Hard work and dedication pay off for Minnesotans running the women's Olympic Marathon Trials race in April.
Not long ago, just before I threw that box out, it dawned on me just how much money I’ve invested in racing over the years.
Nutrition tactics that may help make your next marathon your fastest 26.2 miles yet.
Shower PowerBe ready for spring downpours with the Showers Pass Pro Tech jacket. The ultra-light (161 grams) jacket is windproof, waterproof, breathable and easily stuffs into a rear jersey pocket until needed. The tight cut minimizes flapping fabric and is stretchable enough to move with you. Elastic cuffs keep the rain out while reflective taping alerts passing motorists. Transparent enough to let you show off your jersey through the jacket. $100. www.showerspass.com
High-Tech Kickstand
Your road bike always has a parking space with the Topeak FlashStand Slim. The durable lightweight stand slips over a Shimano DuraAce, Ultegra or 105 crank arm, giving the bike something to lean on anywhere you have flat ground. When you’re ready to roll, the stand folds into a compact package that easily stows in your bag. $30. www.topeak.com
Carry Everything
Fight post-workout funk with the Dakine Wet/Dry Duffel. Open the 28-in by 15-in x 11-in bag like a clamshell and drop your wet gear in a separate tarp-lined bottom compartment. Zip it back up and store your dry items on top. Once you’re packed, reach in the insulated cooler packet for a cold recovery drink. $60. www.dakine.com
Night Light
For those early-morning or after-dark runs or walks, the GoMotion Sternum Light Kit ($79) will help you see in the dark. Unlike a headlamp, this innovative light rests on your sternum and retrofits to hydration pack or running vest straps. The LED light features three brightness levels and an adjustable beam that you can set at super wide or narrow. Now you can see and be seen when you’re out on the road or trail. Also available as a complete vest (Street Runner $89; Trail Runner $109), or belt ($69). www.gomotioninc.com
Expandable Hydration
With Hydrapak’s Laguna, you have two packs in one. With its special expansion zipper, the Laguna transforms from a smaller hydration pack that’s great for mountain biking or trail running to a full-size day pack for longer rides or day hikes. Fill the easy-to-use and easy-to-clean bladder with water or any sports drink and you’re off. $80. www.hydrapak.com
The Athlete’s Guide to Yoga
As recreational (and semi-competitive) athletes, we know that stretching is important, and that staying loose and flexible will help keep us healthy and free of injuries. So why, if your stretch routine is sufficient, add yoga to the training mix? Author Sage Rountree says it can also help athletes find mental strength and clarity to focus on their goals. It’s difficult to find a moment’s peace when you go from commute to career to training, and yoga can give you that space. You’d also be surprised to learn how it can isolate certain muscle groups and connective tissues to improve performance. This book explains all the best poses for athletes, with how-to photos, explains why you should do them, and even comes with a DVD of warm-up and cool-down routines to help get you started. $21.95. www.velopress.com
Electrolyte Replacement
Carrying enough electrolyte drink for a long run, bike or hike can be an issue—after all, water isn’t light. Zym can help solve the problem with easy-to-carry tablets that turn regular water into an electrolyte drink. Zym replaces the sodium, potassium, calcium and magnesium that you sweat out, and has added B vitamins to help form hemoglobin in red blood cells, critical for oxygen delivery during exercise. Each tube ($7.95) contains 10 tablets. www.gosports.com
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