Convenience Stores Evolve to Become True Food Destinations
Variety of offerings, private label brands and loyalty programs fuel in-store sales growth
DENVER (January 29, 2025)—Convenience stores are intensifying their focus on foodservice offerings to drive foot traffic, in-store sales growth and frequency of repeat visits. Strong consumer interest in prepared foods, commissary and beverage options has led convenience stores, often referred to as c-stores, to compete much more aggressively with quick service restaurants and fast-food chains.
The focus on offering a wider variety of prepared and ready-to-eat food items is clearly paying off, as c-stores registered record sales in 2023. Those gains are largely attributable to in-store sales, which grew 8% year-over-year in both 2022 and 2023 according to Circana, well ahead of overall inflation numbers for both food at and away from home. While sales appeared to soften in 2024, a Convenience Store News survey found two-thirds of c-store retailers predict total sales per store will grow in 2025.
According to a new report from CoBank’s Knowledge Exchange, the line between grocery stores, quick-service restaurants and c-stores will continue to blur, intensifying competition across the foodservice and retail grocery spectrum. C-store chains are increasingly viewing QSR and traditional fast-food chains as their chief competition and tailoring their food offerings to match if not exceed competitors’ menu options.
“Convenience stores have evolved from their gas-fueled beginnings to become true food and beverage destinations,” said Billy Roberts, food & beverage economist with CoBank. “Food service is the future for c-stores, and we expect they’ll continue to emulate their competitors with a greater variety of freshly prepared items, along with more attention to signature menu items and private label products.”
The emergence of c-stores as formidable destinations for prepared foods hasn’t gone unnoticed by major food manufacturers. Several leading food brands have taken the merger and acquisition route to enter the c-store channel. J.M. Smucker cites c-store distribution as an important reason behind its early 2024 acquisition of Hostess Brands.
Similarly, Hormel Foods dramatically expanded its c-store penetration with its 2021 purchase of Planters and Corn Nuts brands. Hormel has subsequently leveraged those newfound distribution relationships to bring more of its products to c-stores, including pizza toppings and bacon.
C-store kitchens are seeking quick and easily prepared products. Hormel is among the suppliers that has found c-stores to be something of a testing ground for new flavors and product concepts. For example, the key distinction of Hormel’s Bacon 1 isn’t necessarily flavor but ease for the operator. The fully cooked product heats quickly, enabling c-store operators to easily add bacon to a host of their menu options.
Customer loyalty programs are also playing a significant role in the success c-stores have had with food sales and repeat visits. Several c-stores have developed loyal followings on a near-nationwide scale. The 2024 Loyalty Trend Report from Paytronix finds at least 80% of c-stores’ loyalty program members in the top half of loyalty transaction visits per store every month.
“This enthusiasm for loyalty programs will be a tool that c-stores look to sharpen as they attempt to claim more traffic from restaurants, which have seen weak results of late,” said Roberts.
CoBank is a cooperative bank serving vital industries across rural America. The bank provides loans, leases, export financing and other financial services to agribusinesses and rural power, water and communications providers in all 50 states. The bank also provides wholesale loans and other financial services to affiliated Farm Credit associations serving more than 77,000 farmers, ranchers and other rural borrowers in 23 states around the country.
CoBank is a member of the Farm Credit System, a nationwide network of banks and retail lending associations chartered to support the borrowing needs of U.S. agriculture, rural infrastructure and rural communities. Headquartered outside Denver, Colorado, CoBank serves customers from regional banking centers across the U.S. and also maintains an international representative office in Singapore.
