Best Running Gears And Accessories That Every Runner Should Have

From lightweight shorts to compression socks, these gears will help to improve your running and also make you a happier, better runner

1. Waban Shorts from Tracksmith

Tracksmith

The high-quality Waban Shorts from Tracksmith, a New England-based company that produces premium performance running apparel, is made with lightweight stretch fabric that is not only incredibly comfortable, but also wicks moisture away from the skin. The shorts feature internal key pocket built into the liner, as well as deeper side splits for full range of motion at top speed. These shorts are perfect for running, whether you are racing or training.

2. Seamless Running Sports Bra from Zensah

Zensah

The Seamless Running Sports Bra from Zensah, which specializes in cutting edge, seamless technology, is one of the most comfortable sports bras in the market with the perfect ergonomic fit. The seamless fabric prevents chafing and irritation, and also wicks away moisture and odor. Additionally, the racerback design allows for a full range of motion and comfort.

3. Night Compression Calf Sleeves from CEP

CEP Compression

Have no qualms about running at night with the Night Compression Calf Sleeves from CEP. Designed to ensure safety for night-time running, these calf sleeves feature side reflectors for improved visibility in the dark. The calf sleeves also have added benefits to provide maximum stability for calf muscles to prevent injuries, optimum recovery and performance, and microfiber technology for superior comfort.

4. Running Belt from Urban Active Sports

Ever wondered what to do with your phone, money, or ID while running? Then theRunning Belt from Urban Active Sports is your solution. The adjustable belt fits around your waist perfectly, regardless of size, and it’s made of high quality elastic, expandable strap for perfect fit. The fabric is made of sweat proof foam padding, so your belongings stay dray at all times.

5. Aspire Zero Socks from Swiftwick

Swiftwick

The thin and light Aspire Zero Socks from Swiftwick provides compression that mitigates bunching and hot spots by supporting all three arches in the foot. Additionally, Swiftwick’s linked-toe technology prevents blisters by eliminating bunching in the toe-box, while the natural odor fighting technology helps the socks to stay fresh longer. Wear Swiftwick socks to propel your performance.

No Route, No Rules: A Midnight Half Marathon In NYC Like You Have Never Ran Before

The scene at an intimate event space on Ludlow Street last Saturday was what you would expect on a typical weekend night: beer, music, and lots of good looking people.

What may not be as obvious is that the majority of these people have just ran 13.1 (or more…) miles as part of the 5th annual Midnight Half.

Orchard Street Runners / Via  

Organized by Orchard Street Runners and Trimble Racing, this truly unique, unsactioned half marathon attracts avid runners who are not afraid to race on open city streets without a designated route or course marshals. There are no rules other than that each runner has to visit five separate checkpoints - by foot, obviously - that span from Vinegar Hill to Red Hook before returning to the finish line in LES.

And this year, I got to be a part of Midnight Half.

Da Ping Luo / Via  

“When the light turns red, the race starts!” shouted David Trimble, who, together withJoe DiNoto, created Midnight Half.

When the streetlight turned red, over a hundred people darted from the start line, ready to explore the new terrain at an unlikely hour of the evening. Because the race doesn’t have a set route, each runner was responsible for mapping the shortest possible route for a chance at victory.

Because I had only found out about Midnight Half the morning of the race, the extent of my preparation was inserting the checkpoints via Google Maps and attempting to memorize the route in my head. I wasn’t too familiar with Brooklyn where all the checkpoints were, so I was absolutely fearful of getting lost.

Da Ping Luo / Via  

As we crossed the Manhattan Bridge, I decided to pick a “target” - another runner who is slightly faster than I am - and simply chase after him or her for the duration of the race. This strategy worked for the first couple miles when the runners were in pack. However, the gap between the runners became wider as the race went on, and it became increasingly difficult to rely on other people to find my way to the checkpoints.

David Trimble / Via  

In addition to the difficulty of do-it-yourself navigation, the race added other layers of challenges, such as running on open streets with cars and enduring the humidity of summer nights in NYC. Yet, both the vibrance of volunteers at each checkpoint and the illuminating lights of the cityscape gave me energy to persevere.

The first four checkpoints were relatively closed to each other, and I naively thought, “This race is going to end in no time.”

The fifth and final checkpoint was the real test of my physical and mental stamina. Not only was it located at the very end of Columbia Street in Red Hook about 3 miles away from the fourth checkpoint, but I also really, really had to use the restroom because I - not knowing I would be running a half marathon that evening - stupidly ate a big bowl of fibrous bran cereal for breakfast.

After running across the Interstate 278 (yes…this really happened) with three other daring runners, I finally reached the fifth checkpoint and got marked on my arm. At that point, my priority was finding the quickest route NOT to the finish line back in the Lower East Side, but to the nearest bathroom. By then it was past midnight. I was in a sleepy neighborhood in Red Hook. I had no idea where anything was.

Da Ping Luo / Via  

As I was sweating profusely - both from the humidity and from the anxiety - I saw a dimly lit deli from the corner of my eyes. The nice man at the store let me use the “EMPLOYEES ONLY” bathroom in the back, and I was back on my feet again in about three minutes.

