Popsugar Health & Fitness Running Shoes Best Running Gear for Long Runs I'm Training for a Half Marathon, and This Is the Gear That Gets Me Through My Long Runs 24 August 2019 by Christina Stiehl Image Source: athleta.gap.com As POPSUGAR editors, we independently select and write about stuff we love and think you'll like too. If you buy a product we have recommended, we may receive affiliate commission, which in turn supports our work. I never thought I would be a runner: I'm slow. I have short legs. And I get bored easily. In fact, I wrote a whole post about how I hate running but I do it anyway for the mental health benefits. All of that is still true, but I decided to challenge myself and sign up for a half marathon. This means I have to train for it; the bad news is it means I have to run lots of miles outside and challenge myself, but the good news is when I'm done with my long runs, I get to treat myself to a courgette muffin from the bakery by my running trail. Another perk is I get to test out lots of fun new gear. As a fitness editor, I've had lots of products come across my desk, but this is the running gear that truly gets me through my long runs. Saucony Women's Ride ISO 2 Image Source: saucony.com Arguably the most important piece of gear when it comes to running is a solid pair of running shoes. It's hard to find a pair that are functional and also look good. When Saucony reached out to see if I wanted to try the new Saucony Women's Ride ISO 2 ($120), I was intrigued. Not only are these fun to wear, but they're also so comfortable. They keep my feet supported no matter how long my mileage is. Saucony Women's Ride ISO 2 $120 from saucony.com Buy Now Reebok PureMove Sports Bra Image Source: reebok.com It's rare that I find a sports bra that's supportive but also comfortable. That is until I found Reebok's PureMove Bra ($60). Although it looks like just another compression bra, the cups are more molded than a typical sports bra so I don't feel as constricted. This keeps things secure, yet comfortable during long runs. PureMove Bra $60 from reebok.com Buy Now FlipBelt Classic Image Source: amazon.com Before I started training for a half marathon, I was typically a treadmill gal. So when I decided to take my runs outside to Central Park, I needed something to stash my phone, keys, and other necessities. The FlipBelt Classic ($29) fits around the waistband of my pants without adding any extra bulk, and stores my phone and keys so easily and safely, I can barely feel them, nor do I have to worry about them falling out. FlipBelt Classic $29 from amazon.com Buy Now FlipBelt Water Bottle Image Source: amazon.com Not only does the FlipBelt hold my keys and phone, but it also holds this FlipBelt Water Bottle ($10) that was designed specifically for the FlipBelt. It fits in perfectly and you can barely feel it. Plus, the 11 ounces is enough to get me through a few miles (and I know the closest water fountains if I need to stop and refill). FlipBelt Water Bottle $10 from amazon.com Buy Now Nike Featherlight Running Cap Image Source: nike.com I get pretty sweaty during my outdoor runs, and sometimes a headband isn't enough to cut it. This Nike Featherlight Running Cap ($26) not only protects my face and scalp from the sun, but it also absorbs all the sweat that is typically dripping down my forehead. Nike Featherlight Running Cap $26 from nike.com Buy Now The Charles Sunglasses From Tracksmith Image Source: tracksmith.com I have sensitive eyes, so on sunnier days I need to run with a pair of sunglasses. Luckily, Tracksmith sent me a pair of the Charles Sunglasses ($255) to try out and they work perfectly. They stay put even when I run, and totally protect my eyes. the Charles Sunglasses $255 from tracksmith.com Buy Now Coppertone Sport Continuous Sunscreen Spray SPF 50 Image Source: amazon.com When running outside, protecting your skin from the sun is a must. I like Coppertone Sport Continuous Sunscreen Spray SPF 50 ($19 for a three-pack) because it goes on easily and I can spray those hard-to-reach spots like my shoulders and upper back. It's also lightweight and sweat-proof. Coppertone Sport Continuous Sunscreen Spray SPF 50 $19 from amazon.com Buy Now Neutrogena Age Shield Face Lotion Sunscreen SPF 70 Image Source: amazon.com Since my face is sensitive, I want to use a sunscreen that's formulated specifically for the face and also has a higher SPF. I love Neutrogena Age Shield Face Lotion Sunscreen SPF 70 ($9) because it stays on and doesn't feel greasy. Plus, it protects my face and neck from all the sun. Neutrogena Age Shield Face Lotion Sunscreen SPF 70 $9 from amazon.com Buy Now Nike Run Club App for iOS I have been using the Nike Run Club app (free) for my iPhone for years, ever since I ran my first half marathon a few years ago. It easily and accurately tracks your route and tells you when you have reached each mile. Plus, it lets you know your pace and can map a route for you. I can't run outside without it. Apple Watch Series 3 Image Source: walmart.com I know an Apple Watch Series 3 ($200) is expensive, and you can certainly train for a race without one, but I have found it to be a game-changer. Since my Nike Run Club app connects to my Apple Watch, I can look down and see my mileage and pacing as I'm running. This helps me track my distance and speed. Plus, I can change the songs on my Spotify playlist directly from my watch. Apple Watch Series 3 $200 from walmart.com Buy Now Saucony Women's Performance No-Show Sport Socks Image Source: amazon.com Once you start running longer miles, foot sweat (and therefore foot chafing) is real. You need socks that can wick sweat away, which is why I like these Saucony Women's Performance No-Show Sport Socks ($15 for an 8-pack). They are no-show but still keep my feet protected and chafe-free. Saucony Women's Performance No-Show Sport Socks $15 from amazon.com Buy Now JBuds Air Sport True Wireless Earbuds Image Source: amazon.com I have to run outside to music, but the cord to my headphones is cumbersome and I don't trust myself with AirPods. Enter these JBuds Air Sport True Wireless Earbuds ($69). They sit comfortably on my ears and don't move while I'm working out. Plus, the sound quality is good without being noise-canceling; I still like to hear background noise, especially when I'm outside. Most importantly, $69 is a great price for the quality. JBuds Air Sport True Wireless Earbuds $69 from amazon.com Buy Now Running ShoesRunning TipsRunningWorkouts