Training for a Half Marathon (+ My Favorite Geeky Workout Gear)

As an official blogger for the 2018 DICK’s Sporting Goods Pittsburgh Marathon, I received complimentary race admission and race gear for blogging about my training experience.

2018 is quickly approaching and with it comes some exciting news! I’ve recently been chosen as a 2018 official blogger for the DICK’S Sporting Goods Pittsburgh Marathon! Over the next several months, I’ll be training for my first-ever half marathon and sharing updates on my progress right here on my blog. I’m excited, a little nervous, and eager to check this item off my bucket list.

Have you ever considered running a 5K, half marathon, or a full marathon? Join me in my training and make 2018 your year too! And if you’re in the Pittsburgh area, consider signing up for one of the events — marathon, half marathon, marathon relay, pet walk, or another. There’s something for everyone! Sign up by March 31, 2018 and receive $10 off your entry by using the code DELMONICODSGPM18 at checkout. Find details on this year’s race events below.

When is it? 2018 race weekend events take place Friday, May 4 – Sunday, May 6.

How do I sign up? Visit this link, and use the code DELMONICODSGPM18 at checkout for $10 off your entry fee. (Code expires March 31, 2018.)

Resources? Find official training events and other helpful information on the DICK’s Sporting Goods Pittsburgh Marathon website.

2018 Official Blogger Banner

And with a new year right around the corner, it’s only natural to think about your 2018 resolutions. If you’ve made fitness-related goals for the new year (as many of us have!), why not treat yourself to some new gear that will get you excited to workout (in geeky style)!

This post contains affiliate links for some items below, as well as items I received through a collaboration. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Geeky Workout Gear

Items listed from top to bottom:

  1. Princess Leia Quilted Vest by Her Universe from the Disney Store
    For the princess in all of us. This vest will take you from errands to workout.
  2. Hogwarts Alumni Headband from Hot Topic
    Let all the muggles know yer a wizard.
  3. Wonder Woman Protein Shaker from GNC
    Because even Wonder Woman needs a little fuel.
  4. Marvel Iron Man Kettlebell from Onnit
    A workout with Tony Stark? You’re on your way to joining the Avengers.
  5. Captain America ‘On Your Left’ T-shirt from Stride Fitness Apparel
    We’d all love to take a run with Cap’n, but let’s be honest, we wouldn’t keep up.
  6. Star Wars Fight Scene Leggings from Under Armour
    This is where the fun begins! (P.S. I got these leggings as a Christmas gift — they are AMAZING!)
  7. Doctor Strange ‘Dormammu, I’ve Come to Bargain’ Tank Top from SnorgTees
    No one gets high reps like Doctor Strange.
  8. Legend of Zelda Sports Bra from ThinkGeek
    For when your workout needs a little action and adventure.
  9. Game of Thrones House Stark Hoodie from HBO
    Winter is here. Stay warm with added layers.
  10. Darth Vader Stainless Steel Zak Designs Water Bottle from Target
    Don’t let your lack of hydration be disturbing.
  11. Han Solo Yoga Mat from Onnit
    For when it’s time to get in downward-facing carbonite pose.
  12. Minnie Mouse Beanie from BoxLunch
    Be cute as a mouse on your next outdoor run.
  13. Wonder Woman Leggings from Under Armour
    Release your inner warrior.
  14. Star Wars ‘Stay on Target’ Tank Top from SnorgTees
    Big goals? Just stay on target.
  15. ‘I Run Because Gandalf Told Me To’ T-shirt from Stride Fitness Apparel
    And if Gandalf said so, that’s a good enough reason for me.
  16. Marvel Logo Crewneck Sweatshirt from Her Universe
    Be your own superhero.
  17. Wonder Woman Elastic Headband Set from Her Universe
    Who says workout hair can’t be cute?
  18. Star Wars ‘May the Force Be With You’ Sports Bra from Under Armour
    “Do… or do not. There is no try.” Make yoda proud with every workout.

Whether you’re training for a half marathon or headed to spin class, there’s no reason why you can’t make your work out geeky. After all, geeks can be fit too.

All photos courtesy of vendors’ websites. Make sure to check out each shop to view all of their amazing items.

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31 Comments

  1. December 28, 2017 / 9:27 am

    I’ve been eyeballing those Star Wars UA leggings for awhile now! I love them! I need them! LOL

    • December 28, 2017 / 9:31 am

      Yes! I got them for Christmas and they are amazing! They are the nicest leggings I own, and now I want the Wonder Woman UA leggings… good thing my birthday is next month. πŸ™‚

  2. December 28, 2017 / 10:57 am

    Makes me want to work out again! <3

  3. December 28, 2017 / 1:39 pm

    This is some cute stuff! My friend wants me to do a full marathon with her, but I’m terrified…I may start training in January and just see where it takes me.

