{"id":202339,"date":"2026-08-20T14:35:22","date_gmt":"2026-08-20T21:35:22","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.rei.com\/blog\/?p=202339"},"modified":"2026-08-20T14:35:24","modified_gmt":"2026-08-20T21:35:24","slug":"ultra-diaries-my-favorite-ultramarthon-gear","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.rei.com\/blog\/run\/ultra-diaries-my-favorite-ultramarthon-gear","title":{"rendered":"Ultra Diaries: My Favorite Ultramarthon Gear"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Only those who will risk going too far can possibly find out how far one can go.<\/em> <\/p>T.S. Eliot<\/cite><\/blockquote><\/figure>\n<\/blockquote>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n

Throughout my life, the risk of distance running\u2014of pushing myself to see how far I can go\u2014has become a major part of my identity. What started as school races as a kid grew to 5Ks and 10Ks as a young adult.\u00a0 In 2014, I ran my first marathon, the Glencoe Marathon Gathering<\/a> in the Scottish Highlands, with an elevation gain of 5,275 feet over 26.2 miles. That big swing of a long-distance event got me hooked.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

On October 3, 2026, I\u2019ll run my first ultramarathon. The Run to the Sea Bournemouth<\/a> starts at Moors Valley Country Park and ends at Hengistbury Head, England, covering over 50 kilometers (31 miles) with an elevation gain of 308 meters (1,010 feet). This combination of distance and elevation makes it a relatively flat course, which is perfect for my first go at an ultra. Following the popular Castleman Trailway<\/a>, the race’s point-to-point course follows forest trails and coastal paths. I\u2019m looking forward to the views and seeing how I do after months of training.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Even with a flat course ahead, I\u2019ve needed to prepare thoughtfully for this new challenge as I juggle managing my time while looking after a young family and the day-to-day requirements of being a working parent. Without risk there\u2019s no reward, but without preparation I\u2019m bound to suffer. I know 31 miles won\u2019t be easy. Sometimes, thinking about the distance gets my heart racing, but I want to be able to enjoy as much of it as I can. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Below, I walk through my training plan and gear I\u2019m relying on to help me build my mileage during workouts. If you\u2019re training for an ultramarathon or simply considering one, hopefully these recommendations will give you some helpful ideas.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Why I’m Training for My First Ultramarathon<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Read Rebecca\u2019s first article in the series<\/a> to learn why she decided to run an ultramarathon and what she hopes to accomplish.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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My Training So Far<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

I\u2019m following an expert-written ultramarathon training plan. <\/strong>To help with training, I\u2019ve been following advice from the writer and marathon legend Hal Higdon<\/a>. It\u2019s a free plan, and I\u2019ve used the Hal Higdon app before to train for races. I like the detailed rundowns of each workout, the pace goals and that it helps me expect how long it will take to complete the run. (As a parent to small children, it\u2019s essential to plan my weeks out in advance. I\u2019ve been on holiday a few times in the past when I\u2019ve needed to schedule in a long run.) I also like that there\u2019s a handy motivation boost, such as a congratulatory \u201cYou hit the bullseye with this workout\u201d on the app from Hal once I\u2019ve completed a run. Another encouraging message, \u201cWhen you complete your workouts as planned, nothing can stop you,\u201d is simple enough, but keeps me engaged for the next run.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I run four days a week and train six days. <\/strong>With two young girls (aged 6 and 3), a working cocker spaniel named Chase (who goes on long runs with me), chickens and all the other responsibilities of family life, it can be hard to find time to train. The four-day-a-week running schedule the Higdon plan offers\u2014comprising shorter hill workouts and tempo runs, long runs on the weekends, and a recovery run\u2014works well for me, allowing enough time for family, work, recovery and any surprises. I strength train two days a week, on days when I\u2019m not running. That leaves one full recovery day. Some people prefer to strength train on workout days so they have more recovery days, but I find strength training on non-running days works better for me as I can put all of my focus on one thing I\u2019m training at a time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I take advantage of the mornings and evenings.<\/strong> To make the most of my training days during the week, I\u2019ll either get up before the morning rush for school or wait until the girls are in bed. I love my early morning long runs. Typically, I\u2019m out of the house by 4:30am with my dog for company. The roads are quiet, and it\u2019s nice having that time to get a run in before the day begins properly. I have more energy, and I can run for longer. I savor my routine: following a familiar route to the beach, passing only a few people and watching the sun rise. Running so early also means I still have the day left for family time and responsibilities. The evenings are for strength training, giving me an hour to do what I need and unwind before it\u2019s time to call it a day.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I\u2019m using progressive overload to build fitness. <\/strong>Since ultra prep began, I\u2019ve increased training days from three to four, with my longest run growing from 30 minutes to three hours. Over the last few months, I\u2019ve started putting together my race-day playlist\u2014there\u2019s a lot of dance music. I find that a higher tempo keeps me going when my energy starts to wane, especially on long runs when I\u2019m following the same route every week (there are only so many close-to-home routes you can run for three hours). I have, however, discovered some great running paths and know the best routes to take to avoid a headwind\u2014hopefully race day doesn\u2019t have a headwind.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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What\u2019s Fueling Me<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

