A marathon requires a long period of preparation together with adequate and scientific training to improve your physical strength and stamina. The right equipment not only helps to improve your physical condition, but also helps you finish the race successfully and even push your boundaries to a new level. Here is a list of essential running gear to help you prepare for your next marathon.

Sports Wearables

Training doesn't have to be boring! Today's smart wear devices are designed to record sports data in a scientific and detailed way to provide you with a safer and better experience and help improve your performance in every aspect.

Smart Watches & Sports Bracelets

Smart wearable devices record different body data. By monitoring and analysing the data, runners can make timely adjustments to their training and improve their performance.

How can you choose a smart wearable device for sports training? Decide if you have sufficient knowledge of kinesiology to analyse your training results on your own. If you only need the device to record data, look for the following features:

• Record heart rate: test your running performance
• Step count: visualise and check your daily exercise volume
• GPS positioning: assists in recording distance and route

Beginners or those who want more professional information should check for the following features:

• Record data trends: record trends over time to help analyse your training performance and manage your health
• Intelligent analysis: improve your overall training programmes and enhance your training results

For more information on smartwatches and sports bracelets, please refer to our popular smart wearable shopping guide!

Sports Earphone

Music gets runners in the mood, but there are risks associated with sweat, dust and blocked ears during a marathon or street race. For runners who do intense exercise and training, bone conduction earphones are recommended, as they do not block the ear canal and the sound goes straight to the auditory nerve for greater safety. For runners who prefer in-ear headphones, we recommend Bluetooth wireless earphones designed for sports, with waterproof, dustproof and ambient sound features. For more information on our selection of earphones, please refer to our popular bluetooth wireless earphones shopping guide!

Relieving Soreness

Pre-race training with the appropriate protective gear helps to ease strains on the body and reduce discomfort. After exercise, massage and stretching exercises help relieve muscle fatigue and assist the body in returning to its normal state. This is an important part of your post-race recovery. By paying attention to pre-race protection and post-race recovery, you will be able to adjust your body in time to run faster and further!

Sports Braces & Protective Patches

Protective gear can help stabilise joints, offer support and reduce load. By purchasing appropriate and breathable protective gear and patches, and using them correctly, the likelihood of injury is reduced. Runners need to be aware of their physical condition and not rely solely on protective gear and patches.

Stretching Equipment

What if muscles tighten after a marathon or a long run? Adequate massage and stretching exercises not only help relieve fatigue but also help to prevent injury and illness. Stretching gear such as rollers, massage balls and stretching straps are known to relieve muscle tension and soreness.

Massage Gun

These have become very popular in recent years as they provide instant massage to different parts of the body, deeply relaxing the muscles and relieving tension. However, if you want to take it along with you to a race, choose a light and powerful model. For more information on how to choose a massage gun and how to use it, please refer to our massage gun shopping guide!

Equipment & Accessories

To run a good marathon, sports accessories are a real help. The right equipment and accessories protect your muscles and increase the efficiency of your training.

Quick Dry Towel

A towel is an essential accessory for any sports enthusiast, but whether you carry it around in a sports bag or hang it around your neck, a towel that is wet and heavy can be a real nuisance! Choose a lightweight, quick-dry towel. If you need to wipe repeatedly, look for materials with anti-bacterial and anti-odour properties to keep you staying fresh and comfortable.

Sunglasses

Sunglasses worn while running protect the runner’s eyes from direct UV rays and ensures a clear view. A pair of lightweight sunglasses that fit snugly on your face prevents discomfort during prolonged wear. Some sunglasses auto adjust the shade of the lenses, while others offer replaceable lenses according to your needs.

Water Bottle

Running a marathon is a very demanding task. The body sweats constantly and requires you to consume lots of water. When the body sweats, it loses electrolytes, so hydration and electrolyte replacement are key. An adequate intake of electrolyte-rich beverages provides energy and helps to reduce physical fatigue. Bring your own water bottle during training and fill it with a special sports drink or aerated mineral water for a quick fluid energy boost.

Healthy Eating

It is important to eat a balanced diet before, during and after a marathon. The run-up to the race requires a high level of carbohydrates, protein, vitamins and minerals. The right kitchen appliances can help a runner build up a good physical condition through a healthy diet to maintain training and racing condition.

Juicer

Liver sugars and protein are both important sources of energy for exercise. Make drinks such as fruit juices or shakes with the right mix of vegetables and fruit to help you store energy. More details on how to choose a juicer , soymilk maker or slow grinder.

Home Steam Appliances

When you are trying to become an elite runner, eating more vegetables can help! Vegetables steamed in water without the addition of excess oil or other seasonings preserves most of the original nutrients. Steaming fresh food at home ensures that you are getting enough of these essential nutrients. When eating out, you will inevitably come across dishes with a lot of oil, salt and sugar. So if you are preparing for a race, bring your own steamed lunch box and enjoy a healthy meal. If you are not running, you can also bring this healthy lunch to work!