Running stores are chock-full of unnecessary gear that will only weigh you down on race day (ahem, Fuelbelt). Alongside the gimmicks, however, are a few gems that actually can make the lengthy grind feel a little shorter. In honour of Sunday’s Goodlife Fitness Marathon, we round up our top six race-tested essentials.
<strong>Lululemon’</strong>s Pace running tights are durable, chafe-resistant, and have handy pockets for keys and energy gels. Made of the brand’s Power Luxtreme fabric, they keep muscles lightly compressed to reduce fatigue. $92<br /><br /><br />
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<em>Available at Lululemon, multiple locations, <a href="http://shop.lululemon.com/products/clothes-accessories/women-pants/Run-Pace-Tight?cc=10411&skuId=3489321&catId=women-pants">lululemon.com</a></em><br />
The<strong> Adidas</strong> Adizero 2.0 is a minimal, lightweight shoe that lets you run like you’re reenacting a scene from <em>Chariots of Fire</em>. The just-right level of cushioning lessens impact and prevents injury. $145<br /><br /><br />
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<em>Available through <a href="http://www.adidas.ca/Men%27s-adiZero-Adios-2/G64415_590,en_CA,pd.html?cgid=men-Shoes">adidas.com</a></em><br />
<strong>Garmin’</strong>s Forerunner 110 is a basic strap-it-on-and-go training watch with a heart rate monitor, GPS, and timer to clock your slog to the finish line. $175<br /><br /><br />
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<em>Available at Mountain Equipment Co-op, multiple locations, <a href="http://www.mec.ca/AST/ShopMEC/WatchesClocks/Garmin/PRD~5024-598/garmin-forerunner-110-gps-watch.jsp">mec.ca</a></em><br />
<strong>Body Glide’</strong>s anti-chafe balm forms a protective shield against the worst rubbing from shorts, shirts and sports bras. It’s also free of dubious petrochemicals. $18<br /><br /><br />
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<em>Available at Running Room, multiple locations, <a href="http://ca.shop.runningroom.com/bodyglide-anti-blister-chafing-balm-2-5-oz-70g.html">runningroom.com</a></em><br />
Designed for the tender-footed runner who blisters at the mere mention of 42.2 kilometres, <strong>Wright</strong> socks have a double layer of fabric that provides an extra buffer between foot and shoe. $15<br /><br /><br />
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<em>Available at Running Room, multiple locations, <a href="http://ca.shop.runningroom.com/women/socks/dlx-double-layer-low.html">runningroom.com</a></em><br />
The end of of this race obstructs the roads going into my downtown condo. Why bother people who aren’t interested in marathons? Race all you want, but do it out in the boonies, and get some fresh air while you’re at it. What’s with the running through major city streets? You all are a bunch of attention seeking mofo’s.