Gear That’ll Get You Psyched For Your First Race
Knowing your gear is serving you can give the confidence boost you need to train for that first major race.
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Believe it or not, you’re reaching that finish line! And because your friends finally managed to talk you into your first half or 26.2, there’s no turning back now. So, have fun with it! Get the gear that gets you through your training schedule as a primed, powerful, miles-crushing machine.
HOKA ONE ONE Clifton 4, $130
This favorite of cross-country ultrarunners, literally—Pete Kostelnick broke records when running across the U.S. in these—delivers totally light yet ultra-plush comfort underfoot, so you’ll forget the miles you’ve run and revel in what’s ahead.
ASICS Mad Dash Cap, $20
Lightweight glare protection for when the miles are long and the sun is high.
McDavid uCool Ultra Cooling Towel, $15
Cool your neck by up to 30 degrees when this chemical-free performance towel is wet. Reusable and copper-infused to reduce odor.
Chamois Buttr GoStik, $15
Nongreasy skin lubricant in an ideal stick form to ease chafing in problem areas that arise during long (long) runs.
Smith Optics Parallel Performance Sunglasses, $129
Made for the woman who keeps on the move, this intensely light, durable frame with two sets of interchangeable water-repelling carbonic TLT lenses has grippy nose and ear grips and is so light you’ll forget to take them off.
Smartwool PhD Seamless Racerback Bra, $60
Buh-bye chafing. This racerback bra made of soft, temperature-regulating performance Merino wool is seam-free so you’re distraction-free.
GapFit Breathe Tank Top, $25
An airy jersey tank with flatlock seams that pulls moisture from your body and feels supersoft against the skin.
Nathan Sports VaporHowe 4L Hydration Vest, $150
On-trend coral mixes with high-tech, barely there fabric on this ultralight hydration vest that will go the distance if you do. Fits 4 liters and comes with two 12-ounce soft flasks, and designed by ultrarunner champ Stephanie Howe, you better believe the VaporHowe has your back.
AfterShokz Sportz Titanium with Mic, $60
Bone-conducting headphones pipe music through your cheekbones while keeping your attention on the road, plus they avoid sweaty earbuds that won’t stay put. The Sportz has terrific sound quality and stays charged for 12 hours. On a 90-degree-day run, the wire didn’t faze our tester.
The Sox Box Never Quit Compression Sleeve, $21
Never Quit compression sleeves for your calves help reduce muscle fatigue and wick sweat, and the message inspires.
Smartwool PhD Run Light Elite Low Cut Socks, $18
Just a bit of cushion and mesh where you need it in a seamless patented-wool sock that’s durable beyond the miles.
Altra Performance Skort, $80
You can’t get any more lightweight than Altra’s laser-cut ZeroLite fabric on this running skort with asymmetrical hem. Underneath it’s outfitted with a built-in anti-odor short; and pockets galore let you control the road.
Related:
Gear Guide For The Fashionista