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Gear recs for long workouts?

Laura (rhubarbgirl)

(website)

Veteran

(This post is about clothing, but gear specifically - wasn't sure if this belonged in off-topic or not.) I've joined a running/walking group and have started training to walk a half marathon (!). We are starting with lower mileage and working our way up, but it's obvious that the longer distance weekend walks will be nicer if I improve some of what I'm wearing. I've got wicking socks and clothes, but most of it is a few years old now and the socks really need to be replaced.

Does anyone have any specific recommendations they have used and liked? With socks in particular I prefer a brand that comes in multiple sizes, because I'm a women's 10 and one size fits all socks are usually too tight. Would also love recs for fanny packs, water carriers, etc.

Dressing

23 replies

Latest reply was from Greenjeans

Zibbets

Veteran

Fun topic!

I LOVE my cushy Balega socks, Zella running tops with built-in bras and Nike running shorts. I find it really helpful to remember that when you really get going, your body will warm up so that it will feel 20 degrees (F) warmer than the air temperature says, so dress accordingly. For instance, when it's 45 degrees outside, you'll want to start with gloves, but will probably be more comfortable in shorts than tights after the first mile or so. The running tights I bought at Target about 10 years ago are still going strong. Their Champion brand is high quality gear.

I run half marathons and have never found fanny packs or water carriers necessary on a training run.

Meredith

Veteran

Exciting! Sounds like a great way to excercise and socialize! I like to keep my workout gear fairly minimal and on the cheaper end of the spectrum. I find the cheaper gear holds up reasonably well as long as the fit and support was there in the beginning.

General thoughts:

I've never used fanny packs or water bottles, so no suggestions there.

Spend on shoes, save elsewhere. If you don't already have a pair, go to a running shop at let them fit you with a pair appropriate for your gait. Brooks shoes has a decent online quiz that serves a similar purpose. Happy colors are good and make me excited to put on my shoes.

Yes to wicking everything. Find fits that work for you and feel flattering.

I prefer short sleeve v-neck shirts from Reebok (I find them on sale for $10). I have a couple in gray and a couple in other colors. I also prefer leggings or capris over shorts because shorts tend to cause chaffing. Old Navy is my destination of choice for bottoms, but you do have to make sure they are thick enough (some are too sheer). I usually stick to black, gray, and navy so they coordinate with most of my tops.

I like bras with a touch of padding for modesty, but I loathe removable pads. So annoying!

My hair is undercut, so I need a headband to keep things in check. Under Armor makes a great one.

I buy a couple of bags of wicking socks and a handful of thongs from Target.

That's it! The core of my gear capsule is cheap and mix and match. I do have a few outlying tops (tighter, more colorful), but I don't wear them as often. I treat my gear like a uniform. Grab and go.

I'm on my phone now but will link to finds later.

kellygirl

Veteran

Great advice so far. I agree that tights are a good option to avoid chafe. You are tall so I would check out brands like Zella or Athleta. They both have higher rise tights as well--which is what I prefer to prevent having to hike them up all of the time. While I rarely get thigh chafe, I do get chafe under the arm. sometimes it's the bra--sometimes it's the way the sleeve is cut on the top. I would build your capsule slowly and road test to see what you like best.

Gaylene

Veteran

I can't speak for running, but brisk walking doesn't really require special clothes--other than weather-related layering/protection--at least, in my experience. Good shoes and socks are the most important element. I prefer light-weight Ice-breaker or Smartwool socks, but have also been comfortable in synthetic, light-trekking socks.

I regularly walk 6-8 miles a day but I do that in normal clothes. Two to three times a week, I walk with a hiking group. We go at a brisk pace in over hilly terrain in jeans/sports pants, T-shirts, and light shells in light-weight trekking shoes. Most of our walks are 15-20 miles round trip which we do in 4-5 hours depending on the condition of the trail and the elevation. I do carry a small pack with a water bottle, granola bar, wipes, lip balm, and a First-AId kit. I throw in a packable waterproof poncho if it looks like it might rain and occasionally use a pair of telescoping walking poles if the trail might be muddy or slick.

Most of my hiking/walking has been on trails, so I've rarely worn shorts or specialized gear. City walking/running might call for a more stylish gear wardrobe, though.

carter

Veteran

Good for you! We try to do a 5 mile trail walk every weekend, but I'm certainly going to have to up my steps to keep up with you!

I've become a huge fan of the skort this year. I imagine they're everywhere, but I find the Athleta ones really great. Many come with at least one pocket, and a few have several pockets. You can also sometimes find Athleta skorts on eBay. I also have a couple $10 skorts from Costco, but there's really no comparison...kinda flimsy, no pockets.

I don't really need a fanny pack, but I do have my eye on a Flip Belt. Pic below. Can't grab a Find because it's not in a clothing category.

Also, I have a new favorite sports bra that is insanely comfortable. They're on clearance right now at Lord and Taylor. I have every color:-)

I know you have your Fitbit, but I also use an app called MapMyWalk that I'm loving. You can save walks, see split times, elevation, etc. I just use the free version on my iphone.

Good luck!

