Although I have been going on daily runs since I was 18 (I’m 28 now!!), I have learned a lot along the way and have gradually changed up the running gear that I use. Ever since upping my training and finishing some long races, I feel like I have really found some items that I love and recommend. I’m sure I will find more along the way, but when it comes to longer runs, I have my go-to products from head to toe to suggest for those who may not know where to start or for those who might be looking to try something new. I have included links within the texts, and pictures of the exact products that I own. Not everything is still in stock, but it will be a good starting point.
HAIR
I put my hair in a ponytail for every run, but I have seen other girls do super creative and cute styles, which I am here for. However, since I keep it simple, I don’t have much to report when it comes to hair suggestions, other than I do own the Reflective Scrunchies by Lululemon, which are pretty cool because they have little reflection strips to help you be seen when it’s a little darker outside.
For my marathon (read more about that Here), I used a Fit Hair Band by Gimme, and I tied a little white bow in my ponytail, which I thought turned out so cute!
SPORTS BRAS
Okay: now for the good stuff. There are some really nice, high-quality clothing items that I have tried, so I have a lot of suggestions when it comes to what to wear.
For girls who need a little extra support like me, I have your back specifically, because I have tried many different options and have landed on my two favorites when it comes to sports bras. This High Impact Sports Bra from Amazon gives me the most support that I have ever experienced, and it’s cute! It’s a no-brainer. The one caviat with this top is that the straps are adjustable with velcro that isn’t very strong, so I just sewed the straps down so they wouldn’t come undone. But I’m telling you – it’s a great product.
The other bra I highly recommend is the Envital Bra by Lululemon. I got the Lilac Smoke color, which is gorgeous on. This bra is amazing because although it belongs in the “Medium Support” category, this bra hugs me perfectly and I can run with no problem. I got one size smaller that I usually order, which I think helps keep everything in place. The reason I love this bra so much is because it has a cute V-Neck like all of their yoga bra options, but it has all the support in the world which makes it perfect for running. It’s quite impressive and I recommend.
RUNNING SHORTS
When it comes to shorts, I have some favorites, and I think I am in good company when it comes to the running community. Here are some of the items that I personally own, and they are so comfortable and CUTE.
Nike Aeroswift Running Shorts in color “Pinksycle”
Lululemon Hotty Hot Low-Rise 2.5″ in color “Bone”
Under Armour Women’s Play Up 3.0 Shorts in color “Pale Moonlight”
Adidas Pacer 3-Stripes Aeroready Woven Shorts in color “Pink Fusion”
SOCKS
As far as socks go, I have yet to find a pair that I think is far better than another. I just make sure that they are at least half-crew so I never have to worry about my socks falling down off of my heel! I personally prefer cotton over other more “athletic” fabric socks like fully Nylon, but that’s just my preference.
SHOES
The most important consideration when shopping for shoes is what feels best on your feet. Any brand is going to work just as well as the next. It all depends on what you are in need of, and which pair feels best on your feet. Personally, I have plantar fasciitis and patellar tendonitis, so I need as much cushion as I can get to help my tendons from getting too inflamed. For this reason, I am on my third pair of Hoka Bondi 8‘s, and I don’t anticipate changing anytime soon.
Additionally, every time I get a new pair of shoes (which is about every 400 miles), I also take out the original inserts and put in these Powerstep Insoles. I think insoles may be the secret to being able to run for as long as I can.
TECH
Accessories and Fuel are what really allows a long run to go well. The more prepared I am, the better I feel, and the longer I can go. Here are my musts when it comes to accessories and fuel.
Let’s start with tech! I bring my Iphone, Apple Watch, and Airpods with me when I run. My phone is mainly for safety and to play music or podcasts. My Apple Watch tracks my pace, distance, and heart rate, which is really beneficial and convenient for tracking. I listen to entertainment with my Airpods because they stay in my ears really well and there are no cords involved. I keep this part of my running gear pretty simple!
JEWELRY
The key here is to find pieces that make you feel feminine, but that don’t bounce around everywhere. I wear little hoops and studs in my ears, a thin necklace, a permanent bracelet and waist chain that I never take off, and some rings! Again, easy!
