Essentials for Outdoor Running

Outdoor running is very enjoyable and make sure you have the necessities needed to keep it safe and fun.

When running outdoors here are some essential items you want to help you have a safe and fun run. #blackgirlsrun #runningoutdoors #runner #runnersworld #runchat

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”.

armpocket insideIt 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.

armpocket on floor

What are some running essentials you would add to this list?

65 Replies to "Essentials for Outdoor Running"

  • comment-avatar
    Kristi S May 23, 2016 (7:14 am)

    I can’t run without my Polar watch!

  • comment-avatar
    sandra May 23, 2016 (10:23 am)

    music – it keeps me going and helps me focus on something besides the act of running

  • comment-avatar
    Rust May 23, 2016 (10:26 am)

    A good headband.

  • comment-avatar
    Marci May 23, 2016 (10:29 am)

    a bottle of water

  • comment-avatar
    Elizabeth May 23, 2016 (10:36 am)

    Outdoor running just isn’t the same without the best running partner ever – my dog! 🙂

  • comment-avatar
    Lindsey G
    Twitter:
    May 23, 2016 (10:45 am)

    I can’t run without my fitbit and music!

  • comment-avatar
    laurie damrose May 23, 2016 (10:58 am)

    Ipod to keep me moving!

  • comment-avatar
    Cynthia Sizemore May 23, 2016 (11:30 am)

    My must have running gear is hydration!

  • comment-avatar
    tara pittman May 23, 2016 (11:43 am)

    It is my Ipod as I must have music when I run.

  • comment-avatar
    Candace Galan-Calderon
    Twitter:
    May 23, 2016 (11:45 am)

    My fitness band that plays music

  • comment-avatar
    bernardina sims May 23, 2016 (11:46 am)

    I have to always have my music!!!

  • comment-avatar
    Kristen M May 23, 2016 (12:09 pm)

    I love a roomy running belt.

  • comment-avatar
    Sabrina McGee May 23, 2016 (1:01 pm)

    ‘Wanderlust!’ is my must have

  • comment-avatar
    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!

  • comment-avatar
    McKim May 23, 2016 (1:19 pm)

    I have to have cushy socks.

  • comment-avatar
    Lindsey
    Twitter:
    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

  • comment-avatar
    Nicole Sender May 23, 2016 (1:46 pm)

    Decent socks and shoes!

  • comment-avatar
    cyndi br May 23, 2016 (2:05 pm)

    must have is my ipod radio

  • comment-avatar
    Renee Richardson May 23, 2016 (2:44 pm)

    Hydration and really good up tempo music. Thanks for the awesome giveaway 🙂

    Renee

  • comment-avatar
    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!!

  • comment-avatar
    harolde May 23, 2016 (4:13 pm)

    Headphones for sure!

  • comment-avatar
    Kellie Kluger May 23, 2016 (5:47 pm)

    my garmin and my phone!

  • comment-avatar
    Tessa May 23, 2016 (7:01 pm)

    I could not run without my music and iPhone!

  • comment-avatar
    Terry May 23, 2016 (8:00 pm)

    I can’t run if I don’t have water…. got to have water!!

  • comment-avatar
    Sadie B. May 23, 2016 (8:38 pm)

    I must have good running shoes and socks!

  • comment-avatar
    Michelle Castagne May 24, 2016 (2:44 am)

    I need my music when running.

  • comment-avatar
    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!

  • comment-avatar
    KV May 24, 2016 (10:52 am)

    I need music to stay motivated.

  • comment-avatar
    Barrie
    Twitter:
    May 24, 2016 (11:44 am)

    Great post! If I have any ‘must have’ it is good running shoes!
    o

  • comment-avatar
    Monique Rizzo May 24, 2016 (7:15 pm)

    I need my sunglasses!

    Thank you for the chance.

