One of the best parts about running is that you don’t need much accessories to do it. Just lace up your sneakers and go.
Just because it’s a simple activity. Doesn’t mean it’s always enjoyable or easy. A lot of us hate running. I did for a long time. That was, until I realized there were a few things I could add to my runs to make them more enjoyable.
You can’t buy a positive attitude. Being armed with some great gear to make you feel safer, comfier, and faster. Just might be the motivation you need.
For me, it starts with a great pair of headphones that let me block out the noises around me and blast the playlists I actually want to hear. Since everyone is different. I reached out to my cohort of coworkers to see what their favorite running accessories are.
I run with Garmin’s Vivoactive 3 accessories Music smartwatch because it has built-in music storage so I can run without my phone and still listen to music via Bluetooth headphones.
It also tracks a lot of key metrics for runners, including VO2 Max, mileage, heart rate, calories burned, pace, cadence, and stride length. Plus, it provides a map of the route I run, thanks to the built-in GPS.
TaoTronics Neckband Bluetooth Headphones with Active Noise Cancelling, $39.99, available at Amazon
TaoTronics’ Neckband Bluetooth headphones are fairly affordable for noise-cancelling wireless earbuds, and they sound quite good. The neckband design ensures that they stay in place while I run and the noise-cancellation blocks out most ambient noise.
BioLite Headlamp 330, $59.95, available at Amazon
Running comfort, for me, means running with peace of mind. I used to wear a basic, flashing LED that clipped onto my shirt, but since testing BioLite’s rechargeable Headlamp 330 for a review, I’ve incorporated it into my workout.
It is super-bright for illuminating the road in front of me, but I usually use the strobe function so that I don’t blind drivers. BioLite engineered it to fit comfortably on the head for lost-lasting wear, and the elastic won’t smell even if you sweat profusely.
Brooks Adrenaline GTS 19, $77.99, available at Amazon
Brooks makes the best running shoes you can buy. So I recently decided to try the Adrenaline GTS 19 running shoes, and I love them.
They are incredibly comfortable, offer great support, and absorb impact effectively to make running more comfortable on my shins and my feet.
Bombas Women’s Performance Ankle Sock, $19.99, available at Amazon
I don’t love running unconditionally. If one variable is off (like irritating socks), I can’t force myself to make it to the mailbox. That’s why investing in unreasonably expensive. However far superior socks makes sense to me.
Bombas spent two years developing the perfect sock complete with Y-stitching and blister tabs, and they’re the ones I trust to keep me comfortable for five miles or 13. ? Mara Leighton, reporter
