Marathon Training Gear

Hi everyone!  I always love to hear what people use as gear during training, so today I thought I would share some of my favorites.  Some of these products I've used for years, while others are new to my running collection or specifically used for marathon training.  I hope you enjoy this sneak peak into some of my favorites and I would love to know yours as well!  Be sure to let me know in the comments :)


Clothes


Athleta Fastest Track Top (see original review here)
Even though this is a recent purchase, it has quickly moved up the ranks as my favorite shirt to wear running!  It's so comfortable and is appropriate for a wide range of temperatures.  I also love how it looks, which is just as important as comfort, right?
 
Saucony Bullet Capri (my version here)
I think these capris are really comfortable and flattering, but I also love how funcitonal they are.  There are large pockets on both sides that can hold my cell phone or gels perfectly.  During races I like to wear these for the reason alone!  I also love the reflective "shark tooth" design around the pockets and by the zipper pocket in the back, which unfortunately is not on the new version.  I linked my version above, which can be found on Amazon.  The newer capris are available in more colors and are a more simple design.



Nike Pro Core Tank Top
On the other end of the spectrum, this is my favorite tank top.  It fits really well and I love how it's cut a little lower in the back so that I can show off the fancy back of my sports bra (below).  This top is also really comfortable and I like the simple design.

Lululemon Run Times Short 
I love the speed shorts from Lulu, but these are just a bit longer and a bit more comfortable.  These have a wide waistband with a drawstring and inner pocket, which is big enough to fit my keys or a gel comfortably.  I love the material on these as well because they keep me nice and cool and dry really quickly!
 
Lululemon Energy Bra
This sports bra is so comfortable and I love the strap design on it.  Lulu constantly comes out with new colors and patterns, so the possibilities with this one is really endless!  I think this is a great sports bra for running, but I also use it for yoga or lifting weights.


Fueling


Nathan Handheld Water Bottle
I like the small size of this water bottle, and it also has a large zipper pocket to store keys, fuel, or salt tabs.  (I could not for the life of me find my water bottle when I took these pictures, which is why it's not pictured above!)

Running Belt
I don't wear running belts very often, but when I do it's always this one.  The design is really and is made of a stretchy material so you can really pack it!  I doesn't bounce around at all when I run which is really important to me.  The size that I have isn't very large so it doesn't hold a ton, but I don't really take much on my runs!
 
Honey Stinger Gel
I've talked about my favorite fuel so many times, but it's the best!  This honey gel is delicious and doesn't bother my stomach at all.  This is actually the official fuel at the Pittsburgh Marathon for the next year which is great for people with sensitive stomachs like me!
 
Cellucor Alpha Amino Acid 
Once again, I talk about this a lot, but it's worth another mention.  I mix this with water after every hard workout and it completely eliminates soreness the next day.  Paired with my foam rolling and stretching routine, I've been recovering like a champ lately!


Shoes


New Balance Fresh Foam Borocay (see original review here)
I've had these shoes for a few months now, but I only wear them for short distances and speed workouts.  They're really light weight and comfortable!

Brooks Pure Flow 4 (see original review here)
These are my all-time favorite running shoe.  I've used them for every distance and workout possible and they work really well.  These are also the shoes that I wore for my half marathons last year, and I just repurchased a pair for my marathon.  I've tried the three most recent types of the Pure Flows (3, 4 and 5) and the 4 is by far my favorite.  I'm thinking about stockpiling these in case they stop selling them!

Brooks Pure Flow 5
This was a recent purchase because my local store stopped selling the 4's, but I'm not a huge fan of these.  They fit a lot more narrow than the 4 and aren't as comfortable for longer runs.  I do like them for mid distance runs (less than 7 miles) but anything longer I switch over to my 4's.  I definitely wouldn't repurchase these in the future, but they work fine for now.


