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Previous:
Should You Run a Marathon?

Next:
How to Prepare for Marathon Training

Marathon Training Equipment

Having the proper equipment will play a major role in your marathon training. It helps with:

Commitment: If you use old or shoddy equipment, or gear that doesn’t keep you warm or cool enough, you’re much more likely to give up on your training.
Injury prevention: Bad equipment—in particular, bad shoes—are much more likely to bring on injuries that can derail your training.

Don’t wait until the last minute to try out the clothing and gear that you plan to use on the day of the marathon. Audition everything during the training period so that you know what works and what doesn’t.

Running Shoes for Marathon Training

Running shoes are the most important purchase you’ll make for your marathon training. Running puts serious stress on your feet and ankles, as well as the joints and muscles all the way up your legs and through your back. High-quality shoes designed specifically for running will lessen that stress, but low-quality shoes or shoes not designed especially for running can make it worse.

Buying Running Shoes

When buying running shoes, you are much better off going to a specialty running store than going to a large sporting goods retailer or other sneaker outlet. Get help from an experienced sales clerk who:

Can recommend shoes based on your fitness level, running goals, height, weight, and gait
Will observe you running in different shoe models and adjust his or her recommendation accordingly

As you look for running shoes, bear in mind that the most popular sneaker brands, such as Nike and Adidas, are not considered the best makers of running sneakers. Most knowledgeable salespeople recommend running shoes made by Asics, Saucony, or Brooks. Expect to pay $100 or more for running shoes, and replace your shoes every six months. On the day of the marathon itself, run in shoes that are comfortably broken in, but not old and worn.

Clothing for Marathon Training

You can train in your regular workout clothes, but it’s a good idea to wear clothing designed for running. Running clothes are made from synthetic materials, such as Lycra®, that wick away moisture from your body. Clothing made from cotton retains moisture, so it gets heavy and keeps your skin wet as you run. Though wearing cotton clothing on short runs won’t be much of a problem, on longer runs (and certainly during the marathon itself), wearing running clothes is often much more comfortable.

As with running shoes, it’s generally best to buy running clothes from a store that specializes in running gear. It’s a good idea to get clothes for a variety of weather conditions, including rain and cold weather. Consider getting all of the following for your marathon training:

Running socks
Running shorts (and short running tights, if desired)
Running shirts (short- and long-sleeved)
Waterproof or water-resistant running jacket
Running pants (or long running tights, if preferred)
Gloves and headband or hat (for cold days)
Sunglasses
Reflective clothing (for morning or evening running)

Good running clothes can be expensive. Depending on how much you buy, you can easily spend a few hundred dollars.

Additional Training Gear

Additional gear and supplies that you should have on hand before you begin training include:

Sunscreen: When you train for a marathon, you’ll be out under the sun for much longer than you’re used to. To avoid getting sunburned, wear sunscreen on any exposed skin whenever you’re running during the day, even on cloudy days. You might also consider wearing a hat to keep the sun off of your face.
Stopwatch: To train effectively, you have to have a sense of your pace. The only way to monitor your pace as you run is to wear or carry a stopwatch.
Water: A water belt isa belt that holds water bottles, which you wear around your waist. CamelBak® makes backpacks that you can fill with water to drink from through a tube while you run.
Fuel: Energy gel, a flavored high-carb gel packaged in small containers or packets, is a favorite of runners who need fuel during long runs. A 24-pack of the gel costs about $25–30. Popular brands include GU® (pronounced goo) and Carb-Boom®. Other options could include Fig Newtons®, jelly beans, Clif Shot Bloks®, or a small banana. Experiment during your long runs to find out what works best for you.