2 days out from the Kentucky Derby Half Marathon, and I couldn’t be more excited (and of course nervous)! I have come to realize it doesn’t matter how many races I run or how much training I endure, I am always going to be a nervous wreck the week leading up to the race! What better way to preoccupy myself than to put together a list of my ‘Half Marathon Must Haves!’ Please note this  is a list of my personal favorites, and I am in no way, shape, or form a running expert.

With that being said, I have provided a list of my favorite items to use on race day!

1. Feetures! Elite Max Cushion Socks These socks are the best! They provide a little bit of compression as well as some cushion. If you are training for your first half marathon, please don’t make the mistake of wearing cotton socks! They don’t handle moisture well and will likely cause blisters…
2. Nike Flex Experience 6 Women’s Running Shoes Running Shoes: one of my greatest joys!! The Nike Flex Experience are lightweight and narrow, which is exactly what I need. Keep in mind that brands and styles fit differently on everyone. Just because these are my favorite, doesn’t mean they will work for everyone. If the Nike Flex DO work for you, follow the link and get them from Kohl’s. They are almost always on sale!
3. Advocare Spark Spark is a mixture of vitamins and nutrients that provide a healthy source of energy. After discovering Spark while doing the Advocare 24 Day Challenge before my wedding, I now take it about 45 minutes before a long run for a little extra pep in my step. Pink Lemonade is my favorite flavor.
4. Body Glide – For Her Depending on which shirt I wear, I sometimes get irritation on my arms. I purchased Body Glide at a local store, Fleet Feet, and it has been a lifesaver! All you have to do is apply it to the worrisome area.
5. Nike+ Run Club App I’m sure there are many apps out there that do the same thing, but I like that this app allows me to set goals and track my progress on every run! It also has the ability to connect to Apple Music or Spotify directly through the app! I will post my running playlist another time!
6. Qalo Women’s White Silicone Ring I have a tendency to scratch and ding things easily. My husband likes to tell me “this is why we can’t have nice things!” Annoying but so true! 🙂 Qalo rings are exactly what I need in my go, go, go lifestyle.
7. Oh Yeah! One Bar I am super picky when it comes to protein bars. Although I love chocolate normally, I don’t like any protein bars that have chocolate in them. Most protein bars taste chalky to me, but my husband found these ‘One Bars’ that I LOVE and are great for the morning of a long run!
8. Honey Stinger Organic Chew Who doesn’t LOVE a good gummy? (cue Haribo Gummy Bear commercial) I always like to have a snack or energy source with my on my long runs. I can’t stand the gels, so gummies it is! I bought mine from Fleet Feet, but they are online also.
9. Plantronics BackBeat GO 2 These are Bluetooth headphones that allow me to connect to my phone without having to worry about that wires getting in the way. I have tried a few different types and these actually stay in my ears.
10. Honest Sunscreen If you would have asked me 5 years ago, I would have said my skin can handle anything. But somewhere between then and now, I have developed sensitive skin. The Honest brand sunscreen doesn’t irritate my skin and is super lightweight and not greasy! There are several places to get this, but I always get 20% coupons to Bed Bath & Beyond, so why not get a discount?!

I hope this helps! Now let me know your favorite piece of running gear?!

And happy race weekend to all of you running this weekend!!