Running Gear for Long Distances

(Updated September 2025 with new information and updated links!)

Update: I am now training for my first race since having kids! I am hoping to do a 15K Trail Run in about 6 weeks, and while I feel like I am starting over in some aspects, I still use most of the gear now that I did 8 years ago!

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Original: My third half marathon is quickly approaching, and I can’t believe it! Time seems to be flying by so fast, and I feel so unprepared for it. It’s all mental, I know, but the thought of running 13.1 miles sort of terrifies me right now… Thankfully Isaac is here to keep me from going crazy! We have been doing fairly well sticking to our training program (although there have been quite a few days when we skipped a run in favor of a few extra zzz’s), and our pace is getting closer and closer to our goal pace. We’ve hit crunch time, and it’s hectic, but I love it. 

Before we ran our first half marathon, I had no idea what I was doing. I read a lot of blogs, talked to other runners, and mostly just figured things out on my own. Now that we’re getting ready for our third, I feel a lot more prepared than I did all those years ago! It becomes almost second nature planning out what to eat while training, and now we have found our favorite gear to use. So if you are feeling like I did before my first half, I’m here to help! Today I’m sharing mine and Isaac’s favorite running gear, and how they have helped us up our game more than ever before. 

Shop my Amazon storefront for quick links to everything mentioned here!

Must Have Running Gear for Long Distances

Before we get started, I need to first mention that you should never try something new on race day. Only stick to the things you have used during training! You don’t want to eat something, try something or use something new the day of the race, and end up hurting yourself (or your time). If you are wearing a new outfit, or trying out a belt, make sure you run with it a few times before the race to make sure it’s going to work out. The last thing you want to do is spend over two hours adjusting a top that keeps riding up, or swinging a belt back to center. Trust me on this one!

GPS watch

Before I bought a GPS watch, I would map out my route using MapMyRun.com. It was perfect for planning out where I was going to run that day, and I really got to know my neighborhood! (I mean… you kinda have to if you are going to remember which street you need to turn on.) 

I started off with the Polar M400, upgraded to a Garmin Forerunner 235 and I now run with a Garmin Venu 2S (the latest model is the Venu 4). It’s amazing! I used my Forerunner for over 7 years before finally needing an updated watch. I love that it has body health tracking, a wrist heart rate sensor and can connect to Spotify to change songs easily while running.

Isaac is using a Forerunner 955 Solar (the latest model is the Forerunner 970) and highly recommends it, especially because it has the ability to download music so he can leave his phone at home. I don’t quite enjoy that aspect of it, but it’s a fight I lost. He’s also used the Garmin Coach feature and was not a big fan, but he seems to really like the other features of the watch.

Running Shoes

You would think this is a no-brainer, but when we ran our first half marathon, Isaac actually forgot his running shoes! And let’s just say that the shoes he wore weren’t quite up to par with what he was used to wearing. I don’t buy shoes as often as I used to, but I still have very flat feet which makes it difficult to find shoes that work.

I’m currently wearing Asics Gel-Kayano and they are probably some of the best I’ve ever worn. Instead of over pronating, I am striking at a more neutral angle, which is what I need. Plus I’ve yet to get any blisters, which previous shoes were prone to give me. I recommend you take this test to determine how you run, and which shoes will be perfect for you! 

Moisture-wicking socks

Isaac and I are definitely snobs when it comes to socks. I love my Thorlo Experia socks, and I wish I could buy them in every color! They are moisture wicking (which is a must when it comes to running), have padding in the heel and toe, and a breathable section in the middle which keep your feet from getting too hot. The pads are not too bulky, and help with the blisters I tend to get on my feet. I still use the same socks (8 years later, y’all) and they are in great condition! The quality is amazing.

Isaac swears by DarnTough. Not only are they great socks, but they also have a lifetime warranty. When they start to wear out you can actually send them back for credit you can use to purchase a new pair of socks. Pretty cool, isn’t it?

