You know, the thing that makes Someecards so funny is that they hit so close to the truth. Actually, for me, organizing is about 50% buying bins and boxes, and 25% getting rid of stuff that I shouldn’t have bought in the first place, and 25% putting stuff away.
My running gear, however, is very organized. I’ve evolved into a system that works for me, and I’d like to share it with you.
My Running Prep List
I shared this list in an earlier post in October, but many of you didn’t know me then, so I’m sharing it again. I keep this list o my iPhone. It includes everything I want to remember before I go running. As I have evolved as a runner, I’ve added things to the list and I’ve taken some things off. Admittedly, pants and shirt probably don’t need to be on the list! But hey, I’m comprehensive – and I use it as a checklist when I’m laying out things the night before going running.
My Running Bucket
Recently, I had coffee with my friend Shelley from MyJourneyToFit.com. We agreed that once a runner makes the investment into a Garmin or other GPS watch, that was a real indication of how serious they were and if they were into running for the long term.
My progression as a runner has been the same. The longer I ran, the more running gear I acquired and enjoyed using. At first, I just showed up with my water bottle, but now I have and want to use more running stuff. Thus, the need for my running bucket. This is just a $3 dishpan bucket from Wal-mart. I keep my “things I need for a run” in this bucket. You can see my iPhone holder with my yurbuds tucked inside, my Nathan Triangle Water Belt, some Gus and Sports Beans, arm sleeves (in case it is colder here), ear covers, a Bondi band, etc.
It sits nicely on the shelf in my closet. And, when I go running, I pick up the whole bucket and put it on the front seat of my car. This proves especially helpful when I misjudge the temps as I did recently, and I ended up really needing the arm sleeves (purchased from the tween section at Michael’s. Be in awe of my coolness!).
Race Day Checklist
Race days require a little bit of extra planning. I love this list from Brooks. I think it’s a great tool.
What do you use to organize your running gear? I’d love to hear your solutions and share ideas with you!
Stay Connected With One Tough Mother Runner!
Click here to subscribe to my blog via email
Follow Me on Twitter: https://twitter.com/TufMotherRunner
Join My Facebook Page: http://www.Facebook.com/OneToughMotherRunner
Be Inspired with Me on Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/tufmotherrunner/
Follow Me on Instagram: http://web.stagram.com/n/onetoughmotherrunner/
Oh boy. I’ve been meaning to do this and I really need to at this point. Much like The Little Mermaid, I’ve got gadgets and gizmos a plenty… And my whozits and whatzits are gathering too.
For a time, I’ve used a little snack table to set my gym bag on, put my shoes under, and to set my other items on/near. It’s not working anymore though. I’ve considered a few little 3M wall hooks, but I have a feeling that that solution will run its course and I will be frustrated again.
I’m considering a “running closet” with all my clothes, shoes, gadgets, hats, etc. all together so that I can see what I have and grab what I need. When I get that solution together, I’ll blog it to share.
In the meantime, I’m thrilled that your simple solution works for you! I’m stressed out just thinking about mine… ><
Great Little Mermaid reference! Miss Sassy Pants is a huge fan. Consolidate, minimize where possible, keep it all in one place – those are the main solutions. It is probably harder when you live in a snowy climate – there is more gear that you need to consider. Can’t wait to see your solution!
I lay out my gear the night before I run – it helps so much to do that because early morning? I’m not all there. I also have a nice gym bag that I keep packed with extras (socks, body glide, motrin, blister bandages, hair ties, gloves, etc) and bring that in the car when we do our long runs.
For organization, I have some shallow bins on a long shelf in my closet – one for sports bras, one for socks, one for hats, one for cold-weather gear…and I hang my shirts. Capris/shorts are folded next to the bins. And water bottles are always on the kitchen counter – drives me crazy, but we use them so often that it didn’t make sense to put them away. I did buy a cute wire basket for them, so that helps.
Thanks for the shout out!
A cute wire basket always makes everything better in my book!
I have a bag I put my stuff in, but sometimes it all ends up on the floor (of my room, of my closest, of my car). So, I recently acquired a small organizer bag from Thirty-One that seems to be doing a better job of helping me keep things together. I like the pockets on the outside to put the small things that get lost in the black hole that is the main compartment of my bag.
I’ll never forget, though, the time I had everything together to go for a run immediately after church. I got all changed and then…….no shoes. No kidding. Now my shoes are the first thing in the bag.
Oh no – great story about how you forgot your shoes! I’m certain you’ll never forget them again! Thanks for sharing your thoughts!
WAIT …
you mean to tell me that shoving it all in the corner of my room isn’t an organizational system??
I really should get things in a ‘place’. I constantly suffer from forgot-my-armband-syndrome. That list is pretty nice, though!
Ha ha! Well, Alex, that is the method I’ve used for years! It’s really helped reduce my stress to have “everything with a place, and everything in it’s place”
I have a dresser drawer just with running clothes. All the extra stuff like the ipod, arm warmers, gum, face wipes ( for when I go straight from work) is all in a drawrstring bag ready to go.
Your bucket is a great idea! I would have to add a space blanket or rain shell to my list of necessities. I started carrying one in my fuel belt because it doesn’t take long to become a wet frosty runner here
Glad to find your blog via twitter today!
Thanks, Raina! So pleased to have you as a new follower! A space blanket is a great idea. Come back tomorrow – I have a great giveaway!
I like the bucket idea. I have all my running clothes tossed in my closet, my running stuff like earphones etc in my running drawer and when I head out to run I put everthing in my hat and then grab a water. Usually works because I mostly run right from my house, but on race days I usually forget something or drop something etc. I’ll have to pick up a bucket that I can just take in the car.
Hi Anne! I’m glad you like the bucket idea. Let me know how it works out for you!
Good Lord! you ARE organized. rub off on me pleeeeeeeaaaaase! I do have a set out ritual the night before, but you have an amazing idea or several that I can use!! THANK YOU!!!!
Tina – I have to be honest. I’m not really that organized overall. This solution evolved out for a few reasons: 1) it was stressing me out to keep track of all of my stuff, 2) my three kids were very interested in playing with mommy’s new toys, and 3) time spent looking for stuff was time I could have been running!
I LOVE the bucket idea — I need to do that. More for orgnaization. My life moves way to fast some days – mostly during the week. By the time I hit the weekend I feel like I’m playing catch up to the week haha! Thanks for that idea — can’t wait to try it
So glad you found it helpful, Melissa! Come back and let us know how it works out!