Friday, May 5, 2017

Items Every Runner Should Consider Buying

We all know one thing that every runner needs: a good pair of running shoes. But what else should you be thinking about getting if you're a keen runner? Here are some items to consider.

Knee Support Brace

If one, or both of your knees is weak, or if you've had knee injuries in the past, then this piece of kit is essential. Knee support braces surround the kneecap or patella with supportive material and as a result your knees will experience less strain when you're running. Make sure you buy one (or two) in a breathable, washable fabric for best results. Simply slip on the support brace over the knee and you're good to go.



Adequate clothing

Invest in some proper running gear instead of just throwing on your old sweats. Today's breathable synthetic fabrics are a must for runners, and are much better than cotton which can stick to the skin when wet. Items to invest in include compression socks, t shirts, pants and hats. If you're female, a good sports bra is a must for keeping you comfortable and supported whilst running.

A stretching strap

Stretch out your hamstrings, quads and hips with a handy stretching strap. This useful device will help you to warm up and cool down after your run, making it easier for you to stretch important muscle groups. Most straps are adjustable to your body height, with spaces for your feet and places for your hands to grip onto.

GPS tracker

To track the distance you have run and to truly monitor your progress each time, you may want to use a GPS tracker. To do this, you can either buy some wearable tech like a smartwatch, or you can simply install an app onto your smartphone which should do the job just fine. There are lots of useful running apps on the market which you can try out. See what works best for you.

Heart rate monitor

To measure how effective your run is, and to see if you've reached your optimum heart rate, you may want to use a heart rate monitor. This is another job that can be done by a smartwatch, if you like to use them. There are also some smartphone apps that can help, although they are obviously less effective than a wearable.

Music

One of the best ways to motivate yourself whilst running is by listening to energetic or uplifting music. If this is something you want to try, you'll need to purchase a pair of comfortable headphones that will stay put when you're running. Of course, you'll also need an mp3 player or an iPod to play your tunes. There are many options to choose from which can be clipped to your clothes or stuffed into pockets.

Ice packs

Research show that the number of runners who experience injuries on an annual basis is 70 percent. This means you'll need to be prepared, even if you know you won't be overdoing it. It's a good idea to have an ice pack or two handy in your freezer in case you experience any pain after running. You'll be grateful you thought of it when the time comes.

Water bottle


It's very important to keep yourself hydrated before, during and after a run. So, make sure you have a water bottle that you can take with you. If holding a water bottle seems awkward, you can always try one that fits in a backpack or straps around your waist. You'll be glad of it on hot summer's days.