iRunNation.com

iRun because food tastes better afterwards Patrick Houston, Alberta

iRun slowly!Jason Hoffman, Manitoba

iRun iRun to correct years of sedentary living! Mike Scott, Ontario

iRun because I liveGeorges Schneller, Laval, QC

iRun because somebody once told me I couldn’t Heidi Abbey-Der, Saskatchewan

iRun away from the negative and towards the positive Teri Lepard, Alberta

iRun to inspire my kids to tryGlen Johnston, Nunavut

iRun for the challenge to go faster and farther Steven Matejka, Alberta

iRun iRun to feel great Kathryn Rachar, Saskatchewan

iRun iRun for relaxation and to motivate my two sons Keith Bradbury, Newfoundland

iRun iRun because endorphins are free Cassandra Chouinard, Ontario

iRun iRun because it is my tonic and my salvation Georgia Ioannou, British Columbia

iRun because running is like breathing to Stephanie McEvoy, Ontario

iRun iRun because iEat Sherry Maligaspe, British Columbia

iRun at 50 years old because at 43 I couldn’t Peter Cicalo, Ontario

iRun iRun because I learn more about who I am with every km Steph Mansell, Quebec

iRun because it’s like flying, only lower Glenn Johnson, Ontario

iRun to prove to them that iCan Catherine Smith, Manitoba

iRun because otherwise I’m grumpy Alexandre Charest, Quebec

iRun to challenge myself, physically and mentallyKathleen Keenan, Brampton, ON

iRun for health, iRun for life Pat Cheung, British Columbia

iRun because I cannot say no to a second slice of chocolate cakeEmily Shandruk, Vancouver, BC

iRun to be free and enjoy our beautiful countryCheryl Carter, Clearwater , BC

iRun because I want to be a role model for our six kids Catherine Empey, British Columbia

iRun iRun because somebody once told me I couldn't Heidi Abbey-Der, Saskatchewan

iRun iRun for my heart, so it runs for me! Cathy Brzoza, British Columbia

iRun whenever I feel the need to escape Iona Hillis, Ontario

iRun iRun because it helps me see things more clearly Jennifer Pitts, Ontario

iRun to stay fit and release those running endorphinsLiliana Plava, Calgary, AB

iRun iRun because it gives me freedom to relax my brain Marie-Claude Gregoire, Nova Scotia

iRun for relaxation and to motivate my two sonsKeith Bradbury, Newfoundland

iRun because I love the solitude Janene Tailleur, British Columbia

iRun because it makes me feel powerfulCarlene Paquette, Carp, ON

iRun iRun because it sure beats the bus Robin Robbins, Alberta

iRun iRun for the individual pursuit Robert Pelletier, New Brunswick

iRun because it cleans up my life, because I drink more water, sleep better and eat healthier foodsRobin McIntyre, Ottawa, ON

iRun iRun because it's better than almost everything else Nathan Carey, Ontario

iRun because it gives me freedom to relax my brainMarie-Claude Gregoire, Nova Scotia

iRun therefore I amDuncan Walsh, Nottingham, UK

iRun iRun to satisfy the irresistible urge Tim Nixon, British Columbia

iRun because all the ladies are chasing my sexy runner’s bodyChris Baker, Etobicoke, ON

iRun because I never thought I would be able toGary Morris, Winnipeg, MB

iRun because I need it to soothe the soul, keep me in shape and for overall wellbeingBeth Neil, Lombardy, ON

iRun because I can and I’m gratefulTerry SanCartier, Gatineau, QC

iRun iRun to kickstart my day Sharon Strueby, Saskatchewan

iRun to my happy place and some days it’s very Doreen May, Alberta

iRun iRun for the challenge and to remember to fully live Pascale Synnott, Québec

iRun iRun slowly! Jason Hoffman, Manitoba

iRun see where my feet will take me todayMegan Dolinskas, New York

iRun because I am not as clumsy I thought I was Hanna Baer, Quebec

iRun because it makes me feel good, allows me to spend time with my friends and gives me a feeling of accomplishmentHelen Kolodziejzyk, Calgary, AB

iRun iRun to challenge my mind, body and soul Sonia Mendes, Ontario

iRun iRun to eat Maureen Tritscher, Alberta

iRun because it’s a great way to see the world Sherry Mahoney, British Columbia

iRun because I learn more about who I am with every kmSteph Mansell, Quebec

iRun because my heart tells me to William Martin, Manitoba

iRun because people around me inspire mePina Bevilacqua, Caledon, ON

iRun because endorphins are freeCassandra Chouinard, Ontario

iRun because the wall is meant to be broken Jonathan Bird, Ontario

iRun iRun away from the abyss Charlene Thomas, Ontario

iRun because couch potatoes die young Cathy Andrew, Ontario

iRun because it reminds me that I am capable of so much more than I have doneJames Sauve, Ottawa, ON

