Runners... how do you carry your stuff?

[EdenFromTheEast]

Hi, I want to take up running. Just wondering how you transport your water bottle, keys and phone? Thanks.

Also, recommendations for running trainers would be appreciated. Thanks again.

I use an armband. I take my front door key off the keyring as I dont need all of them. ( but u could always leave it under a mat or pot or something) And I take phone out its case to reduce size and weight. I just run holding my water bottle.

I put leggings with a zip up side pocket at the back for my keys and a side pocket for my phone. I don’t take water with me. If I’m on a long run (more than an hour) I go past a water fountain. Otherwise I can just hydrate before/after.

I dont take any water. I run up to 16 miles and never take water. Keys can fit in pockets

I use a Flipbelt for my phone and keys. I don't run more than an hour these days so don't carry water. If you're just starting out running you don't need to worry about carrying water.

I only buy shorts and leggings with a phone pocket and a zip pocket for my keys. So I'm good for any run under an hour with that.

For a mid-length run or a really hot day, I have a Flip Belt or a Decathlon hydration belt that I can fit two 150ml or 1 300 ml soft flasks in a few gels.

Any long trail runs I take my hydration pack, but I am not a massive fan of how sweaty my pack gets in it, so only take it out if I am going for several hours or when I need my jacket and first aid stuff.

Me too. You can get them but you need to specifically search don’t you.

small key pockets are not hard to find but much harder for phone sized pockets

Are these trainers suitable for a beginner runner?

https://www.newbalance.co.uk/pd/fresh-foam-680-v8/W680V8-45149.html?dwvar_W680V8-45149_style=W680LL8#dwvar_W680V8-45149-EMEA-W680LT8_size=9&dwvar_W680V8-45149-EMEA-W680LT8_style=W680LL8&dwvar_W680V8-45149-EMEA-W680LT8_width=B&pid=W680V8-45149&quantity=1

Probably not saying anything different from anyone else but here’s what I do!

Less than 10k/6 miles ish in normal weather I wouldn’t probably bother bringing a bottle of water and I would either use a bumbag (ancient Karrimor one from sports direct) with my phone in it or put my phone in a pocket. I personally avoid putting things in pockets too much because i like my shorts/leggings to stay snug on my waist and I find that I don’t like the feeling of stuff in my pockets pulling on them. I do have flexible cup (a sort of foldaway neoprene open flask) that I can stuff in any small pocket and I sometimes use this as I often pass a water fountain I can use to grab a quick drink if I need it.

When it’s hot or I’m doing a longer run I have two different trail running back packs - an 8l Salomon pack and a 12l Osprey one (but I’ve never needed this for a training run - I only took it on a training run to prep myself for an ultra). These have capacity to hold either soft flasks or a hydration bladder and plenty of space in pockets for whatever you need. I personally love a backpack because it is even weight across your body and leaves your hands free. If I was starting out again knowing what I know I’d probably get myself a very minimalist /small capacity hydration vest for everyday runs.

My best pocketed shorts/trail leggings are from Inov8, also like RonHill.

Although there does seem to be a thing about some runners saying that they don’t need water like it’s something to be proud of, in my opinion your body will thank you for keeping it hydrated in terms of your subjective experience of comfort and your performance. Yes we can run long distances without water (it’s a human special skill) but running with hydration (and electrolytes/nutrition if doing longer efforts) optimises performance and improves recovery.

Good luck with your running!

I have quite a few from Decathlon that I really like and budget friendly. Otherwise I have an Odlo pair I really like.

They look fine, but if you're committed to putting in some miles you might want to go for a gait assessment in a running shop to make sure you get shoes with a good fit and to help support if you over- or underpronate.

Oh forgot about running shoes :D It’s very personal and I would recommend you go to a running shop if you can to try a few pairs on and find out what works for you. You definitely don’t need to break the bank but helpful for you to establish for yourself how much cushioning you prefer and whether you need a supportive shoe. You can do a quick at home test by looking at the pattern of wear on a well worn shoe - if it’s fairly even you might be less likely to over-pronate or under-pronate, but if it’s heavily worn on one or other of the sides a supportive shoe would probably be best for you. If you go on a website like Run4It or Brooks you can go through a questionnaire to establish your running shoe needs (no need to buy from them but it will help you get an idea of what to look for). I wear a neutral shoe and started off with Brooks Ghost, I now wear Mizuno Wave for every day runs and they’re both very comfy shoes.

Trainers are such a personal thing. I started off with just a cheap pair I already had but my ankle was swelling after each run. I had a gait analysis and I definitely needed support shoes. Bought ASICS gel kayano but they blistered me badly so moved to saucony guide.
My daughter can put on just about any trainer and run happily.
Also advised to have a slightly bigger size in trainers. I am a 5 in shoes but wear a 6 trainer.

Belt or backpack, but you won't need the latter just yet.

I've tried various shoes but currently in Adidas Supernova.

Trainees are unique to the persons foot. What suits one person or situation doesn’t suit another. I like karrimors for trail running and so cheap I have several pairs. But I also love my Nikes for treadmills and occasionally road running. 🤷‍♀️

And yes, go half a size or a size up in trainers, I wear 7.5 (normally 6.5 in shoes).

Yeah definitely worth trying shoes to see what works for you.
Even the sizing is different for different brands.
Our local running shop allows you to return trainers if they are not right even if you've run outside in them

I tie my door key to my Asia's trainers. Phone in a pocket on my running tights.

As others said no need for water.

Yep whereas the default for men is decent deep pockets. We have to buy armbands, landers, waist pouches….just add decent pockets please

Ideally you should go to a running shop to get your running shoes fitted, but if you are literally just starting out with a Couch to 5k programme it won't matter too much to begin with, because you won't be running far. A basic pair of a good shoe brand will be fine, as long as they feel comfortable. Also, size up. I'm a size 5 and I wear a size 6.5 running shoe, because your feet swell up when you run.

I use a Flipbelt for my housekey and phone and don't carry water for <10k runs. I ran 8k this morning in 23 degrees and didn't take water, but I'd had a cup of tea and a glass of water before I left and I had another glass of water as soon as I got in. Some people seem to need more water than others though, so just get one of those running water bottles (upthread) if you feel you need water.

I don't normally take water on shorter runs, but it's boiling here at the moment so I might have to consider it!

I don't take a phone or water, just a key. Most running shorts will have a tiny pocket inside the waistband, or a zippy pocket elsewhere, either of which you can put a key in without it falling out.

If I did want to take water (for a really long run or a hot day), I find one of the bottle belts with a deep holster for a water bottle, held diagonally across your lower back, works best. If it fits snugly on your natural waist it won't bounce around. Those types of belt normally also have a small zippy pocket into which you can put your key.

I use a flipbelt and use the flipbelt water bottles with it. I always take water with me.

I had running leggings/shorts with a pocket that fitted my phone, house key went down my bra, and I carried my water bottle.

For short runs I wear a running belt it’s super comfy and big enough for phone and keys. Longer runs I will wear a hydration vest which I can carry water plus lots of pockets for anything else I might need.

I’ve tried a few running trainers but my favourite are asics. I don’t size up but I do buy men’s as they seem to have a wider toe box which suits my wide feet.