Running can be as simple as just putting on some sneakers and moving your legs, but a well-chosen gadget can make a world of difference to your exercise. Whether it’s an app to motivate you to get off the sofa, a pedometer to measure your progress, or just the right music to jog along to, these can help turn your workout from a boring routine into something to remember.

Bose’s Bluetooth Audio Sunglasses

What do you get if you cross sunglasses with an iPod? Well, you get Bose’s Audio Sunglasses. This gadget is perfect for running, simultaneously protecting you from the sun’s glare while pumping your ears with your favourite tunes. The glasses are sweat resistant, come with interchangeable lenses, and even have a built-in volume adjuster, plus a button for playback control. The time between charges of eight hours is also decent. This gadget will set you back £240 for a new pair, but it may be worth it if you love both running and gadgets.

Sony Linkbuds

Comparison websites are everywhere now, covering everything from top flight deals to finding the best lottery sites. You might be tempted to use a similar site for finding amazing running earbuds, but we can save you the hassle by pointing you towards the Sony Linkbuds. While the £149 cost might hurt a little, the advantages far outweigh the costs. First, you won’t even notice you’re wearing them as they use little wings to stay nestled in your outer ear. Next, you’ll find that they produce excellent quality sound that outranks most products in its price category. Finally, their battery life of 5.5 hours between charges means they should even see you through a marathon training, if necessary.

MapMyRun

The number of different GPS uses has steadily increased over the last decade or so, and GPS is responsible for the craze in tracking run pace and distances, powered by the likes of Strava. MapMyRun is a good alternative to the industry’s frontrunner. It saves all the data from your workout, including your heart rate when used with a chest-strap monitor which you can buy from a number of outlets. There’s also a digital MapMyRun community where you can post run times, chat about upcoming events, and earn trophies. If you have Under Armour footwear, you’ll also be able to sync the app to that, too. The only downside is that there are fewer people on there than Strava, so it may not be as easy to find friends. When it comes to value for money, though, MapMyRun sprints ahead. Read Also: Garmin Forerunner 55 launched, now available in India at Rs 20,990

Garmin Forerunner 955 Running Watch

If you like to glance at the time while you run instead of fiddling with a phone app, then sports watches are your best friend. This is another good running gadget. Today’s models come in a vast array of sizes and prices and often come packed with features that incorporate GPS technology, heart rate tracking, and even training plans. The Garmin Forerunner 955 is a prime example of the high-end area of the market, with prices typically coming in between £400 and £500. Not only does the watch include every feature you could possibly want, it also stores advanced offline maps to stop you from getting lost in areas with low network coverage. The less you pay for sports watches, of course, the fewer features you have; but that may suit you just fine if you’re one of the traditionalists who just want a watch to tell the time!

Shokz OpenRun Pro

We’ve mentioned earphones, but if you want the music to really echo through your head, then Shokz OpenRun Pro will make you feel like a portable nightclub. Known as bone conduction headphones, they send sound waves vibrating through your skull instead of your ear drum, giving you a truly immersive experience. The Shokz are surprisingly lightweight for such an action-packed gadget, coming with a comfortable design and a long battery life of up to 10 hours to boot. Also, if you’re into professional athletics, then you may be impressed by the fact that these are the only headphones that are approved by England Athletics.

Armband phone pockets

Last but not least is an accessory that we may overlook when we’re preparing our running kit. Armband phone pockets might not be glamorous, but they’re extremely useful in the way they let you work your phone as you run. Costing under a tenner, these plastic pouches come with a Velcro strap that you wrap around your upper arm, giving you access to your mobile. You could even fit other gadgets in there, like an old-fashioned iPod, but this may not work as well. When it comes to simple convenience, phone pockets are a winner. In fact, many runners who use them can’t imagine how they lived without them before. For the latest gadget and tech news, and gadget reviews, follow us on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram. For newest tech & gadget videos subscribe to our YouTube Channel. You can also stay up to date using the Gadget Bridge Android App. You can find the latest car and bike news here.