This is the second season of Training Diaries, a Lifehacker series about my journey to the 2024 Philadelphia Marathon. This series will cover all the highs, lows and hill repeats leading up to race day on Sunday the 24th. november. I’ll go over proper fueling, injuries and setbacks, treadmill tips, wardrobe malfunctions, long-term logic, and just generally speaking. think about what it takes to cross the finish line of a marathon.

As for what I wear to run, I have to admit: I still wear my old high school club jerseys. And they work well for me. Furthermore, one of the benefits of running these are all the “free” shirts and shorts you’ve collected over the years. If you want to splurge on technical running shirts, be my guest. But if you’re serious about improving your running experience, there are much smarter ways to invest in gear.

If you’ve never run a marathon before, you’ll be surprised how much equipment can affect your mood during the race. I consider myself a pretty cold person, but a hat that’s too tight, headphones that are too loose, or an itchy sock will turn even the coldest of us into sniveling monsters at about 20 miles. As someone who hates spending money and would honestly run naked if possible, here are the running gear must-haves I’ve collected over the course of six marathons.

Running shoes

I would trade in all my other shoes for a good pair of sneakers. Lifehacker Health Editor Beth Skwarecki recently published a guide to choosing the perfect pair of running shoes…be sure to check that out.

Now I’m that simple and lazy of a marathon runner as you can be. My shoes fit this vibe: I opt for neutral shoes with moderate cushioning; nothing too flashy. Asics Novablast, Saucony Endorphin, Nike Pegasus, Brooks Ghost are all good examples, with the Ghost being my most reliable choice. Personally, I replace my running shoes every 500 miles to avoid injury, but here’s the full story on how long running shoes actually last here.

Running belt

THE two big names in racing belts are the minimalists SPI belt and the maximalist Foldable belt. The SPIbelt (“Small Personal Items Belt”) is perfect for the discreet runner who only needs to hold their phone or keys. While I wouldn’t go so far as to call myself a maximalist runner, I prefer Flipbelts for a much simpler reason: everything stays in place while you run. I store my energy gels, keys, phone, and even some tissues in my Flipbelt, and everything stays snug on my person during my run, without bouncing up and down as you go.

Anti-chafing sticks

If you know, you know. This Body Glide Anti-Chafing Stick works wonderfully for only $8.99. A single palm-sized stick lasted longer than a full training cycle of long runs.

Energy gels

I’ve written before about what to eat before and during your long runs, which plays a vital role in how you recover…check out these tips here. My preference for gels is aptly named “Gu”. A Pack of 24 Gu It cost me about $38.49. Other runners swear by Gatorade ChewsSnickers bars, or a few dates loose in a Ziploc bag. Again, you need to strategize and experiment with what works best for your body.

And if you are interested in the effect of my weekly gels, check out my Gu Review stories on my Instagram.

Compression socks

Whether or not it’s a placeboI swear by compression socks during my longer runs and cool-down stretches. Even though their muscle soreness superpowers are overrated, they are comfortable and feel good in the moment. I have had great experiences with These Women’s CEP Knee High Socks for $59.95. Strategically placed cushioning and arch support provide an extra level of comfort to my feet. And as you progress in your marathon training, master the art of recovery will become just as crucial as succeeding in your long runs.

Water bottle

Staying hydrated is no joke, but I used to treat it as such. Until a few years ago, I reused different old crumpled plastic water bottles to “save money.” Investing in a water bottle designed for long runs was a game changer, and this Nathan Running portable water bottle does the job for $24.99. Mine has lasted me several workout cycles and is dishwasher safe.

Adjustable straps keep it secure and stable. The ideal portable water bottle is one that you forget you’re holding, and this one delivers. I have my eyes on larger hydration packs for my next training cycle (looking this CamelBak vest for $32). But for now, I’m lucky to run in a city where I can fill a small water bottle as I go.

The essentials

These are the basic pieces of gear I rely on, whether I’m logging miles during the week or lining up at the start line. Your equipment makes a big difference, but it doesn’t happen overnight: everything I’ve listed above is what I landed on after years of research and error. Think of your gear less as a “shopping spree” and more as an investment in your running career. And remember: follow the “nothing new on race day” rules so the only surprises you get are how good the crowd cheers feel at the finish line.