Running Vest + Shoes + Other Gear

LDencorub on 10/01/2025 - 17:13

Hi,

I've recently signed up for a marathon for July 2025 Gold Coast. Currently looking into getting a running vest to store my phone and hydration gels/water. Also I'm currently running using Hoka Clifton 9. I'll be looking to get race shoes later down the track.

Looking for some recommendation on potential gear to use weekly up to the marathon.

I'm a new runner starting from the very start. Aiming to run at a 7:00 - 7:30 pace. I've done about a 4KM continuous so far and will be training 3 times a week. 2 Short runs and a long one every weekend.

If anyone has any gear suggestions or tips to help. That would be appreciated.

Sports & Outdoors Footwear Running Shoes Vest

Comments

  • Glenningvalley on 10/01/2025 - 18:25
    +1

    Congrats on challenging yourself.

    the gold standard on hydration vests are salomon (i've got an 8) but there are plently of alternatives on amazon etc.
    i would say there will be plently of aid stations at the GCM - i normally wear skins that keep my phone and gels in then grab water at the aid stations - check out - https://www.amazon.com.au/dp/B0BLBHPKBC?ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_f…

    As for shoes - you're diving down a long road - best try before you buy - i've been really liking the reviews and content from a guy in perth - https://www.youtube.com/@jogoncrago

    good luck!

  • stickingly on 10/01/2025 - 19:53
    +2

    Congratulations!
    The most difficult thing about running your first marathon is getting to the start line through all the training uninjured. Build up gradually and stick to the 10% rule, even if you feel you can do more. It takes your body time to adapt, especially if you are just starting out
    I wouldn't start worrying about gear yet, you have plenty of time once you start doing the longer runs to work out what works for you. Personally I find the kmart shirts and shorts and cheap decathlon socks just as good as the expensive stuff
    Shoes are the most important thing. But don't get what other people recommend, The best shoes are the ones that suit YOU best as everyone's feet are different. Go to a specialized running shop where they have knowledgable staff and a treadmill you can run on and try different shoes, they will watch you and recommend different models based on your running style and foot strike that you can test in the store (this is NOT athletes foot).
    At 7:00 pace you don't need race shoes, all they will do is increase your chance of getting injured
    Good luck!
    Qualification: I have done over 30 marathons and ultras

  • philme on 10/01/2025 - 21:26

    Salomon are the best, don't let anyone tell you any different. Best thing about Salomon aside from the fact they've been around since forever is that their stuff routinitely goes on sale/clearance so if you look around you are very likely to good deal. For example i've bought a Salomon Sense pro 10 (rrp $270) for $150.
    Vests aside, for a road marathon a vest is actually a bit excessive - I use vests for ultras. For a road marathon I would recommend a running belt instead which comes with the benefit that they are much cheaper.
    Best gear for you to check/work out at your level would be: Bodyglide, a good hat, sunnies, good comfy undies, socks, electrolytes.

    Highly recommend seeing a physio earlier than later if any issues pop up between now and the race.
    Good luck!

    • nubzy on 11/01/2025 - 12:42

      I've been looking for a deal on a Salmon hydration vest for months, haven't seen anything better than $10 off at Anaconda. I have an Osprey one but it bounces a bit, still a good vest but I've tried the Salomon and it is definitely superior so i'd like to get one of them.

  • Dollar General on 10/01/2025 - 21:33

    Best to get a jet pack

  • nubzy on 11/01/2025 - 12:47

    I like Lululemon for running gear as it is super comfy and well made. Surge shorts + metal vent t-shirt is a good combo. Amazon had some Saucony stuff really cheap a while ago, got a nice pair of running shorts for $20. Nike DriFit lined shorts are also really good. Uniqlo has decent gear too, $19.90 tank tops are good for the hot days.

    Most important thing is to have shorts with a liner, ideally a phone pocket too, and I prefer no longer than 7".

    Get a cheap running belt from Decathlon or Amazon if you want to carry gels, wallet etc or wear shorts which don't have a phone pocket.

    I have been running 5-10km most days a week for the past 12 months. Still not sure about participating in a marathon. But no doubt running is the best thing i've ever done for myself, now in great shape and feeling much better for it.

  • Gunnar on 11/01/2025 - 16:12

    My favourite running gear is Gore Running, but as above Salomon stuff is really good but I’ve found Gore’s clothing way better (esp for wicking moisture)

    Have a look at wiggle for cheap deals on your needs (admittedly it’s been years since I’ve bought anything from wiggle though)

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