My running must-haves

This Fitness blogger posted her half-marathon training "survival kit" must haves and I wanted to share mine!

1. Fuel Belt Sprint 10oz palm-held water bottle - I canNOT run more than 3-4 miles very well without water (although I did 5 yesterday and regretted it by 3.5) and this bottle is perfect, although for longer runs (marathon training and even towards the end of half-marathon training) I have to stop and refill it.

2. Nike+ Sport Band - I LOVE this! My favorite trail has mile markers every quarter-mile but unfortunately this trail is 25 minutes from my house and I can't run there all the time. I love to know how far I'm going and where I am at any given point in time. If you don't have a Nike+ shoe (I don't) you have to buy a little chip holder that goes on your shoe. I got mine at walmart.com for less than $10.

3. Gu Vanilla Bean - this Gu has caffeine in it and was my saving grace during marathon training. I haven't gotten up to a point yet where I'm using it on my current half-marathon training but for those longer runs it's great (although only on Marathon day did I ever actually eat the whole packet...and I had many that day...I usually eat about half on my training runs, every 5 miles) and the caffeine gives you a little extra bounce. I had one halfway through the Philadelphia Rock & Roll Half Marathon when they were giving it out and after that, I was hooked! Make sure you have water though if you take the Gu!

4. Lululemon Women's Brisk Run Toque - this hat has made running in the winter (although it has been mild) more bearable. It's not itchy at all, there's a hole for my ponytail, and it's cute! Unfortunately it's out of season on the Lululemon website but if you're interested, they probably have some left in the store.

5. Lululemon Define jacket - addicted to Lululemon? Don't get me started. Anyway, this jacket has been perfect for this mild winter. I got it big enough that I could layer another couple of layers underneath it on the colder days, but on these 40-50 degree days I've been wearing it with a tank top, starting out with my fingers covered with the cool finger flaps and finishing off the run without my fingers covered as I warm up. And it's so flattering too!

6. Lululemon crops - Yes, one more lululemon must-have. I was running in crops from Target and when I switched to Lululemon, I feel like my life changed. I just feel so GOOD in them. I have three different designs (Run Inspire II, Wunder Under, and another that I don't remember the name of) and they are all great and so worth the money.

7. Saucony running shoes - I'm on my second pair, different styles, and I love them both the same. I would recommend the brand in a heartbeat (just get fitted for the specific style).

8. SPIbelt - this awesome belt is great for the warmer days when I'm not wearing my Define jacket, or for days when it's in the wash and I'm wearing something without pockets. It's tiny but it fits my iPhone and is great for carring Gu packets, keys, whatever.

9. Soul Cycle classes for cross training, and yoga classes as well (which I don't do often enough)

10. Foam roller - calves, shins, IT band...so necessary!