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Running Gear I’ve Been Lovin’ Lately

September 21, 2015 By: Courtney @ Eat Pray Run DC62 Comments

From time to time, I like to share things that I’ve been using and loving lately. This time around, I figured I’d share what I’ve been using to train for all my races this summer (remember, I’m running two marathons – Wineglass and Marine, two half marathons – Annapolis and Richmond, and a few shorter races). The weather has been pretty gross all summer – high temperatures and extremely high humidity, so I’ve tried a few different things on the gear front to help me bear it. 

Gear I've Been Loving

  • Nathan Handheld. I got this a year or so ago (on the recommendation of Julie) and I love it. It does take a few runs to get used to carrying it, but I don’t have any issues using it. I’ve used it on runs up to 13 miles so far and I’m planning on using it for Wineglass and seeing how that goes. I like it because the pouch is large enough for me to fit my phone and any fuel I need. The bottle holds 22 ounces of water and you can sub out a different water bottle if needed (I sometimes use a Nuun water bottle with this one and that doesn’t give me any trouble). 
  • Speaking of Nuun, I continue to be a fan. I’ve tried to be very careful about not running low on electrolytes while running (the high humidity just zaps me) and Nuun helps me in this area. My only problem is I didn’t figure out a good way to carry extra Nuun while on the run – this summer was just too hot to carry the tablets – they would disintegrate. I think that my plan for the marathon(s) is just to start with Nuun in my bottle and then to take in Gatorade on the course. I don’t love Gatorade but I’ve been able to tolerate it well while drinking it during water stops hosted by my training group this summer so I know it won’t upset my stomach. 
  • Saltsticks. I’ve mentioned these before, but I’m a big fan. I take one every hour or so while running to help replace those lost electrolytes. They are easy to swallow and I just stick a few in a plastic baggie and I’m good to go. 
  • Injinji socks. These are my new obsession and I LOVE them. I tried them out initially looking for socks that would help protect me from blisters on long runs. These did the job spendidly. And they are SO comfy. The toe sock aspect isn’t weird at all – I actually find myself not wanting to take these socks off after I run – they are that comfy! 
  • And speaking of blisters…Body Glide is a must. Trust me. You do not want to learn the hard way – discovering in the shower that something has chafed you is an experience that I can only liken to walking over hot coals. It’s awful. 

What have been your go to running gear items that got you through summer training? 

note: this post contains affiliate links 


Comments

  1. Michelle says

    September 21, 2015 at 7:51 am

    I might have to check out those socks…I never run with socks on, and come cooler temps I dread socks mainly because of how they constrict my toes. These might do the trick!
    Michelle recently posted…Baked Macaroni Pumpkin CupsMy Profile

    Reply
    • Courtney @ Eat Pray Run DC says

      September 21, 2015 at 11:13 am

      they are AH-MAZ-ING. for real!

      Reply
  2. Jess says

    September 21, 2015 at 8:39 am

    Ohmygosh you nailed just about every running thing I’m loving right now, too. I’m obsessed with the Injinji socks. I’m trying a pair of the OTC compression for this weekend’s 18 miler if they arrive in time!
    Jess recently posted…Richmond Marathon Training – Week 7My Profile

    Reply
    • Courtney @ Eat Pray Run DC says

      September 21, 2015 at 11:13 am

      oooh awesome, can’t wait to hear about how you like those!

      Reply
  3. Bri says

    September 21, 2015 at 8:48 am

    I love Injiji socks!! That’s all I wear for any race longer than a half distance. I was having issues with metatarsalgia and they were the only things that helped.
    Bri recently posted…{Friday Favourites} The best reads in fitness, health and wellnessMy Profile

    Reply
    • Courtney @ Eat Pray Run DC says

      September 21, 2015 at 11:14 am

      i love these socks. they are my new go tos!

      Reply
  4. Deborah @ Confessions of a Mother Runner says

    September 21, 2015 at 8:59 am

    I have not heard of Injiji socks I clearly need to check those out! Have a great week
    Deborah @ Confessions of a Mother Runner recently posted…Freekeh Black Bean Burgers-Meatless MondayMy Profile

    Reply
    • Courtney @ Eat Pray Run DC says

      September 21, 2015 at 11:14 am

      they’re so awesome! i think you’d like them!

      Reply
  5. Kimberly G says

    September 21, 2015 at 9:02 am

    I have two Nathan handhelds – the 12oz and the 22oz. I have been using the 22ox since May and I love it for the reasons you mentioned – it can hold everything!
    Kimberly G recently posted…Gulf Beach Half Marathon Race RecapMy Profile

    Reply
    • Courtney @ Eat Pray Run DC says

      September 21, 2015 at 11:14 am

      yes, it’s SO convenient!

