I swear by tight undershorts with pockets, to hold my phone and any gels or other things I need to carry. They're held firmly to my body, and don't really move around as I run.

Crucially, they also prevent chafing!

I tried a phone armband for a few months, and it was just fine, but moved around a bit and was hard to find the perfect tightness.

The salt from my sweat also crystallized in the zipper, and made the action of the zip degrade over time. I would wash it frequently, but this didn't fix the issue.

I use a flipbelt (with the zippered pocket) on longer runs that I like a lot, along with the water bottle that is made to fit in the back. I can fit my phone, keys, gels, water bottle and more and I don’t notice it much.

For anything under 1.5 hours or so I usually only bring a small water bottle, but I use one that has a zippered pocket for my keys.

Number one rule is that if it's worth it to you to buy it and carry it, then you should buy it and carry it.

That said, I'll be the contrarian and say you don't need any of that junk. I've run several marathons and did it with nothing more than shorts, shirt, socks, shoes, watch and an iPod shuffle from like 2011. I usually run from my house and don't carry a phone or keys. I get water from drinking fountains. It can be done.

Now, you're not me. As you start to gradually increase your distances, issues will start to rise, and then you can decide how important they are and how to address them. At some point, you'll need something to drink during long runs. Are there drinking fountains near by? Do you want to carry water in your hand? On your back? I know people that hate each of those possible solutions, so you're going to have to see what works for you.

You don't need much at all. Look at under armour or Lululemon running shorts with the phone sleeve. You can also get the liner separate that has the phone pocket too, then wear that with any shorts. Imo it's the best way to hold a phone with no jostling.

‘Shaped like Gru’ was the best thing I’ve read all day- thanks. My only tip is to squeeze in a chapstick with some Leuko taped wrapped around it a few times just in case you feel some blisters forming. I have no doubt you’ll crush it!

/uj All my running bottoms are Lulu (fnf tights and half tights) they’re amazing. 

Don’t buy shirts, you’ll accumulate a million from races. 

Hoka socks are great and come in fun colours. 

I have the Lulu vest and Solomon adv 12 but I find I reach for the Lulu one a lot more often. 

/rj

JUST RUN, STAY HARD

I wear pure 100% cotton for my shirts. And jeans for my running shorts. I develop full body callouses and it allows me to stay hard.

Running shoes? Are you a heel striker?

Gu injector.

Socks: Feetures Shorts: Janji 8” trail half tight Hydration Belt: Nathan trailmix Tank: hyper threads

Body glide/vaseline/petroleum jelly for anti-chafing.

And if you are serious about accurately tracking - Garmin is way better than Apple

Lululemon- Fast and Free for singlets. So light and not as stiff as the Nike Aeroswift singlet which I prefer.

Shorts are shorts imo.

Strider pro shorts are great to carry all the gels you'll need.

Smh cotton for a marathon

Cotton for a marathon is crazy work

1. RIP your nipples.

2. If those are Ibuprofen.......... please reconsider. https://www.runnersworld.com/health-injuries/a64015117/nsaids-running/

Do you expect any less from the Chrome Scorpion?

Mothtech feat. Nicfit

It made it there thankfully.

Flip belt for your phone and gels.

any singlet recommendations? I live in Miami and have also been running shirtless in the mornings before the sun is up but want a racing singlet on race day itself. I tried a Rabbit race pace singlet and there was like no sweat wicking whatsoever and it was clinging the entire time. maybe that's just how every singlet it, but was hoping for more recs.

Was looking at the Tracksmith Strata but it's so expensive, same with a Soar running vest. Curious if these are worth if from a sweat wicking standpoint.

IMO the best gear is whatever’s working for you now on your long runs. You won’t want to switch it up on race day and maybe find out something chafes after 18 miles.

Quality running socks - definitely a luxury but I made them a reward in a similar manner and now I can never go back!

I hadn't heard of Tracksmith until the Mary AMA on here but I bought two long sleeve merino running tops (she gave a discount code) and boy are they warm but never too warm, and boy is it true you don't need wash them even five runs later. If Northern New England is anything like Northern England weather-wise I'd definitely recommend them for the winter.

I’ve also found tracksmith to be great quality. I have been wearing the same twilight tee for almost 4 years and it’s still like new. And their nor’easter(?) quarter zip has gotten me through four winters with near daily running use and has held up. It’s pricey but I haven’t been disappointed yet.

I can't imagine running without a watch now either. I can set up workouts on it, make my own intervals.

A jacket in gore’s shakedry fabric—amazing and the closest to true ‘waterproof but breathable’ ive ever experienced.

A decent quality massage gun. Do they really do anything? Maybe not. Do they feel amazing on tired tight muscles? Absolutely.

Buffs, lots of them.

Fresh socks going into summer and winter

Really good sports bras

Wow thank you for this!

I’m new to running and wanted to grab myself some running gear, but was put off by the price of all the top brands. Didn’t want to spend too much as I’m still a running noob and wasn’t sure if I’d get hooked (spoiler I have!). After looking on Nike/Adidas/under armour I was shocked by how expensive it all was. Just checked out decathlon and I’ve bought 3 tops and a jacket for the price of one Nike coat.

I promised myself that once I can run 5km without stopping I’ll get myself a gps watch. For now my phone will have to do.

Danish Endurance light wool hiking socks are my go to running socks, even in the summer heat.

Agreed with decathlon, cheap and very reliable running clothes!

I love Decathlon and my tops (running t-shirts and long sleeve shirts) are from them. I also started running using leggings and tight shorts from Decathlon, but I'm slowing replacing all of them with ones from more expensive brands (I only use leggings or tight shorts for running - I hate running in loose clothing). It's a day to night difference. Kalenji ones are ok, but after running with leggings from Adidas, Nike, Puma, Under Armor and the holy grail, Lululemon, you really can tell the difference. The fabrics, compression and fit are way better. As soon as you can, invest in a good pair (€50>) and you'll see what I'm talking about. And from your user name I depreend that you're guy. If you like running in leggings, don't be afraid to look into the womens line from those brands. Most of them pass as mens tights and are way better than the ones originally meant for men.

Here's some of what I use and recommend:

https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B07R3X8N21?pf_rd_r=VZB8HV6Y6CJJGSPY7VWW&pf_rd_p=6e878984-68d5-4fd2-b7b3-7bc79d9c8b60

https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B081SJVFZX/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_image_o04_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B07FNNJDXG/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o02_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

https://www.eu.lululemon.com/en-lu/p/fast-and-free-hr-tight-25%22/prod8960003.html?dwvar_prod8960003_color=31382

https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B081TTS2XL/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o03_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

I never head out the door without a good pair of running socks! I have some expensive brands but honestly I recently bought a pair of decathlon ‘running thick socks run 900 strap’ for <8 euros and they’re amazing! Have a double layer and are nice and tight!

I can also really recommend a gps Running watch! Entry models like the Garmin forerunner 35 work great, but are still relatively expensive

Wish On had my back when doing warranty claim… lost longtime customer.

UD racing belt. Fits a soft flask and my iPhone, plus gels or chews. Because how often do you need a racing vest on your everyday training runs. A close second would be Hoka Speedgoat 3 or 4’s.

Sleeves. They pack down to nothing and add a bunch of warmth when you need them.

Post run meal

Buff.

ACR EPLB and chapstick. The ACR because it’s a safety net (I run solo where cell service is spotty or nonexistent). Chapstick, because it’s what my lips crave.