DO IT
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1) Pounding the pavement can wreak havoc on your ankles, shins and knees, especially if you have problems with flat feet or overpronation. Dr. Scholl’s Advantage Sport Replacement Insoles ($15, men’s sizes 8-13 and women’s sizes 6-10; www.drscholls.com) provide lateral support and absorb shock to help prevent shin splints.
2) A visor works double-duty while you’re running—it keeps the sun off your face and sops up sweat before it rolls into your eyes. We like Headsweats’ SuperVisor ($16; 877-437-9328; www.headsweats.com) for its light weight and CoolMax wicking fabric.
3) For long races with limited support, you’ll want to keep some fuel and water on hand. Ultimate Direction’s Thunderbolt ($38; 800-426-7229; www.ultimatedirection.com) is a low-profile belt that holds 30 ounces of fluid (in three small bottles) and 4 ounces of gel. Made of 3DAirMesh for maximum ventilation, the belt also comes in four sizes to ensure a snug, no-bounce fit.
4) Blisters and chafing can ruin any race. Before you hit the road, grease problem areas (thighs, toes and nipples) with Aquaphor Healing Ointment ($5.50, 1.75 ounces; www.aquaphorhealing.com), a hypoallergenic lotion that’s gentle enough for children.
WATCH IT
Digital cameras are hot, but when it comes to catching movement at a sporting event, many can be too slow. With Kodak’s HQ Maximum Versatility One-Time-Use Camera ($10; www.kodak.com), you won’t miss your friend as she runs by at breakneck speed. Plus, you won’t have to worry if it gets wet or bounces around in your bag. And, when you take the film to be developed, Kodak will recycle the casing.
Sometimes the hardest part of a race is meeting up with your group at the finish line. With an 8-mile maximum range, Uniden’s GMR895-2CK two-way radios ($60; 800-554-3988; www.uniden.com) can help you track down friends anywhere along the course. Or, turn it to weather mode for up-to-the-minute broadcasts from the National Weather Service. A large, backlit LCD screen makes it easy to use at predawn starts, too.
Road races may be the only place you can nail total strangers with a water gun and have them shout “thank you.” The Super Soaker Vaporizor ($5; www.hasbro.com/supersoaker) has a long, precise range for drenching sweaty runners, and it’s easy to refill on the fly.
If a new parent is in the race, you’ll want to carry the little spectator in Deuter’s KangaKid ($129; www.deuterusa.com). This nifty pack unzips to reveal a kid carrier, which might not be suited for backpack trips, but is ideal for a weekend stroll. Plus the 1,830-cubic-inch pack holds all the diapers, bottles and snacks you’ll need. — gina demillo