iRun because I’ve lost 80 lbs and running has become fun Cheryl Kelly, Ontario

iRun but not enoughMichael Shaw, New Westminister, BC

iRun iRun to maintain a strong physical and mental state Tammy Rainville, Ontario

iRun because I like buying running clothes Pamela Blaikie, Ontario

iRun because I get foot rubs afterward Kate Howerton, British Columbia

iRun because I want to qualify for Boston and raise money for charities near and dear to my heartChristine Gracel, Calgary, AB

iRun iRun because it's a great stress release Brooke McKenzie, Yukon

iRun because it gives my day a boost of energy Sara Campbell, Nova Scotia

iRun iRun because couch potatoes die young Cathy Andrew, Ontario

iRun because it’s cheaper than therapy Leah Boulter, Alberta

iRun because of the peace and strength it brings meMichelle Jordan, Ottawa, ON

iRun for overall wellbeingTrish McCourt, Halifax, NS

iRun so my daughters know that they can, too Shelley Kirkpatrick, New Brunswick

iRun iRun all the livelong day Pierre Saint-Laurent, Québec

iRun because I want to live to be 100! Colette DeJean, Ontario

iRun iRun for the fresh air and adrenalin Charlyn McGregor, Saskatchewan

iRun because it reminds me of how strong I can be Monique Lavoie, Ontario

iRun because iEat Sherry Maligaspe, British Columbia

iRun because it gets my husband out there Tricia LaLonde, Alberta

iRun iRun to challenge my perceived limitations Cassandra Williams, Ontario

iRun iRun to eat more, especially sweet potatoe fries Joanna Skomra, Ontario

iRun iRun because I like buying running clothes Pamela Blaikie, Ontario

iRun iRun because it's cheaper than therapy Leah Boulter, Alberta

iRun because iLoves my man Beverly Huang, Alberta

iRun because pecan pie, french fries and beer are chasing meTeresa Sterling, Ottawa , ON

iRun iRun so that I can live longer and stronger Derek MacPhail, Ontario

iRun so I can eat ice cream Sandy Bolan, Ontario

iRun because I can’t dance Mario Javier, Ontario

iRun iRun for me! Judi Wearing, Saskatchewan

iRun iRun at 50 years old because at 43 I couldn't Peter Cicalo, Ontario

iRun iRun because walking is too slow Barry Knapp, Ontario

iRun because it’s better than almost everything else Nathan Carey, Ontario

iRun to prove to myself I canLesley McGougan, Brampton, ON

iRun iRun because i love to Mirella Petriello, Ontario

iRun because when I run I feel most aliveMeghan Lynch, Ottawa, ON

iRun because not everyone can Olivia Harvey, New Brunswick

iRun so I don’t say never ever again Linda Klaric, Manitoba

iRun because it makes me whole Denis Ladouceur, Quebec

iRun because it makes me a better person, a better wife, a better mother and a better friendNathalie Joncas-Caissie, St-Antoine, NB

iRun because it is my tonic and my salvation Georgia Ioannou, British Columbia

iRun because there is no finish line Claire Kilgour, Ontario

iRun for meKiza Francis, Ottawa,ON

iRun for the cool t-shirts! Pina Bevilacqua, Ontario

iRun iRun because I love the sense of accomplishment Amber Moase, Nova Scotia

iRun for the moment when both feet are off the ground Catherine Anderson, British Columbia

iRun and run, and run, and run, and nobody can stop me Andrei Lucaciu, Ontario

iRun to get to know myself, my strength and my spirit Lisa Groulx, Ontario

iRun because it has saved my life John Marshall, Alberta

iRun to unleash my inner athleteAdelle Densham, Avonmore, ON

iRun to someday win the race Lindy Dunlop, Yukon

iRun because it’s in meMichael Foley, Stittsville, ON

iRun iRun to inspire my children! Wendy Bowen, Manitoba

iRun because it’s fun when it’s done Sue Matte, Ontario

iRun because it makes me feel powerful Sarah Kallaghan, Alberta

iRun iRun because I like to be healthy Melanie Oickle, New Brunswick

iRun to stay ahead of the weight gainMyra Abstreiter, Alberta


Warning: include(includes/right-side-banners.php) [function.include]: failed to open stream: No such file or directory in /magma/users/u94/irunnat/public_html/includes/home-sub-content.php on line 1

