A runner shares nine gear items that make summer half-marathon training enjoyable, including sweat-wicking shorts, breathable tank tops, and electrolyte powders.
Nothing screams summer running quite like sweating profusely at 7am. Yet I'm willing to brave the heat rather than suffer through the treadmill's torturous monotony. (It doesn't hurt that I know I'll spend the remainder of my day in an air-conditioned office or under the whir of my bedroom fan.)
Last winter, I shared my cold-weather running staples that helped me log over 20 miles per week. As we shift from arctic temperatures to record-breaking heat, I'm highlighting the gear that has turned my summer half-marathon training into an activity I look forward to.
My top running essentials at a glance
Whether you're lacing up a pair of trainers for the first time or a seasoned marathon runner, below are nine of my go-to items to make your sweltering runs more manageable, including a pair of socks that has helped me avoid smelly feet (yes, really) and sweat-wicking shorts with a handy zipper pocket.
- My running tank top: Bandit Micromesh $68 at Bandit (women's)
- My running shoes: Asics Nova Blast 5 $129.95 at Zappos (women's)
- My electrolytes: Redmond Re-Lyte Hydration Electrolyte Powder Mix $44.99 (for 60 servings) at Walmart
- My running shorts: Lululemon Speed Up High Rise Shorts $68 at Lululemon
- My running watch: Garmin Forerunner 165 with Music Now $249.99, originally $299.99 at Walmart
- My water bottle: Owala FreeSip from $23.99 at Dick's Sporting Goods
My Owala water bottle
My Owala is the sole reason I'm not chronically dehydrated. After returning from a hot run, I know I need to drink water. Yet there's something about a basic water glass that you have to refill five times at the kitchen sink that feels too cumbersome. My Owala saves the day, featuring a handy straw lid. It's also leakproof, which means I can mix in my electrolytes without worrying about spills.
My go-to running shorts: Lululemon Speed Up High Rise Shorts
Even though I've run in these Lululemon shorts for years, they still look brand new. They are made using a sweat-wicking material and a quick-drying liner, making them ideal for running in the heat. The back zip pocket is large enough to stash a credit card or a smaller set of keys. I haven't tried the updated version of these shorts, but they include a back mesh panel, which the brand says increases airflow.
My running tank top: Bandit Micromesh
If I'm planning to run throughout New York's busier areas, I like to wear a tank top over my sports bra for extra coverage. The trendy activewear brand Bandit sent me a sample of its Micromesh running tank top, and now, New York's weather has been hot enough to test it out. After wearing it on a pre-work, sweaty morning run, I can attest to its breathability, thanks to its sweat-wicking material and added jersey mesh.
My lightweight socks: Bandit Lite Stripe Jacquard Socks
I've accepted that my feet are going to get sweaty when running outdoors from June through August. So that my feet don't feel like they're stuffed in mini ovens, I've traded in the thicker pair I wore all winter for airier options. Recently, I've been testing this pair from Bandit. Although I've only worn them a few times, I quickly fell in love with the vibrant red color and the stretchy Spandex, anti-microbial yarn that feels soft and feather light on my feet.
My sunscreen: House of Hur Tropical Dew Sun cream
Rather than lather a generic, heavy cream on my face before a run, I'm reaching for this SPF 50+ sunscreen from the Korean skincare brand House of Hur. Thus far, it hasn't broken me out in the three weeks I've used it and feels weightless on my skin. This sunscreen also has a beautiful, dewy finish, making it versatile enough to wear under makeup.
My electrolytes: Redmond Re-Lyte Hydration Electrolyte Powder Mix
No matter if it's freezing outside or 100F, I love adding electrolyte powder to my water. Quite frankly, I don't care if it's a placebo effect, because its taste influences me to actually meet my daily hydration needs. After returning from a summer run, I've been religiously pouring a scoop into my water bottle to replenish the electrolytes, such as sodium, that I lost while sweating. My current powder of choice is from Redmond, which is available in an array of flavors, although my current obsession is strawberry lemonade.
My running shoes: Asics Nova Blast 5
As a retired high school cross-country runner, I've tried plenty of sneakers. Yet none of them come close to this pair from Asics. Sure, I feel like a broken record every time I wax poetic about these shoes to my friends, family members and my dear Guardian readers, but I simply remain impressed by their bouncy, trampoline-inspired outsole and breathable, mesh upper.
My tracking device: Forerunner 165 with Music Running Watch
To quote myself in my winter running gear guide: “This watch offers a slew of running metrics, including heart rate, pace, power and vertical oscillation (bounce). Between all of its tracking capabilities and its long battery life (up to 11 days in smartwatch mode), plus the ability to download music for offline listening, this watch is well worth the investment.” Months later, this watch is still a near-permanent fixture on my wrist, meaning it's only a matter of time before I get the inevitable watch tan line.
My sports bra: Bandit Stamina Scoop Neck Sports Bra
A well-made sports bra and a distance runner are the peanut butter and jelly of the sports world. I've worn this bra for one of my first hot runs this year and found it supportive without feeling suffocating (although I do wish I had ordered one size up, as I found that it runs small). This bra earns bonus points for its two pockets, which are the perfect size for your running gels. It also has a larger back pocket for your phone, although I don't trust my fellow New Yorkers enough to have tried this out for myself.
My sweat proofing spray: Tower 28 Hypochlorous Acid
This spray may just be the city dweller's alternative to jumping in a body of water. If I don't shower immediately after a run, I try to remember to mist this vegan, cruelty-free option from Tower 28 all over my face. It's made with hypochlorous acid, which some studies have shown can help prevent breakouts caused by sweat. I've noticed my own breakouts lessen, and whether or not the science is solid, I love its soothing, cooling effect. I own the travel-sized version, so that I can toss it in my work bag or take it on a flight.
