Running is one of the most convenient and simple forms of aerobic exercises in the world.
You can do it virtually anywhere without needing a gym or fancy gear.
That said, technology can improve almost everything we do—running is no exception.
Thanks to the massive growth of fitness wearable technology, running gadgets have become a training necessity.
Whether you’re looking to measure your training data, have the upper hand over your competition, or you want to put technology to your advantage, many gadgets will meet your needs and help you reach your goals.
The Running Gadgets You Need To Have
In today’s post, I’ve put together a list of the must-have running-related gadgets and tools to help you run your best for the year ahead.
With these gadgets, you can keep track of your pace, monitor your heart rate, protect your body, learn how to be efficient, and so much more.
Enjoy
A GPS watch with Heart Rate Monitor
If you’re into analyzing training metrics, you’ll love GPS watches.
With a GPS watch, you can track all kind of information.
You can monitor your pace, training time, distance, calorie burn, and how to get back to the starting point, and so much more.
Also, look for sweat-resistant rubber watch straps that won’t irritate your skin while you’re working out.
This makes them great for a variety of different exercises—not just running.
Your exact choice is a matter of your training goals and budget.
Remember that the most expensive brand isn’t always the best gadget for achieving your running goals.
The Price
You can find GPS watches in a wide range of prices and style—guaranteed to fit any budget or personal preference.
The usual prices range from around $100 and run s high as $1000 or more.
The more you spend, the more features you get.
2. Wireless Headphones
Research has revealed that listening to music while exercising can keep you in the zone for longer and help you improve your training performance and experience.
That’s one reason why investing in a proper set of running headphone is worth it.
That said, your standard smartphone earbuds do not make the cut.
Instead, you’ll need a set of proper running wireless headphones if you’re serious about making the most out of music when running.
Ask yourself the following when choosing your next running headphone:
- Are they waterproof/sweatproof?
- Are the volume controls easily adjustable?
- Are they compatible with running apps?
- Are they light enough that they won’t bounce around while running?
- Do they provide a secure fit so you can get lost in the music while pounding the pavement?
If a given set does not meet a couple of more of these requirements, then keep looking.
Additional resource – Prescription Glasses for runners
The Price
Again, there are many wireless bud options for runners in a wide range of prices and styles.
It’s all up to you and how much you’re willing to shell out on a pair.
In general, they can set you back by $40 to $150.
Remember to give them a test run inside the store before you make the purchase.
3. Knuckle Lights
If you have a full-time job and kids to look after, hitting the pavement early morning or later in the evening are often the only options you got for logging in your miles.
If you want to ensure excellent visibility when braving the dark outdoors, then knuckle lights are precisely what you need.
Knuckle Lights are designed to be worn on the outermost part of the hands, in the ideal position to illuminate the entire area in front of you.
Make sure to pick ones that are lightweight, waterproof, and come with adaptable straps so you can make them fit comfortably around your knuckles while running.
Price Range
Expect to pay about $30 to $40 for a good set of knuckle lights.
4. Foam Roller
Pounding the pavement places your muscles and fascia under a constant process of breakdown.
This can cause inflammation and irritation to the connective tissues surrounding your muscles, resulting in tight muscles and a host of mobility issues.
Here’s the good news.
Known as “poor man’s massage,” foam rolling is exactly what you need to fix this damage.
This handy tool can help you dig deep into your muscles to break up scar tissue, speed up recovery, and improve overall mobility.
Foam rolling is a type of self-myofascial release, or in other words, a soft tissue massage.
It places pressure on the soft tissue to increase blood flow, release tightness, promote muscle recovery, and so much more.
More specifically, the foam roller directly targets your facia.
This is a fibrous layer of connective tissues that encloses all of the muscles in your body.
The Price
Unlike some of the other items, a foam roller is pretty affordable, costing about $10 to $30, depending on the size you want.
5. Yaktrax
Are you a serious runner who wants to keep hitting the pavement all year long?
I got the perfect solution for that.
Yaktrax devices consist of slips that attach themselves to your running shoes.
These provide enough grip to allow for walking and running on ice and/or snow-covered streets and trails.
This should increase training consistently and keep your training year-round.
A good set should be super light to the point that they don’t interfere with your stride.
Price Range
Yaktrax devices are priced within the $20 to $40 range.
6. A Running Belt
A running belt is more than a fashion statement.
It’s is a training necessity that helps store your water bottle, iPod, keys, and pretty much anything else you’d need to bring along while running.
Choose a belt that sits comfortably against your body so that you don’t have to worry about it bouncing around on every step you take.
The belt should have adjustable straps and buckles.
Price Range
Prices differ widely starting from $10 to up to $50 or more, depending on your own needs and preferences.
Conclusion
There you have it!
The above gear items are some of my best suggestions if you want to use a few tools to improve your running experience and training without breaking your bank.
Make sure to pick whatever gadget you feel like you need it the most in your life.
The rest is just detail.
Please feel free to leave your comments and questions in the section below.
In the meantime, thank you for reading my post.
Keep running strong
David D.