Runners often tout their favorite sport as the one activity that is simple. “Just lace up your shoes and head out the door” they will tell you. Not so fast, running guru! While in theory that is correct, in truth, runners will tell you that they enjoy their run more, even run better, with a few of these running accessories.
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Running Accessories that Can Improve Your Run
Did anyone ever tell you that #running was simple and all you need are shoes? Well, that's not quite true. Here are a few running accessories that will improve your run (along with some of my favorite brands).Click To TweetTech Clothing
While not technically running accessories, tech clothing really can make the difference between a bad run and a good one simply because you will be much more comfortable, drier, and less likely to suffer chafing.
My Favorites
Skirt Sports – I’ve been a Skirt Sports ambassador for three years because I love the brand, the company, and the founder, Nicole DeBoom. My favorite skirts have shorties underneath, which help prevent chafing (and keep me modest!). They also have tops and bras, all made with materials that help wick away moisture and keep you dry. Skirts Sports also makes shorts, capris, and tights, so you have many choices. My favorite Skirt? The Gym Girl Ultra!
Remember you can save 15% on your purchase with my code 971WOOD!PS Watch
If you’re one of those runners who loves to run free, with no watch or with any idea of how far you’ve gone, more power to you! If you’re like me, who will run back and forth in front of her house in order to make sure the mileage is even, then you really need a GPS watch. There are many options available for most budgets.
My Favorites
Garmin – I’ve been running with a Garmin GPS for almost as long as they’ve been available and it really is one of my favorite running accessories. These days I’m using the Garmin Forerunner 235, which has just enough bells and whistles to keep me happy. I have also used the Forerunner 10, which is simple (and costs a lot less), and I have the Fēnix on my wish list.
Bluetooth Headphones
Wearing headphones when you’re running is a personal choice, and you should take things like safety into consideration. That being said, many runners love to listen to music, podcasts, or audiobooks while they’re running. Bluetooth headphones are a great choice because really, who needs to get wires caught up in their ponytail?
My Favorites
Trekz Titanium – These are a great choice because Aftershokz Trekz Titanium uses bone conduction technology so the headphones rest in front of your ears instead of in them, allowing you a better sense of what is going on around you. You can read my full Trekz Titanium review here.
Jaybird RUN – The Jaybird RUN earbuds use no wires at all. They fit snuggly in your ears and give you the option of wearing just one earbud if you want. You can read my full Jaybird RUN review here.
Compression Socks
While the jury may be out on the value of compression socks improving your running, there is some evidence that they help improve recovery. Plus they look good! Just to convince you, here are 5 Reasons to Wear Compression Socks.
My Favorites
Pro Compression – If you follow me on Instagram you probably have a pretty good idea that my favorites are Pro Compression socks. I am an ambassador, and I wear them both during most runs (though I’ve been wearing the low versions with the heat we’ve been having lately) and for recovery. I don’t have a discount code, but if you sign up for their newsletter you will receive some amazing discounts in your inbox.
You Gotta Wear Shades
Face it, your cool Prada shades are just not going to work on the run. You need running specific sunglasses, preferably ones that are polarized and have eye protection. That won’t slip off your face. That make you look cool.
My Favorites
Goodr – If you’d asked me just six months ago if I had a favorite brand of sunglasses I would have had a different answer. Now, not only are Goodr Sunglasses my favorites, I have eight pairs of them (at last count)! That’s because, in addition to being UV 400 and polarized, they are only $25! They also don’t slip, don’t fog up, and they look good! I don’t have a discount code, but if you sign up for their newsletter you receive 10% off your first purchase.
Hydrate!
Staying hydrated, especially during hot weather or long runs is important, not just to improve your run but for your health in general. While you may be happy to find a route that has a lot of drinking fountains, carrying your own fluids can be more convenient as well as more hydrated.
My Favorites
I like carrying a handheld bottle, and I love the ergonomic Nathan Sports SpeedShot Plus Insulated Flask. The smaller size makes it lighter and more comfortable to hold and the insulation keeps my Nuun colder longer. Though I admit, with the current heat wave I’ve been borrowing my husband’s larger Speed Draw Plus, which is also insulated and fits nicely in my hand. I don’t have a discount code but currently, if you sign up for their newsletter you receive a 15% discount.
That’s my list of running accessories that will improve your run, along with some of my favorite brands. Some of these are affiliates and I will earn a few dollars if you purchase using my links. They are all brands that I use, love, and recommend.
