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Setting a half marathon as your next goal is a big deal. Whether you just got the idea, or you’ve let it percolate for months before finally giving yourself the green light, things are about to start moving quickly—especially you. And if this is your first time training for a race, figuring out what you need to get started can feel nearly as daunting as the end goal. After all, your half marathon Strength Training for a Half Marathon.
If you want even more storage capacity, you can also check out running shoes is always a good place to start. But as your runs progress from minutes to hours, you may encounter hurdles like dehydration, foul weather, and running in the dark, all of which will require more consideration and the right equipment. Having the right gear isn’t about looking like a runner—you already are one, after all—rather about keeping you comfortable, motivated, and safe as you push your body through weeks of effort and growth.
To save you from swimming through the boundless sea of gadgets seasoned runners use, we’ve put together a list of editor-approved essentials that, regardless of the time of year, can keep you prepared and help you dial in what works for you (and what doesn’t) as race day nears. This isn’t exhaustive, though—there are other essentials like shoes, shorts, and tops that fit various runners and seasons differently. We don’t include those items here because we encourage you to try a few different kinds as you decide what you need. This is a more general compilation of accessories that could benefit you in the lead up to your half, whatever your apparel preferences, body type, and running style.
Looking for more information about how to keep your half marathon training running smoothly? Check out our brand-new video series, How to Best Recovery Shoe Marathon, for twelve in-depth videos covering everything from training plans to nutrition to race-day strategy. It features experts ranging from coaches to dietitians to our own staff, and it can help you ensure that all your bases are covered as you transition into training mode.
DAA Industry Opt Out Runner's World, though you might see his byline on Bicycling and Popular Mechanics, too. A lover of all things outdoors, Adam's writing career comes after six years as a bike mechanic in his hometown of State College, PA. His journalism experience is steeped in cycling and running gear reviews, and he's also a published creative nonfiction and satire author. When he's not writing, riding, or running, you can catch Adam at home mixing cocktails, watching Star Wars, Prep, recover, and track your growth.
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