Gadgets and Equipment
What are the necessary tools that I need for running?
The great thing about running is that you really only need a pair of shoes. There are tons of gadgets and equipment that can help your progress into running and make yourself more efficient or beneficial to reach your goals.
Is there anything important for safety?
Safety vests are important for if you are running at dusk or early in the morning. They come in a lot of different styles. The one above was okay. Because it is full coverage, it felt as though it would shift and pull or chafe the side of my neck. If possible to find a smaller one that doesn’t have such wide straps at the top, it would beneficial to get it.
Above is a product called the Road ID. When you are out running or any other form of exercise where you could potentially have something happen within out any type of ID on you, you can wear this on your wrist and have ID with you. Your name, emergency contact information and medical information is engraved on a steel plate. On the website, there are testimonials from athletes that have were out exercising and were hit by a car or fell or had a seizure and had the Road ID save their lives because that was the only form of ID that they had. The product comes in necklace form as well as a plate that is attached to a pouch that goes on the top of your shoe.
Hydration belts are normally used on longer runs. Typically, when running 30 minutes or less, runners do not need to have water with them. For runs that are longer, it may be wanted. There are some runners that enjoy having the pouch which is attached to this hydration belt. However, there are also running belts which are up-to-date versions of the fanny pack. They are typically smaller than the one below and come in different colors. This one is reflective so that if wearing at night the belt can also be your reflective gear.
How do I track my time and distance easily?
For runners who have an iPod, the easiest and most inexpensive option is the Nike Plus. There is a circular sensor that goes into the insole of your shoe. In Nike Plus shoes, there is a place inside the shoe for the sensor to go. However, it is possible to get the Nike Plus without buying the shoes. There are inexpensive, small pouches made that can store the sensor for accurate tracing.
In the bottom of the iPod, a receiver is placed. While running, you receive updates through the headphones of how far you’ve gone, how long, or motivational encouragement from celebrity atheletes. When you’re finished with your workout, the iPod can be plugged into the computer, and you have instant access to a website that stores your workout information. Online, you have access to others who run and have set similiar goals to you. It’s possible to download training programs, set goals, earn points, and see how other people who have the same goals you do are doing.
The Nike Plus is sold for $30. Of course, this does not include the purchase of the iPod. There are watches and other devices that keep track of miles and time, but other products are more expensive and will have more functions.
