If you ask five different runners the same question, you’ll likely get five different answers on how they keep their phones secure while running.
“I tuck it into my sports bra,” she says. I’m confident it won’t fall out!” “In my jeans, I use the zippered pocket, but it gets pretty sweaty.” “I just have it in my hand!” says the narrator.
There are purists who do not believe in using a phone while running. “I don’t need a phone when I’m running,” says the runner. I simply listen to what’s going on around me!”
What is the truth? While there is no single “right” way to run, there are correct and incorrect ways to store your phone during a training run or a race. We’re sure you’ve weighed your options and tried a variety of strategies, but we figured we’d go over a few of the most popular responses that runners use to answer this question.
The worst places to put your phone during a run
1. In Your Hand
Holding your phone in your hand while running is convenient for taking selfies, but it’s also a distraction — and your hand will cramp after a few miles (trust us!). You improve the chances of falling and destroying it if you slip or fall.
2. In the lining of your waistband.
We’ve all tried tucking it into the waistband of an old pair of sweatpants or running shorts, only to discover that it doesn’t stay put for too long. Your phone would finally wiggle its way out and land in your underwear (best case scenario) or on the carpet.
In your sports bra, of course.
We know, that a sports bra seems to be the ideal location for storing a tablet. It’s right there for easy access, and you can rest assured that it won’t pop out and crumble on the road as you speed through the miles. Breasts, on the other hand, are known to sweat profusely, and this will inevitably make your phone wet. What happens if it gets too wet? It has the potential to damage your phone.
In your bag.
Your running shorts’ pocket was not designed to keep your phone safely in place when you were running. Many shorts have small pockets that aren’t big enough to carry a cell. If you do manage to get your phone in there, it will begin to flop against your body as soon as you start running, which will not last long.
On your arm
Armbands are inconvenient for a variety of purposes. Despite their reputation as the go-to cell phone holder for walking, more and more runners and gym goers are opting for other options due to poor design and fit. Armbands bounce around and need to be adjusted often to stay in place.
They slip if they’re too open, and they constrict if they’re too close. In colder weather, it’s often difficult to wear an armband comfortably over clothes. They’re difficult to get to on the go, involving clumsy one-handed manoeuvring. And forget about it if you have a newer large-screen iPhone or Android, because you’ll have to buy a new holder every time you upgrade, and you may not even be able to find one that suits the most recent ones.
In your sock or Shoes
Shoes and socks may seem to be a good place to stow your phone, but they’ll trigger more issues throughout your run, and you’ll risk it flying out and crashing into the pavement with every step.
Runner with armband: The Best Ways to Stash Your Phone on a Run.
If you’re wondering, “Where do I keep my phone while running?” we know that many popular choices, such as in your bra, waistband, or hand, aren’t ideal. So, where do you think it’s safe?
A waist belt pack designed specifically for storage that securely holds the handset.
The FlipBelt ($28.99) was created to be a low-profile and secure way to store your phone, a small water bottle, keys, credit cards, cash, identification card, and small medical devices without adding bounce or bulk. It won’t rub your body or trigger chafing when you’re running because of the sleek, tubular style.
A roomy, safe pocket that stays close to your body.
The FlipBelt Women’s Athletic Crop Leggings ($89) have a front pocket that works just like the FlipBelt, allowing you to safely store your phone when out for a run, as well as a smaller pocket in front for your keys. A zippered pocket in the back of the Crops secures any cash or cards you need to carry with you.