As a runner, I am always looking for the latest and greatest fitness gear to help me with my fitness goals. Today I want to share with you some of my running essentials that work for me. Some of the items I am going to share with you today, I have been using for many years. While other items that I am sharing are relatively new to me… yet I feel that they have helped me significantly with performance and recovery!
There are many fantastic products and brands out there in the market today. However, due to my limited income and resources, I have not been able to use and play with all the different types of options. The gear I am sharing with you today is what I personally use and works for me.
Running Products for Nutrition and Fuel
Gu Energy – I have been running with and loving gu energy gels for years. My personal favorite is their mint mocha gel. Plus I love when they have the added caffeine kick to help get you moving mid run. The negative to these are that sometimes they can be like swallowing pudding and can be a bit thick. One must have water to drink with these.
Honey Stingers – Similar to the above mentioned product. Honey stingers are my new favorite running fuel of choice. The honey goes down smooth, no chocking these down mid stride. Plus the energy seems almost instantaneous once ingested. The only negative is that when a bit of honey gets on your fingers… it is sticky!
Nuun – I am a newbie to drinking and using nuun. It has only been a few months since my friend, Tammy, introduced me to this product. I have found that when I drink a nuun BEFORE my run, DURING my run, and AFTER my run… I have less muscle soreness and I fell more hydrated than drinking only water.
Nathan Water Bottle – I have been using my handheld water bottle made by Nathan for a few years now. I was not a huge fan at first, the sloshing bothered me. But I really like having access to my water as well as the zippered pouch makes storing fuel/ID and keys handy!
Running Products to Aid in Injury Prevention and Recovery
Body Glide – This is a MUST HAVE for any and all athletes. Chaffing is no fun! I apply body glide liberally on any and all body parts that rub. I am thankful for this product because I was pain free (no chaffing) when I ran Ragnar a few weeks ago!
Arnica – This is a new product for me too. My girlfriend, Tammy (yes the same one who shared nuun with me) told me that this is a must have for sore muscles. It works similar to icy-hot, but in a natural way. Plus it doesn’t stink like most muscle relievers do. I rubbed Arnica on my quads after each leg of Ragnar (and after my 15 miler last weekend) and my legs were NOT tight or sore after my run!
Ibuprofen – I have never used otc pain pills before/after a run until just last weekend. It never occurred to me. Now it is my ah ha moment of why haven’t I been doing this all along!? Taking one before a run reduces pain/inflammation. I am not sure if this helps me run pain and injury free… or if it is a coincidence, but the past 2 weeks I am finding it helps!
Compression Socks – Compression products are all the rage in the fitness community. I have tried procompression and zensah compression socks. I find that I love wearing them to help aid in my recovery from long hard runs!
Running Products To Keep You Moving
Music – This might seem like a no brainer… but good music with a good beat are essential for me on my runs. I love listening to audiobooks as well as podcasts… but there is something about a good beat that motivates me to push harder and further than I thought I could.
Yurbuds – These ear buds are comfortable and do not fall out. No more ear pain with these ear buds!
GPS products – I recently purchased a garmin 10 and love it. I love seeing my time/split and distance on my wrist. The past few years I have been using my iphone running apps like Nike+, iSmoothRun, and Runkeeper. They all work great and each have their own benefits.
Good Running Shoes – The past few weeks I have been running in Saucony. I have the virrata and the kinvara 4. My personal favorite (as of now) is the Kinvara 4. When shopping for shoes make sure you find one that matches your running gait and style!
Running Products to Hold Your Gear
Flipbelt – A few weeks ago I was sent this to review. I like that it stays flush against your skin and doesn’t bounce. However, if you are heading out for a long run it really doesn’t provide more than a place to hold your fuel and phone.
iFitness belt – I have an iFitness fuel belt that is a zippered pouch that holds keys, ID, phone and fuel. But not much other than that. I have run in it for years and have had no complaints. Recently I was sent an iFitness Fuel Belt to review. This has two water bottles attached to keep you hydrated while running.
Giveaway Time!
Enter to win your own iFitness Hydration Belt by filling out the form below! Now YOU can stay cool and hydrated in STYLE with the iFitness Hydration Belt!
* Post Linked Up With: Works For Me Wednesday
* Disclosure: Some of the products mentioned above I received for sole purpose to review. No compensation was received. All opinions are my own. I love running gear and I love sharing with others products that work for me!
Kristina says
Yurbuds are absolutely the BEST things I have discovered!! Love them!!
Melanie Longacre says
I love body glide. This is a recent discovery of mine! Why does it have to be so expensive though?
Rachel says
Yes! But it DOES last a LONG time 🙂
Sarah Jordan says
I usually use a nathan handheld.
RunInBoise says
Never tried a waist hydration belt. I sometimes hate handhelds and vests.
Andrea @ theMFDre says
I carry nuun with me! and a water bottle!
Amanda P says
I use my Nathan handheld too on long hot runs. I love that it’s easy to drink from. That sounds kind of lame, but when you’re trying to drink in motion..every little bit helps!
