 and If I were to keep within the HR zones I’d be either power walking or jogging at 15min miles 🙄

misswobble profile image
misswobbleGraduate10 in reply toOldfloss

I got one as a gift but I don’t bother with it either for the same reason as you 🙂

mrrun profile image
mrrunGraduate10

I’m ashamed to admit that l only own a pair of new running shoes and a pair of battered ones, having read so many fashion statements. I only ever run in basketball gear which makes sense on my frame so not sure if that qualifies. The garment that l would be happy to burn in kerosene is a running jacket, a yellow hi-vis monstrosity. Jesus wept. You simply cannot put that thing over Boston Celtics top, that’s sacrilege.

Tasha99 profile image
Tasha99Graduate10 in reply tomrrun

😂

Oldfloss profile image
OldflossAdministratorGraduate10 in reply tomrrun

You most certainly cannot... you are the epitome of running Haute Couture :) xxx

TedG profile image
TedGGraduate10 in reply tomrrun

Same here mrrun , I bought mine in the winter and the one time I wore it I was cooking......unless we have have arctic conditions it’ll stay in the wardrobe 😊

mrrun profile image
mrrunGraduate10 in reply toTedG

Burn it, man, burn it!

But daahling, one MUST rotate ones wardrobe. I mean, one simply CANT be seen in the same capris too often!

Seriously? I love almost everything I’ve got, and I have enough to keep me happy till it all wears out. It’s a bit of a joke really because my everyday clothes are skinny jeans I’ve had years, cheap as chips Primark leggings and a few jumpers and two summer tops.

I do have a running belt and a phone armband that don’t really use because I’ve replaced them with better. A lot of this is trial and error 😊

Oldfloss profile image
OldflossAdministratorGraduate10 in reply to

Oooh I forgot my arm band.. only wore it twice because it kept slipping down my arm :)

in reply toOldfloss

I don’t use my buff as much as I thought I would because after five minutes running it’s too hot.

Oldfloss profile image
OldflossAdministratorGraduate10 in reply to

Wait until winter.... :) Ears..nose..head... neck... :)

in reply toOldfloss

I was referring to winter! Haven’t worn it since February.😊

Oldfloss profile image
OldflossAdministratorGraduate10 in reply to

Blimey..you are tough..mind..up her in t'North!!

in reply toOldfloss

I live in Chipping Norton, highest town in the Cotswolds, and winters here are bleak and cold, ask TedG who knows 😊 but I have fantastically good circulation. I’m a cold body, always have been, it’s down to 18 degrees here and I’ve got a jumper on, but once I get moving, I warm up really quickly

Oldfloss profile image
OldflossAdministratorGraduate10 in reply to

Okay ... you are hot stuff :) ( Can I I say that? I just did ) :)x

in reply toOldfloss

Yeah, I’m still hot 🔥🔥🔥Now where are those Olivia Newton John facelift hair bands??? 🤩

misswobble profile image
misswobbleGraduate10 in reply to

Oh yeah armbands 😃. My husband bought me a Karrimor one which was too big and slid down all the time I got a Nike one for my new phone but it was too tight for the phone🙄

in reply tomisswobble

I just bought a cheap one from eBay, £1.95 and free postage and it works perfectly

Irishprincess profile image
IrishprincessGraduate10

Haha without doubt my collection of 80's headbands. I need to keep my hair from my face when I run and in the beginning I tried various ways of doing that "in style". I aimed for a carefree Olivia Newton-John look but they were usually so tight that they hurt my head within minutes and made me more resemble someone post face-lift surgery 😑

They're now lost in a drawer somewhere.....

Oldfloss profile image
OldflossAdministratorGraduate10 in reply toIrishprincess

I think I need to borrow those.. face lift needed :) x

in reply toOldfloss

I was going to say the same ...

