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.
- 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
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 Cups
they are AH-MAZ-ING. for real!
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 7
oooh awesome, can’t wait to hear about how you like those!
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 wellness
i love these socks. they are my new go tos!
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 Monday
they’re so awesome! i think you’d like them!
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 Recap
yes, it’s SO convenient!
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 3
i really love these. no blisters, and just SO comfy. about to go put a pair on now 🙂
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 9/21
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!
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 & Running
yes, once you get past the holding something aspect, i think it’s quite nice!
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 ‘n’ Roll Philadelphia Half Marathon Training Log – Week 2
aw, that’s true. i don’t like running w/things around my waist so the handheld is perfect!
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!
Body glide is my life! I’d be so lost (and chafed) without it!
Carmy recently posted…Fueling for the Scotiabank Half Marathon with Burnbrae
haha, i know, right??
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 More
it truly is a MUST!
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 Two
hahaha, probably not in your head! different things work best for different folks, ya know?
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!
yes, i’m a huge fan!
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
that link takes me to the one i referenced? did you click the wrong thing, lol?
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!
ouch. that is NOT fun at all. i’ve been there before and it’s awful.
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.
That’s nice you can do that. It’s not super practical for me as I’m mostly running through neighborhoods in DC.
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’ Down
I can’t do anything around my waist at all. It drives me crazy!
I use body glide religiously!! Great list. I might check out those socks.
Annette @ Sweating Through Life recently posted…MVP Half Marathon – Race Recap
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 Recap
My phone does fit – I have an iPhone 5s and it fits with room for my snacks as well!
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. 🙁
Daisy @ Fit Wanderlust Runner recently posted…Things I Am Loving Lately
Body glide on your feet + injinji socks!
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.
Oh man – the salt sticks would definitely be easier! And yes, no weird tastes!
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!
Yeah I read that! I will probably not be wearing my vest at MCM – probably using the handheld if all goes well at wineglass.
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 Dakota
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. 🙂 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 Me
Nothing comes to mind for favorite running gear. That’s strange. Usually the list is long.
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)
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 Recap
I need to look into those salt sticks! Thanks for sharing.
Becki S recently posted…Guest Post: Autumn Soup
I am sure we talked about this on our run but what about the backpack that holds water… what brand do you use again?
the camelbak marathoner. on amazon here http://goo.gl/ZKHL2f (but you may be able to find cheaper at dicks or something on sale!) 🙂
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! 🙂
rachel recently posted…Manitoba Harvest Hemp Heart Bites {Review}
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 Half
not a silly question. yes, i eat pretzels (extra salt!) and organic gummi bears while i run 🙂
I am an injinji girl too.
Abby @ BackAtSquareZero recently posted…Top 10 Activities When You’re Sidelined by a Running Injury
I’m obsessed!
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 15
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 families
i’ve never tried that brand. i will keep them in mind but oh man am i obsessed with injinji now! 🙂
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!!
thanks! i like margarita shot bloks for that reason as well. give the salt sticks a try! i’m a fan!