      Reply
  6. Mar @ Mar on the Run says

    September 21, 2015 at 9:17 am

    I love my Nathan handheld! It was perfect last week when I ran 3 miles to the gym, then took a class. I was able to put all my necessities in it and refill it at the fountain before Body Pump class. It was awesome! I’m intrigued by Injini socks!
    Mar @ Mar on the Run recently posted…Milwaukee Half Training Week 3My Profile

    Reply
    • Courtney @ Eat Pray Run DC says

      September 21, 2015 at 11:14 am

      i really love these. no blisters, and just SO comfy. about to go put a pair on now πŸ™‚

      Reply
  7. Lesley says

    September 21, 2015 at 9:32 am

    I just bought a hand held water bottle and can’t wait to try it out. I normally don’t run with water unless I’m doing really long runs, but my 5k next month only has one water stop. Since it’s Texas and October, the weather could be anything, and I know one water stop won’t be enough for me.
    Lesley recently posted…Monday Musings 9/21My Profile

    Reply
    • Courtney @ Eat Pray Run DC says

      September 21, 2015 at 11:15 am

      yeah, i just like having water when i want it. it’s how i train so i know i need to race like that as well!

      Reply
  8. Angie @ Pace with Grace says

    September 21, 2015 at 9:58 am

    I also really love Nuun for both during and after my runs! Making sure to have sufficient electrolytes is so important especially with all that sweating in the heat and humidity. I also started running with a handheld (the Amphiod) at the beginning of the summer and after getting used to it, I really like it!
    Angie @ Pace with Grace recently posted…All Things Birthday & RunningMy Profile

    Reply
    • Courtney @ Eat Pray Run DC says

      September 21, 2015 at 11:15 am

      yes, once you get past the holding something aspect, i think it’s quite nice!

      Reply
  9. Kathryn @ Dancing to Running says

    September 21, 2015 at 10:00 am

    My handheld has been a must have over the past couple of months. I used to wear a hydration belt for my longer runs, but with my growing baby belly that just isn’t an option anymore.
    Kathryn @ Dancing to Running recently posted…Rock β€˜n’ Roll Philadelphia Half Marathon Training Log – Week 2My Profile

    Reply
    • Courtney @ Eat Pray Run DC says

      September 21, 2015 at 11:16 am

      aw, that’s true. i don’t like running w/things around my waist so the handheld is perfect!

      Reply
  10. Nicole @ Fitful Focus says

    September 21, 2015 at 11:22 am

    I used to use by Nathan handheld all the time, but haven’t recently. I need to go fish it out of the cabinet!
    Nicole @ Fitful Focus recently posted…Thin Mint Ice Cream Sandwich (gluten/soy/lactose free) + Arctic Zero GIVEAWAY!My Profile

    Reply
  11. Carmy says

    September 21, 2015 at 12:15 pm

    Body glide is my life! I’d be so lost (and chafed) without it!
    Carmy recently posted…Fueling for the Scotiabank Half Marathon with BurnbraeMy Profile

    Reply
    • Courtney @ Eat Pray Run DC says

      September 21, 2015 at 1:01 pm

      haha, i know, right??

      Reply
  12. Margo says

    September 21, 2015 at 12:24 pm

    I use Body Glide when I go on long bike rides. Essential!
    Margo recently posted…Bruno Mars Ride with Foos, Fitz, B.I.G, TLC, and MoreMy Profile

    Reply
    • Courtney @ Eat Pray Run DC says

      September 21, 2015 at 1:01 pm

      it truly is a MUST!

      Reply
  13. Marcia says

    September 21, 2015 at 2:08 pm

    I love my Nathan handheld for shorter training runs but I swear I think I run faster when I wear my fuel belts for half and ful marathons. Maybe it’s all in my head.
    Marcia recently posted…Then There Were TwoMy Profile

    Reply
    • Courtney @ Eat Pray Run DC says

      September 21, 2015 at 4:08 pm

      hahaha, probably not in your head! different things work best for different folks, ya know?

      Reply
  14. Ange @ Cowgirl Runs says

    September 21, 2015 at 2:28 pm

    I just grabbed a smaller Nathan handheld for shorter runs and I love it. No need to deal with a belt when it’s short, but having water has been so helpful!

    Reply
    • Courtney @ Eat Pray Run DC says

      September 21, 2015 at 4:08 pm

      yes, i’m a huge fan!

      Reply
  15. Cortney Sloan says

    September 21, 2015 at 3:56 pm

    Funny you love that Nathan handheld. I have that one and it did nothing for me. It hated the way it fit my hand and kept loosening up. Now, this one is the bees knees if I do say so myself.
    http://www.amazon.com/Nathan-Handheld-Hydration-Imperial-Purple/dp/B009KQ86A6/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1442799856&sr=8-1&keywords=nathan+handheld+water+bottle

    Reply
    • Courtney @ Eat Pray Run DC says

      September 21, 2015 at 4:07 pm

      that link takes me to the one i referenced? did you click the wrong thing, lol?