Irishprincess profile image
IrishprincessGraduate10 in reply toOldfloss

😂😂😑

I'm pretty careful about my purchases, which are usually well thought out and researched but...isn't there always a but... the mistakes in my cupboard include a water bottle you can slip your fingers through a hole in the middle - discovered I hate carrying anything, and thin shoe liners thinking they'd be cooler on my feet but no support/comfort whatsoever. I'm sneaking them pair by pair into my teenagers washing pile!

I had a few items that I already owned that let me try out before investing in new and improved things, such as my waterproof Muddy Fox cycling jacket, which is so waterproof I was wetter on the inside, so bought a breathable flyweight one in the sale. I also had Bluetooth wireless headphones with were cheap on Groupon that I used in the gym, I discovered that for running they would pull down where the controls were and constantly get stuck in my collar, so true wireless earphones replaced those.

I had also forgotten about my headband which I keep for spin class - Tasha99 has jogged my memory (see what I did there!) and I may give it a try instead of my cap on overcast days as my cap is very warm, but does protect from sun and rain alike.

This is a very interesting post, loving everyone's replies!

SaskAlliecat profile image
SaskAlliecatGraduate10 in reply to

Oh ya, I have one of those hand held water bottles. Used once, hated it, have no ide where it is. Now have 2 running belts (a single bottle and a double bottle) that I use all the time but am in the process of researching a hydration backpack vs a hydration vest for when I get to longer trail runs next year where a litre of water won’t be enough.

in reply toSaskAlliecat

I have a camel pack which I for for skiing and it's good, but the bag I have is too large for running, but I can look for a smaller backpack/hydration carry bag and save a few quid and get done value for money. Though if I remember clearly, one of the reasons I don't often use it for skiing is it takes a lot of cleaning out, carefully drying to avoid mold.

I'll be interested to see what you find.

SaskAlliecat profile image
SaskAlliecatGraduate10 in reply to

I had a backpack with a water bladder and when I went to use it for a hiking trip saw it was discoloured and didn’t use again so am definitely concerned about that. It was a cheapy so perhaps if I spend some “real” money on it, it’ll be better. Once I finalize something I’m sure i’ll put up a post but I’m trying to spread out my purchases and don’t need it this year so it might be a while yet.....or not 😆

in reply toSaskAlliecat

I know what you mean. I only bought one pair of short shorts as this weather will disappear on us overnight and we'll be digging out the winter jackets the following week. Running wish-list gets longer every day!

GoGo_JoJo profile image
GoGo_JoJoGraduate10 in reply toSaskAlliecat

Discoloration can be more to do with the electrolyte tablets used. Many contain yellow dye that ends up staining the bladder. I prefer SIS Go for this very reason. Less or even no dye, no staining and no neon wee.

In the early days some of the tabs we were buying were even coming out of me in the bath from my sweat. We kept getting a neon ring which was a right pain to get rid of 🤣🤣

SaskAlliecat profile image
SaskAlliecatGraduate10 in reply toGoGo_JoJo

I had only used water in the pack and the discolouration was dark. I tried everything I read on the internet without any success to get it clean. It was cheap to go with a daypack. I’ll buy another one for that pack which i only use for hiking, not running (too big and bulky).

in reply toGoGo_JoJo

Wow! Lethal dye...

GoGo_JoJo profile image
GoGo_JoJoGraduate10 in reply to

Once cleaned and dry store it in the freezer. Nothing will grow in there. My Camelbak stores well but the OHs Hydrapak discoloured abd smelled. It's in the freezer these days and problem gone.

in reply toGoGo_JoJo

Great idea! 😘

SaskAlliecat profile image
SaskAlliecatGraduate10 in reply to

So I’m leaning towards to Solomon Advanced Skin 5; great reviews (including our own ju-ju’s on the marathon forum), carries 2 soft flasks up front and can also carry a 1.5l hydration bladder. It’s expensive and it doesn’t come with the bladder (but does come with the 2 flasks). I won’t need it this year (or will make do without this year, is more like it) and hope I’m a good girl so Santa will combine my November birthday with Christmas and bring it for me then 😉.

