I'm Training for a Half-Marathon—These Beauty and Fitness Staples Have Saved Me

If you had told me two years ago that I'd ever try to run a half-marathon, I would have said, "Absolutely not. You are mistaking me for someone else. That is a certifiably unhinged idea." I don't think I'd ever run more than three miles at once before in my life, and the idea was out of the question. 

Running always seemed out of reach for me. I'm not naturally athletic, I don't have a typical runner's build, and I used to lie my way out of the mile in middle school. I once cried during the pacer test. I considered myself a firm non-runner, and I came to peace with that a long time ago. 

half-marathon-products-298640-1647908479396-main

(Image credit: @ktberohn)

Fast-forward to now. I've already registered to run the Brooklyn Half Marathon—and not even against my will. I picked up running during New York City's lockdown since my hot yoga studio was closed and my apartment was barely big enough to walk in, no less try to work out in.

At first, I ran begrudgingly as a way to move my body and say I exercised. As I continued running more regularly, however, I found that I really loved it (and no one is forcing me to say that!). I learned that running doesn't have to be scary. In fact, it can be empowering, emotional, and therapeutic. 

On my journey to running the Brooklyn Half, I've tested out many, many products to find what works best for me. After testing four different running shoes, a myriad of SPFs, and tons of fitness gear, I can confidently say that I have vetted every single one of these products and would recommend them to anyone. Keep reading for the staples that are getting me to the finish line. 

Next, I'm a Beauty Editor in NYC—Here Are 30 Products I'll Love Forever

Associate Beauty Editor

Katie Berohn is the associate beauty editor at Who What Wear. Previously, she worked as the beauty assistant for Good Housekeeping, Woman's Day, and Prevention magazines, all part of the Hearst Lifestyle Group. She graduated from the University of Colorado, Boulder, with a major in journalism and minor in technology, arts, and media, and earned her master's degree at NYU's graduate program for magazine journalism. In addition, Katie has held editorial internships at Denver Life magazine, Yoga Journal, and Cosmopolitan; a digital editorial internship at New York magazine's The Cut; a social good fellowship at Mashable; and a freelance role at HelloGiggles. When she's not obsessing over the latest skincare launch or continuing her journey to smell every perfume on the planet, Katie can be found taking a hot yoga class, trying everything on the menu at New York's newest restaurant, or hanging out at a trendy wine bar with her friends.