It’s counterintuitive, at least to me, that it’s easier to get ready for a swim at the pool than to leave out my door for a run or a ride. Going over to the pool seems like it should be a big hassle, but in reality all I need is my $10 stopwatch, goggles, and a towel. Yesterday when I went to run, besides my clothes, I needed to gather:

• Sunglasses
• Headphones
• iPod Nano
• Garmin Forerunner 305
• Heart rate monitor strap
• Garmin Vivofit
• Road ID
• Pepper spray

The weather is just starting to break, so all winter I also had to round up my watch cap and gloves in addition to the above. Going riding isn’t any better because aside from everything I just mentioned I need a bike helmet, and a bike.

But when I stop and think about it, I don’t really need any of that stuff just to go for a run. Or do I?

• Sunglasses-It’s easier to look cool when you’re wearing sunglasses, plus they block all of those deadly UV rays.
• Headphones-It’s nearly impossible to get the sound from your Nano into your ears while running without headphones.
• iPod Nano-The thoughts in my head are monotonous and boring, which leads to a boring run. The music or podcasts make each step a little more interesting.
• Garmin Forerunner 305-It tells me how far I went, how long it took, etc. This helps confirm how pitifully slow I am.
• Heart rate monitor strap-Wearing this is easier than running down the street with my fingers press to my carotid artery.
• Garmin Vivofit-OK, this may not be that necessary, but I wear it to monitor my daily activity and I hate the idea of leaving something out.
• Road ID-So my wife will know for sure it’s me when they find my bloated body in a ditch three days after I left for a short run.
• Pepper spray-I’ve been bit, by a dog. I hope to avoid that in the future.

Seriously, though, the data my Garmin Forerunner gives me is the most important (now if I’d just use it). Without the data how would I ever know if I were getting better. If I just wanted to go jogging with no real goals in mind, then sure, I could do without it.

Some may argue the Road ID is absolutely necessary. I don’t disagree just because of the “what if” factor. I wish that Garmin would incorporate some kind of Road ID-like badge into their devices. Doesn’t it make perfect sense? Are you listening Garmin? That’s a free one. Give us a way to attach a badge to our GPS device straps that gives the same info provided on a Road ID.

Dogs. I’ve been bit, by a dog. So pepper spray makes me feel a little better, though there’s nothing like speed work when you got a dog chasing you intent on taking some flesh.

Nano, iPod. You can’t wear headphones at triathlon races, so I should really train without them, but man, the sound of your steps and your breathing just gets so monotonous after a while.

So, if I had to pick two things to do without I guess I’d pick the sunglasses and the Vivofit. But I’m already carrying all that other stuff so might as well grab them as well.

If there is anything I didn’t mention that I should carry with me, please let me know.