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NYCM Race Essentials and a Giveaway

We all know to bring running shoes to a race….and something to wear….maybe the Garmin….or a playlist. But why is it so stressful to pack for a destination race? Honestly I’ve been throwing stuff on a heap all week so I don’t feel like I’m behind the 8-ball. Here are a few of the things you’ll find in my bag bound for NYC:

pretzels

1. Plane Snacks aka Peanut Butter-Filled Pretzels: When I run a marathon, snacks get less fibrous and a little more salty. I’ve been dragging Trader Joe’s PB Pretzels to destination races since Boston, 2009. You could say it’s a tradition.

IMG_6944

2. SOS Rehydrate: I reviewed this here not too long ago. In my electrolyte epiphany last spring, I realized the crappy feeling of death I often experience near the end of hot races is a result of not improper fueling necessarily, but electrolyte imbalance. While it looks like NYC will be on the chilly side (insert happy dance) I’m not taking any chances. This stuff rocks without being overly sweet.

gus

3. GU: The fuel plan is to alternate between Salted Caramel and Caramel Macchiato GU. Because marathons should be fun and these flavors are a party in my mouth. In the final miles I’ll rely on tried and true Honey Stinger Chews as an amuse bouche. I suspect I’ll need all the amusement I can get at that point.

SD Supps

4. SD Supplements: DIM and BCAAs: These two supps were a game changer for me. The Caveman will have them waiting for me at the finish line. I run stronger and recover better with them, I swear. BCAAs help me recover faster by reducing muscle inflammation and soreness. DIM is a hormone balancer. As I’ve aged, I run (and feel) better or worse based on hormonal fluctuations. DIM helps smooth that out and I’ve noticed a huge overall improvement when I take it immediately after exercise.

CEP socks

5. CEP Progressive Run Socks. Last but not least, NYCM will not happen without these. I was invited to test these socks from the CEP Progressive Line by Insoles & Beyond. According to CEP, they’re designed especially for vital muscle groups below the knee, allowing greater energy, enhanced endurance and performance. I can vouch for the fact that they feel pretty darn great on, and my legs feel fresher after long runs. I love the compression aspect: snug where you want them to be and thick and plush in the heel, toe and ball of the foot. Plus the ultra-bright pink was way too cool to pass up. Rest assured I’ll be rocking some CEP compression on the plane ride home too.

WIN IT! One lucky reader will win a $50 shopping spree at Insoles & Beyond. Choose from socks, sleeves, compression wear, insoles, you name it. This giveaway is open to EVERYONE! International friends you’re eligible to win too! Note: Giveaway prize has no cash value and can only be used to buy merchandise. Use code healthy15 to save 15% off your order. 

What are your race essentials?

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Note: I was sent some of these products free of charge for review purposes, others I purchased on my own. All opinions, as always, are my own.

Comments

  5. I have to have sunglasses. I forgot to put them on for a race (with an early, dark start) and I had to work really hard not to let it get to me during the race.

  6. I did the same exact thing with the gu at the Chicago marathon. Alternated between salted caramel and Carmel macchiato. Worked like a charm!!

  10. My race day essentials are pretty simple. I just need my shoes and preferably my Garmin 🙂

  15. So excited you are heading off! Say hi to my good friends Lisa and Julie when you see them amongst the 40,000 others! In my bag is always compression socks for after as well.

  17. Oooohhhh I haven’t had PB filled pretzels in eons. YUM. And the more I run, the more I crave pretzels period. Race day essentials are always packing extra water and NUUN for after the race and pulling out several packets of GU. I tend to stick with vanilla after a bad stab at trying the caramel for the first time on race day (caffeine and me running? bad). Wishing you tons of luck!

  18. I always have my race belt, Hammer gels, my Garmin, compression socks, and my racing team gear!

  19. Wow! almost time to go… I need electrolytes too and really feel horrible when out of balance.

    I think you have it covered! Have a great time.

  20. My race day essentials include Vega pre-workout and fuel for during the race to keep me going! Love those pink CEP socks, they’re awesome!

  21. Race day essentials? I’m sold on Tailwind as hydration and fuel for me. I also need my tunes for those tough miles. And chafing cream for ummm…those areas that chafe….

    I’ve never heard of DIM. I’ll have to do my research!

  22. I discovered an electrolyte supplement last year which made my marathon experience so much better. I sweat SO much and really needed it. I also took a honey stinger chew around mile 18 of NYCM last year…but I find I cant chew and run and breathe at the same time lol. Though I think eating something solid gave me the energy to finish strong.

  29. I definitely need to pack my own food when I travel for races..I never want to rely on eating something that I’m not used to! I also live in compression socks before, during, and after a race or long run. Great list!

  30. Oooh, LOVE the peanut butter pretzels. Sounds like something I need to check out. 🙂

    I am all about Vega before a race. I always have a Vega protein bar before a half or full marathon. Been doing it for most, if not all of my major races now. Also, I love Huma Gels during my races.

    LOVE the BCAAs from SD Pharma, they are a part of my everyday routine now.

  32. How have I never had peanut butter pretzels?! I need to find some and change that soon!!!
    Just a couple days – you are ready!!!

  38. First off, good luck in NY!!!! Our race essentials are quite similar, although I haven’t heard of those supplements. You’ll have to get me more info!!!

  39. Race essential… it depends by the distance. If the race is less than a half marathon nothing special. If longer …. a very good meal after the effort.

  40. Race day? If it’s anything greater than a 5k, I need my compression sleeves 🙂 Love both CEP and Zenseh!

  41. if it is a half marathon I have to eat a banana and a bonk breaker bar… other than that. just normal stuff.. watch, road id….hat

  42. compression is my favorite thing ever. I need to check out the DIM stuff. I have some serious crapola runs due to hormones once/month and am willing to try anything!

  44. I know this is a bit late but i am so excited for you being in NYC. i saw the winds were pretty bad? I dont use gu anymore but i should start checking out supps. Ill be 40 next month. Lol. Take care.

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