Warning: include() [function.include]: Failed opening 'includes/right-side-banners.php' for inclusion (include_path='.:/usr/share/pear') in /magma/users/u94/irunnat/public_html/includes/home-sub-content.php on line 1
Cover photo from the current issue of iRun Magazine
Member Log In
 
Username:
Password:
 
Share/Save/Bookmark
Photo of Mark Sutcliffe's new book - Why I Run
  In This Issue
Back to Table of Contents

The Whole Kit + Caboodle

iRun investigates the best (and worst) of the race kit

Call us shallow, but there's just something about a well-planned race kit that makes us feel like event organizers really care. It's not just about the free schwag, either. While a well-measured and supported race course should always be top priority for any event, no matter how large or small, those races looking to impress with attention to detail should look for ways to extend runner support to what goes into the bag. Here's the iRun wishlist for an ideal race kit, plus a few commonly-found items that make us want to say 'no thanks.'

THE BEST

Advil/Tylenol samples These little beauties come in ever-so-handy during longer races, and thanks to their moisture-resistant packaging, they melt in your mouth, not in your shorts.

Waterproof sunscreen sample Sunscreen is a must-have for race day, and yet frazzled runners very often forget to bring their own. You've gotta love it when your race kit has you covered.

Lip balm Another frequently-forgotten item that sure comes in handy on race day, since no one wants to be tossing back lemon-lime sports drink through cracked, dry lips. (Ouch!)

Worthwhile discount vouchers Coupons for local sports stores and/or practitioners such as registered massage therapists are great, provided they a) don't expire within 48 hours and b) are for more than 10% off. We don't need more paper that isn't worth the paper it's printed on.

Drink sample A sample of the sports drink that will be provided on the course, especially if it's something other than Gatorade, which is what most runnners are used to.

Race course map A well-marked map of the race course (preferably featuring the locations of aid stations and porta-potties) and a clear set of pre- and post-race instructions, including how to get to and from the start and finish lines, is invaluable for every runner.

Technical t-shirt The Cadillac of all race kits offer a well-fitting race t-shirt made of technical fabric. Bonus points for gender-specific styling and sizing. If such a thing isn't possible, we wish race organizers would ditch the shirt entirely and deduct a bit from the race fee, rather than handing us yet another over-sized, cotton t-shirt destined for the dishrag pile.

Energy gels This is another item runners can either forget or try (sometimes frantically) to acquire at the last minute, so including them in the race kit can be a true life-saver. Bonus points for yummy flavours, not just rejected prototype flavours like Habanero Hula or Mochalatte Swordfish.

Race bib Bonus points if it's personalized with your name, so that even complete strangers can cheer for you along the way.

Safety pins And lots of 'em! It seems you can't have too many safety pins on race day. Each runner needs at least four to attach the race bib, but a few extras come in handy for pinning extra gels to shorts, etc.

Reusable kit bag The kit itself should be housed in a reusable cloth bag instead of a plastic one. Not only does this cut down on waste, but it gives us something to stash our stuff in at the baggage check-out. And when the race is over, a race kit bag that can double as a shoe bag is particularly handy— all the better to separate our stinky race shoes from the rest of our luggage, my dear!

THE WORST

Biz cards Useless business cards from every realtor, dry cleaner and pet groomer within a 50k radius of the race site. While we recognize the necessity of race sponsorship, we don't find this to be the most targeted form of advertising, since let's face it, these little tidbits are the first to get chucked.

Dud freebies Ditto for fridge magnets and/or calendars from every realtor, dry cleaner and pet groomer within a 50k radius of the race site. These are particularly annoying because they have just the slightest hint of usefulness that makes us feel momentarily bad about chucking them. But we do it anyway.

Buried vitals Race kits packed with junk often have vital race info, but it's indistinguishable from the various flyers and glossy ads shoved in the kit to round it out.

Unisex cotton t-shirt We all have one somewhere in the back of the closet…that great, cotton mumu that is the average race t-shirt. Seriously — do you know anyone who looks good in one of these?

Anti-racing snacks Some of the worst race kits thoughtlessly include snacks that would be ill-advised in the 24 hours before a race. This includes anything particularly spicy, fibrous, cheesy, chewy or otherwise challenging to one's delicate, pre-race digestive system. (One particularly ill-advised race kit contained not one but three boxes of high fibre cereal. Yikes!)

Plastic bag The kit itself is housed in a non-biodegradable plastic bag; just one more item destined for the landfill.

 

© 2008 Great River Media, Inc. All rights reserved.