This is why I run (and why my phone comes with me)

I didn't start running to get fit. I started because I needed thirty minutes a day where nobody could ask me for anything. Years later, it's still the best part of most days — and it's the reason this site exists.

Running is the simplest habit to keep

No booking, no kit room, no membership. Shoes on, door shut, go. That simplicity is exactly why I'm fussy about what I carry: anything that bounces, chafes or needs adjusting every kilometre chips away at the one thing running is supposed to be — easy to start.

Why the phone comes too

• Safety. If you roll an ankle three miles from home, a phone is the difference between a phone call and a long limp. Live location sharing means someone knows where you are.
• Tracking. Even with a watch, many of us record on the phone or need it to sync and stream.
• Music and podcasts. Long, easy runs go faster with something in your ears (keep one ear free on roads).
• Getting home. Contactless payment for a coffee, a bus or a taxi when the legs give up.

The problem is where to put it

Shorts pockets bounce. Hand-holding changes your arm swing. Armbands get heavy with a modern phone. I tried all of them before settling on a chest vest, which keeps the phone on the stillest part of my body. I've written up the full vest vs armband vs belt comparison if you want the detail.

Keep it simple

Find the run you'll actually repeat, carry only what you need, and make it comfortable enough that you forget about it. For me, that's a Freetrain V2 on short runs and a Hydro 2 when I'm out for longer.