5 Essentials for the Long Run
Welcome to the Friday Five! This week I am sharing my 5 essentials for the Long Run. I think of a long run as any distance where I will need to take in extra fuel. This number of miles or amount of time can vary for people. In general, I like to have the items listed below when I will be pounding the pavement for 75 minutes or greater.
Here are my 5 "Must Haves":
1. Nathan Fuel Belt: I have used this fuel belt belt for the past 4 years and it has been fantastic. It holds 4-10 oz. bottles of fluid and has a big zip pocket in the front that holds my phone and nutrition. It adjusts easily on the sides, so you can make it bigger for winter weather training and tighten it up when you have less clothes on in warmer weather. It also fits firmly with minimal bounce. I even use it for shorter runs and just keep one bottle in the belt. (***Extras, I like to include in my belt for Marathon Training are: Chapstick, Kleenex, & a $5 -in case I need to stop and buy water/electrolyte replacement)
2. Skratch Labs Exercise Hydration Mix 
3. MIO GLOBAL FUSE ACTIVITY TRACKER w/ HEART RATE MONITOR: I had used a chest strap heart rate monitor for the past few years and it was just never comfortable. I would get severe chaffing or it would slide down making some workouts miserable to the point I would just take it off. I discovered the Mio Global Wrist monitor last year during Ironman Training and it has been great! It is very comfortable and user friendly. I wear it on my right wrist and my watch on my left wrist. It can be used as a stand alone monitor with information transferred to an application on a smart phone or it will connect to my Garmin GPS watch via bluetooth technology.
Would you like to save this?
We'll email this post to you, so you can come back to it later!
4.Honey Stinger Organic Energy Chews
5. Headsweats Moisture Wicking Performance Visor: This is an "Essential" on Every Run! I discovered these visors and hats 5 years ago when training for the local "Tri for a Cure" Race here in Maine. I fell in love with the style of the hats and visors and have worn them ever since! I am particularly smitten to the visors and have a "wardrobe" of them in closet. I wear them rain or shine and have found them particularly useful on snowy, winter days here as it keeps the snow out of my eyes.
Do you like to run long distances? What are your essentials for the big runs? Will you try any of the items I mentioned above? Please let me know your thoughts or if you have any questions!
I just got my first Headsweats visor recently and I LOVE it. I thought I didn't like visors and always wore hats, but I was so wrong! I always carry a handheld water bottle because I hate belts, but luckily I do my runs in an area where I can refill frequently.
I like to fuel with Tailwind Nutrition on my long runs. For me, that's usually anything farther than 7 miles!
I love my headsweat visor too and meant to order another one on memorial day since they were running the sale but then I just forgot..boo!
The Nathan fuel belt is must and I also love my Headsweats visor as I am trying to be better with the sun. Happy weekend
honey stingers are definitely my favorite fuel. They don't upset the tummy!
Honey Stinger chews are the first thing I've found I can fuel with for long runs and not get a stomach cramp! Hurray for the orange flavor! I also use that same fuel belt... great minds think alike :)
Angela - I need to invest in a good hydration belt - living in Florida I just need it for the "long run" :) Great list! Never tried honey stinger can you believe it? Now I will give it a try though!
I'm not a runner, but I know those that are will love these suggestions.
I'm not a runner, but I know those that are will love these suggestions.
I usually go for 45-60 minute runs, but I do love to go for long runs when I get the chance. I will have to look into those visors, they sound great, thanks for the recommendation!
I have transformed my long runs from being one loooong trip, to being several smallwr loops that come back to my house, where I stock the patio with water, nuun, snacks, and anything else I might need. Built in bathroom, too!
I tried Skratch labs for the first time while training for the Boston Marathon and loved it!
I've had the Honey Stingers before and they're delicious! I always bring my belt with water on a long run and often some raisins or other dried fruit too.
I LOVE cherry cola from honey stinger
Those honey stinger chews are the best for extended periods of exercise!
Just might have to get one of those visors for myself! Love it, and it looks cute too!
I love long distances. Ultras are my favorite race distance. Followed by the half.
These are all really good things for a long run. That visor looks great.
This is like the perfect gift idea guide for my husband! He's been getting into running recently and I don't think he has any of these things! I definitely want to get him that water belt because it gets SO hot here in Virginia!
Love honey stingers! Great list of long run essentials!
This is a great list. I need to check out the hydration drink for sure!
so important to fuel and hydrate properly for a long run - especially during the summer heat. great tips!
I'm not much of a runner, but when I do head out for a jog I need to have water with me and a cap or visor for the sun. Oh and music. Can't forget the music.
I am not much of a runner or a gym person but if I ever decide to exercise, i always do it with the right equipment!
Wow - I feel so inadequate reading this post, as I can barely run to the mailbox! haha... But - I have a bunch of runner friends and will share with them! I know they will appreciate this!
I wonder if I can get that SKRATCH in Canada. I am looking for a new electrolyte powder. Good list. I don't always run with my HRM but a wrist band would be nice for sure!
I love that they have heart monitors you can wear now. I think they're the coolest gadgets. This is a great list! Thanks for sharing.
That is a great fuel belt and I love the honey stingers also. I could eat them all day long :)
I've never been a fuel belt fan--I prefer the handheld. Because...chafing...
Love long runs! I really need to get a visor instead of my baseball hat. My essentials address my camelback hydration pack and energy chews.
I just recently tried scratch and i love it! My add on is sunscreen- don't run without it! :)
I have never heard of Skratch....sounds interesting and appealing. I am not a fan of race belts, but have a few in my arsenal for races....every style I have tried either bounce or shimmy up to my natural waist (I'd prefer the belt stay on my hips). I think it's just the shape of my body because EVERY type of belt does it LOL
I've never heard of Skratch, it sounds good. Maybe I will have to get my running friends to give it a try and tell me what they think!
I don't run, but I walk, so I could also use these tips. I haven't heard of Skratch, but it sounds yummy. I will look for this.
I have always wanted to be a runner, but I have such a hard time getting started and running through the pain. If I ever can, I will use these tips!
Love honey stingers too! Great recommendations!
I'm not a runner but I always want to be a runner, but my health cannot. I'm glad that you're spreading this brilliant tips.
Love these tips! I would always use shot blocks while training for my triathlons. So important to keep hydrated while on those log runs.
I need to invest in some running and workout tech gear. The heart monitor is something I'd love to try. Thanks for sharing these ideas.
I have the same fuel belt and absolutely love it. It has enough space to hold everything that I need.
What a great activity to do as a family or a couple or with friends. Running is one of the healthiest ways to get your exercise in daily!
These look like the perfect choices for a long run! I haven't going running in at least a decade, but you tempt me with such fun accessories.
I didnt know there were so many products for fitness like these. I havent heard of any of these but I would be interested in the Lemon + Lime Mix.
I am not sure what are the Honey Stinger Chews & Gels for? How do they imrove/effect running?