Apart from my dodgy knee (ugh...) I absolutely fell in love with running. And recently treated myself with running gadgets (took extra shifts at work to pay for these hehe).
Garmin watch is amazing- so many functions, data, great to get positive feedback from a watch and useful training plans.
Aftershockz Air bone conducting headphones are superb and connect to the watch so can listen to music while running and don't need to take a mobile. So no need to have running belt, no mobile and no wires. Love it.
Also got new shoes Mizuno wave inspire 16 and for the first time RUNNING SOCKS! Seriously, I did not appreciate what difference in comfort proper running socks can make. Revelation! 🥰
For me the saying 'you only need pair of trainers to run' have not turned out true... 🤭😂 how about you? What gadgets/items have made running easier?
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Trawa
Graduate10
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I’m running for 3 years now, I couldn’t run without music at one time. But over the last 6 months I enjoyed leaving it all behind and just run. A race and parkrun are so much better without music as you enjoy the atmosphere an awful lot more. Of course I will always have my Garmin Forerunner 35 on me, but really all you do need is good comfortable shoes and socks. I’m loving running more now than ever.
I really like music while running and it helps with energy levels and speed too. But I think that in the future I will be trying without. Aftershokz are kind of in between because they're bone conducting and while you can hear music you can still hear everything else- your breath, your surrounding, etc.
It takes a long time to find out what kind of runner you are. And it also takes ages to enjoy running after C25K. I’m Truly in the 5K, parkrun and 10K camp. I used to run listening to podcasts and music. And then towards the end of last summer I ran without my phone, music and podcasts. I listen to traffic, birds and nature and get lost in my own thoughts. I much prefer it. However I do like looking at the post run info on my phone afterwards when I have synced my watch. My favourite running gear is my running shoes, watch and parkrun barcode. 😀
I run beautiful path along the river this morning and influenced by your post I turned off the music for a while. It was pure pleasure but noticed I started slowing down without a bit. Hehe! And training for 10k now so need to keep up the speed.
It's definitely a way to go for leisurely runs in the nature!
Had some Bose Soundsport wireless earphones for my birthday. They are a revelation. No wires, no earphones falling out or clicking against my earrings (stupid but annoying).
I’ve been running since June 2018. I used to own horses which I thought were expensive, so running was a light relief.
Or so I thought!!
Gait analysis, several pairs of trainers, copious tops, bras, leggings and jackets. Running gloves, running socks, running vest/bladder. Small water bottle belt, phone holder, headphones. Garmin, special PR water bottle, race entries fees, accommodation at race venues, petrol for PR tourism, snacks specially for long runs, Tailwind ......
Horses weren’t that expensive after all!
My game changer is my Garmin though. I have a Forerunner 235 - although my husband’s Vivoactive 3 is up for grabs so I might commandeer it (because I need more gear!!) 😅😅
I do don’t I Damien?! 😅 I’m desperately trying to ignore Sandraj39 ’s waterproof socks post! I can feel my finger twitching over the Amazon shopping basket! I simply don’t need any - but they do sound good ....... 🤦♀️🤦♀️🤦♀️
When I was a kid I played Golf. I didn’t have water proof shoes so I wore thin socks, a plastic bag cut to size and another pair of thin socks. Worked a treat. 😀 No need to go near Amazon for that fix.
I have a new Fitbit Versa 2 which I really like despite the lack of onboard gps. I take my phone for runs and track with both Fitbit and Nike run club which is excellent. I have bought new running shoes, new running shorts a subscription to Runners world which came with a free pair of running socks. I love guided runs and the Nike app is great for this with a big selection of coached runs and programs for all levels of runner.
Guided runs makes running easier as just need to listen to own body and the coach and just run without remembering how long should you run, etc. Less decisions to make -> more headspace 😂
Can’t wait to lose some serious weight like this, it’s starting to go and the measurements are going down. Did you start to get faster as the weight started dropping?
Think the longer you're running your body gets more used to it . Not sure if the weight loss helped me get any faster but there is less of me to take running 😊
I started running and 2 weeks later stopped smoking so I used the money I had been setting in fire to buy some decent running shoes, trail shoes, aftershokz and a garmin. I am running longer runs now so my latest investment is a hydration vest as I’m going to be doing 10 miles at least once a month.
The thing is all my stuff is worth every penny as running has changed my life
Nice watch, do you use the HRM-Run chest strap with it? If you don't then you are missing out on more data, virtual oscillation, ground contact time, etc.
I still have the Forerunner 735XT, still can't decide on whether to go for the 945 or the Fenix 6 Pro Sapphire as I can get them at a really good price (and fully legit).
I also have Aftershokz Air, when I started running outside I couldn't run with headphones or anything in my ears as it sound like I was an elephant running down a wooden roof. I bought the Aftershokz as I passed through an airport last year and got them at a good price, wouldn't be without them now and use them when running, in the gym and when on the bike.
I'm not serious enough runner just yet to use a chest strap 🤭
I use my aftershokz a lot too - even around the house when listening to audiobooks. It's so great not to feel cut off from the wotls around but still listen to music or books.
I'm not what you class as a serious running, I take my running seriously though. When I bought my 735XT it came with the running chest strap, the chest strap adds extra data collection abilities so it can help more.
If you are looking at or do run 10k then I'd say you're a serious enough runner.
The way I look at it is... Its a healthy hobby! But yeah when I started I had old trainers (bad idea I know that now.. But didn't know if I'd stick with it, then about run 5 the sole came off!! 😂) and cotton t shirts.
I have more stuff now.. !! 5 pairs of trainers, diff makes and the most I paid was £40. (just had to count). Various clothing Inc gloves, hats n buffs. Bum bag (want a flip belt now, as can't stand the bouncing about) vest, jackets, runners world subscription and a few books (if I see em cheap or in charity shops I can't resist!) I love parkrun and just bought the plastic barcodes. Water bottles. Last year with Xmas and birthday dosh I treated myself to a garmin 235.. Which I 😍. I did have some cheap Bluetooth headphones but they broke a few months back, and now I tend to not bother, or if I do just use the ones that came with phone.
Just reading through some older posts. I just read 'Running like a girl ' last week it was brilliant. I was welling up at parts like when the mother spotted her daughter and started shouting like crazy to encourage her😊😊
Running pack? Is it like a running vest or something? To use the headtorch you probably run in the dark in the poor lit areas - so can I ask about something? I sometimes wonder about safety althought I run in the dark I run on the well lit streets in safe area. But are there any safety accessories, alarms,etc that you use?
So I got into the 'Free' sport of running because my bike had a problem that was going to cost me £75 I didn't have to fix.
I keep looking at all the toys and building a wishlist, but over the past 12 months I've been pretty good at not spending too much.
Running shoes - £15, Running Shorts - £5, and Running Tights - £15 in Feb '19
Smart/Fitness Watch - £50 in July '19 (Birthday Present
Bluetooth Earphones - £25 in Jan '20 (Christmas Present)
Running Socks - £13 in Jan '19 (Christmas Present)
I was given an old pair of running shoes in December, which are amazing, but definitely old and need to be replaced so desperately scraping my pennies together to afford a really good pair in plenty of time before my HM. I expect they'll cost more than everything I've already spent put together!💰💰💰
Headlights! White light on the front and pulsing red light at the back joined up by elasticated webbing. Just google running lights. Only got them between Christmas and New Year but they’re great as it means you can run at 0600/0630 throughout the year, not just Summer! Very pleased with them.
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Jeffing with the Running Group 😊👍
Running watch recommendations please 
Run, stop, run repeat. 
Garmin 10k plan run 2
