Things To Do

6 Ways To Level Up Your Run And Hit Your Stride In 2023

By Alexandra Ainsworth
29th May 2023

Two people running

Whether you’re a seasoned runner or someone who has been on the fence about trying it for years (ahem, me), we can all agree that sometimes we all need a little help to hit the pavement.

 From killer playlists that help to keep you motivated to tech gadgets to track your performance—and reliable shoes, of course—here are the things we love to add to our regular runs to help us get that runner's high faster and to help take your running game to the next level—from head to toe, thanks to PUMA.

Discover Music That'll Motivate You

Keeping motivated on a run can sometimes feel like playing mind games, which is why headphones are a must when it comes to staying focused on the finish line. It’s scientifically proven that listening to music while you’re exercising can make you go harder, better, faster, and stronger, and we're not ones to argue with science.

On top of letting you pretend you’re about to headline Madison Square Garden, listening to music is an easy way to set and maintain your pace, which can help make your running more efficient and more enjoyable. If you’re worried about blocking out all noise (because blasting Britney at full volume is sometimes necessary for the final km), try outbone-conductionn headphones, which will allow you to hear your surroundings as well as your playlist. Some of our favourite playlists are this dance-heavy list and this multi-genre mix tape.

Add Some Extra Cushioning

While the right shoe is made or break, what Cinderella didn't tell us is that socks can be too. The right pair of running socks should not only keep your feet cool, dry, and blister free (hallelujah), but they should also ensure your feet feel super comfortable. Chucking on a good pair of running socks is one of the easiest ways to keep your feet happy, which we all know is super important when it comes to being consistent. Our favourites are these crew-length ones from PUMA.

Find Your Ideal Shoe

Finding the right shoe for you can be tough. Luckily, we've done the hard yards and found a goodie for you. Introducing the ForeverRun NITRO by PUMA: your new favourite running essential. As the latest shoe from PUMA, not only do these bad boys look great, but they also boast all the latest running technology to help you hit those step goals in a flash. The ForeverRun NITRO features a PUMAGRIP sole to give you multi-surface traction underfoot so you can feel confident on your feet across all terrains. Not only is it ultra-durable, but the geometry of the sole also gives the ForeverRun NITRO a rocker effect—a smooth impact with the ground that your joints will thank you for. The rocker sole also makes it way easier for you to build forward momentum, so you can conserve your energy on longer runs. 

Most importantly, the ForeverRun NITROs are comfy. Not only did PUMA add optimal pressure distribution to keep things evenly spread across your feet, but it also added some serious cushioning to keep you on track with your running week after week.

Track Your Progress

Don't let a smartwatch be a barrier to hitting the pavement. But what we will say is having a device that tracks your stats and plays tunes can make running way more rewarding (especially when you need an extra cheerleader). Being able to track your progress over time is a great way to stay motivated in the weeks you’re just not feeling it. Plus, being able to access your stats means you can compete to be the best version of yourself on each run. Having a smartwatch also allows you to track how well you rest in the downtime between workouts, which will help you understand how your body functions overall. There are plenty of options in the market to span all budgets, so when you’re ready to level up your running, try and gamify your runs with a smartwatch. You can even join PUMA's Strava run club to help keep you motivated and connect with other runners.

Travel Lightly

While it’s always best to keep a minimal set-up, it can be hard to head out without having to carry a set of keys while you run. That’s why a decent pair of running shorts with some good pocket space can save you from putting your car keys somewhere sweaty or holding them in your hand. Pockets also become super important when you head out for longer runs, and you need to have snacks and gels nearby. Investing in a few pairs of go-to shorts means you don’t have to stress about what to wear and if it’s going to hold up the whole run. Keep an eye out for well-fitting shorts with nice deep pockets to keep you and your belongings secure. 

Remember To Slip, Slop, Slap

Regardless of whether your runs happen daily or once a month, staying sun safe should be a top priority. Placing a barrier between yourself and the sun is going to ensure that all your hard work on the track isn’t at the expense of your skin, which we all know can mean bad news if we don’t keep our skin protected. That’s why SPF is going to be your best friend when it comes to steering clear of sun damage. Just make sure you’re applying 20 minutes before you head out to give your skin a chance to absorb and hold onto the anti-UV properties so they don’t sweat away while you work out. Don’t forget that using physical barriers, like long sleeves shirts, hats, and sunnies, can also go a long way in keeping you protected from UV rays, especially if you’re going to be out for a few hours and won’t be able to reapply.

Ready to run? The ForeverRun NITRO by PUMA will be your new best bud.

Editor’s note: this article was produced in partnership with PUMA. Thank you for supporting the partners who make Urban List possible. To read our editorial policy, click here.

Images: supplied.

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