Running Belt

I love love love my SPI running belt. I actually won it in an Instagram giveaway back in 2017, and honestly don’t know how I lived without it. The SPI (Small Personal Items) belt is made for runners, and it’s so comfortable that you actually forget you’re even wearing it. They have all different sizes, depending on what you are looking for. I have the large belt and it comfortably fits my phone (and its HUGE case), car keys, change, and even a tissue for when I have a runny nose. It is crazy how much you can pack in there, and how easy it is to wear. I like to wear it so the pocket is on my back, because I’ve found that that’s the best place for it to not bounce or move around when I run. 

And ya’ll… 8 years later and I’m still using the same SPI belt and still absolutely love it. 10/10 recommend.

Head lamp/Light belt

Since I used to leave for work at 7AM, any morning runs we did were always in the dark. That’s when having a head lamp or light belt comes in handy! I highly recommend buying one if you plan on running in the dark, because it helps you avoid injury, and it helps cars see you a little bit better. Isaac wears a head lamp (which he LOVES), and I use the GoMotion LiteBelt 100, which I’ve had ever since we trained for our first half marathon. I personally prefer the light belt simply because the beam of light doesn’t move when I look from side to side, and the pockets in the side are nice for storing keys and change. 

Running Hat

I used to wear headbands all the time when running, but have now moved on to hats. This summer I bought my first Cotopaxi 5 Panel hat and loved it so much I bought a second. It’s great for shading the sun and keeping sweat from pouring down my face. Plus I can just throw it in the washer after my run and it comes out as good as new!

Running leash

We have run with Lillie ever since our second half marathon. She is an amazing runner, and Isaac and I have always been amazed at how much energy she has, even after 10 miles. Now she’s 10 years old and can’t run as long of a distance as she used to, but she still goes on multiple runs a week with either me or Isaac.

When we run with her (or even just go on walks), we use a hands free leash. I love that this leash allows your arms to pump naturally, which helps SO much when running. I also feel safer using it, since I know that she won’t be able to jerk her leash out of our hands if she gets spooked, and that even when she runs on the other side of a light post, you won’t lose grip of the leash (although it may cause you to fall flat on your back in front of lots of onlookers… not that I have any experience with that!).

Energy gels

When we were first looking into energy gels, we decided to get the GU Original Sports Nutrition Energy Gel assorted pack. That way we could find a flavor we liked, and test how we feel and perform when we used it. My favorite ended up being the chocolate (shocker, right?), and I’m planning on buying some more to use in our upcoming race.

Bodyglide

While training for my second half marathon, I got some pretty gnarly blisters on the balls of my feet. I had to tape them up before every run, but I STILL irritated that area of my foot. I finally decided to try Bodyglide, and I am so happy I did! It helps lubricate your foot so the sock and shoe have less friction on that specific area, and it has drastically minimized the occurrence of blisters this year! I just rub it on whichever area I tend to get blisters or chafe, and I’m good to go. 

Compression sleeves

I have struggled with joint and muscle pain ever since I started running longer distances. During half marathon training, I had a TON of knee pain and found a lot of relief with the CopperJoint Compression Sleeves. I even wrote a blog post about how they have helped me reduce injury and soreness while running.

This time around I am dealing with calf pain, and have begun wearing compression sleeves when the pain starts to flare up. They seriously help a TON. I also have a compression sock that is great when dealing with plantar fasciitis!

Epsom salt

I don’t know about you, but I get sore when I train for a race. Years ago I discovered Epsom salt, and it’s seriously amazing! I won’t get into all the special qualities of it right now, but it really does help reduce soreness and joint swelling. I get the unscented variety and sometimes even mix it with magnesium flakes for extra relief.

Now it’s your turn to talk! Answer one of these questions in the comments below:
What is your favorite piece of running gear?
Do you have a funny running story you’d like to share? ; )

This post contains affiliate links, which means I receive a small compensation if you purchase an item using that link at no extra charge to you. This is to help keep the blog running, and giving me the ability to bring you amazing content! 
All opinions in this post are my own. I was not paid, nor did I receive any items in exchange for this review. I’m just sharing what I love because I love y’all!