If a poor craftsman blames his tools does a slow runner blame their gear? We all know having the latest and greatest gear won’t make us faster runners, but…like… how can we be so sure???
It’s been a while since my last article on my favorite running gear and attire, so with the start of my 2024 Houston Marathon training I figured it was the perfect time for me to update you on what I’ve been loving on the run!
1. Fast & Free Running Shorts
Okay I used to be a diehard biker shorts on the run gal, but these shorts have totally converted me. I love that they have a side split that allows for a long stride without the leg riding up. Nobody likes chafing. Lululemon for the win.
2. Running Bras
Another point for Lululemon! I’ve been running in their sports bras exclusively. I’ve especially been loving the Energy Long Line Bra. Bonus points for hot pink.
3. Running Shoes
This is a category I haven’t fully made a decision on. I’ve been running in the Mizuno Wave Rider for years and years. I still love them, but I’ve been testing out some other shoes I’m also enjoying. I’ve been liking the extras support of the Mizuno Wave Sky, and I also had a ton of fun demoing the Asics Gel Nimbus recently (talk about cushion!). I’ll probably keep playing around with shoe options before settling on what I’ll be racing in at Houston.
4. SPIbelt
While I really wish I could carry no fuel and magically survive distance training, my belt upgrade to a SPIbelt has been a positive change. It holds my phone, keys and gels and sits relatively comfortably around my waist.
5. Hair Bands
If you have long hair and you’re a runner, you can commiserate with how horribly tangled your hair gets on the run. I used to braid my hair before my runs, but the layers would stick out every which way by the end of my run and still be pretty hard to brush out. I’ve now swapped out my braid for small, clear hair bands and use four to cinch my hair down my pony tail. Goodbye, hair sticking to my sweat. Goodbye, hair that’s too tangled to brush post-run.
6. Running Hats
I’m becoming a hat person and I’m not mad about it. They’re amazing for keeping the rain out of your eyes when you can’t afford to skip a training run and they’re also perfect for keeping the sun off your face and out of your eyes on a long summer run. Yay skin care! Make sure you invest in a hat made for running, rather than a standard baseball hat. Trust me, the lightweight wicking material will keep you SO much cooler. I’ve been loving running hats from Brooks and Adidas.
7. Strava
I finally caved a few months ago and created a Strava account. Previously, I always tracked my runs solely on my apple watch/apple health data, but I have to say, using Strava makes me feel like a real runner. Allll the professionals (cool kids) are doing it. Currently I’m on a free trial of the pro plan and I’m really liking the advanced metrics it’s providing. TBD on if I’ll cough up the monthly fee to continue the pro plan or go back to the free version when my trial is up.
Okay enough rambling. I hope you find my updated running favorites helpful! Do you use any of these too? Any good gear I missed? Let me know in the comments below or on Instagram @haven_quinlan.