Rachel says
I agree! I find that I drink from my nathan handheld water bottle… but either refill my water bottle using my hydration belt… or use that water to spray ON ME to cool ME down. 😉
Dorcas says
Love to hear what others like.
Heather Jauquet says
My Hubby bought me an amphipod handheld for my birthday. I like it for my training runs, but will probably need more if I train for a marathon.
Lea says
I usually just leave water bottles on my front driveway and I run loops past the house! I’d love to try the belt! 🙂
Mary Sue says
Of the things on your list, I’m a fan of Gu, Honey Stingers, Body Glide and compression socks. Oh, how I love my compression socks for after a hard workout!
Jule says
I have a hand held water bottle that I love and gu, love gu. Long runs, I also take salt, I swell up crazy
Jule says
I am hiding all my stuff everywhere, bra, socks, I have been needing a belt for a long time.
Jamie says
I stay hydrated by carrying a water bottle with me, but I’m training for my first full marathon and need a new iFitness belt. 🙂
Jennifer Nelson says
Perfect article for me as I have my first half marathon in 10 days! Thanks for the advice!
Amy @laundrydayblues says
When I go on a run I always bring a bottle of water. I also always have a cough drop. If I suck on a cough drop I won’t run out of water as quickly! Not sure this is the wisest thing to do but it has worked so far! When I run with my jogging stroller I take advantage of the cupholders though!
Amy @laundrydayblues says
I would love to try this belt out and get in some longer runs, I signed up for my first half marathon race! I’m gonna need this!
Laurel C says
I have a handheld bottle for longer runs, but usually I go without water
Clinton M says
I have a hand held bottle i carry.
Clinton M says
I want to win the belt because im tired of carrying a bottle in my hand 🙂 nice to stash gels and key as well.
Clinton M says
just a heads up that i think the ifitness inc. has gone dark. The rafflecopter doesn’t show their like button for FB. Their FB link on their own website doesn’t work and I emailed them to let them know and my mail was returned undeliverable. very odd.
Sonia the Mexigarian says
Oh my god I just saw this belt at the Big Sur Expo and I loved it! Unfortunately I didn’t get a chance to buy. I would LOVE to win this giveaway 🙂
I usually stay hydrated with a water bottle. On medium runs I use a hand held. I long runs I use my fuel belt but it bounces sooooo soooo much.
Sonia the Mexigarian says
as i said in the other comment I saw it at the expo and completely loved it. it was comfy, didn’t bounce or flop around. the material is great and it’d be perfect with those to water bottles 🙂
Riki says
I’m training fir my first half-marathon and am new to all of this gear! This is a greatly helpful post! Winning the fuel belt would be a great help!
meredith says
I try to keep water bottles near me to stay hydrated
Paula Kiger says
I stay hydrated by using a water belt (different from the one you’re giving away) for pretty much anything over 45 minutes (it gets hot here in FL). Starting to use that made a HUGE difference for me in feeling comfortable running farther distances.
Paula Kiger says
I want to win b/c the one I have (which I do like) is awkward sometimes (one big bottle on the back); also want a better/different place for my iPhone.
Gabby S says
Usually I just hit the water fountains along the path, and I’m currently looking for a fuel belt because I’m going to be increasing my mileage soon and the water fountains aren’t always working properly.
Jen M. says
I just started using a small Nathan handheld, but am worried that by summer, I’m going to need more than that to stay hydrated on long runs.
Jen M. says
I would love to win one because it looks like it would be a perfect combo for holding my phone and meeting my hydration needs.
Laura P says
I’ve also been carrying a handheld water bottle for my long runs. But with the weather heating up I’m finding its just not enough water, so I’ve been looking into fuel belts. What a timely post!
Dale Sandley says
I take water with me on runs that are long or hot.
TooCuteRunner says
Body Glide is by far the best invention! It has saved me MANY times!
TooCuteRunner says
I recently began running longer distances where having fuel on the road is necessary. I would love the opportunity to have a product that has RAVE reviews! Plus it would be awesome to be THAT runner, who is running far enough who needs fuel. I have always been a short distance (2-3 mile) runner. Time for an upgrade!
Meghan @JaMonkey says
I have a walking belt but it’s too heavy to run with.
Meghan @JaMonkey says
I need smaller water bottles so it doesn’t hurt to run with it
Lisa Jones says
I will wear a camelbak for long runs or make sure my route has a place where I can get water.
Lisa Jones says
I would love to win this bc I’ve been curious about the hydration belts as opposed to a camelbak and would love to try something new.
Contemplative Fitness says
Minimalist here: 1 fig newton. no music. water only if more than 13.1 But it all looks really cool 🙂
carol says
A hand-held water bottle. I’ve never tried a belt.
Rebecca Jo says
I’ve had an iFitness belt for 5 years & it’s still my favorite!!!!
Rebecca Jo says
I usually have water on me at all times! I gave up Diet Coke a year ago (best decision ever) & really stay up on my water intake! I need one of those camel packs just for life 🙂
Holly says
I have a Nathan hydration belt that I love. It’s starting to wear out. I need a new hydration belt!!! I always carry water, even on short runs. It’s like my anti-anxiety 🙂 I know it’s there if I need it.
