My Favorite Items for Half-Marathon Training

Today is officially day one of my half-marathon training for the fall. I can hardly believe it’s already time to start training for a race that isn’t scheduled until October, but such is training life! As training amps up, I’m reevaluating my favorite items for half-marathon training. I thought I’d sum them up here for others interested in lacing up their running shoes.

I’m excited to be back on a training schedule. I’ve found myself running more than ever before during quarantine, but having that goal in mind helps me motivate myself to push harder and run longer distances. With three half-marathons scheduled for the fall, I’m determined to jump into my half-marathon training full-speed ahead, dialing into my nutrition and amping up my training so I can hopefully set a new PR come October.

After running five half marathons, and countless races, I’ve figured out which products I can’t live without while training.  Below are my top 10 favorite items for half-marathon training. I encourage every runner to have these items on hand while training for any race, from full marathons to 5k’s.

Garmin Forerunner 235

If you’re going to run consistently, I highly encourage you to invest in a decent runner’s watch. I personally prefer the Garmin brand because it is specific to runners. The Garmin Connect app easily syncs with Apple products, so my runs still count toward the iPhone Activity app and get synced with my Apple Watch whenever I put it back on after a run. One of my favorite features of Garmin Connect is being able to create my own running routes. It becomes super helpful, especially as my runs get longer and when I want to mix up where I go.  Visit their website to view the different watch options available.

Nuun Sport

Nuun Sport became one of my favorite items for half-marathon training a few summers ago. Oklahoma gets unbearably hot in the summer, so it became imperative to have a good product to have on hand to replenish those electrolytes after an intense run.  After a run, I simply pop a tablet into a glass of water, let it disintegrate, then enjoy.  The tablet gives the water a nice fizz, and Nuun carries a variety of flavors, so it ends up being a really tasty and refreshing drink after sweating it out on a run.  I usually buy my Nuun Sport from my local running store, but you can purchase it in a variety of places, including Amazon.

Hand-Held Water Bottle

While I could probably survive a 3-5 mile run without a water bottle, living in Oklahoma has taught me not to play with the summer heat. I love my handheld water bottle from Amphipod. I’ve used a few different models over the years, but I love my 12oz Jett-Lite Thermal Insulated water bottle. It fits snuggly on my hand and is form-fitting, so I don’t feel like I have to be clenching something while I run. As my runs get longer and the heat gets hotter, I find it incredibly helpful to have water with me, if for nothing else but a security blanket. I highly recommend investing in a decent handheld water bottle or water bottle belt, especially if you begin training in the summer months!

Flipbelt

The truth is, when you’re training, you will always have things you need to carry with you, especially on those long runs. For me, I always have my phone, my inhaler, and Gu energy gels. I’ll also throw in my ID if I’m running someplace unfamiliar and not close to home. I have used many different “storage contraptions,” but I always go back to my trusted Flipbelt. It fits snugly around the waist, and I can conceal it under my clothes so no one even knows it’s there. There are a few slits around it, making it really easy to pull out my inhaler or a Gu packet mid-run. Check out the variety of flipbelts available from Flipbelt.com.

Audible

How do people run without something to listen to? I have to have something to distract me, especially on days when the struggle is real. I used to only listen to music, but lately, I’ve noticed I love listening to podcasts or audiobooks as well. It feels like someone is talking to me while I run, and it serves as a way to get my mind fixed on something else. Audible is a great app to have, especially if you struggle to find the time to read. The app itself is free, and they send you a credit each month to use toward an audiobook. Since I don’t listen to audiobooks that often, I’ve racked up enough credits that I have yet to actually purchase a book on Audible. I highly recommend it!

Running Shoes

While it seems a bit obvious, if you are serious about training for a long distance run like a half or full marathon, you need good running shoes. I buy new running shoes every six months to a year. I recommend buying them earlier in your training rather than later so you can break them in. Try to find a local running store in your area. Oftentimes local running stores can run analysis on your gait to find the right fit for you. I use Red Coyote Running here in Oklahoma City, and they have never led me astray. Never underestimate the power of a good pair of running shoes.

Gu

I swear by Gu running gels. For shorter runs (under 6 miles), you shouldn’t need any sort of energy gels or quick snacks. As your runs get longer, I recommend testing out different products. There are so many different energy products on the market, from gummies to gels to drinks. I used to carry a bag of pretzels in my bra when I first started running! It’s all by trial and error. After a few years, I’ve settled into Gu energy gel. They fit easily in my flipbelt, and I make sure to carry enough to have one every 30-45 minutes for those long runs. They come in all flavors, but I prefer stocking up on any flavors with chocolate in the name. You can purchase Gu energy gels from your local running store, or on Amazon.

Body Glide

Ladies especially, let’s get personal for a second. Running = chafing. It just happens. Especially as you up your miles as you go through your training program. I learned the hard way that Body Glide is an absolute must for training. It becomes especially vital in the summer months when I’m wearing running shorts instead of leggings. Even for my short runs, I still apply Body Glide before every. single. run. You can find some at any drug store, online, or at your local running store. Trust me, you’ll thank me later.

Addaday Roller

I admit, I’m really bad at stretching and letting my body rest. I tend to push my body to it’s limits and end up having to take a week or two off from training. Don’t be like me. Invest in an addaday roller and or a foam roller, and use them! The Addaday is a very strange looking contraption, but it works wonders for rolling out those tight knots in your leg muscles. I try to foam roll or use my addaday at least once or twice a week, though I recommend using it as often as you can to alleviate sore, tight muscles.

Epsom Salt

Oh, the epsom salt bath, how I love thee! I don’t know how I didn’t learn about epsom salt baths earlier in my training, but I’ve used epsom salt in my baths the last two years or so and it really does work wonders for those sore, achy muscles. An epsom salt bath is a must after really long runs or long periods of intense runs mixed with workouts. I like to mix my epsom salt with a relaxing bath bomb or some fragrant bubbles. Turn on some relaxing music, read a magazine, and soak. Just remember you should never stay in an epsom salt bath longer than 20 minutes at a time. Epsom salt is readily available at most drug stores, grocery stores, or online.

There you have it.  My top 10 favorite items for half-marathon training. While I could list many more must-haves for training, I’ll leave it there for now.  What are your go-to gadgets and must-haves while you’re training?