No-Cost and Low-Cost Key-Storing Tips for Runners!

One of the most annoying and pesky parts of running, has nothing to do with running. It has to do with your keys. Where do you put your car or house key while you're running? Believe me I've had my fare share of locking myself out of the car at the park and having to call home to be picked up. And unfortunately, unless your car is a 20-year-old junker and you're trying to get it stolen, leaving the key on a tire or in the bumper isn't really a wise idea. It's the first place most thieves look.

Below are several ways (frugal freebies and ready-to-purchase products) to help you safely keep track of your keys while on the run.

1. String it! Secure your key to your running shorts by sliding one end of the draw cord (in waistband of your running shorts) through the hole in the key. Pull the key all they way down to your waist band, then tie a half-knot with the same string just above the key. Next, use both strings to tie a bow as if you were tying a kid's shoe. Double-knot the bow for extra security. The double-knotted bow and the half-knot on the one lace gives you three layers of security! 

2. Lace it! If you don't like the feel of the key at your waist, then try using basically the same method but on a shoelace. Remove one lace from the last hole, slide the key onto the lace, then thread the lace back through the last hole. Next, tie your shoe and double knot the bow.  If the key bobs up and down while running, try sliding the end of the key beneath one of the criss-crossed laces.

3. Pocket it! Most running shorts today have a little key pocket inside the waistband. This is great, however many times it's either too big or too small. Unless the pocket is zippered, don't rely on the pocket alone for securing the key. Reinforce the opening with a safety pin. 

 
4. Hair it! Ladies (or men), if you have long hair, you have the perfect place to store a key! Secure your key to a stretchy hair band by pulling one end of a head band through the key hole to make a small loop on the other end of the key hole. Then insert the other end of the stretchy band through the small loop and pull. Viola! The key is secured. Now use the band as you normally would to put your hair into a ponytail. Don't have long hair? No problem! After securing the key to the band, slip it onto your wrist and wear it like a bracelet, or just safety pin the band to your shirt or shorts. 

5. Buy it! Today there are several different products on the market aimed at helping you keep track of your keys! Check out some of my favorites below! These inexpensive options also make great holiday and/or birthday gifts for the runner in the family.

The Ultra Pocket Hat from Gone For A Run has two zippered pockets perfect for keys, gels, ID, money, etc. The pockets feature a velcro closure and holds contents securely and comfortably. Its aerodynamic construction, ventilated mesh side panels, reflective safety piping, moisture wicking material along with these patented outer pockets make this hat a top choice for athletes. 

The Shoe Pouch from RoadID is another a great option. The pouch is versatile, durable, and will keep its contents dry in its water resistant ripstop nylon pouch. It easily attaches to your shoe laces with a velcro strap. Also, if you already own a Sport ID from RoadID, you can easily attach it to the Shoe Pouch having it double as a form of ID as well as a storage place for keys and money. 

The Micropack Land Sport Pack from Amphipod is a great option for key storage while on the run. The patented lock-on design of this handy pocket/pouch clamps directly to waistband, securely attaching without confining or chafing. You can stash keys, cash, ID, credit cards, energy food or sunglasses while on the run without bouncing and jingling.

Great Gift Ideas for the Running Dad

Father's Day is just around the corner! If Dad is a runner, be sure to check out the running gift ideas below!

Knuckle Lights—For $39.99 you get two lights that provide 45 lumens per light, a wide beam, included batteries, free shipping, a 5-year warranty, and a money back guarantee. What more could you ask for? I've tested these lights and they work great. I was worried that them beams may move too much and bother me, but what I got instead was a wide steady beam. They fit securely over your knuckles in a way that you don't have to "hold" them. They just stay in place. They are also very light weight and you forget they are there once you begin your run. So, if day is running in the dark, keep him safe and get him a pair of Knuckle Lights.

Long May You Run—Is Dad a new to running? Long May You Run by Chris Cooper, is a lighthearted book that will motivate and inspire Dad with inspirational quotes, basic training tips, and info on great destination races. He'll also learn "how you can win a race even when finishing last." The book also provides some pretty uplifting stories about "real" runners who've overcome some monumental personal challenges through running.

The Complete Idiot's Guide to Barefoot Running—From the best-selling Idiot's Guide® series comes the newest release, The Complete Idiot's Guide to Barefoot Running by Thomas Hollowell and Dr. Craig Richards. This book is perfect for anyone contemplating taking up barefoot running. Starting from page one, you'll learn how to successfully transition to barefoot and minimalist shoe running as you perfect your running form and reduce injury from the ground up. Written by a renowned doctor along with a prominent barefoot running coach, it is filled with the latest scientific research and cutting-edge training methods. Like having a personal coach by your side, you'll discover how to gradually transition into barefoot running, develop efficient running form, engage your "natural springs" and core strength, perfect your landing, stride, and gait, run faster with less impact and more endurance, prevent injuries that plague most runners, use minimalist shoes like Vibram FiveFingers, navigate a variety of terrains with or without shoes, enhance your training & racing experiences, and fuel the barefoot way.

Warrior Training Bracelet—These bracelets are made to wear while running, cycling, working out, sweating, racing...or all day long. Each features a positive and powerful keyword or phrase to help you train, perform and live with greater strength of body and mind. Available in multiple sizes to fit both women and men.

