Cell phones have become a necessity in our everyday lives. They help us stay connected to family and friends, give us directions when we’re lost, and allow us to take photos and videos of our lives. However, cell phones can also be a distraction, mainly when focusing on something else, like running.
If you want to listen to podcasts or music while you run, or if you simply need to have your phone on you in case of an emergency, there are some things you can do to make sure you can use your phone without disrupting your workout.
In this post, we’ll show you how to run with your phone safely and securely. Stay connected while getting in shape with these tips.
Why You Should Have Your Phone While Running
You Can Share Your Location for Safety Reasons
When you go for a run, you must be aware of your surroundings and take steps to stay safe. One way to do this is by sharing your location with a friend or family member. One of the various ways to do this is to use a running app.
Running apps allow you to share your location in real-time, so your friends or family can see where you are. This can be a great safety precaution, especially if you’re running alone. Another benefit of sharing your location is that it can help someone come to your aid if you’re injured or have an emergency.
All in all, sharing your location while running is an intelligent way to stay safe and ensure that you can be located if needed.
Mobile Payment Options
It’s a shame when you’re out for a run and realize you left your cash at home. In the past, this would mean cutting the run short to return home and get the money. However, with mobile payments, you can leave cash at home and still pay for things. It’s convenient and can also help keep you safe while out on the run.
If you stop for water or a snack, you can simply whip out your phone and make a quick payment without carrying any cash or cards. Mobile payments are fast, easy, and secure, making them the perfect solution for runners who want to leave their money at home.
Listening to Music and Podcasts
Though some might say that running is a solitary activity, many runners enjoy listening to music or podcasts while they run. Studies have shown that listening to music can help runners maintain a steady pace and even increase their endurance.
And for those who prefer a more educational experience, podcasts offer a wealth of exciting and informative content that can help make the time fly by. Whether you’re looking to catch up on the latest news or learn something new, there’s a podcast that’s perfect for you.
To be safe, however, if you’re running on the street, don’t wear noise-canceling headphones or earbuds so you can stay aware of your surroundings and alert you when a vehicle is approaching.
Keeping Track of Run Time and Heart Rate
For runners, having a reliable way to track their heart rate and run time is essential. Fortunately, there are many different ways to do this, including using a phone. While some runners may be skeptical of using their phones to track their runs, several advantages exist.
By monitoring your heart rate, you can ensure that you are running at a safe and effective pace. And by keeping track of your run time, you can ensure that you are making the most of your time on the treadmill or track. In addition, many of these apps also allow you to set goals and challenge yourself to beat your personal best.
Tips on How to Run with Your Phone
Put Your Phone in Your Running Shorts Pocket
Training early in the morning necessitates that you have a smaller to-do list and less stuff to juggle in the morning. Even though it necessitates purchasing more running gear, many runners opt for this solution to reduce the amount of equipment they must carry while running.
Remember that the type of pocket you have is essential. Small, loose pockets make your phone more likely to fall out while running. You should also think about the location of the pocket. While having rear pockets on your running leggings can be convenient if you don’t need to take your phone out of your pocket while running, they can be inconvenient if you do need it at some point.
Phone pockets should not only be large enough to hold the phone but also feature a zipper closure on a looser large pocket to keep the phone close to the body (since less jostling means less danger of falling out). People who don’t like zipper closures because they worry about scratching their phone screens generally don’t need to worry about this.
Put Your Phone in a Running Belt
Think about getting a running waist belt with a phone pocket. An adjustable one-pocket belt made of somewhat stretchy cotton is all you need for a basic belt. Typically, only your phone is kept in one of them (and maybe a portable gel or a key).
This allows you to keep your hands free and gives you more options for running shorts for those who don’t have pockets. Additionally, your body obtains an even distribution of weight, ensuring that your form remains at a high level of quality and preventing you from suffering from running-related problems.
Some belts include multiple slots for storing small items you might need on your run. The belt is made of flexible cloth, with no zippers or closures, and the smooth surface helps minimize chafing. To stay hydrated, you can get a belt that includes water bottles.
Long-distance runners will appreciate this as a viable choice. Most folks will feel quite at home in this setting. However, remember that it may ride up from the hip to the waistline for some body types and then bounce around while running. A bad fit can lead to bouncing and chafing, which can be very uncomfortable.
Wearing a Sports Bra with Pockets
This can be a lifesaver when it’s hot outside, and you don’t want to carry any more weight. A sports bra with a pocket can help secure your phone while running, so you don’t have to worry about it bouncing around or falling out.
