In the video below, Salomon couldn’t describe their new Sense Hydro S-Lab Set Gloves any better: Hydration in the Palm of Your Hand. This innovative solution to handhelds gives runners a comfortable way to hold up to 500ml in each hand while letting their hands stay relaxed. The Gloves just arrived in stock, and we’ve got a couple folks on staff who are excited to try them out on their next endurance run.

The Gloves come as a pair, and one 237ml (8 oz) Soft Flask is also included. We sell additional 237ml Salomon Soft Flasks and 500ml Salomon Soft Flasks, if you’re looking to carry more liquid on your run.

Many of you might remember seeing Kilian Jornet rockin’ prototypes of these puppies at Western States a couple years ago. Salomon now has them all dialed in and ready for mass consumption. Well, as ‘mass’ as you’re going to get for a premium hydration option that’s starting its own niche. Expect good breathability with the elastic mesh design, a soft wiping surface for sweat on the back of the glove, and a comfortable, customized fit since the gloves are available in 3 sizes.

Check out this video for quick rundown of the product. Full tech details are on our product page.

Matt Running Accessories 237ml Salomon Soft Flask, 500ml Salomon Soft Flask, Salomon Sense Hydro S-Lab Set Gloves

If you’re looking for some extra help for handling extreme winter conditions, we’ve got you covered. Fight frostbite in the snow and slippage on icy terrain with these intense winter accessories.

Yaktrax Run

Slick icy or snowy conditions don’t have to keep you from your run with Yaktrax Run. The steel coils and removable carbide spikes help prevent slipping, and the high strength natural rubber will hold up against tough terrain. A Velcro strap helps to ensure a secure fit on your running shoe.

Asics Thermopolis XP Cozy Sleeves

The Asics Thermopolis XP Cozy Sleeves are luxuriant warmth, wrapped up in a sleek package. The interior is fully brushed for next-to-skin coziness, and if temps get really serious you can pull over a built-in mitt to cover your fingers. Each sleeve has a small envelope pocket on the upper arm to store gels or other small essentials.

Mizuno Breath Thermo Arm Warmer & Gloves Set

When you’re running in cold weather and you start to sweat, you get the chills. Not with Mizuno’s Breath Thermo® Arm Warmers & Gloves Set. The Breath Thermo® fabric is engineered to convert moisture (from perspiration) into heat to help warm you up on very cold days. Bonus? Both the arm warmers and gloves feel soft and comfortable against your skin. The set is available in black and bright green as well as the purple color shown here.

Craft Active Extreme WS Skull Hat

When the temps outside feel glacial, reach for your Craft Active Extreme WS Skull Hat. GORE WINDSTOPPER® keeps the wind from cutting through the fabric, and ergonomic construction gives this skullcap a great fit. This cap is low-profile enough to be worn alone or under another headwear piece if it’s so dang cold you need to double up.

Pearl Izumi Barrier Skull Cap

The Pearl Izumi Barrier Skull Cap may look simple (and just a bit like a biker helmet), but don’t underestimate its power against cold conditions. A windproof front panel means the wind can’t steal so much of your heat, and a soft thermal lining will keep you warm and help with moisture management. You get complete ear coverage as well, and the ponytail slot in back is a handy way to handle your flowing locks.

Pearl Izumi P.R.O. Barrier WxB Gloves

The coldest, wettest weather is no match for the Pearl Izumi P.R.O Barrier WxB Gloves. A fully peached interior will help keep your hands toasty, while the wind and waterproof OutDry® membrane bonded to the outer layer of these gloves will keep rain, sleet or snow out. And if your nose starts to run when you do, these gloves offer a generous soft wiping surface on the back of the thumb.

Brooks Wanganui Shelter Gloves

The Brooks Wanganui Shelter Gloves will give your digits a shelter from any storm. The exterior is waterproof, but still breathable. PrimaLoft® fill on the back and a comfortable moisture-transfer lining will help your hands stay warm and comfy no matter what the weather’s doing outside.

