Marathon running: Gadgets and gizmos a-plenty

76 days until the Chicago Marathon

Jul 29, 2024

Finding the right gear

Good morning!

As marathon day gets closer and closer, I’m testing out all different gadgets and snacks to find what works best.

I’ve already found the perfect shoes (for me): my Mizunos. I’ve put about 400 miles on these shoes since January(!!), so I’ll buy a new pair in the next couple of weeks. Typically, you don’t want to put more than 500 miles on a pair of running shoes, and I’ll definitely hit that milestone before race day. I pair these with Feetures running socks, though I’ve heard Bombas is also a great brand.

I also have my hydration gear locked in. For runs 7 miles or less, I usually carry a handheld Nathan water bottle. It’s made of flexible material that scrunches down as I drain the water, so it’s not as cumbersome to carry later on in my workouts. When I run longer distances, I strap on my CamelBak water backpack. I love the extra pockets in this vest where I can store my phone, keys, wallet, running gels and other snacks. On race day, though, I’ll count on the water stations along the course to keep me hydrated.

On longer runs I’ve been eating berry-flavored GUs. These gels are supposed to give you an extra burst of energy mid-workout. They honestly don’t taste great, and the consistency is something I had to get over fast. But the berry flavor isn’t too bad! My best friend, Allie, sent me some other running snacks to try for my birthday. I already like the Honey Stinger running chews much more than the gels — they taste more like a fruit snack, which is easier to stomach than a goo. I’m excited to try out an energy waffle during my next long run. I’ll be sure to report back.

On race days, when I don’t have my CamelBak but still need to carry my phone, keys and a gel, I use a hand-me-down running fanny pack my mom gave me forever ago. It’s super tiny and stretchy. It sort of bounces around while I’m running, though, which I don’t love. If anyone has suggestions for tiny packs to use on short runs (I also use this when I go out with my run club sometimes) or for race day, please let me know!

Last but not least, we need to talk about entertainment. I listen to podcasts, audiobooks and music while I’m running (not all at once, of course). Up until a couple weeks ago, I listened on my AirPods. But those don’t feel great in my ears after an hour or so, and honestly, it can be dangerous to run in the city with earbuds plugged in like that. For my birthday, my parents got me Shokz bone conduction headphones that go around your ears instead of inside. I am obsessed! They are much more comfortable and safer than other headphones I’ve tried.

There are other must-haves (Gold Bond friction defense, the right running bra, sunscreen that doesn’t sting your eyes, etc.) but this list is a good start. Runners, what are your favorite gadgets and gizmos? Please add them in the comments!

Runner’s log

Last week I ran with my run club on Monday, put in 4 miles after my art class on Tuesday and ran another 4.5 miles Thursday morning. Oliver joined me for a 6-mile run on Saturday while we were visiting my family in Michigan. My cousin Ella and sister Mollie ran with us for a while, too.

I focused on picking up my pace on Tuesday and Thursday, keeping those average paces under 10-minute miles. It helped that Tuesday’s workout involved a ladder run, which consists of hard and easy stints that span 2, 3, 4 and 5 minutes. I’ll do something similar this week, too, when I run intervals. Changing up these running workouts keeps me engaged week to week.

Something fun I’ve loved the last few weeks is finding new routes to run — especially routes out in the suburbs, that remind me of home. After my art classes on Tuesdays, which are up in Mason, I’ll find a new park or neighborhood to run in. It’s so peaceful out there. The rolling hills, greenery and golden hour sunshine are the best medicine when I’m sick of city running.

Stepping back

Yes, you read that right — just 6 miles on Saturday. What a relief after the last few weekends that featured 8, 9 and 10-mile runs. Step-back weeks come about once a month, and are a welcome reprieve during training. They allow my body time to rest and recover while still putting in minimal mileage.

It also lined up well with a weekend spent with family in Michigan. I’m getting a little anxious about trips we have planned over August and September that coincide with very long runs: 16, even 20 miles! But I know I’ll make it work. Aside from the strain marathon training puts on your body, it’s also a test in time management. This, I am still learning.

It’s more fun, of course, when whomever you’re visiting is game to run with you for some or all of the run. I loved having Oliver with me this past weekend to run with, and it was a treat that Ella and Mollie joined for part of it, too. The rest of the weekend was spent playing out absurd bits, eating too much food and singing around a bonfire. It was perfect.