All My Favorite Running Gear to Use on Race Day.
This is the second season of Training Diaries, a Lifehacker series about my journey to the 2024 Philadelphia Marathon. This series will cover all the ups, downs and repeats of the hills leading up to the race on Sunday, November 24th. I’ll cover proper fueling, injuries and setbacks, treadmill tips, wardrobe malfunctions, the logic of long-term running and general running. think about what it takes to cross the finish line of a marathon.
When it comes to what I wear for running, I have a confession to make: I still wear my old school club shirts. And they work great for me. Plus, one of the benefits of running is all the “free” shirts and shorts you collect over the years. If you want to splurge on technical running shirts, be my guest. But if you really want to improve your running experience, there are much smarter ways to invest in gear.
If you’ve never run a marathon before, you’ll be surprised how much of an impact gear can have on your mood during the race. I consider myself a pretty easy-going person, but a hat that’s too tight, headphones that are too lost, or an itchy sock will turn even the coldest of us into whiny monsters by about mile 20. As someone who hates spending money and would honestly run naked if it were possible, here’s a list of running essentials I’ve accumulated over six marathons.
Sneakers
I would trade all my other shoes for a nice pair of sneakers. Lifehacker Senior Health Editor Beth Skwarecki recently published a guide to choosing the perfect pair of sneakers —be sure to check it out.
I’m as simple and lazy a marathon runner as I can be. My footwear matches this vibe: I choose neutral shoes with moderate cushioning; nothing too flashy. Asics Novablast , Saucony Endorphin , Nike Pegasus , Brooks Ghost are all good examples, with the Ghost being my safest choice. I personally replace my running shoes every 500 miles to prevent injury, but the full real-life history of running shoes can be found here .
Running belt
Two big names in running belts are the minimalist SPIbelt and the maximalist Flipbelt . The SPIbelt (“small personal item belt”) is ideal for the modest runner who only needs to hold a phone or keys. While I wouldn’t call myself a maximalist runner, I prefer Flipbelts for a much simpler reason: everything stays in place while I run. I stuff energy gels, keys, my phone, and even a few tissues into the Flipbelt, and it all fits snugly to my body while I run—without bouncing up and down as I run.
Anti-chafing sticks
If you know, you know. This Body Glide Anti-Chafing Stick works amazingly well for only $8.99. Just one palm-sized pole would last longer than a full training cycle of long runs.
Energy gels
I’ve previously written about what to eat before and during long runs, which plays a crucial role in your recovery – check out those tips here . My preference in gels is aptly named “Gu”. A pack of 24 Gu costs me about $38.49. Other runners prefer Gatorade gummies , Snickers bars, or even dates in a Ziploc bag. Again, you need to strategize and experiment with what works best for your body.
And if you’re wondering how my weekly gels are doing, check out my Gu Review stories on my Instagram .
Compression socks
Whether it’s a placebo or not, I swear by compression socks during long runs and recovery stretching. Even if their superpowers against muscle pain are exaggerated, at the moment they feel comfortable and good. I had a great experience with these $59.95 CEP Women’s Tall Socks . Strategically placed cushioning and arch support provide added comfort to my feet. And as you progress in marathon training, mastering the art of recovery will become just as important as achieving success in long runs.
Water bottle
Staying hydrated is no joke, but that’s how I used to view it. Until a few years ago, I reused various old, wrinkled plastic water bottles to “save money.” Investing in a water bottle designed for long runs has been a game-changer, and this Nathan Running Portable Water Bottle gets the job done for $24.99. Mine has lasted me several training cycles and has been washed in the dishwasher.
Adjustable straps provide security and stability. The ideal portable water bottle is the one you forget about, but this one makes you happy. I’m looking at larger hydration packs for my next training cycle (I’m looking at the CamelBak Vest for $32 ). But for now, I’m lucky to be running around town where I can fill up a small water bottle as I go.
Bottom line
These are the essential pieces of gear that I rely on whether I’m logging miles during the week or standing in line at the start line. Your equipment makes a big difference, but it doesn’t happen overnight: everything I’ve listed above is what I’ve come up with after years of trial and error. Think of your gear less as a “shopping trip,” but rather as an investment in your running career. And remember: follow the “ nothing new on race day ” rule so that the only surprise you get is how good it feels to be cheered by the crowd at the finish line.