These Are A Few Of Our Favorite Things
While we love running because it’s a bare bones sport, you will eventually need a handful of tools to take your training to the next level.
Elizabeth and I have tried tons of options in each of the categories below over the last decade– we thought it may be helpful to share some of our favorites as we both enter into our training cycles for fall races. You will develop your own running gear “stack” over time, but hopefully this list gives you a jumpstart:
1. Running Shoes
Our rule of thumb is replacing running shoes every ~400 miles. Focus on selecting a shoe for:
Fit- enough room for your toes to move but no excessive sliding or tightness
Comfort- feels comfortable from the moment you put it on
Support- understand your pronation and arch height
Elizabeth: Hoka Mach 5 (road)
Chris: Hoka Clifton 9 (road)
Hoka Speedgoat 5 (trail)
Another general guideline we use is that if the shoe takes several runs to “break-in,” it’s probably not the right shoe for you.
2. Energy Gels and Electrolytes
The key to intra run nutrition is to experiment until you find something that works well for you. We select our gels and electrolyte powders primarily based on:
Digestibility- can your stomach handle it? Can it handle more than one of them?
Taste- Do you look forward to consuming it or dread it?
Nutrition- How many do you need to meet your caloric intake goals for the distance you are running?
Elizabeth: UCAN gels (pineapple is her favorite) + Nuun tablets
Chris: GU Energy Gels (I like the S’mores flavor with no caffeine) + G1M Sport
The #1 rule is to avoid experimenting with anything new on race day. Stick to what you’ve already tested!
3. Training Plans & Coaching
The biggest decision here is whether to utilize a downloadable training plan vs investing in 1:1 coaching. This typically comes down to:
How new are you to the race or event you are attempting?
How much accountability do you think you’ll need to stay on track?
Elizabeth: Run Like Beck Marathon Training Plan (16 weeks) — be on the lookout, this will be released soon with our other Training Plans.
Chris: Head Heart Hustle Club (1:1 Coaching w/ Thomas Moyer)
All the best gear in the world can’t overcome poor training.
4. GPS Watches and Training Apps
Make sure your watch integrates with the training app you are using. Here is what we use:
Elizabeth: Garmin Forerunner 255S + Final Surge (we use Final Surge for our 1:1 clients)
Chris: Apple Watch + Final Surge or Training Peaks (I am using Training Peaks with my coach and it’s been great)
5. Headphones
You probably already have a pair you love- just consider the battery life if you are training for a longer race!
Elizabeth: Shokz (we love that these don’t actually go inside your ear— way more comfortable than traditional headphones for longer runs)
Chris: Corded Apple headphones - I’ve never had a battery issue :)
6. Other Accessories
Elizabeth: Spi Belt - super easy way to carry your phone, keys, energy gels and a small water bottle
Chris: Black Diamond Cosmo 350 Headlamp -a must if your are training for an ultra with a super early start time or expected late finish…or if you just like to train when it’s dark! This specific one is light, stays in place well, and can be used with AA batteries or a rechargeable lithium-ion battery.
Camelback Circuit Run Vest- fits a 50oz hydration bladder. This specific vest is also very light and holds in place well and doesn’t jiggle much even when the water is half full.
Find what gear works best for you. Sign-up for a fall race and Go Far!