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A Few Stocking Stuffer Ideas

Sometimes it’s the stocking stuffers that are the most fun to shop for…and it’s so satisfying to find that perfect little something for the people who are close to you. We’ve picked a few of our favorite little essentials that every runner can use. These items make great stocking stuffers because they’re affordable, small and they’ll benefit pretty much any runner.

GU Performance Energy Sampler

The GU Performance Energy Sampler is a great way for your favorite runner to test out the top products available from GU.  The pack includes a selection of GU’s electrolyte tabs, energy gels, energy chews, electrolyte drink mixes and recovery drink mixes.

Jelly Belly Extreme Sport Beans 24-Pack

How extreme can jelly beans get? Pretty dang extreme! The Jelly Belly Extreme Sport Beans 24-Pack will deliver quick energy and electrolytes for sports performance, and are available in Cherry or Watermelon flavor.

SneakerBalls Fresh & Clean Scent/Energy Scent

The SneakerBalls Happy Feet will help that special runner in your life keep their shoes smelling oh-so-fine. And if that special runner happens to be your kid, or your spouse or your training partner, your nose is sure to thank you!

Moji 360 Mini Massager

The Moji 360 Mini Massager is a runner’s favorite companion to take to a race or to keep in a desk drawer. A set of 7 omni- directional stainless steel spheres allow a runner to pinpoint sore spots and mimic the feel of hand massage.

Brooks Seamless Arm Warmers

The Brooks Seamless Arm Warmers slip on easily and stay securely in place thanks to the wrist and upper arm cuffs. Seamless construction eliminates chafing, so your special runner will get thermal benefits without irritation.

Amphipod Hydraform Handheld Pocket Bottle 20 oz

The Amphipod Hydraform Handheld Pocket Bottle is a great pick for the runner who needs hydration on their run, but doesn’t want to use a belt or a pack. The ergonomic design won’t bounce around on the run, and the storage pouch on the bottle is expandable, so they can carry their small essentials.

Runner Defense Pepper Spray

Runner Defense Pepper Spray is a great gift for the runner who heads out solo, or who runs in the early morning or late evening. The snug, adjustable strap makes the spray easy to carry while running, and the spray can fire up to a distance of 10 feet.

Still need more ideas? See all Men’s Stocking Stuffers and Women’s Stocking Stuffers.

Alice Running Accessories Amphipod Hydraform Handheld Pocket Bottle 20 oz, Brooks Seamless Arm Warmers, GU Performance Energy Sampler, Jelly Belly Extreme Sport Beans 24-Pack, Runner Defense Pepper Spray, running gifts, running stocking stuffers, Shoe Dog, SneakerBalls Energy Scent, SneakerBalls Fresh & Clean Scent, stocking stuffers

You already know that the right pair of shoes is a key investment to keep you running comfortably and without injury. But do you know how to keep your trainers in top condition as you rack up the mileage? Most traditional running shoes can serve you well for about 300-500 miles, and there are a few things you can do to make sure you get the most life and the best performance out of each pair. Check out our favorite tips and tricks below.

Shoe Rotation

It’s a good idea to keep at least two pairs of shoes in your lineup so you can rotate them out from one training session to the next. This approach gives the foam midsole of your shoes time to “bounce back,” keeping the cushioning fresher longer than if the shoes were taking a daily pounding. If you run in a wet climate and/or tend to sweat quite a bit, this also gives each pair a better chance of drying out in between runs for increased comfort and decreased funk buildup. Put simply, following a shoe rotation will extend the useful life of your shoes.

Some runners will keep a more cushioned shoe on deck for longer runs and another more streamlined shoe for weekly speedwork and tempos. And many runners also have a trail-specific model that’s better suited to handle the dirt and muck that comes with off-road use. Even if you’re a diehard fan of one particular shoe model, we’d suggest picking up a few different colorways and getting in the habit of a regular rotation.

