Running gimmicks and gadgets

Running shoes
The most important piece of equipment to any runner is the shoes on their feet. To begin, the only thing you need is a good pair of shoes that fit well and stabilise the foot as you run. What you don't need is expensive gear with flashy gimmicks, unless you simply want them to look cool and impress your mates.

Avoid general sports superstores, as these are the first port of call for gimmick producing companies, and if you have a problem the likelihood is that they won’t know what to do and are even less likely to care. Find a real running shop! This will hopefully reduce your chances of being sucked in to buying the latest fad. This is where your mates become handy if any of them run; find out about their experiences, which shops helped when things went wrong and which shops didn’t.

The cost should be a secondary concern to the function that best suits you’re running style and aids in your foot’s unique motion. Most people will read a magazine and pick the one that gets five stars. Yes, that shoe may be good, but there is a chance it won’t be suited to your particular style of running. Seek advice from a specialist running store that analyses how you run and therefore can recommend a shoe that is specific to your needs.

Running socks
To prevent blisters, try out some of the running specific socks. They are more expensive than Tesco’s cotton best, but functionally achieve far better results.

Wearing sunglasses while running
There are three main concerns for a functional pair of sunnies:

• Comfort - a well-fitted pair that won’t fall off easily or bounce around when the going gets rough.

• Ventilation - if the glasses fit too closely it makes it hard for the hot air between the lens and your face to clear, thus steaming up in cooler temperatures.

• Safety - avoid glass lenses, if you trip or have something hit you in the face the likelihood is that glass will smash, a polycarbonate or composite lens won’t.

Another option worth thinking about is a polarising; a polarised lens cuts glare and offers superior vision in low light which will be paramount at dusk. What should be avoided is the heavy metal usually associated with high-street shopping.

Water bottles for running
Although it seems silly, a good water bottle can make a world of difference. Put aesthetics aside and pick one that is ergonomically sound (i.e. one that suits the size of your hand). The common one is the bottle shaped like a ring so you can hold it quite comfortably. If a greater amount of fluid is required you could consider a fuel belt (see below).

Heart rate monitors for running
Heart rate monitors are a good purchase for runners who want to keep on top of their programme. Don’t be fooled into thinking that just because it’s more expensive, it is better. Although that is true in terms of function, it’s not necessary to pay extra if you’re not going to use those functions.

Fuel belt for running
The fuel belt is an innovative hydration system that replaces traditional water bottle carriers, providing athletes with a more technical and streamlined product. The fuel belt is made of a special knit elastic that flexes with the athlete's every movement. While the Velcro fastener allows for a customized fit, the fuel belt can be purchased in different shapes and sizes, the bottles are strategically positioned around the waist. Each flask is flat and curved to follow the natural shape of the body. Also if you’re going to carry a music system this is the place to put it.

Music systems
If you find boredom becoming an issue on those long runs you need a toy to keep you entertained. The new small lightweight FM radios are a good idea but if you are running anywhere other than the city, you may struggle to get a good signal. Instead look towards the MP3 players, or if you are really flash, the ipod. From here you can store 100s or 1000s of your favourite songs in digital sound that will keep you entertained from start to finish.

GPS - global positioning system or pedometer
If you have the choice, a GPS is a must-have for any athlete who likes to know accurately where they are running. This is the James Bond of compasses. While a pedometer is all well and good, it only measures distance through stride length. As fatigue sets in, stride length usually changes, producing inaccurate readings. The GPS can pinpoint your location, plot out routes, calculate distances travelled, and provide altitude readings, current, maximum and average speed readings. Doing all this within an accuracy of 1m, it can even show you the way back home if you get lost which beats leaving breadcrumbs!