Running is often lauded as one of the most accessible sports to get into, because all you need are trainers. While true, anyone who likes to run regularly has probably found themselves acquiring accessories that either help performance, make the time they spend running more enjoyable or add a degree of convenience.
There are plenty of training aids I've come to rely on over the years that get my seal of approval—and most are available with sizable savings in the Black Friday deals.
Here's my selection of discounted running gear on offer this Black Friday.
Mini resistance bands
The internet—and especially Amazon—is awash with mini resistance bands that all do virtually the same thing, despite the differing logos emblazoned on them and marketing spiel written around them.
That is: they provide resistance that you can work against to fire up your muscles. I swear by crab walks (side to side) and monster walks (diagonally forward and back) before every run to wake up my glutes.
Thankfully, given their ubiquity, they are destined to be heavily discounted in the Black Friday savings. Pocket a pair now and keep them handy next time you hit the road.
Apple Watch
I use the Series 9, which is a couple of generations old now, but it’s served me well for the past couple of years and—by all accounts—more recent models are improvements.
My Apple Watch has tracked every run, swim and workout while I’ve trained for and completed a half marathon, my fastest 5K ever, the Ötillö swimrun and couple of HYROX races, providing ample data to help shape my training.
Compatible with an abundance of running apps (my favorites are Strava and Runna) the bright, easy-to-read screen keeps me on track from the start line to the finish.
Headphones
I honestly don't think I'd make it to the end of a long Sunday run without music or a podcast to take my mind off what can occasionally feel like monotony.
But, fortunately, I don't have to thanks to this wireless pair of noise-cancelling earbuds from Bose.
The battery life on each bud is six hours—far longer than I could ever bear to run—and they sound fantastic.
Massage gun
I fell for the original Mini OG many moons ago. Small yet mighty, I find it's the optimal size for travel and packs plenty of punch to alleviate sore muscles after a heavy running block.
The Mini Plus has been upgraded with soothing heat therapy to complement its percussive therapy—perfect to prime the muscles pre-run and tend to them post-session.
Running vest
This running vest might divide opinion, with some preferring arm straps or waist bands to keep valuables safe, but since donning the Freetrain V1 five years ago I've never looked back.
It keeps my phone locked in place on my chest without compressing my lungs, I can quickly check and access the screen if I’ve taken a wrong turn, and there’s just enough space for my keys or an electrolyte sachet.
Foam roller
A staple for any runner worth their electrolytes.
I’ve formed a bit of a love-hate relationship with this foam roller, but the discomfort experienced massaging out tight spots in my calves and thighs is worth it for keeping me injury-free when it matters.
If this is my go-to roller for home, the massage ball is a handy travel-sized option when on the go—or to simply roll out the soles of your feet when sitting at your desk.
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