Whether you’re a seasoned expert or a running newbie, we asked our editor Sadie Reid to reveal her top tips for taking your run up a notch. Over to Sadie…

Running is one of my favourite things to do, but I am the first to admit that it can become boring and in-effective if you get stuck in a rut. So if your usual route is getting a bit old, your gear is wearing thin or you just need a new idea to help you fall back in love with lacing up and heading out that door, then read on for my top five ways to pimp your run…

1. The Supplement: Pukka Vitalise Powder 

For anything herbal my go to brand is Pukka. So authentic, organic and beautifully packaged, as well as great-tasting and actually effective, I challenge anyone not to love their teas and supplements. Their Vitalise Powder gives me just the boost I need to get me out of bed and into my trainers three times a week. Blending 30 revitalising botanicals, which include performance-enhancing beetroot (its all in the nitrate) and energizing Gingseng (nature’s own stimulant), it has become an essential part of my running routine. Just add water! £29.00 for a box of 20 sachets.

2. The Gear: HPE Cross Seamless Long Sleeved Top

I find it impossible to enjoy a run when I am freezing cold! And there is no way to avoid this in sub-zero temperatures unless you invest in some key pieces of activewear. A sweat-wicking long sleeved top with thumbholes is key – worn directly on to your skin or over another sweat-wicking tank so that the sweat is drawn away from your skin and onto the surface of the fabric. Cotton DOES NOT do this so don’t go thinking you can get away with wearing your old hoodie from uni. You’ll end up running around in a heavy wet sweater that not only weighs you down but will cool you down even further. £70.

3. The App: Endomondo

If you need a personal trainer but can’t afford the time or money to invest in one then download the latest fitness craze app, Endomondo. Owned by sportswear giants Under Armour, this fitness app brings together more than 20 million like-minded cardio fans on one platform. It uses GPS to track your speed, distance and route and gives motivating audio feedback as you run helping you to achieve your workout goals.

4. The Gadget: Apple Watch

Not only does the above app sync seamlessly with your Apple Watch meaning that you don’t need to bring your phone with you, but the Apple Watch also has a host of other running-essential functions too. My fave, and most used, is the maps. When my usual route starts wearing a bit thin and I decid to change up the area in which I run, the map function on the watch comes in very handy – just set your destination and it clearly displays your directions right in front of you. No need to awkwardly extract your phone from your zipped back pocket anymore.

 The Podcast: The Tim Ferris Show

So a podcast is pretty personal. I LOVE The Tim Ferriss show (author of best seller Four Hour Work Week) as it covers an array of topics from building a business you love to interviewing Jamie Foxx (best episode ever – Foxx is such a cool guy) and health and fitness tips. Each of the guests who come on are seriously interesting and impressive and I learn something every time. But if this is not your bag, Elle Magazine have also launched a super cool Podcast called She Said that features short (around 30 minutes) episodes on topics that they might feature in the magazine (the one on Superwoman Syndrome is a great one to start with). And one more recommendation is #GirlBoss radio By Sophia Amoruso of Nasty Gal. Podcasts are the best way to make your run fly by as you become so engrossed in the conversation in your ears that you forget all about how tired your feet may be.

Words by Sadie Reid 

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