There is no one easier to root for than Becs Gentry. Whether you already know her bubbly energy from Peloton or have watched her compete in over 10 marathons, she is walking — who are we kidding — running proof that you can do anything you put your mind to. As a mother and an accomplished athlete, she credits her positive attitude as the secret to juggling it all. "I don't believe that there is any balance to it. I have a pact with my partner that at certain times of the year, some things are going to be a bit more skewed in [my schedule]," she tells Popsugar. "I just try to make sure that I'm enjoying it because the minute that stops is the minute I start resenting it. I try to keep it all very positive."
It's no secret that many people look
to Gentry for running advice, whether it be the products that keep her grounded or the training that sets her up for success. Ahead of the 2026 Boston Marathon, she teamed up with Xyzal to share why allergy relief has become a pillar of her pre-race preparation. "I know that when I take Xyzal [before bed], I'm gonna wake up to train feeling really good rather than waking up feeling congested, itchy-eyed, and irritable. And I know that when I go out on my run, the allergies are not going to affect me as much as they would in the past," she explains. Gentry also stresses that a sudden change in temperature can cause runners to feel off their game.
For Gentry, this partnership fits into her natural ethos of prioritizing any pre-marathon plan. "It's really, really key that you don't sacrifice your months and weeks of training for small things. Keep yourself top, top priority." Below, Gentry shares her marathon must haves, from the recovery tools she relies on to the electrolyte drink she uses to keep herself hydrated. Watch her share her running secrets, then shop her picks.
For runners with allergies, managing symptoms during a race can be stressful. Not only can it impact how you feel while running, but oftentimes it can impact your quality of sleep. "During the training season, it is essential to get a good night's rest," says Gentry. "That's why I take Xyzal Allergy 24HR ($24) at night. It helps me to wake up clear and focused, ready for the next training day."
Whether you are running one mile or 26.2, it can be hard to take in your surroundings in the moment. Thats why Gentry uses the Ray-Ban Meta Wayfarer Glasses ($247) to capture footage on her runs. Powered by AI, the smart shades use verbal cues to record video, take photos, and even play music.
Every athlete has certain race-day equipment they rely on to perform their best. For Gentry, that is her Becs Gentry x SPIbelt ($33). "I can not run without it," she says. She even collaborated with the brand to make her very own design, covered in flamingos as a symbol of strength. You can adjust the waistband to sit comfortably at your hips while you are on the move and store your smartphone safely in the middle pocket.
If you are wondering what to prioritize ahead of a big race, Gentry stresses the importance of honoring your training. "Get to bed early. Rest well. Say hydrated and get those electrolytes in," she says. "Electrolytes are my absolute favorite." Her go-to powder is the Instant Hydration Premium Electrolyte Drink Mix in Lychee ($55).
Gentry isn't one to overload her marathon prep. "I'm really simple. I'm not a running diva," she says. "I have my recovery tools that I understand and that I'm very privileged to have. I swear by the Hyperice Normatec Elite Legs ($1,099) for recovery or sleep and take them with me everywhere." The high-tech boots use air compression to gently massage your muscles, maximizing recovery and circulation.
— Additional reporting by Hayley Lyndes
Adelaide Giesey (she/her) is a shopping writer at Popsugar. With over seven years of industry experience, she is an expert in all things beauty and enjoys writing across fashion and lifestyle categories. Prior to PS, she helped shape the beauty verticals at Byrdie, Coveteur, and InStyle.
Haley Lyndes is a former shopping writer and editor with more than seven years of experience in the publishing space. Specializing in home and lifestyle, she covered everything from furniture and mattresses to beauty products and fitness gear. Her writing has appeared in BuzzFeed, Travel + Leisure, and Real Simple.