Keeping ‘Em Dry

You won’t take a rest day just because it’s wet outside, so it’s easy for your running shoes to get wet and smelly. After a run, store your shoes in a dry place. Putting them next to a fan is a-OK, but avoid going to the extreme of putting them right next to a heating vent or other heat source. This can cause damage to the upper materials and the midsole compounds. Many runners also pull out the insoles of wet shoes, which helps to speed up drying time. Another tip: prop your shoes up against a wall or place them on a rack for improved air circulation.

You also might want to use a Shoe Dog after a damp run to get your shoes dry and ready for your next run. The cedar-filled cloth pouches of these Dogs help to absorb moisture and odor, so your shoes don’t become a biohazard. For best results, use the Shoe Dog immediately after a damp excursion to prevent mildew smells from developing.

Keeping ‘Em Clean
If your shoes already stink, freshen them up with a set of SneakerBalls. Place these little odor-fighting spheres in your sneaks to get rid of any unwanted smells, and your feet (and running partners) will be happier for it.

You can also spend some quality time with your dirty shoes and a bottle of Penguin Sport Gel Cleaner. This product cleans and deodorizes the fabric of a shoe, and can be used on other apparel and athletic gear as well.

Replacing Insoles
Though significantly improved in recent years, the sockliners that come standard in running shoes today still offer limited cushioning. Replacement insoles can be an excellent option for runners who want to recapture that in-store feel they recall so fondly. Cushioned insoles can breathe new life into a pair of shoes with a few hundred miles on the odometer, and keep you feeling comfortably protected for a few hundred miles more.

Many runners are surprised what a difference replacement insoles can make. The Sof Sole Airr insoles (Men’s Airr Insoles / Women’s Airr Insoles) are top sellers for us and offer plenty of heel and forefoot cushioning if your standard insoles are all worn out.

Laces and Lacing

As a shoe racks up miles, the upper often begins to stretch out some, and you may find yourself having to tie your laces tighter. This might cause hotspots and blistering. You can try a special shoe lacing technique (watch our Lacing Techniques Video) to get a more specialized fit and keep your shoes comfortable longer.

Or, if you just want to spruce up some older shoes with laces that offer a more dialed-in fit, you may want to try a replacement shoelace like the Xtenex X300 or the Yankz Sure Lace System. These laces allow you to customize the lacing of your shoes.

Making Repairs
The days of having a good cobbler in town may be gone, but you can still do some pretty nifty DIY repairs to spare your running shoes a visit to the trash bin. We sell Penguin Shoe Goo, a multi-purpose repair glue that can reattach separated outsoles, coat frayed shoelaces, secure loose insoles, and perform several other stunts.

How else do you maintain your running shoes and get a little extra life out of them?

Matt Running Accessories, Running Shoes Shoe Dog, shoe laces, SneakerBalls, Xtenex X300

Spring race season is still a few months away, but it’s never too soon to start preparing, right? If you’ll be traveling for any of your races, make sure you’re prepared to maximize your performance and enjoyment on race day by traveling smart. Whether you’re traveling to another country, another state, or just an hour or two from home, here’s our top ten tips for traveling to a race.

1. Dress for Travel

If you’ll be traveling a significant distance via plane or car, wear loose-fitting layers so that you can adjust your temperature. Constrictive clothing like tight jeans or dress shoes can quickly become bothersome when you’re spending hours in transit. You can also pack a pair of graduated compression socks to help prevent swelling and discomfort in your calves.

2. Pack Smart

Pack your shoes, race-day apparel and everything else that you’ll need in a separate bag that you keep with you at all times. This way even if something happens to your luggage in transit, you’ll have what you need on race day. It’s also a good idea to keep essential toiletries and a change of clothes in your carry-on, just in case something happens to your other belongings.

