It’s a FUN THEME for the Friday Five today. Yes, I’m having an all-caps-bolded-amount-of-fun with this theme:
“What’s In My Gym Bag?”
I’m linking up with my DC Trifecta buds Courtney at Eat Pray Run, DC and Mar at Mar on the Run – visit the big linkup at the bottom of the post to discover other blogs.
But wait – there’s more!
In this edition, you get a special treat: a picture of the three of us with my daughter in front of the US Capitol on Memorial Day weekend!
We watched the National Symphony Orchestra‘s televised Memorial Day concert on Sunday evening downtown on the lawn of the Capitol and it was such a gorgeous night.
Okay, enough of that. Back to the Friday Five. Because I know you have all been holding your breath to see what’s in my gym bag.
Uh-huh, admit it.
Here’s the thing, though – I don’t have a gym bag right now. I’m living out of 3-4 bags that I move in and out of, depending on the activity and where I’m going – and it’s not working out for working out. I feel like I have some sort of bag problem – this is just what I’ve used in the past week or two – what do you think?
(I’m going to let you in on a little secret: I’ll have a review of a new gym bag in a couple of weeks with a giveaway, so stay tuned. Yipee!)
So here’s what we’ll do for today’s theme: What’s in my bike commuting backpack that I use for workouts on the go?
Yeah, not so catchy.
1. Headphones.
When I forget my headphones at the gym, I want to cry my way through the run on the treadmill. B-O-R-E-D.
I’m still loving the SnuggBuds headphones I reviewed earlier this month (***). And while I’m on the topic of music, did you have any more additions to the Ultimate Workout Playlist? I’ve been having fun getting to know the rockin new tunes!
2. Shower shoes.
Yep, I’m grossed out by the shower floors, who isn’t? If I want to shower at the gym, I need something on my footsies. Also handy for changing out of your running or cycling shoes when your feet are tired.
3. An assortment of accessories.
Don’t laugh. I keep random “options” in my bag because I take it back and forth to work, the gym, home, wherever. I don’t know where my workout will take me. Maybe it’s a jog over to Barre3 from my office. Maybe it’s a quick trip to the gym after work. Maybe it’s a midday run through Georgetown. Maybe it’s a late-night swim.
Pictured: Nathan reflective vest in pink (yes, pink!), Fuelbelt race number belt, Spibelt in pink (of course), Flipbelt, Ultimate Direction Meow belt, Ultimate Direction Handy water bottle holder.
A girl’s gotta be prepared.
4. Socks.
Remember that one time when I forgot my socks and went for a sockless run from my office?
Yeah, I didn’t like that. So now I keep an extra pair stashed in the bag. And now I am so good and remember to pack my socks, so I end up with two pairs of socks. Compulsive, maybe? Maybe.
But I need my Balegas, baby.
5. Hats and Visors.
No, this doesn’t apply just for gym-going, but like I said, I schlep a bag to/from work and keep it in the trunk of my car so that I have the option of sneaking in a workout if the opportunity presents itself. It’s one strategy to fitting it all into my crazy busy life. So I always have a hat or visor on me.
Of course as a Headsweats Ambassador, I obviously have a love of Headsweats hats and visors and I have an ever-growing selection (yes, I’m about to order another – a Half Fanatic visor!). And the obligatory reminder that you can use YOUSIGNEDUP25 for 25% off Headsweats.
And now I’m off to pack for the ZOOMA Annapolis half marathon! It’s handy that I wrote Racecation Packing Tips last month so I have a reminder for myself…
What’s the one item you can’t live without in your workout bag?
*** (Reminder: the discount code for my readers is still good through 6/25 at the SnuggBuds website: “SnuggMeUp” will give you 20% off all products)
Link up your Friday Five post below. Make sure you are linking to a specific post from today with Five Things, and not just the general link to your blog. Also – reference the linkup and provide your readers a link back to mine, Courtney, or Mar’s blog so that your readers can check out the other blogs in the linkup.











ooh shower shoes! Forgot about those bc I normally don’t shower at the gym but definitely as essential if you do. My power shower wipes are my shower until I get home. See you in Annapolis!
Deborah Brooks @ Confessions of a Mother Runner recently posted…5 Essentials in My Gym Bag
The most important thing in my gym bag is shoes and a great attitude!
Pam recently posted…Friday Five: Things in my gym bag
Always have my shower shoes. They’re actually the pink flipflops from the PHM 2013 race retreat! My work gym is free (yay) but kind of funky (boo). So I don’t let my bare feet touch the floor! And running without socks is not fun, good call!!
