1. GPS running watches
Just using a phone is not enough to accurately track your runs. GPS watches allow you to analyze workouts in real timeand provide access to key data such as:- pace and speed,
- distance and elevation gain,
- heart rate and heart rate zones,
- VO2max,
- cadence,
- stride length.
Some of the best models are:2. Recovery trackers
Ignoring recovery is one of the most common mistakes runners make. Even the most advanced watches can track sleep, heart rate, and activity, but when it comes to deep recovery and the body's state outside training, they often fall short.Watches are primarily designed for pace, heart rate, routes, and intervals. But this is not enough if you want to understand whether you have recovered from yesterday's effort, learn to adjust the volume of training depending on how your body feels, avoid overtraining and injuries, and recover not blindly, but according to clear metrics.
- resting heart rate
- heart rate variability (HRV)
- sleep quality and sleep phases
- stress level
- readiness for exercise/recovery level.
3. Bone conduction headphones
If you often run on the streets, next to cars, or in the dark, it is important to hear what is happening around you.Regular headphones block out outside noise, which can be dangerous in the city. Bone conduction headphones transmit sound through your cheekbones, keeping your ears open. You can enjoy music while still hearing what's around you, like car horns, voices, and barking dogs.Related: How to Protect Yourself From Dogs While RunningPick a model with moisture protection, like IPX5 or higher. This way, you can use it in the rain or during sweaty workouts without worrying.
4. Running power meters
Running power is one of the most accurate indicators of load and effort. It shows how much energy you’re using right now. It considers climbs, wind, surface, and fatigue, this is different from pace or heart rate.
- maintain a stable effort throughout the entire distance (especially in marathons and trails)
- optimize the pace on hills
- avoid burnout at the start by properly distributing efforts
- work on running technique and efficiency.
5. Massage guns
After running or intense workouts, muscles often become stiff and tense. If they are not relaxed, this can lead to soreness, decreased mobility, and even injury. In these situations, a massage gun is a great help. This small device speeds up recovery, relieves tension, and improves your well-being.It is especially useful after long runs, interval training, or heavy loads when the muscles need extra attention.Related: 10 Budget-Friendly Gifts For Runners You Can’t Go Wrong WithWhen choosing, consider the impact force, it affects how deeply the gun can work into the muscle tissue. The device's weight and shape matter too. If you plan to use it on yourself, pick a light and ergonomic model. This way, your hand won't tire out. And if you plan to use it at home, pay attention to the noise level—some models work almost silently.One of the most popular options is Theragun Mini. It is lightweight, fits comfortably in the hand and easily fits into a bag, so you can take it anywhere.
6. LED running lights
If you run early in the morning or in the evening when it’s dark, it’s important not only to see where you're stepping but also to be clearly visible to drivers and cyclists.A bright LED light helps you do both: it lights up the road ahead and makes you visible from up to 200 meters away. It doesn’t interfere with your movement, it is lightweight, easy to charge, and quickly becomes your must-have running companion for dark hours.
7. Compression pants for recovery
After long runs, marathons, and trails, your legs need more than just rest, they need deep recovery. Pneumatic compression pants, like the Normatec 3 from Hyperice, help reduce fatigue. They improve blood and lymph flow, reduce swelling, and cut recovery time after intense workouts.The device works simply: it compresses and relaxes parts of the legs. This creates a massage effect and pushes out extra fluid so that the muscles recover faster.Inflammation goes down, and the “heavy legs” feeling fades sooner.
8. Сhest heart rate monitors
Heart rate zone training is the foundation of mindful and effective running. If you track your heart rate, you don’t overload your body, and you make steady progress at the right intensity—and often faster.Chest heart rate monitors are more accurate than the optical sensors in watches. They record your heart rate better even during sudden movements or in cold weather when watches can be wrong.
9. Breathing trainers
Breathing trainers improve endurance, cut down on breathlessness, and make challenging runs feel easier.If you’re new to this, start with medium resistance—it’s effective but not too intense. Choose a simple model if you prefer no tech, or a smart device if you like tracking your progress. The key is consistency, not complexity.
10. Smart scales
For runners, progress isn’t always about speed or distance. Sometimes it’s about what’s going on inside your body. Smart scales do more than measure weight. They also track body fat percentage, muscle mass, water levels, and more.This info is helpful for training, losing weight, or recovering after long runs. Some smart scales sync with apps like Garmin, Fitbit, or Apple Health, keeping all your fitness data in one place.As with gear, consistency matters. Step on the scale at the same time of day, and don’t stress about day-to-day changes—focus on long-term trends.
