Running has been a part of my life for close to two decades, taking me across Australia and further afield in the search of a PB or a different experience somewhere else
But until this year, I had never entered or run a marathon
And so, when ASICS invited me to participate in the TCS Sydney Marathon on Sunday 30 August — a new major and a bucket-list experience
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And beyond downloading a running plan and swiftly getting obsessed with it, I’ve got hugely into the minutaie of training for a marathon: like which gel will taste the best on a 30km long run, which sock will give the most cushion and which magnesium powder help me the most in my recovery so I can run again the next day
Below, I’ve revealed the training essentials I’ve come to know and swear by
You might think that running is a relatively cheap sport — all you need is a pair of trainers and shorts and you’re good to go, right?
But in actual fact, I’ve discovered there are all sorts of trinkets, pieces of gear and accessories you can buy to get better. A look at them all, below
ASICS Superblast 3, $340, ASICS
For many runners, myself included, the running experience begins from the ground up — aka, the running shoes
And for me, there is one brand (not sponsored) that reigns supreme here: ASICS
Across the 16-week training block, I have rotated through five different pairs of running shoes, three of which are from ASICS
The lineup? ASICS Superblast 3s ($340), which I use for almost every single kind of run
Whether it’s long, recovery, tempo or intervals, the Superblast 3s are a go-to trainer for me when I need cushion, bounce and enough support that means I don’t feel like I might roll an ankle
The rest of the time, you’ll either find me in the ASICS Megablasts ($360) — good for speed work, faster long runs and tempo runs; the HOKA Mach 7s ($249.99) — an easy running day staple — or the Mizuno Neo Vista 3s ($320) — which I tend to pull on for shorter, snappier interval sessions
I will race the Sydney Marathon in ASICS’ Metaspeed Sky Tokyos ($400) — a carbon-plated super shoe that is super snappy and speedy but crucially still feels like a regular shoe
While I’ve been lucky in having the opportunity to rotate my running shoes (always preferable if possible and wanting to avoid getting injured), if I was to only be able to buy one or two of these shoes I’d 100 per cent invest in ASiCS’ Superblast 3s and the Megablasts
Between the two, you have almost every kind of run covered, from intervals to tempo sessions and hilly long runs
I am also partial to having a special race day, carbon-plated shoe if your budget can stretch that far and you want the energy return (aka: making you run faster)
lululemon Adapted State Track Jacket, $169, lululemon
Once you’ve got a good pair of running shoes, you’re going to want the clothes to go with it
Again, ASICS is a go-to brand: I plan to race in the Japanese label’s Metarun Split Shorts ($110)
I love them because not only are they super breezy and comfortable, but they also have two handy pockets on either side, both of which are perfect for storing gels, keys and your phone when you’re out running
Elsewhere, I’ve been frequently wearing lululemon’s new spring range when out and about running
My picks from the collection? The Shake It Out High-Rise Running Short 2.5” ($64) are a statement whether in black or bright pink, and I absolutely love throwing on the Adapted State Track Jacket ($169) after an interval session at night
A breathable running top is a must, and for this, you can’t move past Nike
The Nike AeroSwift Women’s Dri-FIT ADV Cropped Running Tank Top ($95) is the perfect race-day crop in that it both looks good and performs well
Made with advanced sweat-wicking Nike Dri-FIT technology and lightweight fabric, I’ve found that it helps to keep me dry and comfortable, even on an extremely hot day
I’ll finish off most of my running outfits with either my Oakley sunglasses or my new favourite wardrobe addition: my Maui Jims sunglasses ($280)
I also can’t get enough of everything I’ve tried from LSKD, while Feetures socks are the absolute GOAT for long runs
Garmin Forerunner 970, $1,089.99, Amazon Australia
When it comes to training, there are a few things you’re going to need (and a couple you might just want) in order to have the best possible training block
My go-tos? Pure gels ($4.49 per gel) are the only ones I’ve found that I both like the taste of and don’t destroy my stomach
While Sodii’s Everyday Hydration Salts ($16.95) are my go-to electrolyte fuel when I’m out on a long run
The Amphipod Hydraform Ergo-Lite Handheld Water Bottle ($63) has been a lifesaver when out and about and needing water on the go
I love that it is comfortable to hold and compresses down once you’ve finished drinking
I rely religiously on my Garmin Forerunner 970 ($1,089.99) for not only tracking my training sessions and races, but also my HRV levels, training readiness and race predictions, while my Oura Ring 5 ($799) is the go-to for sleep and recovery stats
Finally, during this block, I have had the privilege of using a Peloton Treadmill ($4,999) during my training — which has made running in the dark, the wind and the rain altogether much easier
Not only is it a delight to run on and use, but I also love the fact that it gives you different sessions on the treadmill, including intervals, tempo and threshold sessions
I’ve been getting a surprising amount from the strength sessions for runners, which are (thankfully) often only 20 minutes long and so can be crammed into busy mornings and work from home lunches
Theragun Prime, $599, Therabody
Last but not least, running around 80-90km each week comes with its own set of recovery essentials
The hero of these has to be the Theragun Prime ($599), which I use three or four nights a week, whenever I feel a niggle coming on or just want to ease my muscles after a tiring training day
The Theragun Prime is a deep tissue massage gun that uses percussive therapy to help to relieve discomfort, increase flexibility and speed up recovery
I pair this with a glass of Pillar’s Triple Magnesium Powder ($46.99) in order to ensure I get the required shut-eye to get up painfully early all over again the next morning
David Beckham’s IM8 is my morning go-to wellness powder
Comprising 90 ingredients in one daily drink, it’s both tasty and it feels like it helps to keep me healthy with two tiny children running around with daycare bugs
Finally, I love MoveActive’s Pilates Ultimate Set ($195) for my at-home Pilates sessions
With a Pilates ball, a resistance band, core sliders, a yoga block, ankle and wrist weights and a Pilates ring, it has everything I need to get an effective at-home workout in without having to go out to the local studio