April @ RunTheGreatWideSomewhere recently posted…SparkleSkirts FAQ: Styles
It’s just multiple bags with multiple purposes. Specialization.
John @ run. geek. run(disney) recently posted…Five Things in my Gymbag – Friday Five
I love the photo of you guys on front of the Capitol, so cute! I have the same problem with to having a dedicated gym bag so I rush around every or ING trying to make sure I have everything I need. Not so efficient.
Chaitali recently posted…Running on vacation
A big YES to shower shoes!! If I know that I will be using the shower there, I take an old pair of flip flops. I looks clean in there, but I really don’t like to think about what might actually be all over that floor!
I love that pic of you guys in front of the Capitol! You are all so pretty!
Aw, aren’t you the best! Thanks 🙂
Mar @ Mar on the Run! recently posted…Friday Five: What’s In My Gym Bag?!
I always always always have my shower shoes, ha ha. I love the headsweats stuff although lately I haven’t been wearing any sort of hat when I run. Just a headband to hold the fro back.
Phaedra @ Blisters and Black Toenails recently posted…Living Out of a Bag: What’s in YOUR Gym Bag?
You DO have a lot of bags!! LOL! I usually just pack mine right before I go. I need to get better at keeping one packed all of the time.
Jolene recently posted…Friday Five – My Treadmill Affection
Good luck on your race this weekend. I have mixed feelings on the snug buds. I really like how the are soundproof but I have had the worse luck with them. The cord seems to always kink up and it begins to be fuzzy. They have been very nice about replacing them but why does ever time I get a pair it happens to me. Ever have that problem? -L
[email protected] recently posted…Fit Runner in Flight
Wow! You have a lot of stuff, but always great to have options! One of my must-packs is a towel, since my gym doesn’t supply them.
Nicole @ Fitful Focus recently posted…Five Things In My Gym Bag
Great list! I also need my headphones for a workout. There’s plenty I feel I can’t live without, but chapstick is a must! Have a great race!
Heather Runs Thirteen Point One recently posted…friday five: five things in my gym bag
Your bag collection looks like my situation. I have my race day bag, my gym bag, and then I have my overnight bag for when I travel for races. It gets confusing sometimes, but there is a method to our madness. =) Have a great weekend!
Haley @ Running with Diapers recently posted…Friday Five: What’s in my gym bag?
Do people actually shower at the gym WITHOUT shower shoes?! I think I’d rather go home stinky. Or I would be on my tippy toes the whole time, as if that helps, lol!
Michele @ A Pace of Balance recently posted…My Gym Bag is All Mine!
I also use multiple bags, its just a matter of seperating functionality and where I am going when I need something in particular. Its the bane of being a multi-sport athlete. I cannot live without my gym locks or my headphones. Feel lost without either of these. Fun post.
Chatter recently posted…Its Progress…
fully with you on the socks ! Always have several pair, just in case…
I think I have everything in my gym bag. I carry it to the gym, to races and it goes in my car when I’m meeting up for a run. I don’t have to worry about forgetting anything, it’s always in the bag.
Sarah @ How My World Runs recently posted…Throwback Thursday: half marathon tips for beginners
It’s nice that you are ready for anything! Makes it harder to make excuses when all your stuff is there and ready 🙂 And I’m not a fan of running without socks either! Have a great time at ZOOMA tomorrow!
Lindsey recently posted…Friday 5: What’s in my Gym Bag
I rarely work out away from my home so even thought I have a totally awesome bag I rarely use it. Perhaps I should find more places to use it. A pair of socks is always necessary to have. It’s weird where you could be and need a pair that doesn’t even have to do with working out.
Carla recently posted…Five Tips for Mastering Instagram
Ponytail holders!! I can never have enough of them!!
Teresa @ http://www.fitinwoodbine.com recently posted…Running/Biking WEEKEND
Hahaha I love #4! I’ve done that before (in those same exact shoes!) and was surprised that it wasn’t as bad as I thought it would be. But yeah, never want to do that again. I always have 2 pairs of socks in there now!
Kristen recently posted…Friday Five: The Five Things In My Gym Bag!
I cry when I forget my headphones too. It’s just not as entertaining! Thanks for hosting!
Oooh shower shoes are a must! Locker room floors (pool and gym) can really gross me out!
Jennifer recently posted…Friday Five – Things in My Gym Bag
Like you I don’t have a gym bag. I always run by myself. Or I use the cross trainer I bought at a local thrift shop.
Momshomerun recently posted…Dilemma: to run or not to run
i never shower at my work gym w/out shoes. YUCK! 🙂
Courtney @ Eat Pray Run DC recently posted…Friday Five: Five Things in my Gym Bag