What are the Key Accessories for Winter Running?

• Winter running can be challenging. Find comfort, safety and continued enjoyment to your passion with some essential winter running accessories.
• Running hat/beanie/headband – if your head is cold, you’ll feel cold too. Running hats are designed to keep the heat in, without overheating, whilst wicking away sweat to keep your head dry
• Headlamp – it is key that you can be seen by traffic and road users at all times and that you can see your surroundings too for safety. A headlamp is an easy way to carry a light whilst running
• Arm warmers – you may find arm warmers more comfortable than wearing long sleeves, and of course you can put them on or take them off as you please
• Gaiters – an extra level of protection to prevent water, mud and small debris from getting inside your shoes
• Running gloves – fingers lose heat quickly due to their large surface area
• High visibility vest – designed for the poor lighting conditions of winter, ensure you can always be seen

What are the Key Accessories for Summer Running?

• Although summer running too comes with its own challenges, running in the heat can also make you stronger. Remember to add the following to your running attire for a safe and enjoyable summer run –
• Water bottle/hydration pack/hydration belt – remember water, water, water – a running water bottle is your best friend when running in hot weather. Keeping hydrated is one of the most important aspects of running.
• Running nutrition if you feel your energy dip during a run, try an on-the-go pick-me-up, such as energy gels or tablets, like those from brands such as HIGH5 or SIS.
• Running cap – technically designed to not only protect your face from the sun but to also wick away sweat
• Running sunglasses – crafted not to slip down the face
• Sun screen

How to Recover From a Running Injury

Unfortunately, no matter what activity or sport you’re doing, injuries can be an unwanted side effect. Sprains, joint pain, stress fractures and more can occur. The first step, whatever you do, is to not rush back into running. Easing yourself back into regular running is crucial as you don’t want to aggravate an injury or potential injury. Let your first few outings be walks. Then, carefully introduce running into the walks, building speed and distance gradually.

To keep yourself active post-injury and during recovery, try using a support or brace. Knee and ankle supports are useful for helping the muscle during exercise. They can aid in recovery through structural support, the reduction of swelling and can offer pain relief. There are many types of joint supports available, such as compression sleeves and supports with adjustable straps. You can find supports for different joints too, including knee, ankle and arm.

You may want to try muscle rollers, which can help reduce muscle ache and tightness, as well as help with muscle knots. When using recovery items like these, you should always read the instructions or consult a professional if you’re unsure. Different pieces of kit can provide different support, so it’s best to know exactly what you need to help during your recovery. If you’re in need of something to help with your after-run care, discover a variety of products that may work for you in our running recovery collection.

Wearing a Knee Support When Running

Knee supports are categorised as the following and as being needed for the following reasons; as a compression sleeve to limit swelling and improve movement, a patellar brace to take pressure off of the tendon and a lateral support brace to protect to the knee’s ligaments. Remember to always consult your doctor or physiotherapist for ongoing pain and finding a brace that is right for you. Note also the availability of knee sleeves. Knee sleeves provide support too but not against existing injury, they work to protect from injury