Feeling much happier, I cruised to Manhattan and crossed the finish line after about 90 minutes on the unfamiliar streets of Brooklyn.

Graham Macindoe

Back at the race HQ on Ludlow Street, people on “runner’s high” discussed their route, race strategy, and mishaps while replenishing their fuel with beer, coconut water, and Chinese food. Top 5 finishers for men and women were also awarded cash prizes of up to $300. Despite my bathroom incident, I managed to wiggle my way to a 5th place finish as well.

Midnight Half is definitely not for the faint-hearted. As Dave Trimble once said in a previous interview, “This is not a jogging race. This is a running race. We designed the course to be as painful as possible.”

But will I be back again next year? Absolutely.

Run Like a Girl: Celebrating Female Strength and Camaraderie at More/Shape Women’s Half Marathon

The first time I ran a race, I peed my pants. It was 2007, and I was at the first meet of the season for my high school’s cross country team. As I neared the end of what seemed like the longest 2 miles of my life, I lost all my willpower and alleviated my exhaustion with an emptying of the bladder. Since then, I vowed to never run again.

Flash forward to 2015. Someone had just stolen my fixie bicycle, so instead of going on a bike ride to meet my daily exercise quota, I decided to go on a run. As I pounded the pavement to the tunes of Bruce Springsteen’s “Born to Run,” I was overwhelmed with a sense of euphoria - a runner’s high - during which I felt like I could run forever like Forrest Gump. Since then, I started running again.

Over time, I gradually increased my mileage. What started as a casual, 20 minute jog around the neighborhood turned into frequent long runs where I was traversing across different boroughs - from Manhattan to Brooklyn to Queens. I wanted to see how I would perform in a racing environment, so I decided to sign up for my first long distance running race in New York City: the More/Shape Women’s Half Marathon.

NYRR

Presented by Shape magazine in partnership with the New York Road Runners (NYRR), the annual More/Shape Women’s Half Marathon is one of the largest women’s-only half marathons in the US. More than just a running race, the event also highlights female solidarity, strength, and camaraderie. Indeed, while waiting at the start line with thousands of women around me, I felt empowered just by the presence of so many strong, inspiring women.

NYRR

With the blaring sound of a gun, I bolted from the start line to begin my 13.1 miles journey around Central Park. While some people may question the “joy” of running two full loops around the park, I surprisingly found myself truly enjoying the entire race. Both the variety in elevation, from the flat stretch along the Museum Mile to the dreaded Harlem Hill, as well as the scenic natural environs of the park, mitigated any boredom I may have experienced otherwise.

MarathonFoto

Beyond all the sightseeing and people watching in Central Park, the majority of my focus was fixated on the road and the race. Whereas the first lap around the park was a chance for me to get to know the terrain, the second lap was all about refinement and speed. I knew I was going fast when I lapped a group of walkers around mile 8. Soon enough, I was running past a horde of joggers. My breath got heavier and my heart pounded faster; yet my body felt lighter and stronger than ever before. Motivated by the thought of indulging in a hearty meal after the race, I sprinted as hard as I could in the final stretch to finish my first half-marathon in New York City at 1:28.26, which was good enough for a 17th place finish.

MarathonFoto

As I received my finisher medal - giving high-fives and congratulating other female racers - I felt so proud and privileged to run like a girl.

Top Five Running Races To Explore The Best Of New York’s Five Boroughs

The Five-Borough Series by New York Road Runners is more than just races; it is a celebration of what makes each borough unique, inspiring, and an amazing place to get out and get moving!

1. United Airlines NYC Half - COMPLETED on 3/20

NYRR

A spectacular tour of Manhattan - from Central Park through Times Square and down the West Side Highway to lower Manhattan - United Airlines NYC Half boasted more than 20,000 total finishers this year.

2. Airbnb Brooklyn Half - 5/21

NYRR

As the largest half-marathon in the country, Airbnb Brooklyn Half is an iconic 13.1-mile journey through the amazing borough of Brooklyn. The race starts near the Brooklyn Museum and ends with a finish at the iconic Coney Island boardwalk.

3. Queens 10K - 6/18

NYRR

Kick off the summer season by enjoying the beautiful Flushing Meadows Corona Park for a flat, fast Queens 10K for the third race in the 2016 NYRR Five-Borough Series. Queens 10K is a great training race for those running the TCS New York City Marathon.

4. New Balance Bronx 10 Mile - 9/25

NYRR

Explore Bronx with a 10-mile race through this vibrant New York City borough. With a new race title sponsor this year, the New Balance Bronx 10 Mile promises to be an even bigger and better event for all runners, friends, and family. You can also opt in for the New Balance Bronx 5K for a quick 3.1 miles race.

5. Staten Island Half - 10/9

NYRR

The final race of the NYRR Five-Borough Series is the Staten Island Half, a race dedicated to making a positive impact on the borough that hosts the start of the TCS New York City Marathon. Scheduled just four weeks before the TCS New York City Marathon, the Staten Island Half is a perfect tune-up for NYRR’s flagship event and features fabulous views of New York Harbor and the Verrazano-Narrows Bridge.

