How do you like running with an iphone/ipod?

[canuckgirl]

I have been using a small mp3 player and am thinking of switching to an iphone so that I can track my runs, have music, and have extra safety all in one.

i am worried about the weight, and I am wondering how the armband feels.

Any advice/experience?

[bubblehead]

I run with my iPhone in an armband thingy. Don't notice the weight and it doesn't get in the way - except when I put it over my jacket then have to strip off when I get too warm. I have a couple of playlists that I've listened to but have now downloaded Jack fm and listen to that as I run.

[Deryn61 Graduate]

If I use my ipod I put it in a pocket of my running capris or in the pocket of my jacket. I dont tend to use it a lot now, I like to listen to the sounds of nature (and gives me more awareness of bikers/other runners coming along so I can put dog back on lead).

[Vivwestie Graduate]

I bought some 3/4 length running trousers in Sainsburys (yes, really!) (plus a sports bra) and it has a little pocket on the inside of the waistband (sounds similar to Deryn61's!) and I find it much better to run with - was previously running with it in my hand!

[Oldgirl Graduate]

You may prefer a runners belt with pocket for iPod/iPhone, keys etc. SportsDirect have them for about £6. I use my belt if I go for a longer run so that I can clip my water bottle to it. You can fasten them around your waist (normal way of course) or over one shoulder and across the body under opposite arm like a sash which I saw someone doing at Parkrun last weekend, not sure if its very comfortable though.

[boudicca Graduate]

I just stuff my ipod down my bra!

[suki_007 Graduate in reply to boudicca]

Brilliant! - I've got a wonderful picture of Boudicca in her chariot, spear in hand and ipod down her bra!!! There was one stage where I had an ipod in one side and my phone in the other - I did look a bit of a funny shape so I switched to a bumbag - oh, and I was worried I'd sweat too much and the ipod might not cope, haha!

[Pelephant Graduate in reply to boudicca]

Haha so simple. I wish there was a 'like' button as on Facebook!

[canuckgirl Graduate in reply to boudicca]

Very simple solution! (I do this with my phone at other times) but I am also worried about sweat though...

[boudicca Graduate in reply to canuckgirl]

I put it in a fabric cover first - seems to work! Must remember to take my spear with me tonight but of course since I'm running I won't need the chariot.

[Beads Graduate in reply to boudicca]

My iPod goes down my bra as well. I took my phone with me the other day as I was on my own and that went in the other side. The question is what do I do tomorrow when I'm going to need to take keys with me as well? It's OK if I drive somewhere as house keys etc stay in the car and the car key is flat (and about iPod size so they snuggle together).

[shelleymcb Graduate in reply to Beads]

down the bra!! tried that but had to find somewhere else for it as the screen now has condensation marks & looks as if it is "snowing" now that some of it has dried out after about 4 months

armband all the way & capri pants with inner secret pockets.

[smhall Graduate]

Anna, Gayle and I both run with our SmartPhones. I run with mine in my hand and she slides hers into her pocket on her shorts. While these are both a bit bulkier and heavier, it allows us to use GPS to track our distance and pace, as well as the ability to use any internet music streaming service or our own playlist for music. Most of all, it would give us the ability to call for emergency services if the labored breathing, muscles aches and chest pains overcame our desire to finish W9!! They aren't quite as convenient, but we get to have everything we want as we run! Hmmmmm, come to think of it...I could blog on here as I run if...I could breath!!

[canuckgirl Graduate in reply to smhall]

I like the idea of having my phone as it would solve the GPS, music and security issues in one gadget. You never know, if I get an iphone, Siri just might help me blog as I go!!

[Sedge Graduate]

I have been doing all my runs with the iPhone in a strap on my arm, was a couple of quid from sports direct. I have downloaded the couch25k app, so I can listen to my own tunes... If I wear a base layer I strap it over the top, with sleeve of running tshirt over the top, that way you can feed the headphones up through the neck and you don't get flappy leads everywhere!

[Hidden]

I did stuff stuff my phone my bra, but as the runs got longer it started to get condensation in the screen. I bought an armband, and cut the PVC out of the front so I could work the screen through it.

