Clothing and Gear

One of the great things about running is that it doesn’t require a ton of expensive gear – a good pair of shoes and some comfortable running shorts, and you’re good to go! But not all shorts are cut out for running, especially if you regularly cover long distances. Waistbands that dig in, hems that … Read more

Whether you’re a seasoned marathon runner or about to embark on the Couch to 5K, a massage gun is the perfect tool to use as part of your recovery routine. Scientifically proven to help improve mobility and prevent DOMS, massage guns deliver percussive therapy, allowing you to work on specific muscles and ease away knots … Read more

No pair of running shoes is complete without the perfect set of running insoles inside them.  But should I wear insoles in my running shoes? My shoes already come with them, you might say.  True, all running shoes have thin, built-in soles. After all, you need some kind of cushion to protect your feet. But … Read more

A comfortable pair of running shorts is an essential part of your gear, especially once temperatures start to rise. Whether you’re training for a marathon or going for an evening jog around the block, you want to be sure that your shorts won’t bunch, slide down, chafe, or otherwise distract you from your run! That’s … Read more

If you’re a keen runner then you’re unlikely to be deterred by wintry weather. But dealing with extreme conditions like snow and ice can be a bit more challenging than simply running on a chilly, rainy day. If you enjoy off-road running in the park or on trails, then the best way to maintain your … Read more

If you love trail running then you’ll be familiar with the hazards of racing on uneven terrain. Rocky ground, obstacles, and loose scree can all present challenges, potentially leading to falls and interrupting your training. Trail running poles are the answer, and investing in the right set can give you the traction you need on … Read more

Finding comfortable leggings for running is important whether you’re new to the sport or training for a marathon. The right leggings will not only feel good – supporting you in the right places free from bunching or sagging – but they will help improve your performance too! Choosing the right leggings (sometimes known as running … Read more

Unless you have the ultimate flexible schedule, chances are, youre often logging miles either before the sun rises or after the sun sets – especially in the darker winter months. It can be hard enough to drag yourself out of bed for a long run on a cold winter morning, let alone when its pitch … Read more

If you’re looking for a great piece of gym equipment you can use at home to supplement your training, you really can’t go wrong with a step machine. Stair steppers give you an excellent cardio workout and involve some resistance, too, engaging your core and strengthening your glutes, calves, quads, and hamstrings. This means they … Read more

Founded in 1964 as Blue Ribbon Sports and officially renamed in the early seventies, Nike is one of the best-known sports brands in the world. It has a reputation for consistently producing high-quality clothing and accessories for athletes, designed for durability and to boost performance. In this guide to the best Nike running gear, Ive … Read more

Choosing the right running shorts is almost as crucial to your overall performance as picking a good pair of shoes. Ideally, your shorts should be lightweight, moisture-wicking, and fit you so comfortably that you don’t even think about them! But pick the wrong pair and it can be a very different story, with the fabric … Read more

There’s nothing like listening to an interesting podcast or your favorite playlist to break up the monotony of a long run. And when you’re struggling to find a little extra fuel in the tank, those pumped-up tunes can be just what you need for the motivation to go the extra distance! That means a good … Read more

If you’re of a heavier build, then you’ve probably found the hunt for a decent treadmill quite frustrating! Many of the popular and affordable options are really only suitable for users up to 250 pounds, which pretty much rules out many bodybuilders, tall athletes, and people simply trying to lose a few pounds! But there … Read more

There’s something special about running on a sparkling, frosty day, or being the first to make footprints in a layer of freshly fallen snow. But training in the winter is only enjoyable if you have the right gear, designed to protect you from the elements without hampering your performance and keep you warm while allowing … Read more

Using a recumbent bike is a great way to get in a cardio workout and strengthen your legs if an injury has derailed your training. I discovered this for myself during the 2020 lockdown, when a sciatic nerve issue made running – and pretty much all other forms of exercise – impossible. Cycling in a … Read more

Simple to learn, great for improving your fitness, and fun to play no matter your age or ability, pickleball is one of the fastest-growing sports in the US. What’s more, it doesn’t require a great deal of gear – all you need is a plastic pickleball and a good paddle. But whilst you could technically … Read more