Top 6 Fitness Accessories To Help You Get In The Best Shape Of Your Life

From head to toe and beyond, here are the best accessories to keep you in shape all year round!

1. Compression Running Socks from CEP

Put on a pair of CEP’s compression running socks designed to minimize soreness after exercising, and you will notice a remarkable difference. CEP’s proprietary compression socks - made with open pore mesh structure in the calf and air channels in the foot - improves blood flow, reduces muscle soreness, and quickens recovery time following an intense workout.

2. Running & Fitness Belt from SPIbelt

There is no more need to stuff the keys inside your shoes or carry the phone on your hands while running. With the original running and fitness belt from SPIbelt, you can hold all your belongings - phone, keys, ID, credit cards, etc. - in its discreet yet convenient pouch around your waist. SPIbelt is not only lightweight, but also bounce-free and can be worn under or over clothing.

3. GPS Running Watch from Garmin

Run smarter, train harder, and become a better athlete with the Garmin Forerunner GPS running watch. In addition to tracking distance and calories burned, Garmin running watch also measures your pace, heart rate, and personal records. With a long battery life of up to 11 hours (training mode when GPS is enabled), you will never be without Garmin to track your activities.

4. Reflective Running Hat from Lululemon

Protect yourself from the weather - whether it be rain or sun - by wearing this stylishreflective running hat from Lululemon. The 360 degree, high-impact reflectivity presents unprecedented long-distance illumination, while the micro-sized glass beads printed onto the fabric maintains breathability. The hat’s mesh fabric lining is also sweat-wicking to help keep you dry.

5. Compression legwear from ITEM m6

When fashion meets technology, you get ITEM m6. The shaping effect of ITEM m6 legwear not only gives your legs lean, beautiful silhouette, but its precisely defined compression characteristics that fit perfectly to the shape of your body stimulates blood circulation to give you an extra energy boost.

6. Fitness & Nutrition Journal from Fitlosophy

Commit to achieving your fitness goals with Fitlosophy’s fitbook, the original 12-week fitness and nutrition journal for the serious goal-getter. Pick up your pen and start jotting down and tracking your fitness activities - strength training, cardio, and yoga - as well as your meals, sleep, and water intake. In no times, you will be in the best shape of your life.

Top 7 Obstacles Races Guaranteed To Make You Fit, Healthy, And Happy

Test your endurance, speed, and agility, while soaking in the spirit of teamwork, collaboration, and fun at these top obstacle races in New York City and beyond!

1. City Challenge Obstacle Race

City Challenge Obstacle Race

As the fastest growing obstacle race in the Tri-State area, the City Challenge Obstacle Race , which hosts races in Jersey City, Hoboken, and New York City, features the most obstacles per mile of any obstacle races. Get ready to hurdle over the hoods of two police caravans, carry cinder blocks, and climb 8 feet walls.

2. Rugged Maniac

Rugged Maniac

Don’t be afraid to get down and dirty at Rugged Maniac, a 5K-obstacles race with feats like climbing over a wooden wall, crawling through the mud-filled tunnels, and rocketing down a 50-feet water slide. Be sure to wear clothes you would not mind getting ruined!

3. Spartan Race

Brenda Ahearn

Spartan Race is not just a one-time experience - it’s a way of life. Spartan hosts more than 130 races around the world in a range of distance - from the Sprint (3+ miles and 20+ obstacles) to the Super (8++ miles and 25+ obstacles) to the Beast (12+ miles and 30+ obstacles). Complete all three races and overcome gruesome obstacles like barbed wire, mud, rope, and fire, and you will earn yourself the ultimate bragging rights of the TRIFECTA tribe.

4. Tough Mudder

Tough Mudder

One of the most well-known obstacle races, Tough Mudder is a team-oriented course designed to test your physical strength and mental grit, while highlighting camaraderie, teamwork, and - of course - fun. Bring your friends, family, and co-workers to join in on this ultimate challenge of physical and mental feat.

5. Men’s Health URBANATHLON

Men’s Health URBANATHLON

Hosted by Men’s Health, URBANATHLON is one of the oldest, original obstacle races in the US. In addition to running a distance that ranges from 4 to 11 miles, you are challenged even further with obstacles that test your agility, power, and endurance. Since the first New York Urbanathlon in 2006, more than 250,000 racers have proclaimed themselves as Urbanathletes in 22 cities across 4 continents.

6. Urban RAID

Urban RAID

Urban RAID in New York City includes about 12 obstacles interspersed throughout the 5K course in Governors Island. These obstacles are designed to test your total fitness, such as strength, agility, balance, endurance, and core. Expect to hop over twenty or so consecutive hurdles, scale down a wooden wall, and flip over a heavy tractor tire.

7. Urban Mudder

Urban Mudder

Affectionately known as Tough Mudder’s “Cousin in the City,” Urban Mudder is a brand new, 5-mile obstacle course in which you will cross a spinning log, carry a long, heavy beam, and crawl under fences - all the while giving high fives and cheering on other participants. Urban Mudder is an untimed event, encouraging you to focus on teamwork and fun over competition.