I’m what you’d call a high maintenance runner. I have a lot of gear and I’m always shopping for new running things. Anything related to running and I’m probably in market for it or already have it. I like new gear. It’s fun and exciting. Anything from the latest and great footwear for every type of run to all the recovery tools.
One Monday a month I’ll bring you the latest gear I’m loving. However, for this post I’ll also cover all the other gear I use on a daily basis for those newer to running – you need the basics like a watch and good socks before worrying about the rest. 😀
Current Shoe Crush: Nike Pegasus Turbo
Uses: Long Runs, Speedwork, Up-tempo Efforts
What I Love: These shoes really don’t get enough love. They’re lightweight (6.9 oz!), responsive yet soft and supportive enough to handle longer efforts. I find them best for speedier days and faster paced long runs but you really could use these for any run. I hear they don’t last as long as workhorse shoes like the Pegasus or Brooks Ghost so speedwork and long runs are probably a better use of this shoe’s limited mileage. I would even consider doing a marathon or half in these if I didn’t want to use my Vaporflys.
Price: Originally $180, but now marked down across most retailers.
Where to Buy:
Jackrabbit: $116 (but you get rewards points)
Farfetch: $114
Finish Line: $120
Recovery: Rollga Health Roller
What I Love: The shape of this foam roller is amazing. It is able to better massage my hamstrings and glutes since the grooves dig in but don’t hurt. I’m also able to massage my shins effectively with this little guy. My go-to non-vibrating foam roller.
Price: $39
Where to Buy:
Amazon
Gels: Science in Sport
Uses: Long runs, races
What I Love: I’ve talked at length about my running-induced stomach issues. Particularly during races so I’ve been testing them all on long runs to find something before the Brooklyn Half that I can reliably use and not be worried about 💩. These have been the most reliable. No water needed, not too thick like GUs and the taste is decent all while being gentle on my stomach. The only drawback is the weight. These guys weigh 2 oz a piece. For a half, no big deal – I’m only carrying one gel anyways; but for a full marathon you may want something more lightweight to have adequate fuel without being weighed down by gels everywhere. And the price of these is in line with other gels.
Where to Buy:
Amazon
For Aches and Pains: KT Tape + Biofreeze
Uses: MINOR aches and pains, workout soreness
What I Love: If you need extra ankle or knee support taping it can help but if you need tape you probably need to rest instead. Same thing with the Biofreeze. That said a little extra support and pain relief feels good. KT Tape stays in place for days (please shave before you apply, I’ve made this mistake and OUCH!) and is super easy to apply. They also have tons of YouTube videos showing you how to apply. KT Tape was a life saver both times I got shin splints. Biofreeze is great after a hard workout, I find that it soothes the pain better than Tiger Balm and IcyHot.
Other gear:
Watch: Garmin 235
What I Love: Has all the things I want/need, without any of the extras I’m not going to use but that would make it more expensive. I can program workouts into it, see my heart rate, and set up different data screens to see things like my cadence, current pace, average pace, etc. I don’t need the extras since I’m only running and cross training indoors. Garmin is also super accurate so if it says I ran 20 miles, I didn’t actually only do 19.5 like some of the phone apps do. Also important for doing workouts so I’m not cutting an interval too short. The price is also really good for what you’re getting and you’re not being charged for bells and whistles you won’t need.
Where to Buy:
JackRabbit
Socks: Stance and CEP Compression
What I Love: Stance is comfortable, stylish and I’ve never gotten an sock related blister with these. They’re also very reasonably priced and Jackrabbit usually has great deals on these. For compression, CEP is a favorite. These are not cheap but if you’re looking for true compression, they won’t be cheap. These will also last FOREVER. I like using compression socks for races and hard workouts. I like the tight feel and I don’t have the strongest ankles in the world so having a little extra support is nice. Zensah calf sleeves also deserve an honorable mention as they’re true compression, slightly less pricey and have super cute colors.
Shorts: Lululemon Speed Up Shorts (4″) and Tracksmith Session Shorts
What I Love: The Lululemon shorts have pockets (just as exciting as when dresses have pockets) and they’re built into the waistband which keeps my gels stable and not flopping around, getting in the way or irritating me on the run. These also fit great on any legs and are cut so they don’t ride up. They also come in a lot of fun colors/bright colors (great for helping your friends/family spot you easily in a race). For shorter races, Tracksmith is the way to go. The pockets aren’t as great as the Lululemon ones but the fabric is incredible and light and I could (and have) sleep in them. These are the most comfortable shorts that I own, hands down. The fit is great and they don’t hold sweat like other brands do.
Sports Bra: Lululemon
What I love: Again, THE POCKETS. Way more exciting than a dress with pockets, is a sports bra with pockets. This time around, being a female has a distinct advantage – extra storage! I always run with a phone, it’s unsafe not to and I like running with music but I hate armbands. My phone fits perfectly in this one and I can carry gels in the other pocket. I caution against putting your keys here though. 100% not the place you want to chafe. Aside from the pockets, this bra is supportive and comfortable. I’ve run 2 marathons and a half marathon in 75* weather in it with 0 (boob related) problems.
Everyday Running Shoes: Nike Pegasus 35
What I love: The ultimate workhorse shoe. Comparable to the Brooks Ghost but lighter and more colorway options. These can go for 400+ up to 500+ miles before they need to be traded in. These are stable enough for a slight overpronator (like me!), lightweight, but also fairly cushy. I’ve taken these for short runs, long runs (up to 21 miles), speedwork and recovery runs. I also love them for travel. Since they work for a variety of runs but also look cute I can use them to walk around (this does shorten your shoe’s lifespan! Walking miles still count and do breakdown the shoe) meaning one less pair of shoes to throw in my suitcase.
Where to buy: JackRabbit (best deal I’ve found, plus rewards points!)
If you’re still with me, one: thanks for reading this far and two: what’s your go to running shoe? And where do you tend to go for running gear?
Running on Pumpkin Spice 