Outdoor running is very enjoyable and make sure you have the necessities needed to keep it safe and fun.
Regardless of weather running outdoors is fun. The change in scenery and challenging elevations keeps you on your toes.
The other great part is if you are an early morning outdoor runner, it gets lighter earlier. YAY!!!!
Since you run outside, most likely on pavement, here are some key recommended running companions everyone should take with them.
GPS + Heart rate monitor
This is good not just to map out your running course and distance, but a GPS + Heart Rate Monitor with chest strap helps you track your pace, speed, calories burned and heart rate during your run.
That way you know during which part of the course you put in the most effort or know whether you are picking up the pace and progressing on your run time.
Sunscreen
Even though you may run at a time the sun is just coming up or setting sunscreen is essential.
I don’t put it on nearly enough on my exposed body parts but it is key to protect your skin from sun damage and helps to prevent wrinkles. EEK!
Outdoor Running group
Ok this may not necessarily be a necessity but it sure is fun and a great way to spend time with your favorite people.
I prefer to run with at least one other person as a woman for safety reasons plus if you have someone with you who has a wicked running pace, they will push you to do better.
Good running shoes
I can’t press on this enough. Stop running in fashion sneakers and get you some REAL road running shoes that will protect your feet while you hit the pavement.
I recommend you go to a running store, have them check out your gait on a treadmill so they can recommend proper shoes for you. And while you’re at it pick up some nice running socks too.
They will cost more than what you may find in WalMart but they will prevent your feet from blistering and chafing. Trust me I KNOW.
Armpocket
When running outdoors I am willing to bet you will have your phone right there with you.
If that is the case who wants to run holding their phone and risk dropping and cracking it?
If you are anything like me you also need a way to carry ID, keys and money…well the Armpocket is PERFECT for that. It is “the ultimate armband”.
It holds your phone (still in its case) plus other items in its roomy cavity. I ran with it on several occasions and it easily stored my phone and bulky car key FOB with no problem.
It fit easily and snugly on my left arm and I no longer had to worry about losing my essentials.
What I like about this brand too is that they have different Armpocket styles based on your phone. Here are some of the other key features.
I give this Armpocket TWO thumbs up. I love running with it. Learn more about them HERE.
What are some running essentials you would add to this list?
65 Replies to "Essentials for Outdoor Running"
Kristi S May 23, 2016 (7:14 am)
I can’t run without my Polar watch!
sandra May 23, 2016 (10:23 am)
music – it keeps me going and helps me focus on something besides the act of running
Rust May 23, 2016 (10:26 am)
A good headband.
Marci May 23, 2016 (10:29 am)
a bottle of water
Elizabeth May 23, 2016 (10:36 am)
Outdoor running just isn’t the same without the best running partner ever – my dog! 🙂
Lindsey G
Twitter: Light474
May 23, 2016 (10:45 am)
I can’t run without my fitbit and music!
laurie damrose May 23, 2016 (10:58 am)
Ipod to keep me moving!
Cynthia Sizemore May 23, 2016 (11:30 am)
My must have running gear is hydration!
tara pittman May 23, 2016 (11:43 am)
It is my Ipod as I must have music when I run.
Candace Galan-Calderon
Twitter: CandaceGalan
May 23, 2016 (11:45 am)
My fitness band that plays music
bernardina sims May 23, 2016 (11:46 am)
I have to always have my music!!!
Kristen M May 23, 2016 (12:09 pm)
I love a roomy running belt.
Sabrina McGee May 23, 2016 (1:01 pm)
‘Wanderlust!’ is my must have
Sharonda May 23, 2016 (1:16 pm)
My must-have run essential is my FitBlaze. I had no idea actual running socks existed. Soon as I leave here, I’ll be checking those out ASAP!
McKim May 23, 2016 (1:19 pm)
I have to have cushy socks.
Lindsey
Twitter: livinglovingrun
May 23, 2016 (1:20 pm)
My Garmin, Road ID, and phone…keeping the phone safe and secure is always a task 🙂 Great giveaway!
o
Nicole Sender May 23, 2016 (1:46 pm)
Decent socks and shoes!
cyndi br May 23, 2016 (2:05 pm)
must have is my ipod radio
Renee Richardson May 23, 2016 (2:44 pm)
Hydration and really good up tempo music. Thanks for the awesome giveaway 🙂
Renee
Kristina Potter May 23, 2016 (3:14 pm)
My music, I really love to listen to music when I run. Its the power to keep me going!!
harolde May 23, 2016 (4:13 pm)
Headphones for sure!
Kellie Kluger May 23, 2016 (5:47 pm)
my garmin and my phone!
