What are your favorite running gadgets? One can go quite crazy with the amount of things they can buy to make their running better – here is a non-complete list of some major items that I have either used or seen – it’s up to you if you want to buy everything! If you have more to add, please post some more cool things and how they help – I am always willing to learn what is out there.
- Watches – there are many many kinds of watches to get – please do some research on what you need for yourself – Click Here for the related post. I use a Garmin model – the 405 – it is old but dependable.
- Head Lamps – there are many brands; again, this depends on your running patterns. If you are always running during the day, you may not need a headlamp. If you do need one, please take into account the lumens (how bright), the battery life (how long it works), if it is rechargeable or not (depends how often you use) and the modes (one level of brightness only or it automatically brightens if it gets darker, etc.) I use the Petzl brand.
- Blinkers/Flashers – there are a lot of little lights that you can wear that blink, shine, etc. to alert cars that you are running near them.
- Vests – besides keeping you warm, some vests are reflective and even others have lights built into them.
- Head Gear – from hats to scarves to face coverings, a lot to choose from. Here is where your need due to cold weather and preferences such as your comfort in having your face covered come into play. I have a balaclava style which can become a scarf to a hat to a head wrap and face covering as needed.
- ID Tag – There are different ID’s you can have so that people can identify you in case of emergency. Hopefully these days you will run with people, a phone or in well-lit high traffic areas so that you are not lost.
- Compression Sleeves – these are great to nurse sore muscles as they keep the area tight and some runners love these, even as a fashion accessory. I am not a big fan, but that should not deter you from trying them.
- Belts and Backpacks – very similar to other categories, there are many choices. From hand held bottles to belts that can hold 1-4 bottles and backpacks that hold a lot of stuff, you need to figure out what you need before you get more than you need. If you are running long distances, you need more pockets and zippers for your stuff. Keep in mind that some races ban backpacks due to safety reasons. I use the Nathan 4 fuel belt.
- Gloves – many different brands with many different features. Some have extra lining, some make it easy to grab things (like water bottles and gels), some just keep you warm, others have key slots – fund what you are looking for and get them, especially if you run in colder weather conditions. My current ones are Adidas.
Either way, no matter what you do, please be prepared for your runs. Have everything out the night before so that there are no excuses the next day. Click Here for the related post on this topic.
Trials of Miles,
Coach Nick
Nickolas Joannidis
I have been running for over 35 years, having done practically every possible racing event or distance from the 100 meters through the marathon. I competed in varsity high school cross country and track at Saddle Brook High School in the mid-1980's, varsity cross country and track at Division II Pace University and finished well over 200 road races since then, including 20 marathons with a lifetime best of 3:14:50.
I was the president of the Hoffmann LaRoche corporate running team for 7 years, growing the team from 25 to over 90 during his tenure. I coached many of these runners to achieve their goals, whether they were beginners or advanced.
In 2011 I was an assistant coach for the Fair Lawn Recreation track team, helping the 10 to 14 year old group. I am currently personally coaching dozens of runners, from beginner levels to advanced levels and getting them to be prepared to meet their goals.
