I’ve been running for over a year now, and in the grander scheme of things, that’s not too long, but because there are runners in my RWFL club that haven’t been running for as long as I have, I know they’d appreciate my little list of things I take when I run, or use for running.

1. Good shoes. I cannot stress the importance of a good pair of shoes! I’ve just had to buy a new pair of Asics Kayano’s from the Sweatshop because my older ones had collapsed after only 6 months and many km’s, and I’ve hurt my knee and calf muscles! And don’t just buy any old pair of takkies… have them properly fitted at a specialist running shop, or else, again, you’ll get injuries.

2. Seamless socks. I find the only socks that don’t give me blisters are the Falke running socks, and I prefer the thicker type of sock. I’ve also started using the compression socks, although I find them quite hot in this weather, but they really work wonders for my dodge calf muscles.

3. Running watch. Apparently this isn’t a necessity, but I’m a sucker for stats, so it’s an essential for me. I need to know how far I’ve gone, how long it’s taken me, and what my average pace is. For that reason, I bought a GPS watch instead of just a watch with a heart rate monitor. My TomTom Runner connects to my watch after my run and uploads my data automatically to Strava and Runkeeper (where I monitor my progress)

4. Running belt. I use this on a long run or a race to carry my car keys, phone (to Instagram along the way of course), drivers license (if I’m running on my own just in case I have an accident), approx R30 for a drink or snacks on a long run, a few tissues (for my nose and yucky portaloos at races), and lip balm. Yes it’s a lot. Sometimes I split the stuff between the running belt and the various pockets that I make sure my running tights have.

5. Visor. I’ve discovered the genius that is visors, instead of normal caps. In summer they’re essential as they allow the heat to escape from your head unlike normal caps. They also keep the rain out of your eyes! I like the ones that are made from climate fabric so they dry fast.

6. Face sunscreen. Proper stuff this. I’m on a course of Roaccutane right now, so I don’t leave the house without this on my face. The Photoderm Spot SPF50 cream is ideal for me, because it’s made for people that tend to get pigmentation marks or spots. It doesn’t run into my eyes at all when I sweat, so it’s working well!

7. Body sunscreen. This was recommended by my dermatologist for long runs. Even though the Daylong sunscream it’s only SPF30, it’s absolutely brilliant and does not come off for hours or in water, even with me “glowing”. It’s apparently used quite successfully by triathletes. It can also be used on your face.

8. Water bottle. For some reason I didn’t add this to my photo. I cannot run for longer than 4km in summer without water. I have this awesome RWFL water bottle that has a hole in it so it’s not too big to carry in my hands.

I find in winter I use other things like headlamps etc… I’ll do another list in a few months!

**edited to add after Tanya commented on Twitter reminding me of the glaringly obvious omission.

9. Running bra. Forgot this off the list, and clearly no image! LOL! I have really small boobs, but I do still struggle to find good running bras that are comfy, and wick away moisture properly. My favourites are the Nike Pro Bra and the Woolies Seemless padded sports bra (and I remove the pad… that’s a stupid idea for sweaty sports)