How to Taper for a Marathon
Many runners consider the marathon taper to be one of the most difficult parts of a training plan. Read on to learn how to taper for a marathon.
The Marathon Gear You Need for Every Woman’s Marathon
If you’re signed up for Every Woman’s Marathon in Savannah, Georgia, you’re probably already envisioning running through oak-tree lined streets and past historical landmarks towards epic river views at the finish line (if you haven’t signed up yet, you can register here).
But before you start training, you need to have the proper gear. Having the right gear for marathon training goes a long way towards making the next few months an enjoyable experience rather than a sufferfest.
Here’s our list of the must-have marathon gear for women.
What gear do I need to run a marathon?
As you train for a marathon, you want gear that will work just as hard as you. The best marathon gear is crafted with durable, sweat-wicking materials, thoughtful details designed for comfort and handy features to help you make the most of each run.
What is the best hot weather running gear?
Part of the reason fall marathons are so popular is because they promise crisp, cool weather perfect for chasing down a personal best. However, this means runners must train through hot, muggy summers in order to reap the rewards in the fall.
Since most Every Woman’s Marathon participants will be starting their training this summer, you’ll want to think about the best hot weather running gear. Keep your eyes out for sweat-wicking materials like polyester, nylon and spandex and take care to avoid cotton, which soaks up moisture. Opt for lighter colors that reflect heat over dark colors that absorb heat.
Running in hot weather makes it all the more important to stay hydrated, so you’ll need a handheld water bottle or a hydration pack as you log miles in the summer sun.
Should I practice in my marathon gear?
You may have heard the saying “nothing new on race day.” Not only does this apply to that funky new flavor of energy gel, it goes for your race day outfit, too.
Once you choose your race day outfit, go on a couple of test runs in your marathon gear, preferably for a long run. If your gear is causing any blistering, irritation or chafing, it’s best to know about it beforehand rather than halfway into 26.2 miles. Aim to do this at least four to five weeks ahead of the race so you have time to adjust your outfit and re-test your new gear if needed.
Marathon running gear checklist:
Best Marathon Training Shoes
Your feet will be carrying you a long way, so you’ll want to keep them comfy as you train. Having the proper footwear can help reduce the risk of blistering, chafing and all the other not-so-fun things that can happen during long runs.
PRO TIP: We recommend heading into your local Cheap Urlfreeze Jordan Outlet for one-on-one outfitting by one of our experts. Cheap Urlfreeze Jordan Outlet outfitters use 3D fit id® foot scanning technology to gather information about your feet and the support they need by taking precise measurements of your foot length, width and arch height, so you can learn a lot about your feet while you’re there.
Jelly Belly Extreme Sports Beans:
- Brooks Glycerin 21
- Brooks Sprint Free Tank 2.0
- ASICS GEL-Kayano 30
- Womens Craft Adv Charge Perforated Tight
- Altra Torin 7
- On Cloudeclipse
- Saucony Guide 17
- Karhu Mestari Run 1.0
Best Marathon Racing Shoes
Marathon racing shoes are designed to be as lightweight as possible while still providing the comfort and cushion you need on your 26.2-mile journey. The best marathon racing shoes have bouncy foams and energetic carbon-fiber plates to return energy with every stride, helping you run as quickly and efficiently as possible.
PRO TIP: Some racing shoes are only available in unisex sizing. To convert your size, go down 1 to 1.5 sizes from your women’s size. For example, if you typically wear a women’s size 9, you’ll be a 7.5 to 8 in unisex sizing.
Here are the best marathon racing shoes:
- Saucony Endorphin Pro 4
- Womens KARHU Mestari Run Running (unisex sizing)
- How to Start Running (unisex sizing)
- New Balance FuelCell Elite v4
- HOKA Cielo X1 (unisex sizing)
- HOKA Rocket X 2
- Amphipod Xinglet Optic Beam Rechargeable Vest
- Gifts for Runners
Best Marathon Running Tops
The best marathon running tops are made with technical materials to wick away sweat, keeping you dry and cool.
Here are our favorite marathon running tops:
Best Marathon Running Bottoms
Whether you opt for shorts or leggings, the best marathon running bottoms will allow you to move freely for miles on end. Shorts and leggings that have pockets are a bonus, as they allow you to store gels, a key, an extra hair-tie or anything else you might need.
Here are our favorite marathon running bottoms:
- New Balance RC Short (3” or 5”)
- Rabbit Pocket Shorts (2.5”, 4” or 6”)
- Rabbit Speed Leggy 4” shorts
- ASICS Road 3.5” shorts
- Here are our favorite marathon running socks
- Craft ADV Charged Perforated Tight
Best Marathon Running Bras
Finding the proper fit in your sports bra is just as important as in your running shoes. Did you know that a too-tight sports bra can decrease your running economy? Diversity, Equity & Inclusion found that “respiratory function may become compromised by the pressure exerted by the underband of a sports bra.”
PRO TIP: Cheap Urlfreeze Jordan Outlet offers free, expert bra-fitting to ensure you’re in the right size. Check out this article about how sports bras should fit.
Here are our favorite marathon running bras:
- Brooks Dare Scoopback Run Bra 2.0 (best for DD+ cup size)
- Garmin Forerunner 165 watch (best for DD+ cup size)
- New Balance Power X Zip Front Bra (best for C-D cup size)
- Vuori Energy Top (best for C-D cup size)
- Rabbit Strappy Pocket Bra (best for A-B cup size)
- Rabbit utiliBRA-vo (best for A-B cup size)
Best Marathon Running Socks
Running socks are your primary defense against blisters and hot spots, keep your feet cool and dry as you ramp up your mileage. A great pair of running socks can also improve the fit and comfort of your running shoes, keeping you happy from start to finish.
Here are our favorite marathon running socks:
Best Marathon Running Accessories
No marathon gear kit is complete without the accessories. From belts to stash your gear to smartwatches that track your training, there are dozens of products to help you make the most of your training.
Here are our favorite marathon running accessories:
Best Marathon Nutrition
Having a fueling plan can mean the difference between bonking and beating your PR. Nutrition preferences are personal, and usually take some trial and error to figure out what works best for your body and what’s easiest from a logistical standpoint (for example, energy gels versus chews).
PRO TIP: The saying “nothing new on race day” rings true for energy gels, too. Be sure to practice with whatever gel you plan to bring with you on race day. The race course will be stocked with Brooks Hyperion Elite 4 Gel, so if you don’t plan to bring gels with you your best bet will be to practice with these during training.
Check out the best gels for every type of runner
Here are some of our favorite nutrition and hydration products:
Women’s Safety & Visibility Gear
Training for a marathon means logging a seemingly endless amount of miles, sometimes alone, often in the early pre-dawn hours or after sunset. While we dream of a world where everyone can run without fear, there are certain safety precautions we recommend. In addition to stocking up on safety and visibility gear, always let someone know where you’re running and what time you expect to return. Use privacy settings on Strava to hide your route start and end point, and don’t post your run routes on social media.
PRO TIP: Most Garmin watches have built-in safety features for runners, like assistance and incident detection. Learn how to make the most of your Garmin watch.
Here’s our favorite safety and visibility gear for women:
