Eleven non-running items every runner should keep handy

When it comes to gear you need for running, we regularly bring you the best of the best in our gear reviews featuring shoes, clothing, fuel and more. But the runner’s lifestyle requires many items that aren’t necessarily intended specifically for runners. Here’s a checklist of objects that every runner needs to support their running lifestyle, even though none of these were designed specifically with the runner in mind.

1.- Vaseline

For your lips, to moisturize your weather-beaten skin and to prevent chafing. Vaseline has so many uses for runners–it’s basically an essential race-bag item.

2.- Hair elastics

For runners with long hair, there’s no question about how important these are. Your hair goes up for at least a portion of every day while you run. But hair elastics have a way of disappearing. If you’re a runner with long hair, you need plenty of these on hand to sustain your hobby.

3.- Sunscreen

Runners love the outdoors, and with summer approaching, this one becomes even more important. Here are some tips on how to use sunscreen most effectively when you’re doing what you love this season.

4.- Safety pins

To pin your race bib, to pin a tensor bandage or to pin clothing that fits just a little bit loose. An accumulation of safety pins around the house is probably standard in every runner’s home.

5.- Facial wipes

Keep them in your gym bag or office (especially if you’re a run commuter or lunchtime runner). Running causes sweat and sweat leads to clogged pores if you can’t immediately wash your face after a run. Facial cleansing wipes are a quick solve.   

6.- Allergy pills

If you have allergies, you know that even though spring pollen sets them off, it’s worth it if you have an opportunity to get out for a run on a perfect spring day. So, make sure your allergy medication is in the cupboard.

7.- Ear plugs

These go in the luggage when travelling to a race. Every runner knows sleep and running well go hand-in-hand, and there’s nothing worse than a noisy hotel when you have a morning race the next day.

8.- Band-aids

For blisters. Especially the ones on the back of the heel when you’re breaking in new running shoes.

9.- Painkillers

There’s a certain amount of muscle soreness that comes with running. While you shouldn’t feel the need to take one after every run, there are definitely times when these will help get you through the day. There is also plenty of evidence in recent research that consuming NSAIDs in excess is harmful to your longterm health, so use these only when you need them most (acetaminophen is preferred over NSAIDS).

10.- Crockpot

For runners who work all day, you come home hungry. Because you run, you probably look for nutrient-packed meals and don’t want a quick fix dinner. Since many runners are early birds, there’s time in the morning after a run to meal prep–throw ingredients into a crockpot is a great way to do this quickly. Your food will cook all day during work hours and provide a meal that’s both healthy and warm when you get home.

11.- Ice packs

Sadly, injuries are a reality of the sport for most of us. Whether it’s a sprain or a sore muscle or swollen injury, the ice pack is the go-to fix. Runners should always have one or two on hand in the freezer.

posted Thursday May 16th
by Claire Haines