Australian Gold Celebrates 40 Years of Innovative Suncare With New Launches
January 28, 2025 - New York, NY - Iconic suncare brand Australian Gold is celebrating 40 years with brand new launches including after sun, tanning and mineral products. Australian Gold is recognized for offering a wide range of sunscreen products designed to protect against both UVA and UVB rays. Products available now and launching soon include: ● Solar Dust™ Dark Tanning Power Gel ($9.99) is an iconic throwback product for the new generation. It is a moisturizing and antioxidant-rich tanning gel that captures the sun’s warmth with glistening golden flakes to deliver a beautiful, bronzed glow. Solar Dust™ maintains smooth and healthy-looking skin while reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.● After Sun Face Cream($12.99) is designed to rehydrate, restore, and revitalize the skin after a day in the sun. Formulated with gentle skin care ingredients, this face cream is the perfect go-to daily face cream for all skin types with Hyaluronic Acid, Peptides and Niacinamide.● After Sun Moisturizer with Bronzer ($12.99) is a lightweight, hydrating, after sun bronzing lotion that helps increase moisture to the skin, extend your tan, add a hint of color and easily washes away. Formulated with Glycerin and Aloe Vera to boost skin hydration + Vitamin E and Hemp Seed Oil.● Mineral SPF 50 Tinted Face Lotion ($18.99) is fragrance-free and formulated without chemical SPF active ingredients for all skin types, even the most sensitive. Available in 3 shades, this matte-finish BB cream can be added to your everyday skincare routine to blur imperfections and protect your skin from UVA and UVB rays.
● Sunscreen Cleanser ($15.99) can be used as an everyday cleanser to wash away SPF, makeup and other environmental stressors leaving skin smooth, clear and hydrated with key ingredients including Vitamin E and Squalane.● After Sun Cooling Mist($8.99) will cool, soothe, and rehydrate your skin with the benefit of Hyaluronic Acid and no added alcohol; developed to be easy to apply without feeling greasy or sticky on the skin.● SPF 30 Continuous Spray Bronzer Shimmer($13.50) gives temporary color to skin, ideal for those wanting the quickest application with an immediate glow with an added hint of shimmer.● SPF 50 Face & Scalp Mist ($16.99) is a lightweight, non-greasy, easy to reapply formula, perfect for travel and on the go.● 2/19 Launch - SPF 50 Clear Stick helps protect against burns with a mess-free application. The clear formula with Vitamin E is made with sensitive skin in mind, making it perfect for all skin types. For additional information, please reach out to AustralianGold@michelemariepr.com. About Australian GoldEstablished in 1985, Australian Gold was founded on the love of Australia and the sun-loving lifestyle. First selling in beach and surf shops in Florida, Australian Gold has now grown world-wide. Australian Gold’s signature fragrance, Cocoa Dreams, was inspired by the beach that put the brand on the map, Cocoa Beach. With notes of coconut, orange, and vanilla, you are transported to memories of good times and sunshine every time you open the bottle.
The Wage Crisis of 2025: 73% of Workers Struggle Beyond Basic Living Expenses
January 23, 2025 – A new survey from Resume Now® reveals that financial stress is at a breaking point for American workers, with 73% struggling to afford anything beyond basic living expenses. The findings, highlighted in The 2025 Wage Reality Report, show dissatisfaction with salaries, surging living costs, and an impact on workplace morale. The report surveyed 1,065 U.S. workers in December 2024 and underscores a growing disconnect between wages and the cost of modern living.
Key Findings:
12% often cannot afford basic living expenses, and 24% struggle to cover essentials
Only 6% are able to save for the future
One-third of workers say their salary has not kept up with inflation
55% think their salary is lower than it should be
29% have moved to lower-cost areas or housing to navigate financial strain
3 in 10 have taken on debt to cover living expenses
Only 4% of workers feel truly valued in their role
"With nearly three-quarters of workers struggling to afford more than the basics, this report highlights a growing financial crisis that affects workers across all income levels," says Keith Spencer, career expert at Resume Now. "Rising costs, stagnant wages, and a lack of meaningful support from employers are creating a perfect storm of stress, dissatisfaction, and instability in the workforce."
Basic Living Expenses Remain a Struggle for Many
Meeting basic living expenses remains a significant challenge for many workers.
12% report they often cannot afford basic living expenses.
24% can afford essentials but struggle to do so.
37% can manage basic expenses but with limited room for extras.
21% can comfortably afford basic living essentials and some extras.
6% say they can easily afford basic living expenses and save for the future.
Why Workers are Struggling
The top financial concerns among workers are:
Rising housing costs (55%)
Increasing prices for everyday essentials (41%)
Salaries failing to keep up with inflation (34%)
The inability to save for emergencies or the future (33%)
Coping With Financial Stress
To navigate this financial strain, many workers are forced to make tough decisions:
44% sought financial help from friends or family.
38% relied on community or government aid.
35% reduced or eliminated savings.
29% moved to lower-cost areas or housing.
