Running Resources to Get You Faster, Healthy, and Stronger

I love running because of its simplicity – just lace up your shoes and head out the door. There are certain running resources and products that make a big difference though. I encourage using the minimum amount of gear, and these are products that I use and love, or resources that I trust. Use them and I guarantee you’ll learn more about running and train easier.

I am the co-author of the Rebel Running Guide, an introductory running program for beginner – intermediate runners. Complete with a diet guide, running form videos, complete training programs, and core/dynamic-warm-up video demonstrations, the Rebel Running Guide will help you become a better runner in no time.

It also comes with a complete section on how to run an Adventure 5k (like Warrior Dash) and your race morning action steps to ensure you’re on the right track (get it?!) to run your best race.

Check out the guide here.

Running Guides and More

Marathon Roadmap: The Vegetarian Guide to Conquering Your First Marathon is your detailed guide to succeeding at the marathon if you’re a vegetarian. While I’m a proud carnivore, I know other runners go the vegetarian route so I want to point you to the most complete marathon training and vegetarian plan that exists. Written by Matt Frazier of No Meat Athlete, there are over 120 pages and several audio interviews to help you run fast and feel energized on a plant-based diet. Read more about Marathon Roadmap here or my interview with Matt here.

Coach Patrick McCrann’s revolutionary triathlon training program, Competitive Triathlon in 10 Hours a Week will change how you approach triathlons. You don’t have to sacrifice your life to be successful at this sport! This is highly recommended for any runner who wants to take a break from running, try their first triathlon, or who wants to increase their cross-training to develop their aerobic base.

The Rebel Fitness Guide is your complete resource for strength training. With full videos demonstrating every exercise (that will cover over six months) and two separate food and diet books, this is a massive resource. I recommend this for runners who get injured frequently – the diet and strength routines will help you recover faster and build the injury resistance you need to continue training to reach your goals. Learn more about the Rebel Fitness Guide here.

Road Runner Sports is the only place I shop for gear. Their VIP program allows you to run in  new shoes and return them with a pre-paid sticker if you don’t like them. Plus you get 10% off everything, a HUGE inventory and a category for minimalist shoes.

I simply love RoadID and if you’re not wearing one, you’re not being safe. A lot can happen when you’re running the trails or out on a long run, so prepare and equip yourself with this easy (and might I say, quite fashionable) ID.

Running Shoes

I have no particular preference to brand when it comes to running shoes. I love ASICS, Adidas, and Nike but have also worn Saucony and Brooks. With that said, I tend to wear certain models over and over again that work for me. These may not work for you, but they’re my favorites.

The ASICS Speedstars have been my “go to” trainer for years. I preferred the first and second editions but they’re still in my line-up and I use them for short recovery runs to long runs. At under 9 ounces, it’s a fantastic introductory minimalist shoe for anybody looking to wear “less” of a trainer without going overboard. There’s no high density foam, the heel-toe drop isn’t enormous (nor is it too minimalist for those of you new to minimalism).

I also like to rotate a more minimalist shoe with the Speedstar. For this purpose I usually experiment with a new model but I always gravitate toward some staples. Right now that’s the Adidas Adizero Mana. I think they tend to run a bit narrow so if you have wide feet these shoes may not be a great fit for you.

The entire Adizero line is great and includes many lightweight trainers and racers. The sole tends to be more stiff than other shoes so keep that in mind if you do a lot of road running. Personally, I love them on smooth dirt trails.

Other great options are the Saucony Kinvara and ASICS Hyper Speed (for faster workouts or races).

Running Websites

Runblogger is the site for all you shoe lovers out there. If you are borderline obsessed with shoes, minimalism, biomechanics, running form, and reading shoe reviews – Runblogger has answers. Check it out for a wealth of information.

Science of Running provides the scientific background on training strategies, workouts, and running form. If you’re a nerd and want to know more about VO2 Max or another specific running topic, this is for you. It’s written by Steve Magness, a 4:01 miler and exercise physiologist, who dispels conventional wisdom and will definitely enhance your performance.

iRunFar is your resource for ultramarathons and trail running. Bryon Powell is its Runner-in-Chief and provides live event coverage and gear reviews that will help you prepare for your first (or 10th!) ultramarathon. Check out the thriving community on iRunFar that helps make this such a comprehensive ultra and trail website. He is also the author of Relentless Forward Progress: A Guide to Running Ultramarathons.

If you’re looking for more, get exclusive access to the Runner’s Gear Bag - a collection of two free ebooks (How to Stay Fit on Vacation & The Strength Running PR Guide), workouts, and bonus content not on the blog – just sign up below to join the team and get access.