3. Get the Munchies

Your diet while traveling should mimic your typical diet as closely as possible. Bring plenty of healthful snacks (think trail mix, carrots, almond butter, etc) so that you’re never hungry. Also make sure to stay hydrated – even if it means extra pit stops, we promise it’s worth it. If you get dehydrated while traveling, you’ll probably still feel a little sluggish the following day, which could affect your race performance.

4. Stretch

Whether you’re on a plane or in a car, being stuck sitting in one position for hours upon hours can lead to tight muscles and increased tension. Make sure to get up and move your body at least once every hour. If you’re on a plane, walk around the cabin periodically. If you’re driving, make stops that will allow you to walk briskly and stretch out your muscles before you get back in the car.

5. Rest Easy

Jet lag can be a race day killer if you’re traveling a long distance to compete. If you’ll change time zones when you travel, try to adjust your body to the time zone of your destination before you arrive. It can take weeks for your body to get accustomed to a new sleeping schedule, so try to start gradually changing your sleeping pattern at least a week in advance of your departure date. When you arrive at your destination you won’t have to fight jet lag to get enough sleep, and you won’t be groggy at the starting line.

6. Buddy Up

Dealing with the logistics of the trip can be the most stressful aspect of traveling for a race. If you can, travel with a buddy or loved one who won’t be racing – and is willing to put up with all your pre-race fretting. This person can be in charge of details like catching flights on time and checking into hotels, helping you to stay relaxed and focused for your race.

7. Don’t Deviate from the Norm

Try to keep your daily routine as normal as possible when you’re traveling, so that your body and mind don’t have to adapt to anything new. Bring your own pillow, toiletries, and anything else that will help you feel at home, and remember that the days prior to a race are not the time for spontaneity.

8. Practice a Pre-Race Tradition

If you have a pre-race tradition (like listening to a certain song or eating a specific food), keep up that tradition. If you don’t have a pre-race tradition, start one. Having something routine to do before your race can help you stay grounded and maintain a sense of consistency regardless of where you are.

9. Check the Weather

Keep an eye on the forecast for your destination, and pack accordingly. Even if you’re only traveling a short distance, the weather can be drastically different from one location to the next, and you’ll want to have appropriate race gear and casual wear when you arrive.

10. Plan Ahead

Take care of anything that could potentially be a hassle before you leave home, so you don’t have to deal with it on your trip. Double check hotel and travel accommodations, find a local grocery store where you can buy snacks when you arrive, and make yourself a pre-travel checklist so you don’t forget anything essential.

How else do you prepare when traveling for a race?

Alice Running Accessories, Running Sport graduated compression, how to pack for a race, tips for traveling, traveling for a race

OK ladies, we’d like to let you in on a few of our favorite new arrivals here at RW. And guys, if you’re already in the zone of holiday shopping, many of these hot new items will make great gifts for her (especially number four below, hint hint).

1. Pearl Izumi Infinity Shrug

Finally, fashion and clever function meet in the Pearl Izumi Infinity Shrug. This sassy little number is an excellent choice for brisk days when a tank top or tee isn’t quite enough at the start of your run, but you want a layer that’s easy to take off.

2. Oiselle Rundies 7-Pack

The super cute Oiselle Rundies 7-Pack of everyday undies will remind you what workout you have scheduled for today. Each pair has a running inspired graphic on the hiney, like “tempo” or “long run,” to get you fired up to work out or race. Or, flaunt your runner pride at an undie run (when the weather warms up, of course).

3. Saucony Kinvara 3 Girls Shoes

The Saucony Kinvara 3 Girls Shoes will let your mini-me look just like mom while she’s running. Her feet and joints will thank her for wearing a purpose-built running shoe on the playground or around the track. The bright, fun colors will let her make a bold statement every time she laces up.

