13 Essential Gadgets for Beginner Runners
By Naila Syifa
Updated May 2024
If you're just starting out as a runner, there are several essential gadgets that can help improve your performance and make your runs more enjoyable. These gadgets can track your progress, keep you motivated, and ensure your safety during your runs.
Having the right gear can make a significant difference in your experience and performance. So, let's explore 13 essential gadgets that can help you take your running journey to the next level.
#1 GPS Running Watch
Garmin Forerunner 165
A GPS running watch is a must-have for any beginner runner. It can track your distance, pace, and other important metrics to help you monitor your progress and achieve your running goals. Most models also offer smart notifications to keep you connected during your runs, as well as music playback controls to keep you energized.
For first-time runners, we highly recommend the Garmin Forerunner 165. This GPS smartwatch measures your pace, distance, cadence, stride length, heart rate, blood oxygen, and many more. It also helps you prepare for upcoming races with features like PacePro Pacing Strategies, Race Predictor, Race Adaptive Training, and Garmin Coach.
The Forerunner 165 stands out from other GPS smartwatches with its safety & tracking features, which can detect incidents and send alerts to your emergency contacts. The price is also quite affordable at US$249.99, making it an excellent choice for beginners.
Garmin Forerunner 165
✓ 25+ Built-in Sports Apps
✓ Wrist-Based Running Dynamics
✓ Smart Notifications & Music Controls
✓ Safety & Tracking Features
#2 Heart Rate Monitor Chest Strap
Polar H10 Heart Rate Monitor
A heart rate monitor chest strap is another essential gadget for beginner runners. This device tracks your heart rate, providing insights into your training intensity and fitness level. By monitoring your heart rate, you can ensure you're working within your target zone to maximize the effectiveness of your workouts. The data can also help you track progress and adjust your training plan.
Polar H10 Heart Rate Monitor is one of the best options for runners. The heart rate readings are highly reliable and accurate, and the strap is soft and comfortable to wear during activities. The device even supports Bluetooth and ANT+ connectivity, allowing you to pair it with your GPS watch, smartphone, or gym equipment. Fitness apps like Strava and Nike are also supported.
Polar H10 Heart Rate Monitor
✓ Accurate HR Measurement
✓ Soft Textile Strap
✓ Bluetooth and ANT+
✓ Waterproof up to 30m
#3 Running Pod
Coros Pod 2
A running pod is a small sensor that attaches to your shoe and tracks your running metrics, such as cadence, ground contact time, stride length, and more. A running watch may also track these metrics, but a dedicated running pod placed on your shoe, directly tracking movement from your foot, can provide more accurate and reliable data.
Coros Pod 2 is one of the options you should consider. Other than measuring running metrics like distance, pace, cadence, stride length, ground contact time, and elevation gain, the Coros Pod 2 even monitors outside temperature, so you can better prepare for your runs in different weather conditions. The device is lightweight and easy to attach to your running shoes with the included shoe clips.
Coros Pod 2
✓ Advanced Running Metrics
✓ Monitor Outside Temperature
✓ Buttonless Automatic Operation
✓ 3 ATM Water Resistance
#4 Smart Insoles
NURVV Run Smart Insoles
Another wearable gadget useful for tracking and improving your running performance is smart insoles. Smart insoles contain sensors that track metrics like footstrike, cadence, balance, step-length, pace, and more, so you can analyze and optimize your running form.
NURVV Run Smart Insoles does this perfectly, integrating 16 high-precision sensors into each insole to provide comprehensive running data. You can also manage and improve your injury risk with the Running Health feature, view your Running Health Score, or receive Daily Run recommendations to help you maintain your optimal fitness.
NURVV Run Smart Insoles
✓ Unique Running Metrics
✓ Manage Injury Risk
✓ IP67 Rating
✓ Compatible with iOS, Android, Garmin, Apple, Strava
#5 Smartphone Armband
HAISSKY Running Armband
Leaving smartphone behind can be inconvenient, especially if you rely on it for music, tracking, or safety features during your runs. Therefore, a smartphone armband is an essential gadget to to securely carry your phone during runs and keep it easily accessible.
A smartphone armband from HAISSKY features a clear touch-sensitive window that allows you to control your phone's screen without removing it from the armband. The integrated zipper pocket and a hidden card holder also provide storage for your cards, cash, key or other small items that you may need to carry during your runs.
HAISSKY Running Armband
✓ Touch Sensitive TPU Screen
✓ Zipper Pocket & Card Slot
✓ Lightweight & Sweatproof
✓ Fits Phone Screen up to 6.5"
#6 LED Armband
OMKHE Running LED Armband
Safety is a top priority for any runner, especially when running in low-light conditions. This is where an LED armband can be an invaluable gadget, helping you stay visible to drivers and other pedestrians.
An LED armband from OMKHE is a good one to consider. You can set it to different light modes, including quick flash, slow flash, and continous lighting. Even when the device is powered off, the reflective stripe on the armband will reflect light to ensure your visibility. The armband is lightweight, adjustable, and is available in 4 color options: orange, pink, blue, and green.
OMKHE Running LED Armband
✓ Highly Visible LED Light
✓ Reflective Strap
✓ Waterproof
✓ Rechargeable Battery
#7 Running Belt
FlipBelt Classic Running Belt
A running belt is a versatile accessory that allows you to carry essential items like your phone, keys, cards, or cash without weighing down your pockets or needing to carry a backpack. A well-designed running belt will sit comfortably around your waist, minimizing bouncing and chafing during your runs.
The Classic Running Belt from FlipBelt is a popular option that features a slim, stretchy design that fits comfortably around your waist without annoying buckles. It has a unique 360° storage with 4 discrete pocket openings, so you can fit in securely as many items as you need without them bouncing. The belt is also available in a variety of colors to match your running gear.
