1. Let your midnight run be known with these New Balance Boston 890s ($114.95). Shine them under light before you run and you’ll be seen by all. The glowing spirit of Paul Revere will guide you, but keep those nasty rumors about the British to yourself.
2. Drivers and cyclists are vultures prepared to crush you at every corner without hesitation; double your reflective gear with the Brooks Nightlife goods (prices vary). This isn’t bad nineties neon, Brooks has a helluva good design team to keep these wares looking sharp. Blinding neon will save you!
3. Minor muscle tweaks can happen, but KT Pro Tape ($19.99) is a modern marvel for pains. Use their instructional videos and learn the tape tugging techniques to get back in the game.
4. And sometimes your whole calf needs a little hug. The Zensah Compression Sleeves ($39.99) do just that provide better blood circulation to keep you fast. If you get shin splints or strains in your calves, these will nurture your pups into enduring through.
5. If finding energy for a sprint makes you contemplate death, then Jelly Belly Extreme Sport Beans ($1.29) are life support. The carb and caffeine mix will push you through, and they actually taste like, well … candy. Sawdust-flavored fueling is a thing of the past.
6. Your body always needs water. In the heart of a marathon, even more so. Don’t waste energy gripping, use the Nathan QuickShot Plus ($20). It comfortably sits in your sweaty palm to keep you hydrated.
7. No need to waste a hand carrying your phone either, equip the reflective Nathan Sonic Boom ($30) armband and go handsfree. The bright reflector strips shine like a raccoon’s eyes to keep you noticed on the streets, too!
8. With the sweaty work behind you, devour a Clif Bar Builder’s Protein (20g) Bar ($1.99) based on your workout intensity to recharge and strengthen. They now have options for your shorter workouts (10g snack size) and for the days you’re determined to run until your legs break off (30g max).
9. Post-stretch, treat yourself to a massage. Trigger Point’s 5.5″ Grid-Mini (24.99) rolls your muscle like foam fingers for when you’re traveling or on the go. (Original and Long versions are also ready to soothe your sore bits.)
[#1 available at: New Balance Store, 583 Boylston St., Boston]
[#2, 3, 9 available at: Marathon Sports, 671 Boylston St., Boston]
[#4, 5, 6, 7, 8 available at: City Sports, 480 Boylston St., Boston]
photos by Scott Murry | @hotdogtaco
