ll. -- Demetrius McReynolds had 21 points and seven rebounds a

Its time to perform a head-to-toe gear check. Having an arsenal of gear that keeps you comfortable while training for and running a marathon is critical. Heres the bottom line: You know youve picked the right gear when you dont even have to think about it. It might take trying different brands, fabrics and features, but once you find your favorites, it makes getting out of bed to run that much more exciting. The only thing on your mind should be the next stride, the next 100 yards, the next mile, not if your clothes are riding up or chaffing you.In this weeks blog, Ill give you my tips and tricks for picking the right gear for you.ShoesMany people think this is the only piece of gear you need. Its definitely not the only thing, but it may be the most important. And finding the right running shoe is vital. Running companies make their shoes differently, from varying types of support (think, high or low arches, more or less cushion, etc.) to assorted colors.Now, Im not an expert and cant tell you exactly what type of shoe will work best for you. But my best advice is to find one or two pairs that you like, regardless of the brand, and rotate using them.Rotation, I believe, is important because it allows your shoes to last longer. For the first couple of months of my training, I use two different pairs of shoes. Then, in the last two months of training, I buy the pair I will race in and put them in the rotation to break them in. Most running stores and experts recommend replacing your running shoes every 300 to 500 miles. For me, that distance falls about every four months, but I can stretch that time by rotating and not wearing the same shoe every day.ClothesMake sure the rest of your body, aside from your feet, is comfortable. And the key to clothing is testing out what feels the best.While training, I like to try out plenty of different outfits, including the underwear and sports bra, that I could potentially wear on race day. This helps me figure out what shorts or leggings wont ride up so I can feel confident going into the race. I like to test sleeveless, short-sleeve and long-sleeve shirts, as well as short spandex, shorts and leggings. I never like to race in anything I havent previously worn.I recommend testing completely new gear during easy runs. You should also try out potential race clothes during runs of substance, such as long, tempo and strength runs, because those simulate race conditions.Its important to remember that its not about how you look, its about how you feel. Still ...I like to wear a lot of color. For example, my compression socks, which help keep my shin splints at bay, are pink. But its not all aesthetic! Bright clothes -- especially those with reflective features -- help cars see me as I run against traffic. Better to be bright and be seen, than unseen and potentially in a dangerous situation.OtherGear is more than the clothing you put on your body. It can also include how you track your run, fuel your body and recover.I use a Garmin Forerunner 235 GPS tracking watch. I really like how easy it is to read its face while I run. It also has a heart rate monitor I can use to judge my pacing.Hydrating during a run is often overlooked, but its critical for me during these summer months (and year-round, for that matter). After using a hydration belt for the first part of the year, I invested in a hydration backpack -- and it has been my saving grace. I used to fumble with a bottle and worry about the belt, but without that struggle, my long runs have been much better. Again, everyone is different and its all about testing different methods and products to find what fits you.And the best piece of recovery equipment I own is a foam roller. Using it is certainly painful in the moment, but afterwards, you feel like youve given yourself a personal massage.And finally, Im unfortunately training for the New York marathon during the hot, humid and sticky summer -- personally my least favorite season in which to run. In fact, this is what I like to call high chaffing season. As a person who doesnt have a thigh gap -- but who would like to stay cool during my runs -- a product called Body Glide is my best friend. Body Glide goes on like a deodorant and helps prevent rubbing from your skin or clothes.So remember: Test things out, make sure they work for you, then -- forget about them! Happy gear hunting!!Training Notebook:Longest run: 13.1 miles (Bristol Half Marathon on Aug. 14) Hardest run: Bristol Half Marathon -- miles 7.5 to 10.5 are straight uphill Highest weekly mileage: 41 miles Biggest accomplishment: Bristol Half Marathon -- this is the second year I ran this race and I placed third in my age groupMegan Flood is a seven-time marathoner and half marathoner. She is on a quest to qualify for the Boston Marathon and hopes New York 2016 is her ticket to Boston. You can follow her progress every other week here on espnW.com and on Twitter @meganflood11.Nike Shox OZ D .B. -- The Baie-Comeau Drakkar took over sole possession of first place atop the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League on Thursday with their sixth straight win. Nike Shox In Offerta . PETERSBURG, Fla. http://www.nikeshoxoutletitalia.it/scarpa-nike-shox-r4-bianche-nere-uomo-donne.html . The winner Saturday will remain in the elite 10-team field next year. "We talked about wanting to be disciplined and stick with our game plan and good things will come," Draisaitl said, who had two goals for the victors. Scarpe Nike Shox Gravity Uomo Gunsmoke/Bianche/Totale Cremisi AQ8553-006 . -- If this was Aaron Gordons final home game at Arizona, and it almost certainly was, then he went out in style. Scarpe Nike Shox Gravity Uomo Nere/Gola Verde/Calce Calda AR1999-003 . A lawyer for MLB, Matthew Menchel, confirmed Wednesday the league dropped its case against Biogenesis of America, its owner Anthony Bosch and several other individuals. The lawsuit had accused Biogenesis and Bosch of conspiring with players to violate their contracts by providing them with banned performance-enhancing substances.CHARLESTON, Ill. -- Demetrius McReynolds had 21 points and seven rebounds and Eastern Illinois beat in-state rival Western Illinois 73-64 on Saturday night.The Panthers (2-2) were in front for the final 33 minutes, occasionally pushing the advantage into double digits. But the Leathernecks (1-3) stayed within striking distance and had a 9-2 run to close within 61-56 with 4:18 left.McReynolds jumper made it 65-56 with 2:35 left and Eastern Illinois led by no less than seven the rest of the way. For winning the riivalry game, the Panthers took home the Old Railsplitter Trophy.ddddddddddddRay Crossland had 17 points and Montell Goodwin scored 12. Cornell Johnston and Muusa Dama added 10 points each for the Panthers.Garret Covington had 22 points and six rebounds for the Leathernecks. Western Illinois outshot and outrebounded the Panthers but had 21 turnovers compared to 10 for Eastern Illinois. ' ' '