One of the best parts about running is how inexpensive and easy it is to go out for a run. Put on any old workout clothes, lace up your sneakers, head out the front door and you’re golden. With marathon training, not so much. Getting out the door in the mornings for long runs is a much bigger deal. With weekly long runs under my belt and my marathon merely one week away, I’ve nailed down a morning routine that works. I’ve definitely left the apartment only to realize a mile later I forgot something and am finally writing down the routine all my must-haves to ensure that doesn’t continue to happen.
If you’re new to marathon training or have been struggling to get all your gear in order, read on and this may help. Keep in mind this is what gets me through a long run, but your needs may be different.
This is my list for runs that are longer than 13 miles. Lower than that and I only use about half of what’s below.
I’ve been doing my long runs on Saturdays. I love my sleep so I lay out all of my essentials the night before to cut down on the morning hassle (my runs typically start around 8am). If you’re lacing up for a long run tomorrow, read on!
- Shorts: And not just any old shorts, ones that have a wide waist band, are not super short, have a zipper pocket, and that I’ve worn on shorter runs and know are comfortable. My favorites are Lululemon Tracker Shorts III, Tracker Short II and Athleta Ready Set Short
- Sports Bra: The Nike Pro Classic is the only sports bra I’ll do a 12+ mile run in. It’s tight, supportive and no-fuss.
- Tank Top: Here’s where I wear my lesser favorite gear. Because I’ll also be wearing a water belt that rubs against the shirt and after 2+ hours of rubbing the shirt is in bad shape, I wear a less expensive shirt or one that is already old and faded, but still must be an athletic tank made of light, sweat-wicking material. My go-to is C9 because it’s inexpensive, yet high quality. It’s comfy for my run but if it gets a little messed up I won’t cry over the wasted $$. My favorite is the seamless tank.
- Socks: Only my favorite socks will go the distance with me (I’m prone to blisters). Current favorite is the Elite by Feetures.
- Compression Sleeves: I’ve recently been plagued with very tight calves and occasional cramping, Pro Compression Marathon Calf Sleeves are a must.
- Headband: I opt for a thick headband that grips to my hair, like the Nike Pro Swoosh. And speaking of hair, my go-to hair style for long runs is an inside out french braid. I have a lot of hair so running for hours with a heavy bouncing ponytail is a no-go.
- Headphones + iPhone: If I’m running with someone I’ll leave both in my belt but always good to have them just in case (iPhone for an emergency and to take photos for insta, duh and headphones because maybe your running partner will ditch you).
- Non-Chafe Product: I’ll either use Vaseline or Body Glide, whichever I can find first. I apply this to my feet, under my arms, along my sports bra lines and along my lower back where my shorts waist band hits.
- Water Belt: I have the R2Outdoor from my 2013 marathon training and unfortunately since then my phone has gotten larger (iPhone 6) and does not fit in the pocket. Now, I fill that pocket with my nutrition and need a second belt (this list is getting ridiculous, right?). I fill the water bottles the night before and leave them in the fridge.
- Second Belt: I use the Nike Lean Running Waistpack to carry my cell phone. I’ve experimented with other brands and this one is by far the best. It’s tight enough that it doesn’t bounce while running and expands to fit a lot of gear, if needed.
- Sunscreen: For sunny runs, Coola Sport SPF 50 Sunscreen Spray for body (obsessed) and Coola’s Sport SPF 50 moisturizer for face soon.
- Nutrition: Depends on the run but typically includes gu, gummies, sport beans, etc. I tend to pack 1-2 more than I think I will eat incase my energy dips or I drop something mid-run.
- ID/Credit Card/Cash/Keys
- Sport Watch: I use either my Garmin Forerunner 220 or my Timex Ironman Run x20 GPS (make sure to charge them the night before, they die faster than expected)
- Breakfast: Typically go for a Power Bar or Premier Protein Bar, maybe a sip of coffee if I wake up early enough.
Is that everything? See, long gone are the days of just running out the door. Because that is a hefty list of gear, I lay everything out the night before in the order of use. It’s pretty annoying to have all your gear on to only realize you forgot to put Vaseline on your feet (to avoid blisters).
Just writing this list made me a bit tired. Fortunately, I’m in the taper zone and that means lots of rest, shorter runs and mental prep for the big race! One week, here we go!
What are your long run essentials?
