Don't Sweat The Small Stuff

Happy Friday!  We all know having our running gear organized saves precious time.  For me, it's about the small items.  I don't have to look very hard to find shoes - there are several pairs sitting around.   And, it's easy to find running clothes.  My problem arises from all that little stuff I've amassed.  Here's what I do so I DON'T SWEAT THE SMALL STUFF.
 

Headbands

As a wearer of headbands in all weather, I have tons of them.  Underneath, I also wear the narrow, tight bands that control flyaway hairs.  I keep both kinds together in a bin that slides easily into a drawer or onto a shelf.  It is so frustrating to search for these items when they are mixed in with everything else.  {I need my solid black headband!}

Hair Accessories

I keep all my ponytail holders together in one place.  These days, I'm wearing a double pony tail so I always need two.  I can easily select the colors I need (yes, they need to match!).  I keep a supply of my favorite barrettes in the same location for when I've just had a haircut and need that extra help.  {Oh no, she cut my hair too short!}

ONE OF MY STORAGE BINS

Arm Sleeves, Calf Sleeves and Gloves

I have a larger bin (yet short enough to slide into a drawer) for arm sleeves, calf sleeves and gloves.  These are paired items so it's important to always keep them together.  How frustrating it is to only find one of a pair!  {Now I've got to rethink my race outfit because I can't find the other pink sleeve!}

Socks

This is another paired item you always want to keep together!  I have a drawer dedicated to socks, but I will absolutely not put them in the drawer without their mate.  I've never lost a sock!  Match them together before you store them and you won't be searching when you are in a rush to get out the door.  {I can't find but one of my good rainy day socks!}

The Necessities

I keep my Garmin, Shuffle, Yurbuds, GU, Salt Stick Caps, and chargers in the same place at all times in my kitchen nook.  On a normal training run, everything I might need is right there ready to go.  My handbag lives there too, so if I'm headed out to a race I can't miss these items.  If it's a local race, I go ahead and put it all on me before I leave so I won't stress out at the race.  {Where did I put that Shuffle?}

Please tell me your tips for small running items! 



I'm linking up with the awesome ladies from the DC Trifecta: 

Courtney from Eat Pray Run DC,

Cynthia from You Signed Up For What?!

Mar from Mar on the Run!.

 Please visit or, even better, join in on the Friday Five.