PHILSTAR L!FE RECOMMENDS
LIST: Running gear you didn't think you needed
How far along are you in your running journey?
If you started out just recently, you probably have the basic essentials by now. Running apparel? Check. Socks and shoes? Check. Water bottle for hydration? Definitely a need, so yes. While it's physically exhausting, running is quite uncomplicated, after all—just hit the road or the treadmill at the gym or at home, propel yourself on foot, and then you're good to go.
With the help of running coaches and seasoned runners, PhilSTAR L!fe has recommended places to run indoors and outdoors as well as fitness trackers and apps to download, and even shared tips on picking the best shoes and the right attire for every type of run. But there's one thing we haven't talked about: gear you didn't think you needed.
Sure, you already own the must-haves. There are some surprising items, however, that can take your experience to the next level and even change your life as a running enthusiast.
Running vest
Arnold Aninion—who has trained celebrity marathoners like Anne Curtis, Isabelle Daza, Solenn Heussaff, Georgina Wilson, and Matteo Guidicelli—recommended a nice running vest for long runs. "Don't forget to carry bags. If I'm going for a long run, I use a full-blown rig that holds my water and the rest of my equipment like a vest," he told PhilSTAR L!fe. "You would need something that would fit all your essentials, including your phone."
Waist bags
Francis Parreñas, running coach and lead runner of Adidas Runners Manila, swears by FlipBelt. "I'm particular to this brand as this is the only one that’s stable and doesn’t move up and down even when running intense paces," he suggested. "It can fit so much including your phone, keys, wallet, small water bottle, and even energy gels/snacks."
Running apparel with pockets
Actress and WYN Republic Triathlon Racing Team captain Bubbles Paraiso told L!fe that aside from the running belt, she also enjoys using running shorts with pockets. "Sometimes, the belt is only enough for the phone so I need pockets for my gels," she shared.
Tricia Robredo, a doctor and running enthusiast who has completed marathons in Boston and New York City last year, likewise suggested getting running wear with pockets. "If strictly during runs, I recommend a sports bra with pockets! I hate running with belts," she said.
Compression gear
For singer and marathoner Jeffrey Hidalgo, compression gear, particularly for his thighs and calves, "always saves my life during races." He said, "I sweat too much and so I lose a lot of electrolytes and make myself prone to cramps." According to him, such helped him finish the Berlin and Chicago marathons at a decent time. "I couldn't have finished them without compression gear because I always cramp up after going beyond 30 kilometers."
Running buff
Gerald Espiritu, lead runner of Puma Nitro Run Club, suggested not running on mountain trails, in the cold, or in the heat without a good buff. "Wear it over your mouth to protect yourself from dust on the trail, over your ears or neck to keep you warm, or over your forehead to keep sweat out of your eyes and prevent your hair from covering your face," he suggested. "When not in use, wear it around your wrist or arm—it’s still handy for wiping away sweat during your run."
Lightweight running cap
Actor, singer, entrepreneur, and marathoner Matteo Guidicelli loves keeping things straightforward when running, though he makes it a point to have a running cap that's lightweight to keep sunlight away from his eyes. "And when it gets too hot, I dump it in ice to cool down my head," he said in a chat with L!fe.
Wireless head/earphones
Having earphones in your running kit is enough, but high quality and wireless ones could make your running sessions a lot better. Both Robredo and Aninion recommended the Shokz headphones. "I love it because it lets me listen to music without blocking outside noise," said Robredo. Aninion added, "Unlike over-ear and big headphones that get hot and sweaty and just become annoying to carry on your head, Shokz is lightweight and carries enough volumes to get you through your run."
Puma Nitro Run Club lead runner Marga Tulaylay-Pagaduan also suggested getting the JBL Sport Wireless Earphones. "Good music can give you that extra push to finish strong," she told L!fe. "Unlike AirPods or earbuds, these wireless earphones have a neckband, so they stay secure and won't get lost. They’re also designed for sports, meaning, they won’t fall off mid-run. The surround sound system also helps you stay aware of your surroundings, especially when you're running on the road."
Running power meter
Gabb Rosario, who has trained celebrity marathoners like Anne Curtis and Pia Wurtzbach, noted the importance of having a running power meter like Stryd's instead of smart watches and rings. "Sometimes, the heart rate is delayed. The Stryd Power Meter gives you more accurate pace and power readings," he said.
Handheld soft flask
According to Criselda Del Rosario—running coach and lead runner of Adidas Runners Manila—it's good to have a handheld soft flask for hydration. "With the heat and humidity in the Philippines, a water bottle in the form of a soft flask is a must. This one’s handheld and enough to quench your thirst but it’s not as bulky as a regular water bottle. Once it’s empty, you can easily fold it and place it inside your pocket," she explained.