Holly says
I want the iFitness Hydration belt because my current belt is starting to wear out because I use it with every run, long or short. I like knowing water is there if I need it.
Laura Fisher says
I want one of these SO. BAD. Hope I win!
Laura Fisher says
Should have read the instructions–right now I stay hydrated with a camelback type thing for running. It tastes like plastic still and i don’t care for the bite valve. I have also tried the handheld and didn’t super like that option either!
Laura Fisher says
I want a fitness belt because I want something that will hold my phone and water and not bounce around while I run.
Laura Fisher says
One more comment– I am not sure if I “liked” the right ifitness on facebook. it didn’t show up on the rafflecopter thing so I went onto facebook and searched for it, but there were several, so I am not sure if I “liked” the right one. Help!
Rachel says
I think it is a freebie on the rafflecopter. I think they temporarily turned “off” their facebook page recently. :weird:
jessica says
I have a Nathan belt that has a spot for a large water bottle and a small zippered area that holds my ID & Stingers (I’ve been a Shot Blok fan, but tried the Gold Stinger for the first time yesterday & LOVED it–converted me!)
jessica says
I love my Nathan, but I’d like to try something that has two small bottles on each side rather than one large. I’m curious to know if I’ve been lopsided, lol!
Jennifer C says
I literally stop back by the house to get a drink if I need it. I’m extending my runs, so this belt would be awesome!
Andrian says
Hi Rachel!
I am a fan of yours. I am a mommy (2 boys, 5 and 8) and I love to run too. I wanted to mention to you that you should be cautious when using ibuprofen and training. It can be dangerous when you take it before you train because NSAIDS (like ibuprofen, Aleve) put a certain amount of stress on your kidneys. Endurance athletics place added stress on your kidneys as well, even when you are in excellent shape so the two, if combined, can cause renal failure. I think that ibuprofen is phenomenal to reduce pain and decrease inflammation, but just make sure you are using it at the appropriate times. BTW, I am a pre-med student getting my minor in nutrition so I am not a totally random person. I found this article too that talks about the subject.
http://www.active.com/nutrition/Articles/Ibuprofen_for_training_and_racing
Keep being awesome with your boys!
Rachel says
Thank you! I had never used it before/after a run until just recently when “all my friends were doing it” (seems like a lame excuse). Thank you for the tip! I will NOT be using it in the future. 🙂
Miss Prickly says
I always plan my runs around water fountains and bathrooms. If I have to do a long run, I’ll do a loop so that I pass by the same park(s) the right amount of time. I tried the handheld bottles, but it bugs me to have something in my hand.
Tammy says
heehee, I made the blog! Twice!!! Ha! Love my Nuun….and Arnica….I need to apply some to my quads and hammies today after that track session.
I absolutely LOVE my Yurbuds too…and can’t run without my Garmin. =)
Tammy says
I need a solution to refilling my small bottle on long runs…especially as it gets warmer. The iFitness belt would be perfect!
Julie M says
I run on a nearby trail with water fountains located about every 2 miles. I dunno how I would hydrate if I ran anywhere else. Need this belt.
Julie M says
It’s 100 degrees everyday in the summer. Need a good way to make sure I’m alwasy hydrated.
Corrina says
Half the things on your list I use and love, the other half I’ve been wanting to try!
Corrina says
I hydrate w/ water while running, Nuun before/after.
Theresa J says
Typically I bring water wherever I go
Tracey S says
I use a Nathan fuel belt that holds one big bottle diagonally. It’s not perfect; it bounces around too much!
Karla says
I use a nathan handheld bottle! Just water inside. OR if I am going for a longer run I have an REI hydration pack I will carry to be sure I have enough!
Karla says
I want to win the hydration belt so I can not have to worry about carrying a bottle! I have a plain iFitness belt that i love and would love the combo one!
Leslee @ Her Happy Balance says
I stay hydrated by drinking a lot of water a day before a run and trying to eat water dense foods (cucumbers, watermelon) and then a cup of water right before leaving.
Ashleysh22 says
omg I would LOVE to get a runners belt like this!
Shelley says
I need one of these! I have recently gotten back into the running thing and I am still trying to find my groove. This would be a great BOOST!
Stephanie Perlberg says
I love the stuff you chose =) I stilll envy your compression socks!!!!
Jacq says
I normally run with my water bottle in hand. I have never tried a belt. I am a hydration freak- Thanks for the push 🙂
Jacqueline says
I always carry my water- I have never tried a belt. I wonder if i would like it- I hate the arm band.
Tina@GottaRunNow says
Thanks for sharing your favorites! I’d like to try Yurbuds. I recently bought a Nathan hand held bottle that I like, but I like hydration belts, too.
Charlene says
Usually wear a running belt or carry a water bottle around my wrist.
Charlene says
I want to win the iFitness hydration belt because it would be perfect as it gets hotter and this would be useful for my medium distance runs.
penelope merriweather says
I stay hydrated by keeping a bottle of water in my purse..!Thanks for this giveaway!