Buzz
This marks the second season of Training Diaries, a Mytour series documenting my preparation for the 2024 Philadelphia Marathon. This series will explore everything from triumphs to setbacks, including fueling, injuries, treadmill techniques, wardrobe issues, long runs, and my reflections on what it truly takes to finish a marathon.
When it comes to my running attire, I must admit: I still wear my old high school club shirts. They work just fine for me. Plus, a big advantage of racing is collecting all those 'free' shirts and shorts over time. If you feel like splurging on high-tech running shirts, go ahead. But if you really want to enhance your running experience, there are smarter ways to invest in gear.
If you're new to marathons, you'll quickly realize how much gear can influence your mindset during the race. I'm typically a laid-back person, but a too-tight cap, loose earbuds, or an uncomfortable sock can turn even the calmest runner into a grumpy mess by the 20-mile mark. As someone who despises spending money, and would prefer to run in the buff if I could, here are the essential running gear items I've learned to swear by through six marathons.
Running Footwear
I’d gladly swap all my other shoes for a solid pair of running sneakers. Mytour's senior health editor Beth Skwarecki recently put together a guide to selecting the ideal pair of running shoes—it’s definitely worth a read.
I’m a pretty laid-back marathoner, and that shows in my choice of shoes. I stick with neutral shoes that have moderate cushioning—nothing too flashy. Examples like Asics Novablast, Saucony Endorphin, Nike Pegasus, and Brooks Ghost all fit the bill, with the Ghost being my most trusted pick. I personally swap my running shoes out every 500 miles to avoid injury, but here's the full story on the true lifespan of running shoes here.
Running Belt
The two dominant brands in running belts are the minimalist SPIbelt and the more maximalist Flipbelt. The SPIbelt (“small personal item belt”) is ideal for the runner who only needs to carry their phone or keys. While I wouldn’t exactly call myself a maximalist, I prefer the Flipbelt for a very practical reason: It keeps everything secure while running. I stash my energy gels, keys, phone, and even tissues in my Flipbelt, and everything stays put without bouncing around during my run.
Anti-chafing sticks
If you know, you know. This Body Glide anti-chafing stick works like a charm for just $8.99. Just one palm-sized stick has lasted longer than a full training cycle of long runs.
Energy gels
I've written before about what to eat before and during your long runs, which plays a critical role in how you recover—check out those tips here. My preference in gels is aptly named "Gu." A 24-pack of Gu runs me about $38.49. Other runners swear by Gatorade chews, Snickers bars, or even some loose dates in a Ziploc bag. Again, you need to strategize and experiment with what works best for your body.
And if you're interested in how my weekly gels are hitting, check out my Gu Review stories on my Instagram.
Compression Socks
Whether or not they're just a placebo, I swear by compression socks during long runs and post-run stretching. Even if their muscle-recovery benefits are exaggerated, they provide comfort and feel great in the moment. I’ve had fantastic experiences with these CEP women's tall socks for $59.95, which offer strategic cushioning and arch support that make my feet feel extra pampered. As you progress in your marathon training, mastering the art of recovery will become just as important as hitting those long runs.
Water Bottle
Staying hydrated is serious business, but I used to treat it lightly. A few years ago, I was reusing old, crumpled plastic bottles to "save money." Switching to a dedicated running water bottle was a game changer, and this Nathan Running Handheld Water Bottle for $24.99 has worked wonders for me. It's been through multiple training cycles and dishwasher runs without any issues.
The adjustable straps keep the bottle secure and stable. The perfect handheld water bottle is one you forget you’re holding, and this one nails it. I’m eyeing larger hydration packs for my next training cycle (thinking of this CamelBak vest for $32). But for now, I’m fortunate enough to run in a city where I can refill a smaller bottle along the way.
The Final Word
These are the key pieces of gear that I trust, whether I’m racking up miles throughout the week or getting ready to hit the starting line. Your equipment plays a significant role, but it’s not something that happens instantly—everything I’ve shared here is the result of years of trial and error. Consider your gear not as 'shopping sprees,' but as strategic investments in your running career. And always remember: Stick to the '“nothing new on race day”' rule, so the only surprises you’ll face are how fantastic those cheers from the crowd feel as you cross the finish line.