My go-to running fuel has always been the SiS<\/a> (Science in Sport) products, all of which are vegan-friendly. I\u2019ve used these for years, finding them easy to digest with no upset stomach. Even though I\u2019ll eat something about 30 minutes before my long runs, I struggle to eat much when I\u2019m running, so I like that the SiS gels give me the energy I need to keep going.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Energy Gels<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Gels are a distance runner\u2019s best friend. They provide fast, easy energy to help you avoid the dreaded wall.\u00a0I\u2019ll have one SiS Isotonic Energy gel every 20 to 30 minutes of my long runs. I only use them when I\u2019m running more than 15 miles.
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Shop Energy Gels at REI<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
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Shop Energy Bites at REI<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n


<\/a>Electrolyte Powder<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

In my hydration bladder, I mix in SiS Go Electrolyte powder mix, which helps me replace essential salts and minerals lost during long runs and workouts. Electrolyte replacement is essential for ultra-distance runners\u2014drinking only plain water can lead to hyponatremia, a potentially fatal condition. I use the black current flavor and like that it\u2019s not too sweet. Once I\u2019ve given it a vigorous shake to help the powder to dissolve, it\u2019s easy to drink.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Recovery Powder <\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

For any training over 60 minutes long, I\u2019ll follow up with SiS Rego Rapid Recovery powder drink. Rego Rapid Recovery contains 22 grams of carbohydrates and 21 grams of protein per serving. Both carbs and protein are essential for postworkout replenishment and muscle recovery, and are something I\u2019m discovering the benefits of during my ultramarathon training. I love the strawberry flavor and find that it fills me up with what I need before I refuel with food.
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Shop Drink Mixes at REI<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Carbs, Carbs and More Carbs<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

On the night before a long run, I\u2019ll carb load, treating myself and my family (sometimes not always willingly) to my homemade spaghetti bolognese. One thing I\u2019ve learnt during my training so far is the importance of carbohydrates for distance running: They give me that added energy reserve boost I need mid-run. I\u2019m still learning what works and what doesn\u2019t, but I\u2019ve noticed on a few long runs that around the midpoint, my energy levels have tapered off and it\u2019s a case of just finishing the run rather than hoping for a good time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Read more:<\/strong> Nutrition for Runners<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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My Favorite Training Gear<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

For me, the best running gear is barely noticeable and fits in so well with my running style and training needs that I don’t think about it except when I forget it! Functional, durable and comfortable are the three qualities that are top of mind when I’m selecting gear for ultramarathon training. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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REI Co-op Swiftland 5 Hydration Vest (Women’s<\/a> and Men’s<\/a>)<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Photo credit: Dustin Kingman | REI Co-op<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Before my ultramarathon training, I\u2019d never worn a hydration vest, instead opting to carry a water bottle to hydrate along the way. Wearing the Swiftland 5 from REI Co-op<\/a> has completely changed my perspective. I only wish I\u2019d started wearing a hydration vest sooner.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

There are three slot pockets and one zip pocket at the front, giving me plenty of space for my gels, an emergency banana and a small protein peanut butter ball (my favorite thing to eat before a long run). I can also store my phone without any issues. Inside the back zipped section, there\u2019s a 1.5-liter bladder, which, for me, lasts for around 26 miles. I\u2019ll have an extra water bottle that I can store at the front and some extra electrolyte powder to refill at a feed station on race day.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

There is also additional storage inside the hydration vest at the back for extra energy gels and a spare layer. A rear compartment allows me to stuff a running top when it gets too warm. The fact that I\u2019m able to wear this running vest at all is testament to how good it is. I don\u2019t normally like carrying or wearing things that will weigh me down, but this hydration vest’s fit means there\u2019s very little movement when it\u2019s full of my things, and I can still run well with it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Brooks Ghost Trail-Running Shoes (Women’s<\/a> and Men’s<\/a>)<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Photo credit: Taylor Feist<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

