4 Things to Take on an Outdoor Run

I went for a run today…err a walk-run.  Those have been VERY common lately with my back.

I honestly didn’t even plan on running at all.  One of those times that I definitely tricked myself into getting out the door. 

“It’s just a walk, Amanda.”

I was also only going to walk 2 miles.  Then I got lost.

It was during this time of confusion and disorientation that I discovered that my nike+ app on my phone has a map that shows where you’ve walked.

I could also get a general idea of the way to head back to our apartment.

This episode made me VERY happy that I am always prepared in my outdoor runs.  You might call me a pessimist, but I call myself a realist.  Things can go wrong.  Today was the prime example.

So I made a list of things you won’t find me without on an outdoor run.  (Then narrowed it down to four since I tend to be long-winded.)

1.  My phone.  Seriously, what did runners do before cellphones??  My phone is like my safety blanket.  I now have my nike+ app on it, pandora and a lovely thing called gps.  Oh, and it makes calls too!

2.  Water.  I know this seems like a basic part to a run or workout of any kind, but almost everyone I see on the trail goes without water.  It was a toasty 85 degrees F this afternoon (with a heat index of 90+), so I was super grateful to have the ability to sip on water.  You really never know how your body is going to react to the weather.  Better safe than sorry!

I do have a belt to carry water bottles on, but guess what?  Carrying the water bottle is an arm workout–bonus!!

3.  Sunglasses.  (unless I’m running in the dark…which is rare) This is one of those things that I will turn around and walk all the way back to my apartment if I forget them.  Who wants to be squinting the whole time on your run?  These old beater sunglasses not only protect my eyes from the blaze of the sun, but also from any dirt and allergens that blow my way.

4.  Road ID pouch.  This is one of those things that I never thought about needing until a few months back I saw a discussion on dailymile.  It is first and foremost for safety purposes with emergency contact numbers as well as my full name and date of birth just in case I was, say, hit by a car on my run.  It happens!  Just ask my friend Calee!

Think about it…if first responders show up and I’m unconscious…they will have no idea who I am or how to contact my family.  I never leave without it when I’m running alone now.

The pouch is a bonus.  I now use it to put my apartment fab(s) and key(s) into instead of trying to stuff the whole lot into my arm band with my phone.  It’s also pink and adorable. 

There you have it!  Short and sweet!

What do you take on your runs?  Do you take water on every run?

[Update] When I realized how much I am thankful for my RoadID I became an affiliate!  Therefore this post now has an affiliate link. 🙂