28% took on debt to cover living expenses.
Lower-income workers are more likely to seek outside help (53%) or take on debt (42%).
Workplace Impacts: Morale, Motivation, and Resentment
Salary dissatisfaction is eroding workplace dynamics. Fifty-five percent of workers say their salary is lower than it should be, with subsequent results:
22% feel unappreciated, which affects team morale.
21% report tension or competition with colleagues.
Only 4% feel truly valued in their roles.
How Workers Feel About Their Paychecks
Workers have mixed feelings about salary fairness:
55% think their salary is lower than it should be.
23% feel their salary is fair.
22% feel their salary is higher than warranted.
What Workers Want From Employers
Workers are asking for meaningful changes—better benefits, transparency in pay, and opportunities for skill development:
52% want better benefits like healthcare and retirement matching.
40% demand clear pathways to career growth and salary increases.
34% seek education and certifications to improve earning potential.
The findings provided were gathered through a survey conducted with 1,065 American workers on December 11, 2024. Participants were queried about their feelings around their salaries and their current financial situation. Participants responded to various question types, including yes/no questions, open-ended questions, scale-based questions gauging agreement levels, and questions that permitted the selection of multiple options from a list of answers.
About Resume Now
Since 2005, Resume Now has offered job seekers a fast and easy way to create a beautifully designed, expert-backed resume. With pre-written, industry-specific phrases and recruiter-approved templates, the award-winning builder enables users to create a polished and professional resume in minutes. Resume Now has been featured in major outlets such as Fortune, Forbes, and more. Stay connected with Resume Now’s latest updates on Facebook and LinkedIn.
Emerging focus on brain health among several Rice researchers’ expertise
HOUSTON – (Jan. 15, 2025) – Brain health is a key factor in workforce well-being and organizational success and carries a deep-seated impact on economic development. In growing recognition of the role of the human brain as foundational to economies around the globe — both in terms of the costs associated with brain disease and as individual and collective brain capital — the notion of “brain economy” has emerged as a topic of interest for organizations such as the World Economic Forum, the United Nations General Assembly, the World Health Assembly, G7, the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development, UNESCO, UNICEF, the European Commission and the UN Council of Parties.
Rice University is a hub of cutting-edge, multidisciplinary research on the brain. In addition to a critical mass of researchers in the field, Rice is home to entities dedicated to collaborative clinical and scientific research on the brain:
● The Rice Neuroengineering Initiative harnesses Rice’s world-class expertise in neuroscience, engineering and related fields like signal processing, biosciences and nanotechnology to explore neural function and interactions with the brain.
● The Center for Neural Systems Restauration (CNSR), a collaboration between Rice and Houston Methodist, is an interdisciplinary center for neuroscience research and medical treatment innovation designed to bring together scientists, clinicians, engineers and surgeons to tackle complex brain-related medical challenges like stroke recovery, mild traumatic brain injury detection, upper and lower limb mobility restoration, balance and biofeedback training.
● The Neuro-Policy Program at Rice’s Baker Institute for Public Policy leads an interdisciplinary approach to addressing brain health challenges and advancing economic opportunity. The program is at the forefront of pioneering data analysis, empirical research and policy application.
As employers, policymakers, health care providers, educators and other stakeholders continue to engage this topic, Rice experts are ready to offer their insight on scientific and biomedical advancements relevant to brain health.
Policy, leadership and the brain economy
● Harris Eyre is the Harry Z. Yan and Weiman Gao Senior Fellow in Brain Health at the Baker Institute, where he leads its Neuro-Policy Program. With a background in medicine, neuroscience and business, Eyre is an entrepreneur and scholar dedicated to fostering awareness, knowledge, skills, tools and leadership for the brain economy. He works closely with the McKinsey Health Institute and is a member of the Champion’s Cabinet of the Davos Alzheimer’s Collaborative and the Cancer Neuroscience Program at the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center. He also is an adjunct with the University of California, San Francisco.
Brain science and technology
● Behnaam Aazhang is the J.S. Abercrombie Professor of Electrical and Computer Engineering and director of the Neuroengineering Initiative. Aazhang’s research interests are focused on developing noninvasive tools to interface with neurological systems that examine neuronal circuit connectivity through the study of processes such as learning, sleep, seizures and more. His work includes projects dedicated to the development of minimally and noninvasive real-time neuromodulation systems to mitigate disorders such as epilepsy, Parkinson’s disease, depression, obesity and mild traumatic brain injury.
