I asked professional runners about their marathon essentials — these are their top picks for getting through 26.2 miles

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One of the most surprising things about running a marathon is the sheer amount of stuff you need to be as successful and comfortable as possible. In the beginning, it might seem like the right running shoes and outfit are enough. But as you start upping your mileage, you’ll likely find yourself looking for fueling, hydrating, recovery and even chafing solutions. I know from experience that the absolute best recommendations come from professional marathon runners who’ve seen it all on the 26.2-mile course, so that’s exactly who I talked to.

Below, I curated a list of marathon training, race day and recovery must-haves that Olympians, running coaches and personal trainers swear by. They’re mainly helpful for beginner marathoners, but anyone about to get their Six Star Medal might find a hidden gem too. Experts also shared their words of wisdom for the race overall, and what they wish they knew sooner.

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To curate a list of marathon must-haves for training, race…

Original source: https://www.nbcnews.com/business