A great running water bottle is crucial for runners to stay comfortable and hydrated while training and racing.  Beyond the simple function of carrying fluids, a quality running water bottle has a range of features designed to enhance comfort, convenience, and performance.  From quality designs that fit seamlessly into your hand to insulation that keeps … Read more

Strength training should be part of every runner’s exercise regimen. It offers numerous benefits, helping prevent overuse injuries, improve your running economy, and increase your bone density. With the right equipment, resistance training is something you can easily do at home. However, multiple sets of weights can be costly to purchase and take up quite … Read more

Staying properly hydrated is essential for maintaining overall health and performance, especially during physical activity or in hot weather.  Electrolyte supplements are crucial in replenishing the body’s electrolyte levels, essential minerals like sodium, potassium, magnesium, and calcium.  Electrolyte supplements help prevent dehydration and improve muscle function.  There are many electrolyte supplements available that offer unique … Read more

Measuring your body weight can be very useful, no matter whether you’re looking to maintain, gain, or monitor your progress as you work on shedding a few pounds. While even the most basic modern bathroom scales are highly accurate, the introduction of smart scales to the market has vastly increased the breadth of information we … Read more

Mixing up your exercise routine is always fun and using a weighted hula hoop is a great way to add variety to your workouts! The perfect complement to your regular training, it challenges a range of muscles from your core to your glutes, supports your cardiovascular fitness, and burns a bunch of calories to help … Read more

No matter how great their personal hygiene, theres one problem that almost every runner experiences  and thats stinky shoes! This isnt surprising when you consider that the human foot contains 250,000 sweat glands, producing a mixture of water, oils, and bacteria. Trap this sweat in your warm shoes, and it creates an environment in … Read more

Investing in a good GPS watch for kids is a great way to ensure peace of mind for both you and your child when they are away from home. Depending on the model you buy, a GPS watch can be a great alternative to a cellphone. It allows you to monitor your child’s location and … Read more

Sunglasses may not immediately spring to mind as an essential part of your running gear. But if you’ve ever experienced the discomfort of squinting against blazing sunshine during a long run, you’ll know just how important they can be! Wearing sunglasses as you train helps you see more clearly, improving your performance. Crucially, it’s important … Read more

Many winter running jackets are designed to give some degree of protection from the rain.But it takes a special piece of kit to keep you dry through a real downpour and most jackets simply aren’t up to the job. Instead, you need one made from a fully waterproof fabric, with specific features designed to keep … Read more

The thought of running in colder weather can be daunting, but wearing the right gear can make training in the winter a lot more comfortable. A warm running jacket and a good pair of gloves are essential. But its not until we get out into that biting cold that we realize our ears could use … Read more

Can you feel it? That long-awaited return of the hot summer sun . . . Runners across the world are used to performing in all sorts of conditions. In winter, it’s all about putting on your running gloves to brace the icy cold and finding the right jacket to keep you dry in the pouring … Read more

If you frequently run on rocky or sandy terrain, protecting your feet from dust and debris is a priority. Grit in your shoes can cause discomfort and blisters, and having to stop mid-run to empty it out is frustrating. Fortunately, theres a simple solution in the form of running gaiters! These work on a similar … Read more

Having the right running gear can often be the deciding factor between an enjoyable run and a miserable one. If youre overdressed, your body overheats and you feel unduly sluggish. If youre underdressed, youre tight, cold, and just counting down the minutes until your run is over. Unless you live in a tropical or desert … Read more

Runners are well aware of the importance of proper hydration before, during, and after running and racing. Dehydration of just 2% of your body weight has been found to significantly reduce athletic performance. Moreover, studies have found that athletes who do not ingest any fluids during their workout have a higher rate of perceived exertion, … Read more

These days, you can buy running shoes with a range of very specific features. From motion control or stability running shoes for runners who overpronate, minimalist running shoes for those who like the feeling of running barefoot, and even carbon fiber running shoes for runners looking for greater energy return. Many runners, however, prefer to … Read more

Running with your dog can be a perfect way to give your four-legged family member healthy exercise while simultaneously bringing joy, companionship, and bonding time to your run. Not all dogs are fit to be distance runners, so its always a good idea to consult your dogs veterinarian before taking your pup for a run. … Read more