When I was getting back into running during the summer of 2012 I did a lot of research to figure out exactly what “stuff” to purchase. I’ve certainly dialed in what works for me over the years, while continuing to do plenty of reading about new options available.
I get a lot of questions regarding what type of running gear or nutrition I use and thought it would be a good idea to just create a page to answer those questions!
Hopefully this page can be a helpful resource for anyone just starting out, or those simply wondering what other people may be using when heading out the door.
Gear
Watch – Garmin Forerunner 945 LTE (This thing has been incredible! My family is able to track my runs through the woods and send me messages — all without my phone!)
Shoes – Trail: Altra Lone Peak 4.5 Men/Women (Gear Review) Road: Altra Escalante 2.0 Men/Women (links are for the newer 2.5 version)
Socks – Tall: Darn Tough Light Hiker Men/Women Short: Darn Tough No Show Men/Women
Spandex – 3-season: Craft Greatness Boxer Short Men/Women (I have the 9″ inseam, but apparently they no longer exist) Winter: Craft Extreme 2.0 Boxer (had a piece of fleece sewn in for added warmth as well)
Shorts – PATH PROJECTS Graves PX 7″ are the most comfortable brand of running shorts I’ve ever owned! These are my everyday training shorts. PATH PROJECTS Sykes PX 7″ these happen to be incredible for long runs/races with three back zipper pockets for storage!!
Pants – I have a pair of really old North Face winter running pants that are no longer made. When they finally wear out, I’m eyeing up these: Craft Sportswear Essential Windproof Pants Men/Women
Long Underwear – Icebreaker Oasis Leggings Men/Women
Warm Tights – Craft Essential Warm tights Men/Women
Winter Spikes/Studs – Kahtoola Microspikes
Short-Sleeve Shirt – Icebreaker Tech T Lite Men/Women
Long-Sleeve Shirt – Icebreaker Oasis Men/Women
Handheld Water Bottle – Nathan SpeedDraw Plus (I have an old 22 oz. version that isn’t made anymore, this is the closest)
Hydration Vest – Salomon Sense Ultra 8 (I was skeptical about this, but wow, I can hardly tell I’m wearing it…soooo comfy!)
Jacket – Arc’teryx Trino Men/Women (again, I have an older version of this jacket – I’ve worn it EVERYDAY during the winter months for the past 6 years and appears brand new!)
Seat Cover for After Adventures – OxGord Sweat Towel
Reflective Vest – Nathan Nightfall Vest
Gloves – Thin: Smartwool PhD Wind Training Glove Winter: Swix Icon Universal Insulated Mittens
Hat – Thin: Smartwool Unisex Beanie Winter: Smartwool Unisex Hat
Sunglasses – Goodr OGs Running Sunglasses (Gear Review)
Headlamp – Petzl Reactik+ (Great for year-round running when the sun isn’t out)
Waist Light – Ultraspire Lumen 800 Multisport (AMAZING for year-round running when the sun isn’t out – Gear Review)
Face Mask – Seirus NeoFleece (for super cold temps, I combine with this Icebreaker Balaclava)
Foam Roller – Beginner (choose the green, medium density option) & Advanced
Nutrition
Every Day Snack – PROBAR Meal Bar (Wholeberry Blast is my favorite flavor)
Pre-race or long run – Spring Energy Wolf Pack (easy on the stomach and provides a great calorie boost for energy)
Mid-run – Tailwind (for long runs/races)
Post-run – Hammer Recoverite (I use this after long runs or a harder workout – vanilla tastes soooo good!) If possible I mix with this coconut water – by far the best tasting brand I’ve come across
Protein Powder – 22 Days Nutrition (Strawberry is my favorite flavor – I only use after really extreme efforts)
Hygiene
Shower/Sauna Soap – Dr. Bronner’s
Deodorant – Primally Pure Charcoal Slightly obsessed with this!! Also, use coupon code THEDULUTHRUNNER for 10% off your entire first purchase!