Running Gear Guide: 22 Spring Pieces To Get You To The Finish Line
Updated: Apr. 09, 2019
Get ready for race season with these essential running items.
Shoe in
This latest model from one of the original running shoe makers, provides both support and an extra layer of cushioning. This neutral pair fits a variety of foot types without being too snug, and is a plush ride—ideal for longer runs.
Saucony Ride ISO, $160, Saucony.com
Bundle of energy
Made with organic ingredients and a double dose of sodium to help ward off muscle cramps and replace electrolytes, slip this pack of six bite-size pieces into your pocket and pop one (or two) when you need a boost.
CLIF Bloks salted watermelon energy chews, $3, Sport Chek
Try these overnight oats recipes to fuel up before your run.
Sports bra
A comfortable, well-fitting bra that provides adequate support without being too restrictive is a girl’s BFF on longer runs.
Flyknit indy bra, $84, Nike.com
Read about one inspiring woman who went from non-runner to clocking 15,000 KM on the Nike Run app.
Bar none
With a stripped down, minimal ingredient list, this bar puts the emphasis on protein (egg whites) and not on fillers. They’re all gluten-, soy-, and dairy-free, and ideal for a pre- or post-run snack. Warning: The chocolate sea salt bar almost feels like you’re cheating.
Rx Chocolate sea salt protein bar, $2, amazon.ca
Try this strength workout, designed specifically for runners.
Sleep on it
Made with natural ingredients, this portable, duo sleep spray kit – one to help you fall asleep and the other to keep in you in La La land – is a quick fix for a racing mind. Spritz on pillow and call it a night.
This Works sleep plus+ pillow spray, $15, Sephora.ca
Stir it up
Your body can take a pounding from running. Reward and replenish sore muscles and achy joints with some collagen. It has been shown to help reduce joint pain, assist in lean muscle gain, enhance bone strength and flexibility, restore joint and bone density. This portable pack makes it easy to stir in your post-run drink and go. You might also want to try adding superfood powders like matcha, maca and camu camu to your morning smoothies.
TruMarine Collagen, $20, Withinus.ca
In the zone
These tights are specifically engineered for the runner with targeted compression where you need it and ventilation in key hot spots like the knee and joints. Don’t miss these tips specifically for female runners.
Zoned in tight, $158, Lululemon.com
Glow on
When your active lifestyle and busy schedule cross, you need skincare and makeup products that stay put. This line includes a range of high-performance pieces, like mattifying moisturizer, face and body cleansing swipes and 24-hour mascara.
CliniqueFit, $19-$39, Shoppers Drug Mart
All ears
This hands-free set of headphones fits comfortably in your ears and stays put. Press play on your play list and hit the ground running.
AirPods, $219, Apple.com
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Moment in the sun
You might be out for a quick, short run, but you can’t outrun the sun’s rays. This 100% mineral-based formula moisturizes and soothes dry skin as it protects.
Coppertone Pure and Simple SPF 50, $12, Walmart
Stay on track
Stylish and functional, this model was tailor-made for runners. It tracks distance, pace and heart rate, and the GPS connects to running apps like Strava and NRC. Plus, this smart watch can hold your running playlist, deliver notification and keep a charge for 4+ days.
Fitbit Ionic, $350, Indigo.ca
Arm yourself
This easy-breezy tank with twist detail on the side can be tied up or left loose.
Studio tank, $55, NewBalance.ca
Hats on
This Quebec-based company, started by a team of runners puts the focus solely on one product: the running hat. Every thoughtful detail from the fit, weight (super light), pliable brim, upf +40 protection, and reflective print detailing will keep you looking cool and visible from dusk until dawn.
Ciele hat, $45, Black Toe Running
Body of water
Keep your pre-run coffee hot and your post-run water or shake icy cold with this rambler.
Yeti rambler, $40, Sport Chek
Read how running a marathon helped our editor take back control of her health.
Pull your socks up
Made specifically for runners, the seamless technology means no slipping or bunching and no blisters.
Darn Tough ¼ socks, $24, mec.com
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Short cut
For warmer days, this lightweight pair of shorts includes a lining and strategically placed reflective detailing to keep you visible.
Rush 3” woven shorts, $50, Saucony.com
In the sun
After a successful Kickstarter campaign, this sunglass brand has delivered a pair with the key features requested by runners: stylish, affordable, bounce-free and built-in sun protection.
Goodr the OG Sunglass, $35, The Running Room
Rain or shine
Don’t let inclement weather hamper your plans. This lightweight jacket is waterproof and windproof and has reflective detailing.
Accelerate jacket, $170, asics.com
A good hair day
For days when you need to run out (literally) without a chance to wash your hair, keep this lightweight, barely-there dry shampoo on hand for on-the-fly touchups.
Batiste Bare dry shampoo, $9, Shoppers Drug Mart
Water break
Keep your water at arm’s length with this handheld water pack.
Ultimate Direction Fastdraw 350 Handheld, $26, mec.ca
Come out on top
This top by a Calgary-born designer is sweat-wicking, has eight-way stretch, thumb holes and a luxe finish.
Bolt running top, $163, Michiny.ca
Roll with it
Pamper sore muscles with a foam-rolling session to help increase flexibility and reduce soreness.
Diadora foam roller, $35, Sport Chek
Next, be sure to avoid these 50 fitness myths that can seriously damage your health.
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