As I enter Week 5 and the infamous 20min run fast approaching I'm wanting to run without my coat. The problem is, if I do that I won't have any pockets to put my phone in so that'll mean no GPS tracking and no C25K podcasts.
In an ideal world I would splash out on a top of the range smart watch and a decent set of Bluetooth headphones but the reality is my bank manager isn't so keen on that idea right now. So, I need another solution.
What do you all do in the way of music/GPS tracking and how do you carry it?
I'm thinking maybe a cheap pair of shorts/running tights with a decent sized pocket for my phone to fit into?
I welcome your suggestions
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Bike_and_Run
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Firstly, please do not continue to spread the words of the inexperienced by referring to W5 as infamous or dreaded........once you have done it you will realise that it is actually one of the most empowering things you will do in your life............please be positive.
I have used a cheap Sports Direct waist belt to carry my phone for the last 5½ years.
I'm trying to remember what I used to do when I ran ten years ago. I'm sure I would take my phone with me in order to track the route but I really can't remember how I carried it.
As for my car key, I would hide that on the back wheel and hope it still there when I returned. Can't really do that these days with the modern keyless remote.
Ah I see. My C25k is a podcast on my mobile - in an arm strap. I don’t have bother with a GPS device 😏. And I run from home. Maybe a waist strap (even one of those you put your valuables in (when you go away) then tuck under your top - I saw one in Wilkinson’s for about £2 - or bum bag type thing that could go across your torso if that’s comfier? I’m sure you’ll figure something out 👍🏼
I use a running belt, but make sure you choose one with a pocket that fits your phone. Mine has two pockets, one for phone, one for key etc. High street sports chains have these at a good price.
I bought two identical tops from sports direct, Karrimor ones and asked a local dry cleaner/tailor to cut up the one shirt to make back pockets (minus the elastics) on the other; supplying him a cycling top as a pattern.
He didn't charge me much a £5 I think for both, with his gear and experience, takes him not a lot. He does undercharge himself though!
The result is a couple of running tops and a singlet with deep cycling style pockets for phone/spare battery/sunglasses/keys etc.
I have even using a cycle jacket to run in like fatstab but now it’s warmer I just use an armband for my phone which has a key compartment, my hubby got me some wireless headphones at Christmas, but only cheap ones about 15.00, they are adequate. I’m on a budget as well🙄🙄. Depends how far you’re going but I don’t carry money and my phone band has a compartment for a key. I got it at sports direct a karrimor one and I think it was around 7.00. If I let myself I’d be pulling one of those shopping bags on wheels 😂😂
I use an arm strap to put my phone in and headphones ( but just one ear I so I can hear for traffic, dogs 🐕 , scooters 🛴 etc). I got mine from Amazon- it was £13 I think for my phone x
How do you get in with the arm band? Does it stay put without feeling too tight? I've always been put of by the idea it will either keep falling down or be too tight when I bend my arm
Hi, jumping in here, hope you don’t mind. I actually use mine on my forearm so I can easily stop, start apps etc as I find putting it on my upper arm was hard and not accessible once it was there. My armband has a fully adjustable Velcro band and once it’s on I don’t know it’s there.
On the forearm, that certainly sounds like it would make sense. I would love a smart watch with GPS and music storage onboard (the Garmin Vivoactive 3 music would be perfect) but maybe strapping my phone to my wrist is the way forward until I can save up some pennys
I’ve got my strava app and music on my phone and it’s really easy to reach and see because I’m short sighted and means I can set my strava recording no problem. I have it high up on my forearm under the elbow on the front if that makes sense, it doesn’t move during runs the strap is a stretch material with Velcro on it, It does the job till the dream watch is achievable 😊😊
I hold my phone in my hand (helpful yesterday when so got lost on a new route!) and use a pocket in the waistband of my leggings for my key. I have tried using that pocket for my phone but it was dragging the leggings down!!! 😱 Having seen others’ responses I probably need a flip belt but I’m not sure about them from a comfort/dragging point of view. I am still very overweight so very self-conscious of my midriff. Maybe I should give one a go, as I have races in April and June... Thank you for this thread x
I've seen people with there phone in there hands and wired head phones flapping in the wind. I really couldn't cope with this. Hate having to hold stuff, especially when running.
As for the leggings being dragged down, I get that now too, and that's without anything in my pockets.
This thread has certainly been useful to get some ideas so glad it's helped you out too 👍
Hi Molly, I tried my flip belt on in the sports shop.
I ended up buying a size up, as I wanted to wear it around my hips, not waist.
I used it through the warm weather with my phone and house keys in, it stayed put.
I've used it for gardening so I can play music through headphones and not annoy neighbours, it did shift up to my waist a couple of times then, I think due to the constant position changes associated with weeding!!!
I am not certain, but I feel that I have read that running with something in your hands is not a good idea.
I've contemplated the arm band. Not sure how I will get on with it but maybe worth a try. More tempted by the running belt idea. A quick Google has flagged up a few for less than a tenner which is music to my bank managers ears. My only fear is that I'm going to look like some weird tourist or my dad back in the 1980s with his hi-glow neon bum bag.
Maybe I'll just complete the look with a retro shell suit 🤣🤣
My little boy (9) and me have a bum bag each. I missed out when they were in fashion 🥺 and I’ve always wanted one 🤪. It’s fantastic! Holds my phone, keys and the wire for the headphones is safe too. I tried the arm band but had nowhere for my keys. My eldest 2 (11 & 12) refuse to wear the bum bag because of the name and hold their phones
Like you, I use pockets when it’s cold, then transfer to a running belt when it’s warm. Mine is a freetoo from Amazon- it cost about £7 & is super comfy - both adjustable and stretchy. 😀
I repurposed an old, very light weight hiking gillet and wear it over my running shirt. It has pockets which hold phone and tissues for my running nose! 😂 I stitched a bit of Velcro on 1 pocket flap to ensure the phone couldn’t fall out. If weather is really warm I can open the zip front.
So, to follow up... I opted for a pair of running tights with a pocket be big enough to fit my phone.
Found a cheap pair online for just £10 and they're great. Would have preferred the back pocket to allow my phone to sit a little higher (the opening is on my waist, but my phone sits on my bum) and they seem a little short (or my legs are too long) but what I've paid in happy to put up with these niggles.
Went out for my first run in them last night (W5R1) and they were great.
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Gary or Tommy?
Carrying loads of stuff!
Where do you put yours?
Gps watch vs phone app