in reply toSaskAlliecat

I'll take a look. I already have a bladder so that's good as I don't much fancy stuff at the front - I've got enough there to contend with!! 😘

in reply to

The Bluetooth headphones I bought cut out my phone ringing- I mean even when I wasn’t using them. I had to reset my phone.

in reply to

I've got to remember to disconnect mine. They automatically disconnect when you pop them in the case, but I usually analyse my stats when I get back so don't do it straight away. Then I wonder why my phone isn't working properly, I can't hear the person... of course it's going through to my earphones. #dippyblonde

in reply to

LOL

Millsie-J profile image
Millsie-J in reply to

I love my Bluetooth earphones, one of the best pressies ever.......as long as I remember to charge them......doh!

mfamilias profile image
mfamiliasGraduate10

The running light my children gave me for Christmas - I have never used it. I asked for it, too! I run in the lanes in the vineyards, and there is no street lighting at all. I'm scared that I'll meet a boar or trip over and not be found till the next morning. In other words, I'm a big wuss.

Oldfloss profile image
OldflossAdministratorGraduate10 in reply tomfamilias

No you are not, else you would have used it... when I first read this M'fam... I thought it said 'boat' xxxx Not a lot of boats in the vineyards I thought:) x

Joy57 profile image
Joy57Graduate10

Do you know, I think I use every bit of running gear I own, in rotation. Mind you, I don't own as much as some others (ahem, Hidden ) :)

Probably I need to get a waist band for phone etc as my armband does irritate a bit. Can someone re-post the link for good ones that was on here a few weeks ago?

Oldfloss profile image
OldflossAdministratorGraduate10 in reply toJoy57

Freetoo...on Amazon... or a Zikee if you want water bottles too, although Amazon had sold out...! Could be the heat 😉

Joy57 profile image
Joy57Graduate10 in reply toOldfloss

Thanks Floss, I'll go and have a look now x

in reply toJoy57

😍😍😍

Joy57 profile image
Joy57Graduate10 in reply to

(no offence) x

in reply toJoy57

I don’t mind 😀it all gets used, I get a lot of fun out of it and I won’t need to buy any more for years 😊 x

in reply to

Yes, that'll happen 😉😘

I say whatever makes you happy and it's an investment in your health Flick.

I appreciate it's all said in jest and you are the "go to" girl for fun, colourful clothing and good quality gear (not to mention current sales).

Jay66UK is our non-clothing running gear expert. Between you, we've got it covered!

I'd never even heard of Tikiboo's...

So, thank you both xx

in reply to

Hahaha 😜🤪

Ah, well, I buy very few normal clothes and don’t wear bright colours very often. I think running has released my inner woman and she appears to be a Lycra loving chav with a taste in garish designs 😂😂😂 xx

Lorijay profile image
LorijayGraduate10 in reply to

See I did say you were our forum fashionista, like Sutsha I have not heard half the brands until I read your posts. Keep on posting 😀😘

in reply toLorijay

Fashionista, eh ... 😂 that’s a title I never thought to earn ❤️

Millsie-J profile image
Millsie-J in reply to

I second that Sutsha! Last week I may have purchased a Garmin 235 following a Jay post 😇 i always take a look at Flick’s latest purchase..... who could resist such jewels😎

in reply toMillsie-J

Careful, it’s a slippery slope 😳🏃‍♂️🏃‍♀️

Ripcurlrana71 profile image
Ripcurlrana71Graduate10

My armband for my phone. Just way too big - never used and super impractical to operate the phone through!

Oldfloss profile image
OldflossAdministratorGraduate10 in reply toRipcurlrana71

Totally agree..:)

limberlou profile image
limberlouGraduate10 in reply toRipcurlrana71

Yup me too, thought it would be a good idea. As soon as I flexed my considerably muscly biceps it unvelcroed. Never used it since.

