Running Gear Guide: 22 Spring Pieces To Get You To The Finish Line

Get ready for race season with these essential running items.

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running shoe Saucony
Photo Credit: Saucony

Shoe in

This latest model from one of the original running shoe makers, provides both support and an extra layer of cushioning. This neutral pair fits a variety of foot types without being too snug, and is a plush ride—ideal for longer runs.

Saucony Ride ISO, $160, Saucony.com

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CLIF Bloks
Photo Credit: Sport Chek

Bundle of energy

Made with organic ingredients and a double dose of sodium to help ward off muscle cramps and replace electrolytes, slip this pack of six bite-size pieces into your pocket and pop one (or two) when you need a boost.

CLIF Bloks salted watermelon energy chews, $3, Sport Chek

Try these overnight oats recipes to fuel up before your run.

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Nike bra
Photo Credit: Nike

Sports bra

A comfortable, well-fitting bra that provides adequate support without being too restrictive is a girl’s BFF on longer runs.

Flyknit indy bra, $84, Nike.com

Read about one inspiring woman who went from non-runner to clocking 15,000 KM on the Nike Run app.

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Rx protein bar
Photo Credit: Rx

Bar none

With a stripped down, minimal ingredient list, this bar puts the emphasis on protein (egg whites) and not on fillers. They’re all gluten-, soy-, and dairy-free, and ideal for a pre- or post-run snack. Warning: The chocolate sea salt bar almost feels like you’re cheating.

Rx Chocolate sea salt protein bar, $2, amazon.ca

Try this strength workout, designed specifically for runners.

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This Works Sleep kit
Photo Credit: This Works

Sleep on it

Made with natural ingredients, this portable, duo sleep spray kit – one to help you fall asleep and the other to keep in you in La La land – is a quick fix for a racing mind. Spritz on pillow and call it a night.

This Works sleep plus+ pillow spray, $15, Sephora.ca

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collagen
Photo Credit: Within Us

Stir it up

Your body can take a pounding from running. Reward and replenish sore muscles and achy joints with some collagen. It has been shown to help reduce joint pain, assist in lean muscle gain, enhance bone strength and flexibility, restore joint and bone density. This portable pack makes it easy to stir in your post-run drink and go. You might also want to try adding superfood powders like matcha, maca and camu camu to your morning smoothies. 

TruMarine Collagen, $20, Withinus.ca

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Lululemon Tight
Photo Credit: Lululemon

In the zone

These tights are specifically engineered for the runner with targeted compression where you need it and ventilation in key hot spots like the knee and joints. Don’t miss these tips specifically for female runners.

Zoned in tight, $158, Lululemon.com

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Clinique
Photo Credit: Clinique

Glow on

When your active lifestyle and busy schedule cross, you need skincare and makeup products that stay put. This line includes a range of high-performance pieces, like mattifying moisturizer, face and body cleansing swipes and 24-hour mascara.

CliniqueFit, $19-$39, Shoppers Drug Mart

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airpods
Photo Credit: Apple

All ears

This hands-free set of headphones fits comfortably in your ears and stays put. Press play on your play list and hit the ground running.

AirPods, $219, Apple.com

Don’t miss these 10 reasons the Apple Watch Series 4 is a game changer for runners.

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Coppertone sunscreen
Photo Credit: Coppertone

Moment in the sun

You might be out for a quick, short run, but you can’t outrun the sun’s rays. This 100% mineral-based formula moisturizes and soothes dry skin as it protects.

Coppertone Pure and Simple SPF 50, $12, Walmart

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Fitbit
Photo Credit: Fitbit

Stay on track

Stylish and functional, this model was tailor-made for runners. It tracks distance, pace and heart rate, and the GPS connects to running apps like Strava and NRC. Plus, this smart watch can hold your running playlist, deliver notification and keep a charge for 4+ days.

Fitbit Ionic, $350, Indigo.ca

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New Balance tank
Photo Credit: New Balance

Arm yourself

This easy-breezy tank with twist detail on the side can be tied up or left loose.

Studio tank, $55, NewBalance.ca

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Ciele hat
Photo Credit: Ciele

Hats on

This Quebec-based company, started by a team of runners puts the focus solely on one product: the running hat. Every thoughtful detail from the fit, weight (super light), pliable brim, upf +40 protection, and reflective print detailing will keep you looking cool and visible from dusk until dawn.

Ciele hat, $45, Black Toe Running

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Yeti water bottle
Photo Credit: Sport Chek

Body of water

Keep your pre-run coffee hot and your post-run water or shake icy cold with this rambler.

Yeti rambler, $40, Sport Chek

Read how running a marathon helped our editor take back control of her health.

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Darn Tough socks
Photo Credit: MEC

Pull your socks up

Made specifically for runners, the seamless technology means no slipping or bunching and no blisters.

Darn Tough ¼ socks, $24, mec.com

Feeling stiff and sore? Acupuncture might be the key to reaching your fitness goals.

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Saucony shorts
Photo Credit: Saucony

Short cut

For warmer days, this lightweight pair of shorts includes a lining and strategically placed reflective detailing to keep you visible.

Rush 3” woven shorts, $50, Saucony.com

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Goodr sunglasses
Photo Credit: Goodr

In the sun

After a successful Kickstarter campaign, this sunglass brand has delivered a pair with the key features requested by runners: stylish, affordable, bounce-free and built-in sun protection.

Goodr the OG Sunglass, $35, The Running Room

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Asics jacket
Photo Credit: Asics

Rain or shine

Don’t let inclement weather hamper your plans. This lightweight jacket is waterproof and windproof and has reflective detailing.

Accelerate jacket, $170, asics.com

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Batiste dry shampoo
Photo Credit: Batiste

A good hair day

For days when you need to run out (literally) without a chance to wash your hair, keep this lightweight, barely-there dry shampoo on hand for on-the-fly touchups.

Batiste Bare dry shampoo, $9, Shoppers Drug Mart

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water bottle
Photo Credit: MEC

Water break

Keep your water at arm’s length with this handheld water pack.

Ultimate Direction Fastdraw 350 Handheld, $26, mec.ca

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MICHI top
Photo Credit: MICHI

Come out on top

This top by a Calgary-born designer is sweat-wicking, has eight-way stretch, thumb holes and a luxe finish.

Bolt running top, $163, Michiny.ca

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foam roller
Photo Credit: Sport Chek

Roll with it

Pamper sore muscles with a foam-rolling session to help increase flexibility and reduce soreness.

Diadora foam roller, $35, Sport Chek

Next, be sure to avoid these 50 fitness myths that can seriously damage your health.

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