Runners: what are your "must haves"?

my legs

Great tips here, thanks to all.

I saw someone earlier ask about compression sleeves, but didn't notice any responses. I always see those at races, but still don't quite get them. Is it to keep warm, keep muscles feeling more limber, or something else? Does anyone here wear them?

Compression sleeves on legs? Or are you talking about the arm warmers? Runner's World has done a few articles recently on compression sleeves for legs. It sounds like the jury is out on whether or not they help you run longer, better, faster. But there seems to be an agreement that sleeves are great for recovery after a long run. I debated getting some when I was dealing with shin splits last year, and the people at the running store said they're great for that kind of thing.

The arm warmers (not sure if those are compression or not) are great for modifying body temp easily. So you start your marathon at 7 a.m. when it's freezing and need something for warmth but you also want something that's easy to take off and stow when you heat up. Plus, they look sort of badass, I think.

ETA: Tried to find a link to a RW article on compression sleeves, but I couldn't find anything quickly.

Great tips here, thanks to all.

I saw someone earlier ask about compression sleeves, but didn't notice any responses. I always see those at races, but still don't quite get them. Is it to keep warm, keep muscles feeling more limber, or something else? Does anyone here wear them?

Compression sleeves on legs? Or are you talking about the sleeves people wear on their arms? Runner's World has done a few articles recently on compression sleeves for legs. It sounds like the jury is out on whether or not they help you run longer, better, faster. But there seems to be an agreement that sleeves are great for recovery after a long run. I debated getting some when I was dealing with shin splits last year, and the people at the running store said they're great for that kind of thing.

The sleeves on arms (not sure if those are compression or not) are great for modifying body temp easily. So you start your marathon at 7 a.m. when it's freezing and need something for warmth but you also want something that's easy to take off and stow when you heat up. Plus, they look sort of badass, I think.

Thanks for that. I should have been more clear that I meant sleeves for arms. It was easier to understand the leg ones, and I'd read some of the RW bits on them. I figured the arm ones might just be for temperature control, but then heard/read a few folks talking about compression (arm) sleeves, which got me wondering.

Badass fashion is one good reason, for sure. Though I'm not sure how well the flowery ones pull that off...

BondiBands
SPIbelt
Extra spearmint gum
RoadID
Sport Beans

Newbie runner here too, I'm loving the tips!

This is going to sound odd, but for me it's chapstick... I HATE having dry lips when I'm running!

I loved all the tips! But I'd like to re-emphasize the reflective gear and lights - especially a headlamp for anyone who runs in the early morning or late night hours. That little baby has saved me from getting run over (usually in the McDonald's drive thru exit!) more times than I care to count.

That being said I really like my shoes, my Wright socks, my compression gear (underarmour is spendy but worth the money!) and the champion gear at Target - they often have it at season changes on the clearance rack (bought the last set of tanks made of dry fit for 1.54$ each!). I also need my amphipod belt - one bottle for me and one for the dog!

In terms of fuel - I prefer honey stinger to the gel packs and I prefer Cytomax to Gatorade but for things like that, it's really individual. My husband is okay with Cytomax but hates the stingers - he prefers GU

Newbie runner here too, I'm loving the tips!

This is going to sound odd, but for me it's chapstick... I HATE having dry lips when I'm running!

I agree, also a must have for me. I have one attached to the strap on my camelbak :-)

bump

WOW!! A lot of good tips and products...I'sll throw my two cents into the mix. You really just have to try different stuff out and find what works for you...a lot is just personal preference. Use your training runs to test out different hydration and fuel...don't use anything new during a race...you never know how you may react and you don't want to have a bad experience during a race. Here are some of my favs:

Nike Air Pegasus +28 or Nike Air Zoom Vomero 6 shoes - get gait analyzed to determine what type shoes you need, and get rechecked everytime you need new shoes...you're gait can change as you develop better form, lose weight, get stonger, etc.

Feetures socks!! Love these!! They fit snug and I have never had a blister.

Definitely moisture-wicking clothes!! I can't even imagine running in cotton!

RunningSkirts.com running skirts!! LOVE them!! They have several styles with built in brief, compression shorts, capris, or tights...my favs are the ones with compression shorts...they do not roll up. They are super comfy, cute and have pockets for stuff.

Moving Comfort sports bra...no bouncing!!

Body Glide or Aquaphor to prevent chafing.

Spibelt to hold phone, ID, money, chapstick, gels, iPod, race bib, etc. Yes, it holds it all, but is very compact and comfortable.

Halo visor...has a built in ridge to keep sweat from running into your eyes.

Oakley sport sunglasses!!

iPod Touch for music and Nike+GPS app for pace, tracking and stats.

SnuggBud headphones!! These are the small silicone buds and totally stay in!! Sounds great too and have a nylon string cord, so lightweight and comfy, no thick plastic cable bouncing around. I have small ear canals and can't wear the broader, flatter earbud style headphones...they hurt my ears and don't stay in.

PowerBar Energy bars and banana for pre-race.
PowerBar Recovery bars and Accelerade for post-race recover.
Gu Gels w/ caffeine for fuel during race.

Fuet Belt for hydration during long training runs, but I do not wear it during races, just use aid stations, but make sure that the race has enough for you to get in your usual fluids. If aid stations are scarce, take your own.

ZEP compression calf sleeves...I do not run in them, but love to put them on following a race to help with recovery. I usually sleep in them the night after a race, and wake up feeling great, with little soreness.

"The Stick"...Google it...you need one!! I could not live without it...use it almost everyday to roll our muscles, tight spots, etc. Others swear by a foam roller...same concept, just have to find what works best for you.

Here's a tip that someone shared with me, that has paid off...shop the thrift stores for long sleeve t-shirts and sweatshirts. Use these in the morning before your race, so you can discard them at the start and not have to worry about checking gear. I have also seen the disposable $2 gloves and "thermal" paper jackets at the expos for this purpose, but have never used them, just use my thrift store finds that I am willing to toss, and they are generally collected and donated to homeless shelters or something.

I think that covers everything...thanks for sharing everyone. I have enjoyed reading the other suggestions and gathering ideas for new things to try.

Happy Running to All!!

I too run in pegasus and vomeros, Nothing has every worked better!

Running -
try to learn to run with a shorter stride i.e. 180 foot falls per minute.

(my) Must Haves -
shoes
socks (cheap cotton poly blends work fine unless you are planning to do ultras)
shorts
bodyglide if I'm going over six miles
handheld water bottle (going over ten miles) http://www.fuelforadventure.com/clutch.html
gels (over ten miles or races) hammer and gu

watch this guy run http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9SUZ5xB_Skk

back straight, short stride, not a lot of bouncing, smooth (you get the idea)

but most of all have fun!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!