● Valentin Dragoi’s work examines how networks of cortical neurons encode information and how this process influences behavioral decisions in real time using a combination of electrophysiological, behavioral and computational methods. Dragoi is a professor of electrical and computer engineering at Rice, the Rosemary and Daniel J. Harrison III Presidential Distinguished Chair in Neuroprosthetics at Houston Methodist and professor of neuroscience at Weill Cornell Medical College. He also serves as scientific director of the CNSR.
● Caleb Kemere, an associate professor of electrical and computer engineering and bioengineering at Rice, develops novel hardware and machine learning algorithms to understand how information is processed, stored and retrieved in vivo in the mammalian brain. In particular, a key area of Kemere’s focus is to understand how the activity of neural circuits during sleep and other offline periods helps to create stable, useful memories.
● Marcia O’Malley, Rice’s Thomas Michael Panos Family Professor in Mechanical Engineering, researches haptics and robotics with a focus on the design and control of wearable robotic devices for training and rehabilitation from injury such as a stroke. Forging new ways to leverage human-robot collaboration, O’Malley has led the development of robotic hardware and control systems for applications such as skill training in virtual reality; control of remote robots; communication; and movement assistance for workforce safety, dexterity and strength enhancement.
● Jacob Robinson is a professor of electrical and computer engineering and bioengineering at Rice and founder and CEO of Motif Neurotech, a startup focused on developing therapeutic brain-computer interface (BCI) technologies to measure and regulate mental and cognitive states beginning with treatment-resistant depression. Robinson’s research efforts inform the development of next-generation implantable BCIs with improved performance and reduced surgical risk.
● Jerzy Szablowski, assistant professor of bioengineering, works on technologies to noninvasively control and monitor specific brain circuits without wearable or implanted devices. His technologies include synthetic serum markers that can monitor gene expression in the brain with a simple blood test, designer vectors for noninvasive gene delivery to the brain and site-specific therapeutics that can control selected brain circuits to avoid side effects associated with current brain therapies.
Brain health in the workplace
● Margaret Beier, professor and department chair of psychological sciences, examines how motivational and situational components and traits such as cognitive ability and personality are related to intellectual development throughout the lifespan with a current focus on workplace aging and continuous employment. Beier also studies predictors of performance in achievement settings and achievement-related choices throughout the career lifespan.
● Rebecca Brossoit is an assistant professor of psychological sciences whose research examines the health, safety and well-being of working populations. Brossoit studies employee sleep, organizational strategies and interventions for improving employees’ lives at work and home and the impacts of the built and natural environment on employee well-being.
Creativity, innovation and organizational behavior
● Jing Zhou is deputy dean of academic affairs for the Jones Graduate School of Business and the Mary Gibbs Jones Professor of Management and Psychology. Her research interests are leading innovation; contextual and personal factors that facilitate or inhibit creativity and innovation; creativity receiving; consequences of creativity; cross-cultural differences in antecedents and consequences of creativity; and creativity in entrepreneurship.
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NEW LAUNCH: Australian Gold After Sun Cooling Mist January 14, 2025 – New York, NY – Iconic suncare brand, Australian Gold, has officially launched their After Sun Cooling Mist. The Australian Gold After Sun Cooling Mist ($9) is designed to cool, soothe, and rehydrate skin with the benefit of Hyaluronic Acid and no added alcohol. The dermatologist-tested formula features a hydration complex of Hyaluronic Acid and Aloe Vera that work together to boost skin’s hydration and help the skin look and feel rejuvenated. The lightweight, non-greasy mist is easy to apply, dries quickly, and features a calming sandalwood fragrance.
Australian Gold is recognized for offering a wide range of sunscreen products designed to protect against both UVA and UVB rays. The brand is particularly popular for its tanning products, such as sunscreens and lotions, that also provide moisturizing benefits. Australian Gold sunscreens often incorporate natural ingredients like aloe vera, vitamin E, and green tea, which are known for their soothing and skin-nourishing properties. About Australian GoldEstablished in 1985, Australian Gold was founded on the love of Australia and the sun-loving lifestyle. First selling in beach and surf shops in Florida, Australian Gold has now grown world-wide. Australian Gold’s signature fragrance, Cocoa Dreams, was inspired by the beach that put the brand on the map, Cocoa Beach. With notes of coconut, orange, and vanilla, you are transported to memories of good times and sunshine every time you open the bottle.
