My marathon favorites tend to change with each training cycle. These are some of my marathon favorites for 2018.
Every year during marathon training, I begin to gravitate toward some favorites. Some tried-and-true items if you will. Items that I either use for safety, convenience, or comfort. My marathon favorites don’t change with every new race; oftentimes they stay the same. But when I do find a favorite, they tend to stick for the duration of the training cycle.
My Marathon Favorites for 2018: Friday Five 2.0
1. Brooks Chaser 3″ Short
After a rough season of relentless chafing, I’ve been ready to throw in the towel more than once. I runfessed a couple weeks ago that some of my more expensive shorts have been the cause of the issue. Thankfully I have a few pairs that have proven to be comfortable, functional, and non-chafing. My favorites of the bunch are the Brooks Chaser 3″ shorts. They’re comfortable and lightweight and I really like them.
2. PayDay as run fuel
A couple years ago my good friend, Carole, introduced me to the loveliness of using PayDay candy bars as run fuel. They’re sweet, salty, provide carbs and protein, and because there’s no chocolate, they don’t melt! That means I can run with them in my shorts pocket, in my pack, and in 90˚ heat. Brilliant. Helpful hint: get the snack size for convenience while running!
3. Musical variety
Or perhaps aural. Because I don’t only listen to music. I’ve recently downloaded a book on Audible called Endure by Alex Hutchinson and Malcolm Gladwell. So far it’s really interesting. But music has been my marathon favorite this cycle. It’s been hard to narrow it down to one but if you read my post last Friday, you’ll know I have at least five current favorites!
4. Newton Gravity IV
I know, I know. They don’t even make these shoes anymore. But damn if they’re not my all-time favorite running shoe. I runfess I stockpiled several pairs of them last year (or maybe two years ago now). I’m now on my last pair and the right one is water-logged from running so many miles in the rain. It makes me so sad I won’t be able to replace them. I still like my Newtons but the Gravity IV was by far the best shoe I’ve ever run in.
5. Feetures! Socks
I was a Feetures! ambassador last year. I’m a little sad I’m not one again this year but that doesn’t mean I stopped loving the socks. They’re among my favorites! I really like my Feetures! merino wool no shows. They’re perfect for trail, rain, and everyday running.
Sometimes my marathon favorites change during each training cycle, but a lot of times they stay the same. I wonder if I’ll like the same things again in 2019!
xo
Let’s talk!
What’s your go-to piece of running apparel?
Do you have the same favorites for each training cycle?
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25 Comments
I don’t do marathons but I defiantly have favorite running apparel. I love my Brooks running shoes and I have a favorite pair of running shorts that are so old I can’t remember when I got them.
I’ve never worn Brooks shoes but I own so much of their apparel!
I’m not sure I’ve ever had a Payday! I used to not like nuts in candy bars. I’m too scared to wear anything but compression shorts to keep my thighs apart. 🙂
I don’t like nuts at all. But I can handle payday. And they aren’t too sweet so it’s the perfect balance.
I had a couple of pairs of gravitys but my foot was like in between sizes for them. Motion (even though I don’t need stability) & now distance are my fav newtons. And I’ve run in feetures but much prefer Balegas.
I may have to try Payday but then again, I don’t really gravitate to sweet on long runs (just all the time otherwise.
And of course Skirt Sports. Always Skirt Sports.
Payday aren’t very sweet bc of all the salt. It’s the perfect combo.
How strange you couldn’t wear the Gravity! Are the Distance stability shoes? Maybe I should try.
This year, I’m loving a pair of New Balance shorts I got 2 years ago, Honeystingers Chews, Audible Books and an awesome sports bra/tank combo from Lucy.
I should try Lucy! I see it all over the place but never purchased.
funny on the paydays-I sometimes use frozen mini snickers bars on long bike rides so they defrost as they go along. I am loving my Lulu shorts this summer-light and comfy
I have one pair of Lulu shorts and they chafed me up so bad. Now I only wear for shorter runs or gym days.
I’m a huge fan of Feetures socks for my cross training days. They don’t seem to do the job that I need when running but boy are they super comfortable for when I’m on the elliptical, walking, weight training, or otherwise just running around town.
What do you wear for running?
Pay Days sound tasty. I like eating gummy bears. During longer runs I like downloading podcasts. It passes the time very well.
I agree, podcasts and audio books are the way to go for long runs!
As you know, I’m a sock-obsessed runner. Feetures are definitely in my rotation! I especially like the support they give my arches. I also used their PF sleeves when I was suffering from that evilness.
I like how Feetures feel like a hug on the arch. They’re super comfy!
I’m building up my playlist for my race next month. I’ve added Halloween songs because it will be October 🙂 I never thought about that for Payday, and that’s brilliant! Maybe I should get some to help with recovery.
Mmm PayDays are the best for long runs. A little salty, a little sweet, and quite filling!
Nike Air Pegasus are my go-to shoes. I wear them for everything from 5k to marathons. Payday sounds great!
Nice! I’ve never tried them. I haven’t worn Nike shoes in years come to think of it.
I’m struggling to find nice socks for running, so I will have to give those Feetures a go. If I was to answer on behalf of my husband, I know he would say his main staple for long distance running or cycling are audio books that cover very complex “Stephen Hawking” type theory. I still don’t understand how he focuses on all that complex theory while running, LOL. Give me music any day.
Ha! I listen to complex theories every now and again. I really enjoy This American Life, to be quite honest. It’s entertaining but you can zone out if needed.
Paydays are such a great idea. I will be trying them on my next long run. Thanks! I’m also going to have to check out the socks. I generally try to avoid the sock area in sporting goods stores because I can’t resist trying new socks! 🙂
Haha, new socks are such a treat! Almost as good as new shoe day! 🙂
[…] recently blogged about how PayDays are one of my favorite fuels to use during marathon training. I was turned on to using PayDay a few years ago by my friend, Carole. She’s an ultra runner […]