Accessories & Nutrition
Running accessories and nutrition products enhance performance, comfort and safety for runners to provide a more effective and enjoyable running experience.
Accessories provide essential support, protection and muscle stability during runs to optimise training, improve recovery and help prevent injuries. Nutrition products offer vital fuel and hydration to sustain energy levels, delay fatigue and promote muscle recovery.
Running Socks
Socks are an often overlooked but vital running essential. High-quality sport-specific socks help you move more freely and for longer without pain, discomfort and distraction.
Low-quality and poor-fitting socks can quickly take the enjoyment out of movement by causing hot spots, blisters and irritation. A good sock will be made of synthetics as opposed to cotton to wick moisture, prevent dampness and keep your feet dry. Thinner socks enhance breathability whereas thicker socks provide more cushioning. A double-layer sock helps prevent friction further to reduce the likelihood of blisters.
When fitting a sock, make sure it hugs your foot and stays in place as excessive movement causes irritation which can lead to blisters, chaffing and soreness. If you are between sizes, it is advisable to size down to ensure a snug fit.
Compression Socks & Sleeves
Compression gear is designed to improve blood circulation, reduce muscle fatigue and enhance recovery.
As well as benefitting your legs, full length compression socks also cover your feet to help reduce swelling below your ankles. Compression calf sleeves provide targeted compression to the calf muscles to aid performance by reducing vibrations and muscle oscillation during runs. Arm sleeves offer similar benefits to the arms by reducing muscle displacement, soft tissue vibrations and muscle activation associated with running impact forces.
Compression can help prevent injuries like shin splints and muscle strains by providing support and stability which also maintains overall well-being during training and racing. Wearing compression garments post-exercise has been shown to reduce perceived muscle soreness by reducing lactate dehydrogenase and improving blood flow and circulation.
Insoles
Insoles can be added and removed from running shoes to add support, increase comfort and ultimately enhance performance. By correcting foot alignment, absorbing shock and reducing pressure points, a well-designed insole can improve running mechanics, distribute weight more evenly and even alleviate foot issues such as plantar fasciitis and overpronation.
It is important to get the right insole with customised support tailored to your individual foot shape and arch type.
Caps, Visors and Headbands
The right cap, visor or headband will offer protection, comfort and performance benefits to your run. Caps and visors help shield the eyes and face from sun glare to help maintain visibility and prevent sunburn as well as keep hair and even rain out of the eyes. They also wick sweat to keep the head cool and enhance comfort in warm conditions. Headbands absorb sweat and keep hair out of the face to ensure clear vision and reduce distractions.
These headwear options provide protection from the elements, improve visibility and help regulate body temperature which contributes to a more enjoyable and focused running experience.
Hats, Gloves and Headbands
These cold weather accessories provide warmth, comfort and protection during chilly workouts. Hats provide insulation for the head by retaining warmth and preventing heat loss. Gloves protect the hands which also helps to maintain dexterity and grip. Headbands only cover the ears but this offers extra warmth while also wicking sweat to keep the head dry.
Use these in winter conditions to regulate body temperature, reduce the risk of cold-related injuries, such as frostbite, and ensure a more enjoyable running experience.
Sunglasses
Sunglasses help minimise glare, improve visibility and enhance contrast for better depth perception and visibility on sunny days. Polarised lenses shield the eyes from harmful UV rays to reduce the risk of eye damage and even fatigue caused by sun exposure. Sunglasses have the additional benefit of protecting the eyes from dust and debris.
This valuable accessory offers a combination of safety to promote eye health and comfort to optimise performance.
Bags and Belts
These practical storage solutions allow runners to carry essentials like water bottles, nutrition, keys, smartphones, credit cards and more without hindering movement. Their lightweight, convenient and ergonomic designs ensure comfort and stability while minimising bounce and chafing when moving.
Being able to carry supplies enhances independence and preparedness which enables longer outings and sustained energy levels.
Lights and Hi-Vis
These are essential safety accessories for those who exercise early in the morning or late in the evening when visibility is low. Illuminating the path ahead reduces the risk of trips and falls in dimly lit areas and enhanced visibility alerts drivers and other road users to the runner’s presence.
A requirement to participate in many run groups during the winter months, these safety accessories help minimise risks and ensure personal safety during runs in low-light conditions.
Recovery Tools and Injury Prevention
Recovery tools like foam rollers and massage balls aid muscle recovery, reduce soreness and prevent injury by promoting blood flow, alleviating muscle tension and enhancing muscle flexibility. Use these tools to recover faster and maintain optimal performance.
Kinesio tape is a flexible, adhesive tape used to support muscles and joints without restricting movement. The targeted support promotes faster recovery and reduces the risk of injury by aiding in muscle stability, reducing pain and enhancing blood circulation.
Anti-chafe balms help against skin irritation, rubbing and soreness by forming a protective barrier on the skin to reduce friction and discomfort caused by repetitive motion. This helps runners maintain skin health and ensure a more enjoyable running experience.
Hydration and Nutrition
Hydration products help maintain optimal performance during races and workouts and support post-run recovery. Electrolyte tablets maintain proper fluid balance by replenishing essential minerals lost through sweat which helps reduce dehydration, muscle cramps and fatigue. Powders and drinks provide a blend of carbohydrate, protein and other nutrients to facilitate muscle repair, replenish energy stores and accelerate recovery.
Nutrition products like gels, chews and bars enable runners to maintain energy levels and sustain performance during longer distance runs and races. These portable and convenient snacks provide a concentrated energy boost in the form of quick and easily digestible carbohydrates, electrolytes and protein to fuel muscles and replenish nutrients.
Both hydration and nutrition products help runners sustain their energy levels by keeping them fuelled to prevent bonking, optimise endurance and promote recovery.
