Marathon Training Must-Haves: The Best Running Gear From Amazon

Hey runners! Are you looking to up your marathon training game with some new gear? Look no further! I’ve rounded up some of my favorite running gear that has helped me through my marathon training and racing journey. These are my TOP PICKS that I use during my long runs, easy runs, tempo runs, and all the way through marathon day. Plus, they all can be found on Amazon!

First up, the COROS Pace 2 GPS watch. This watch has been a game-changer for me. It not only tracks my distance and pace, but it also has features like wrist-based heart rate monitoring and VO2 max tracking. Plus, the battery life is amazing – I’ve gone weeks without having to charge it. One of my favorite features of the COROS Pace 2 is the ability to program in workouts. For example, if I have a workout that consists of: 1 mile warm up, ten 400 meter repeats with two minutes rest, 1 mile cooldown; I can easily program it into the app and sync with my watch. Once I’m ready to do the workout, I just select it from the watch and run! The watch beeps to tell me when to switch between warm up, intervals, and rest time. It’s so simple!

Next, the Saucony Ride 15 running shoes. These shoes have been my go-to for all my training runs and races. They offer a comfortable, responsive ride and have held up well mile after mile. The are a cushioned, neutral running shoe that feels great on every run. I’ve written a more in depth review of them here.

Another must-have for marathon training is a good sports bra, and I have fallen in love with the styles that have a rear pocket. The Brooks Drive 3 Pocket Run Bra has been a favorite of mine. It offers great support and has convenient pockets to hold my phone, keys, and even an energy gel. I usually bring my phone on a run (for music and for safety), and I can stash it in the rear pocket and not notice it AT ALL on my run! I have even run a full marathon with my phone in the rear sports bra pocket and I hardly knew it was there. While the Brooks Drive 3 Pocket Bra is my usual go to, another budget friendly option that also has a pocket (and tons of 5 star Amazon reviews) is the QUEENIEKE Back Pocket Energy Sport Bra.

For those of us who want even MORE pockets, bike-style shorts with side pockets can be a game-changer. I love the freedom and comfort of not having to carry a separate bag or waistpack on my long runs. This is another gear item that is a must have for my marathon training and racing. I stash my phone in the sports bra pocket, then all of my gels, my mini camera, and even hotel key in the side pockets of the bike style shorts. My two favorite pairs that are both comfortable and functional are the CRZ YOGA Women’s High Waisted Biker Shorts and the New Balance Women’s Impact Run Fitted Short.

And finally, no marathon training is complete without some fuel on the go. PowerBar Energy gels have been a staple in my training. They’re easy to carry and provide quick energy when I need it most. Gels can be tricky, and everyone has a personal preference, but the PowerBar gels are my favorite. They are a thinner consistency than most gels which make them easier to consume, especially in the late stages of the marathon. Their “Dual Source Carb Mix” does not upset my stomach and absorbs quickly. They have plenty of electrolytes to keep my energy stable, especially in hot weather. I use a mix of their non-caffeinated and caffeinated gels during my marathon training and racing.

Training and racing a marathon definitely requires the right gear. Through trial and error during your training, you should have your top gear picks ready by race day. I hope this list of gear helps you in your marathon training journey!