Post Grad Runs - Laura or no Laura?

[Kathh42]

Hello everyone.

I ran my first post-graduation run today, after contemplating dumping Laura. I eventually decided to take her with me but only for timekeeping purposes. It made me think - what do other people take with them on runs?

I always like to run different routes and explore while running, so I rely on Laura telling me how long I've run for so I know when to find my way home, but today I really wanted to listen to the birds in the trees. I often don't take anything other than my old ipod and a spare key so there's nothing weighing down my pockets or hitting me as I run. What are other people's views? Do you carry phones etc and what else do you use for timekeeping?

[Millsie-J Graduate]

I take my phone, to use as a phone in an emergency. Family can alsotrack where you are if you wish

[VictoriaRuns Graduate]

Yes just phone here too, I normally even hide a key if I'm the only one in the house as I'm worried I'll drop it. I use the phone for music, navigation and pace, but I wouldn't be without it just in case I fell or anything like that. If you wish to go out without a phone, I'd recommend telling someone nearby pretty much exactly where you are going, and how long you will be gone for - even if it's a neighbour.

[Kathh42 Graduate in reply to VictoriaRuns]

How do you carry your phone? I've found that my pockets are either too small or too baggy. I'd be frightened to drop it if it were in my hand.

[VictoriaRuns Graduate in reply to Kathh42]

If I'm wearing a light coat, it goes in the pocket (zipped up) but otherwise I do hold it I'm afraid! I actually find it quite useful to hold as your hands should be grasped, but not clenched. I don't really notice it or have feared it's going to drop, but I think there are all kinds of bands that you can use to secure phones to your arms that might be more suitable?

[Kathh42 Graduate in reply to VictoriaRuns]

I shall look into them, thank you. ☺

[Lillybeth30mins Graduate in reply to Kathh42]

Hi Kath, I use an arm band and they’re great. Fairly cheap too from amazon/Ebay... don’t pay sports shop prices.

Liz x

[Millsie-J Graduate in reply to Lillybeth30mins]

You can get a neat belt for your phone, key, barcode etc. Around £5 from most high street sports chains

[Elfe5 Graduate in reply to Kathh42]

A b bag or running belt are good for holding phone, keys etc 😀

[Elfe5 Graduate in reply to Elfe5]

*bum bag

[Ruthy180 Graduate]

I have a holder for my phone that goes around my arm. Works well. Got it off Amazon. As a woman wouldn't want to go out alone without it. My wireless headphones are invaluable to me. And I have running leggings with a zipped small pocket in the back to place my car key. Perfect!

p.s. Who is Laura?

[Kathh42 Graduate in reply to Ruthy180]

Laura is the lady that talks to you in the podcasts! I haven't got the app - just the podcasts from the NHS website.

[davelinks Graduate]

Just a Garmin watch to record time and distance.. oh and usually a phone in the back pocket, it's an old small phone so fits..😊

[Sarakc Graduate]

I take my phone for music, strava etc in my wee running pouch which clips round waist and holds keys. Blue tooth earphones and I put hat and gloves in my gillet pocket if I’m too warm in them!

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate]

Phone and Garmin

[Elfe5 Graduate]

I just take phone and tissues!

I made playlists of favourite music for post Laura running, sometimes I just take out the earphones and listen to birds, the sea, etc. Sometimes I use Mapmyrun on my phone but don't want to get too involved with data. Like you I vary my route. 😄

[AngeScott Graduate]

Hey. I take my phone, key, tissue and inhaler. All in my pockets apart from the phone which I hold in my hand. I sometimes tuck it up my sleeve (long sleeved running top) but I like to change the music often so it makes sense for me to have it in my hand.

[Trying2run Graduate]

I take my phone as it has all my music on it and MapMyRun.

I never take my key as I don’t have anywhere to put it.

I also take tissues as running makes my nose run too. Also I put them in my bra (as I have no pockets) and take them out as needed. hilariously today, rhummaged around to fish one out whilst a group of dogs walkers came by. That got me some funny looks 👀😂🤦🏻‍♀️

[AngeScott Graduate in reply to Trying2run]

I tie my key to the lace of my shoe 🙃

[Anthie Graduate]

An MP3 player for the podcasts, a packet of tissues as I also belong to the runny nosed runners club and my keys. But it's nice as you say to be able to run listening to the birds or other animals (the park where I run has a zoo and the gibbons have special cries when it's breakfast time for them; we also have free budgies who have decided to colonize the plane trees there), or the wind...

[Kathh42 Graduate in reply to Anthie]

That must be fabulous to listen to! I am now quite jealous.

[Anthie Graduate in reply to Kathh42]

Actually, I'm not too fond of zoos and apes are so clever and look unhappy even when very well treated... Those gibbons are a father and son and got very depressed and silent for a long time after the mother died. At one point, the carers thought the father would let himself starve to death. But they managed to get over it and every day when they are fed, you can hear something like this or nearly so (listen towards the last 20 mns especially):

youtube.com/watch?v=-JUhUI_...(Not working as expected?)

[Kathh42 Graduate in reply to Anthie]

That's a very sad story.. a very impressive noise nonetheless.

[Sweatyfaced Graduate]

Phone in zip pocket, synced to fitbit for music, distance and pace etc. Mostly just leave my back door unlocked but probably shouldn't admit that...

No tissues as use my sleeve or just blow it out my nose while running (not into the wind mind, as it can end up all over you!!); gross huh? I run on country lanes, no one is watching me!! Lol!!

I like to run very light as you can tell!

[Bluebirdrunner Graduate]

Phone with music and Mapmyrun or Strava in waist belt. Wireless headphones, spare headphones and tissue in breast pocket of running jacket and key in the waistband pocket of running leggings.. running gloves and buff, sunglasses if I can get away with it, as my eyes water...sorted (took 2 years but now sorted😉)

Happy running 😊x