Becoming a Runner + gear tour
On 3 October 2021, I watched London Marathon on TV and thought that I’d quite like to give that a go next year. So I signed up. There was only one problem. I couldn’t run one mile, let alone 26.2.
From the very next day I dedicated myself to training. I thought, how hard can it be? Literally zero to a marathon in exactly one year. I’ve always loved a challenge.
I had three main goals for my running journey:
- enjoy it
- don’t get injured
- become a runner
Here’s the gear that carried me to where I am now.
Trainers:
Nike Air Zoom Pegasus 36
In addition to beginning running from scratch, I also aimed to increase my daily walking mileage, as a lower impact way to get my body used to travelling greater distances. The peg 36s have a 10mm heel drop, which doesn’t stretch out my achilles (past issues!) too much. £45 in the Nike Factory Store. These shoes probably have around 6-800 miles on them.
Nike ZoomX invincible run 1
My daily trainer. Designed to allow you to run further with less injury, and a marathon is definitely further than the zero miles I started with. Picked these up for £85 in the sale, and they’re currently at around 300 miles. Size 5.5.
Nike Alphafly Next% 1
Race day shoes. Got a major bargain on these & wear them only for very long runs or those where I’m pushing pace. Currently about 90 miles on them. Size 5.5.
Hoka Clifton 8
My most recent purchase. After trying on 8 pairs of trainers in “Pure Running” in Belfast, I decided these would be the shoe to carry me through the next 5 weeks of my training leading up to the marathon, after finding the Invincibles a little tight for summer running. Size 6.
Garmin forerunner 245 Music
Replaced my apple watch series 3 with this. Most importantly I wanted a watch that wasn’t touch screen. If you were there in the early days, you’ll remember 0.34mile runs on strava because a raindrop would end the activity on me. Also constantly monitors heart rate, which the apple watch didn’t.
If someone would teach me how to use the music function on my watch before the marathon that would be much appreciated x
Science in Sport gels
For a half marathon, I’d take one caffeine + carb gel, and one normal carb gel. Still working on the plan for the full race. It’s vital that you train with these - nothing new on race week!
