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Original poster

Runners: what has been your best purchase(s) that you couldn't be without?

59 replies

Stumpedasatree · 21/01/2020 11:18

Could be shoes, watch, clothing etc.

I think mine are my:
Ambit 3, merino baselayers (brilliant at keeping warm, yet breathable and sweat wicking) and my compressport headband which is sweat wicking and keeps my earphones in. Also my running belt from decathlon for phone and key, although it does keep slipping!

OP posts:
tyrannosaurushex · 24/01/2020 09:22

My flip belt. So comfortable.

I have a spare one from when I was very thin (size 6/8) which is never getting past my hips again. DM if you want it. Is barely used as I weight restored not long after buying it.

AuntieStella · 24/01/2020 09:17

Flipbelt

Aftershokz bone-conducting wireless headphones

Spotify premium

(I have oodles of other kit, as my mid-life crisis seems to involve copious Lycra, but these are the top 3 items. Garmin is 4th)

evilharpy · 24/01/2020 07:09

Dirt cheap running belt from Primark, was a couple of pounds but is totally comfortable and doesn't ride up or budge at all.

Nike Dri Fit gilet thing, really warm and comfortable but doesn't make me overheat.

Garmin 235 watch - love it. Although I wish it had music.

Hygge bands to keep the hair out of my eyes and my ears warm.

Salene · 24/01/2020 06:28

Oh and my flip belt - love that item

Salene · 24/01/2020 06:27

My garmin 245 and best thing is changing to zero drop Altra shoes - game changer

Gone is my ITB pain, my plantar Fasciitis and hip issues.

Bat3 · 23/01/2020 21:42

My running bra - I’ve tried a few different ones. By far the best was the one from Lidl that cost £5.99.

Pinkarsedfly · 23/01/2020 21:40

Oh and my Fitbit and C25k app

Pinkarsedfly · 23/01/2020 21:38

Aftershokz bone conductor earphones.

Insaneinthemembury · 23/01/2020 21:34

Totally agree with the merino base layer!

I'll add:
Beats head phones, great quality and no other hand phones stick in my small ears properly

This sun and wind balm... to protect my face from all the elements (it's SPF 64 too!)

toddlebornwild.com/shop/sun-and-wind-balm/

TheHeathenOfSuburbia · 23/01/2020 21:27

I have a chest torch from decathlon www.decathlon.co.uk/run-light-250-aw19-id_8573980.html which works well

Love Runderwear pants and socks, super comfy and no chafing. Haven't tried their bras as my mini boobs need hardly any support!

Ylfa · 23/01/2020 21:17

All the Garmins I’ve ever used

Balega enduro socks

OMM backpack and 5l bladder

StillNoFuckingEyeDeer · 23/01/2020 21:14

Decathlon hydration vest for long runs.
Decathlon chest torch for running in the dark.
Karimoor 2-layer running shorts for the summer with a pocket at the back big enough for my phone.

applespearsbears · 23/01/2020 21:08

Salomon running park
Garmin forerunner 245
Innov8 talon ultra trainers

MillennialPink · 23/01/2020 21:07

My iPod Shuffle (now stupidly discontinued by Apple but still available second hand on ebay). LIterally couldn't run to the end of the street without music and it's so much lighter and tinier than carrying my phone.

MacavityTheDentistsCat · 23/01/2020 21:06

Some cycling arm warmers. They mean I can quickly switch from long to short sleeves (and vice versa) at times of the year that can be tricky clothing-wise. Love them.

BikeRunSki · 23/01/2020 21:05

Good shoes and bra
Merino baselayers
Aftershokz headphones

ragged · 23/01/2020 21:01

Nothing.. I mean, it's all replaceable & substitutable somehow. I could even have home-made subs. tbf, There are things I like a lot:

In winter: neck/ear/wrist/face buffs, sleeves, gloves (any brand/cheap style)
In summer: "men's" running shorts I do like a lot
Any time of yr: I couldn't run at all without a good bra, suitable trainers.

I never use the other stuff folk on here mentioned. Hats fall off...

EmpressLangClegInChair · 23/01/2020 20:47

A lightweight cap. Keeps the sun out and the rain off

Yes, ESPECIALLY if you wear glasses.

IRun4Me · 23/01/2020 16:51

I sewed Velcro on my decathlon running belt!
Good comfy trainers are up there but my Best Buy is my dog running lead. It means we can go together and I don’t have to hold a lead in my hand. I love running with my dog (mostly).

ShinyGiratina · 22/01/2020 13:42

A lightweight cap. Keeps the sun out and the rain off.
Belt for bits and pieces.
Lightweight hat for winter (Aldi still has neon/ reflective ones)
Cycling gloves, not too hot, protect your palms.

Decathlon is normally great for bits of gear.

Spudlet · 21/01/2020 12:27

My trainers! Gait analysis definitely worth the time and cost (which was redeemable against the cost of the trainers where I went, anyway).

Also my watch - it’s only a simple, cheap one (£20 secondhand off eBay) but it’s so much better not having to try and haul my phone out of my pocket to see how far I’ve gone or how fast I’m going. I’m so pleased with it.

And finally, Shock Absorber bras. The babs ain’t moving when they’re strapped into one of those babies!

SexIsAProtectedCharacteristic · 21/01/2020 12:22

@Stumpedasatree

These ones:
www.decathlon.co.uk/kiprun-womens-warm-tights-id_8519084.html

They don't mention the leg pockets on the item description. Probably why they're not sold out Grin

Barney77 · 21/01/2020 12:16

Petzl headtorch. I was sceptical but it is really comfy and doesn’t budge. Also brilliant battery life and super bright!

EmpressLesbianInChair · 21/01/2020 12:12

Seasonally - where did you get your trainers fitted please? There used to be a few places in Ireland that did gait analysis, but haven't found anywhere in London that does it? Though I'm sure there are plenty - I just don't know where they are!

www.runnersneed.com/ do gait analysis & there are several London branches.

Stayawayfromitsmouth · 21/01/2020 12:09

Yep, proper fitted running shoes.
You can book a gait analysis at decathlon I believe but I use a local shop here in Sheffield.
Pack light jacket.
Earmuff sweatband.
Leggings with phone size zip pocket and key pocket.
Decathlon long sleeve top with hand cuffs and zip pockets.
That's all I take.
Also a running water bottle or one of those squishy ones you can shove in a pocket if going further than 10k.

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