Running has been a part of my life since I was 15—races not so much. Save from a few bucket list destinations (which I would hope to get around to at some point) I was never “training” for anything. I was simply running. But when New Balance invited me to participate in the New York City Marathon this year on November 3—one of my bucket list races—I was delighted. Having run only one marathon before, almost a decade ago now, I found myself filled with a familiar feeling of dread and excitement—but also, opportunity! Opportunity to reevaluate my relationship with running, opportunity to challenge myself, opportunity to switch things up.
Beyond devising a new run schedule, much of that change actually occurred in my wardrobe. I became fixated with the minutiae of it all: how much cushioning in my socks and shoes do I actually like on a +10 mile run; what’s the easiest way to carry water and energy chews that doesn’t involve strapping myself into a vest; what is that T-shirt with the diagonal stripe that every runner wears from Williamsburg to Prospect Park? (I’m still figuring out the first, but the easiest way is probably if someone else carries it for you—and that shirt is Tracksmith.)
The same way a really great outfit on the street can be a revelation in your own wardrobe, I found myself observing, and analyzing, other runners’ clothing choices and accessories. I cobbled my own running kit together by talking to friends, coworkers, experts, and watching a mildly concerning amount of running-related YouTube and Instagram videos. Much of what I’ve been training in are actually essentials already in rotation from my pre-training runs (leggings, sports bras, sneakers that I’ve liked), but plenty new additions did make their way in to help with those longer miles. A look at them all, below.
Lululemon
Align Nulu tank
On long weekend runs, I found myself reaching for fitted tank tops in lieu of T-shirts, which I felt were quite distracting (and in the summer heat, rather clingy and not as sweat-wicking). I like this one a lot, as it layers well over a sports bra, but can be also be on its own for recovery and stretch classes.
Free People
Never Better bike shorts
I’m not much of a bike shorts person, but I discovered these over the summer and wore them consistently. The waist isn’t too high or low; the legs don’t ride up a ton while you’re moving, and the dark fabric is relatively forgiving in the heat. I have them in black as well.
Amphipod
Hydraform Soft-Tech handheld water bottle
When I ran 16 miles with Karla Martinez, head of content of Vogue Mexico and Latin America, who also running the NYC Marathon this year, I noticed she had this very ergonomic-looking water bottle strapped to the top of her hand. Intrigued, I bought a similar one before my own 20-mile run. This exact one came recommended to me by my coworker and Vogue Shopping senior market editor Madeline Fass, whose boyfriend is also training for the marathon. I wanted something handheld instead of a waist belt or vest pack as it feels a little more innocuous, and the vessel itself conforms to the amount of liquid inside. Better still, the zip pocket has room for gel packs and/or energy chews.
Lululemon
Align high-rise pant 25"
What hasn’t been said about the Lululemon Align leggings? Not everyone enjoys running in these as they’re not compressive and lack pockets, but since I seek neither of those features from my leggings, these are it for me.
Arc teryx
Beta SL jacket
I don’t think I’ll be needing this on race day, but I already know this will be the most hardworking layer in my run kit this fall and winter; so far it’s saved me from an August downpour. It doesn’t have a super close fit, which makes it ideal for layering, but I don’t really need to wear much underneath—it builds and retains heat optimally. (The pit zips, not exactly sexy-sounding but honestly my favorite feature, no doubt help with that.) And it’s impressively windproof.
Lululemon
Swiftly Tech long-sleeve shirt 2.0
Weather-dependent on race day, I might consider this top as my primary layer; I already know this will be go-to underneath the Arc’Teryx shell on super cold days. It’s lightweight, sweat-wicking, and temperature-regulating—I wore it in grey all last winter.
Garmin
Forerunner 965 running smartwatch
I was never big on tracking my runs before this, but I really wanted to know my pace and log my miles to make sure I was keeping up with my training schedule. My boyfriend wears a Garmin, and he’s kindly been letting me borrow his for the last few months. (Ah, the sacrifices we make for love!)
Honey Stinger
organic fruit smoothie energy chews
The first question I asked people when I started training was: Which energy chews or gels do you like? New Balance coach, Mark Coogan, told a group of editors in a virtual session that food intake on the day of the marathon is all very personal, so I’ve been experimenting to avoid any big-day surprises. Perhaps because I am not used to consuming calories in gel form, I found the Honey Stinger energy chews to sit best with me. They give a nice boost without a sudden crash, and I pace myself by only eating half a bag every 6 to 9 miles—if I feel like I need to that day.
Bala
The Hourglass roller
I wish I was better at foam rolling, as it’s meant to “help activate muscles before a workout and promote muscle recovery after physical activity”; key to preventing injuries (a few of which I have unfortunately sustained and been working through.)
LivOn Laboratories
The Ultimate brain supplement
Nutritionist and founder of JSHealth Vitamins told Vogue previously that magnesium “is a wonderful way to prepare the body for rest and the regeneration processes that take place at night.” I’ve taken magnesium in various forms—powder, capsules, gels over the last few years—but find this concentrated version to work best for me. I’ll add it to water and have it the night after a long run, and will feel far less sore the next morning than when I don’t.
