Everyone has their quirks.
What can’t you race without? (Not counting the obvious – running shoes & socks)
Here are my must haves:
1.Baseball Cap
It keeps my unruly hair out of my face. It also shields my face from the sun, wind and rain. Not a fan of headbands and visors – anyway you can get melanoma on your scalp.)
Brooks Run Happy ones are my favorites but I can wear most brands (even race ones).
2.Sunglasses
I wear contacts and the wind, sun and glare bother my eyes. I’m pretty partial to Goodrs. And they have so many colors, they can match my outfit.
3. Skirt
In the spring and summer, it’s just a skirt but in the fall and winter, I have ones that have capris and tights attached.
I love the pockets that it hides (and my thighs, of course).
4. Race Belt
I don’t like to put pins in my clothes. I also like to have the ability to take off an outer layer. I can carry my phone in it. That leaves room in my pockets for GUs and car keys.
5. Garmin
Yes, I have raced without it and I don’t rely on it during a race. But I like to look at the stats after.
** Compression Calf Sleeves
Not a necessity but maybe my security blanket. Once I race without them (in Florida), I ended up with a calf injury. Now I wear them all the time. I wear the calf sleeves so I can wear any socks I choose.
Happy Running! What are your race necessities? Please share.
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I’m with you on the Garmin, calf sleeves (or compression socks), and hat. I actually had a basal cell carcinoma on my scalp just into my hairline, so a hat is a must!
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Yup. A lot of runners do wear a visor in the sun. Can be dangerous.
Those sleeves also can be warm in the heat but also worth it.
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Definitely sunglasses, Garmin and I like to carry my own hydration. I was into calf sleeves a while back and not sure why I stopped.
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I don’t carry water because usually in a race there are water stops.
Compression sleeves also can make a fashion statement lol
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For me carrying my own fuel & hydration are very important. I also don’t like to put pins into my running clothes. Sunglasses, too.
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I do carry my own fuel but it depends on the length of the race if it is necessary. I never carry water and use the water stops (and yes, I know that can be a problem.)
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Sunglasses for sure!!! Even when it’s a cloudy day in Florida, the sun is bright somehow. I always race with my garmin, but one of these days I should do a race without it just to see how it goes.
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yes on the glasses even on a cloudy day. I have only raced without my Garmin on a few occasions. It’s my Half PR…still I like those stats after.
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We’re in agreement with most everything, except I’m not a fan of belts. I know it’s my waist that’s the issue (and not the belts), but I have yet to find a belt that will stay put…they ALL bounce, slide around or ride up to my natural waist. That said, I still sometimes wear them, if I don’t have the proper pockets, but it’s not pleasant.
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Spi belt is the only one that works for me. I use it for my phone and it stays put for the most part.
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Sunglasses, hat/visor, and Garmin are a must. It’s funny I used to wear calf sleeves and stopped at some point, but I don’t know why.
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I usually wear them. Not sure if they help. Can’t hurt.
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So funny how different runners can be. I can’t run without sunglasses and my Garmin. if it’s raining, I need a visor. I’m pretty easy.
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Yes. Every runner is different. But for the most part you don’t need much to go for a run.
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