GoodLife Fitness named title sponsor for HYROX Toronto 2024
Legendary indoor fitness race comes to Canada, adds a second day
Toronto, June 26, 2024 - HYROX, the World Series of Fitness Racing, today announced GoodLife Fitness as its official title sponsor forHYROX Toronto 2024, the first ever HYROX indoor fitness race in Canada happening October 5 and 6, 2024 at Enercare Centre. GoodLife’s sponsorship unlocks an extra date for the previously sold-out competition, creating capacity for 9,000 competitors and 10,000+ spectators.
GoodLife members and employees will have special access to the HYROX Toronto events with a member lounge and other promotional programs. GoodLife will sponsor athlete communications and pre-race check-in, as well as event rankings, individual results and finisher certificates.
“As Canada’s largest fitness club chain, GoodLife offers the widest selection of training programs, amenities and equipment to train for HYROX, including strength, functional, and cardio equipment, Turf Zones for sled pushes, REGYMEN classes and more,” said Tammy Brazier, senior vice president of marketing, partnerships & external relations with GoodLife Fitness. “Our associates and members are already training for HYROX, so it was a huge opportunity to be able to bring the event to Canada and open the door for more competitors and spectators to join this mass participation fitness event. HYROX is truly an event for all ages and abilities.”
HYROX chose to work with Canada’s largest fitness chain for its first Canadian event because of GoodLife’s network of well-equipped clubs and its huge member base across Canada.
“GoodLife Fitness is an amazing partner for us as we continue to build our presence in Canada, a household name with over a million members at all levels of fitness, said Douglas Gremmen, managing director, HYROX USA & Canada. “As a mission-led business that aims to give everyone in Canada the opportunity to live a fit and healthy life we knew from our earliest conversations that we were aligned not just as partners but in our respective philosophies.”
HYROX combines both running and functional workout stations, where participants run 1km, followed by one functional workout station, repeated eight times. This race format remains consistent across the globe, enabling global leaderboards and a cumulative World Championships at the end of each race season. HYROX athletes aged 16-89 can compete at their own pace. Participants do not have to qualify or meet entry criteria to take part, and there are no cut-off times.
Race Tickets: Tickets for HYROX Toronto go on sale June 29 at 8 a.m. EST. Interested participants are encouraged to sign up on the waitlist before that date atHYROX Toronto | HYROX.
Location: Enercare Centre in Toronto’s Exhibition Place (1-100 Princes’ Blvd, Toronto)
Date: October 5 and 6, 2024
Ticket Price:
Singles: CAN $ 150
Doubles: CAN $ 140
Relay: CAN $ 60
About HYROX:
HYROX is the Global Sport of Fitness Racing, inspiring people worldwide to engage in the healthiest form of training and competition on earth. HYROX connects the world’s training communities with a sport, a training methodology and a lifestyle that is accessible to all and conveys the transformative benefits of training and competition to a globally connected audience.www.hyrox.com
About GoodLife Fitness:
GoodLife Fitness started in 1979 in London, ON, and has since grown to become the largest chain of fitness clubs in Canada and the fourth largest in the world. Founder and CEO David 'Patch' Patchell-Evans started the business with one purpose…to give everyone in Canada the opportunity to live a fit and healthy good life. Membership to GoodLife Fitness gives access to clubs, amenities and virtual workouts that help to achieve this purpose. With hundreds of clubs from coast-to-coast, the GoodLife team is helping to transform the health and fitness of people across Canada every day.www.goodlifefitness.com
Simplify back-to-school season meal planning with Avocados from Mexico
Everyday Fitness:Auster Releases Multi-Faceted Bodyweight Suspension System That Combines Versatility with Durability
New high-quality and versatile bodyweight suspension training system incorporates unique, portable tools to bring the gym to all indoor and outdoor spaces
(HONG KONG— MARCH 16, 2018)—Auster Enterprises Ltd. (Auster), a new premium fitness training company, announces the launch of their newest suspension-based fitness workout and mobility system, The Everyday. Made of the highest quality materials, the new Everyday Auster trainer is portable, user friendly and easy to customize for personalized workout growth.
