The Race-Day Shoes I Wore at the Boston Marathon, Plus 13 Other Items I Packed

Headphones are discouraged at the Boston Marathon. Because there were so many spectators, I wasn't sure I was going to need to listen to music. However, around mile 12, I started to feel lightheaded. In addition to fueling and hydrating, I blasted my favorite tracks to focus my mind while I waited for the sugar in the Maurten Gels to help me feel better. The Shokz OpenRun Pro 2 ($180) are incredible headphones. They stay put perfectly, and the battery lasts up to 12 hours. They also have a co-branded Boston Marathon edition.