    • December 28, 2017 / 2:15 pm

      That’s how I feel! Gotta start somewhere though. I say go for it!

  4. December 28, 2017 / 3:05 pm

    Good luck with your first half marathon! I know you’re a Star Wars fan, so maybe someday you’ll head down to Disney to do their Dark Side half πŸ˜‰ I I think most of my workout gear is geeky, haha – I have Disney, Star Wars, Marvel, and Harry Potter stuff!

    • December 29, 2017 / 9:48 am

      I would LOVE to do a Disney race! I think they look so fun and I’d love to run through the parks! Definitely a goal of mine!

  5. December 29, 2017 / 10:45 am

    I love all of the Star Wars gear! I ran the Dark Side Half Marathon at Disney World this past April and loved it! Wearing a fun outfit can be great motivation! Best of luck with your training! Have fun with it!!

    • December 29, 2017 / 12:25 pm

      Thanks Katherine! And the Dark Side Half sounds so cool! I’d love to run a race at the Disney parks! How cool.

  6. December 29, 2017 / 12:24 pm

    This is all so cute and unique!!

    • December 29, 2017 / 12:26 pm

      Thanks Lily! Adding a little geeky fun to my work out helps me get through them! lol

  7. December 29, 2017 / 8:37 pm

    Nice! I feel like you should workout in whatever makes you feel comfortable and confident. Also, I think that’s a perfect time to feel like wonder woman, so why not wear it!?

    • December 29, 2017 / 10:14 pm

      Thanks girl! I love that advice! Here’s to becoming WW in 2018! πŸ™‚ lol

  8. December 29, 2017 / 11:23 pm

    The nerd in me is LOVING all of this, especially the Star Wars gear. What great finds!

  9. January 1, 2018 / 3:38 pm

    I worship a new Goddess called Monica! OMG I’m loving this so much! The Star Wars gear!!! πŸ˜€ πŸ˜€

    • January 1, 2018 / 10:06 pm

      I’m just hoping this geeky gear will keep me motivated while I train for the half marathon! πŸ™‚

  10. January 1, 2018 / 5:05 pm

    Thanks for sharing! I need geeky tees for my yoga workouts!

    • January 1, 2018 / 10:07 pm

      Yes! There are so many awesome ones to choose from!

  11. Seth
    January 8, 2018 / 9:38 am

    Monica,

    A certain coworker of your’s sent me your blog! I may not have the expertise on the female gear haha, but I can give a heads up on the male version of some of the gear.

    The Under Armour Star Wars gear outside of the leggings is great. I wore the Storm Trooper shirt for the Disney Dark Side 10K & a black 3/4 zip that made me look like a sith lord for the half marathon in 2016. They hold up great and highly recommend them to anyone. So kudos to you for posting the ladies gear!!!

    Best reminder for you and your followers- ALWAYS TRAIN IN WHAT YOU’LL RACE IN! I’ve made the mistake and cost myself a PR in the Disney Dark Side 10K 2 years ago. Thankfully I PR’d my half marathon the next morning but I made a mistake that I knew never to do.

    • January 8, 2018 / 10:20 am

      Thanks for the info! Training in what I’ll race in is something I hadn’t really considered!

      Great to know there are some other geek runners out there. I’d love to do a race at Disney one day!

  12. January 11, 2018 / 7:24 pm

    Hey, Monica!! I found you through the Williams-Sonoma website where your Slytherin Apron photo was featured on the item page 🐍… followed your instagram to your blog and here I am! If you’re into running and HP, I’d like to extend an invitation to you to join the Slytherin House in the Hogwarts Running Club! HRC is a non-profit running club that benefits charities with virtual races and competitions. It’s a lot of fun… If you’d like to join, feel free to reach out to me to chat some more! The online community is all via facebook groups/pages.

    The Great Hall (group for all houses + faculty)
    https://www.facebook.com/groups/HRCGreatHall/

    The Slytherin Common Room
    https://www.facebook.com/groups/HRCSlytherinCommonRoom/?ref=linked_groups_hscroll_see_all

    Hogwarts Running Club Page
    https://www.facebook.com/hogwartsrunningclub/

    • January 11, 2018 / 8:13 pm

      Hi Rebecca! Thanks so much for leaving this note! I am totally in! I’m training for my first half marathon and can use the support. Plus I LOVE Harry Potter! So this sounds like the perfect group. πŸ™‚ And out of curiosity — which house are you in??

      • Rebecca Lane
        January 13, 2018 / 1:16 pm

        Slytherin, of course! πŸ™‚

      • Rebecca Lane
        January 13, 2018 / 1:18 pm

        When you join, feel free to reach out to me on Facebook β€” I think my profile may be linked on my first comment or you can find me in the Slytherin common room!

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