{"id":165714,"date":"2022-03-08T12:39:37","date_gmt":"2022-03-08T20:39:37","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.rei.com\/blog\/?p=165714"},"modified":"2022-03-08T12:42:01","modified_gmt":"2022-03-08T20:42:01","slug":"the-perfect-kit-interval-training-for-running","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.rei.com\/blog\/run\/the-perfect-kit-interval-training-for-running","title":{"rendered":"The Perfect Kit: Interval Training for Running"},"content":{"rendered":"

Interval training, or periods of intense exertion followed by recovery, is a great way to improve your strength and <\/span>speed<\/span><\/a> as a runner. Hit your local track, hill or loop at the park with this gear in tow and incorporate an interval or two into your weekly routine. You\u2019ll be ready to tackle your first race of the year\u2014whether in person or virtual<\/a>\u2014in no time.<\/span><\/p>\n

HydraPak UltraFlask Speed 500 Water Bottle<\/b><\/a><\/h2>\n

Poor hydration can make exercise feel harder<\/span><\/a>, making it more challenging to reach your goals. Those objectives are essential during an interval workout, meaning <\/span>hydration<\/span><\/a> is, too. The <\/span>HydraPak<\/span><\/a> UltraFlask Speed 500 has an adjustable, removable drinking tube along with a bite valve. Plus, the flexible bottle shrinks as you drink, preventing sloshing if you take it with you on your warm-up or cooldown. And it\u2019s free of BPA and PVC, meaning you\u2019ll get out what you put in\u2014same logic as an interval workout. <\/span>$22<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n

Jelly Belly Sport Beans<\/b><\/a><\/h2>\n

\"Jelly<\/p>\n

Whether you\u2019re squeezing in early morning hill repeats or an afternoon track workout, you\u2019ll need some energy to get you started. These Sport Beans from <\/span>Jelly Belly<\/span><\/a> are easy to stash in your glove box or gym bag. Packed with carbs, electrolytes and vitamins B and C, this is the perfect pre-workout pickup when paired with plenty of good old H20. <\/span>$1.35<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n

[Learn more: What Runners Eat Before They Run<\/a>]<\/span><\/em><\/p>\n

Janji AFO Middle Shorts – Men’s 5″ Inseam<\/b><\/a><\/h2>\n

\"<\/p>\n

Weighing just a hair more than a deck of playing cards, the <\/span>Janji<\/span><\/a> AFO Middle shorts are light enough to keep your legs turning over during intense interval workouts. Janji packs an array of features in those 3.7 ounces, including moisture-wicking brief liners, a zippered back pocket for storage and a front brief pocket with a key loop, all within a shell of quick-drying, breathable 4-way stretch fabric. <\/span>$62 \u2013 $68<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n

Janji 7\/8 Groundwork Tights 2.0 – Women\u2019s<\/b><\/a><\/h2>\n

Ask any runner to name their favorite tights and they\u2019ll probably point to the ones with compression. The 7\/8 Groundwork Tights 2.0 from <\/span>Janji<\/span><\/a> deliver the goods: Their stretch fabric supports your muscles as you speed down the trail, and their breathability helps you keep cool. A snug waist holds it all together, with ample pockets so you can comfortably carry everything you need. <\/span>$88 \u2013 $98<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n

Nike Element Long-Sleeve Crew Top – Women\u2019s<\/b><\/a><\/h2>\n

\"Nike<\/p>\n

Nike\u2019s<\/span><\/a> Dri-FIT fabric, composed of 88% recycled polyester, provides a comfortable base for a whole slate of innovative features on this top. Long sleeves with thumbholes help keep your hands warm during cold efforts, while a watch window lets you track your time and miles without having to fuss over cuffs. On the left side, a stash pocket houses keys or cards. <\/span>$55<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n

Arc’teryx Cormac Zip-Neck Shirt – Men’s<\/b><\/a><\/h2>\n

Alternating between high-energy intervals and rest periods means some major ups and downs in temperature, especially on cool days. The versatile <\/span>Arc’teryx<\/span><\/a> Cormac Zip-Neck Shirt has you covered with breathable, quick-drying fabric for sweaty intervals and long sleeves and a high neck for the brisk rests in between. A zipper allows further temperature regulation, and UPF 50+ sun protection helps keep your skin safe, too. <\/span>$95<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n

Brooks Hyperion Tempo Road-Running Shoes – Men\u2019s<\/b><\/a> and <\/b>Women\u2019s<\/b><\/a><\/h2>\n

