My gear has turned my summer half-marathon training into an activity I look forward to. Photograph: Courtesy of Dick's Sporting Goods, Bandit Running and Zappos View image in fullscreen My gear has turned my summer half-marathon training into an activity I look forward to. Photograph: Courtesy of Dick's Sporting Goods, Bandit Running and Zappos The Filter US Life and style Summer running essentials: my nine must-haves to staying cool while training for a half-marathon These nine items make sweltering runs more manageable and save me from the treadmill’s torturous monotony
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Lauren Gould Sat 20 Jun 2026 16.15 CEST Last modified on Sat 20 Jun 2026 16.17 CEST Share Prefer the Guardian on Google The Guardian’s journalism is independent. We will earn a commission if you buy something through an affiliate link. Learn more .
My top running essentials at a glance N othing 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.)
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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.
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 electrolytes: Redmond Re-Lyte Hydration Electrolyte Powder Mix
My running shorts: Lululemon Speed Up High Rise Shorts
My running watch: Garmin Forerunner 165 with Music
My water bottle: Owala FreeSip Owala Freesip from $23.99 $23.99 at Dick’s Sporting Goods $29.99 at Owala Photograph: Courtesy of Dick’s Sporting Goods $23.99 at Dick’s Sporting Goods $29.99 at Owala 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.
Owala Freesip from $23.99 $23.99 at Dick’s Sporting Goods $29.99 at Owala My go-to running shorts: Lululemon Speed Up High Rise Shorts Lululemon Speed Up High Rise Shorts $68 $68 at Lululemon Photograph: Courtesy of Lululemon $68 at Lululemon 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.
Lululemon Speed Up High Rise Shorts $68 $68 at Lululemon My running tank top: Bandit Micromesh Bandi...