WRISTS
At this point, it is probably pretty obvious, but I love Lululemon running gear. It is all high-quality and looks really good, and it’s super functional. I wear a Cotton Terry Wristband on the wrist opposite of my Apple Watch so I always have an easy way to pat sweat off or dry off my fingers. This item is more helpful than I think most people realize, but I don’t see them very often! Even if I never use it, it’s nice to feel that I have an easy way to give myself a refresher throughout my run.
BELT
If you are going to choose one item, this Fast and Free Running Belt (again, Lululemon. I got mine in the color Camo in a size Small) is a must. I don’t know how to hype this product up enough, but it is everything. There is a zip pocket in the back where I put my phone. There are little pockets of different sizes on either side where I put my keys, chapstick, and gels. It is so small, and the fabric is sooo soft (if you own Lululemon Leggings, you know just how buttery their products are).
There are so many options to choose from when it comes to carrying your running gear. There are arm straps for phones and keys, bigger belts that can hold water bottles, and there are vests as well. I have tried them all at this point, and this product is the ~clear~ winner, in my opinion.
WATER BOTTLE AND ELECTROLYTES
Drinking liquids during a long run is a must (those who don’t take this seriously often end up in the hospital!). I take hydration so seriously that I will bring water with me on any run longer than 3 miles. My favorite (and easiest) way to stay hydrated is by carrying a Handheld Water Bottle. This is super handy because you just have to squeeze the cap a little with your teeth to get the water, which is ideal for those who don’t like opening and closing lids during their whole race. This is also the best way to go because I find that sipping on water throughout the entire race helps keep me balanced. If I get an imbalance of liquids by either drinking too much at once or not drinking enough, that’s when I either get sideaches or start feeling too thirsty, and I am trying to avoid both of those at all times. This water bottle is only 15 ounces, so it will need a few refills at aid stations during longer races, but it’s worth it. Plus, it has a little pouch for trash or extra gels! It’s perfect.
One side note that I want to make here, is that when I am in a race, I do stop and drink the gaterade at many of the aid stations. The electrolytes are necessary along with the water. Balance is everything. I just love getting to have a drink of water whenever I want, instead of having to wait a few miles till an aid station, then downing a bunch of water all at once. Just trust me on this one.
GELS
In addition to liquids – carbs, sodium, and energy are also important to replenish your body with during a run. I have tried various gels and mid-race snacks, but I believe the best option are Maurten Gels. These are flavorless (which isn’t typically the case with this option of race fuel), which I actually really like. I don’t want to feel heavy with clif bars and stroopwafels, and even the fruity flavored Gu’s seem to be a little distracting. So, for my long runs, I typically bring both non-caffienated (for the beginning of the race) and caffienated (for pick-me-ups towards the end) gel options to keep me energized. I always follow it up with some water.
SUGLASSES
The sun can be a harsh part of a daily run. I take eye protection pretty seriously, so I really don’t leave the house without them. My one and only pair of running glasses are the Oakley EVZero Ascend sunglasses, that I believe I customized 3 years ago. They come with a super protective case, so these glasses should pretty much last me forever. If I ever feel that it gets dark enough that I don’t need them, I simly put them on my head and they stay perfectly in place, even while running (thanks to the rubber used for the bridge). There could be other great sunglasses out there, in fact I am certain there are, but these have worked perfectly for me.
SUNSCREEN
This seque leads me into the topic of sunscreen, because if I noted all the times I have gotten painfully burned during a run, I would have a full book by now. However, I have now learned my lesson. Any sunscreen works, but I specifically make sure my face, chest, and shoulders are covered.
PAIN KILLERS
As mentioned earlier, I get inflamation in my tendons when I run longer distances, so I take Ibuprofen before my runs to help keep that in check. I will also throw a few pills in my running belt for later! It isn’t necessary for everyone, but I find it helpful in the right cirtumstances.
This is not an all-encompassing list, but it is a great way to help get a good start on your running journey. The best piece of advice I can give is to practice with a few different products, and you will learn what you like and dislike. The most important thing is consistency, regardless of what you are wearing. Running is the best, and I am more than willing to help anyone who is interested in getting started with this fun and addicting sport!!
Eliza Shippen 