7 Important Items You Need to Start Marathon Training
Start marathon training on the right foot with these 7 essential items
Using the right gear is as important as following the right training program when you start marathon training. High-quality, reliable items maintain an optimal level of comfort for your body. They also make it easier for you to focus on the task at hand during your marathon training. Include these running essentials when you start marathon training and make your experience as comfortable, fun, and memorable as possible! Pro tip: we share some of our favorite items below.
First and foremost, shoes
Under Armour HOVR Sonic 3s are runner-approved!
It’s a no-brainer to get yourself the perfect running shoes before you start marathon training. The right pair of shoes will equally distribute the force when your foot strikes the ground. Make sure there is enough cushioning and room on the inside of the shoes. This will put less strain on your feet. Pair your running shoes with socks that have more padding and wick away sweat quickly. Keep the rest of your outfit aligned with the weather. Some great shoe options include Under Armor’s HOVR line. Check out what we like and see if they’re right for you.
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Schedule an appointment with our friends at Fleet Feet Austin and get fitted soon. Pro tip: learn how the HOVR line shoes automatically connect to MapMyRun via Bluetooth to track your progress.
Nutrition and hydration
You are what you eat! The significance of maintaining a healthy diet during marathon training is paramount. You have to consume nutritious foods and hydrate adequately to reach peak performance. Carry nutrition with you when you start marathon training, especially as your mileage increases. GU Energy Gels are ideal because they’re easy to carry and contain what you need on long runs. Read how proper nutrition is imperative and why GU Gel’s are ideal for marathon training.
When it comes to hydration, dissolve Nuun tablets into your water. They’re filled with the minerals and electrolytes you need to replenish your system. Hydrating after your long run is important, so keep a bottle ready to go for when you’re done! Pro tip: if you don’t carry hydration with you, stash it somewhere along your route.
Running belt
When you start marathon training, you might want to carry a few essentials like money, your phone, keys, nutrition, etc. A light running belt, like SPIbelt
Extra items to start marathon training
A SPIbelt can carry so much!
Apart from the aforementioned must-haves, you might want to include sunglasses, a hat/visor, and/or headphones. See what we use on our long runs!
- Sunglasses, like the Under Armour Igniters
, protect your eyes from dust, debris, and the sun’s rays
- Hats, like Under Armour’s Launch ArmourVent
, help keep you warm in the winter and cool in the summer
- Headphones, like AfterShokz Titaniums
, allow you to jam out to our #WeLiketheSoundofThat playlist and hear what’s going on around you
, protect your eyes from dust, debris, and the sun’s rays
, help keep you warm in the winter and cool in the summer
, allow you to jam out These running essentials are ideal for any runner when they start marathon training. Veteran runners might be set in their ways and know what they prefer. But for first-time runners, it’s important to test out different items on your long runs. You want to know exactly what works for you before race day arrives! What specific items are must-haves for you when you start marathon training? Let us know in the Austin Marathon Facebook Group and Twitter.
