Without a doubt, you have to have a certain kind of personality to enjoy running all by itself. Sure, the benefits of a regular running routine are hard to deny, but there’s a reason many people have a difficult time sticking to it. If you’re having trouble getting out and sustaining your run, try making use of these accessories that’ll make it a bit easier – and a little more fun.
Bring Tunes to Your Run With an Armband
It’s hard to get in the mood for an awesome run when you’re listening only to the sound of your feet slapping the ground. Instead, load up a pump-up playlist on your phone and hit the trail with a real bounce in your step. Still, going for a jog with a phone bouncing around your pocket is distracting and can throw off your phone, and running with it in your hand can lead to a nasty drop and broken screen.
Armbands solve this problem by affixing your phone to the upper arm, a part of the body that’s easily accessible and actually pretty immobile while you run. Best of all, arm bands tend to be fairly expensive, making the price you pay very much worth it.
Throw the Rest of Your Stuff in a Running Belt
Chances are, you aren’t going to be hitting the road unencumbered, whether you’re going out with your ID, house keys, or a little cash to grab a snack on the way back home. Unfortunately, things like these have a tendency to fall out of pockets when you run, and nobody wants to deal with a lost card or money. Running belts solve this problem, working as a streamlined kind of fanny pack that actually looks cool to wear. Some even come with water bottle holsters, which, if you’re going to be going for an extended run, are sure to come in handy.
Track Your Runs With a Smart Accessory
We’re living in an ever-increasingly digitized world, and it’s no different when it comes to running. Jogging with a smartwatch or fitness band can help you keep track of your times, distances, calories burnt, and much more, even comparing your progress with your friends. Therefore, they’re great motivating tools for getting you out the door in order to meet your weekly goal or beat your personal record. Keep in mind, though, that you don’t necessarily need to drop a hundred bucks if you want to track your progress. Pedometers still work just fine in tracking your steps, and for a fraction of the price of a fitness band – as long as you’re willing to forego all the cool features that come with the higher-tech models.
Wear Reflective Gear and Bring Pepper Spray to Stay Safe at Night
There are plenty of reasons you’d want to be running out in the early morning or late at night. Maybe you prefer to run in cooler weather, or perhaps it’s just the only time you can fit exercise into your busy schedule. You should always remember, however, that running outside in the dark poses certain dangers. Reflective vests are super cheap and make your presence known on the street, and you can never be over-prepared by bringing a small canister of pepper spray. While it’s important to hit your PRs, it’s more important to stay safe!
[Image via Getty]