The pocket is usually located on the back of the bra, so it is out of the way and won’t interfere with your arms as you move.
Plus, most sports bras with pockets fit snugly, so your phone will stay in place if you are sweating. As a result, a sports bra with a pocket can be a great way to keep your phone safe while you’re out for a run.
And, because most sports bras are moisture-wicking, you don’t have to worry about your phone getting sweaty or damaged by the elements.
Using an Armband
Armbands for running phones have been around for a while now, and many choices exist. Depending on the model, a clear touchscreen window or a cloth pocket may be included.
Some include intelligent features like rotating mounts that allow you to see your phone while it’s attached to your arm, for example. The clear touchscreen armband is popular because it will enable you to access your phone without having to remove it from the pouch.
Some people may find armbands inconvenient, especially if the phone is large. It is necessary to tighten the band if your phone is huge and heavy, although this can be uncomfortable.
Carrying Your Phone in a Fanny Pack
Carrying your phone inside a fanny pack while running may seem silly, but it can be pretty beneficial. For one thing, it frees up your hands so that you can focus on your run. Additionally, it prevents your phone from bouncing around and getting damaged.
And perhaps most importantly, it gives you quick and easy access to your phone in an emergency. In short, there are plenty of good reasons to consider carrying your phone in a fanny pack next time you hit the pavement.
However, a few things to consider before strapping on your fanny pack and hitting the pavement. First, ensure the fanny pack is secure and won’t bounce around while you run. Second, consider how easily you can access your phone in an emergency.
Wearing Running Vests
Running vests are ideal for long-distance running since they allow you to carry more than just your phone and keys. Running vests let you take a water bottle and a slew of goodies.
Running vests and hydration packs can be combined if you need more storage space for fuel and other training necessities. Hydration and feeding needs are met, as well as a place to keep your phone.
These are excellent running gears, whether running an ultramarathon or trail running. Depending on the vest, it may be difficult to use your phone in the back, which can be a problem if you frequently need to alter your music or speed.
Using Already Owned Gear
Keeping your phone safe while jogging may be as simple as figuring out how to carry water with you while running. Usually, a phone will fit in a hydration vest, pack, or belt. This method does not necessitate excessive sweating of the palms or the risk of dropping the phone. There are water bottles with zippered pouches large enough to hold your phone and keys.
Options to Avoid
Holding it in Your Hand
It’s hard to focus on your running form and breathing if you’re also trying to fiddle with your phone. And if you’re holding your phone in your hand, you’re likely to tighten your grip, which can lead to tension in your shoulders and neck.
Additionally, carrying your phone makes you more likely to trip and fall. If you do fall, there’s a good chance that your phone will go flying, possibly causing damage to both the phone and yourself.
The more sweaty you are, the more likely your phone will fall to the ground from your grasp. Even if you don’t drop it, sweat can seep into the phone’s exposed parts and cause it to malfunction.
Because of the additional weight in that hand, holding a smartphone while jogging can create a minor misalignment in your running stride.
Putting in the Waistband of Your Shorts
Every runner has a horror story about dropping and shattering their phone mid-run. And while it’s tempting just to stuff your phone in your waistband and forget about it, there are a few good reasons why you shouldn’t do this.
First, having a hard object bounce around against your skin can be uncomfortable. And if you’re sweating, it can make the phone slip and slide, making it even more likely to fall out.
But perhaps the most important reason not to keep your phone in your waistband is that it can interfere with your natural running gait.
Having an object strapped to your waist can throw off your balance and cause you to run differently than you would without it, and given the high cost of today’s smartphones, that’s a risk you probably don’t want to take.
A Sports Bra Without Pocket
Whether going for a quick jog around the block or training for a marathon, it’s essential to be aware of the dangers of carrying your phone in a pocketless sports bra. While it may seem convenient to keep your phone within easy reach, several risks are associated with doing so.
For one, it increases the likelihood of your phone getting dropped or lost. If you’re sweating excessively, your phone could also slip out of your bra and become damaged.
Additionally, carrying your phone in your bra can interfere with your body’s natural heat regulation, leading to discomfort and injury. Invest in a sports bra with a secure pocket. Your body will thank you.
Final Thoughts
Although it is recommended that you leave your phone behind when you run, if you cannot do so, there are a few things you can do to ensure that you are safe and have a good running experience.
Make sure to keep your phone in a pocket or armband, use headphones instead of the speakerphone, and increase your screen’s brightness so you can see where you are going.
And most importantly, be aware of your surroundings and stay alert. With these tips, you should be able to enjoy a run with your phone safely.