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Gap Excursion Skort

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Marc New York PERFORMANCE Tie Dye Sports Bra

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jacquez

What sports bra do you have, and how busty are you? I ran half-marathons in (and played rugby in) either Freya Active or Shock Absorber bras, designed for the busty, and the problem I found at longer-than-10-miles was that the chafing at the bra closure was excruciating (Body Glide could only do so much). A line of blood running down your back is not a good look!

To solve this, I got an oversized microfiber "sling" sports bra with a racerback, and layered it so that it was over my regular sports bra in the front and underneath the clasp in the back.

If you prefer a clasp-closure sports bra, you might want to consider a similar solution. I also tried wearing a microfiber cami under my sports bra, which was fine for winter training but not even close to fine above 50F.

Janet

(website)

Veteran

Ditto to the many good suggestions so far, especially getting fitted for good shoes, and Balega socks. That's a lot of time on your feet. If you're walking and not running, everything else is under a little less pressure to be "high performance." I wear my sports bras (Panache from Nordstrom) even for walking though. Wicking fabric and vented jackets are good. My favorite workout jacket is one designed for cycling, but I wear it for all kinds of activity -- it's by Pearl Izumi, and the sleeves zip off all in one piece to leave a vest (easy to then tie the sleeves around the waist or stuff in a pocket).

If you are in the market for Capri length workout leggings, Lululemon and Under Armour seem to provide a bit more length in the leg. I have some from Zella that are nice but too short and barely cover my knee -- they ride up and get annoying.

BrieN

Veteran

I will second the Balega socks recommendation and making sure you go to a shop that will view your gait and fit sneakers accordingly.

Staysfit

Veteran

I also like Balega socks, they have multiple options. I prefer thin socks for running and walking, some like them thick, they have both. I like Athleta for their leggings. They have multiple lengths to suit various temperatures, and they are durable. I like the Chaturanga the best because I don't like material that is loose around my ankle, it allows me to use them for yoga and Pilates also, but they have multiple styles. They come in different thicknesses also. I like Zella tops. Athleta makes good jackets and so does LuLuLemon. Good luck!

DonnaF

Veteran

I have lost the padding on my feet, so I like the Thorlo socks with the most padding. You have to size up your shoes to wear them, however.

rizamei

I'm a distance runner and my gear of choice right now is:

- Bottoms: Brooks running tights (full length or capri) or Skirt Sports running skirts (they have shorties underneath). I don't like running shorts because the fabric tends to bunch up between my thighs. I especially love my Skirt Sports Happy Girl running skirt because it's an inch or two longer than most of the ones you find and has great pockets. (I will be wearing it tomorrow for a half marathon.) For winter running, I also have some Sugoi Midzero tights that are great on chilly, wet days.

- Sports Bras: Moving Comfort Rebound Racer

- Tops: I'm not terribly picky about these, aside from requiring them to have wicking properties. Mine are mostly Brooks or race t-shirts.

- Socks: Smartwool! I try to buy at least a couple pairs in a given color/style so that I can potentially rematch pairs if I lose one or two here and there in the wash.

- Hat: I wear a hat for running because it keeps the sun off my dark hair, and both the sun and my too-short-for-a-ponytail hair out of my eyes. It's nothing fancy--just a cheap thing from REI.

- Water Bottles: Since I'm pretty slow, I do need to plan to bring water with me on longer training runs unless I know there are water fountains on my route. (My rule of thumb is anything longer than 90 mins.) On hot days, I bring water on shorter runs too. I like a hydration belt with bottles for long runs and a handheld bottle for shorter runs. They're both a pain, to be honest, but a necessary evil. My hydration belt is the Nathan Trail Mix, can't remember the name of my handheld. I don't use either in races, where I rely on the aid stations along the way. I would see if you can borrow from a friend to see what you prefer before you buy something. Most runners tend to have strong preferences on what works for them.

PS - I often find great deals on running gear at 6pm.com.

Vix

Veteran

Hi Laura --

I'd encourage looking for SPF clothing. Lots of different companies out there, but I bought an Athleta l/s rash guard and love it for walks/hikes in even hot/humid weather. In fact I've yet to get to wear it swimming!

It comes in R, T, Petite, and Plus and has held up great. [I machine wash, hang dry.]

Enjoy your training!

Janet

(website)

Veteran

I have that same rash guard as Vix (in green) and also have yet to wear it swimming! I am wearing it as we speak -- took the dog for a walk/run in it, and did some yard work too.

kkards

Veteran

opposite issue on sock size, but i love smart wool, they make a great running sock. as for shoes…when you find one that works, buy multiples because you need to change your footwear every 300-500 miles.

SmartWool Smartwool Womens PhD Run Light Elite Micro Running Socks - AW15

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Elle

Veteran

I also use Target Champion and Old Navy bottoms. Very good quality for the price. I've had some for years. I like SmartWool socks and they come in both women's and men's sizes if that helps.

Good luck with your training!

