W9R1 - first post for a while but I’m still going!

[BexJogs]

Hello fellow runners!

I have fallen off the posting wagon but not the running wagon!

I’ve definitely conquered my fear of the park and I’m now on nodding terms with some other regulars! I like trying to guess who is a C25K runner and who isn’t. The fact it’s impossible to know is another bit of proof that we are in fact real runners! My pace is now consistently around 6:40 for the runs which is a big improvement for me!

I think running has “clicked” as a habit now. I wouldn’t dream of waking up on a run day and not running, and excuses I would have made before (“too tired” “too hot” “not enough time”) are just not persuading me any more. If there’s one silver lining of this whole virus situation, this is definitely it for me!

Anyone reading this far, I have a question about how you carry your phone. I bought an armband but I find it really awkward to use on the go, e.g. to start MapMyRun at the end of the 5min walk or to change track on Spotify. Do I need a Garmin? Tell me I do...!

2 more runs til graduation. Can’t believe it!!

[Swifttrev]

I find it easy enough just to hold it in my hand

[BexJogs Graduate in reply to Swifttrev]

I see your answer and I hear “get a Garmin” 😂 but thank you, I might need to go back to just holding it too.

[Toomuchwinem2f Graduate]

Leggings with pockets!! I was worried my phone would fall out but no and it’s in easy reach on the go. Armband was a disaster for me too and I use MapMyRun and Spotify 😊

[BexJogs Graduate in reply to Toomuchwinem2f]

Ah that’s helpful! Maybe I need to get some new leggings then. Much cheaper than a Garmin! Thanks for replying and glad it’s not just me that couldn’t get on with the armband.

[RunNewForestRun Graduate]

My husband and I have just bought the Freetrain products. You pull them on over your chest and they are like a stretchy and reflective fabric that holds your phone at the front.

I love mine and now wear it when I take the dogs out as it has little pockets for a key, tissues (or poo bags 😁).

[BexJogs Graduate in reply to RunNewForestRun]

Ooh interesting! I’ve never heard of this! I’ll look into it, thanks so much!

[ground_level in reply to BexJogs]

That Freetrain thing might possibly be the most over-engineered solution to a simple problem so far!

[Hidden]

I have a flip belt, pricey but lush colours,sit nice and comfy on my hips and hold my phone, my poo bags and my keys if I have taken them. Wouldn’t be without it! I use a polar unite watch and use strava and my iphones GPS x

[BexJogs Graduate in reply to Hidden]

Thank you - it looks like lots of different things work for different people. I’ll have a look at all the options and report back! Thanks for the reply! 😊

[ground_level]

How to cart a phone about when running is a good question, not least because it seems tough to find shorts that have pockets large enough to hold bigger smartphones, and which are secure.

Those armbands have always struck me as being a poor solution for a very common problem.

The best thing I've found so far for carrying phone, keys, cards, and a few other bits is something called 'The Zipster', which follows on from its zipless predecessor, 'The Hipster'.

- The Zipster: nathansport.eu/product/zips...

- The Hipster: nathansport.eu/product/the-...

The Zipster is great for running, and also really useful when heading out and wishing to travel light without needing lots of pockets and/or a bag.

While my (large, ~16cm x 7cm in its protective case) phone doesn't fit in either of the two zipped pockets without a fight, it does fit easily and snugly inside the unzipped (and relatively secure, my phone's not fallen out yet) flaps that make up the rest of the belt.

The trick with Zipster/Hipster belts is make sure you get the right size as they're essentially an elasticated belt into which you have climb.

Hope this helps.

[BexJogs Graduate in reply to ground_level]

Thank you this is extremely helpful!

[nowster Graduate]

A pouch belt is what I have. If I rotate it so that the zipped pockets with my phone and keys are round the back, I hardly know I'm carrying them.

[BexJogs Graduate in reply to nowster]

Good to know! I thought a waist bag might annoy me but good to know it works for you.