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Trainers
Choosing the right pair of trainers is crucial, you shouldn't be running in a shoe designed for any other sport. A standard pair of trainers won't provide the right cushioning and stability that you require and as a result could leave you injured.
Visiting a specialist retailer such as Run Swindon is safest way to shop. Their clued up team of experts will be able to analyse your performance and make suggestions based on your running style. Just because you think a particular shoe looks good on you and fits well, it doesn't mean that it's the right one for you.
Running shoes can be pricey, but it's well worth spending money to ensure that they're suited to your needs.
Expect to pay: £50-£100
Technical T-Shirt
A technical running top will be able to ‘wick’ away sweat and keep you cool and comfortable while running. Unlike cotton t-shirts, they feel cool, breathable and comfortable against the skin and won't get soggy and heavy when you sweat.
The fibres in the t-shirt move sweat away from your skin so that it will evaporate on the outer surface of the fabric.
Expect to pay: £10-£30
Sports Bra
In a bid to minimise movement, defy the effects of gravity and stop chaffing; a high impact sports bra is an absolute must for all female runners.
Although using a normal bra will help to reduce bounce to a certain extent, a sports bra will typically be twice as strong. Women who are normally A and B cups tend to suit crop-top compression styles, while women with larger chests require moulded cups.
Most women aren't aware that once the ligaments around their breasts have stretched, there’s nothing that they can do to shorten them again; so it's best to take preventative measures.
M&S in The Brunel have a fantastic selection for you to choose from.
Expect to pay: £10-£50
Sports Watch
If you're about to embark on a new running program a sports watch is a fantastic tool to have.
Sport watches usually combine the features of a regular wrist watch with a stopwatch and heart monitor. They're water and shock resistant and sometimes have additional features to help you keep track the calories that you've burned whilst running.
Some models even give you the option to download detailed statistics straight to your computer, allowing you get the most out of your session. An assortment of apps and add ons are also available depending on the model that you choose.
Expect to pay: £10-£100+
Water Bottle
Runners can lose over a litre of water an hour through sweating, so it’s really important to stay hydrated at all times.
A lack of fluids can lead to dehydration and ultimately affect your performance. A hand held bottle or a water bottle which clips to your waist will be suitable to take with you on your training runs.
It's important to make sure that you remain hydrated without weighing yourself down.
Expect to pay: £2-£20
Running Socks
Much like your running top, the most important factor to consider when buying socks is the material that they're made of; so try to stay away from anything 100% cotton.
Runners who wear cotton socks will find that the moisture won't get wicked away, which can be a real nightmare when their feet sweat or they step in a puddle.
To avoid blisters or your feet feeling damp and uncomfortable opt for synthetic materials such as polyester, acrylic, and CoolMax because they'll wick away moisture.
Expect to pay: £5-£20
Energy Bars, Powders & Shakes
Holland & Barrett and GNC in The Brunel as well as Run Swindon have a brilliant array of powders, shakes and tablets for runners to choose from.
Whether you're after a pre-run snack or some post-run nourishment, energy bars have a great balance of fast- and slow-release carbohydrate, a bit of protein for recovery, and low levels of fat.
A fantastic pre-race pick me up; Dextro Energy Tablets, provide runners with a quick and systematic energy boost, guaranteeing mental and physical performance at crucial moments.
IsoGel is easy on the stomach and it doesn't need to be taken with water. The clever part about IsoGel is that it has a consistency more like an energy drink, but it still delivers a substantial 24 grams of carbohydrate per sachet.
Expect to pay: 99p+
Compression Tights
A training aid that has proven to be popular with runners over recent years is the compression garment, from tights to t-shirts athletes love the positive effect that they've had on their performance.
Benefits include heightened circulation for faster warm up, muscle stabilisation for reduced tissue damage/injury, improved performance and quicker post-exercise recovery.
Expect to pay: £25-80