Skip to main content

The Manual may earn a commission when you buy through links on our site.

Pack It In: NYC Marathon Essentials

pack it in nyc marathon essentials
The New York Marathon is upon us. Whether you’re pissed off that closed roads mean an extra long cab ride to your favorite Sunday Brunch spot, or are out on the course and suffering through the last few miles, race day can be a little frustrating. If you’re a serious runner though, you can save yourself a lot of pain by upgrading your gear (just remember to break it in before the starting line). We’ve put together a list of our favorites for long distance running, so you can get out for that next marathon with confidence in your gear.

Related: Tracksmith Marathon Singlets | The Beer Mile Challenge

Related Videos

Altra Torin 2.0

Torin 2.0
The fully cushioned Torin 2.0 from Altra is our weapon of choice for long, pavement grinding runs. Their A-Bound foam in the sole returns energy so that you can fight fatigue. The zero drop platform that Altra is renowned for (a system that provides a completely neutral footbed), along with the ultrawide toe box make these shoes comfortable far longer than almost any other shoe out there. A word of warning though, take it easy when transitioning to Altras. The Zero Drop platform will stretch out tight tendons in your ankles and calves as you get used them, so ease into the mileage.

lululemon Men’s Surge Warm Crew

lululemon Surge Warm Crew
We found the Surge Warm Crew to be the perfect prescription for cold fall morning runs. lululemon’s Rulu fabric wicks incredibly well, keeping you thermoregulated no matter if you’re running a cold predawn mile or a sunset 5k. It really shines because of the reflective hits; strategically placed to keep you visible so you can stay out on the road long into the dark of winter.

Dopper Bottles

Dopper
Dopper bottles were originally designed by the Dopper foundation as a way to promote sustainable drinking water projects around the globe. These little BPA free bottles have generated more than $100,000 dollars to disadvanteged communities for water santitation and scarcity projects. You can use the sport cap when you’re on the go, or unscrew the entire top section to use as a small cup. We recommend keeping one in your bag for after the marathon with your favorite post workout drink ready to go.

Bombas Socks

Bombas
Bombas was founded by a pair of friends discovered that the number one requested item in homeless shelters are socks. After tinkering with a few different designs, and nailing down their benefit model, Bombas was born. For every pair they sell, they donate a pair to shelters all over the country. To date, Bombas has donated more than half a million socks. What about performance? Each sock is built with an anti blister tab and has antimicrobial properties. You stay comfortable and stink free with these on your feet.

The North Face Better Than Naked Long Haul Shorts

Better Than Naked Long Haul Shorts
When the miles stretch on, these are the shorts you want. When The North Face named these shorts “Better Than Naked”, we were skeptical. However, comfort touches like a wide elastic waistband and built in compression shorts will have you reaching for them day after day in training and for races alike. We really did forget we were wearing them on more than few long trail and road runs. The face fabric is just the right blend of wicking and durability to last multiple seasons of abuse. A bonus zippered pocket in the rear of the wasitband will let you keep your favorite energy gel handy for when the going gets tough.

Photo Courtesy of the NYC Marathon

Editors' Recommendations

NYC Velo at the Gotham West Market
nyc velo gotham west

1.
Counter display with Market view.
2.
NYC Velo counter build out.
3.
Specialty bike racks for inventory.
4.
Custom display.
5.
NYC Velo main desk.

NYC Velo is one of New York’s premiere bike shops. Located in the heart of the East Village on Second Avenue between 3rd and 4th Streets, the store provides true biking connoisseurs with a selection of bicycles that range from industry standard brands to bikes that are nothing short of works of art. For nine years, NYC Velo has offered New York residents superior customer service from a highly trained staff.

Read more
New Year’s Essentials
new years essentials oysters

 

Sometimes hosting the party can be as much fun as being invited. The Manual has compiled some new ideas to make your evening even more memorable.

Read more
10 Candles that Guys Can Proudly Burn
Le Labo Bougie Cedre 11 mens candles scents fragrances masculine smell wick burn wax soy hip hipster cool candles

 

Candles aren't the most hirsute of things. Blame Martha Stewart, blame the mall, hell—blame witches—whatever it is, candles have cast the kind of spell on the fairer sex that has pretty much missed us guys. That's cool and all, but since girls do tend to like them, it might be worth your while to look into some that'll help you work some of your magic. Their packaging won't affront your masculinity and their scents span the range—from a Mario Batali restaurant to the musky afterglow of absinthe and whiskey—here are ten candles that you can proudly burn.

Read more