Running is one of the best ways to stay in shape, and it hasn’t really changed in a very long time.
Better running shoes, compression socks, and thermals are all nice and make running much more comfortable, but the actual act itself remains much the same as it always has and always will.
Probably one of the biggest changes to running has been what people bring along with them. As a society, we’ve only had access to modern smartphones for a relatively short time in our history, but they’ve had a huge impact on how people train and exercise.
The ability to track your route, listen to music and monitor your performance can all be achieved from anywhere and in a very lightweight and convenient package. But our phones, small and powerful as they are, can still get in the way and be quite awkward when running.
They are also more valuable and costly than ever to fix and replace, and with some smartphones costing over $1000 dollars, it’s probably a good idea to make sure your phone is secure while out on your next run.
I’m sure I’m not alone in saying that I’ve stuffed my precious phone into the waistband of my compression shorts or even my underwear to try and stop it from jumping out of a loose pocket or finding it hard to simply hold onto it for a whole run.
There has to be a better way, and we’re going to look at these other options below and discuss how to run with your phone.
Quick answers
If you’re here for a quick answer to your question, let’s get it right out of the way. There are a few ideal ways to run with your phone such as;
- Zipping it into your shorts
- Strapping it to your arm
- Placing it into a pouch in your sports bra or race vest
- Placing it into a secure bottle holder
- Using a running belt
Each of these options has its own merits and drawbacks, but they are all great ways of running with your phone, ensuring that your precious device isn’t in danger of smashing on the floor, getting wet, or getting damaged in any other kind of way.
Now we’re going to look at each of these different methods of running with your phone and look at some drawbacks and positives for each option.
In-depth
Shorts pocket
Placing your phone loosely into your shorts or tights pocket is one of the easiest and fastest ways to run with your phone. It’s a thoughtless option that doesn’t require any additional products, however, there are drawbacks.
The first is that it can be uncomfortable to have your phone in your pocket. This is because it’s going to be jumping around or rubbing against your leg as you run, and as pockets are usually located near the hip or thigh this can be very uncomfortable and distracting.
The phone will also often be moving around quite a lot using this method, making damage more likely, especially if there are other items in your pocket such as keys or loose change.
Race vest
A race vest is a choice that is preferred for many professional athletes and triathletes. Race vests are designed to be comfortable and very secure, with plenty of space and utility for your water, phones, and other personal items.
The drawback with race vests is that they can cause you to get hot and can be a little more restrictive than some other options.
However there is plenty of space to separate your items and keep things organized, and they are often very secure, massively reducing the chance of losing or damaging your belongings.
Running belt
Running belts are another very popular choice with triathletes and other sportspeople. These are a great option because they offer many of the same benefits as a race-best but are far less restrictive and won’t cause you to get as warm when wearing them.
They often have plenty of space for a water bottle and other personal items, protecting them from getting lost or damaged. As a belt, this choice won’t have a very noticeable effect on your comfort and cadence either so it’s a great middle-ground.
The only drawback is that running belts are a little less secure than vests and can move around a little bit more than a running vest due to being placed right above your hips, which will obviously be moving around a lot.
Bottle holder
This option is a little less popular but is a great way to kill two birds with one stone.
If you’re someone who lives to carry your water in your hand, a bottle holder not only makes this easier but also gives you a handy place to store your phone or keys without needing to strap equipment to your body.
The benefit of this system is that it is very freeing and flexible, but it isn’t as secure as a running belt or vest, meaning that if you do drop the holder, damage is far more likely to occur so it’s important to find a holder with a sturdy and secure handle.
Sports bra
While this option may not suit everyone, many sports bras now come with pockets well positioned to accommodate phones and devices. This is a great choice as they are located in a very static and stable position on the body, which means your phone is well protected.
Pockets can be located in various places to let you choose where it will be most convenient to store your phone, but a common choice is in the middle of the back.
The drawback is that these won’t work for everyone and it can be a little uncomfortable for particularly big phones.
Strapped to your arm – phone holders
Phone holders are one of the most popular choices, as they can be used by anyone and are very simple and convenient. They can be strapped to your arm and keep your phone well protected and well located making it easy to use your device while running.
They are also quite secure, but perhaps not as secure as vests or belts. They are more comfortable than these options however and are a great balance between comfort and protection.