Runners Need

A summer of running has begun! You could be planning to run to see the sunrise, or working up a sweat in the heat.

Wherever your happy place, we've got the kit to get you there.

Our top tips for running in the sun:

🏃‍♂️ Invest in Lightweight, Cooling Kit: Wear technical running clothing such as short-sleeved tops, running shorts, a cap, and sunglasses to stay cool, dry, and protected from the sun during midday heat.

🌅 Embrace Early Mornings and Late Evenings: Run during the cooler parts of the day, like early morning or late evening, to avoid intense sun and enjoy a more comfortable workout.

🧴 Protect Yourself with Sun Cream: Apply sweat-resistant, high SPF sun cream to protect your skin from UV rays. Choose a lightweight formula that won’t affect your running performance.

💧 Hydration, Hydration, Hydration!: Stay hydrated by carrying water or using a hydration pack, and consider electrolyte-enhanced drinks to replenish nutrients lost through sweating.

🐢 Adjust Your Pace and Expectations: Slow down and set realistic goals during hot weather. Listen to your body to avoid heat-related illnesses, prioritising a safe and enjoyable run.

🌳 Seek Shady Routes: Choose routes with ample shade, such as tree-lined paths or park trails, to reduce overheating and sunburn risk while enjoying a calming and refreshing environment.

🩺 Listen to Your Body: Be attentive to signs of heat exhaustion, and if needed, find shade, hydrate, and rest. Prioritise your health and remember that you can always run another day.

Summer's underway and you might be lucky enough to be going off on holiday. Do you take your training on the road and pack your trainers, or do you pause your runs and take it easy?

The Saucony Triumph 22 is a versatile and comfortable performance shoe, perfect for running and everyday wear. Its modern silhouette and great fit add pep to your steps and offer lightweight and plush design for unmatched comfort with every step.

Read more: https://pulse.ly/ppddoy451j

London is a big place, with loads of running potential. So how do you use one of the world's greatest urban environments to maximise our running?

From 50-minute fartleks to lazy long runs, we've got you covered: https://www.runnersneed.com/expert-advice/training/a-runners-guide-to-london.html

Together, we can make a difference!

Most of us know at least one person affected by cancer. Which is why we’re so proud to sponsor Cancer Research UK Race for Life events to raise vital funds for life-saving research while getting active outdoors.

Plus, we’re working with Pennies to offer you the chance to make a micro-donation in-store today.

Learn more: https://pulse.ly/g1haseseun

Whether you run for yourself, or enjoy the odd medal, let us know which you prefer.

Gait Analysis is a service we provide at all Runners Need stores to help determine the best shoe for you. An expert Gait Analysis appointment is free with the purchase of running footwear in-store or online within 30 days - otherwise, this service costs £15.

To help start the gait analysis process with you, we will first talk to you about your current running style, any future running goals, events, or aspirations you have planned, and any previous injuries that may affect how you run: https://pulse.ly/e7ipbvy8du

Introducing the On Cloudrunner 2 - perfect for daily workouts and weekend runs. Featuring Cloudtec technology for optimum comfort and performance, and a Helion Speedboard midsole for support and energy return. Made with lightweight, sustainable materials for quick moisture-wicking.

Available in-store and online: https://pulse.ly/1hjajzwlf6

Each run is different, but everyone has their favourites. It could be a pacy 5K or a 100+ mile ultramarathon.

Let us know your faves!

Running with friends or family can keep you motivated, and help with the overall enjoyment of running.

Tag someone in the comments you want to run with.

Choosing the right running pack can make or break your run! Check out our latest guide for expert tips on finding the ideal pack for any trail from Run the Wild.

Read more: https://www.runnersneed.com/expert-advice/gear-guides/pack-buying-guide.html

Trail shoes are not road trainers with bigger lugs. Yes, they typically do have bigger lugs, but this is only part of it.

Our friends Run the Wild explain why road running shoes just won't cut it on the trails:https://pulse.ly/vo4rer6vlv

Hitting the road before breakfast or unwinding from a long day by pounding the pavement - when do you plan your runs for?

The Salomon Genesis redefines the experience of mountain running, seamlessly blending comfort, confidence, and dynamic performance for the modern adventurer.

Built for the rugged and unpredictable terrains of the mountains, the Genesis shoes boast hard-wearing durability and meticulous precision.