When I\u2019m wearing trail shoes, I need them to feel comfortable, like I\u2019m wearing slippers. In the past, I\u2019ve had to break in my running shoes, I can\u2019t wear socks with them, or a part rubs against my foot, leaving me with blisters. With my Ghost trail shoes from Brooks<\/a>, I haven\u2019t had any of these problems.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Considered a hybrid shoe, it\u2019s perfectly suited for trail and road surfaces, thanks to its Nitrogen-infused cushion and balanced support (which my heels are grateful for). Considering I encounter a mixture of trail and tarmac, I\u2019ve found the Ghost trail suitable for my needs. The TrailTack Green 3 mm lugs deliver grip on compact surfaces while remaining comfortable on tarmac, giving me the confidence to keep on running.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

These are a great pair of shoes with plenty of bounce that let me focus on my running and not on how my feet are feeling.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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REI Co-op Swiftland Running Tights (Women’s<\/a> and Men’s<\/a>)<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Photo credit: Dustin Kingman | REI Co-op<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

These have been my go-to running tights during the colder months. Made from nylon and spandex fabrics, they are stretchy and comfortable to wear on long, sometimes taxing runs. I also like the high waistband and the internal waist drawcord, which allow me to get the ideal fit so that the tights don\u2019t slide down during my runs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Other handy features of the Swiftland tights from REI Co-op<\/a>: the two side pockets for storing my keys or that all-important snack, the smaller stash pockets on either side of my waist for gels, and the little compression back pocket for my phone. If you\u2019re after comfort and a pair of running tights that feel like a second skin, you can\u2019t go wrong with these.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Stay tuned for more of this series, Ultra Diaries, which follows Rebecca on her training journey for the Run to the Sea Bournemouth 50K ultramarathon. Read the previous installment, <\/em>Why I\u2019m Running My First Ultramarathon<\/a> and comment below with your own favorite gear and tips for ultra training.\u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/p>\n<\/span>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Throughout my life, the risk of distance running\u2014of pushing myself to see how far I can go\u2014has become a major part of my identity. What started as school races as a kid grew to 5Ks and 10Ks as a young adult.\u00a0 In 2014, I ran my first marathon, the Glencoe Marathon Gathering in the Scottish […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":30729,"featured_media":202364,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_jetpack_newsletter_access":"","_jetpack_dont_email_post_to_subs":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_tier_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paywalled_content":false,"_jetpack_feature_clip_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":"","jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false},"categories":[10],"tags":[724,359,68,545,1758],"internal-tag":[],"class_list":["post-202339","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-run","tag-gear","tag-run","tag-training","tag-training-tips","tag-ultramarathon"],"parsely":{"version":"1.1.0","canonical_url":"https:\/\/rei.com\/blog\/run\/ultra-diaries-my-favorite-ultramarthon-gear","smart_links":{"inbound":0,"outbound":0},"traffic_boost_suggestions_count":0,"meta":{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org","@type":"NewsArticle","headline":"Ultra Diaries: My Favorite Ultramarthon Gear","url":"http:\/\/www.rei.com\/blog\/run\/ultra-diaries-my-favorite-ultramarthon-gear","mainEntityOfPage":{"@type":"WebPage","@id":"http:\/\/www.rei.com\/blog\/run\/ultra-diaries-my-favorite-ultramarthon-gear"},"thumbnailUrl":"https:\/\/www.rei.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2026\/08\/RebeccaC-Hydration-Vest-Kit.jpg?resize=150%2C150","image":{"@type":"ImageObject","url":"https:\/\/www.rei.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2026\/08\/RebeccaC-Hydration-Vest-Kit.jpg?fit=1377%2C1080"},"articleSection":"Run","author":[{"@type":"Person","name":"Cassie da Costa"}],"creator":["Cassie da Costa"],"publisher":{"@type":"Organization","name":"Uncommon Path \u2013 An REI Co-op Publication","logo":""},"keywords":["gear","run","training","training tips","ultramarathon"],"dateCreated":"2026-08-20T21:35:22Z","datePublished":"2026-08-20T21:35:22Z","dateModified":"2026-08-20T21:35:24Z"},"rendered":"