How to Carry a Phone While Running a Marathon
For years, you would often find us running through New York’s Central Park, AirPods in our ears, and phone in hand. However, at the end of 2020, we decided to join and compete in the New York City Marathon.
And as we started to train more competitively for the marathon, we realized that carrying a phone with us as we ran would be, quite simply, unsustainable and unfeasible.
That’s why, below, we’re going to show you just how to carry a phone with you while running a marathon. These tips helped us greatly in our New York City Marathon run and made doing so both easy and convenient.
Importance of Carrying a Phone While Running a Marathon
In the 21st century, carrying a phone with you is a must. Whether to be able to reach out to your family and loved ones, order a quick bite to your house, or to simply sit and peruse the latest videos on TikTok and YouTube.
But, as a runner, being able to have your phone on hand while you run is even more important.
Firstly, from a fitness perspective, our phones are able to help us record our distances ran, elevation climbed, and total time spent on the track. Such vital pieces of information can help you to identify weak points and improve upon those shortcomings.
Similarly, coupled with a fitness watch, your smartphone can measure heart-rate, calories burnt, distance ran, and a slew of other vitals important to a runner’s overall abilities. With deep, intimate knowledge of you running speeds and distance covered, you are better able to visualize your performance.
However, carrying a phone with you, while useful from a fitness perspective, is necessary from a safety perspective. In the case of an emergency, your phone is the single best device to call for help and being able to share your exact location with trusted friends and family members makes it the single best tool for safety.
Best Ways to Carry a Phone While Running a Marathon
While we all generally understand the basics for why carrying a phone with us is important, doing so while running or competing in a marathon can be difficult. While smartphones are generally lightweight, carrying one in your sweaty hands can be uncomfortable and you risk dropping the phone on the ground.
Similarly, as so many of us runners utilize our hands and arms for forward movement during a run, carrying a phone in one of our hands can get in the way and become a disadvantage to our overall abilities.
If you are looking for a few different options and solutions to carrying your phone while running a marathon, then you’re in luck. Below, we’ll review some of the best options to do so and some of the options we’ve taken while running in countless marathons across the country.
Apple Watch Series 7 With Cellular Capabilities
Perhaps the single best way to run a marathon with your phone is to do so without the need to bring your phone with you. That’s where the Apple Watch Series 7 with cellular capabilities comes in. A fully functional Apple Watch, the cellular functionality can replace the need to carry your phone with you, no matter how far away you are from your phone.
The Apple Watch Series 7 is Apple’s most capable and advanced smartwatch. With innovative features such as apps and sensors that measure blood oxygen and ECG levels, you’ll have deep insights into your overall health and fitness levels all day.
However, for runners looking to run outside, the cellular functionality is really the top selling point for an Apple Watch. With cellular connectivity, which is generally an additional $10 per month on your phone bill, you’ll be able to send and receive calls and texts.
In addition, you’ll be able to stream music and podcasts while on the go and use Siri to get quick and timely information. But, most importantly for us runners, you’ll also be able to call for help with Apple’s Emergency SOS function on the watch.
Lastly, if you are running on an unknown trail or happen to lose directions, the built in maps function allows you to get directions back home or to another destination.
However, do note, that the Apple Watch is only compatible with an accompanying iPhone. So for our Android readers, we’d recommend getting a Samsung Galaxy Watch with similar cellular capabilities.
Running Belt
If you’re not a fan of the Apple Watch, or simply prefer to run without one, your next best bet would be opting for a running belt. As the name suggests, a running belt straps around your waist and is large enough to carry your phone, keys, pocket change, and any other loose items you may have.
A longtime option for plenty of runners, running belts are generally comfortable and don’t add to much additional weight. However, we’d recommend not placing too many items into the belt as to avoid any unnecessary weight.
We’ve used this running belt before and find it not only comfortable but also stylish. With a zipper enclosure, you can keep your phone and other items safe and secure, even during the more strenuous runs.
Running Arm Band
Another great option, and one we really like for longer runs, is opting to use a running arm band. Running arm bands, as the name suggests, are bands which strap to the upper portion of your arm, closer to your biceps and triceps, and allow for safe carrying of your phone.
Generally comfortable, the newer styles also feature a protective case over the phone, which protects the phone from water and sweat while still allowing you to check important calls and messages.
Personally, we use this running arm band as it contains an additional slot on the side to stash away our AirPods case. However, whichever arm band you do decide to opt for, be sure to confirm on the manufacturer’s website that it is compatible with your current phone model.
Stow Your Phone in Your Sports Bra
For individuals who wear a sports bra, an ingenious solution is this sports bra which contains a dedicated pocket on the backside to store your phone. Comfortable and with ample room for your phone, it remains safe and secure while also being easily accessible when needed.
A great solution, especially if you wear sports bras while running.