To close out the week of running attire, I wanted to briefly touch on the “extra” bits that go with your running clothing. In no particular order:

GPS watch – These things can become addictive, but I don’t feel like I’m a slave to the GPS watch like a lot of runners are. I like my watch, sure, but I’m also pretty good at starting it at the beginning of a run and then switching it off at the end, without feeling the need to constantly check it during.

My main purpose for my GPS watch is that I like having it on for post-run analysis and to track my training…I have an engineering background so I like data! I have concerns when runners feel the need to check their watch every 60 seconds in order to know how hard they’re working – as a runner you should be able to listen to your body and know that.

For mapping purposes, distance measurements, and post-run analysis I love it. But learn to listen to your body too.

Heart-rate monitor – This goes with the GPS watch to some extent, but if I’m honest I do check on my HRM readings mid-run. I really like making sure I don’t push too hard on my easy runs and I find a HRM beneficial for this purpose. I measure ‘easy’ based on perceived effort (heart rate, breathing) rather than pace (there’s too much variation in required effort for a given pace depending on the day/time/mood/weather etc).

I’m actually at a point now where I can guesstimate my heart rate pretty damn well without the HRM on, but it has come about through initial practice with the strap on. So I’m thumbs up to the HRM, even if I only wear it occasionally these days.

Socks – Try, try, and try again. I’ve tried LOTS of different socks and my go to is anything with coolmax fabric. I just don’t get blisters in them. I’ve also recently tried injinji socks (the ones with individual toes), and from my first pair I’m a big fan. They take some getting used to getting on though…

Hydration – This is a grey area for me. My preference for anything under 90mins-2hrs is to carry nothing - I don’t think you need it unless it’s really hot. That said, I do sometimes carry a small handheld bottle with water, more to wet the mouth than anything else. From 90mins-2.5hrs I may carry a handheld bottle, or throw on a pack, or neither, but this all depends on where I am running, how hot it is, etc. Above this amount of time I will usually throw on a pack unless I’m somewhere I know I have easy access to water. Again, there are times in training where I will run 3 hours without carrying anything (except for maybe stopping at a tap along the way for a quick slurp).

When I do decide to ‘pack up’, I’m currently using the Ultimate Direction PB Adventure Vest and I love it so far.

Have I missed anything?

See you out there – Juddy