What I Use
My gear, ranked honestly.
Everything I actually train and race in — rated out of five stars, with the miles to back it up. No sponsorships, no fluff: if something wrecked my stomach or fell apart, it says so right on the card.
Watch
1 itemForerunner 955 Solar
My daily driver. Solar charging, rock-solid GPS, and Garmin Connect keeps every mile honest. Never comes off my wrist.
Shoes
11 rated · mileage from StravaAlphafly 4
The 2:51 shoe. Carried me to the Pittsburgh Marathon PR and 4th overall at Big Beach. Saved for race day.
Alphafly 3
The shoe that got me to sub-3. I love my Alphaflys — this pair is slowly dying an honorable death.
Alphafly 2
Race-day rocket. Pop and cushion that holds up deep into a marathon.
Adizero Evo SL
By far my favorite all-around shoe — I’m on my second pair. Two caveats: cotton socks past 16 miles = blisters, and in wet or snow they’re ice skates.
R1
Long-haul comfort built for ultra distances. Impressed me right away — my designated logger.
Speedgoat 6
The 100K shoe — every step of the Rabid Raccoon, and most of my trail miles since. Grip and cushion when the vert gets serious.
Zegama 2
Solid trail option in the rotation when the Speedgoats need a rest day.
Vaporfly
A great racer on paper — I just find the Alphafly more comfortable, so these rarely get the call.
Cielo X1 2.0
$120 find at Ross’s. Solid, bouncy ride — a middle-of-the-pack option for me on workout days.
Zoom Fly 4
Fine trainer, but never clicked for me next to the rest of the rotation.
Endorphin 3
The more I run in them, the more I hate them. It happens.
Mileage counts pulled from my Strava gear log.
Hats
2 itemsGOCap — “Go One More”
Light, breathable, and the mantra fits. My go-to on every run.
Alter Ego
Same great fit, different look. Can’t go wrong with Ciele.
Tops
2 itemsAeroSwift
Barely-there race top. Wicks well and never chafes.
Trail Shirt
Durable and comfortable for trail days. A reliable pick.
Tights
1 itemTights
Compression fit with pockets that actually hold your phone and gels. Excellent.
Socks
2 itemsToe Socks
Toe separation = zero blisters over long miles. Converted for life.
Socks
Snug, supportive, and they last. A staple in the drawer.
Gels & Nutrition
4 ratedPF Gels
Amazing — doesn’t upset my stomach and goes down very smooth. My #1.
Go Gel — Caffeine
Great flavor and kick. Docked slightly on stomach feel at high volume.
Go Gel — Regular
Solid gel — but 9 of them during a 2:51 marathon hurt my stomach. Dial the dose.
Energy Gel
Thick and just not for me. Others love it — I don’t.
Your turn
Disagree? Got a gem I should try?
This list only gets better with other runners’ input. Tell me what you swear by — or where I’m wrong.