Ultrarunning essentials: Harvey Lewis shares his top picks for going the distance

In our Health Stack series, Wellworthy taps into its network of health and fitness experts to offer personal insights and recommendations.

Harvey Lewis is an elite ultrarunner and public high school teacher who balances endurance running with his commitment to education. At 48, Harvey recently won the World Championship of Big’s Backyard Ultra, running an incredible 450 miles over 4.5 days.

Teaching AP government and financial literacy in Cincinnati, Harvey integrates training into his daily routine, running to and from work for over a decade while carrying his essentials in a backpack.

Harvey Lewis (credit: Nick Bare Podcast)

Ranked among North America’s top 10 ultrarunners for three consecutive years, Harvey’s recent feats include competing in the Western States 100 and spontaneously running the Badwater 135 in reverse from the finish line. His next challenge is the grueling Big Foot 200.

Despite his intense schedule, Harvey prioritizes cross-training with weights, yoga, and hiking. His ultimate goal is to maintain lifelong health and activity, inspired by his 102-year-old friend who remains active.

Here’s Harvey to share his ultrarunning essentials:

Desert Comp Shorts

“I really love my 2XU District Vision lightweight desert compression shorts. They are great especially for longer runs and climbing/decent. They have pockets that are fantastic to put your cell phone, or snacks for the race/training. The compression helps the muscles to have more stability and I feel when I’m running far reduces the risk of injury.”

DV + 2XU

Desert Comp Short

Constructed from a lightweight stretch fabric with MCS(Muscle Containment Stamping) technology.

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Squirrel’s Nut Butter

“It’s a lifesaver for anti-chaffing. It’s all natural, made of a couple ingredients and essential for my long runs and long races.”

Squirrel's Nut Butter

Anti-Chafe Stick

All natural, anti chafing and blister prevention.

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Newton Gravity

“They are a small company based in Boulder and don’t have the marketing power of the big names but they are really amazing shoes. I’ve been wearing Newtons for 14 years. They are very high quality and the design of the shoes promotes positive running form. They are also very dedicated to the environment and the shoes are vegan as well as made from recycled plastic bottles. My favorite model is the Newton Gravity.”

Newton Running

Gravity 13

Sustainably constructed and certified vegan

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Compression Calf Guards

“I really like my 2XU lightweight compression calf guards. They are great again for stability with the muscles and I feel when I run far they absolutely help reduce my risk of injury as well as help the muscles to not break down as quickly. The light color is great in warm, sunny conditions and also helps to protect from the suns UV.”

2XU

Compression Calf Guards

Made from quick-drying PWX highly powerful and flexible compression fabric.

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Vectr Light Cushion No Show Compression Socks

“I really love the 2XU vectr light cushion no show compression socks. I’ve run in 24 hour races over 160 miles to across Badwater and back with very few blisters thanks to these socks. They wick moisture away from the feet and feel really comfortable.”