When I started running two years ago, it was to help me lose the last 10 pounds of my baby weight. But like many mother runners out there, I found myself actually enjoying it – finding solace, peace, and a smaller butt along the way. While all you really need are a pair of running shoes, comfy sport socks, and really good bra, you’ll also find no shortage of awesome running apps and gadgets to help you in your journey.
So who better to ask for their favorite picks than two of my biggest inspirations: moms and runners extraordinaire, Sarah Bowen Shea and Dimity McDowell, authors of Run Like a Mother. -Kristen
1. iPod Nano – It’s sleek, it’s small, and it’ll pass the time. Make and listen to your running playlists in order to help get you pumped up and focused during intense effort, or help your mind wander to various places on more mellow runs.
2. Garmin – While not as essential as the iPod Nano, once you start logging miles with your Garmin watch on the Garmin Connect website, you’ll want to wear it all the time. Being able to see the download of my runs is cool and it’ll help you remember routes if you’re feeling stale and uninspired. Add in the new touchscreen on the Garmin 610, and you’ve got the ultimate runner’s gadget.
3. Heart rate monitor – After a recent fitness assessment at Equinox, the coaches turned Sarah on to New Leaf Fitness. Whether you’re coming off an injury like Sarah or you’re a busy mom who just wants to maximize your workouts, using a heart rate monitor can make you a more efficient, faster runner.
You can purchase these gadgets at our affiliate Amazon.com, as well as Sarah and Dimity’s book Run Like a Mother. And find her daily on the blog Another Mother Runner.
