All About My Running Gear
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There are so many options for running gear it can get overwhelming fast. These are the best of the tried and true running gear that I have used to run over 100 miles every month.
Starting a new hobby like running is super fun and addicting, but as your runs get longer, you need more running gear.
But where do you even start? There are so many different kinds and brands for everything and it gets overwhelming fast.
As a long-distance runner myself of over ten years, I am going to tell you the best running gear that I swear by so you can be a successful and happy runner yourself!
This post is all about the best running gear essentials that every runner needs.
Running Gear
It sounds basic but it is the most important gear to have as a runner.
However, when it comes to shoes, not one size fits all (literally and metaphorically). We all have slightly different feet measurements and we all have varying arches to our foot and patterns in our foot strike when we run.
For example, I have very high arches in my feet and I have a somewhat hard strike, so for my feet, I need an extra thick cushion in my running shoes.
I recommend you go to a running shoe store so they can size your foot and your stride perfectly so you get the best running shoes for you.
If you are curious which shoes I have, I run in Brooks or New Balance runners.
Socks have less variation, it’s just personal preference. I like these from Road Runner.
As a long-distance runner, I need to carry a lot of gu’s with me. They don’t all fit in my water bottle pouch so I use this running belt to hold the rest of them (actually, all of them). It’s super comfy, compact to bring with me to races, and stretches big enough to hold all of my energy packs.
I even sometimes use it as a wallet when I don’t want to bring a purse but I want to be hands-free like at concerts.
Although in some areas and shorter running distances, it is possible to go without carrying a water bottle with you as long as you hydrate properly before and after and have reliable water fountains on your running route (side note be aware of water pipes of water fountains being shut off in the the winter time) but I prefer to always have water with me (plus I run long distances and sweat too much not to have a water bottle with me).
I have this water bottle and I love it because it fits nicely on my hand and has a spill-proof cap that only lets water out when you drink from it (no spill/leak cap). I have tried other ones that you have to open and shit and those are so annoying.
On race days and long run days I eat a toasted bagel with cream cheese as breakfast but that’s not enough fuel to get me through 15+ miles so I also eat gu’s while on the run.
My favorite flavors are mandarin orange, strawberry banana, strawberry kiwi, and cherry lime.
I either alternate between non-caffeinated ones and caffeinated ones or I wait to eat the caffeinated ones near the end for the extra boost. I also prefer to not eat the caffeinated ones on evening runs.
For the most part, I rely on plain drinking water before and during my runs.
If it is super hot and/or humid I will drink a sports drink right when I get home (I’ve found it helps with recovery on these days and prevents the headaches I get when I run in hot/humid weather/climates).
I also keep these hydration tablets in my water bottle pouch just in case I need the extra electrolytes.
I did a lot of research on the best running headphones and I found some that I really liked. Unfortunately, the headphones I used to run two marathons are no longer sold so I have started to use these similar ones.
I have small ears and these fit perfectly in my ears, are noise-canceling, and they have a strap over the ears and behind the head for added security.
It sounds ridiculous, but plastic bags (specifically the quart size) are an essential piece of my running gear.
I use them to protect my cell phone from sweat and rain on my runs. I’m sure there are fancy cell phone covers for this task but I like the simplicity of the plastic bags and how I can easily get a replacement when the one I’m using gets too grody.
I use Strava to track my runs which I love but sometimes it drains my battery too fast.
As an added precaution I carry this tiny portable charger with me just in case (hardly ever has to use it but its great piece of mind) it’s also help in everyday life to keep in my purse when I’m out and about. I also like it because the charging cord is a part of the charger.
I sweat like a lot and it’s specifically problematic dripping down my face and over my ears. Getting in my eyes and making it so my headphones are slippery and fall out.
To combat this I wear a sweat band on my wrist to wipe away sweat from my eyes and ears. I can’t remember exactly where I got the one I use (I think it was in a goody bag I got after a race years ago) but this is a similar set you can get on Amazon.