  • comment-avatar
    Nik May 25, 2016 (11:27 am)

    Music and Kleenex lol

  • comment-avatar
    Nicole
    Twitter:
    May 25, 2016 (11:53 am)

    Sunscreen, a hat and water are key for me. Love arm pocket – great giveaway!

  • comment-avatar
    Keri C
    Twitter:
    May 25, 2016 (12:36 pm)

    Water!! And my phone and keys to get back in the house

    • comment-avatar
      Sharonda May 25, 2016 (12:52 pm)

      The realest answer, gotta get back in the house! lol

  • comment-avatar
    Annmarie May 25, 2016 (2:34 pm)

    Great list! Definitely all necessary 🙂
    o

  • comment-avatar
    Janelle
    Twitter:
    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

  • comment-avatar
    Jennifer May 25, 2016 (6:39 pm)

    I just need my phone so I can listen to music.

  • comment-avatar
    liz lew May 25, 2016 (11:05 pm)

    Music for sure

  • comment-avatar
    Austin Baroudi May 26, 2016 (6:20 pm)

    Music of course!

  • comment-avatar
    Wehaf May 27, 2016 (10:45 am)

    I need a great pair of socks to protect my feet!

  • comment-avatar
    Nate B May 27, 2016 (5:45 pm)

    My gatorade water bottle!

  • comment-avatar
    Brittney House May 31, 2016 (1:11 am)

    I would say very comfortable shoes, because my feet tend to hurt very easily.

  • comment-avatar
    Erica B. June 1, 2016 (5:23 am)

    I use my music for exercise.

  • comment-avatar
    Candra L Evans June 1, 2016 (12:38 pm)

    My must have for running is a GPS watch.

  • comment-avatar
    Kelley H June 1, 2016 (6:01 pm)

    My muxt have running essential is a collapsible water bottle filled with fresh water.

  • comment-avatar
    Lisa V. June 1, 2016 (7:54 pm)

    Running, or any other outdoor activity, I need to have my water.

  • comment-avatar
    william gossage June 1, 2016 (10:13 pm)

    I have to have a bottle of water

  • comment-avatar
    Samantha June 2, 2016 (12:07 pm)

    My must have is podcasts to listen to! 🙂

  • comment-avatar
    Paol Trenny June 3, 2016 (1:04 am)

    My must have is music and a comfortable pair of running shoes.

  • comment-avatar
    Vera K June 3, 2016 (7:23 am)

    I really need to take water with me.

  • comment-avatar
    Hargow Wong June 3, 2016 (1:30 pm)

    Water is my must-have running essential.

  • comment-avatar
    Stephanie Larison June 4, 2016 (2:56 am)

    My must have when I’m running is good music.

  • comment-avatar
    Aubrey June 4, 2016 (3:00 am)

    My must have running essential is water.

  • comment-avatar
    Richard Hicks June 5, 2016 (1:08 am)

    A water bottle is a must have for me

  • comment-avatar
    susan smoaks June 5, 2016 (10:59 am)

    i have to have good music. it helps me get in the zone when i run.

  • comment-avatar
    Elizabeth Ray
    Twitter:
    June 5, 2016 (8:54 pm)

    I need my tunes!

  • comment-avatar
    shawna June 5, 2016 (10:31 pm)

    My must is good shoes.

  • comment-avatar
    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.

  • comment-avatar
    Michelle B
    Twitter:
    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.

  • comment-avatar
    Michelle H. June 6, 2016 (5:59 pm)

    I have to have water. A big filled water bottle.

  • comment-avatar
    LeAnn Harbert June 6, 2016 (6:51 pm)

    I need good quality running shoes.

  • comment-avatar
    Amy Deeter
    Twitter:
    June 6, 2016 (9:38 pm)

    My must-have running essentials our my tennis shoes and my headphones for my music

  • comment-avatar
    Breanne June 6, 2016 (9:55 pm)

    My ipod is essential!

  • comment-avatar
    Sand June 6, 2016 (11:16 pm)

    Water bottle and headphones!

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