With the exception of musical devices, what could you NOT LIVE WITHOUT while running or walking or even preparing for a run/walk?

I have a little pouch that clips on the inside of my shorts/pants that's perfect for my license, the key to my truck and a couple of bucks.

I dont think I can run without my Garmin GPS.

I also have to eat oatmeal in the mornings before my runs. If I don't, I end up hungry and worn out after a few miles.

I've got an Amphipod pouch I use to hold my gummi bears and things on training runs.

I bought some Race Ready spandex bike shorts at the WDW Expo and wore them for the marathon. They are great! Lots of pockets to store gels and other things.

I've got an Amphipod pouch I use to hold my gummi bears and things on training runs.

I bought some Race Ready spandex bike shorts at the WDW Expo and wore them for the marathon. They are great! Lots of pockets to store gels and other things.

Oh yeah, I forgot about my Race Ready shorts. I bought some at the WDW Expo too. They're a MUST for long runs. I use to wear shorts with regular pockets, but never again. No more gels floppin around.

Um, what are running gels? :confused:

I always have my Nike iPod attachment when I'm running.

For the long runs, my water holder fanny pack thing (not sure what it's called) is a must!

Um, what are running gels? :confused:

They are these little packets of gel type substance that basically give you a quick entergy burst. They are pretty much a must for distance running. There are different brands. I use Gu brand Cappacino Love or Chocolate.

They are these little packets of gel type substance that basically give you a quick entergy burst. They are pretty much a must for distance running. There are different brands. I use Gu brand Cappacino Love or Chocolate.

Cool! Do they sell them at any sporting goods store?

BTW - thanks for mentioning Fleet Feet. It turns out there is one here in SF! I am gonna go check them out this weekend. :)

Cool! Do they sell them at any sporting goods store?

BTW - thanks for mentioning Fleet Feet. It turns out there is one here in SF! I am gonna go check them out this weekend. :)

I think they sell Power Gel brand at places like Sports Authority. Your only going to find Gu at places like Fleet Feet.

Another thing about Fleet Feet, make sure you go dressed to run. ie, shorts, socks, running shoes. They'll put you on a treadmill and watch how you run and record your feet. Then, they'll play it back in slow mo to see how your feet hit the ground. That way they can tell how your feet turn in or out or not at all and know if you need shoes with extra stability (like me) or what.
Then, they'll fit you for your shoe and let you run in them and see how you like them. Most of the people that work there are distance runners, so they usually know their stuff.
I don't know what the Gu's cost there, but they run about $1.25 here if you only buy one. If you buy a case it works out to about $1.00 each. I'd pick up a few and decide which one you like before buying a lot. They're really thick.

I forgot about my Stick (http://www.thestick.com/)! That thing is great. It really helped me on my post-marathon recovery.

As gels go, I recommend the ones with added sodium. Those seemed to help keep away the nausea during this year's hot/humid WDW marathon conditions. The ones I had were PowerGel chocolate flavor.

Also, try them out during your long training runs. Some people don't tolerate them well, either through taste, or tummy upset. It's something you'll want to know before race day.

I forgot about my Stick (http://www.thestick.com/)! That thing is great. It really helped me on my post-marathon recovery.

As gels go, I recommend the ones with added sodium. Those seemed to help keep away the nausea during this year's hot/humid WDW marathon conditions. The ones I had were PowerGel chocolate flavor.

Also, try them out during your long training runs. Some people don't tolerate them well, either through taste, or tummy upset. It's something you'll want to know before race day.

I read in a Runners World article that Lance Armstrong had 15 PowerGels during the New York Marathon. :eek:

I've never tried the ones with added sodium. I don't seem to have a sodium problem. I know that Jeff Galoway said to limit your sodium intake on hot days because it adds to dehydration. Other people say take salt, so who knows. I guess it all depends on the person.

The sticks are good. I have one of those also. :D

I've never tried the ones with added sodium. I don't seem to have a sodium problem. I know that Jeff Galoway said to limit your sodium intake on hot days because it adds to dehydration. Other people say take salt, so who knows. I guess it all depends on the person.If you're sweating a lot and taking in a lot of plain water, you need to replace the sodium you are losing. If you drink sports drinks, they probably have enough. However, you should not drink sports drink when eating a gel. You should take gel with water.

I'm taking notes. :)

Has anyone tried this:

http://www.footsmart.com/P-Step-Stretch-10094.aspx

I was at the running store the other day, picked it up, haggled a bit, and put it down. I'm curious to try it.

I've used one at the gym. It works pretty well, but you can do pretty much the same thing with a long towel or yoga strap hooked around your foot. It might be more of a benefit for people with foot problems though, I don't know.

One other essential: Body Glide (http://www.google.com/url?sa=t&ct=res&cd=1&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.bodyglide.com%2F&ei=EwsERpD0JZOagwSM6-mZBA&usg=__zniTeCLqd5acygS58o6iMjf_2K4=&sig2=9ciZBol9XNd832OnQazL4g)!

I feel more comfortable running by myself if I have a road id attached to my shoe...in case of emergencies.

http://www.roadid.com/

I'm taking notes. :)

Has anyone tried this:

http://www.footsmart.com/P-Step-Stretch-10094.aspx

I was at the running store the other day, picked it up, haggled a bit, and put it down. I'm curious to try it.

I think you can pretty much do the same thing with the curb. Thats what I use anyway.

I do some night running, so another must for me is reflective clothing.

I live in Seattle, so I have a good assortment of running jackets. I have a very light weight Pearl Izumi jacket that can be folded up so small it can fit in the little pocket in my running shorts. For cold, dry mornings I have a hooded Brooks running jacket. It is great for long races. I can put it on and zip it up over my bib at the beginning when it is cold, and then unzip it and tie it around my waist when it warms up. Most importantly I have a Nike+ Sphere Pro jacket for running in rain. It is great.

This doesn't really qualify as "essential", but it is fun if you particiapte in events like the Disney races. Go to http://www.athlinks.com and search for your name. You can set up a profile, and "claim" the race results that belong to you. You can see a list of rivals (people who have run in at least 3 races with you), and also make a list of friends. There are blog functions, race reports, photo albums, and a place to list your gear.

Here is a link to my profile http://www.athlinks.com/racer/8417912/Database-Diva.aspx

This doesn't really qualify as "essential", but it is fun if you particiapte in events like the Disney races. Go to http://www.athlinks.com and search for your name. You can set up a profile, and "claim" the race results that belong to you. You can see a list of rivals (people who have run in at least 3 races with you), and also make a list of friends. There are blog functions, race reports, photo albums, and a place to list your gear.

Here is a link to my profile http://www.athlinks.com/racer/8417912/Database-Diva.aspx

Great, now I've found something else to take up all my time. LoL

Thanks for the cool link. Here is my link. Its a work in progress. LoL.
http://www.athlinks.com/racer/15636021/Brian-Foster.aspx