If you’re one of the thousands of people gearing up for the Little Rock Marathon on March 2, you know running is much more than a decent pair of shoes. You’ve done the training and you’re ready to hit the ground running with your head held high, but before you lace up, here are some essentials for training, day-of and post-race recovery efforts that will enhance your stride on race day and beyond.
(Photos provided by brands)
Garmin Forerunner 965
One of the top sport watches available, the Garmin Forerunner 965 comes complete with cutting-edge health metrics and a suite of sensors. It’s durable, lightweight and has up to 23 days of battery life, making it a premium running watch for those who track their runs and fitness data.
Garmin is sold at Rock City Running, Fleet Feet and Gearhead Outfitters.
Nix Hydration Biosensor
Hydration is crucial for every athlete, and understanding your personal biology is key when it comes to feeling good and performing better. The Nix Hydration Biosensor paired with the Nix Solo app tracks your fluid and electrolyte losses to tell you exactly when, what and how much to drink so you can focus on finishing strong.
Hyperice Normatec Elite
If you need a reliable method to reduce muscle soreness, look no further than the Normatec Elite. These boots feature seven levels of precise, targeted compression therapy that can be used to improve your warmup time, performance and post-workout recovery time.
Hyperice Normatec compression therapy sessions are available at Core Wellness.
Adidas Adizero Prime x 2.0 Strung
Every runner is different, especially when it comes to the perfect shoe. The Adizero Prime x 2.0 Strung from Adidas is known for its innovative engineering. The underfoot cushioning of this shoe has a 50mm heel stack, great for those who like extra padding. While it does technically exceed the height limit for competition, it’s a great option for recreational runners or those who want more support and response in their training shoe rotation.
Roka SR-1X
Running with the sun in your eyes is for rookies. These sunglasses are designed for athletes seeking crystal-clear vision and a secure, locked-in fit. With a semi-rimless shield and interchangeable lenses, these shades from Roka are ideal for sunny and slightly overcast conditions and will keep your vision clear on even the brightest of Arkansas days.
Ciele RDCap SC
If glasses aren’t your thing, try a hat that is specifically designed for athletes. The low-profile RDCap SC from Ciele regulates temperature and provides UPF protection with its micromesh, carbon mesh and sweatband design. Machine-washable, comfortable and flexible, this hat will also adjust to stay in place when the wind picks up.
On Ultra Vest 10L
For those who like to have extra hydration or essentials on hand, a running vest is a great investment. This vest from On is a lightweight, customizable, 10-liter option that is perfect for long distances. It features two zippered pockets, daisy chain loops and side pockets for stashing gels or anything else you may want to keep on you during a race.
On is sold at Rock City Running, Fleet Feet, Ozark Outdoor Supply and Gearhead Outfitters.