By Patrick Pierce
Perhaps you love running more than life itself, or you have a friend that does, and their birthday is coming up. Well, we’ve found a few gadgets you can gift your friend (or yourself) that keep your phone and documents safe and sound while you go for a run!
Running is a great way of keeping fit and the accompanying exercise to practically any sports training — barring sumo wrestling, perhaps. Even the world-famous writer Haruki Murakami wrote a book called What I Talk About When I Talk About Running, a veritable ode to the sport.
While the act has been around since the dawn of time (we’ve all had an ancestor that managed to outrun a wooly mammoth, or we wouldn’t be here, right?), awesome gadgets haven’t. Luckily, we live in a day and age where there’s some technological device dedicated to enhancing every activity. We don’t know anyone who leaves their house without their phone, ID, and house keys, even if it’s just to go for a run. Another gift of technology is that you can bet on your favorite team or athlete while you’re out on your run. Mobile gambling is a fast-growing industry, and because of that, sports betting as well as casino games are available on every smartphone.
Taking a break after running can be an oxytocin-infused high, but it can also be a bit boring. It’s that time when your brain isn’t capable of much; your thoughts have no place to go; and as you walk around to cool down, you just want to have some fun. Well, we recommend you visit real money mobile slots which are only a click away and cool down after a run with some entertaining spinning reels. Showing faith in the teams you support has never been easier, and running breaks have never been more fun!
But back to the point — not only do we want awesome gadgets, but we also want amazing accessories to host them as we run! We have options for the most dedicated of enthusiasts, to those who want the most light-weight thing on the market. So don’t make a run for it, read on instead, and see our suggestions on the best running accessories around!
Running Hydration Belt for the Hardcore Runners
Well, this is just a mobile catchall for the runner who’s in it for the long haul! Nowadays, this accessory is something of a tech-innovation in itself. It is a comfortable, sizeable (but not clunky!) belt that can hold your phone, two water bottles and has reflective accents for a safe night run. The belt itself is adjustable and has silicone grips all around to make sure it doesn’t bounce or ride up as you go. It is also made of super-soft, waterproof materials that will never chafe the delicate skin on the waist. Because they are so well-made, they will hold your phone in place, and you can listen to music on it with no hiccups, as well as check your route. The bottles attached have an ergonomic design and are secured to the belt holster. This is a great pick for even the pickiest of marathon runners!
Running Belt
For runners who aren’t as high-maintenance, you can always go for the running belt. These come with a zipper in the middle and are a far cry from the original kitsch fanny packs.
They can fit smartphones and iPhones of all shapes and sizes, and you know they won’t bounce around much. All snug as a bug in a rug in there. Your phone and important belongings will be safe; the band will not chafe; the buckles are sturdy but still easy to open and close. Most will have loops where you can place your energy gels or snacks for on the go. Mind you, they’re usually water-resistant, not fully waterproof, so don’t take your passport out for a run in the rain or anything like that. They tend to come in different colors, so the fashionistas out there can have a running start when it comes to updating their accessories for the upcoming fall.
Universal Armband
Keeping your phone on your arm as you run might be the most popular and most sleek way of tracking your miles as you go. And while modern phones have the best mobile apps to do this, you can’t risk them bouncing off you as you jog around the block.
To prevent your expensive phone from jostling around, pick a universal armband (because it can host any kind of smartphone). The fabric used to make them is moisture-wicking (resistant to water) and non-porous on the backside so feel free to break a sweat! Even if you’re in the mood for a few jumping jacks as your warm-up routine, your phone will surely be safe. They also have what’s called a “touch through” screen protector, which allows you to use your phone while it’s inside the armband.
And when it gets all sticky and funky, fear not because most are machine-washable!
Fitness Watch
The further down the list we go, the more streamlined it gets! If belts are too restraining and an armband too distracting, then a fitness watch is just your thing! The Fitbit is probably the most famous representative of this type of device, with a heart-rate monitor, an in-built GPS, and other sensors. The health nut will appreciate this the most. There are so many things you can track. You can sync it up with your smartphone, and it usually lasts a week before running out of battery. Maybe the price tag is the only drawback, but it really is an all-in-one device and the ultimate running accessory if you ask us.
Wireless Sports Earphones
Last but not least! No one needs their headphones cord flapping wildly about their face as they run down the track. Everyone loves a little running music to pump them up for that last lap, and wireless earphones are just the ticket for that. They are specifically made to be noise-canceling, and they tend to have a long battery life. You can connect them to your phone via Bluetooth. They fit comfortably into any earbud and are made to be sweatproof.
Because it’s all about that bass, ’bout that bass, no treble!