Safety


Hand-held Mace
Luckily I've never had to use my mace on runs but it still gives me peace of mind when I'm running.  I usually only take this when I run on trails or if I'm running while it's dark out (either in the morning or at night).  It's a good idea to have mace to protect yourself against people or an attacking animal!  This is something I don't like to think about and hope nothing every happens, but I like having it just in case.

Mini Whistle
This is another safety tool that I have and hope to never use.  My mom actually gave me this tiny whistle and I put it on my keys to use just in case of emergency.  I can promise you this is a VERY loud whistle, and it doesn't take up much room at all on my keychain.

Head Lamp
This is actually Dan's head lamp from his old caving days, but it works great for running.  When I run early in the morning, it's really hard to see sidewalks clearly and I've tripped quite a few times.  Having a head lamp is absolutely essential and this one is actually pretty comfortable! 

Reflective Vest
To go along with the head lamp, I also wear a reflective vest in the morning.  I picked one up years ago at a Nike Outlet, but any old vest would work.  You can also DIY one for yourself using reflective tape!  


What are your running necessities?
Do you worry about safety during runs?
What shoe are you wearing now?


linking up with Tuesdays on the Run  
Wild Workout Wednesday and Jill
Post contains affiliate links.  Thank you for your support!

Comments

  1. I know everyone is all in love with the Lulu shorts, but they are SO short, and I've seen too many people running with underwear showing. I like the Nike shorts that I started wearing during coaching last year--wide band, full coverage.

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    1. They have different lengths of shorts! I think the ones you're talking about are the Speed Shorts. These ones are an inch or so longer and much more comfortable.

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  2. You got all the goods for training! I've never tried amino acid supplements but I'll probably be on the research today. I just love running clothes so much I'm always adding and trying new things!

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    1. I would be interested to hear what you think about them after doing some research!

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  3. I love those Lulu shorts! I actually really love Old Navy's running shorts.

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    1. I've never tried their shorts..I'll have to check them out :)

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  4. I think my #1 necessity is my running belt... I've had it for such a long time, that I wouldn't know how to run without it!

    You got lots of great stuff here! I love the black and pink Brooks! and that blue nike top looks so perfect!

    Right now I'm loving my Nike Free, they are reflective and super light! I've considered purchasing three pairs, just in case the change the model.

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    1. I don't know why I can't get into wearing running belts! I guess I just like having as little as possible when I'm out for a run.

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  5. I am a Pure Connect 4 addict. I actually have purchased extra pairs since they are discontinuing them. I also love Oiselle leggings they are amazing! Fit is perfect! For long runs though I couldn't live without my Orange Mud HydraQuiver. It is by far the best hydration accessory I could ever imagine! Room for everything and anything, plus feels non existent once you have it fitted correctly.

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  6. I love those Nike tank tops! I have a few of them and always tempted to get more... haha. I also love the Pure Flow 4s! I just got a pair of the Launch 2s to try because I've been interested on those too. I love any and all running gear haha.

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  7. I have and love the same water bottle. All of my previous attempts at hand held water bottles ended up spilling or would slip out of the hand grip - super annoying. This one is wonderful!

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    1. This was the first one I've ever tried and I love it :)

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  8. Glad to hear from someone who uses the Cellucor Aminos. I've been on the fence for a while, but skeptical because everyone 'promoting' them was always being paid to do so. Or sponsored by them.

    I've been running in the Brooks Ravenna since they came out, I think they're on the 6's now? And they changed up the design& now they're the worst. I stockpiled the 5's just in case & I'm so glad I did...but I'm going to need to start finding a new shoe soon. I'm dreading the thought. Which sounds ridiculous.

    Honestly, for anything over about 4 miles I run in compression shorts // spandex. It keeps my thighs from rubbing all up on each other.

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    1. I wish they would sponsor me so I don't have to pay for it ;) I really do love it though and have never been contacted by the company swear!