The new system is designed for indoor and outdoor use, and was developed and tested by professional trainers in search of higher quality and more versatility. and allows for the system to be customized to an individual’s specific needs. Unlike other systems on the market, the Auster Everyday includes a dual carabiner, as the core of the system. The carabiner is compatible with other Auster tools such as the Dynamic Bands that can be used in various combinations with wrist/ankle cuffs and power vests.
Developed out of the necessity to help people attain their health and fitness goals in any setting, Auster maximizes the ability to build muscle, burn fat, and improve stability and core strength in short workout times. The team at Auster promotes a “no excuses” approach by empowering individuals with the tools to make the world their gym and having the ability to workout anywhere at anytime.
Made of the highest quality materials, the Auster systems allow people of all fitness levels to incorporate customizable exercises that range from heart-pumping and fast-paced routines to slower, more strength oriented movements that promote muscle growth. The Everyday Auster system’s design easily adapts to an individual’s fitness level and allows the user to incorporate customizable exercises that range from heart-pumping and fast-paced routines to slower, more strength oriented movements that promote muscle growth.
The Auster philosophy is that you do not have to be chained to the gym nor indoor workout facility to meet your health and fitness goals. By “Making the World Your Gym,” you can workout on the road, at the office, at a park and at home.
The Auster Suspension Systems are available online at https://www.austerfit.comincluding the Auster Everyday. The Everyday is available at 30% off the retail price from March 16-March 19, 2018 with the code MELB1.
Auster was designed to help people meet their fitness goals and make no excuses, regardless of their location and setting. Made of the highest quality materials, the Auster systems allow individuals of all fitness levels to incorporate customizable exercises that range from heart-pumping and fast-paced routines to slower, more strength oriented movements that promote muscle growth. Auster encourages people to live active lifestyles by helping them make the world their gym and in turn, reach their peak everyday. https://www.austerfit.com
Mash-Up Workouts to Create Your Body-Rocking Routine
Tired of your boring old cardio routine? Mash-up workouts are a great new way to integrate all of your favourite exercises and get the maximum results! With the variable-intensity interval training that mash-up workouts offer, you will get the best of agility, strength, and high intensity exercise. The best part? You don’t need tons of time to do it!
With mash-up workouts, you can put together some of your favorite moves to create the ultimate sweat session, and Lorna Jane Canada has the technical fashion apparel you need to look good while you are creating your own body-rocking routine.
Here are some of the moves you can incorporate to build your mash-up workout:
Agility Exercises
Agility exercises require you to change direction quickly while keeping your balance, strength, speed, and body in control. Agility is not just about speed, but also about fluidity. It helps to prevent injury, improve balance and coordination, improve your recovery time, and sets your mind/body connection for the rest of the workout.
Resistance and Strength
Inactive adults experience 3-8 % of muscle mass loss per decade. Resistance and strength training may help to increase resting metabolism by about 7% and help minimize muscle loss. When you strength train, you get more calorie-torching bang for your buck. Working with weights keeps your body working long after you’ve stopped lifting, a process commonly called the “after-burn.”
High Intensity Exercise
High-intensity interval training (HIIT) alternates between intense bursts of activity and fixed periods of less-intense activity or even complete rest. HIIT is the ideal workout for women with busy schedules. Research shows that you can achieve more progress in a mere 15 minutes of interval training (three times a week) than running on the treadmill for an hour!
It’s easy to forget to stretch because the results are not as visible as lifting weights—or so you thought! Stretching can lead to better posture, fewer aches and pains, greater confidence, and a cheerier outlook on life. End your mash-up workout with a nice stretch session to aid in faster muscle recovery and check in again with your mind/body connection before you finish.
*Fit Tip: Drag your exercise mat into the lounge room and take a couple of minutes to stretch while you watch TV! If you can’t find time, make time!
Lorna Jane’s workout and gym apparel features maximum support sports bras, active tanks and ultimate coverage tights. Lorna Jane's gym collection brings fashion and functionality to your exercise outfit.
