I’ve been running for a very long time. So long ago that moisture-wicking shirts and GPS watches literally didn’t even exist. A lot has changed, that’s for sure. And while back then, that’s all we knew, I’m really glad to be a runner with all of this current technology and gear to make running more enjoyable.
Because I’ll tell ya… On winter runs when it was raining sideways and we were on the track doing repeats, in oversized cotton shirts…
That wasn’t fun.
Now, some 24 years later, we’ve come a long way as runners and things are definitely for the better.
In this post, I’ll outline the gear and technology that has shaped our running culture and what has made running both enjoyable and more efficient for the masses.
Since there are so many options and choices we can make as runners, I’m going to give you some of the best products I’ve found useful over the years I’ve been running.
You’ll have some of your own preferences when it comes to gear and you can share those in the comments.
Runners have many needs and preferences when it comes to gear. Whether you’re running for fun or training for a race, these personalized products will help take your run experience from ordinary to extraordinary.
If you love to run, you’re going to love this list. We surveyed runners and all of the best products for runners this year.
Running Shoes
It’s really important to find a pair of running shoes that fit you well and offer the right support for your needs. If you don’t know what kind of shoe you need, you can start by reading this post and this one too, then heading to your local running store for guidance.
Foam Rollers
I have to give a big nod to the simple and steady foam roller. They are game changers when it comes to sore and tired muscles. The foam roller can do a miracle job of getting cramping muscles back to life. If you haven’t tried a foam roller recently, I strongly suggest getting one. Again, simple is good! You can easily pick one up for under $20.
Sunglasses
For as long as I can remember, I’ve always been a “sunglasses guy”, whether I was running or just being outside. I currently rotate through 4 or 5 different pairs of sunglasses based on what I’m doing and how I feel, but what is always the case is that they have to be polarized.
In the past, I had expensive sunglasses from Oakley and Smiths, but now I’m more practical with pairs from Goodr and Tifosi.
Therabands
Therabands are one of the really cheap ways where you can get a really good workout and it doesn’t take up a lot of space. Think of them as rubber bands for athletes, where you can put them around your knees or your ankles.
You can work major muscles or small ones and get in a really good workout. Therabands come in different lengths and thicknesses, so you can have a different kind of workout based on the band strength of the band you use. I’m a huge fan of using them for glutes, shins/ankles, and calves.
Running Watch
Running watches have come a very long way in the 20-plus years that I’ve been a runner. I started out with a simple Timex and Nike running watch and then moved on to multiple pairs of Garmin watches. most Runners don’t need high-end and technical running watches, but a watch that does GPS is pretty much the standard these days.
I treated myself to a new Garmin 255 Music and I’m a big fan of the data it collects, plus the ability to store and listen to music and podcasts (with a third-party app) without needing my phone.
(Bluetooth) Headphones
I don’t always need headphones to run but when I do I like them to listen to podcasts. It’s my time to learn, laugh, and listen. I don’t run with my phone, so my new watch comes in handy with Bluetooth headphones as does the adapter that connects my iPod Shuffle to my over-the-ear headphones.
While it would be nice to have “normal” ears, earbuds don’t stay in, so I have to have over-the-ear pairs and I’ve found an awesome pair called Q28s.
Water Bottles
Water bottles are water bottles, right? Mostly true.
Their job is to hold water so you don’t really need to be intricate and the type of water bottle that you have. I really like water bottles that don’t sweat when you put cold water or ice in them. No one likes a bag that gets all wet.
Another feature that I’m really digging these days is the insulated kind that keeps my water cold for multiple hours even when the bottle is in the sun.
Nuun
Nothing says rehydration like some Nuun. they come in a variety of different flavors and with the added flavors that contain caffeine, you’re good to go any time of day.
Running is a great way to stay fit, but if you aren’t properly equipped with the right gear, you could be setting yourself up for pain and injury. These are the best products for runners that make running more enjoyable, comfortable, and safe.
Gear
Gear has come a LONG way since my early high school days. Imagine running every day in a cotton t-shirt and sweatshirt during the winter! Yuck! Thank goodness we’ve progressed so that we can be both warm, functional, and look good while doing it.
I’ve recently come across some gear from ASRV [full disclosure, they gave it to me for free] and it holds up really well in the winter – from a warmth perspective and from a functional aspect. The gear has TONS of reflective pieces woven into it and everything is lightweight and breathes well.
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