This ran in last Friday's Wynne Progress. Kyle's got a wonderful touring article March 27, keep your eyes peeled for it! -Keeli
The Active Life
Keeli Smith
Running Gadgets
Running is one of the most cost-effective sports there
is. You only need running shoes and
apparel and you can get in a workout.
There are a number of accessories that can enhance your running making
it more enjoyable, comfortable and even faster.
Running socks are an important part of your apparel and one
of my first running mistakes. In 2004,
my first half marathon, I had only run 6 miles in a row and thought if I can do
that, I could run/walk every other mile to finish which I did with bloody feet.
I wore plain cotton socks. I hadn’t had any problems in the short 6 mile
distance and didn’t realize the moisture wicking that I needed. After a few weeks of healing, I got some
running socks. There are so many out
there, make sure they are the right size and fit for your foot and arch.
Carrying cases are important for taking your phone for music
or emergencies on a run. I use an armband
so I can be hands free running the headphones through my shirt. Some use Ipods that clip on to your
shorts. I like the hands free
accessories so I don’t feel like I’m carrying weight along with me.
Sunglasses are important that offer polarized lenses to
reduce glare. I have some from Tifosi
that have multiple interchange lenses that help with sun and conditions.
GPS watches from Garmin, Nike and Soleus offer runners the
ability to see their pace, distance, pace per mile and can set intervals and
see cadence and other options. I use the
Map My Ride App on my Android phone (which is free) with the voice activated so
it will come in over my music and tell me my pace and total distance.
Headphones for runners who like to safely run with music can
be hard to find. I’ve used several
different brands, but the one I have to have are fitted with ear clips over the
ears. Several more expensive brands have
three different size buds that fit inside the ear to deliver better sound and
comfort. I use a pair from Athlete I
found at a bargain store. They stay in
place which is key.
Shoes are extremely important and I recommend going to a
running store to get the right fit. I’ve
been fitted at Fleet Feet on Poplar Ave. in Memphis where they watched me run
to decide which kind of support I need.
I always used to get my shoes just a half size bigger but Fleet Feet
recommends a full size bigger. The last
pair of shoes haven’t bothered my arch or knees.
Belts are popular for longer runs and can hold water
bottles, pepper spray, car keys, and phones.
You can store several items on them and you’ll be hands free.
FitBit is a new technology that you wear on your wrist and it
tracks distance, calories, steps, your sleep and allows you to set goals. It also communicates with apps on the Iphone
or Android phone. There are several
other watches from Nike and Garmin as well.
I like to take a bottle of Halt Spray with me whether I’m
running or cycling. We’ve all been
chased by a dog on a bike or just recently, while running down Airpark, I was
chased by 5 dogs from different residences.
I didn’t have to use the spray but I was glad I had it. I’ve been bitten by a dog while clipped in on
my road bike so I now have a respect for their speed and possible aggression.
Try new accessories to help you achieve your fitness goals
this year. Stay active in 2015, start
with a walk or run!
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| Halt sprays a stream from far away to keep dogs away |
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| Tifosi glasses have changeable lenses to help with glare |