Laura (rhubarbgirl)

(website)

Veteran

Thanks, everyone, these are some fabulous recs. I'm good with shoes; my current pair are fairly new, and I just bought a second pair to alternate with. Oddly, I'm pretty set on shirts, sports bras and jackets, it's everything for the bottom half besides shoes that I need - pants/shorts, wicking undies, and socks. I wear leggings to work out at home but am not comfortable wearing them out in the world, too clingy and unflattering. Fortunately, there do seem to be some choices in workout pants that aren't leggings - I was just looking at the Title 9 catalog and they have some.

Gaylene, that sounds like a neat hiking group. I agree with you, for normal walking (I do a lot of running errands etc. on foot) regular clothes and reasonably comfortable shoes are perfectly fine. I'm finding that with this training I'm walking a lot faster and without stopping, so I'm having some chafing and blister issues.

We're actually required by the group to carry water, but it's probably a good idea anyway - the training is on a pedestrian trail in the woods without services, and in a few weeks our mileage will be high enough to have us out for more than an hour at a time.

Carter, ha - look out, I'm coming for your 'most steps of the week' title! The flip belt looks really nice for shorter workouts, for just keys and a phone or something. I'm wearing a small fanny pack slash water holder right now - mostly because I'm not comfortable leaving my wallet and my phone in my car, so I've got that and my keys to carry, and I don't like having big things sloshing around in my pockets when I'm walking fast.

Sal

Veteran

I think you have received good information so far.

For walks of two plus hours I took water - mostly in a Camelback - mine has a space for a phone wallet keys etc and a jacket. One day I took a backpack instead. For the actual event there were water stations regularly so I did not wear the camelback.

I trained in Capri tights and wore them in the event too. I wore a sports bra, a race tee ( commemorative) thorough socks and sneakers and sunglasses. There were a mix of shorts and tights and skirts and pants and different tees etc.. My only advice is to try out new things before the event- my friend had a new icebreaker tee and it did chafe a little...this goes for everything even socks and especially drinks.

I

Staysfit

Veteran

Oh, I have to agree with the skirt sport recommendation. Those are awesome for distance anything. I never have chafing issues in a skirt sport bottom when I run a marathon or half marathon. They also have some with attached tights/leggings of various lengths and thickness to accommodate seasonal temperature changes.

Nebraskim

Veteran

I agree on the skorts/running skirts. I wear them over leggings. I like the light compression that leggings offer, as well as the coverage. I tend to buy fairly inexpensive leggings from places like Target or Kohl's. I'm too fat (size 14) for spendy stuff from Lululemon or even Athleta (neither are in my town) because they are too narrow in the calf for me (I cannot even wear Gap leggings for that reason). I do have the Athleta skort mentioned above and love it. Depending on when your walk day occurs, start thinking now about what you will wear the day of the event, and then "test drive" it, meaning wear it a couple of times for one of your longer training events.

I just carry a water bottle in my hands. I do not carry a phone (everyone can now tell me how "dangerous" this is, but I refuse to do it). I do carry my house or car keys, a little bit of money and sometimes my ID if I've driven somewhere to meet up with other walkers. Also, Kleenex is a must. If you can find a vest or jacket with pockets, then that is ideal, but they are hard to find. I have a small ID pouch that I got at a conference that holds all these small items, and I wear it around my neck.

Some people wear sunscreen; I do not but I wear lip protection. I also wear sunglasses, a billed hat and often a head band. I also endorse the Balega socks (I like the ones with wool), but also like a brand called Feetures and also SmartWool.

Another thing to think about is to set up your walks so you can stop at convenience stores along the route to use restrooms and buy water, etc. In the off-topic thread, I mentioned that I also carry a bag of trail mix/dried fruit and nuts but you can buy those at c-stores, if you don't wish to carry them.

Good luck. It's so much fun to train for a goal, isnt' it?

jill58

Veteran

I run about 40 miles a week and wear a number of brands but as others have said, Champion C9 at Target is worth looking at. I run in their bottoms and tops--they go through the wash constantly and have been quite durable. By far the most important place to spend your money is on shoes.

Aziraphale

Veteran

I'm a longtime runner, but I'm a bad person to ask for gear recommendations because I run in the woods, by myself, wearing what y'all would probably call rags. But I do fervently support all the comments about getting really good shoes! Go to a proper running store, not Sportchek, because the people working there will be able to help you get the right shoes for your feet and the way you walk/run. My current shoes are Asics and I've been very happy with them.

I never carry water when I run, but I do have a tiny, tiny waist belt that holds my phone, credit cards and keys (and literally nothing else). It's by Fuelbelt. It's necessary because I don't always have pockets, and it's so light I don't even notice it.

Also, remember never to use earphones when you run, if you value your hearing.

Muffin

Veteran

Also I would recommend a Road ID or similar bracelet/shoe tag. I know you said you are with a group but in case you go on your own or if something would happen to you while in the group they would be able to contact someone. I am partial to Ice Breaker socks over SmartWool. I've had the same 4 pairs for over 3 years without padding loss- expensive but worth it!

Greenjeans

Veteran

Another vote for Smartwool! Choose the thin ones (as opposed to the thicker hikers) for distance walking. Many styles and sizes available at Sierra Trading Post.