Summer running essentials: my nine must-haves to staying cool while training for a half-marathon | Life and style

My Owala is the sole reason I’m not chronically dehydrated. After returning from a hot run, I know I need to drink water. Yet there’s something about a basic water glass that you have to refill five times at the kitchen sink that feels too cumbersome. My Owala saves the day, featuring a handy straw lid. It’s also leakproof, which means I can mix in my electrolytes without worrying about spills.

Lululemon

Speed Up High Rise Shorts

$68

Even though I’ve run in these Lululemon shorts for years, they still look brand new. They are made using a sweat-wicking material and a quick-drying liner, making them ideal for running in the heat. The back zip pocket is large enough to stash a credit card or a smaller set of keys. I haven’t tried the updated version of these shorts, but they include a back mesh panel, which the brand says increases airflow.

Bandit

Micromesh Run Tank

from $68

If I’m planning to run throughout New York’s busier areas, I like to wear a tank top over my sports bra for extra coverage. The trendy activewear brand Bandit sent me a sample of its Micromesh running tank top, and now, New York’s weather has been hot enough to test it out. After wearing it on a pre-work, sweaty morning run, I can attest to its breathability, thanks to its sweat-wicking material and added jersey mesh.

Bandit

Lite Stripe Jacquard Socks

$36

I’ve accepted that my feet are going to get sweaty when running outdoors from June through August. So that my feet don’t feel like they’re stuffed in mini ovens, I’ve traded in the thicker pair I wore all winter for airier options. Recently, I’ve been testing this pair from Bandit. Although I’ve only worn them a few times, I quickly fell in love with the vibrant red color and the stretchy Spandex, anti-microbial yarn that feels soft and feather light on my feet.

House of Hur

Tropical Dew Sun cream

from $15.20

Rather than lather a generic, heavy cream on my face before a run, I’m reaching for this SPF 50+ sunscreen from the Korean skincare brand House of Hur. Thus far, it hasn’t broken me out in the three weeks I’ve used it and feels weightless on my skin. This sunscreen also has a beautiful, dewy finish, making it versatile enough to wear under makeup.

Asics

Nova Blast 5

from $129.95

As a retired high school cross-country runner, I’ve tried plenty of sneakers. Yet none of them come close to this pair from Asics. Sure, I feel like a broken record every time I wax poetic about these shoes to my friends, family members and my dear Guardian readers, but I simply remain impressed by their bouncy, trampoline-inspired outsole and breathable, mesh upper.

Garmin

Forerunner 165 with Music Running Watch

from $249.99

To quote myself in my winter running gear guide: “This watch offers a slew of running metrics, including heart rate, pace, power and vertical oscillation (bounce). Between all of its tracking capabilities and its long battery life (up to 11 days in smartwatch mode), plus the ability to download music for offline listening, this watch is well worth the investment.”

Months later, this watch is still a near-permanent fixture on my wrist, meaning it’s only a matter of time before I get the inevitable watch tan line.

Bandit

Stamina Scoop Neck Sports Bra

$68

A well-made sports bra and a distance runner are the peanut butter and jelly of the sports world. I’ve worn this bra for one of my first hot runs this year and found it supportive without feeling suffocating (although I do wish I had ordered one size up, as I found that it runs small).

This bra earns bonus points for its two pockets, which are the perfect size for your running gels. It also has a larger back pocket for your phone, although I don’t trust my fellow New Yorkers enough to have tried this out for myself.