As a long time and now middle-age mom who runs, here are my top recommendations to make running of any distance suck less! These are my personal favorites and/or items I’d love to try.
Map
Sections
5
What to Wear
Fuel
Apps/Resources
Technology
Gear that’s Great
What to Wear
Clothing to make your running feel easier. This section includes some of my tried and true favorites and some pieces I’ve had my eyes on.
The sun hoodie from Topo Designs is a great lightweight material and is the perfect added layer for light rain or heat while on a long run
Topo Designs Women's Sun Hoodie | Breathable 50+ UPF Hoodie for Women
My husband and I are both big fans of Janji running shorts. The patterns are such cute and they are comfortable and breathable.
Janji Running Shorts
I have done a lot of long-distance and trail running over the last couple of years, so I feel like I can give a thorough review and say that my trail runners are my absolute favorite! They become a lot of different colors and are super practical for ...
As a tiny-chested mama (A cup), post kids, I love my Lululemon bras for running. They are simple in the best possible way and support the girls well.
Lululemon Sports Bras
Not opposed to saving a pair of shoes from the landfill, try Allbird Reruns, their secondhand program.
Shop Pre Owned Shoes with Allbirds ReRun™
I own an older style and print, but I love running in my Columbia windbreaker when it’s windy or sprinkling.
Women's Spire Valley Printed Windbreaker | Columbia
I have heard of this small business (women owned) and would love to try them out. The fit looks so intentional.
mileoff
I’ve seen these Sol Tags on Instagram and love the idea of a piece of motivation that moves with you!
Soltag
A cheerful pattern guaranteed to make you run happier! Created by a small business owned by women.
Earned It Short Youer Rediscovered
A happy pair of leggings for running in the cold months. Created by a small business in small batches.
Earned It Legging 2.0 | Youer Rediscovered
Fuel
Fuel that is simple and effective. This section includes my recommendations as a 4-time half marathoner.
Hydration is so important post run. FlavCity is the answer. Their lemonade electrolytes are delicious.
FlavCity Healthy Supplement Products
Hydration is KEY 🔑 I love Liquid IV post run. Their flavors are great and taste good. No chalky flavor or texture.
Liquid I.V.
For long runs, Honey Stingers are my go-to. They taste like fruit snacks and give me a gentle but effective boost WITHOUT a crash.
Honey Stinger Energy Chews
Maybe not your expected runner’s fuel, but I am a huge fan of EPIC chicken jerky for long (6+ mile) runs.
Chicken Products - Meat Protein Snacks - EPIC
I’ve been wanting to try out Long Run Electrolyte coffee. Such a fun concept and the flavors sound amazing!
Electrolyte Infused Coffee for Athletes – Long Run Co.
I love Taos Bakes bars for a post run snack! They taste like real food which is so refreshing.
Taos Bakes
Getting enough protein can be really challenging as a busy mom. I love adding Chike protein coffee to my morning rum up to help support me throughout the day, sustaining me through throughout my runs.
Chike Protein Coffee
I love the mint flavored run gum. It’s simple and effective and easy to find at Target. No crash after like other energy items.
Run Gum
I love these Nuun electrolyte tablets. Not super sweet and simple to dissolve.
Okay…these look AMAZING!! Let me know if you try them out and like them!
Liquid I.V. Hot Chocolate
Apps/Resources
Apps and resources to help with planning and tracking your runs.
A fantastic app for tracking runs. I love that it allows for live tracking to be shared with a safe party if you pay for the premium version. Such helpful for times when running solo as a female.
MapMyRun: United States running - Routes, Trails and Races
I love having my Birdie (bright pink) with me on my solo runs. It helps me feel safe and more confident.
Personal Defense Alarm for Women’s Safety
My favorite data base to reference for upcoming events in my area. You can search my state, zip code, race length, or type of event.
Running in the USA Race Database
A support plan for mom’s in the postpartum season who are looking to return to running.
Run Ready Foundations, Complete Postpartum Running Plan
A super neat website that helps you calculate your distance if you don’t have an app or forget to log it.
On The Go Map
AllTrails is a fantastic app that allows you to find trials around where you live or are visiting.
AllTrails
Looking for a running partner? Don’t want to run alone? This app is super hopeful for pairing up runners in your area.
Find A Running Partner
My go-to playlist for upbeat or emotional songs that remind me why I’m running. Curated over 6 years to contain some of my favorite songs.
POV: Mental Health Mama Runs
Join me as an alter ego running ambassador. I’ve loved being a part of this community for the last two years.
Ambassador Application 2025
Technology
The goods 🔥🔥 The right tech is so important when you’re locking in for a long run. Here are my recommendations.
I am an Apple girly and love my AirPods for running. They are light weight and simple to use.
AirPods Pro 3
I’m a big fan of my Apple Watch for simple controls when running (changing music or tracking my distance).
Apple Watch
I love my Oura ring for tracking my stress, movement, cycle, and sleep. It’s held up surprisingly well for a piece of technology.
Oura Ring
Gear that’s Great
Nobody wants chafing with a hydro pack or to be stinky after a run. Here are my favorites for gear that is truly great!
I currently own this vest and love all the pockets for snacks, my keys, everything I need. The bladder is ample sized and easy to fill.
Dyna 1.5L - Women's Small Water Hydration Vest - Trail Running
Eco friendly body wipes for a post-run wipe off. Nobody wants to be stink and these are eco conscious to boot!
PACT Body Wipes (25-Pack)
I love my Pranamat for post running. The acupressure is so helpful post run and help my body recover better.
Pranamat
I have not used this brand’s set, but here is a low budget option for the acupressure mat.
Acupressure Mat and Pillow Set - All In Motion™
I love using my Nalgene for a post run hydration. Pro tip, pop some electrolytes in there and have it waiting in the fridge.