Because of the taking off of layers, I think that the best way to use it may be wearing it under all layers, and running earphones inside of the bottom layer to keep the cord out of the way, as Sedge says.

I'm also going to find a way to put my phone in upside down so that I can read the screen without twisting my arm. I think that that might mean making a small hole for the earphone jack at the base of the armband.

[SBG356 Graduate in reply to Hidden]

I use one of these armbands too - cant you just put it on the other way round so the phone is upside down to read easier? That is all I have to do!

[Hidden in reply to SBG356]

Yes, but then the headphone jack is at the wrong end, and it means putting pressure on it to fold it back on itself. Turning the armband upside down, which would be simplest, leaves the opening at the bottom and the potential for the phone to drop out.

[SBG356 Graduate in reply to Hidden]

OK yours must be made differently to mine then. Mine has a bit that goes over the open end and keeps it secure so has never dropped out.

[poeciliareticulata Graduate]

I have an audio belt from sport direct (I think it was £3.99). It fits my iPhone (in the case) with space for a door key and a tissue and probably other small things if I needed them. It can bounce a bit but I find it I tuck the whole thing into my capris it is absolutely fine. I turn it around so that everything is round the back and gets some support from my bum. I thread the headphone wire under my arm and up inside my top and run with one earpiece in (so I can hear the Runkeeper lady tell me how far I have gone and how long I have been running for, and I have my own playlist), and keep the other ear free for traffic.

[Pelephant Graduate]

I got a cheap bum bag, even on the smallest setting it is still too big for me and bounces up and down. Might try one of those belts from Sports Direct.

[canuckgirl Graduate]

Thanks for all the suggestions, post-graduation I will try some of them. I am silly in not wanting to change anything until I finish my last runs, but I definitely need a new strategy for music and tracking my runs.

[swanscot Graduate]

If you get an iphone and armband, check to see the armband fits you. My son's girlfriend gave me her iphone when she replaced it and the armband she had used with this iphone (and which wasn't the right size for her new iphone). The armband is too big for my arm. The velcro fastening strip just doesn't pull in tight enough and the armband slips down to my elbow. I use a running belt instead.

[canuckgirl Graduate in reply to swanscot]

I will check, thanks! I read a few online forums (fora?) and it seems that quite a few people have this issue.

[vixiej Graduate]

I have a neoprene cover for my iPOD classic that I bought off amazon for less than a tenner ('classic' is a bit big and cumbersome, but my daughter won't give back the nano since I got this one) and I carry a water bottle. I leave my phone at home (as someone that had to be surgically removed from my smart phone in a past working life, I find it refreshing to have no contact with anything except running in the moment). I usually have a house or car key, which I hold in my hand or stuff into a pocket if there is one on running pants. I don't find any problems with iPOD, I forget its on my arm usually. I do put it on under my layers though, which looks a bit odd, but then I can peel off top layer easily after my warm up walk (I put headphone cable down my back and hook under bra strap to stop it flapping around)

p.s. I'm in the 'fora' camp, as I'm a pedant, but I believe 'forums' is considered acceptable

[emmam Graduate]

is it sad that pages like this sportsdirect.com/running/ru... make me excited about what to buy?

[ScottishHoosier Graduate]

I didn't think I'd like the armband, so I bought a belt. Got it from Amazon. It costs more than the armband, but I don't notice it at all. I love it, soft fabric, easily adjustable, wee pocket in the reverse of the pouch for your keys. I often run before getting the kids to school, so I always take my iPhone, just in case they need to reach me.

[ScottishHoosier Graduate in reply to ScottishHoosier]

Here is the belt I use: amazon.co.uk/Sport-iPhone-B...

[leedsmum Graduate]

I run with my iPhone in an armband and find it fine. I picked mine up for 69p at Home Bargains. The only problem I have is that when it is raining, I can't use it and have to put the iPhone in my kagool pocket, so on the look out for a waterproof cover.

[boudicca Graduate]

I've just been told that the answer is to buy an ipod shuffle and clip it on!

[phoenix5422]

I use an armband thing, only problem is, is sometimes it rubs my arm while I'm running (big arms you see) so my upper arm gets a little sore patch. Couldn't ever go without it though.