Running Accessories FAQs
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 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, injuries can be an unwanted side effect of exercise no matter how fit you
may be – sprains, joint pains, stress fractures can all occur.
Firstly, whatever you do, do not rush back to strenuous training. Ease yourself back into
running not by running, but by walking. Let your first few outings be walks and then carefully introduce
running into your walking, building up your running time, speed and distance gradually.
One item to keep you moving post-injury and during recovery is a support or brace, such as
knee supports and ankle supports. Anatomically shaped, ankle and knee supports work to aid the muscles
during exercise. They can also help aid recovery through structural support, reduce swelling and offer
pain relief.
Of course, to help prevent injuries occurring, always warm up thoroughly and cool down
correctly before and after exercising. This ensures a good supply of oxygen to your muscles before
running, as well as bringing optimal flexibility and efficiency to muscles by raising their temperature.
Cooling down after your run will relax your muscles and stop your heart rate and blood
pressure suddenly dropping by keeping your blood flowing throughout the body.
Runners Tip
Remember – listen to your body. If it hurts, stop running!
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