If you're like me and enjoy running in new places, you need to make sure that you set yourself up for success prior to your workouts on the go. Here is my list of five items that every runner should keep in their vehicle in order to make their "destination run" a success one. These are great ideas for my running group participants to keep handy, as we run local parks and trails throughout the Madison area.

  1. An extra long-sleeve layer. If you're running in cooler weather or wet conditions, you're body is going to cool down quickly after you've logged your miles. Even if you are wearing several layers for your workout, make sure that you keep an extra dry layer in your vehicle. Immediately remove your damp clothing and replace it with your dry layer. Old race shirts or stained sweatshirts work great for this purpose.
  2. Handheld water bottle or waist pouch. Take your cell phone with you and don't leave it in your vehicle. Having your cell phone is great to have in an emergency situation, whether you get lost or is a great way to find your way back to your starting point if you've gotten a bit off track. Whether you gear with pockets or not, you're going to need somewhere to place both your car keys and your phone. Having a no-bounce waist pouch or handheld water bottle with a zippered pocket is going to keep your items secure, safe and out of the elements.
  3. Water. Park restrooms are often very seasonal, as are the drinking fountains. Make sure that you are staying hydrated, even if you aren't thirsty. If you don't enjoy running with a handheld water bottle, make sure that you have a cold bottle of water available to enjoy during your post-run stretching session. It's not only enough to have your favorite water bottle with you - make sure that you actually have some water! It's a great idea to keep a few extra disposable water bottles available in your vehicle to fill up in case you forgot to fill up. It's a great idea to have a bottle on hand for during your run and another one for after your run on the way home.
  4. Towels - two of them. If you're running your favorite routes during the warmer months, it's so helpful to have two towels available in your vehicle. I use one to wipe the sweat from my brow (and the salt out of my eyes) and the other to sit on after a really hot or humid run. They'll keep you safe from burning seats in a hot vehicle. And it will also keep your seats clean from your sweaty bottom.
  5. Sunscreen and bug spray. Trails change throughout the year as trees blossom, weeds grow, shade comes and goes and the pesky bugs do the same. It's helpful to keep a bottle of your favorite sunscreen and bug spray in your vehicle to spray yourself with both before your workout. Just because the parking lot doesn't seem sunny or the bugs don't seem bad, the conditions may be a bit different on the trail.