Trail running kit takes a heck of a pounding. From cleaning muddy lugs to top tips for trying your soaked-through shoes, our friends Run the Wild gave us their trail running kit care guide.

Read more: https://pulse.ly/9wh95m3ekb

Are you feeling overwhelmed by the range of running shoes available? Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered! Follow these simple steps to find your ideal pair of running shoes that will support you every step of the way.

👟 Determine Your Running Surface: Choose road, trail, or hybrid shoes based on your primary running terrain.

🏃‍♂️ Get Your Gait Analysed: Visit a store for expert analysis to find shoes that match your foot mechanics.

🦶 Consider Insoles: Add some personalised comfort and support by adding insoles if needed.

🧦 Choose the Right Socks: Select technical running socks for enhanced comfort and performance.

📏 Determine Your Running Distance: Match shoe cushioning to your running goals, whether long or short distances.

🏃‍♀️ Test Them Out: Take your potential shoes for a test run to ensure comfort and responsiveness.

👍 Focus on Functionality: Prioritise shoe functionality over brand and fashion trends.

👟 Understand Different Shoe Types: Explore cushioned, stability, lightweight, and trail shoes to find the best fit for your needs.

With these steps, you'll find the perfect pair of running shoes to support you on your journey!

Read our blog for more:

How to Choose the Right Shoes for You Learn how to choose from the different types of running shoes, whether you're road running or trail running. Use our free in-store gait analysis to pick a shoe that accommodates for the way you run.

Who's happy the sunny weather is here?! ☀️ Remember to keep cool out there!

Ready to hit the ground running? 🏃‍♂️👟 Choosing the right pair of running shoes is key to unlocking your full potential! Check out our comprehensive guide to ensure you're stepping into the perfect fit for your goals and stride. From cushioning to stability, find your ideal match and let's chase those miles together! 💪

Read more: https://pulse.ly/pun0pqmni5

We all find our way onto our running journey in a different way. What's your running origin story?

With Cancer Research UK Race for Life events starting this weekend, we share the incredible stories from some of our Runners Need team who ave taken part: https://pulse.ly/hwaxp0eypl

There’s nothing quite like the freedom of running a beautiful balcony path in the Alps. The sun on your back, being in solitary bliss, and powered solely by your legs. It looks fantastic on Facebook, right?

However, the reality of trail running can be a bit different, especially if you’re new to it. Here, guest blogger and Trail Running Guide at Run the Wild, Karin Voller, shares her advice on how to get started on your trail running journey, from choosing the right kit to finding a route.

Read more: https://pulse.ly/a4kbibf8w6

Today is the start of National Walking Month. So next time you're pounding the pavement, incorporate some run-walk-run into your training.

Outdoors in nature or indoors under controlled conditions, come rain or shine. Let us know which one you prefer.

For professional runners, a nutrition strategy for training, racing, and recovery can make all the difference between making the podium and not finishing the race. For the rest of the field, nutrition greatly impacts how you feel during training and racing and is often neglected.

Running does strange things to our bodies, because the blood flow diverts towards the muscles and away from the digestive system; leaving it somewhat dysfunctional.

We spoke to Karin from Run the Wild to talk about nutrition for ultra running: https://www.runnersneed.com/expert-advice/nutrition-and-hydration/mastering-ultra-running-nutrition.html

What's your advice to other runners that want to increase their endurance?

From everyone at Runners Need, to every one of you that ran the London Marathon this past weekend, we want to say a HUGE well done! Whether it was your first race day or if you're a seasoned veteran, you should be incredibly proud.

We'd love to see your photos from race day. Share yours below!

📷 (via Instagram) naomi_mummy_runner, arafmohammed, kris_with_a_kay_, themarathonmummy.

"The urgency to change the way we work has become engrained in how we make our day-to-day decisions and that’s how real change happens."

This Earth Day, find out more about our mission in our sustainability report, discover the services we offer to help keep your kit out of landfill and performing for longer, and discover the Our Planet range: https://pulse.ly/kc1wj04bip

One more sleep. All the highs and low of training, every step, every mile, all comes down to this.

From everyone at Runners Need, to all of you running the London Marathon - best of luck and enjoy what will be an incredible day.

Shop the New Balance London Marathon jacket here: https://pulse.ly/jvbnc4xbrg