We made it to the end of the week. Happy Friday! Today I’m linking up for Friday Five 2.0 with Rachel from Running on Happy and Lacey and Meranda from Fairytales and Fitness.
Today’s theme is about running hacks. Running might be the cheapest, but most expensive sport out there (you know what I mean)! People think you only need some workout clothes and sneakers, but they forget about sweat wicking clothes, GPS watch, sneakers for different types of runs, running fuel, race entry fees, travel for racecations….well, you get the point! I hope these five running hacks will save you a little bit of time or money, or both!
DIY Handheld Water Bottle
I actually just stumbled upon this recently, so I haven’t had a chance to try it out, but still wanted to include it here 🙂 Check out this post from RunWiki to learn how to make a DIY handheld water bottle using a can koozie. It looks super easy and it’s great if you run with plastic water bottles.
Lock Laces
Lock Laces save you time because they are “elastic no-tie shoelaces”. Basically you replace your shoelaces with lock laces. The whole process only takes a few minutes, but now you don’t have to re-tie your sneakers every time you put them on for a run. Local laces also have adjustable tension. Prices start at $7.99 per pair and they come in an array of colors – black, orange, neon yellow, hot pink – just to name a few.
Pace that Race
I haven’t done this personally (because my paces are always ALL over the place), but you can run a race for free (in most cases) if you are a race pacer. If you’re pretty confident that you can nail a consistent pace, this is a great way to race for free AND help other runners accomplish their goals. It’s really a win-win situation!
Running Clothes
Nothing against some of the bigger running brands out there, but their running clothes can be..how do you say, expensive? Here’s one running hack that I use all the time. When buying running clothes, buy items when they are no longer in season. For instance, now would be a great time to pick up running gloves, sweatshirts, etc. Most brands are making room for the Spring/Summer line, so their Fall/Winter products should be on sale. I’m also a huge fan of scoping out Marshall’s and TjMaxx for discounts on some of the more expensive brands, like Nike. Also, don’t forget about Old Navy, Target and Walmart. These store have some of the cutest and stylish sports bras, shorts and workout shirts. I’m often able to buy items from these stores for under $10.
Vaseline
Vaseline, or any brand of petroleum jelly, can be used as a quick replacement for Body Glide. It’s not as good as body glide, and it’s definitely messier, but using vaseline is way better than chaffing! I also use vaseline on my face and lips for outdoor runs in the winter to help prevent windburn and chapped lips.
Do you have any running hacks? How do you save time or money when gearing up for a run?
I am so bad with do it yourself things! I do use aquafor (same as Vaseline) all the time and love it for everything. Have a great weekend
I’m not good with do it yourself items either, but the handheld water bottle looks so simple that I don’t think I can mess it up, lol
I use deodorant when I can’t find my Glide. And aquaphor if I’m having trouble with a skirt not fitting right LOL.
LoL. I never heard of the deodorant hack, I’m going to have to try that!
I love my Lock Laces! My daughter just had her shoe untie during a track relay so guess who’s getting some?
I know your daughter will love the lock laces!
I think I’d like to pace a race. It would be fun to be the motivator of the group.
If I could every get my pacing under control I would definitely love to do that as well!
Thanks for the illustration of locklaces! I’ve heard of them, but never actually seen them. So you can release the tension to get your foot in & the easily re tighten it? Of course I’d need like 3 pairs at least, since I rotate through several shoes.
Now if they’d only want pacers for like 2:50 (half, that is), I’m your gal. I can run them a little faster (depending on the weather), but hey, you have to be able to not be dying to pace someone, right?
Yup! You can release the tension to get your foot in and then re-tighten it. It takes some getting used to at first. I only have them on one pair of my sneakers at the moment. I need to purchase more!
I think they have pacers for all different times so I’m sure they would have a 2:50 pacer!
I’ve gone to outlet malls to see if I can get deals on shoes or clothes. I know their stock is limited, but it’s always worth checking out what they’ve got. I’ll also wait until my shoes are on sale, then buy a couple. I can put off buying new shoes for a while.
I love going to outlets. I don’t do it enough and wish I could go more!
Totally checking out that water bottle scenario. I need a handheld!
I tried lace locks once and didn’t really like them. My husband did though!
I’m going to try to make the handheld bottle this weekend!
I’m so tired of having to re-tie my shoe everytime I go out for a run. The lock laces are a great idea. Thanks a lot!
No problem!
I met a fellow ambassador at a race that runs 90% of her races free by working with a pace group. That was the first time I had heard of such a thing! Cool idea!
It’s a really great idea, but definitely puts a lot of pressure on the run!
Being a race pacer is an excellent hack if you are a consistent, steady runner. Just don’t try to PR the course while pacing, lol!
Definitely! I know I could never do it because my pacing is horrendous, but for runners that are consistent, it’s awesome!
These are great! I would love to try to run as a pacer sometime. 🙂
You could totally do it!
I think I have a pair of lock laces somewhere…
LoL, dust them off and put them in your sneakers! 🙂
Great tips! I use vaseline instead of Body Glide, I find it works better and lasts longer.
That’s great! Anything to avoid blisters and chafing is A-OK in my book!
I would LOVE to be a pacer someday! It is on my bucket list!
That’s awesome! I’m sure you will accomplish that some day soon!
I do the koozie thing with my water bottles! Hey! I should have posted it… 😛
TJMaxx and Marshalls also have cute name brand running clothes at a discount. I’ve snagged some pretty amazing bargains there, including my favorite Athleta cold weather running tights!
That’s so cool that you also have a DIY handheld for your water bottles!
You found Athleta at TJMaxx and Marshalls? That’s amazing! I will need to go there there this weekend and see if I can find any hidden gems.
You are right, running clothes are expensive. I don’t mind running in “off brands”. I usually wear better clothes for racing though because I like the features like extra pockets and what not.
I’ve never been a pacer but i’ve talked to one of the pacing coaches at a race and there are certain requirements a pacer has to met including running a large amount of races at that distance. I forget what the number was.
Same here! I tend to wear my “better” clothing for racing.
I think that makes sense for a pacer. I have no doubt that its a lot of work, and pressure, being a pacer!
Being a pacer is one thing I’d like to do in the future. To me it’s somewhat intimidating for a group of people to depend on me to have them run the right pace. It would definitely take a lot of practice to hone in on it.
The only time I buy running clothes is when it’s discounted so I wait for the markdowns at Target or go to the outlets.
I wish I could go to the outlets, especially the Nike outlet, more often!
I love getting running clothes at target and walmart. There are some items from those stores that Ive had for years and still wear. Those shoelaces are a great idea for saving time!
Same for me, I especially love getting cute workout shirts from there.
I’ve been a pacer or pace bunny before and loved doing that! However, I’ve only rarely use them. Vaseline aND body glide are great little hacks!
I would love to be a pacer once I become a more consistent runner. My paces are all over the place!
I love RIpLaces, which are very similar to Lock Laces. They are great for swelling feet and also to get shoes on and off (we use them for our son, quite a bit).
I am also all about purchasing running clothes from places like Target and ON, especially on sale.
Old Navy always has a sale which is great for us runners!
I swear by lock laces for triathlon. Easy on and easy off makes for a really good transition time!
I can see Lock Laces would be totally beneficial for a triathlon!
I found a pair of gloves and a hat at the Nike outlet for less than $5. I’m all about stocking up during the end/off season.
What an awesome deal!
I’ve found some great workout stuff at Marshalls! I wish I could keep a consistent pace… I’d be the worst pacer!
Me and you both Julie! My paces are so all over the place that they are laughable!