      Reply
  16. Becca D. says

    September 21, 2015 at 4:02 pm

    I forgot about Body Glide before the Navy Air Force Half yesterday… my rogas chafed me in an unfortunate place, and the post-race shower was NOT fun!

    Reply
    • Courtney @ Eat Pray Run DC says

      September 21, 2015 at 4:07 pm

      ouch. that is NOT fun at all. i’ve been there before and it’s awful.

      Reply
  17. Wendy says

    September 21, 2015 at 4:25 pm

    I”ll have to try out those socks! I use my Nathan (smaller size–I think 6- 8oz?) on runs where I don’t know what the water situation will be. When I run around town (most of my running), I know where all the drinking fountains are and I don’t carry water.

    Reply
    • Courtney @ Eat Pray Run DC says

      September 22, 2015 at 7:57 am

      That’s nice you can do that. It’s not super practical for me as I’m mostly running through neighborhoods in DC.

      Reply
  18. Wendy@Taking the Long Way Home says

    September 21, 2015 at 5:14 pm

    I’m still a huge fan of Tailwind for my long runs. I carry the individual packets and take one per hour. I don’t need anything else. I carry a handheld too–but I use a 24 ounce Tailwind bottle with a bottle band to carry it. And I”m loving my SLS3 HiPZiPP–I was sent one to test, and I really like it a lot. I carry all my gear in it.
    Wendy@Taking the Long Way Home recently posted…Marathon training week 9: It’s Goin’ DownMy Profile

    Reply
    • Courtney @ Eat Pray Run DC says

      September 22, 2015 at 7:58 am

      I can’t do anything around my waist at all. It drives me crazy!

      Reply
  19. Annette @ Sweating Through Life says

    September 21, 2015 at 6:43 pm

    I use body glide religiously!! Great list. I might check out those socks.
    Annette @ Sweating Through Life recently posted…MVP Half Marathon – Race RecapMy Profile

    Reply
  20. Tara @ Running 'N' Reading says

    September 21, 2015 at 6:59 pm

    I’m so glad you’re enjoying Injinji socks, too, Courtney! I wore them during my first marathon last December, in the rain, and walked away with NO blisters whatsoever which is definitely not the norm for me; I was completely sold after that! Your phone fits in that Nathan handheld pouch? That’s awesome! I have a 22 oz one from Amphipod, but I can’t fit my phone in the pocket…I may need to invest in one of these! Thanks so much for the recommendation!
    Tara @ Running ‘N’ Reading recently posted…Training RecapMy Profile

    Reply
    • Courtney @ Eat Pray Run DC says

      September 22, 2015 at 7:59 am

      My phone does fit – I have an iPhone 5s and it fits with room for my snacks as well!

      Reply
  21. Daisy @ Fit Wanderlust Runner says

    September 21, 2015 at 7:09 pm

    I am having such a hard time with blisters! It is so frustrating. It doesn’t matter what shoe or sock I try, the blisters still come. πŸ™
    Daisy @ Fit Wanderlust Runner recently posted…Things I Am Loving LatelyMy Profile

    Reply
    • Courtney @ Eat Pray Run DC says

      September 22, 2015 at 8:00 am

      Body glide on your feet + injinji socks!

      Reply
  22. Jenn says

    September 21, 2015 at 8:29 pm

    I need to get my hands on some salt sticks! Those sounds like they would be perfect for me. I currently salt my Gatorade when out for a run in the heat and humidity, but salt sticks might be a bit more effective and a little tastier.

    I love Feetures socks, my Nathan handheld, and my arm pocket. All are so very necessary to my runs.

    Reply
    • Courtney @ Eat Pray Run DC says

      September 22, 2015 at 7:56 am

      Oh man – the salt sticks would definitely be easier! And yes, no weird tastes!

      Reply
  23. Sue @ This Mama Runs for Cupcakes says

    September 21, 2015 at 8:48 pm

    I’ll have to check out that handheld you mentioned. I’ve been having a lot of back issues and I don’t think my hydration vest is helping matters!

    Reply
    • Courtney @ Eat Pray Run DC says

      September 22, 2015 at 7:55 am

      Yeah I read that! I will probably not be wearing my vest at MCM – probably using the handheld if all goes well at wineglass.

