Simple Tips for Running Lifestyles

My Must-Have Race Day Favorites

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Welcome to Postcards from Liz

A new corner of the blog where I’m sharing quick tips, product faves, travel guides, and behind-the-scenes moments from my own run, wander, wear journey. Think of it as a note from a running buddy—less polished, more personal, and packed with things I’d text you before a race or trip.

Whether it’s a skin care hack, a packing win, or just a reminder to wear the dang glitter, this series is my way of adding more of me to the mix. I’m so glad you’re here.

Let’s get into this first one—starting with two race day essentials I swear by: two different anti-chafe must-have products and a little sparkle ✨

A postcard from the author, Liz Ladewig. The text reads Hello!
I hope you enjoy this quick note and I hope these tips are helpful! 
You deserve to feel good and have fun out there.
Love, Liz

3 Must-Have Race Day For Race Day

There’s something magical about race day. The anticipation after training for a race for twelve, sixteen or twenty weeks is unmatched. Over the years, I’ve found a few ride-or-die products that I always include in my marathon pack to make training and race day smoother, more comfortable, and way more fun.

Related Post: Looking for essential skin care as a runner? I’ve got you covered with my favorite products that help you recover from heat, sweat and humidity! And if you need help with your race day manicure, check out this post with marathon nail inspiration!

Here are 3 of my current favorites you’ll find in my gear bag every time I line up at the start:

A Good Anti-Chafe Stick

Product: Happy Curves Anti-Chafe Stick

Why I Love It: This one’s a game-changer. While there are quite a few anti-chafing options out there, the Happy Curves anti-chafing balm is my absolute favorite because it consistently protects my skin from irritation. If you’ve ever dealt with mid-race thigh rub, sports bra irritation, or mystery post-run rashes, this stick is for you. It glides on smoothly, is extra creamy,  stays put, and doesn’t feel greasy. 

How to Use It: It applies like a deodorant stick! Swipe it on inner thighs, under sports bra bands, around your underarms and feet.

Anti-Chafe Powder

Product: Megababe Bust Dust

Why I Love It: Humid race? Hot temperatures? Summer in general? Megababe Bust Dust keeps everything drier without feeling cakey. Megababe Bust Dust is a powder and applies with a pump directly on your skin. It helps absorb moisture so you reduce the chances of chafing on your sports bra. It’s great for running! I also pack for hot summer days, long walks or at festivals. I love I never have to deal with under-boob sweat again.

When I Use It: Pump the powder into your sports bra while you’re wearing it so it settles against elastic band.

Glitter Gel for Face

Product: Meicoly Hair and Body Glitter Gel

Why I Love It: Because celebrating accomplishment of a race matters just as much as race day. Whether I’m running with friends or racing with strangers, adding a little sparkle of race day glitter to my cheeks, hair or shoulders reminds me that I’m out there to have fun. It applies really easily as a gel and dries within minutes. Plus, it’s a great icebreaker in the corral and always gets compliments.

When I Use It: I gently apply it after sunscreen, like Sun Bum Spray-on Sunscreen, and bring it with me to offer some to strangers.

Pro-Tip: Want glitter freckles or hearts? Check out these freckle patches from Fazit.

A blurry image of a runner in a marathon running in front of a cement wall. The image reads, 3 must have race day favorites, get the list
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Related Post: Looking for ways to add whimsy to your marathon training season? Add a little fun and mischief to your runs with these tips!

Share Your Race Day Must-Haves

What’s your can’t-run-without-it race day item? Drop it in the comments! I’m always looking for new gear to test (and sparkle with). And once you’ve finished the race, don’t forget to get yourself a little treat, might I suggest the Smells Like You Finished a Marathon candle?

Pin this for later and come back next Friday for more favorites from the road, the runway, or the start line.

Related Post: Check out this list of items I always finish to the last drop!

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Hi! I’m Liz

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I help busy women runners streamline training for races, travel, and everyday life—so you can focus on the miles, not the logistics. Let’s connect!

What You’ll Find Here

If understanding how to plan your life around marathon training is complicated, let’s take a step back and make it simple. Whether you run for fun, need fundraising ideas for a marathon fundraiser, want to understand how to make the process of a marathon training plan easier, want athletic-style tips, want to plan a dream destination race, or seek budget-friendly fashion tips, you’ll find practical ideas to make your life a little easier.

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