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 🤭
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Millsie-J
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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.
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 🤞🙏🏻
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 😂
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.
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.
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 😊
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 😊
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
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🙄
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 😑
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!
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.
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 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 😆
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!
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 🤣🤣
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).
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.
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 😉.
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!! 😘
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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.
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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
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.
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
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?
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
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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
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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
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😎
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
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 ☹️
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 😉
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.
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!! 😀
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!!!
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...
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.
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.
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! 😁
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
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!
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...
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