Also my wireless headphones... but only cos I’ve put them in “ a nice safe place”....🙄

in reply tolimberlou

Safe as houses 🤣

limberlou profile image
limberlouGraduate10 in reply to

There are so many things in “ a nice safe place “ in my house. One day I’ll find them all ....

in reply tolimberlou

Giant boot/yard sale as you won't want half of it when it does turn up!

in reply tolimberlou

I once found 60 quid I’d put under some of my tarot cards in a box. I think it was 6 months later

Ripcurlrana71 profile image
Ripcurlrana71Graduate10 in reply tolimberlou

Bought for week1 of C25k!

limberlou profile image
limberlouGraduate10 in reply toRipcurlrana71

Yup !! Me too!!! Then my phone lived in my sports bra for the next couple weeks until I bought my flip belt. But it kept steaming up so I was a bit worried about keeping it there

Yes @Flick I AM Hotstuff too

in reply tolimberlou

Yeah, we’ve still got it. We’re so hot we’re really cool ❤️🔥❤️🔥❤️🔥

Millsie-J profile image
Millsie-J

Teehee, up to now no end of different items, no one common thing!

Roll up roll up, keep them coming😉

Sqkr profile image
Sqkr

Same as many others, the armband I bought for my phone! I bought it before I'd started running because that's what people seemed to use, though my frame of reference seemed to be based upon stock images of what I thought runners used. Now I realise it's too big, I have wee arms and had to take it in several inches, but even now that it fits it's just useless. I hate it.

I've also not used my flipbelt since the disastrous parkrun where it rode up round my middle. It's been eight months now, I just don't really need it.

Also, race tshirts that don't wick! What's the point in non technical tshirts. They just sit in my drawer. That long sleeve Winter Run t-shirt will never be worn ☹️

misswobble profile image
misswobbleGraduate10

I bought a fleece neck warmer to match my run jacket and cap. It comes up over your nose if required. I’ve worn it twice in freezing weather It was only a few quid though

When I first started running I bought an Aldi half zip Running fleece top in that acid yellow colour. Wore it once in winter but it nearly boiled me to death I’ve not written it off though 😉

Dexy5 profile image
Dexy5Graduate10

I’ve now got some rejected socks as Jay66uk (yes you know the one) sent me a link to some lovely ones on Amazon. They have been so much cooler in the heat, and they are so pretty.

Jay66UK profile image
Jay66UKGraduate10 in reply toDexy5

😎

Dexy5 profile image
Dexy5Graduate10 in reply toJay66UK

Thanks for the recommendation Jay 👍

Sarakc profile image
SarakcGraduate10

A head torch I bought quite cheaply luckily and a sun visor! (Not worn together!!!!) My family laughed at me in them and I just can’t wear them now! I just wear the visor when I’m reading in the garden so it’s not gone to waste!! 😀

ju-ju- profile image
ju-ju-Graduate10

Here here brilliant post, my drawer one brought out our dark side and this is a great way to get to know one another too... for me, it was this magnetic bumbag. The most ridiculous item ever, it just kept falling off!!!

Dexy5 profile image
Dexy5Graduate10 in reply toju-ju-

If you throw that away ju-ju- you’ll have a bit more in that drawer of yours. He he

Anniemurph profile image
AnniemurphGraduate10

For me it's a cheapo copy of a Flipbelt. I don't know if the real ones stay put, or if I didn't get the right size, but it never stays put. It rides up and sloshes around my waist and then once my inhaler fell out because it wasn't held tightly against my body. This terrified me - I have loads of inhalers but only one set of house keys. Imagine having to retrace your route when you've just done a long run... :O

in reply toAnniemurph

I have a cheap flipbelt copy too. I've since got the real thing and can assure you it DOES stay put. I've had keys, phone, water bottle and gels in it an so far safe as houses.