\"Brooks<\/p>\n

The Hyperion Tempo from <\/span>Brooks<\/span><\/a> will have you moving like an elite athlete. Though the thick midsole looks hefty, the shoes weigh in at less than a pound per pair. The reason? That midsole is made of light, cushy EVA foam, effectively turning each stride into a bounce. On top, breathable and stretchy mesh uppers keep the shoes snug on your feet no matter how hard you\u2019re pushing. <\/span>$150<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n

Trigger Point Performance Foam Roller<\/b><\/a><\/h2>\n

\"Trigger<\/p>\n

When a massage isn\u2019t an option, this foam roller from <\/span>Trigger Point Performance<\/span><\/a> is the next best thing. Its EVA foam covering with a patterned surface design mimics the fingers of a deep massage, giving your legs the support they need to relax after a hard effort. A few rolls on tight hamstrings and you\u2019ll feel the benefits, including increased blood flow and muscle repair assistance. $<\/span>34.95<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n

[Learn more: Our Favorite Gear for Workout Recovery<\/a>]<\/span><\/em><\/p>\n

Hammer Nutrition Recoverite Mix<\/b><\/a><\/h2>\n

\"Hammer<\/p>\n

Every athlete knows protein is key to recovery. But there\u2019s more to it than that: <\/span>Complex carbohydrates help with rebuilding muscle tissue<\/span><\/a> and <\/span>electrolytes refuel mineral stores in your body that are depleted during exercise<\/span><\/a>. This drink mix from <\/span>Hammer Nutrition<\/span><\/a> offers that boost in between workouts, with an optimal 3-1 carb-to-protein ratio to help prevent soreness. Make sure to bring a tight-sealing bottle so you can shake up this mix ASAP\u2014<\/span>a 32-fluid-ounce Nalgene <\/span><\/a>will do the trick. <\/span>$3.50<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n

[Learn more: Runners Nutrition Basics<\/a>]<\/span><\/em><\/p>\n

Deuter Speed Lite 20 Pack<\/b><\/a><\/h2>\n

\"Deuter<\/p>\n

Now that you know what you need to bring, you need something to tote it around in. Weighing in at just over 1 lb., the Deuter Speed Lite 20 Pack is just the thing. A single-webbing hipbelt and adjustable chest strap help the pack stay put, and mesh side pockets and compression straps keep your stuff secure. The 20-liter pack is the ideal size for your workout: It offers enough room to stash your hydration (the pack is compatible with <\/span>a reservoir and tube<\/span><\/a>), nutrition, shoes and extra clothes, while being compact enough to take with you anywhere you need to go.\u00a0$80<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

[Learn more: How to Run Faster<\/a>]<\/span><\/em><\/p>\n

\n

Interested in more staff picks and kits? Find more collections <\/span><\/i>here<\/span><\/i><\/a>.\u00a0<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n<\/span>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Interval training, or periods of intense exertion followed by recovery, is a great way to improve your strength and speed as a runner. Hit your local track, hill or loop at the park with this gear in tow and incorporate an interval or two into your weekly routine. You\u2019ll be ready to tackle your first […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":72,"featured_media":165715,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[10],"tags":[724,1376,1951],"internal-tag":[],"class_list":["post-165714","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-run","tag-gear","tag-running","tag-the-perfect-kit"],"parsely":{"version":"1.1.0","canonical_url":"https:\/\/rei.com\/blog\/run\/the-perfect-kit-interval-training-for-running","smart_links":{"inbound":0,"outbound":0},"traffic_boost_suggestions_count":0,"meta":{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org","@type":"NewsArticle","headline":"The Perfect Kit: Interval Training for Running","url":"http:\/\/www.rei.com\/blog\/run\/the-perfect-kit-interval-training-for-running","mainEntityOfPage":{"@type":"WebPage","@id":"http:\/\/www.rei.com\/blog\/run\/the-perfect-kit-interval-training-for-running"},"thumbnailUrl":"https:\/\/www.rei.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2021\/01\/Interval-Perfect-Kit_Hero_dustin_kingman20201008_0998.jpg?resize=150%2C150","image":{"@type":"ImageObject","url":"https:\/\/www.rei.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2021\/01\/Interval-Perfect-Kit_Hero_dustin_kingman20201008_0998.jpg?fit=2000%2C1000"},"articleSection":"Run","author":[{"@type":"Person","name":"Jessica Bernhard"}],"creator":["Jessica Bernhard"],"publisher":{"@type":"Organization","name":"Uncommon Path \u2013 An REI Co-op Publication","logo":""},"keywords":["gear","running","the perfect kit"],"dateCreated":"2022-03-08T20:39:37Z","datePublished":"2022-03-08T20:39:37Z","dateModified":"2022-03-08T20:42:01Z"},"rendered":"