A list of surprising things I use during marathon and half marathon training. These are everyday items that I’ve come to need when I run. Do you use anything random like this during training or running?
Hello! How’s it going? Over here it was going great until… I saw a SNAKE on my run. What the heck.
I was just running along listening to a podcast when I spotted a big thing moving across the path a little ways up. I couldn’t recognize it at first because it was the same color as the gravel but as I got closer I realized it was a pretty big snake moving fast across the path. I stopped in my tracks running shoes and had a mini-heart attack.
Then, I recovered and tried to catch my breath and let my heart rate go down as I updated Instagram. The people had to know!
Post-run I made a super thick green smoothie. The key to thickness is eating a lot of pizza. The key to thickness in a smoothie is a lot of ice and frozen spinach.
This weekend during my long run I snapped a picture of some of my mid-run fuel – Ricola drops. This reminded me that I’ve been meaning to share a list of the things I use while running all the time – but these aren’t really runner specific items or considered running gear.
These are everyday kind of things that I NEED while running. It’s kind of random, but I use them all the time. Check it out and let me know if you use anything that’s not runner specific, but helps you run too!
Non-Running Items I Use During Half & Full Marathon Training
– Paper towels.
Why –> My nose runs when I run. This is actually a fairly common problem for runners. But, I am not good at snot rockets. So I always have a paper towel tucked somewhere to wipe my mocos* while running.
Yeah, sometimes runners Monicans are gross. Running isn’t pretty, but it’s pretty awesome.
– Ricola cough drops.
Why –> I like that they make my throat feel all clear and fresh. It opens up my air passages and gives me a tiny kick of sugar.
– Beach towel
Why –> I am the sweatiest sweaty runner of your life. Trust me. When I drive somewhere to run I need a big beach towel to cover my car seat for the way home.
– Spark
Why –> Running takes a lot out of you! Spark is my favorite energy drink. I sip this mid-morning during the week to help avoid a mid-day slump – I’m a lot more fatigued during marathon training so this really helps. I’ve also been known to drink it to rehydrate right after a run.
(They also sell a Rehydrate drink that’s good, but I always have Spark around so I usually just use that.)
*My favorite flavors are fruit punch and mango strawberry.
– Spray sunblock
Why –> I use spray sunblock to make sure I get the part in my hair. This can be an overlooked area when applying sunblock!
– Ginger chews
Why –> Ginger is great for settling your stomach. And ginger chews have sugar and ginger so it’s a good option to settle my stomach before a race.
– Vitamins
Why –> Training for a race requires you to really push yourself. You are doing things an athlete does – so you need to treat yourself like an athlete. This includes getting enough rest and eating well. Although I do eat healthy, my diet is not perfect so to make sure I’m getting in vitamins I take a supplement.
– Watermelon
Why –> It makes me happy. Oh, and it’s good for you.
But mainly because I deserve something delicious after all that running!
And the #1 running / training NEED: Ice cream.
Question: Do you use anything that isn’t specifically meant for running when you run?
*mocos are Spanish for boogers — boogers are English for whatever the official name is for the stuff that comes out of your nose
I am definitely going to bring some cough drops on my next long run! I think that would be so helpful! But my must haves are coffee before and yoga after!
I just started to take running seriously as my love for it grew! I’m training for 3 half marathons before the end of the year and then my first full in 2017! that being said I really think that your blog is very inspiring and fun to read! Yogurtland is ON TOP of my runners essentials too lol!
Coffee for sure! Some sort of pre-workout drink. Right now I’m loving Vega Sport products. I’ve also used Beachbody Performance products. I have special Pura Vida bracelets I like to wear during a race as well.
Coffee and protein powder! I don’t need the protein until I start doing super long runs, but there’s nothing like an ice cold smoothie after a long hot run! I also love frozen grapes and bananas after a long hot run 🙂
Good to see you today! Glad you got the snake and not me!! And that’s why I only run 5 and you run 16. Well, that and I’m nowhere near as fit!
Great to see you too! You look amazing and super fit!!
My biggest non-running must-haves are: Headphones, because music is extremely important/motivating to me. Coffee, because it gives me energy before any kind of run. Protein powder or bars, because I feel like my muscles recover way faster when I drink it right after.
And of course, carbs. I can’t skip them after running, I just simply can’t.
I was going to mention my pre-run coffee and forgot!! Totally a must-have.
I always need paper towels too! I became so annoyed with how much my nose was running that I looked it up and it turns out there’s a biological reason why running causes it. It’s definitely annoying! Headphones are my running essential. I know that many people relish the silence while running, but I love having time to catch up on my podcasts and audiobooks.
Diana
betterthanalive.com
Another paper towel runner!
I use cough drops and/or other hard candies as well. and when there’s a threat of rain i tie a doggie poop bag around my wrist so if it pours I can protect my phone!
Good idea with the baggie! It does’t rain here, but I use one to help block sweat.
Definitely stealing the cough drop idea. If it helps make it less painful to breathe when I’m running then I’m all about it.
I thought I was the only one that brought paper towels with them on the run!!
I need pepper spray — lots of stray dogs and stray creepers in my area!
Good reminder – I have a pepper spray but never use it!
My biggest non-running must-haves are: Starbucks (for the morning after a tough training session), Berocca (because vitamins), cosy slippers (for sore sore feet!) and froyo (because obviously)!
Oh, and also a tennis ball for foam rolling my feet. However my puppy recently stole mine so it’s looking a bit worse for wear!
x
I never have used a tennis ball, but I have a few so I should try that.