What kit advice would you give?

[Gottamakechanges]

Consolidation runs are a bit tougher than expected. My schedule has meant I've only be able to fit in 2 a week (graduated 2 weeks ago). I'm planning to get back to 3 next week, thinking a 25, 30 and 35 min. Did 35 last night - it was tough and towards end only just managed to say my sentence out loud that I use to check pace. But I did it. QUESTION. It's a right faff getting out with headphones, phone (for music and timer), water, (normal bottle so goes all over the place when i have a drink and keys. What would be the one suggestion for an upgrade to kit to make it easier to get out of the door. Thank you 🙏💕

[Cmoi Graduate]

One suggestion only  Gottamakechanges ? Trail wear, because it has proper pockets and elasticated sections for carrying stuff. Pick up what you need, shove in pockets, go!

[Gthants in reply to Cmoi]

Side question - what is trail wear? Can I ask for an example/brands?

[Cmoi Graduate in reply to Gthants]

It just means kit designed with trail running in mind Gthants .

I should probably make it clear that I use the ITRA definition of trail running - itra.run/About/DiscoverTrai... - so runs with a minimum possible of paved roads (20% maximum.)

Compared to road running, trail running often means variable conditions (e.g. terrain, gradients, no lighting, sometimes no recognised paths) and carrying more, especially on longer or more technical runs (e.g. water, snacks, extra layer, first aid kit, foil blanket, compass, whistle.)

So trail clothing tends to have loads of pockets and other storage capacity, and to be designed to be resistant and give protection from the elements.

Examples of trail gear here from Decathlon: decathlon.co.uk/sports/runn... and of a range of brands here: sportsshoes.com/store/trail

Hope that helps!

[Gthants in reply to Cmoi]

That's a perfect explanation! It's similar the kind of walking we used to when younger and the type of hikes we took in France on our last visit. My body is not up to that at the moment!

I wear Salomon XA Pro trail shoes virtually all the time - I'm just lacking the fitness and flexibility in back & legs to risk going "off piste" when running.

[Cmoi Graduate in reply to Gthants]

I walked and hiked quite a lot as a teenager, bit less as I got older. I now live on the edge of a forest, at 680m on a hill that rises to 1024m (well actually it then drops and starts again but that's another story.) So it was kind of inevitable that when I started running hilly trails suited me better than flatter valley roads.

[MissUnderstanding Administrator Graduate]

Well done for ticking those runs off. Post couch to 5k can be hard. Lots of us have a bit of a slump. You’re doing really well.

Getting out of the door is so hard! I don’t take water for runs of less than a hour to 90 minutes depending on the weather. You could ditch the bottle. When I do take water, I’ve got a hydration vest (which I love….loads of pockets for snacks too). That means I can use soft water bottles with bite valves so it doesn’t go everywhere. You could consider a belt instead of a vest. I find them annoying but we’re all different!

The best bit of kit I have is a shoe box where I can leave all my run bits and pieces together by the door so I’m not hunting around for them. I usually take phone, headphones and a small door key so I don’t need my full set of keys jangling around. I’ve got a head torch in there too and a lack of tissues! That covers most eventualities!

[John_W Graduate Ambassador]

Where abouts in Spain are you? Upgrade wise, I'm thinking it's probably not necessary to take water with you if you're out for 'only' 35 mins - unless it's over 35C ... It's the usual advice - if you're hydrated enough beforehand, then water for runs of less than 1.5 to 2 hours, shouldn't be necessary. How to know if you're hydrated enough? The famous pee test! If your pee is clear and light in colour, then you're good to go .

[Jell6 Graduate in reply to John_W]

Got to love the pee test John!

[John_W Graduate Ambassador in reply to Jell6]

Tried and tested.

[Jell6 Graduate in reply to John_W]

Absolutely. We have the charts on every toilet door at work!

[Jell6 Graduate]

I have long shorts and leggings with 2 thigh pockets. That takes care of keys and phone. I don't take water.

[nowster Graduate]

Dress for how you'll expect to feel after 20 minutes of running, not how you feel at the start of the run.

Trail shorts with pockets in the waistband are great.

[SueAppleRun Graduate]

Everyone has made good suggestions, my leggings and shorts have thigh pockets and a little waistband pocket for keys, water, I usually take a small bottle in every run and tuck it in the waistband of my shorts, it's quite secure and easy to access,

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate]

Trail wear for anything longer than a 10K... I have a Salomon

SALOMON Small Running/Trail Back Pack, Practical and Light, 5 Litre Capacity

...or a simple everything can go in it, or on it belt. I had one of these at one time, but did not really use the water bottle feature certainly, not on any run under 10K...unless of course you are running in very, warm conditions and you need to souse your wrists or neck

Zikee Hydration Belt Running with water bottle....

I have this one now... it is great, phone, keys, tissue, sugar free polos!

GORWRICH Running Belt with Waterproof Adjustable Elastic Strap, Sweatproof waist packs with Large Capacity

It is comfortable and I am totally unaware I am wearing it. let us know what you decide on

PS

Pee test that John_W mentions.

nhsinform.scot/campaigns/hy...

[Gthants in reply to Oldfloss]

The belt is now saved in my Amazon basket for when I have to replace the one I currently have - which is one of the best running buys I've made.

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate in reply to Gthants]

Good move!

[Gottamakechanges Graduate in reply to Oldfloss]

And this afternoon I had a really enjoyable 30.min run. The most enjoyable longer run I've had since I started. It was fab and got caught in the Spanish rain with about 3 mins to go and it was lovely. What a diffea couple of changes make. Such a great forum!!!

[Folkylass Administrator Graduate]

Definitely trail wear. When I go for along run I take a hydration vest which has loads of pockets and there is pockets with two soft bottles for water , room also for keys phone, snacks and waterproof. When I’m doing a short run I don’t take water I have shorts with pockets and leggings and capris with pockets.

Just be sure whatever you wear etc it’s comfortable for you.Like nowster said dress for how your going to feel after 20min and you won’t go far wrong.

Looking forward to hearing how you get on. Good luck👍😀

[Gthants in reply to Folkylass]

It took me a while to get used to being a bit nippy at the start of a run, but that is definitely preferable to over-dressing and carrying my wardrobe around after 10-15 minutes! My muscles are warmed up pre-run, but I have run in shorts, T-shirt & thin layer top since February.

[Gottamakechanges Graduate]

Thank you everybody for your suggestions. I'm going to ditch the water (subject to successful pee test - I'm good with water intake so feeling confident 😀) and start dressing for 20 mins in. I'm only looking to build to 5k at the moment (but never say never re: going beyond 5k in the future) and lots of great information from you all regarding kit for those longer runs. Thank you all again. Have a great weekend!

[ReyC Graduate in reply to Gottamakechanges]

Sounds like you are set but I thought I’d share some really helpful advice I had recently…I was running in Kenya where it was really hot. It was suggested that I take an electrolyte drink before and after the run- I hadn’t done this before and it really helped me with running in the heat. You could try that and hopefully you can ditch the water bottle.

I have a flip belt for runs which holds everything I need including a 250ml soft water bottle for longer runs.

[Gottamakechanges Graduate in reply to ReyC]

That sounds like it could be really helpful when the summer arrives - earlier each year. Thank you 😊