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.