Runners Need

Today is #WorldMentalHealthDay and this year's theme is 'time to prioritise mental health in the workplace'. We truly believe everyone is happier outside (although we concede it may not feel like it when your legs are on fire and the rain in pouring) and want to encourage everyone to take the time for them - not just today, but every day.

We know that running it's always about enjoyment...sometimes it's just about the need to be out running. Who is getting the miles in this weekend? Whereabouts on the map are you planning to head to?

For the second year running, Runners Need was a proud sponsor of Cancer Research UK (CRUK)'s Race for Life. More than 250,000 people took part in Race for Life events across the UK, raising an incredible £250,000 for life-saving research. In addition, customers across our stores (including Cotswold Outdoor and Snow + Rock) raised £38,067.96 for the charity via Pennies donations at the till.   A huge thank you to everyone who supported the cause and took part.

Running starts with a need. We're all on a journey to fulfil that need.

Using technical fabrics to keep dry and comfortable can make all the difference to your run - whether you’re tackling your first 5k or taking part in your 10th marathon. That's why wearing clothing that is both sweat-wicking and breathable is so important.  Instead of trapping the moisture next to your skin, these fabrics move it through to the exterior of the material to evaporate, minimising chafing and maximising your comfort. Read more about the best fabrics here: https://lnkd.in/e52HbSkm

It's Love Parks Week, a fantastic opportunity to reconnect with nature and appreciate the beauty of our green spaces. Parks are the heart of our communities, offering a sanctuary for relaxation, adventure, and fun. We're passionate about the great outdoors and committed to protecting and enjoying our natural environment. Whether you're planning a serene picnic, a vigorous hike or a family day out, our parks provide the perfect backdrop for making memories. Here's how you can celebrate:  🌿 Visit your local park and explore its hidden gems  🥾 Take a hike and discover new trails  🌷 Participate in park clean-up events to help preserve their beauty. 

🌿 Happy self-care day🌿 At Runners Need, we believe one of the best ways to practice self-care is embracing the great outdoors. Whether it’s a hike through rolling hills, a gentle stroll through your local park or a weekend camping adventure, nature has a unique way of refreshing the mind, body and soul. Our ethos is simple: Everyone is happier outside. We are dedicated to providing the best gear and guidance to make your outdoor experiences enjoyable and memorable. 

Last week, all stores across our estate (Cotswold Outdoor, Runners Need and Snow + Rock) received the new digital Visual Merchandising guidelines for AW24. These outline how stores should be laid out and are split into three categories: planning and execution, clothing and activities. They also include interactive elements allowing colleagues to navigate the guidelines easily on in-store iPads and interact with how-to videos making them both practical and sustainable for all to use.  

Last weekend, Brighton Senior Customer Advisor, Phil Williams completed the Race to the Stones 100k along the Ridgeway, Britain's oldest footpath, in just 15 hours.   Phil said: "I think it is heathy to do hard things.    "Whether it is your first 5k or a race like the one that I have just completed. You find out a lot about yourself and how resilient your body can be."

Energy gels are becoming increasingly popular in the running community. Here are our top tips for using energy gels: - Train with energy gels first: When you run, your body prioritises sending blood to your active muscles, reducing the blood flow to your digestive tract. The lack of blood can irritate your system, as your body finds it harder to digest food and liquid, sometimes responding by trying to force anything out of your system. Practising with gels by taking little bits at a time while slowly building up the mileage, will help your body adapt to using your stomach while running, avoiding issues on race day - Always take energy gels with water: Without water, energy gels take longer to digest and enter the bloodstream. As energy gels are condensed sports drinks, consuming them together with another sports drink can put you at risk of taking too many sugars at once - Experiment with different gels: Remember, it's crucial to experiment with different brands, flavours, and ingestion strategies to find what works best for your individual needs. By utilising energy gels, you can unlock your full running potential and conquer new milestones with confidence. Read our full blog for more: https://lnkd.in/eCsWTVjV