Non running-specific items that all runners need

We are always bringing you the best of the best in terms of your running shoes, backpacks, gear and nutrition. When it comes to gear you need while running, we’ve got you covered. But the runner’s lifestyle requires a lot of items that aren’t necessarily intended specifically for runners. Here’s a checklist of objects that every runner needs to support their running habit even though none of these were designed specifically with the runner in mind.

Vaseline

For your lips, to moisturize your weather-beaten skin and to prevent chafe. Vaseline has so many uses for the runner, it’s basically an essential race bag item.

Blender

If you started running but still don’t have a blender, you must have major feelings of frustration and like you’re missing out every single time you read a post-workout smoothie recipe.

Hair elastics

For runners with long hair, there’s no questions asked. The hair is going up for at least a portion of every day while you run. But hair elastics have a way of disappearing. If you’re a runner with long hair, you need plenty of these to sustain your habit.

Sunscreen

Runners are outside a lot. It’s not just about the run, several active people just have a love for the outdoors anyway. Outdoorsy people need sunscreen. Enough said.

Safety pins

To pin your race bib, to pin a tensor or to pin clothing that fits just a little bit loose. An accumulation of safety pins around the house is actually a clue that someone is a runner.

Facial wipes

Keep them in the gym bag or in the office (if you’re a run commuter or lunch runner). Running = sweat. Sweat = clogged pores. The facial cleansing wipes are a quick solve.   

Allergy pills

If you have allergies, you know that even though spring pollen sets them off, there’s no way you aren’t running outside after the long winter. So, you make sure allergy medication is in the cupboard.

Band aids 

For blisters. Especially the ones on the back of the heel when you’re breaking in new running shoes.

Dark toe nail polish

To disguise the black toenails. We can’t be the only ones who try this.

Crock pot

For runners who work all day, you come home hungry. Because you run, you pay attention to health and don’t want the quick fix dinner. Evening meals should be healthy so the take-out is rarely an option. But since many runners are early birds, there’s time in the morning after a run to throw ingredients into a crock pot. It cooks all day during work hours and provides a meal that’s both healthy and quick.

Ice packs

Sadly, injuries are a reality of the sport for most of us. Whether it’s a sprain or a sore muscle or swollen injury, the ice pack is the go-to fix. Runners have several.

Tiny shampoo bottles 

The run commuter’s way of keeping strands clean without weighing down the backpack.

Extra deodorant

Sooner or later you realize that one isn’t enough. Plus buying extra is always a good call since they seem to run out so fast.

Measuring cups

How else would you measure the exact amount of quinoa that our recipes call for?

Dry shampoo

For those times when you either had to choose between no run or mediocre hair. You chose run.

Ear plugs

These go in the luggage when travelling to a race. There’s nothing worse than a noisy hotel when you have a morning race the next day.

Pain killers

There’s a certain amount of pain that comes with being a runner. While you shouldn’t feel the need to take one after every run, there’s definitely times when we have to pop an Ibuprofen.