Halo Headbands and Hats—Halo headbands and hats are one of my favorite products. If your dad sweats like I do, then he's probably often annoyed by the constant stream of salty water running into his eyes. Halo Headbands are technically designed to keep sweat and sunscreen out of your eyes and off your glasses while training, working out, racing, or just working hard. He can choose from headbands, caps, and visors!

Arnica Muscle Gel—Arnica Muscle gel is a great remedy for sore or overworked muscles joints. You can use this lightweight gel as a spot treatment wherever you have pain or swelling. The key ingredient, Arnica extract, is known for its natural wound-healing, anti-inflammatory and soothing skin properties, which are excellent for treating bruises and sprains. It also contains willow bark extract which is a natural source of Salicylic Acid and rich in tannins which helps to exfoliate skin and improve its appearance. The menthol in the gel works to instantly cool inflammation. A multi-mineral cocktail of zinc, copper, and magnesium supplies the necessary elements for healthy skin function. It has an immediate heating and cooling sensation that works to repair damage, helping you to recover so that you can hit the trails once again.

Roo Hydration Bottle—The ROO Hydration Bottle is the 1st choice for athletes. It’s foldable, reusable and so portable!  When filled with water it stands upright and it is easy to hold – perfect for runners!  When empty it rolls up and fits easily into pockets, belts or bags.  The ROO bottle holds 16oz of liquid and is safe (BPA –free), washable, reusable and even freezable. We also include a carabineer and a writable area for identification.  The reusable ROO is very earth friendly.

UTag Sports Bracelet—Make sure Dad has identification on the run. UTag Sport Bracelet is a micro DogTag worn on a nylon strap (included) and is designed to be universally recognizable by both first responders and emergency personnel, it is the first reference in case of emergency. Each UTag micro DogTag is constructed out of durable aluminum alloy and embedded with a mini USB chip. It is weatherproof and water resistant up to 1m. Each mico tag has a Windows compatible program for storing and updating your personal information. In addition, there is a secure “private folder” for storing scanned copies of personal important documents. With the click of a button, UTag switches to your choice of 7 different languages for emergencies abroad. The UTag Sport Bracelet and micro Digitial DogTag is extremely lightweight, weighing only 6 grams.

Feetures! Elite Socks—As soon as you try on a pair, you know Feetures! Elite is special. Thanks to the technically advanced Sock-Lock™ support system, your foot and sock become one. The most extraordinary thing happens: the sock fits so well, it’s almost as if it’s not there. The Power Arch  is anatomically constructed to provide targeted support where it’s needed most. Anatomical right and left foot design enhances fit, delivering maximum protection by helping to eliminate blisters. iWick® fibers wick moisture to keep feet dry and odor-free. The PerfectToe™ provides a non-irritating seam.   Ultra thin construction takes up minimal room inside the shoe. These are RunnerDude's favorite socks!

RumbleRoller—Physical therapists, trainers, and athletes use foam rollers to relieve muscular pain and tightness (often called "adhesions", "knots", or "trigger points"). But conventional foam rollers have smooth, hard surfaces that further compress soft tissue. Rolling on top of them improves blood flow and tissue flexibility, but the effect is limited and relatively superficial, unless you spend a lot of time rolling. The RumbleRoller was created to perform this therapy more effectively. It manipulates soft tissue like a massage therapist. The surface of the RumbleRoller contains specially designed bumps that are firm, but flexible, much like the thumbs of a massage therapist. As you roll over the top of the RumbleRoller, the bumps continuously knead the contours of your body, gently stretching soft tissue (muscle and fascia) in multiple directions. This action erodes trigger points, helps restore flexibility, and brings quick relief to common types of muscular pain.

HydroWorx —Does Dad have a pool? Turn his static pool into a highly functional physical therapy pool and exercise pool and make it the ultimate fitness experience by providing gait training, balance enhancements and confidence building. This portable underwater treadmill offers low impact cardio for enhanced rehabilitation and conditioning. The unique fold-up design takes up a small space in your pool. This underwater treadmill can be easily transported and requires no installation.

101 Inspirational Stories of Energy, Endurance, and Endorphins!

Still got a present to buy for that crazy runner in the family? Know someone just beginning to run? Know someone who has been running for years and already has all the latest gadgets and running gear? Then I've got a great gift idea for you!

I'm sure you're familiar with the bestselling books in the inspirational series Chicken Soup for the Soul. The series, founded by Jack Canfield and Mark Victor Hansen, has close to 100 titles in the series and one of the newest is Chicken Soup for the Soul: Runners. This book contains stories from over 90 contributors consisting of everyday runners, running experts like Matt Fitzgerald, and elite runners such as Josh Cox and Dean Karnazes. A good running friend of mine, Dena Harris, has two wonderful stories in the book too!

Dean Karnazes' introduction to the book really spoke to me. Although I'll never run like Dean, it was cool to know that he too left a secure 9 to 5 job with benefits to pursue his passion. The dozens of other stories in the book will have you crying, laughing, and truly inspired.

I dare you to open the book and read a story or two. If you do, I bet you end up buying two copies.