Are you gearing up for your first or next marathon or triathlon? We at Marathon Momma wanted to share some of our favorite gear with you! Between the two of us, we have participated in countless training runs and races over the years. After a lot of trial and error, we are here to bring some of the cream of the crop to you! (We are not being paid to promote these products, they are our true favorites hands down.)
Laura’s Favorites
I have been running marathons since I was 17 years old. I grew up in St. George, Utah– home of the incredible St. George Marathon! The community there lives, eats, and breathes marathoning so I was lucky to have lots of running mentors, not to mention my greatest running mentor, my dad, who is a 2:37 marathoner himself! Now that’s fast! After years of mentoring from my dad, and other great runners in my community, AND lots of practice, here are some products that I love and can’t live without.
Fuel and Hydration is crucial when you are logging a lot of miles. During training, if I’m logging 10 or more miles in one run, I usually bring this baby with me. Depending on mileage, I take a couple bottles/holders off if I don’t need all four. I like to have one or two for water and one or two for Heed or Nuun. Amphipod makes other attachments that you can add to it, such as this pocket where I can keep my Stingers or Sports Beans.
Let me introduce you to my favorite running companion! This GPS watch comes with a heart rate monitor, it links to your computer so you can upload your workout to your computer, AND it is water proof (I love to wear it swimming laps!) It really does so many things. Pictured above is the one I have, which is the older model but the new ones are just as cool… dare I say better? You be the judge and let me know! Find our more about the latest Garmin GPS watches HERE.
Heather’s Favorites
As a competitive swimmer throughout my child hood and late teenage years, I have always loved to swim. My mom called me a “fish’ or “ocean girl” all in my youth. I always ran, but it wasn’t until my 20’s that I started distance running and ran my first half marathon at the age of 24 and full marathon at the age of 25. When I was 26 I competed in my first Sprint Triathlon and instantly fell in love with the format of 3 different disciplines. Now I am competing in my 3rd Half Ironman this Saturday in St. George, Utah. My old home where my love for marathons and Ironmans grew to what it is today. I am including my 3 favorite Tri/Run Gear products in this post here.
If you are a “Newbie” to the Tri world, you may wonder what all the fuss is about the outfits that Triathletes wear and how to wear them and why? You may have questions like, Can it get wet? (YES) Do I wear my wetsuit with it? (YES, over the top if wetsuits are allowed) Do I wear underwear or a sports bra with it? (NO, you don’t need to! Nor should you wear underwear because it won’t dry! 
If you want to wear a sports bra underneath, you can. Especially ladies that are more “blessed” in the chest area. ;)) Is it comfortable? (YES! Ideal for racing! It gets wet and dries before you know it! And oh so cute!) This is the brand and style I will be wearing on Saturday’s race! I personally love Zoot Sports Tri kits so much. You can find them here at my favorite Tri Store T3 TRIATHLON
These are the best shoes in the world in my opinion! I absolutely love Altra Running shoes and have been wearing them in all of my races for about the last 3 years. I made the transition to the zero drop shoes and was able to run faster, longer and run more miles with out any pain! It has been a huge breakthrough for me with my running. I suggest to anyone who wants to try them check out their website HERE at
They are fantastic for that quick Tri Transition from bike to run as well and feel great on my feet after swimming and biking lots of miles. I also wear them everyday and teach classes in them and run marathons in them. Overall, in my opinion, Altras are the best shoe on the market for any and all of your fitness needs. I am an Ambassador for Altra Shoes this season and also had the awesome opportunity to be a fit model for them this year. I have tried all of their shoes and know there is something for everyone. I know you will love them. If you want more information on Altra Shoes and see why people love them and are making the switch, click here.
Laura and Heather’s Favorite for Triathlons:
Laura says…
I still consider myself a novice in the triathlon world, I absolutely LOVE doing them— it is so much fun to be able to switch it up with different sports! I am hoping to do my first half Ironman next year. Every time I have done a triathlon, I have preferred a wet suit. I can run and bike like nobody’s business, but when it comes to swimming, I am an “aspiring fish”. I love the buoyancy that the wetsuit offers and the warmth definitely makes a huge difference in most open water swims.
Heather says…
A wetsuit is definitely something to consider investing in for a Triathlon. Especially for a half or full Ironman. I actually like swimming without one if its warm enough, but usually, I will wear one if they are permitted. I love this wetsuit that I’m wearing here in the above picture. I actually knew my size and found it online for a fraction of the cost! It was still a good chunk of money, but so worth it! A must for any big race! To figure out how to pick your wetsuit click HERE.
We hope you find these helpful and we can’t wait to hear about your upcoming plans for racing!
What are your favorite products/gear that you can’t live without?
Let us know what products we need to try out!
E-mail us at marathonmommala@gmail.com and triandrungirl@gmail.com
XoXo- Laura & Heather
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I’m really liking one-piece tri suits. I have one from Smashfest Queen and one from Betty Designs. I have wetsuits but I tend not to wear one if the water is over 70ish, depending on race distance. I get hot and I find a full suit to be fatiguing to swim in. I will be wearing my full suit for Alcatraz this year, though – COLD! I have altras for my treadmill shoes, currently loving a pair of Pearl Izumis for my tri shoes.
Thats awesome Kelli! I love the Altras too and love Betty Designs kits. I have never tried a one piece suit. I would like to though! Thanks for the recommendation!