You know what’s crazy inspiring? Standing at the finish line of a marathon around the 4+-hour mark. By that point, the elite runners have long finished the race – they may even be done their post-race rituals – just as hundreds of other runners are digging deep. There are fist pumps, tears and weary smiles. Pained looks and blue toenails. Runners of all ages and sizes.
In fact, the whole scene can be so inspiring that you may find yourself signing up for a race as soon as you get home. So consider that the first tip to kick off this list: If you’re feeling unmotivated, find the nearest race and watch people sprint, shuffle, high-five and wipe away sweaty tears as they cross the finish line – you can’t help but fall in love with running all over again.
Read on for dozens more of the best running tips, hacks and tricks sourced from MEC Ambassadors and staffers who love to run:
Eating and fueling tips
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“Eat pickles to avoid muscle cramping,” said one staffer. “It’s a not-so-secret secret in the ultra-running world. You’ll often see runners crushing big dills during races.”
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Gels are quick and easy, but sometimes it’s nice to have something savoury on a long trail run. Boil baby potatoes, cut them in half and lightly salt them. I like to wrap them in a tube-shape and pop them like Mentos.
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Turn a coozy into a water bottle holder:
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“Whether you’re running a 10K or a 50K, make a nutrition plan and follow it,” says MEC staffer Julie. “On race day, it may take a great deal of mental focus to swallow that gel every 45 minutes but your body will thank you later.”
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I’m forever grateful to the person that told me how to stop the sloshing noise from my hydration pack on my first day using it: just tip it over and suck out the air.
Gear tips
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Wear toe socks if you’re prone to getting blisters between your toes. They might look a little uncool, but they’ll definitely help.
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Make sure your shoes have enough room in the toe box. If they feel snug, you’ll be in big trouble on long runs and downhills.
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Have wide feet? Give this lacing method a try:
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Be bold, start cold. Dress for a few degrees warmer than it actually is outside since you’ll warm up as you move. Arm warmers are handy.
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Shop for shoes in the afternoon or evening. When you wake up, your feet can be up to a half size smaller than at the end of the day – they’ll swell in both volume and width.
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Yes, a decent sports bra might cost a little more, but it’s amazing what a difference it makes (especially if you’re trail running down steep hills).
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From one of our running parents: “Invest in a running stroller. It’s a great way to get a good workout while your little one gets some fresh air and hopefully catches some zzzzs.”
Racing tips
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For out of town races, bring your own breakfast to keep pre-race fueling easy and familiar. This might mean getting creative (confession: I once packed a toaster so I could make peanut butter on toast in my hotel room).
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Embrace the culture. Your fellow runners will be stoked to hear about your personal best, or your story about powering through pain to reach your goals. You don’t need to stand on the podium to have fun at a race.
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