It’s Friday, so I’m linking up with Courtney at Eat, Pray, Run DC, Cynthia at You Signed Up for What and Mar at Mar on the Run. Each week they pick a theme and bloggers join in and link up. This year instead of specific themes, they are letting us be creative with broad themes for each week of the month. This is the a “fitness” themed week.
You may have seen that this year I’m celebrating the 20th anniversary of my first and second marathons. Number 1 was in San Francisco. It was a tough day for me, but I am proud of my finish. I took it pretty easy in August and I’m trying to get my mojo back to train for NYC. Good thing I have some secret weapons. Well, not so secret and I’m ready to spill.
5 Must Haves for NYC Marathon Training
1. Caffeine! I love my Run Gum (see my full review HERE) and I recently tried Thunder Bolts from Bolts Energy. I am truly fueled by coffee all day every day. I don’t have coffee before running, so I use Run Gum to kick start my morning runs and races. Both Run Gum and Thunderbolts have 200 mg of caffeine (like a cup of coffee!) They also contain B Vitamins and Run Gum has Taurine. Extra nutrition can’t hurt!
2. Pre or post run fuel – I’ve been trying to get protein and carbs in after I run. I love these easy “Fuel Packs” from Fuel for Fire. They are gluten free fruit squeeze packs with added protein and “no junk.” They taste great and sit well after a run. They now have a Coffee flavor for my caffeine addiction (see #1). You can get them on Amazon (affiliate link) or at The Feed (get $5 off your first order with this link.)
3. On the run fuel – On my long runs, I’ve been using Huma Gel. This 100% all natural gel comes in a bunch of tasty flavors. Some are a bit sweet, but I find that they taste good and don’t bother my stomach. The texture is good, too! You can get Huma Gel on Amazon (affiliate link) or at The Feed (get $5 off your first order with this link.)
4. HB Tune handheld phone carrier and headphones – if you follow me on Instagram, you know I take a lot of pictures on the run. I also love to listen to podcasts and Audible books when I run alone. I need the distraction to keep me moving. I’ve been using an HB Tune for years. I had an unfortunate incident with my iphone 6 in my old HB Tune (which was sized for the iphone 4). In fairness to the HB Tune, I will say that I fell twice right on it and did not crack my phone. Third time was a charm.
The good news is that the larger HB Tune (with adjustable straps for right or left handed carry) is comfortable and easy to use. It has more protection for my new iphone 6S. It also has a slot in the back for a credit card, money and transit card. You can get HB Tune online or at Amazon (Affiliate link).
5. CEP Ultralite Sleeves – It’s been so hot and sticky here in August that it’s been tough to wear compression socks for training. I’ve worn my Ultralite sleeves for racing and running and they feel great. The Ultralite sleeves come in four colors. I prefer black, of course. You can get CEP Ultralites at many running stores or online from CEP Compression.
What are your marathon training must haves? Please leave them in the comments!
Have a great LONG weekend!
PS. Don’t forget my great giveaways.