6 Marathon Essentials Every Female Runner Needs to Own
Running a marathon? It’s essential to invest in the perfect running outfit and Lorna Jane Canada has the technical fashion apparel you need to get to the finish line, faster!
Your outfit can be one of your biggest assets or hindrances during any type of run, but especially a marathon. To make the most of your run, choose an outfit that will support you, not slow you down on your race day! That means no adjusting and rearranging mid-run, it’s all about support and compression to last the distance. To help you pick out the best style for your needs, we’ve outlined 6 marathon essentials that every female runner needs to own.
The Perfect Fitting Sneaker
Footwear is crucial for a run, especially one that spans 42.2 kilometers. You’ll want to ensure that your shoes are relatively lightweight while still providing good support. If they are new, take the time to break them in first at your marathon pace. This test run will determine whether you’re likely to develop blisters or get sore feet before it’s too late. If the shoes bother you on this run, get yourself another pair. Also ensure that your socks are comfortable in your chosen shoe and they don’t ride down during your run.
Just like finding the perfect sneaker, if you find the right fit, you will be able to focus more on your technique and reaching your goals.
Maximum Support and Comfort Sports Bra
It doesn’t matter what size breasts you have, everyone experiences bouncing during physical activity. Therefore, every woman, no matter what size, should wear a sports bra while exercising. It is especially crucial for higher impact activities such as running. However, choosing the right sports bra isn’t as simple as picking the prettiest one and hoping for the best. You also need to consider support and practicality.
For running, especially a marathon distance, maximum support sports bras are the best option. These bras provide the best coverage for high-intensity workouts. Maximum support sports bras feature a thick band for support and adjustable straps for a customized fit. Many will feature a clash back which provides further support.
We also recommend the Comfort Sports Bra, an iconic Lorna Jane piece that has been celebrated by customers for years. It’s a T-Back style with wider straps and it compresses and lifts in all the right places! Thanks to the LJ excel™ Classic fabric this sports bra wicks moisture and is quick drying and breathable.
Breathable Tighter Fitting Top
Although some women prefer a looser fitting top, the best option for a marathon is something that is tighter. This way as you run, you won’t have to worry about the fabric flapping in the wind and getting in your way. You will want to choose a fabric that provides maximum breathability, moisture wicking, and quick drying. In terms of the style of top, it all depends on your personal preference as well as the weather. Each month, Lorna Jane Canada releases new styles of the firmer fitting tank variety – some with waist cords, some with waist bands – in seasonal colours and prints. If you’re running in summer, simply layer it over a supportive sports bra to keep cool, or in the cooler months add a longer length top, zip through or vest to keep the chill out.
8- Way Stretch Support Bottom
Like tops, the type of bottom you wear is both a personal preference as well as dependent on the weather. You still want to keep the fabric in mind to ensure it has stretch, breathability, and possibly even mesh.
Lorna Jane Canada produces so many tights every month, available in 3/4, 7/8 or Full Length, and they recommend a good Core Stability Tight made from LJ excel™ Compression fabric. It’s their signature fabric that has 8-way stretch providing a higher level of support through compression, which will help you in your toughest run.
Compression fabrics are tailored specifically for high intensity activities. Known as a post-workout wonder, compression garments aid in recovery by stimulating blood circulation, reducing lactic acid build up and reducing muscle fatigue. You will also find styles made from this fabric are slightly mid-rise, eliminating that ‘fall down factor’, and the mesh panels flattens and shapes your abdominal area, bringing awareness to the core when working out. Bonus!
App to Track Your Progress
When training for a marathon, you will want to track your progress to ensure you are working toward your goals. The Lorna Jane app is a great tool to track this progress. The app will outline your route with your distance, average speed, and energy expended.
Water Bottle
Fitness expert Amelia Burton suggests, “you need 30ml of water for every kilo you weigh, then between 500 ml – 1 litre (depending on body size and race intensity) for every hour you exercise.” To ensure you keep your hydration up, opt for a bottle that measures your water consumption like this Lorna Jane Canada glass water bottle. While running, you can also invest in a hydration belt to keep hydrated on the go and don’t forget your race day backpack!
Lorna Jane's running apparel offers maximum support sports bras, running shorts and the latest in women's workout clothing. Designed with high performance fabric, these active styles provide comfort, support and breathability as you run.
