If you hadn’t already noticed, from the abundance of ‘best shoes’ and ‘training tips’ videos on social media, there’s a bit of a running trend going around. And like me, you’re probably getting the steady injection of digital influence, that will have you considering the metaphorical bandwagon yourself and getting your legs in gear.
But before you go ahead and fork out your last penny on the best deadlift shoes, carbon runners, shorts, and snazzy shades. It might be worth considering first, what training essentials you should be considering and where to get them from.
No matter how much we love the endorphins from a good long run, the preparation prior with fuelling is as important as the right choice of footwear you pop on to reach the finish line.
Here are some of the training essentials I’ve got at the ready before any run or workout planned:
Move Pre-workout
Recently sent through to us to test out the performance boost whilst training. They offer a “science-led product for high-achievers, with its effective, clean and premium formula”. They additionally note the formula being balanced whilst also delivering a great taste.
Our verdict: We can agree the formula does give a good kick when training. I for example forgot to take it this morning before gym and was quickly met with the empty battery feeling I don’t normally experience (harsh lesson learnt there). From a taste perspective, we will have to agree to disagree there. I wouldn’t say it’s bad, but wouldn’t say it’s great either. If you do not follow the water to scoop ratio, it will taste like science. But if you add the adequate water amount, it tastes more enjoyable.
High 5 energy gels
We’ve got a large batch of these to keep us going during long runs. The high 5 energy gels are recommended by our local running club Sparta and I’ve been using them for a good couple of years during training.
The verdict: They’re a little more water based which makes ingestion easier whilst on the move. The energy boost is noticeable and it kicks in pretty fast. The one annoying thing which is a minor in the grand scheme of things, but the wateryish formula means it will no doubt dribble down your fingers as you’re running with one open. The less minor challenge I have with, will be too many of these and your runners stomach will be too forgiving to you in the long run….. Take that advice how you want to.
Mautern energy gels
These are in my opinion (and many avid runners), the best energy gels you can get out there in terms of taste, energy and ease of consumption. When it comes to running on race day, you will find 2-3 o these strapped to me throughout.
The verdict: As I mentioned above already, they’re the best when it comes to race day and have not let me down yet. The solution is less watery which I great as you can consume it a little easier in chunks, without the worry of it dribbling down your fingers, like other gels tend to. Whilst brilliant to have in stock, it is a bit of an expensive investment compared to the other gels out there. So if you have the buying power then there is no other you want to consider.
Vitamin Well beverages
Got introduced to these at the start of 2025, prior to my next half marathon and have not looked back since. Vitamin well, the Swedish beverage brand came about in 2006 and as since, seen a very prominent rise in the beverages market of Scandinavia.
They come in several ranges: Reload, Boost, Sport, zero and Recover, which all have a variety of different perks to you on the go.
The verdict: I love them ad god forbid they stop being in circulation in Denmark, I may not survive. My favourites in the range are the sport and recover bottles. I often have a sport during training and running, then a bottle of recover post workout, to replenish the energy. They can be a little surgery, but there’s the zero range if you’re wanting to keep the sugar consumption in the day down.
You can find most of these goodies online or in your local sports specialist stores. Happy training!