FlipBelt Classic Running Belt
✓ Sleek & Stretchy
✓ 360° Storage with 4 Slide-in Pockets
✓ No Buckles
✓ Doesn't Bounce
#8 Running Vest
Salomon Adv Skin 5
A running vest is another essential gear for beginner runners, especially for longer runs or trail running. A good running vest provides storage for hydration, nutrition, and other essentials, while also offering features like reflective details for visibility and breathable mesh panels to keep you cool.
Salomon has a wide range of high-quality running vests to choose from, but Salomon Adv Skin 5 is particularly great for beginner runners, owing to its lightweight and minimalistic design. The adjustable straps and stretch fabric conform to your body's movements, offering a snug and comfortable fit. With multiple pockets and compartments, it provides ample storage for hydration, nutrition, and essentials. The vest also features 2 soft flasks 500ml for on-the-go hydration and is compatible with 1.5L reservoir.
Salomon Adv Skin 5
✓ SensiFit Construction
✓ Versatile Storage
✓ 2 Soft Flasks Included
✓ Compatible with 1.5L Reservoir
#9 Hydration Bladder
Osprey Hydraulics LT
Ensuring proper hydration during runs is crucial, especially for longer distances or in warm weather. A hydration bladder, also known as a water reservoir, is a great alternative to standard water bottles. It allows you to easily access water hands-free and stay hydrated throughout your run without interruption. Carrying it is also hassle-free with a compatible running vest or backpack.
Out of the many options available, the Osprey Hydraulics LT is a reliable choice. It features a wide-mouth opening for easy cleaning and refilling, and the Slide-Seal top provides a secure, leak-proof closure. The bite valve delivers a smooth, consistent flow of water with a ¼ twist on/off switch to prevent unintentional water release. The materials are BPA-free, and you can choose between 1.5L and 2.5L capacity to suit your hydration needs.
Osprey Hydraulics LT
✓ Slide-Seal
✓ Compact Bite Valve
✓ 1.5L or 2.5L Capacity
✓ Certified Food Safe
#10 Neck Cooler
Neck Cooling Tube
During hot and humid runs, a neck cooler can provide a refreshing and cooling sensation to help you stay comfortable. This can in turn help you maintain your pace and endurance throughout your run despite the challenging weather conditions.
This wearable Neck Cooling Tube is a good one to try. Its unique ring-like design allows you to comfortably wrap it around your neck for instant cooling relief. Just place it in the refrigerator or freezer for 20-30 minutes, and you'll enjoy 1.5-3 hours of cool, refreshing comfort. The outer layer is made from durable and comfortable TPU, so you don't have to worry about any skin irritation or frostbite. It's a simple and effective way to beat the heat and stay cool.
Neck Cooling Tube
✓ Instant Cooling
✓ Reusable
✓ Lightweight and Portable
✓ Ergonomic Design
#11 Wireless Headphones
Philips Wireless Sports Headphones
If you enjoy listening to music, podcasts, or audiobooks during your runs, a good pair of wireless headphones is an essential accessory. Wireless headphones can help you stay motivated and focused during your runs, without the hassle of tangled cords.
Philips Wireless Sports Headphones is one of the best options in the market. It has an IP55 rating for dust, water, and sweat resistance, ensuring they can withstand the rigors of your runs without any issues. The soft ear cup cushions are not only breathable and comfortable to wear, but are also detachable and washable. They are even filled with a special cooling gel for enhanced comfort during intense running sessions.
Philips Wireless Sports Headphones
✓ 40 mm Drivers
✓ Built-in Microphone
✓ IP55 Dust and Water Resistance
✓ Comfortable, Washable Ear Cup
#12 Wireless Earbuds
Jabra Elite 8 Active
If wireless headphones are too bulky for your liking, wireless earbuds can be a compact and discreet alternative for running. A great one for runner should be sweatproof, lightweight, and offer a secure and comfortable fit to stay in place during your runs. Noise cancellation features may be desirable to help you stay focused, but remember to not completely block out ambient sounds for safety reasons.
Jabra Elite 8 Active is a great option that checks all the boxes. A high IP68 rating ensures they are fully waterproof and dustproof, making them ideal for sweaty running sessions. Jabra ShakeGrip technology provides a secure and comfortable fit, preventing the earbuds from falling out during your runs. The earbuds also feature Adaptive Hybrid ANC, which adjusts the noise cancellation to your environment, while HearThorugh allows you to stay aware of your surroundings.
Jabra Elite 8 Active
✓ Dolby Spatial Sound
✓ Adaptive Hybrid ANC & HearThrough
✓ IP68 Dustproof and Waterproof
✓ Jabra ShakeGrip
#13 Power Bank
Anker Nano Power Bank
If you're going on longer runs or using GPS tracking and music playback on your smartphone, a portable power bank can be an invaluable accessory to keep your device charged and ready to go.
For runners, Anker Nano Power Bank is a compact and lightweight option that can easily fit in your running gear or pack while providing reliable backup power. The 5,000mAh capacity may seem quite small, but it can still give your smartphone a significant battery boost when you need it most during your runs. The port also supports fast charging, but take note that one version supports Lightning connection while the other supports USB-C charging.
Anker Nano Power Bank
✓ 5,000 mAh Capacity
✓ Supports Fast Charging
✓ Compact & Lightweight
✓ Foldable Port
Final Thoughts
As you embark on your running journey, investing in the right gadgets can make a significant difference in your comfort, performance, and overall enjoyment of the sport. The right gear can also help you stay motivated and consistent with your running routine. Consider the accessories mentioned in this guide to be better equipped to take your running to the next level.
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