Running/jogging advice!

[Brightonmama25]

Hey! I’ve just started jogging (I’m on week 4 of couch to 5k) and have signed up for the Race for Life Pretty Muddy (5k) at the end of June. It’s going to be wet and muddy, including a section of wet mud I have to army crawl through. I really want my phone with me for music mainly & also to record the run. Can any more experienced runners please advise me on the best way to have my phone on me for the run? It must be waterproof due to the mud. I see there are armbands, waist bands or chest jacket things. Not too keen on the jacket things, but are the waist bands or armbands any good? Which is best for running? I should imagine the arm bands are the least annoying in terms of it moving about/bopping up and down whilst you run? Do they stay put? Are they annoying and would they protect from mud and water? Not sure where else to find out all these questions so thought I’d start here!! Thank you in advance xx

You can live without your phone for this. You will enjoy the run much more without the distraction of talking photos/filming/changing songs.

I have done a few tough mudders. Being in the moment and focussing 100% on the event is what makes it so great.

Forget about getting content for Social Media. It really isn't that important.

I agree that you don’t need it for this. Many tins don’t allow headphones. However, I’d use a plastic bag and a waist belt.

I like my phone on a arm band, but my arm band is not waterproof, just showerproof as I am what's known as a fair weather runner, I don't run in the rain. 😀
And I agreed with those above, I wouldn't take my phone on a muddy run, it's just to much of a risk.
Enjoy the run though, whatever you decide to do.

Thank you all! Very helpful! @Lassango I actually don’t have any social media so that stereotype/assumption was wrong 🤣 it literally is down to me being really nervous as a very new runner and having to do a 5k without music (which helps me focus when I am struggling) is making me anxious!!! I am still having to really push myself so can’t imagine taking photos when trying to run haha as I said, it’s for music and to track on Strava so I can look back at it and get motivation and a sense of pride!!!!! However it’s a good point about being completely in it without headphones and soaking in the atmosphere and everyone else around me, I do like that idea.

@Momoftwoscallywagsthank you really helpful and I appreciate the advice!

The amount of mud at our local Pretty Muddy is Pretty Disappointing. It’s been a warm dry day the last couple of years, and I think they just can’t artificially produce mud!

You can easily put your phone to one side and go back for it after each obstacle that involves crawling/ jumping into water. Otherwise I prefer a belt or a bag, but if you wanted to waterproof it you’d need a waterproof case too.

Many running events don’t allow headphones, or only allow bone conducting ones. I have the latter, they are like magic! You can hear people talking/cheering/marshals instructions and other sounds, but also your music. Highly recommended.

I never use a phone at events - it's far more fun to hear what's going on around you and take in the atmosphere.

That said, there are various options for phone-carrying in general that might work.

I like a RonHill marathon belt; it stays put and doesn't ride up. Some people like Flipbelts but I find they swing around.

Never buy an arm band - you cannot run properly with that bit of extra weight on one arm like that, plus over any proper distance there's a risk of chafing.

I tend to just shove my phone in my shorts pockets for short runs though. Most of my shorts have a central back zip pocket that fits a phone. Nike ones are good for this, and Ronhill (eg running brands, not fashion brands!)

Don’t worry too much about the running in Pretty Muddy - you run between obstacles then might have to queue for a while to get through the obstacle. I usually run with a waist belt and for something like Pretty Muddy I’d put my phone in a plastic bag inside the waist belt.

Not sure why my previous reply was hidden?