Tessa May 23, 2016 (7:01 pm)
I could not run without my music and iPhone!
Terry May 23, 2016 (8:00 pm)
I can’t run if I don’t have water…. got to have water!!
Sadie B. May 23, 2016 (8:38 pm)
I must have good running shoes and socks!
Michelle Castagne May 24, 2016 (2:44 am)
I need my music when running.
bianca roman May 24, 2016 (5:44 am)
music is my must have when i’m running, but also having my contacts in so i can wear my sunglasses..is that weird? i just don’t like running with my regular eye glasses on!
KV May 24, 2016 (10:52 am)
I need music to stay motivated.
Barrie
Twitter: hardlyagoddess
May 24, 2016 (11:44 am)
Great post! If I have any ‘must have’ it is good running shoes!
o
Monique Rizzo May 24, 2016 (7:15 pm)
I need my sunglasses!
Thank you for the chance.
Nik May 25, 2016 (11:27 am)
Music and Kleenex lol
Nicole
Twitter: fitfulfocus
May 25, 2016 (11:53 am)
Sunscreen, a hat and water are key for me. Love arm pocket – great giveaway!
Keri C
Twitter: keriandbobby712
May 25, 2016 (12:36 pm)
Water!! And my phone and keys to get back in the house
Sharonda May 25, 2016 (12:52 pm)
The realest answer, gotta get back in the house! lol
Annmarie May 25, 2016 (2:34 pm)
Great list! Definitely all necessary 🙂
o
Janelle
Twitter: Janelle_RWNR
May 25, 2016 (2:51 pm)
My must have essential is definitely my Nike+ GPS watch. I will be sad when it finally dies! I have a huge phone so I am in need of a way to carry my phone while on the run. Great giveaway!
o
Jennifer May 25, 2016 (6:39 pm)
I just need my phone so I can listen to music.
liz lew May 25, 2016 (11:05 pm)
Music for sure
Austin Baroudi May 26, 2016 (6:20 pm)
Music of course!
Wehaf May 27, 2016 (10:45 am)
I need a great pair of socks to protect my feet!
Nate B May 27, 2016 (5:45 pm)
My gatorade water bottle!
Brittney House May 31, 2016 (1:11 am)
I would say very comfortable shoes, because my feet tend to hurt very easily.
Erica B. June 1, 2016 (5:23 am)
I use my music for exercise.
Candra L Evans June 1, 2016 (12:38 pm)
My must have for running is a GPS watch.
Kelley H June 1, 2016 (6:01 pm)
My muxt have running essential is a collapsible water bottle filled with fresh water.
Lisa V. June 1, 2016 (7:54 pm)
Running, or any other outdoor activity, I need to have my water.
william gossage June 1, 2016 (10:13 pm)
I have to have a bottle of water
Samantha June 2, 2016 (12:07 pm)
My must have is podcasts to listen to! 🙂
Paol Trenny June 3, 2016 (1:04 am)
My must have is music and a comfortable pair of running shoes.
Vera K June 3, 2016 (7:23 am)
I really need to take water with me.
Hargow Wong June 3, 2016 (1:30 pm)
Water is my must-have running essential.
Stephanie Larison June 4, 2016 (2:56 am)
My must have when I’m running is good music.
Aubrey June 4, 2016 (3:00 am)
My must have running essential is water.
Richard Hicks June 5, 2016 (1:08 am)
A water bottle is a must have for me
susan smoaks June 5, 2016 (10:59 am)
i have to have good music. it helps me get in the zone when i run.
Elizabeth Ray
Twitter: lisaray56
June 5, 2016 (8:54 pm)
I need my tunes!
shawna June 5, 2016 (10:31 pm)
My must is good shoes.
barbg June 6, 2016 (10:56 am)
I am not a runner, just a walker. I was thinking this would be great when we go to King’s Island though! No worries about losing the phone then.
Michelle B
Twitter: Dreaminofdumguy
June 6, 2016 (3:16 pm)
Gum. If I don’t have gum on a run, my mouth gets dry and I want to give up sooner.
Michelle H. June 6, 2016 (5:59 pm)
I have to have water. A big filled water bottle.
LeAnn Harbert June 6, 2016 (6:51 pm)
I need good quality running shoes.
Amy Deeter
Twitter: amy16323
June 6, 2016 (9:38 pm)
My must-have running essentials our my tennis shoes and my headphones for my music
Breanne June 6, 2016 (9:55 pm)
My ipod is essential!
Sand June 6, 2016 (11:16 pm)
Water bottle and headphones!
Armpocket Running Armband Giveaway July 7, 2016 (4:14 pm)
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