Raising your odds of a speedy race

The Los Angeles Marathon is three weeks away. For anyone planning to run the race, your training is nearly complete. You can’t get much fitter -- but you can run smarter and more efficiently. Here are four innovative products that can help you make the most of your hard-won conditioning on race day.

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Protection for each toe

Injinji Tetratsok toe socks: Gloves for your tired feet.

Likes: No blisters ever again. These thin, five-toed socks, made of moisture-shedding CoolMax material prevent your toes from rubbing together, eliminating a scourge of marathon running. Your feet stay more comfortable, drier and fresher than with regular socks. The Tetratsoks may even improve your running form; toes spread wide, as they do during barefoot running and walking, allowing for a more natural, balanced stride.

Dislikes: None.

Price: $10 to $14 (mini, crew or full length). (888) 465-4654, www.injinji.com.

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Getting a grip on good form

Biogrip e3 Fitness Grips: Shaped plastic hand-holds that help make your stride more efficient.

Likes: The 2.5-ounce grips help to straighten out your running style. The product has a vertical bent-thumb position that keeps your elbows tucked into your sides, helping to reduce the tendency to cross arms over your chest.

Dislikes: You could drop them. Forearms may get fatigued by the end of the race if you haven’t trained with the grips. Benefits may be noticeable only to those with poor form.

Price: $39.95. (888) 590-4747, www.biogrip.com.

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Sunglasses that go audiovisual

Oakley Thump sunglasses/MP3 player: Sleek shades with mini hard disk and speakers built into the arms.

Likes: No more Walkman or iPod strapped to your arm. Stylish 2-ounce sunglasses with flip-up lenses conceal a complete sound system, including six hours (256 megabytes) of audio and controls. Safe for running and riding in street traffic; pivoting dual half-inch speakers can be positioned to allow you to hear ambient noise. Simple to use. Audible “thumps” and red indicator lights warn of fading battery power. Recharge by connecting glasses to your computer via USB cable or optional wall cord. High “coolness” factor will impress your friends.

Dislikes: The price.

Price: $495. (800) 969-5543, www.oakley.com.

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Water at your waist

Amphipod Full-Tilt hydration pack: Sculpted 20-ounce bottle with super comfort.

Likes: Flattened bottle, horizontally positioned in your lumbar curve, is bounce-free and extremely comfortable. You can reach it without breaking stride. Waist bag has a CD player pocket and room for a thin jacket, hat or glove; also has two zippered side pockets for gel. Wide-mouth bottle accepts ice cubes and is easy to clean. Odd shape keeps bottle from rolling away when used on its own.

Dislikes: None.

Price: $36.50. (800) 806-1288, www.amphipod.com.

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-- Roy M. Wallack