This weekend I braved the longest run of my training so far: 16 miles. It was nice to know that even after a dismal training week, I still had the oomph to get out there and get the miles in. But let me tell you, it wasn’t a walk in the park…or at least to begin with.
During training for last year’s LA marathon, I learned just how crucial it is for me to properly hydrate and fuel. I’m still not sure if I’m doing it correctly, but what I do know is that anything over 15 miles means I’m slapping on the fuel belt. With Cytomax, water, Sharkies and Gu all packed up, I headed out. But as soon as I started pounding the pavement I realized DAMN, this belt ways a ton! It was then that I realized that I need to train with this belt full of crap, even on short runs, just so my body gets used to the extra weight. As always, the first five miles were the toughest for me, but once my legs and body got going, my pace gradually sped up, even with the sun intensifying.
It was hot. It was sweatier than all hell. And by the time I was done, I was glad it was done. Pace? All under or around 8 min. miles. Good pace. But not sure if I can keep it up for 26.2.
Gear laid out before the LA Marathon 2010
But the one thing this run made me realize is how much STUFF I seemingly “need” for long runs. I used to tell people that the only thing you really need to run is a good pair of shoes, and I still believe this. However, I’ve grown accustom to all of the little things that make long runs a bit easier and yes, I’ll be the first to admit, I love shopping for the latest and greatest running gadget.
So here goes, all of the items I use to prepare and run long, food included:
- Oatmeal with brown sugar and milk – Admit it, it takes like crap without the brown sugar
- Yogi Super Antioxidant Green Tea – It gets me “going” if you know what I’m sayin’
- Garmin 305 – I’m addicted to the stats
- iPod Shuffle and headphones – I wish I was a running purist, but alas, I still need this
- iFitness Belt – For shorter runs. I currently have the one pocket version but would like to try the two pocket
- Nathan Fuel Belt – For longer runs. In pink, but of course
- Cash or credit card – In case of emergency
- Nike DriFit tank – Big in my book as I hate feeling weighed down
- Nike tempo shorts – A classic staple
- Sports Bra – Not the best support, but I like the bright colors from Target
- Nike Vomero 5 running shoes – For the longest time I avoided Nike running shoes, but finally caved when I realized they worked well with my wide feet
- Specialty socks from Fleet Feet Sports – A must that many overlook
- Sharkies – A recommendation from Danica and an easy to digest and yummy fuel source
- Gu – For when you need the caffeine hit, but I have to be careful as they can cause GI problems
- Cytomax – Turning out to work well with me, but still need to determine the best flavor and my limit
- Water – Dur
- Cell phone – For safety and blogging purposes
- RoadID (attached to my shoe) – Looks lame, but extremely important
- Goody’s sports hair ties –The kind with the rubber around it to help hold it in place
- Nike or Goody headbands – To keep the fly-aways down
- Neutrogena Sport sunscreen for the face – Trying to avoid the clogged pore dilemma
- Neutrogena Sport spray sunscreen for the body – Yes, I get two different kinds
And to top it all off, I’m currently on the hunt for running sunglasses to keep the sun damage at bay and more importantly, prevent all the bugs from ending up in my eyes.
Listing this all out makes me feel quite materialistic, but I’m curious, do you require a boatload of stuff before you head out for a long run or is it just me?
Have a great week and happy running!
love #17 – LOL! the only additional thing I wear is a running cuff to hold keys & cash.
I’m up to about the same amount of stuff. I didn’t think I’d get this way either and it seems like I keep adding something every week but I think it’s all necessary, especially now. Those long runs we definitely need hydration and fuel!
I have been a minimalist lately since I haven’t had many longs run over 13 miles, but I’ve been trying to get myself to fuel/hydrate better , so I have been strapping on the fuel belt and with that comes a lot of other shiznit! I hate it, but it’s a must for any long run especially when you’re alone! I really need to get a RoadID!
I used to be such a running minimalist! I remember only carrying four GU packets safety-pinned to my shorts during my first marathon! It worked then, but things seem so much better now.
Also, I think you and I must be running twins. I love my Nike Dri-fit singlet, Target sports bra, and Nike Temp shorts! Classic running outfit!
Loved seeing what you carry along with you.
I’m carrying more and more things all the time now the miles are ramping up.
I used to go over an hour without water but the dog won’t do that so we both take in some H2O.
Thanks for posting your gear!
For me, going long requires so many little items… mostly water and energy sources.
Let’s see: Shoes (Asics); socks (forgot ’em last run. hello, blisters); light dryfit type shorts/shirt; sunscreen; road id; hand held water bottle (with a pocket for my ginormous car key); gear belt; phone; gu or two; ipod shuffle (sometimes – depends on my route); hat
I also prep after-run gear: towel; shorts/tshirt/flipflops; huge water; banana or some trail mix; coconut water or gatorade
It’s still easier and cheaper than cycling… but, I do that too. 😉
Jason – such a good call about the ginormous car key! hahaha! I have that same problem too and am always trying to figure out where to stuff it! And you’re right again in that the post-run gear adds to the list as well. Damn, should have added that too!
I have the iFitness double pouch, love it!
your blog has been added to my google reader! cant wait to lurke some running posts!
Hi Page! I found your blog!
Isn’t it amazing how much gear we need to do something that is so natural? I’m glad we have all this stuff though because it makes our long runs easier.