I ran over 1,000 miles last year and these are my running essentials
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Running has been a huge part of my fitness and exercise journey for well over a decade, which makes me confident in claiming the title of bona fide addict. Currently I can boast a lifetime record of at least 200 completed races, weekly runs of up to 85 miles per week and personal records of 4 minutes and 53 seconds in the mile and a 16-minute, 38-second 5K. In 2022, I also became the 26th American-born Black woman to break three hours with my two-hour, 48-minute marathon debut.
And though it takes both mental and physical stamina to keep up all this activity, the one thing I’ve come to rely heavily on is a staunch routine. In fact, I depend on a surfeit of products to get me through those lonely miles and injury-free training blocks.
Looking to start your own personal running journey? I’ve rounded up all my favorite daily gear — from pre-run activation tools to on-the-run and recovery essentials — perfect for whether you’re just getting started or plotting your next marathon.
Pre-run essentials
Trigger Point Grid Foam Roller
Over 15 years of running, I can count on my hands how many days I’ve gone without using my foam roller — that's how much I rely on this thing. It’s a tried-and-true method of loosening those leg muscles that get tight overnight or feel sore throughout the day. One of the first things I do in the morning before I go for my run is foam-roll to wake up my legs. It only takes a few minutes and I've always been able to tell the difference when I’ve made the time to work out those muscular knots.
Fit Simplify Resistance Loop Exercise Bands, Set of 5
I’ve had my fair share of injuries over the years, and if I’ve learned one thing it’s to keep strengthening my weaknesses. Getting those weaker muscles and joints activated before a run is key to preventing injuries and staying healthy in the long run (pun intended). Before and after most runs, I go through a series of exercises with these resistance bands to activate my glutes, hamstrings and hips so I can stay strong and stabilized for the miles ahead.
Body Glide Anti-Chafe Balm
The first warm, humid day of the year always leaves me with some running battle scars that are more than just gross-looking blisters. When it comes to long-distance running, I do everything I can to minimize the unnecessary discomfort I may face so I can focus on the run, and oftentimes I’ve learned the hard way just how chafing can make or break a few solid days of training. In the spring and summer months, I make sure to use this anti-chafing balm daily to decrease the friction of my clothes on my skin so I can enjoy pain-free miles.
Tula Protect + Glow Daily Sunscreen
Truthfully, I was late to the skin care game, but in 2020 I experienced my first painful sunburn, and I will never go back. Now that my mileage and racing distances have increased, I realize it’s more important than ever to regularly apply a reliable SPF, especially on the days I'm spending a solid hour and a half in the sun. This Tula sunscreen has quickly become my favorite because it doesn't leave a white cast or run down my face when I’m working out, and it leaves my skin glowing and radiant as I head out the door.
Supergoop! Lipscreen Sheer SPF 30
Similarly to sunscreen, I've gotten in the habit of applying a daily lip balm with SPF 30 to keep my lips from breaking and chapping. And with all those years of running in the sun, I’ve even noticed a few dark spots have developed over time. Now I take extra steps to protect my lips from damage with Supergoop!’s Lipscreen. Plus, it fits conveniently in my shorts pockets when I’m on the go.
On-the-run essentials
Hoka Women's Clifton 9
I got on the Hoka train in 2019, and I can't believe it took me that long to convert! Now I can’t imagine a run without the soft, bouncy cushioning of my Cliftons.
Hoka Men's Clifton 9
It doesn’t matter what distance I’m training for, from mile to marathon, the Cliftons are a staple in my training shoe rotation. They provide relief to my tired legs and keep up with my high mileage, so I don’t have to replace them as often as my other shoes.
Entry level: Coros Pace 3
I live by my running watch. And though I love this watch for its functionality and accessibility, my favorite thing about the Coros Pace 2 is that it’s both simple and no-thrills, designed to give me just the amount of data I need without being too technologically advanced. Whether I’m logging easy miles or hitting the track for speed, this watch takes the guesswork away from my training and delivers reliable data and feedback right to the free app. Its GPS connection is fast and streamlined, and I can go days without charging it.
Brooks Chaser Hat
Rain or shine, a good running hat goes a long way. Braving the elements of Boston weather means relying on a hat that keeps things out of my face and stays on my head in the temperamental wind. My go-to running hat has always been this Brooks one because it’s durable and water-resistant, and it fits comfortably over my head and hair.
From $16 at Brooks Running
From $27 at Amazon
Tracksmith Allston Bra
There are two things about this sports bra that stand out: its impressive support and its pockets. I own four Allston pocket bras because I can’t get enough of how comfortable they are. I’ve never experienced chafing or rubbing, and they’ve provided me with a comfortable, reliable ride. The enormous front pocket makes for convenient extra storage for smaller essentials like my keys, wallet or phone.
Goodr A Ginger’s Soul Sunglasses
It doesn’t matter if I'm on the run or out running errands, Goodr sunglasses are my go-to. Any day the sun is peeking out from the clouds, my Goodrs are handy. I own three pairs in three different styles, and I’ve found each of them to be lightweight, nonslip and comfortable. Plus, they come in a variety of colors and shapes, so I’ll never run out of options.
Recovery and post-run essentials
Roll Recovery R8 Deep Tissue Massage Tool
When my foam-rolling doesn’t cut it, this massager takes muscle loosening to an entirely different level. It cuts deep into my calves and thighs, and lets me really target a body part that is having trouble loosening. Where I go, this tool goes. When traveling for races, I’ll pack this with me, and I’m often spotted in the airport using it preflight.
Hyperice Hypervolt 2 Handheld Percussion Massage Gun
Throughout the day, I’m working from home using this massage gun almost hourly. This tool is perfect for some quick release to help my legs recover. It’s also intuitive because it can change pressure and speed levels, and it comes with adjustable attachment heads to target specific areas. When paired with the app, it delivers insights and detailed routines to help me make the most out of my massage.
Strava
After TikTok, Strava is my most-used mobile phone running app. Though the app is free, I love the services the subscription model provides. As a runner, I’m always obsessing over stats. With this subscription, I have access to deeper insights into exertion levels and training loads that I otherwise wouldn’t know about. I use Strava to upload my runs and track stats like my pace, route and daily/weekly mileage, not to mention it features a lot of fun ways to connect with friends and local running events in my community.
Note: The prices above reflect the retailers' listed price at the time of publication.
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