What are your favorite running accessories?
And Now It’s Time for the Running Coaches’ Corner!
Linkup with the #RunningCoachesCorner with @running_onhappy, @loramarie03, @MarcPelerin, and me! Bring your best #runningrelated posts, find new blogs to follow, and share your love of #running!Click To Tweet[inlinkz_linkup id=788266 mode=1]
Weekly Linkups
My weekly linkups! Please stop by and check out all of the great recipes, workouts, and information that all these awesome bloggers share every week!
Meatless Monday with Sarah and Deborah
Meatless Monday with Annmarie and Dixya
Tuesdays on the Run with Marcia, Erika, and Patty
Inspire Me Monday with Janice
Wild Workout Wednesday with Annmarie, Jen, and Nicole
The Plant-Based Potluck Party with Deborah
The Running Coaches’ Corner with Rachel, Lora Marie, Marc, and Me!
Friday 5 2.0 with Rachel and Lacey and Meranda
Weekly Wrap with Wendy and Holly
Laurie
I have to admit, I am pretty much a minimalist runner. I don’t listen to music while I run (or anything else other than my own interior monologue), I wear a $10 watch, and hubby bought me inexpensive shades, because I tend to lose them. I always think the Skirt Sports skirts look so cute! I wish they would make some with briefs attached, rather than the longer shorts, but I could never find them. I think the kind with briefs are more comfortable.
Debbie Woodruff
My very first Skirt Sport skirt (from about 12 years ago at least) has just panties. And they do make a few. I just checked but the one skirt that just has panties is only available in XS and XL. There is one skirt that has nothing built in. I don’t know if they will make more.
Deborah @ Confessions of mother runner
I could manage without the headphones but having the right bra and clothing is key for me. Happy Wednesday!
Debbie Woodruff
The right clothing makes such a difference!
Annmarie
Ok, I really need to get me some Goodr Sunglasses!
Debbie Woodruff
Yes, you do! You’ll love them!
Wendy
I like all these things! My AfterShokz kept on working Sunday, even throughout almost 2 hours of pouring rain! Gotta love that.
Debbie Woodruff
I do love my Aftershokz! My hubby does too!
Annmarie
Love the idea of adding electrolytes to a post workout smoothie!
Kim G
Getting bluetooth headphones changed my life! It was so nice not to run with the cord in the way from my previous headphones lol.
Tech clothing is also a must-have! I sweat so much, even in the winter.
Debbie Woodruff
I agree, bluetooth is a life change! No more cords is awesome!
Beth
Yes, good compression socks are KEY! And I totally need to get a pair of Goodr sunglasses…I hear such great things about them, but I haven’t jumped on the boat yet.
Debbie Woodruff
Yes! You need to try a pair! As I said, I’m a new fan but at that price I have a collection!
Hannah
So, can you tell Skirt Sports to start making their Redemption Run shorts again? They were my favorite shorts and I’ve been looking all over for another pair that fits as well.
Debbie Woodruff
Do you mean these? https://www.skirtsports.com/product/redemption-shorties/
Christine
I can’t live without the headphones (and I love the Trekz Titanium, but they don’t mesh well with my sunglasses – I’m a Tifosi girl for those).
Debbie Woodruff
Yeah, I need my headphones too. The reason I’ve made the switch to the Jaybird RUN is because they have absolutely no wires so they work with everything.
Marc Pelerin
Best episode of the Office – ever! I agree with everything you wrote about: sunglasses, tech clothes, compressions… All in my everyday arsenal!
Debbie Woodruff
Thanks. See, this is what the smart runners do!
Kimberly Hatting
I need to check out the Goodr sunglasses! Everyone raves about them, and the price is legit. I always thought I had to have my music with me, but lately, I’ve been running “naked” and managing quite well…I even made it as far as 13.1 miles in Chicago sans music, and it was awesome!
Debbie Woodruff
I love my Goodrs! There are so many colors to choose from (and you know how much I love matching!).
I rarely run a race with headphones (unless I’m expecting it to be really bad 🙂 ). I like the experience and communicating with the other runners. Or at least the ones that aren’t wearing headphones.
Darlene
WE share a lot of the same favorites:
GGU from SkirtSports
ProCompression
Garmin watch
Love my Goodr glasses
I still need to get wireless headhones.