Your Marathon Essentials List for Race Day
Use this marathon essentials list to pack smart for race day, from kit and fuel to layers, ID and recovery items that keep your focus on...
READ GUIDE →12 Sep 2026
STRYQ RUNNING JOURNAL
Running advice for the miles ahead
Practical running guides, honest gear advice and useful answers for everything from your first 5K to the long runs that come after it.
LATEST READING
Start with something useful
Four routes into the Journal. Each card is an article, not a product, so you can read first and decide what you actually need after.
ARTICLE · TRAINING
Runners: Wash Your Hydration Vest Without Wrecking Straps or Foam
12 September 2026
ARTICLE · BEGINNER
Your Marathon Essentials List for Race Day
12 September 2026
ARTICLE · GEAR
Best Running Gels UK: 6 Leading Energy Gels Compared
08 September 2026
ARTICLE · STRYQ
STRYQ Running Socks: Built the Right Way
18 December 2025
GET STARTED
VIEW ALL BEGINNER GUIDES →
Beginner Runner Advice
Start with the basics, build confidence and make the first few months of running easier with practical guidance that does not overcomplicate it.
ARTICLE · BEGINNER
ARTICLE · BEGINNER
How Race Belts Keep Essentials Secure
Race belts keep gels, a race number and keys close without pockets or bounce. Learn what to look for, how to fit one and when it...
READ GUIDE →11 Sep 2026
ARTICLE · BEGINNER
Ultramarathon Hydration Planning Guide for Race Day
Our ultramarathon hydration planning guide helps you calculate fluids, electrolytes and carrying capacity for longer training runs and race day in comfort.
READ GUIDE →10 Sep 2026
BUY BETTER
VIEW ALL GEAR GUIDES →
Running Gear Reviews
Buying guides, comparisons and straight answers before you spend money on kit. The focus is what actually matters once you are out running.
ARTICLE · GEAR
Best Running Gels UK: 6 Leading Energy Gels Compared
STRYQ reviews six of the best running gels available in the UK, comparing Veloforte, SiS, HIGH5, Maurten, GU and TORQ for carbs, taste, texture, value and...
READ GUIDE →08 Sep 2026
ARTICLE · GEAR
How Many Gels for a Marathon or Half Marathon?
How many running gels do you actually need for a marathon or half marathon? Learn how to calculate your gel strategy using race time, carbohydrate per...
READ GUIDE →06 Sep 2026
ARTICLE · GEAR
Running Gels Explained: How and When to Use Them
Running gels explained for real runners. Learn when gels are useful, how they work, when to take them, how to avoid stomach issues and how to...
READ GUIDE →04 Sep 2026
STRYQ RUNNING GEAR
SHOP ALL RUNNING GEAR →
When the answer is better kit
Our products solve the practical problems that show up once you start running further: carrying essentials, taking hydration, staying visible and keeping your feet comfortable.
TRAIN SMARTER
VIEW ALL TRAINING GUIDES →
Training Tips & Performance
Practical advice for race preparation, fuelling, pacing, consistency and the decisions that matter when training starts getting more serious.
ARTICLE · TRAINING
Runners: Wash Your Hydration Vest Without Wrecking Straps or Foam
Runner-tested, practical steps to wash and dry your hydration vest, clean the bladder, and stop odour fast. Includes a two-minute post-run checklist Stryq...
READ GUIDE →12 Sep 2026
ARTICLE · TRAINING
Runners: What a Sock Maker Tests for Running Socks Durability
A durability first buyer's guide from a sock maker. Test backed advice on materials, reinforcement, and care so your running socks last longer.
READ GUIDE →11 Sep 2026
ARTICLE · TRAINING
200m Test to Fix Running Belt Fit for Runners: Fit First Rules
Follow fit first rules: use the two finger rule, a quick 200m test and packing tips to stop bounce, chafe, and creep. Stryq tested fixes proven...
READ GUIDE →10 Sep 2026
BEHIND THE BRAND
VIEW ALL STRYQ UPDATES →
About STRYQ
See what we are building, how products are developed and tested, and the stories behind STRYQ as a small UK running brand.
ARTICLE · STRYQ
STRYQ Running Socks: Built the Right Way
An inside look at STRYQ running socks in development, covering testing, materials, fit challenges and why quality running socks take time to get right.
READ GUIDE →18 Dec 2025
ARTICLE · STRYQ
My Running Journey From 27 Stone to Confident Runner
My running journey proves that anyone can become a runner, no matter where they start. If you are reading this and wondering if running is for...
READ GUIDE →16 Nov 2025
ARTICLE · STRYQ
Beform Running Nutrition Review: Why STRYQ Partnered With Beform
STRYQ has partnered with BeForm Nutrition to offer high-quality UK-made running supplements, recovery and hydration support — all available now at STRYQ.
READ GUIDE →10 Nov 2025
RUN. LEARN. REPEAT.
SHOP RUNNING GEAR
Use the advice. Build the kit around the run.
The Journal is here to help you make better decisions. When a problem needs a product, the STRYQ range is built around storage, hydration, visibility and everyday running comfort.