Anniemurph profile image
AnniemurphGraduate10 in reply to

Thanks, Flick, that's worth knowing. I guess I dither because I lose and put weight back on so quickly I'd need about three of them in different sizes :D

in reply toAnniemurph

The size you choose will expand and shrink to fit your current weight unless you're putting on and off a very large amount :)

Sqkr profile image
Sqkr in reply toAnniemurph

Mine doesn't stay put ☹️ it was fine for the first few runs, then one fateful parkrun it drove me crazy and ended up moving all the way up my body. I haven't used it since, it just put me right off trying.

Decker profile image
Decker in reply toAnniemurph

The real flip belts have a keyring clip so at least you know your keys are staying put

GoGo_JoJo profile image
GoGo_JoJoGraduate10

250ml hand held bottle with a hole in.... what a pain to carry... used it a handful of times, hated carrying it... stupid sports top leaked too!! It's hit the recycling bin now

🤔 at least one zip thru top that is a tad small but the colour is fab... and I'm getting smaller, right? 😉

A pair of cheaper shorts that try to cut me in half in completely the worst way... but they're fine for round the house in the heat. I must learn to stay away from the cheap cheap brands. Its hard though as my Lidl stuff has more than paid for itself and I love a (seeming) bargain.

Maybe we should have a swap shop!? I'm interested in all those headbands and visors as I love mine! 😁

Bluebirdrunner profile image
BluebirdrunnerGraduate10

Socks for me too!😄..the bargain ones I bought several pairs of when I first started, they only just come up to my ankle ( some of them no longer do that after washing) ..I now have two pairs of Hilly monoskin ones that are washed and washed and washed and still perfect!😊xx

The old ones are still in my drawer of course!😆

Langley-Loper profile image
Langley-LoperGraduate10

I think I am using everything to destruction except one pink vest top with built in bra (bought as half of a two-for-reduced-price) and a purple t-shirt (bought as part of a bundle of gear off ebay). They both still have their labels on.

Thanks to this fantastic forum I do my research before purchasing to avoid wastage!

Sweatyfaced profile image
SweatyfacedGraduate10

Socks for me too. Bought some "sports socks" when i started and got bad blisters for months, eventually realised the socks were cotton!! I almost feel like a lawsuit should be filed; cotton socks are NOT sports socks. Don't worry, proper wicking socks purchased and no more blisters. But still have the old "sports socks" for padding around the house in...

Millsie-J profile image
Millsie-J in reply toSweatyfaced

Socks are such an important piece of kit arnt they, glad you got those sorted 👍🏼

Sweatyfaced profile image
SweatyfacedGraduate10 in reply toMillsie-J

Who knew?? I didn't, that's for sure!!

Millsie-J profile image
Millsie-J in reply toSweatyfaced

Mind you, the rain we’ve had today might get me using those waterproof socks after all 😳

Not what you're looking for?

You may also like...

What’s your New Year’s running resolution?

We are nearly at the end of 2018, so what are your running resolutions or challenges for the new...
Sigered profile image
Graduate10

World Record for the most People running a 10k THIS SUNDAY!

Greetings. Thought it might be timely to post a reminder about this for anyone who's interested....
SkiMonday profile image
Graduate10

Let’s go round again …

It’s been a while I know, but have been keeping an eye on your lovely posts and finally I have...
61Lady profile image
Graduate10

I need help....

Yes, I hear you say.. you really do...:) Seriously, this is a request for your time..or at least...
Oldfloss profile image
Administrator

It is official...Running is good for your health... and your ego !

Up, not so early after a slightly restless night... and out into the morning. The Close quiet and...
Oldfloss profile image
Administrator

Moderation team

See all
MissUnderstanding profile image
MissUnderstandingAdministrator
Mummycav profile image
MummycavAdministrator
Yesletsgo profile image
YesletsgoAdministrator

Content on HealthUnlocked does not replace the relationship between you and doctors or other healthcare professionals nor the advice you receive from them.

Never delay seeking advice or dialling emergency services because of something that you have read on HealthUnlocked.