Recommended Running Gear: 2018
Athletes Insight is committed to reviewing useful products that help athletes be at their best. This most recent compilation of recommended running gear suggestions contains some of our very favorites!
Nuun Energy Tablets
WHAT IT IS: Our first product is from a brand that has worked to become a running gear favorite. Nuun Energy contains a combination of caffeine, b-vitamins and electrolytes to elevate your hydration for optimal performance. This plant-based, soy free, gluten free caffeine is designed to provide an energy lift and claims clean ingredients, which would make it safe for professional and recreational athletes alike.
WHY WE LIKE IT: It’s been great for providing that much needed boost when going for a run late in the day, and has been a useful pre-workout. The nuun energy tablets give that extra zap to put in a good session when you think you otherwise wouldn’t. The fact that it is an all natural and healthy product has provided a nice alternative to many cups of coffee in order to achieve a pre-run lift.
New Nuun Energy: Hydrating Electrolyte Tablets, Mixed Flavors, Box of 4 Tubes
Nuun Active Tablets
WHAT IS IT: Pretty similar to the above minus the stimulants, Nuun Active hydrates and replenishes via essential electrolytes. There are now 9 (all new) flavors, and between these and the Energy tablets, Nuun are looking to cover all bases here.
WHY WE LIKE IT: Nuun Active has been a great thirst quencher. Of course, there are plenty of other alternatives but the selection of flavors is a great advantage (gone are the days of popular sports drinks available in orange only!). If you run with a bottle (or for any activity), this is a very useful intra-workout supplement. Nuun has really taken the time to create a quality product that is filled with vitamins and essentials to help get the best from your body.
New Nuun Active: Hydrating Electrolyte Tablets, Juicebox Mix, Box of 4 Tubes
Athletes Insight Sunglasses
WHAT IT IS: Performance Sunglasses that genuinely stay in place. No matter what your sport, the adjustable nosepiece, featherweight frame and sleek design guarantees these sunglasses to be exceptionally functional for performance, making them essential running gear. Combined with class-leading optics of exceptional clarity, these set-and-forget sunglasses will stay in place whilst you run, sweat, cycle, and cartwheel your way through your daily adventures.
WHY WE LIKE IT: Honestly? Because we were sick of buying let-downs from other, *bigger* companies. So we developed the product we wanted ourselves. Turns out a lot of other people wanted it too, all over the world. One Kickstarter and a few conversations later, we found ourselves as an official sponsor for the Spartan World Championships. The Spartan Pro Team love them, professional athletes love them, we love them, and we know you will too. And if you don’t, we’ll give you your money back. It’s that simple.
Let your sunglasses be the be the only thing to settle. Shop the collection now.
RockTape
WHAT IT IS: RockTape is used to treat (and manage) sports and non-sports injuries. Some of it’s extremely versatile applications include the treatment of shin splints, plantar fasciitis, runner’s knee and back pain. RockTape microscopically lifts the skin away from the muscle and fascia below, creating a decompressive effect and reducing the load on affected areas.
WHY WE LIKE IT: Long distance running causes more than its fair share of injuries for the legs and lower back. Most recently for us, we have used RockTape for shin splints, postural correction and Achilles tendinitis, making it a great bit of running gear. It is the best kinesiology tape we have ever used (or had applied to us!), and the company is great with instruction for self application. Where is comes into it’s own is when you need to compete despite a slight niggle or injury- when applied correctly it can make the difference between getting the job done (without adverse consequences) versus not being able to perform at all.
Rocktape Kinesiology Tape for Athletes, H2O Black, 2″ x 16.4′
RockSauce:
WHAT IT IS: RockSauce is a topical pain relief cream, providing warmth and heating sensations that last for several hours. Made with strong ingredients like menthol and capsaicin, it provides effective relief to soothe / ease sore joints and muscles.
WHY WE LIKE IT: RockSauce seems to be RockTape’s alternative to Deep Heat, which we also like for a little extra muscle-loosening on those tight areas before a session. We found it provided good pain relief and yes it can be combined with their tape. The roll-on is a nice change to squeezing a toothpaste-like tube and a great addition to any running gear gym bag, particularly during the winter months when it can be a bit harder to warm up!
Rocktape Rock Sauce Roll-On, 3 oz
RockSauce Chill
WHAT IS IT: RockSauce Chill uses strong menthol among other active ingredients to relieve muscle and joint pain with a powerful cooling sensation. Containing Arnica, Green Tea and Aloe, RockSauce Chill helps to numb affected areas, soothe swelling and keep skin irritation-free.
WHY WE LIKE IT: Going hand in hand and another great one for the gym bag, if you have rolled your ankle or need to reduce the inflammation on an area, this has become a go-to.
Rocktape Rock Sauce Chill Roll-On, 3 oz
Epic Wipes
WHAT IT IS: Really need a bath but just not possible? Epic Wipes are like a normal wetwipe, only 16X LARGER. One wipe gets the job done! Epic Wipes are infused with antibacterial essential oils, water, and bamboo, are paragon and toxin free, and 100% biodegradable. Respect yourself and the Earth too.
WHY WE LIKE IT: Epic Wipes have been great and are highly recommended for anyone into obstacle racing in particular. They are great for getting a tonne of grime off when you are far from home. Would also be very suitable for music festivals and anywhere you may not have a shower (e.g. camping). They are extremely strong and durable- we were impressed with the quality of these wipes.
Add these to your next adventure at epicwipes.com
StrideBox
WHAT IT IS: StrideBox is a fun way to discover running gear, products and accessories. Each month you will receive a curated box of running nutrition, accessories, and essentials to fuel your training sessions, workouts, and races.
WHY WE LIKE IT: The StrideBox is inexpensive and it is exciting to receive unknown things in the mail. Who doesn’t like that?! It’s only $15 so don’t expect anything huge but it was great to try the little samples which would otherwise never have been picked up, and on the other hand if you hate a particular box, it’s not the end of the world. They also offer an option to give a box as a gift for an equally low one time fee of $20. StrideBox offers an exciting treat for athletes to receive and it definitely brightens the day.
Subscribe or send a StrideBox to a lucky recipient here.
Please send in your suggestions for running gear (or any sport for that matter!) that you want to see!
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