Running your best 5k - part 2 - March 2024

Give your feet some love

This is part 2 of what I think helps everything feel good, leading to better and faster enjoyable running.

In October 2023 I entered the national class (80%) for my age category (50-56 years old) at Burgess parkrun event #486. I ran a personal best of 18mins 32secs, it still shocks me and gives me a tingling feeling.  

A lot of people have asked me how I achieved this. I’m not a coach so I can't talk about running form and such. However I can talk about the additional things that have improved my enjoyment of training which I believe have led to improved performances. Please click on the links if you'd like to make a purchase.

6. Running socks

This is such an obvious and not often-spoken-about point. If you run you’re going to be on your feet so looking after your feet merits more attention than it gets in my opinion. 

When I started running I was using regular socks. It wasn’t until my friend, Jessica Maycock (who ran the Thames path in a week) recommended these running socks, Stance. These socks are amazing. 

I didn’t know you could get socks with arch support! They have a reinforced heel and toe, cushioning and greater breathability due to the mix of fibres used. 

I rotate my running shoes but not my running socks. I wear them on short runs and long runs. Since wearing stance socks I’ve never had a running blister. 

I prefer a quarter-length sock however they also do other lengths too; Stance socks.

At under £18, this is one of the cheapest ways to instantly improve your running enjoyment. 

7. Cocoa Butter

Staying with feet, I’ve read with horror, about some people losing toenails from running. I’m not here for losing toenails, I still want to be able to wear sandals without socks on when it’s warm 🙂

This body lotion/moisturiser is simply fabulous. It’s thick and takes some time to rub in however it will have your feet feeling fresh and prevent dryness. For the record, I’ve never lost a toenail 🙂

I prefer the pump action product for ease of use, your feet are absolutely worth it. 

I recommend Palmers coco butter and use it every day. 

8. Plantain chips

I know the value of taking on fuel for a long run but I’ve tried gels and they just taste like terrible medicine. I’m here for running to be fun and enjoyable. And there’s nothing more fun than savouring the taste of these. 

Step forward the plantain. A member of the banana family known for providing a sustained release of energy (notice how tennis players use bananas). Plantains, are primarily composed of carbohydrates and are also packed with other essential vitamins and minerals.  

The difference in the taste of plantains from bananas always pleasantly surprises me, they’re more savoury. One 60-gram bag contains 14 grams of fat, 42 grams of carbohydrate, 18 grams of sugars. Super tasty which I munch on whilst lacing up my running shoes. When I’ve had a bag I’ve never run out of fuel on a run.  

There are lots of brands out there, these are my favourites;

Plantain heaven

9. Purdeys

I’ve spoken about fuel and now it’s time to mention hydration. I LOVE a sparkling drink. Purdey’s is caffeine-free, mineral-rich sparkling joy. My favourite is the ‘rejuvenate’ which is grape and apple juices and ginseng. Buying these in bulk means I always have them to hand. 250ml isn’t too much to drink before heading out and the sparkling sensation ensures my senses are awake and ready to take in everything on the run. 

10. Running gloves

Lastly, running gloves. I mention this as anyone who knows me knows I struggle with being cold, particularly my hands. Due to a fire accident when I was very young I have a skin graft on the back of both hands. If it’s cold the cold seems to penetrate my hands. My wife bought me these gloves and they’ve been excellent. No frills, they just keep my hands warm in the coldest temperatures we get in London. 

I recommend these - Ronhill running gloves

These five things contribute to ensuring I can go out in whatever weather being fueled, hydrated and warm. 

Combined with the previous five suggestions they’ve kept me consistent and always running with a smile. Enjoy running your best 5k.

Happy running