Benable — create shareable lists of things you recommend!
E.g., products you love, local businesses, travel recs - you can add anything to a Benable list!
Running Essentials: From Brooks Ghost to Race Day Must-Haves
29
items Whether you’re just starting out or logging marathon miles, this is my complete runner’s gear guide. Inspired by the comfort and reliability of Brooks Ghost running shoes, I’ve put together 50 essentials that cover every part of the run - shoes, appa...
Sections
4
Brooks
Workout attire
Hydration!
Essentials
Brooks
The newest Ghost continues its legacy as a neutral daily trainer built for consistency. It features DNA Loft v3 cushioning with nitrogen infusion, giving you plush comfort without feeling mushy. The shoe has a smooth rocker for easy heel-to-toe trans...
Men's Ghost 17 Running Shoes
The previous generation that’s still widely available and usually discounted. Same cushioned ride, slightly firmer foam, and a lightweight upper that fits a wide range of foot shapes.
Personal Note: Honestly, if you’re on a budget, this might be the ...
Ghost 16 Men's Road Running Shoe | Smooth Cushioning ...
This is the Ghost’s maximalist cousin. It has a high stack of cushioning, a wide base for stability, and a rocker sole to help you roll forward efficiently. Perfect for recovery runs or runners who want maximum comfort underfoot.
Personal Note: This ...
Men's Ghost Max 3 Running Shoes
Same DNA Loft cushioning as the Ghost, but with GuideRails support to help with overpronation. Think of it as the “supportive cousin” in the Brooks lineup.
Personal Note: If your ankles cave in or you’ve had shin splints, this is a quiet hero. The su...
Cut in half: Brooks Adrenaline GTS 22 Review
The Best Running Shoe out there! Ankle support and enough cushion to keep me going for miles. Highly recommend
Ghost 16 Men's Road Running Shoe | Smooth Cushioning ...
Workout attire
These are awesome shorts. Highly recommend.
Men's Shorts
Lightweight, no-show, cushioned in heel and toe. Designed to reduce blisters.
Personal Note: Socks make or break runs. I used to think any sock would do until I got these-zero blisters, and they stay put. Game-changer.
Running socks
Second-skin fit, moisture control, stays cool even in heat.
Personal Note: Perfect base layer for both hot runs and under winter gear. Helps me feel “locked in.”
Men's Workout Shirts & Tops - Compression
Buttery soft, built-in bra, breathable.
Personal Note: My wife runs in these—she swears they’re the most comfortable top she’s ever owned.
lululemon Align™ Tank Top *Light Support, A/B Cup
Minimalist waist belt for phone, keys, gels. No bounce, no sag. I forget I’m even wearing it.
Waistpacks and Belts
Lightweight, highly visible, rechargeable.
Running at 5 AM, this is non-negotiable. Cars can’t miss you.
Reflective Running Vests & Gear
Affordable polarized running sunglasses.
They don’t slip, don’t bounce, and you can get wild colors. My fun accessory.
goodr sunglasses
Cushioned recovery sandals.
Heaven for tired feet. I wear them around the house constantly.
Ora Recovery Slide Sandal 3
Hydration!
Lightweight vest with multiple pockets and 1.5L bladder.
Personal Note: For long runs, this is my lifesaver. Comfortable, no bounce, and I can stash gels, keys, and phone.
AONIJIE Running Hydration Vest Backpack
32oz insulated bottle with straw + sip option.
One of the best water bottles I’ve ever owned. Fits cupholders, doesn’t leak, keeps water cold for hours.
FreeSip® Water Bottle
Electrolytes with light flavor and no sugar crash.
I’ve avoided cramps on long summer runs thanks to Nuun. It’s also less harsh on the stomach than sports drinks.
Nuun Sport
Essentials
Long-lasting glide protection.
Saved my thighs on humid long runs. Absolute essential.
Anti Chafe Stick - Body Glide®
Sweat-resistant SPF 50, non-greasy.
The only sunscreen that doesn’t sting when I sweat.
Supergoop! PLAY Everyday Lotion SPF 50 Sunscreen
Protects lips from drying and sunburn.
Small detail, but after a 12-mile run, you’ll thank me.
Sun Protection
GPS running watch with HR monitor, training plans, and recovery insights.
This is my favorite running investment. It makes training smarter, not harder.
Garmin Forerunner® 165 | Running Watch
Safe, open-ear listening so you can hear traffic.
These are a must for safety. I can enjoy music and still hear cars and bikes.
OpenRun Pro 2 Bone Conduction Headphones for Premium Sound
Compact self-defense gel with hand strap.
Peace of mind when running solo. Hopefully never needed, but good to have.
Runner Pepper Gel with Adjustable 360 Degree Reflective Hand Strap
Running app for tracking and social motivation.
Nothing motivates me more than kudos from friends after a long run.
Strava GPS Cycling and Running App
Lightweight, bright, rechargeable.
Makes night running actually enjoyable.
Headlamps & Rechargeable Headlamps
Tracks weight + body composition, syncs with apps.
Great for seeing trends without obsessing daily.
Smart scales with cardiovascular and body composition tracking
These are my secret weapon for long runs. They taste like a treat (basically a thin, crispy stroopwafel), but they give you quick, easy-to-digest carbs without upsetting your stomach. I’ve eaten these mid-run, during rucks, and even before Brazilian ...
The Original Organic Energy Waffle | Delicious Honey Stinger Snacks
Elastic therapeutic tape for support.
A lifesaver during shin splints or knee flare-ups.
Walgreens
Advanced bandages for blister relief.
Saved my marathon training cycle. Put one on and you can keep running.
COMPEED® Advanced Blister Care Medium
Portable massage gun for deep relief.
Pricey but worth it. My calves feel brand new after a few minutes.
Theragun Mini 3rd Gen (Black) | Small Percussion Massage Gun for Pain Relief