46
Nike Alphafly Next%
This is the fastest marathon shoe
known to man: Eliud Kipchoge wore
prototype Alphaflies to run the
world’s first sub-2hr marathon. In
fact, the combination of responsive
ZoomX foam cushioning, full-length
carbon-fibre plates and Zoom Air
pods performed so well that World
Athletics had to rethink the rules on
what elite runners could wear.
£260 / nike.comSaucony Endorphin Pro
The Endorphin Pro has a carbon plate
and PEBA-based foam in the midsole,
making it a formidable racing shoe, but
the real magic comes from its Speedroll
tech, which helps you to move stylishly
from heel to toe. The extra support
becomes noticeable over longer
distances, such as marathons, and
could prove the deciding factor between
you and that pantomime horse.
£190 / saucony.comNew Balance FuelCell TC
Carbon-plate and superfoam shoes
tend to be built for full-on racing,
but the FuelCell TC women’s training
shoe actually excels on any run
where speed is on the agenda. You
get the best energy return of any
New Balance shoe, a lightweight
synthetic upper, and plenty of
durable outsole rubber for you
to burn underfoot.
£180 / newbalance.co.ukHoka Rincon 2
Forget disappointing sequels, because
Hoka’s lightweight Rincon 2 is the
same kind of superbly versatile
all-rounder as its predecessor,
only now you get a slightly more
snug mesh upper. That means the
step-propelling ‘meta-rocker’ still
assists with natural motion and kicks
in when you want to up the pace, and
no scrimping on cushioning.
£105 / hokaoneone.euLive long and prosper
Think about the amount
of time you spend
running and pay close
attention to GPS
battery life. Shoot for
a watch you won’t need
to charge as regularly
as your phone.Go sensor-friendly
Heart-rate monitors
on watches are getting
better, but a chest strap
is still the gold standard
for accuracy. If you train
by heart, make sure you
can pair one up to your
chosen watch.Don’t over-spend
Cheaper doesn’t always
mean inferior. Even
Garmin’s budget options,
such as the £170
Forerunner 45 (see
p54), offer excellent
tracking with extras like
adaptive training plans.OUTDOOR FITNESS
OUTDOOR ACCESSORIES
POCKET
FUELMaurten
Drink Mix 320
This unique energy
drink changes
consistency in the
stomach for speedy
absorption. Eliud
Kipchoge used it to
smash the sub-2hr
marathon (see right).
maurten.comVala Citrus
Energy Gel
Stomach-friendly and
frankly delicious, these
all-natural energy gels
are made from just five
real-food ingredients
including maple
syrup, date paste
and chia seeds.
valaenergy.com33Fuel Amore
Energy Bar
With 43g of carbs
in every one, these
panforte-inspired
energy bars make
a brilliant substitute
breakfast and are
great for stashing
on long-haul runs.
33fuel.comEXPERT TIPS
Michael Sawh, chief
watch tester from
TheRunTesters.com,
gives us some pointers
on choosing the right
running tracker