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Whether you’ve just caught the marathon bug or you’re a seasoned ultrarunner, putting the miles in for a fall marathon often means hot and humid summer training. It may get sweaty, but pacing through miles in the heat will prepare you well for a fall race. And with a few key pieces of running and recovery gear, you can help ensure a smooth and healthy training cycle that brings you that much closer to your goals.
As a five-time marathon runner training for Chicago in October, I’ve put a lot of miles on my running gear and recovery tools. This is the gear that I rely on for summer training that’s comfortable, effective, and chafe-free.
These lightweight compression sleeves travel anywhere your training takes you. You can even sport them at the office when the effects of your morning run start kicking in later in the day. The sleeves inflate and deflate in sections to provide targeted compression that relieves muscle soreness–it’s like getting a mini massage on demand.
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Running in the summer heat, sweating is unavoidable, and when you have another hot run on the calendar the next day, it’s essential to replenish those lost electrolytes. Liquid I.V. Hydration Multiplier is a tasty powder that comes in portable sticks and dissolves instantly into water, infusing your post-run bevy with the carbs, ions, and vitamins (including 62 milligrams of vitamin C) you need for full-body recovery.
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SPF is essential for summer runs, and this facial sunscreen from Geologie does double duty. It protects your money maker from UVA and UVB rays while hydrating with both niacinamide and hyaluronic acid. And don’t worry about sweating it off, this sunscreen is also water-resistant. Don’t leave home without a good application!
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The trainers you lace up in the morning are a key component of any runner’s wardrobe but don’t overlook the shoes you sport post-workout. Aside from being incredibly comfortable, Oofos shoes are designed specifically to help ease foot pain and improve muscle recovery, and that’s something all of us–runner or not–can get behind.
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It’s not just electrolytes that your body needs to replenish during marathon training. Those long runs and hill workouts can also take a toll on your muscles, which you need to stay strong as you work to get stronger and faster. You can help combat muscle loss by eating enough protein, and this whey powder from Momentous is one of the tastiest ways to get 20 grams of protein in one quick shake. Add it to a fruit smoothie for a frosty chocolate treat.
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Studies show that creatine supplementation can help athletes produce more power during short-intensity bursts, like sprints. It occurs naturally in foods like milk and seafood, but a supplement like this quick-dissolving powder from Thorne ensures that you’re fueling your muscles with an adequate supply of quality creatine to perform at their peak.
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If you’re training in the bright sunlight, it’s just as important to protect your eyes as it is your skin, and these flip-up shades from sporty sunglass brand Pit Viper will have you looking like a pro. With super light polycarbonate frames and no-slip grip, these shades won’t chafe or bounce around on the go, plus offer 100% UVA and UVB protection.
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If there’s one thing marathon runners appreciate, it’s a comfortable pair of shorts with pockets. Runner-focused athletic brand Tracksmith doesn’t disappoint with this updated model of short tights equipped with no less than three pockets, a chafe-protective 4.5-inch inseam, and a buttery fabric that doesn’t ride up or down.
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Lay down on this bumpy-looking device, and you’ll immediately appreciate how well a string of interconnected balls can release a tight spine. By applying deep pressure, the Spinefitter eases tension from your tailbone to your neck, which can help loosen up tight hips, hamstrings, and shoulders.
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With regular sweaty runs and gym sessions, you’re going to need something a little stronger to beat the B.O., and this new full-body spray deodorant from Native is just the ticket. It’s aluminum- and paraben-free, so it’s safe to use everywhere–we mean everywhere–you might get a little funky.
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Whether this is your first marathon or your 20th, a running plan from a knowledgeable coach can be the difference between crushing your goals and facing an injury mid-training cycle. Humango is an AI-powered running training app that provides users with personalized and adaptive plans that help them meet their sports and fitness goals.
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You’ll be putting in some long hours on the roads to train for a marathon, and a great playlist, audiobook, or podcast library will help get you through the monotony. These made-for-runners headphones conduct sound through your bones, leaving your ears exposed so you can hear oncoming traffic, dogs, and other potential hazards for safety.
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You can’t have a comfortable, injury-free training cycle without the right pair of shoes. These sturdy and supportive trainers from running giant Brooks hit the sweet spot between cushioning and support. Plus, they’re durable enough to last your full training cycle.
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Swollen feet and sore muscles love compression to reduce inflammation, and your feet will need special attention during marathon training. These socks are designed for athletes to provide support in all the right places, including your arches. They’re also made from highly breathable materials that wick away moisture for blister-free training.
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The last thing you want to happen during a long, hot run is to find yourself parched and without a drop of water in sight. Preempt dehydration by packing water to sip on throughout the run. This running-specific pack from Nathan is breathable and lightweight, won’t chafe or bounce around, and packs 4 liters of H2O to get you through the hot ones.
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This running wearable does more than track your steps or splits. You can program the watch with interval workouts to do anywhere, access helpful insights from your training metrics and progress, and even get personalized workout and coaching recommendations.
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We’ve said it before and we’ll say it again: Summer marathon training is sunny and bright, and you want to protect your skin and eyes as much as possible. This running cap has a protective brim that won’t obstruct your vision or slow you down but will keep you from squinting.
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There are dozens of options when it comes to fueling during a run, from goos and chews to bars and blocks. These single-serving gels from Huma are made from real fruit puree and chia seeds to provide the quick-hitting carbs you need for a mid-run refuel without any gross additives or preservatives. Plus they taste like smoothies.
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For those runs when you don’t need to carry a full backpack of water, this handheld bottle is a great solution. It’s comfortable to hold on the go, thanks to a stretchy strap that keeps the bottle in place so you can focus on putting one foot in front of the other.
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Oiselle makes running clothes designed for women, by women. These light-as-air shorts are perfect for warm weather training as they’re breathable, stretchy in all the right places, and bounce-free. They also have a zippered back pocket that holds keys or a credit card for a post-run coffee.
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A sports bra that means business is a must for marathon training, and this utilitarian top from On will do you right on long runs, interval workouts, and cross-training days. The thick, adjustable straps can be customized to your body, but if you need something with more support, On’s Endurance Bra is a highly structured option that comes in sizes up to DD.
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One thing you don’t want to skip during a training cycle is proper recovery, and this double roller from Lululemon is a great way to release tense muscles and knots from hamstrings, quads, calves, and more. Raised ridges on the surface help break up hard-to-reach muscle adhesions, and the removable core offers extra leverage to reach deep into large muscle groups.
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Look at you go: You’ve got a race on the calendar and miles of beautiful running in your future. Yes, it can be challenging, but marathon training is fun and you’re guaranteed to feel a major sense of accomplishment. With this gear in your closet, you’re ready to bring on the endorphins and chase some PRs!