My Current Running Must-Haves: What I'm Using in My 14-Week Marathon Training Build

I'm deep in my marathon build for the Indianapolis Monumental Marathon next month. I don't rely on a ton of stuff for my training, but there are a few things I absolutely love right now, and some I've loved for a long time. I don't have a discount code for any of these. They're just things I've been using and noticing how much they help or support my training, so I wanted to share them with you.

The short version: my current marathon training must-haves are the Puma Deviate Nitro Elite 4 for races, the Saucony Endorphin Speed for workouts, Science in Sport (SiS) Beta Fuel gels for race fueling, Skratch Labs Recovery drink mix and Nomio broccoli shots for recovery, rabbit running apparel, and CEP compression calf sleeves.

For a marathon build, I want products that support my recovery and help me feel strong during my runs. If it's apparel, it needs to fit well and not give me any issues. Some of these products I've been using for close to a decade, and some are relatively new.

Let's jump into it.

My Marathon Shoes: Puma Deviate Nitro Elite 4 and Saucony Endorphin Speed

My current favorite racing shoes and Calf Sleeves

My current favorite race-day shoe is the Puma Deviate Nitro Elite 4. The last time I really trained for a big marathon PR, I wore Nike. I just can't support the swoosh anymore for many reason, and I've loved making the switch to these.

I also love the Saucony Endorphin Speed for my workout days. I wish it worked for me in a marathon, but my body just can't run in it comfortably for 26.2 miles.

Race-Day Fueling: Science in Sport Beta Fuel Gels

I've gone all in on Science in Sport Beta Fuel gels. My current rotation is the regular Beta Fuel gel, an electrolyte gel, and then a caffeinated gel (the Beta Fuel + Nootropics) around halfway. In training I rotate in some other gels, but for race day these are my go-to. I love the taste, the consistency, and how quickly they hit. These gels have truly changed how much I am able to fuel during my races pushing upwards to 90g of carb an hour thanks to these amazing gels.

Post-Run Recovery: Skratch Recovery and Nomio Broccoli Shots

One recovery products I'm loving right now that I can't be without are my Skratch Labs Recovery drink mix after a hard run. Horchata is my go-to flavor. Mixed with a scoop of protein powder, it's been the single best thing for me after a hard effort. I personally mix it with milk, and it helps me so much to get something in right after a run so my body can start repairing. I struggle to eat after harder sessions, so being able to fuel up with this drink until my appetite comes back has been huge.

The other I've also been using Nomio broccoli shots after hard efforts (they're built around sulforaphane, a compound from broccoli sprouts). We wrote about them earlier if you want to read that article here. On speed days I take one before bed, and after a big long run I take one that evening. I honestly feel like they're helping. I tried one before a hard session and can't say I noticed a difference, but after hard efforts they've felt helpful in how I feel the next morning recovery wise.

That said, I'm also doing a much better job fueling my body after harder days, so it could just be that. I won't sit here and tell you it's definitely the shots. I'll keep using them and keep deciding for myself what impact they're having and get a better feel for them over the next training block.

If you have any questions on fueling your body between runs or even on long runs, Schedule a call today with our amazing Sports Dietitian Stevie Lyn Smith

Running Apparel: rabbit

This one's simple for me as back in 2018 I was part of the rabbit team, and I've loved their apparel ever since. Here we are almost 8 years later, and I still wear most of what I bought in those first 2+ years.

I'm not someone who buys a lot of new running apparel, but if you haven't tried rabbit, give them a shot. Still wearing this stuff all these years later is exactly what I want from my running apparel. Not something that gets a hole in it because I accidentally tossed it in the dryer. The gear fits great, holds up for a long time and most of all I love the colors and the overall feel of it when I am running.

Compression for Hard Days: CEP Calf Sleeves

Last thing on apparel is at this point I can't do a quality session or race without my CEP compression calf sleeves. I started wearing them on hard days back in 2019 and have never looked back. I love the feeling of them helping with blood flow in my legs when I'm working hard, and I truly believe they're one of the reasons my legs (especially my calves) feel less beat up after a hard effort.

Why Recovery Is the Theme of This List

In case it wasn't clear for me as a 44-year-old trying to find his way back to running fast, RECOVERY is key. I haven't mastered getting 8 hours of sleep a night yet, so almost everything on this list is here to help me maximize recovery so I can handle this 14-week marathon build week after week.

For most of it, I can't claim it's directly helping my performance but the ability to be able to recover is pivotal in any build when you are chasing performance. If I can't get my body back and ready for the next run, hard session or long run I can't chase my goals and that's why these products and my recovery is the most important for me.

If you need any support for your current or future marathon training block look no further than our Marathon Training Plans.

FAQ: My Current Marathon Training Running Must-Haves

What shoe is Nick racing the marathon in?

The Puma Deviate Nitro Elite 4. For workouts, he uses the Saucony Endorphin Speed, which doesn't feel comfortable for him over the full 26.2 miles.

What gels does Nick use on race day?

Science in Sport Beta Fuel gels: the regular Beta Fuel gel, an electrolyte gel, and the caffeinated Beta Fuel + Nootropics gel around halfway.

What does Nick drink after a hard run?

Skratch Labs Recovery drink mix in Horchata, mixed with milk and a scoop of protein powder.

Are any of these products sponsored?

No. There are no discount codes or affiliate links in this post. These are products Nick buys and uses in his own training.

I hope you enjoyed this breakdown of my current must-haves. I tried to keep it short and only highlight things that really matter to me. If you enjoy this kind of post or want me to talk more about gear, let me know!

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About the author: Nick Klastava is the CEO and head coach of Running Explained. He's a USATF and RRCA certified coach with nearly three decades of running experience, a 2:30 marathon PR, and a Boston Marathon finish. He's currently a masters runner rebuilding his speed, one marathon block at a time.