4. I-Knead Medium Massage Roller

Who doesn’t like a great massage? The I-Knead Medium Massage Roller lets you give your tired muscles a treat any time. The massage ball can be removed to ice or heat before use, or by itself to massage a tight plantar fascia. It’s portable enough to fit into a purse or gym bag, so you have access to massage on-the-go.

5. Petzl Tikka 2

The Petzl Tikka 2 is a great entry-level headlamp if you’re looking to try night running, or if your next adventure might last past sunset. Simple to operate and very versatile, this little light has three lighting modes and 4 LED’s in one unit. The adjustable headband will help keep the light securely in place as you run.

Alice Running Accessories, Running Apparel, Women's Running I-Knead Medium Massage Roller, new and cool, Oiselle Rundies 7-Pack, Pearl Izumi Infinity Shrug, Petzl Tikka 2, Saucony Kinvara 3 Girls Shoes

Having a hard time figuring out how to surprise that special runner in your life? Our holiday gift guide takes the guesswork out of giving. Choose the profiles below that fit the runners in your life for great gift ideas. Also check out our Men’s Gift Guide for more ideas. Read more…

Alice Running Accessories, Running Apparel, Running Shoes, Women's Running gift ideas, gifts for her, holiday gift guide

Having a hard time figuring out how to surprise that special runner in your life? Our holiday gift guide takes the guesswork out of giving. Choose the profiles that fit the runners in your life for great gift ideas. Also check out our Women’s Gift Guide for more ideas. Read more…

Alice Running Accessories, Running Apparel, Running Shoes gift guide, gift ideas, gift ideas for him, holiday gift guide

Soleus GPS FIT 1.0 Features

If you’re a Soleus fan like a lot of the staff here at Running Warehouse, you’ve got a new model worth checking out. The Soleus GPS Fit 1.0 is the update to the GPS 1.0. It’s being offered in fast colors this season, and is also sporting a much cleaner user interface.

The GPS Fit 1.0 is a streamlined, customizable GPS watch priced under $100.00. The watch has changed to a four-button set up, without losing any of the functionality of the original model. Soleus has added the ability to customize the screen display on this watch, so that you only see the features you want to see. The de-cluttered screen can help you focus on the info you need to maximize your workout.

We like the design of this watch, especially the ventilated band. You won’t find anything too fancy here, but that’s just the point – this is the watch for you if you want a no muss, no fuss way of recording your distance, speed and pace on a run using GPS technology. We think the Fit 1.0 will be a solid training partner for many runners.

Matt Running Accessories Soleus, Soleus DASH, Soleus GPS FIT 1.0

We’re bringing in a new hydration brand at Running Warehouse, and we’re stoked about what they have to offer. A coach/nutritionist who was working with a group of pro cyclists developed Skratch Labs Exercise Hydration Drink Mix a few years ago, when his cyclists complained that pre-packaged options caused bloating and indigestion. This simple solution is light on the calories and is all about hydration.

The coach started making an electrolyte drink from scratch (Oh! Skratch…). He used only natural ingredients and nixed the artificial additives found in many supplements. His electrolyte supplement mix became know as ‘The Secret Drink Mix,’ because cyclists were secretly using his more natural mix instead of the drinks their sponsors manufactured.

Now the same electrolyte drink mix that pro cyclists were using is available to all athletes. You still won’t find anything artificial on the ingredient list, and you’ll likely be able to pronounce every ingredient. This makes it easy on both the stomach and the palate. The resealable pouch helps keep the powder fresh and safe from moisture.

All of the flavor comes from real fruits, which give it a light, clean taste. We were surprised to find that it tastes just as good at room temp as it does cold, making it great for long runs in warm weather. When tasting a sample of the mix, one of our testers reported simply, “Alright. This is delicious.” The mix is currently available in four flavors: Exercise Hydration Mix with Lemons and Limes; Exercise Hydration Mix with Oranges; Exercise Hydration Mix with Raspberries; and Exercise Hydration Mix with Pineapples.

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