I'm the PP who posted above with the nuts and fruit suggestion. I just wanted to add that a friend of mine gave me little basket with Lindt truffles and a Good Luck balloon before my first marathon. I NEVER forgot that and still have the cute basket. It meant so much to me. I'm sure your friend will appreciate your efforts.

Just want to say that you are such a thoughtful friend, OP! Throw in some chocolate for the ride home (if she likes chocolate)--a little post-race indulgence is such a nice thing. I bet she'll absolutely love the care package!

OP here. Thanks, everyone! She stays outside the city with a college friend-- I'm not sure where, so can't really get her anything to use in Boston. But, she'll be home on Tuesday evening, so I'll do a massage or pedicure gift card for when she gets back along with some nuts and fruit and cozy socks for the drive home. I'm not a runner, so I would not have known where to start

WTF?

I think all the things mentioned are great, particularly the massage (and I would add pedicure). And while she probably does have her running nutrition (and outfit, and gear, etc.) planned out, new stuff is always fun to try when your're not competing so I'm sure she'll love whatever you buy. So thoughtful!

Gummi bears and a new pair of compression socks for after the race would be awesome for me.

I'm a marathoner and although I should pay attention, I would welcome nice car snacks for the trip up. I'm thinking nuts, fruit, and a little chocolate. Maybe a nice headband or something. I love "Sweaty Bands."

yep, Gift certificate for a massage in Boston right after the run sounds good! Aches and pain after running, this will go very well.

gift certificate for massage

I second a CD or playlist of songs for the ride there and back. What a sweet friend you are.

Gatorade, those running jelly beans, soft socks for after, salty food (pretzels, etc)

Not a marathon runner, but I do run. My first thought was food, but then I realized she probably has her diet pretty well figured out to the last detail leading up to the marathon. And she wouldn't want to mess with any new running gear, so...what about some luxurious shower products (body wash, shampoo, whatever) to use at the hotel? If her car has a CD player, you could burn a CD of songs for her to play on the drive.

A good friend is driving to boston to run the marathon on Monday. She ran it last year, crossing not long before the bombs. I know it is emotional for her to go back this year, so I wanted to drop off a care package of sorts for the drive up and back, particularly any good things to have pre or post race. Any suggestions?