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"I founded Gone For A Run because I cherish the joy in 'Going for a run' and I believe that the magic found when you run should be encouraged, shared, and celebrated." - Julie Lynn, Founder

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May 25th   |   By Jacky   |   Guides

Essentials for a Runner's Bag

Make your runners' bag a stylish way to carry all your necessities for race day and beyond! Let us guide you through all the essentials you need to make your runners' bag your new best friend!
Adelie Bag in Silver

As runners, our workout bags are essential! So essential, in fact, many marathons offer the courtesy of shuttling runners' bags to the finish line for them. Even with convenient services like this, I don't think any of us want to be lugging around a bunch of stuff we don't need!

1 Essentials for the Runner: The Bag

Isabella Backpack in Green

One of the most important parts of filling your runner's bag is actually selecting a bag that will work for your active lifestyle! When you're trying to fit in a workout, run your errands, and find some time for relaxing or traveling while balancing a full-time job - and maybe some kids (!) - a trip to the grocery store can suddenly feel like a trans-Atlantic trek. Grab one of our Flyte bags so you can have a bag that works for you, instead of encumbering you.

These bags - all named after trailblazing women - let you stay mobile and active throughout your day! Like a best friend, they hang close, carry the load and are ready to help when you need them. Choose from our Amelia Tote, our Adelie Duffle Bag, or our Isabella Backpack, all available in multiple colors, so you never have to sacrifice your style for your lifestyle! These bags can double as a purse and a gym bag so you're ready for a dash through the aisles or a sprint to the finish! Just like a best friend, they fit in any crazy situation that comes your way!

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2 Essentials for the Runner: Water Bottle

Carrying a reusable water bottle is an absolute must for any runner! Hydration is a must for anyone, but active runners especially need to make sure they are staying hydrated throughout the day. Not only will carrying a water bottle on you make it easy to sip all day, a good, durable, reusable bottle will also help you do your part to eliminate waste and minimize your carbon footprint! If you're hydrating properly, your water bottle is an item that will be in and out of your bag all day and there's no reason why you shouldn't get something that makes you smile!

Pro-Tip: A water bottle with an inspiring mantra can go a long way in keeping you motivated! Seeing something like “Courage Strength Resolve” dozens of times throughout the day is an almost self-conscious way of emphasizing that mantra in your mind! Check out a great example here!

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3 Essentials for the Runner: Spare Outfit

Carry Extra Running Clothes in a Flyte Bag

If I didn't feel so strongly about how important hydration is to training, a spare set of clothes would have been second on this list! It is so much better to be over-prepared than it is to be under-prepared. Always keeping a spare workout outfit has also saved me from running errands in a coffee-stained shirt (I'm clumsy, but I'm usually okay). Sometimes, after a long day at work, I want to run out my frustrations before I even get home, so I will change and run a trail closer to the office. Keeping a spare outfit in your bag gives you some extra flexibility and the all-important backup plan!

Pro-Tip: Just like a spare outfit, it’s worth keeping spares of pretty much everything, but definitely of anything small and lightweight enough to toss in your bag and forget about. Spare laces, socks, deodorant, and safety pins are all easy to carry!

4 Essentials for the Runner: Recovery Shoes

PR Soles Bondi Recovery Shoes

When you're on the go most of the day, sometimes recovering from your run is the last thing on your mind and hopefully, you'll be able to get off your feet for a few minutes after dinner, and the dishes, and after your shower, and getting the kids ready for bed, and…well you'll be off your feet while you're sleeping, at least!

Recovery shoes allow you to rejuvenate your sore feet and recover even more quickly while walking. Yes, really. PR SOLES® let you massage your feet while you're running errands and going about your day, which makes them an absolute essential in your bag! Swap into these for a lunchtime walk or while you're running to the store and you'll definitely feel the difference! Those of us who are busy and active can absolutely emphasize how important multitasking is to staying on top of everything and with these shoes, you don't even need to think about it!

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5 Essentials for the Runner: Sunscreen

One of the most neglected facets of good skincare is sunscreen. I don't really burn, so this used to be something that I always skipped. Since I started running regularly, I try to take a more holistic approach to taking care of myself. If I'm keeping my muscles in good shape by running, and my brain in good shape by reading, I also need to keep my skin in good shape. Once you're tackling races above 10k, you are quite literally running for hours in the sun (and I do try to avoid my dreadmill whenever possible). Sunscreen is a quick and easy way to keep your skin fresh and healthy.

Pro-Tip: Keep a sweat towel in your bag as well so you can avoid sweat (and sunscreen) running into your eyes on a hot day.