A cardinal rule of running is to never line up at a race wearing brand-new shoes — that’s begging for blisters. But if you’re training for the Shamrock Shuffle on March 30, pick up some small, no-risk accessories that could make your experience a lot less stressful.
Hydrapak Soft Flask
$9.99; HYDRAPAK.COM
The soft, flexible, nearly weightless urethane flask has a bite valve and holds 8 ounces of energy gel.
Nip Guards
$8.95 FOR 10 PAIR; NIPGUARDS.COM
These tiny, sweat-proof, adhesive bandage disks protect men’s nipples from rubbing against a shirt during long runs, preventing abrasion and bleeding.
Body Bottle
$10.95; BODYBOTTLE.COM
The form-fitting, plastic, 10-ounce water flask can be attached to an elastic Velcro arm band.
Sportslick Pocket Slick
$4; SPORTSLICK.COM
The waterproof lubricant gel made of silicone, aloe and petrolatum stops chafing.
AirDrives Interactive earphones
$99; AIRDRIVES.COM
Speakers rest on the outside of the ear, not in the ear canal, letting you hear ambient sound along with your music.
Amphipod AirFlow Endurance
$27; AMPHIPOD.COM
This compact, snug-fitting fanny pack lets you hold nearly everything mentioned above in its large zippered compartment and two external pockets.
Enlyten Electrolyte SportStrips
$8.99 FOR THREE CASSETTES OF 18 STRIPS; ENLYTENSTRIPS.COM
These edible, paper-thin, fast-acting, 1 3/4 -inch by 1-inch sheets are embedded with sodium, potassium and other electrolytes that are lost in sweat, often causing you to hit the wall.