      Reply
  24. MCM Mama Runs says

    September 21, 2015 at 9:43 pm

    Body glide is my best friend on the run. I only use it on my feet, but it’s amazing for that. I’m also a huge fan of nuun, but will be drinking Gatorade at my marathons because I haven’t been having a lot of success eating on the run.
    MCM Mama Runs recently posted…Center of the Nation Series Half Marathon Day #3 – South DakotaMy Profile

    Reply
  25. Emily says

    September 22, 2015 at 12:45 am

    I haven’t done an intense summer of training, so I’ve mostly done 2-6 mile runs. That meant I didn’t really need any gear this year, but last year, when I was marathon training I used a fuel belt. πŸ™‚ And I ran with a camelbak once, but that wasn’t a great idea. It was really uncomfortable.
    Emily recently posted…Why I Know Jesus Loves MeMy Profile

    Reply
  26. jill conyers says

    September 22, 2015 at 4:42 am

    Nothing comes to mind for favorite running gear. That’s strange. Usually the list is long.

    Reply
  27. Hollie says

    September 22, 2015 at 6:09 am

    Body glide is a definite must. I love that stuff and it’s always a must at our store. It’s a bad day if we ever run out of that stuff LOL.
    Hollie recently posted…Deborah Hospital 5k (20:07)My Profile

    Reply
  28. Jennifer says

    September 22, 2015 at 7:11 am

    I was wondering which Nathan water bottle you had. Mine has a smaller pocket, would like one to hold my phone so I could eliminate the waist belt for some runs.
    Jennifer recently posted…2015 Quantico Sprint Triathlon RecapMy Profile

    Reply
  29. Becki S says

    September 22, 2015 at 7:49 am

    I need to look into those salt sticks! Thanks for sharing.
    Becki S recently posted…Guest Post: Autumn SoupMy Profile

    Reply
  30. Rachael says

    September 22, 2015 at 9:08 am

    I am sure we talked about this on our run but what about the backpack that holds water… what brand do you use again?

    Reply
    • Courtney @ Eat Pray Run DC says

      September 22, 2015 at 9:41 am

      the camelbak marathoner. on amazon here http://goo.gl/ZKHL2f (but you may be able to find cheaper at dicks or something on sale!) πŸ™‚

      Reply
  31. rachel says

    September 22, 2015 at 9:39 am

    Those are fantastic running products to have! I love and use most of htem. FOr summer survivial on the long runs… salt sticks are my MUST have! πŸ™‚
    rachel recently posted…Manitoba Harvest Hemp Heart Bites {Review}My Profile

    Reply
  32. Elizabeth says

    September 22, 2015 at 12:35 pm

    Probably a silly question, but do you use the saltsticks and some type of nutrition (gel, shot blocks, sport beans, etc)? I’m intrigued, but I don’t know anyone who uses them!
    Elizabeth recently posted…Race Recap: Indy Women’s HalfMy Profile

    Reply
    • Courtney @ Eat Pray Run DC says

      September 22, 2015 at 1:28 pm

      not a silly question. yes, i eat pretzels (extra salt!) and organic gummi bears while i run πŸ™‚

      Reply
  33. Abby @ BackAtSquareZero says

    September 22, 2015 at 8:38 pm

    I am an injinji girl too.
    Abby @ BackAtSquareZero recently posted…Top 10 Activities When You’re Sidelined by a Running InjuryMy Profile

    Reply
    • Courtney @ Eat Pray Run DC says

      September 23, 2015 at 9:59 am

      I’m obsessed!

      Reply
  34. Patty @ Reach Your PEak says

    September 23, 2015 at 10:29 am

    Oh yes bodyglide is a MUST! lol I chafe a lot around my sports bra outline so I need bodyglide (though sometimes forget). I use salt supplements too caled S!Caps. I think it really does help for those who sweat a lot while running.
    Patty @ Reach Your PEak recently posted…Chicago Marathon Training Week 15My Profile

    Reply
  35. Pam and Christine says

    September 23, 2015 at 3:14 pm

    I’ve never tried salt sticks or pills, but lots of the triathletes in my group use one or both for training and races. It would probably be very beneficial during the hot summer months. I still love my Thorlo Experia socks and would recommend them to anyone. No blisters for me!
    Pam and Christine recently posted…Boots on the Run 5k – raising funds to help military familiesMy Profile

    Reply
    • Courtney @ Eat Pray Run DC says

      September 24, 2015 at 10:04 am

      i’ve never tried that brand. i will keep them in mind but oh man am i obsessed with injinji now! πŸ™‚

      Reply
  36. Christine @ we run disney says

    September 24, 2015 at 8:25 am

    I’ve never tried salt sticks although sometimes I think I should. I always struggle with sodium and electrolytes so Gatorade and margarita clif bloks are my bffs on very long runs! Good luck with that intense fall race schedule!!

    Reply
    • Courtney @ Eat Pray Run DC says

      September 24, 2015 at 10:02 am

      thanks! i like margarita shot bloks for that reason as well. give the salt sticks a try! i’m a fan!

      Reply

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