Since I mentioned my “running favorites” in my giveaway last week, I thought it would be fun (and useful) to actually make a list of all my favorite running essentials. It could also be titled my “I don’t go running without them” list.
In order to keep the post at an acceptable length, I am breaking it up into two parts – the gear and the clothes. Today is the gear!
On My Head
Headsweats Hats
I always have a hat on my head!
This time of year when it’s dark when I am running, I always have my headlamp with me so I can see and so cars and people can see me. I have had other headlamps and this one works the best!
On My Wrist
Garmin 205 and my RoadID.
I always have both on my wrist. Always.
My Garmin keeps my stats and I love it. I love the 205 because the screen is big, it’s easy to use and is reliable. Even if it broke today, I would buy another 205 vs. a newer model.
My RoadID has all my information attached to me and I think it’s something every runner and cyclist should wear.
Around My Waist
Holds my phone, key, camera (when I take it) and fuel, AND keeps them safe from water. The most important part though is that it stays put and doesn’t bounce or drive me insane!
On My Feet
I love running socks with a lot of cushion and these are my go to socks.
My Boston shoes! 
After my beloved Asics Kayano 15s were discontinued, I switched over to the 2150s and have loved them! Now that they are discontinued, I will have to find a new love yet again. *sigh*
Those are my favorite pieces of “gear” that I typically don’t go running without and yes music was purposefully left off the list!
What would you add to this list?
And what you have all been waiting for… the winners of my Headsweats Hats giveaway, which also happens to be one of my running essentials are:
Alissa for the Ultralight Reflective Hat
and
Tonia for the 26.2 or 13.1 Race Hat. After her awesome PR this weekend I have a feeling I know which one she will choose!
Congrats ladies! Email me at runnersrambles [at] gmail.com with your info!
Yay!!!!!!!! I’m so excited, and I REALLY needed a new running cap. So many of your favorites are my fav’s too. I have the exact same Garmin and I’m just lost without it. Also gotta have the headlamp in the dark. I live in a town with no streetlights so its a MUST! Glad you are staying safe out there. I really need to try the wright socks. Thanks for the info!
WOO-HOO! I have really wanted to try one of these hats! It’s like a present for crushing it on Saturday. Emailing you now! Thanks!
I used to wear Kayanos but switched over to Brooks Adrelanlines and love them – have you tried?
Definitely agree on this this – especially the garmin!! i would add sunglasses for sunny days – my eyes are sensitive and the sun kills them if I’m not careful!
I started in Brooks Adrenaline but had problems with them, they are a little too hard for me. I need the cushion that Asics has
I was going to suggest Brooks Adrenaline too.. they revised the shoe with the 10 edition (I think the 11′s are out now), but they are my go-to shoe now.
I may just have to try a headsweats hat, you have me tempted!!
I used to love Asics Kayanos, but after wearing the Launch and other lighter shoes I can’t even wear my mizunos. Once you wear shoes that weigh 8 ounces or less, it is hard to go back to 10-15 ounces.
i too LOVE the ifitness double pouch. i started with a spibelt (only because i found a coupon code for it) and quickly realized that it wasn’t quite what i needed. the double pouch is PERFECTION. and i too love the neoprene wetness protection.
I also love the 2150s. I used to wear 2140s and when those were discontinued, I was told that they had essentially changed the number and the shoes were basically the same. I see 2160s now… I wonder if they’ll be the same as the 2150s…
Congrats to the winners!!
In the spring/summer/fall (basically any time I am not in bulky winter layers), I swear by a little wrist cuff that I wear under my Garmin. It’s the only way it fits comfortably. I pick them up at little accessory stores – I guess they are fashionable for some, though not intended for this purpose.
I am on my second 205 … I have my eye on the new 310 though! It has a similar display but it’s a bit less bulky. Oh, and prettier.
Zensah leg sleeves are my favorite!
What ever happened to just putting on a shirt, shorts, socks, and shoes?
Trust me, I wish I could but safety calls (for everything except the garmin
)
Love it when folks put out a roll-call on their gear. I’d rather go with what bloggers are using than most of the reviews I read. I need to get a headlamp and need to stop putting it off. I run on cart paths on a nearby golf course either late-night or early-morning. The course is under renovations right now, and I nearly killed myself the other night stepping in a hole in the path from the construction. The Princeton headlamp you mentioned gets some mixed reviews on Amazon. Something about a plastic pivot point that wears out quickly and leaves the light pointing straight down. Have you had any problem with this?
Nope mine hasn’t had any problems… the only problem I have with mine is I go through batteries so fast! But that’s because its very bright, which is my favorite part about it
you don’t like the 2160′s? Or the Kayano 16′s?
I haven’t tried the 2160s yet since I can still get the 2150s (and for cheap!). They will be what I try next
I didn’t like the Kayano 16s, which have now been updated to the 17s! Haven’t tried those yet either 
Thank you for reminding me that I need to buy a road ID! I’m sorry about your favorite sneaks, that is a huge bummer
I also need to buy one of those headsweats hats, I love hats and I also really can’t run without one either 
My favorite gear is definitely my Garmin and socks. I need the right socks on or my feet will suffer. They already look like they walked through hell.
I would add gloves to that list though, especially if you run in the cold.
I really need to get a Road ID. You would think I would have one by now!
My favourite gear addition would be my CEP compression sleeves. Great for recovery after a long run!