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  9. I need to write a post on this one day, but I used to have a phobia of dogs (I had a couple of bad experiences with farm dogs) so I'd carry around a hand held pepper spray. But I noticed that my anxiety would be through the roof no matter what on all my runs because just carrying the pepper spray in my hands would be a constant reminder. I ended up dealing with my phobia (with therapy! and flooding, where I volunteered at a local shelter) and I trashed the pepper spray and haven't looked back. I'd rather take my chances of getting mauled to death on a run just so I can enjoy all the rest of my runs without being constantly reminded of the EXTREMELY low risk.

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    1. Wow that's great that you were able to figure out what was wrong and take action like that Suzy. I guess for me it's more of a comfort thing but it's the opposite for you. Makes sense for you to lose it!

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  10. right now I am suddenly loving both my energy boosts and new pair of saucony rides. it's weird for me to like shoes on an equal level!

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    1. I wish I could find another shoe I love as much as the Pure Flows. Still looking!

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  11. HAHAH i love how it went from 'super cute tank tops!' 'awesome lightweight watch' to 'MACE'
    In all serious-ness it's great that you bring it out with you. You really never know who is out there and better to feel comfortable and safe while you're running

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  12. It's interesting you say that about the Pureflow 5s. I know a lot of people who tried them on thought they ran a little bit too wide. Crazy but everyone's foot is different clearly. I love the saucony bullet tights and shorts. One of my favorites!

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    1. Hm that's strange! Even at the running store they said they ran narrow and I had to size up a whole size. I love all saucony clothes :)

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  13. I have tried the Brooks pure flow but felt that they were too narrow and left me w blisters. I have switched to the Brooks Launch and I love them.

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    1. The launch did not work for me at all! Thank goodness there's so many shoes out there so everyone can find their favorite.

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  14. It's really interesting that you wear completely different shoe brands. I have only ever worn Asics--the exact same model--because they work for me. But I've been reading about having a rotation of shoes is better and was thinking of looking into another model of Asics. It never even crossed my mind to try another brand! Good to know that it's working for you.

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    1. I would definitely recommend checking out different brands! Some dont work for me at all but it's nice to have a variety.

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  15. I love love love the Saucony bullet capris and shorts! Although I'm bummed they took out the back pocket, I loved that feature. Maybe it's an excuse to buy another pair :)
    I used to run in the Brooks Pure Flow 3 and Pure Connect 4, but they discontinued the Pre Connect and the Pureflow 5 felt awful when I tried them on. So I switched to Saucony Kinvara and so far so good!

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    1. I love that feature as well! Most of my bottoms have some sort of pocket for my keys. That's a deal breaker for me!

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  16. i really want to get myself some mace or a whistle or something where i just feel a teensy bit safer running in the dark. i can only run in the morning during the week and i am such a scardey cat that i can't do it while it's super dark. i'll be checking those capris out!

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    1. It's great to have even though I hope to never use it! They're really inexpensive too.

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  17. I run with that same pepper spray! Never run alone without it. I still need to get a whistle, though. I have one for hiking but it's bulky so I never bring it. And my Nathan pack has one but I haven't had to use my pack since last winter.

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    1. This one is so tiny! I use it when I'm walking my dog too if I need to get her attention. It's great!

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  18. I love the runtimes shorts. I have the speed shorts too but I prefer the longer length too.

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  19. I have the bullet tights and shorts...guess I need to complete my set with the capris!

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  20. Hi, found you on the linky party :) Awesome selection of workout gear. Would you recommend the shoes for working out on hard tiles as well? My ankles got sprained due to plyos on the hard tiles. Also, I definitely recommend using BCAAs as well. Has been a life changer for me. I strength train 6x/week too and was not able to lift a toe without my BCAAs :)

    Wish you a great weekend!
    xoxo
    Deniza

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  21. Love love love that Nike reflective vest! Thanks so much for linking up and sharing! :)

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  22. I love those Lululemon shorts! Honey Stinger gels are my favorite long run fuel, too :)
    Amy @ http://www.livinglifetruth.com/

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