About Runner's Picks

Runner's Picks is running gear advice from a data-driven recreational runner chasing a sub-40 10K and a faster half marathon while balancing work, family and limited training time.

The Runner Behind This

I'm Jos. Not a professional athlete or a gear reviewer who gets sent free products. I'm a recreational runner who buys everything with his own money, logs every kilometre, and cares about what actually makes a difference versus what's just marketing.

Training

3-4 runs per week — that's all I can fit around a full-time job, a wife, and three kids. Every session has to count:

• Monday: Intervals (track or road)
• Wednesday: Easy run
• Friday: Tempo blocks or progression run
• Saturday: Long run or recovery

Cross-training: indoor cycling (~225W FTP) and kettlebells when I can't get outside.

What I Write About

Running gear, watches, recovery tools and fitness tech that make sense for everyday runners who care about performance, data and value — not just hype. I compare products head-to-head, include real prices, and give honest verdicts based on what I'd actually recommend to a running friend.

Why This Exists

Most running gear sites are either written by people who don't run, or by elite athletes whose needs are completely different from mine. I wanted a site that answers the questions I actually have: "Is the Garmin 265 worth $150 more than the 165?" or "Which shoe works for tempo intervals on tired legs?"

If you're a recreational runner trying to get faster with limited time — this is for you.

Gear Philosophy

• Buy the right gear, not the most expensive gear
• Rotate shoes to prevent injury and extend lifespan
• Data should inform training, not control it
• Recovery is gear too — foam rollers beat Normatec boots for most runners

Contributors

Most of RunnersPicks is written by me, but occasionally my partner, friends and colleagues share their perspective. Running is different for everyone, and their experiences cover ground I simply can't.

Sarah

My wife. Ran a half marathon before getting pregnant, took almost a year off, and was surprised how quickly the endurance came back. She writes about returning to running after pregnancy, training with limited sleep, and gear that works for moms who refuse to stop running.

Tom

My brother-in-law and resident gadget maximalist. If there's a new Garmin, Stryd, or Whoop update, he's already wearing it. Tom writes about premium running tech, multi-device comparisons, and whether the latest upgrade is actually worth it or just marketing.

Kevin

A colleague and trail runner who keeps it simple. COROS watch, Altra shoes, no carbon plates, no fuss. Kevin covers trail running, minimalist gear philosophy, and proves you don't need to spend a fortune to enjoy running in nature.

Lies

A friend who started running at 48 and hasn't stopped since. She brings the perspective of runners over 50: joint-friendly shoes, recovery that accounts for age, and watches that don't require a computer science degree.

Bram

A running buddy chasing sub-3 marathons on 80-100km weeks. He covers high-mileage training, race fueling strategies, marathon gear, and what changes when running becomes more than a hobby.

Noor

Started from zero six months ago, completed her first 5K, lost 12kg in the process. Noor writes for absolute beginners: what to buy first, which apps don't overwhelm you, and what nobody tells you about starting to run when you've never run before.

Daan

Runs to work and back (12km each way) three times a week. Doesn't care about pace or races, runs for mental health and because it beats the bus. Daan covers run commuting gear, all-weather layers, backpacks, and city running safety.

Affiliate Disclosure

We don't currently use affiliate links. When we do, they'll be clearly disclosed. Recommendations are never influenced by commissions. See our full disclosure.

Contact

Questions, corrections, or shoe recommendations? hello@runnerspicks.com