Running from Zombies

Even though one of the reasons I love running is that you don’t need any specialist gear, I do have a penchant for ‘stuff’ and will use any opportunity to buy more!

Trainers

I’ve recently bought a pair of asics Gel-Nimbus 11s and am still in the breaking-in stage. Previous to these I owned 3 pairs of Nike Air Max Moto 5+ trainers. The last incarnation now looking decidedly grubbier than when I took the photo I used for my blog header. I initially chose these as I wanted to use the Nike+ kit without getting an external pouch for the sensor, needed to get rid of the bargain-bin training shoes I was running in before they killed my legs, and was on a student budget. The first pair were stolen and the second pair exploded (and were very kindly replaced by Sutton Runner), hence why I got through 3 pairs in 2 years.

GPS and HRM

Charlie in sleep mode.

I am the proud owner of the Garmin Forerunner 405CX, often referred to by me as ‘the Garmin’, ‘CX’ or ‘Charlie’. This replaced the Forerunner 305 that I previously owned but was the size of a house. For those not in the know, the CX is a GPS (in that it measures distance and speed, not like a road map in car GPS systems) and a heart rate monitor. When you come home after a run it uploads your information to your PC so you can review it. The whole thing is easy to use, reasonably comfortable to wear and there’s pretty much nothing the CX can’t do. I’ve had one or two minor problems with it, but it’s working great now. You can read my full review of it here.

iPod, sensor, headphones and armband in their neat little case.

Music

I used to use the Nike+ sports kit for every run, and it helped motivate me back when I first started. However, I found it frustratingly innacurate and lost interest in the online challenges. When I started using the Garmin for every run I gradually stopped using the Nike+. I still run to music though, with only a few exceptions. I have a blue 2nd generation iPod Nano, which is now only used for running, a lovely green pair of Sennheiser MX75 headphones and a Nike+ fabric armband. Check out this post for an idea of what I listen to, though my playlist changes quite a bit.

Water belt and bottle.

Water Belt

I went for cheap and simple when I bought this. It’s very lightweight, with just enough padding for it to be comfortable. I still have to wear it pretty tight and it will move around for the first few minutes until I’ve got it in the right position, but I tend not to notice it once it’s on. There’s a zip pocket which is big enough for my iPhone, but if I know where I’m going then I’ll just take keys, a tissue and maybe some change. If there’s a flaw it’s that it’s difficult to get things in and out the pocket because the belt is so tight. I’ve had to stop and take the belt off before, just to get something out. Still, I don’t take it out unless I’m going for more than 90 minutes, and it serves its purpose.

The Original RoadID

ID

From the moment I read about RoadID I knew it was a good idea. I never carried ID with me when I ran and always ran alone. A durable and comfortable wristband with all my important information on it (name, medical info, phone number for my family) for about a tenner. Ally bought one a little while ago and they’ve changed a little bit since I bought mine, but they still do the job. If you click on the banner below or on the button in the right hand collumn then 10% of the cost will come back to me and donated to whichever charity I’m running for at the time.

Awesome shorts

Shorts

My intention isn’t to talk about running clothes, I tend to wear plain Nike t shirts made of technical fabric, but I thought my shorts deserved a mention. These are the first running shorts I bought and still my favourite (I make sure I wear them to every event). They’re lightweight, breathe easily and aren’t made of horrible shiny material like some others. The pocket is tiny but on the outside instead of inside the waistband, which I find easier, even though this means my house key bounces against my leg.

The picture doesn't convey just how yellow this is.

High-vis

A recent addition to my running wardrobe is the very attractive high-vis shirt. As I run on the streets now and have the added bonus of attempting to navigate traffic, I decided I needed something to make me stand out if I’m running in the evening. Not being a big fan of the high-vis belts or bibs, I went for a Ronhill ‘Vizion’ top. It’s bright enough to give anyone a headache while still being made of technical fabric. There are a few reflective bits on the back as well, though they’re not very big. The arms are a bit short (or I have long arms) but otherwise does what it should (well, I haven’t been run over yet).

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More to be added if when I buy it!