Coach Debbie Recommends: My Favorite Running Gear, Clothing, Fuel and More

Happy Global Running Day! This is pretty much my favorite holiday because it means I get to talk about running all day! Oh, hmm, well l guess I already do that but it’s still one of my favorite holidays. Today, let’s talk about running gear.

I frequently get asked about my favorite running gear. From what I wear to what I eat and drink, apparently, a lot of people want to know what I think! I decided to put together this Coach Debbie Recommends list so I can share the brands that I love (and feel free to share your faves in the comments).

Coach Debbie Recommends: My Favorite Running Gear, Clothing, Fuel, and More

Runners like to say that running is a simple sport. Just put your shoes on and go, we’ll tell you. Well, judging by the length of this list, which will grow over time, I’m sure, maybe running isn’t as simple as we think.

 

These are all products that I love. I am an Ambassador for some of them, and an affiliate for others (which means I would make a few dollars if you purchase using my links). I even have a few discount codes!

Coach Debbie Recommends! Check out all my favorite running clothes, gear, nutrition and more! Lots of suggestions and discount codes to save you money! #running #runningtipsClick To Tweet

Coach Debbie Recommends: Clothing

Skirt Sports

I’ve been a Skirt Sports fan almost since the beginning when triathlete Nicole DeBoom created this women-centric company almost 19 years ago. I still own one of the first skirts (and it still fits!). Now owned by Sarah Ratzlaff, who also owns Momentum Jewelry and the Zooma Race Series, Skirts Sports still offers the same beautiful and high-quality clothing. Use my discount code  SHOPIT15 to save 15% on your purchase.

Pro Compression

This is my seventh year as a Pro Compression ambassador and I’m one of their biggest fans. I love wearing compression socks (here are 5 Excellent Reasons to Wear Compression Socks) and Pro Compression not only makes a great product they have so many beautiful designs. I don’t have a discount right now, but if you go to the Pro Compression website and sign up for their newsletter you will receive so many great discount offers.

 

Coach Debbie Recommends: Shoes

Shoes are very personal. What works for me might not work for you, but I do have my favorites, so if you’re still looking for the perfect shoe (as I did for years), these models might be worth a try.

Mizuno Wave Rider

The first time I tried the Mizuno Wave Rider it was for a sponsored campaign. It turned out I loved them so much they have been my go-to running shoe for about eight years now. The Wave Rider is a neutral shoe, which surprised me at first because I’d always worn a much more supportive shoe, but since I started wearing them I haven’t had any injuries (except those caused when I fall and crack a kneecap or something).

Coach Debbie Recommends: Gear and Accessories

After years of wearing one pair of sunglasses for every run, I’ve discovered a brand that is so good and so reasonably priced that I have a huge collection! Seriously, I have at least one pair for every outfit I wear!

Goodr

With their cutesy names and sassy marketing, Goodr was my first introduction to the joy of the $25 pair of polarized sunglasses. I just might have a few dozen pairs (or so). Whether it is the bright pink “Flamingos on a Booze Cruise,” or my (and Tara Goucher’s) favorite “Stop and Smell the Rosé,” you can always get a giggle just reading the names of the glasses.

Shokz Open Run Pro

I love my Shokz Open Run Pro wireless headphones! They are so light and comfortable that I actually forget that I’m wearing them. They use bone conduction technology so they don’t block your ears and make it easier to hear ambient sounds. And the battery lasts about 10 hours on a single charge!

Kinesys Active Sunscreen

I first tried Kinesys Active Sunscreen when I ran my first Ragnar Relay in 2014. I love the way it feels and the fact that it doesn’t run into my eyes when I sweat. I’m proud to be a Kinesys Champion so that I can spread the Kinesys love.

 

Garmin Forerunner 235

I’ve been a Garmin fan since the very first Forerunner and I love my Garmin Forerunner 235. There are fancier ones out there, but the 235 is perfect for my needs.

Garmin Venu

I have upgraded since I first wrote this post. I now wear the Garmin Venu. I love that it has a touch screen and also that it looks so good I can wear it all the time! It does all the things I need to track my runs and create workouts. And it’s pretty reasonably priced too.

Road ID

I became a true believer in Road ID years ago when I was on a century ride with a group of acquaintances. When one of them crashed his bike and was unconscious, no one knew enough about him to be able to call his wife.  These days I’m a member of Team Road ID and wear my own Road ID everywhere. Use this link to save 25% on your own Road ID!

Speedshot Plus Insulated Flask

I’ve used a handheld for years and I’ve come to love the Speedshot Plus Insulated Flask from Nathan Sports. It may be because I live in the desert but I really appreciate that the insulation helps keep my fluids colder longer. 

Noxgear 360 Vest

One of my favorite tools for running in the dark is my Noxgear 360 Vest. It lights up the night! With bright flashing colors and the option of adding an additional chest lamp, it’s a winner.

Headlamp

Believe it or not, my favorite headlamp is available for just $17 on Amazon and it’s a winner. Now it’s true that I don’t run in the dark a lot but this little baby lights up the night with 500 lumens! It’s also lightweight and comfortable, a must in my book.

Coach Debbie Recommends: Hydration and Nutrition

Nuun

You know you’ve been running a long time when you remember when some of these established companies where started! I first tried Nuun years ago when I was given samples at a little trail race in Pasadena called Run Like a Girl. The race is long gone, but I’m still sticking with the Nuun! In addition to the famous Nuun Electrolyte Tabs, they also have a carbohydrate drink for longer workouts called Nuun Endurance.

GU

I’ve tried (and liked) a lot of different energy gels. I’ve even made my own. But I’ve always come back to GU. Part of it, I guess, is that it’s Alan’s favorite too, so if I can get him to buy it, it’s a win/win. 

 

Coach Debbie Recommends: Recovery

I use a lot of different tools for recovery. I have a couple of massage guns, several foam rollers, vibrating balls, and massage sticks. While I don’t use them all every day, I do have my favorites.

Theragun

Theragun is pretty much the Cadillac of massage guns.  And while it can be fairly expensive (and it’s worth it) I have found myself using the Theragun Mini as my go-to recovery massage gun. I keep it by my bed and use it both before (to activate) and after (for recovery) my runs. The price is very reasonable.

Intelliroll

In my opinion, the Intelliroll is the best foam roller out there. Its concave shape lets you roll out multiple muscle groups at once, target hard-to-reach areas like your mid- and low- back, hip flexors, and pectoralis muscles with ease. Save 10% by following this link and use the code COACHDEBBIE. 

Oofos

Since I first tried the Oofos Oohlala Luxe Sandals I pretty much haven’t worn anything else (except running shoes of course). They are so cushy and supportive that they are the perfect recovery shoe.

If you followed along last year when I suffered from plantar fasciitis, you know that I credit my Oofos for my recovery. In addition to the sandals, I wore the OOmg Low to work every day. It’s a great recovery show and it’s so cushy that it is perfect for someone who is on their feet all day.

 

So, these are the brands and products that I use all the time in my running and recovery. I’m pretty sure I forgot something (every time I thought I was done with this post I’d remember something else, so I’m sure there’s more). What are your running and fitness favorites? Please share in the comments!

 

 

 

And Now It’s Time for the Runners’ Roundup!

 

 

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Tuesday Topics with Kim and Zenaida
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