#running kit

Runningwind for your troubles

Great that you’re starting training. Hope that’s going well. Here are some options:

1. Fitletic Belt

This is the one I use to stash my phone and my keys. I think these are knocked out in China so there are loads of different brands doing them. I prefer the one that has a hole for my headphone jack to go into so I can have my phone stored safely. Room for a bit of cash, credit card etc too. 

2. FlipBelt

This is a twist on the classic running belt. The pocket in the belt runs all the way around your waist so there’s a decent amount of room. You basically flip it over to keep you stuff in place securely. I still prefer the belt above but I know people who run with these and say they’re great. 

3. Hydration Belts 

If you’re going on longer runs it’s not a bad idea to combine your water carrying with stashing other stuff. While the water bottle belts are a little more bulky, I find they’re the easiest way to bring water with me on runs over 10km. I use the Raidlight Hydration Belt 1000. You can spin it round so the water bottle sits on your back if you want.

Alternatively if you’re into taking risks...

I like to leave my keys under plant pot outside my house when I’m trying to break my 10km fastest time. I find the threat of someone breaking into my house tends to make me push a little harder.*

I recently happened across the announcement that Ashmei were on the lookout for ambassadors. I kid you not – here was the opportunity to throw your superfine merino beanie into the ring for the chance of untold fame and fortune. Or rather the possibility of representing my favourite purveyors of stylish running apparel, and to have my mug-shot taken whilst decked out in their latest kit.

image and where to buy here.

As a new runner, the world of running kit seems interminable. There are just so many things. After trying out a few, I thought I might do a series of reviews of the pieces of kit that were definitely worth the money. First up is the Kalenji 2-Position Running bag. If you visit the link above, you can view more photos, if you're interested. 

I hate bum bags, I feel like they move around too much if I wear them on my stomach and they fall off if I try to wear them on my hips. They distract me and I can't be bothered. It further complicates things that we call bum bags fanny packs in Canada, which would mean something else entirely in the UK. I can't seem to train myself to say bum bag all the time and I worry about throwing the term fanny pack around.

Most of the time, I try to run without a bag but that's not always possible. I went looking for an alternative and found this bag. It sits on your back and you secure it with two straps. One that controls the height, one that controls the fit around your body. You can unsnap it and move it around to your front very easily as well while running so you have access to your things. Inside, it features a secure key pouch, and enough room for a phone, money, tissues, and whatever other small things you might take on your longer runs. You can also put an iPod in the clear sleeve on the front for easy reach but I haven't tried that as I don't run with music. 

After using it on a few occasions, I can safely say that I love it. It doesn't move at all and it's easy to forget that I'm wearing it. I was worried about how the chest straps would work with boobs but it's fine. It also has the added bonus of holding my heart rate monitor securely in place as it crosses that part of my chest. It holds all that I could need while I'm running as well. I even wore it to run to my kettlebell class yesterday and managed to fit my phone, wristbands, chapstick, contact case, money, debit card, tissues and compact. I could have fit more if I wanted.