Don’t Start Marathon Training Without These 10 Essential Items

Whether you’re running in the summer sun or the winter glare, a good pair of sunglasses are essential. With Goodr, you don’t have to shell out hundreds of dollars for sunglasses that fit well and stay firmly in place while you’re on the move. They’ve got a variety of styles and tons of colorways that perfectly blend form and function for less than $35. 

If you’re a runner who prefers the company of music or a podcast, AfterShokz bone-conduction headphones get the job done. They sit comfortably on your cheekbones so you can hear what’s going on around you as well as your playlist. The company’s newest model sound better, vibrate less, and are fully waterproof.

Percussion massage guns have become highly in-demand recovery tools for runners, and among the most popular is the Hypervolt. After a long training run, kick back with a protein-packed snack, a glass (or two) of water, and treat your legs to a massage that will help relieve muscle aches and tightness, and promote blood flow—from the comfort of your own home.

Honey is made up of fructose and glucose, which are absorbed quickly by the body. That makes it a quick-acting fuel, which makes Honey Stinger (with its titular primary ingredient) a go-to favorite for runners of all abilities. 

If you’re not a fan of chews, Honey Stinger also offers gel packs. If you’re not sure what you’re a fan of, that's what training is for. Practice different fueling options on your long runs until you find one you like, then stick with it so you can follow the cardinal rule of marathon running: “nothing new on race day.” 

At some point in marathon training, you’ll head out for long runs of 12, 16, 18, and 20 miles or more. That means you’ll need water (and maybe some sports drink) for the road. In the time of COVID-19, most public water fountains will be turned off, and if they’re not, your best bet is to avoid them.

This Nathan hydration belt holds two water bottles and a small pack for a little fuel and your keys. If you’re running in the height of summer, plan your route as a loop so you can stop at home for a refill.

Need hydration but don’t want all the baggage of a hydration belt? Enter the Quickshot. The small, ergonomic bottle fits comfortably in your hand, and the strap keeps it in place without you having to worry about holding it. Pro Tip: fill your bottle and freeze it overnight so you’ll have ice-cold water for your long run.

If you want to carry your phone and a few essentials but still run light, look no further than the Spibelt. It’s lightweight and feels non-existent but still holds the important stuff: a phone, fuel, a credit card, and keys. It doesn’t bounce much, either, once you set it comfortably on your lower back.