Now that I have started training again I had to locate my running bag and examine it’s contents. I threw out the old Power Bar wrappers, collected the sticky pennies from the bottom and washed my favorite “after a run soft sweatshirt”. Running bag? Yes, I think every runner needs one while training (it does not have to be fancy… mine like this was purchased at Marshalls at a recession friendly price). [Now this is not to be confused with the plastic disposable bag I would bring on marathon race day with the contents of only what is needed for that day -- more on that in a later post].
A running bag is for training runs when we travel (often only a few towns over) and especially for the long runs we start and finish in the city. It should hold your essentials for taking it on the road. At home, it sits in the cubby next to my running shoes and acts as the central location for all things running. You will be with me on this the first time you are searching around at 4:30 am looking for that Glide.
Here is what is in mine:
1. The above mentioned soft sweatshirt for after the long run. Even on the hottest days of summer, it can be freezing in an air conditioned car after a long run when your body temp drops. In the winter this is supplemented by a cozy warm jacket.
2. A towel to dry the sweat off your body and most importantly to lay on the seat before entering the car soaked in sweat after a run.
3. A stick of Glide to apply pre-run to all areas where the fabric seams meet the skin to avoid chaffing.
4. My favorite energy bars (or whatever is in the pantry) for before and/or after the run. ( I am partial to 1/2 a Power Bar Cookies N Cream before a long run and Cliff bars after).
5. Sunscreen is a must for the prolonged exposure of sun. I like Neutrogena Ultra Sheer for my face and neck and most recently tried and liked Target brand Sport Sunscreen continuous spray for my legs and arms.
6. Lip balm with a high SPF – I apply it every run so I don’t get dry chapped lips from a dry chapped mouth.
7. Ice Breakers Energy Caffeinated mints for those of us who can’t drink coffee before a run because it causes me to make too many pit stops!
8. Packets of carbohydrate gel for anything over 13 miles. I like the double latte flavor from Power Bar.
9. Goody Stay-put hair bands and a dry-fit hat, both, will keep your hair out of your face. If it happens to be raining or very sunny, a hat can really help make it more tolerable.
10. A bottle of water and a bottle of Gatorade for after the run. I also keep a couple of G2 powder drink packets in case I can only find water.
Optional items added at times:
Starbucks card (we like “Italian Roast”)
–in case I happen to see one on the way home.
ipod for days I am on my own for part of the run
Keen flip flops for the summer months – it feels so good to take off your running shoes on the drive home.
What’s in your bag?
