‘Tis the season and point in training where weekly mileage is ramping up, long runs are getting longer and the anticipation of Grandma’s Marathon turning 50 is nearing. Some runners can head out the door with the bare minimum and finish their long run, no problem! Unfortunately, I’m not one of those runners. I have a general rule of thumb that if I’m running more than 10 miles (sometimes shorter on hot days), I will need to bring water, otherwise there’s a high chance I’ll be buying some en route at any local convenience store I find.
So yes, I’ve accumulated a list of things or “must haves”, that I bring on every single long run of mine:
- WATER – I’ll be the first to admit, I sweat a lot when I run. Even in the winter temps. So making sure I stay hydrated during my long run is a top priority for me and the only way to do this is bring my hydration vest with me. I’m currently using the Women’s Circuit™ Run Vest and I absolutely love it. And to my surprise, I’m able to fit my 2L bladder in this vest. And yes, on those 16+ mile runs or super hot days, I’m finishing all 2 L of water.
- Fuel – I try to bring 1-2 fuel packets for 15 miles, and 4-5 for 16-20 miles. I used to live and LOVE on CLIF energy shots (RAZZ flavored), but unfortunately they’ve been discontinued. So I’m currently testing new gels and gummies. (If you’re reading this, reach out- I’m open to new recommendations)!
- Shokz Headphones – I’m in love with my Shokz OpenRun Mini They’re so comfortable, I can still hear my surroundings (cars, bikers, other runners), and they have a battery life to last me the entire marathon! I sound quality is quite good too.
- Smart watch – I know Garmin is probably the superior choice in long distance running, but I still love my Apple watch. I just upgraded to the Apple Watch series 11 from a series 5, and it’s really nice to have a battery life that lasts through my long runs! I’m excited to run a marathon where my watch doesn’t die at mile 21! I also like the new stats I’m getting. But at the end of the day, if the watch tells me how many miles I’ve gone, can read my HR and doesn’t die mid-run, I’m happy.
- Phone – Maybe this is a no brainer for some people? But I’m willing to bet some people run without their phone. I bring it with me for MANY reasons: safety being the first reason. But also… music, podcasts, audiobooks, and of course a map, if I get lost along the way.
These are just my list of essentials if I know I’m going to be out there for over 2-3+ hours at a time. Not every run is perfect, but being well prepped makes things go more according to plan. So cheers to running, Grandma’s Marathon turning 50, and many more long runs! See you all in June!
Hannah Koch
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Favorite Grandma’s Marathon Memory: This is my 10th year participating in Grandma’s weekend and I have so many favorites… but one that comes to mind when reflecting back this year was when I was volunteering as a kid at waterstop before lemon drop hill. Watching the elite runners race by me… they were so fast and fluid in their strides, it looked like they were flying. It looked like magic. And from those moments on, GM has always been magical for me.
Quote that guides, inspires, or embodies your training, racing, or life: “Run. Run in the morning. Run in the dark. Run every day. Run twice a day. Run to find yourself. Run to forget yourself. Run to recreate yourself. Run when you’re happy. Run when you’re sad. Run when rested. Run when exhausted. Run from problems. Run towards opportunities. Run to be at peace. Run to be at war. Run for any reason you can possibly find to run. Life’s too short to walk when you can run.”
“I dare you to train for a marathon and not have it change your life”. And it has. Running has given me my most favorite version of myself.
2026 running goal: 3 S’s: Strength training. Speed work. Sleep. (and of course, say hi to all the dogs while running).
Three words to describe your training, racing, or life: Relentless. Bliss. Dogs.
Advice to other runners: Remind yourself why you started. Remind yourself why you love it.