Best Running Gear and Fuel For Marathon Training

I’ve completed my first official half marathon, and here are all the best running gear and nutrition I’ve loved as a complete beginner. I’ve been training for around 4 months now, but I started with no running experience. By starting slow with my training and building up endurance, I’m proud to be able to finish this big run. So, here’s all of my favorite running gear, plus few beginner marathon training tips on what to keep in mind as you’re training.

---

_{Hey there! Just so you know, some links on this page are affiliate links. That means if you click and buy something, I earn a tiny commission, at no extra cost to you. It’s a great way to support Tiffy Cooks and keep our kitchen cooking. Thanks for the love!}

Completing My First Half Marathon As a Beginner

At the start of the year, my friend Ivonne asked if I wanted to do a half marathon with her. And my first reaction was, “You’re joking, right?” Because I used to hate running. But, I wanted to do something to take my body and my mind off the grief inside. Somewhere along the way, running became my therapy.

Four months later, I went from couch to half marathon! Now that I’ve completed my first half-marathon, I am so proud of myself and my body for showing up for me, and a really big thank you for all your words of encouragement as I was training! Next up, Dom and I are running the Disney Halloween Half Marathon, so let me know in the comments if you have any tips or suggestions for this next race!

Half-Marathon Training Tips For Complete Beginners

Here are some of the tips that I’d give someone who’s interested in starting training for their first marathon!

1. Start slow. I cannot emphasize this enough. Build up your cardio base over time. You’ll slowly, slowly add up and before you know it, you’ll be going so much faster and your distance will improve by so much as well. If you force yourself on long runs you’re not ready for, you’ll get burned out or injured.
2. Start on the treadmill. I used this to help me understand my running speed and learn how to adjust before going on long runs.
3. Make sure to stretch and wear proper shoes to avoid injury!
4. Fuel your body properly. Make sure you’re getting enough electrolytes, water, and food regularly, and bring nutrition during your runs if needed. Get to know what food or nutrition works with your body during training.
5. Get a personalized training plan. Use a plan that is personalized to you and feels right for your training. I use the Runna app, which makes training plans based on my skill level and the route I’ve signed up for.

My Top Marathon Running Gear

Marathon gear isn’t just about looking the part. It can seriously affect how your run feels, from comfort to injury prevention. I learned that early on. In my first month of running, I got injured because my shoes didn’t support my knees, and I had to take 2.5 weeks off to heal. So I’m sharing the gear that’s actually helped me, in the order I’d recommend trying it.

You don’t need everything, because this stuff adds up fast. But, the right key pieces can make a huge difference. The most important gear is definitely running shoes that are supportive for your knees, joints, and body.

Mid-run Fuel & Nutrition For Sensitive Stomachs

Next, let’s talk about nutrition. These actually made a huge difference for me, especially during my long runs. There are so many different types of nutrition out there. So, it really depends on your stomach, and I highly recommend testing bunch of them before the big race.

I have a sensitive stomach, and I get nervous when it comes to marathon endurance fuels, especially gels, because they can upset my stomach.  I need portable fuel that actually tastes good, sits well, and gives me the energy I need to finish strong. Here’s some snacks that I genuinely love during my training.

My Favorite Marathon Training Apps

My Favorite Vancouver Running Stores

I know everyone’s feet, everyone’s training plan, everyone’s goal is different. So, what I really recommend is actually going to your local running shop for some of your most important running gear. Go get your feet tested, get your running style tested, and they will actually recommend the best shoe for you. Their staff are usually super helpful if you have specific concerns, or if you’re curious about other gear. Also, the shoes they have usually have TONS of support! Here are 2 of my favorite running stores in Vancouver.