Top 10 #running accessories for 2017, including Garmin Vivoactive and TomTom cardio watches
Whether you’re regular runner pounding the pavements or you just want to get fit for 2017 after eating too much turkey, Xmas is a perfect time to invest in running gear.
Loads of accessories are available for the humble jogger through to the budding Mo Farah, with prices ranging from £10 to over £200.
So whether you are looking for a stocking filler for a friend or a more substantial present for the significant runner in your life, read on.
1. Adidas Men’s Supernova Storm Jacket
£31
In the winter you need a jacket to keep you dry and warm if it rains when you are running (and it will do, trust me). Breathable climastorm on this Supernova Storm Jacket from Adidas repels the wet weather, while allowing heat and sweat to escape. A stretchy FORMOTION® fit has also been cut to move with your stride. Features include side seam pockets and a full zip with stand-up collar. Made from 91% Nylon and 9% Elastane (Spandex).
2. TomTom Runner Cardio GPS Running Watch with Heart Rate Monitor, Turquoise/Red
£119
Get even more out of your run with this colourful cardio watch from sat nav firm TomTom (also available in a more boring white/grey finish). Real-time running statistics are available at a glance, including distance, time, speed, pace and calories burnt during exercise. What’s more, a built-in heart rate monitor delivers on-the-go stats during your running sessions. Rather cleverly, this accurately measures your heart rate through a sensor that monitors changes in the blood flow in your wrist. This is achieved by passing a harmless light through the skin and detecting the changing light reflections to read your heart rate. Clever eh! You can get running watches from Runner Click
3. Garmin Vivoactive
£189
From the company that has been developing robust, dedicated wearable technology for athletes for more than a decade comes this GPS smartwatch. With the HR Vivoactive you can listen to your music whilst completing your favourite sports without getting your smartphone out of your pocket. It measurer your heart rate at the wrist throughout the day and comes with built-in Garmin sports apps including GPS-enabled running, biking and golfing plus swimming and activity tracking. It even lets you view your stats when away from your phone. Can be customised with free watch face designs, widgets and apps all available from Garmin’s Connect IQ™ store.
4. Nike Power Tech Running Tights
£36
Your legs can get very cold while running in winter so best to cover them up with tights (also handy for playing outdooors five-a-side football in the winter months). Available from Nike, these stretchy running tights offers both compression and support. Finished in black with a blue ‘go faster’ stripe up the sides, they also have a reflective panel on each leg for increased visibility during running in darkness. The body of the tights comprise 85% polyester and 15% elastane while the mesh is 80% polyester and 20% elastane.
5. Asics Fuzor Men’s Running Shoes
£40.42
Planning on going running over the festive season, or looking for a gift for someone just getting into running? Then obviously you’ll need a decent pair of running shoes. These attractive men’s running shoes from Asics provide lightweight comfort and cushioning and have been made to keep your feet cool during your runs. Perfect for neutral runners (you can check what type of runner you are here), the lightweight 235g (8.3oz) trainers offer a comfortable fit thanks to a breathable upper and feature a lace-up design with characteristic Asics branding to the sides. Improved durability and traction on various surfaces are ensured thanks to a flexible rubber outsole.
6. Ultimate Performance LED High visibility Running Wristband
£12.75
Delivering a bright red light for proper visibility in poorly lit conditions, the Ultimate Performance LED High-Visibility running wristband will illuminate your track for up to 150 hours with two included modes: constant light, and flash. A velcro closure is included for optimised fit, and there’s a small zipped pocked to store valuables such as keys. For added visibility the wristband also offers reflective detailing.
7. Asics MP3 arm tube running armband
£12.99
Providing a moulded shape for comfortable, personalised fit, the Asics MP3 Arm Tube running armband is a great choice for regular runners who enjoy listening to music while heading for a jogging session, but can’t stand having anything in their pockets. Attach it onto your arm, slide in your music player and you’re ready to go. What’s more, you can store keys in the added small zipped pocket. Additionally, the armband features a reflective detailing, excellent for poorly illuminated area, or when running in the evening.
8. Petzl Tika XP 2015 headlamp
£34.99
At this time of year if you want to run before 7am or after 4pm then you need a head torch – otherwise you might find yourself head down in a ditch on your next run after falling over a branch! Designed to light up your trail and avoid obstacles when moving quickly, this 180 lumens headlamp provides a good medium-range beam to keep you safe. Equipped with constant lighting technology, the waterproof headlamp also guarantees continual light. Three AAA batteries are included.
9. Nike DriFit Running Gloves
£18
When you are running in winter, your hands can get very cold so investing in a decent pair of gloves is a very good idea indeed. Made from Dri-FIT fabric with mesh accents, these Nike gloves – available in a number of different colours – are lightweight and breathable, with reflective elements to help you stay visible when running in poor light at dawn, dusk or on winter evenings. They feature articulated fingers and palm for added comfort and to allow a more natural range of motion. They’re also designed for grip and come with sensitive forefinger and thumb tips to make them easy to use with smartphones and touch screens so you don’t have to take your gloves off to adjust the display. They are made from 98% polyester, 1% elastane and 1% polyurethane.
10. Salming Running ankle socks – pack of 3
£12.75
OK so buying someone socks for Xmas isn’t exactly original, but then these are more exciting and comfortable than most. The Salming running ankle socks offer a cool, sporty design and come in no nonsense colours to add a touch of style and spice up your runs. They protect your feet, ensure an optimum fit to let you focus on increasing performance and provide great breathability enabling you to stay cool and fresh during intense running sessions. The soft-to-touch ankle socks are supplied in a pack of three.
