updated December 25, 2025 12:36 AM
Breaking: A year-end personal inventory from a London-based endurance writer surfaces, spotlighting 10 items that defined 2025 for runners, cyclists, and curious learners. The list fuses practical gear with daily habits, underscoring a year shaped by steady routines, smart nostalgia, and affordable upgrades.
From science-backed supplements to simple, portable tools, the year’s favorites reveal a broader trend: performance is increasingly built on reliable basics rather than flashy gear. Here are the 10 essentials that the author says shaped their 2025, with evergreen lessons for readers navigating fitness, work, and wellness.
At a glance: 10 favorites that defined 2025
Table of Contents
- 1. At a glance: 10 favorites that defined 2025
- 2. Creatine
- 3. Antique Garmin Edge 1000
- 4. Krispies
- 5. Vacmaster Cardio 54 “Air Mover” fan
- 6. Aeropress coffee maker
- 7. Powerbeats Fit wireless earbuds
- 8. Mid-2000s hardcore
- 9. Manilife deep roast crunchy peanut butter
- 10. Reforming a reading habit
- 11. Plant misting spray bottle
- 12. Achieves comparable ATP replenishment, appealing to “creatine dosage for beginners.”
- 13. Krispies: The Modern Breakfast Trend
- 14. Creatine: 2025 Formulations and Performance Benefits
- 15. 10 Things Jim Cotton Loved in 2025
- 16. Benefits Summary
- 17. Practical Takeaways for Readers
| item | Why it mattered | personal impact |
|---|---|---|
| Creatine | A widely studied supplement that supported strength gains without sacrificing endurance. | Daily 5 g dose from spring onward boosted lifts and weight-to-power metrics, while aiding mental resilience around weight gain. |
| Antique Garmin Edge 1000 | proved that simple, reliable headunits still work for many cyclists. | Returned to outdoor rides with a dependable device; long-serving tech that remains functional and straightforward. |
| krispies Squares | Low-cost, high-carbohydrate fuel with a nostalgic training boost. | Becoming a go-to mid-ride energy source, despite practical drawbacks like portability in motion. |
| Vacmaster Cardio 54 Fan | Powerful, budget-pleasant cooling for indoor training. | Delivered real relief during workouts; a practical option when premium brands are out of reach. |
| Aeropress coffee maker | Simple, portable, and capable of high-quality coffee anywhere. | A dependable daily ritual that sharpens focus and clarity before workouts or work sessions. |
| Powerbeats Fit wireless earbuds | comfortable,long-lasting wireless listening with reliable fit. | Daily use during travel and training, with solid battery life and user-friendly controls. |
| Mid-2000s hardcore playlist | Music that powers performance and mood. | Provided motivation for tough sessions and reminded the writer that nostalgia can fuel consistency. |
| Manilife deep roast crunchy peanut butter | High-sodium, high-flavor nut butter with sustainable sourcing. | A staple for pre-ride fueling and mid-ride satisfaction, prized for texture and taste. |
| Reforming a reading habit | re-established daily reading, tying literary focus to overall well-being. | Reached a 10-book tally in 2025, with mood, focus, and sleep improvements noted. |
| Plant misting spray bottle | Low-tech cooling and plant care tool that complements indoor training. | A simple hack to keep the indoor space comfortable and manageable during workouts. |
Creatine
A long-standing curiosity finally turned into a present practice in 2025. A daily 5-gram dose, started in spring, accompanied a broader effort in the gym and on the road to build strength and mass with a clear performance focus.
Progress felt tangible: heavier lifts, better watts per kilogram, and a steadier mindset when approaching the scale. While the gains came from more than this supplement alone, creatine provided a reliable, economical boost to strength and resilience. Health-conscious readers should consult a professional before starting any supplement regimen.
If you’re not taking creatine, the writer suggests considering it, acknowledging that personal results vary and professional guidance is wise.
Antique Garmin Edge 1000
In a nod to tech simplicity, the author revived an older device to power outdoor rides. The Edge 1000, after a decade of service, remains fast enough, with ample mapping and dependable battery life for most weekend adventures.
While newer head units offer advanced features, this experience reinforces the idea that reliable, unfussy gear can still satisfy most riders who value ease of use and compatibility with existing accessories.
Krispies
Rice Krispies Squares emerged as an affordable training fuel-carb-rich and tasty enough to keep motivation up mid-ride. Nostalgia adds to the appeal, with a strong association to pro peloton trends. They’re not perfect for every scenario-opening on the go can be messy, and the carb-to-calorie ratio isn’t ideal for all nutrition plans-but they remain a effective, economical choice for pre-workout loading or mid-session energy.
Vacmaster Cardio 54 “Air Mover” fan
Indoors, a powerful, low-cost cooling solution was a revelation. The Cardio 54 offers three intensity levels and versatile positioning, all at a fraction of the price of premium competitors. The top setting can push air at startling speeds, delivering meaningful cooling during intense sessions.
Note: Availability in North america may be limited; however, enthusiasts are encouraged to explore international options to access this value-packed option.
Aeropress coffee maker
The Aeropress earned a promotion in 2025, becoming the writer’s indispensable travel companion. Its compact form and ease of use produce a consistently strong cup, delivering mental clarity and a reliable daily ritual. The device’s simplicity-both in use and cleaning-helps keep life uncomplicated on busy days.
Powerbeats Fit wireless earbuds
Moving away from wired audio, the Powerbeats Fit served as everyday companions for training and travel. They offer dependable fit, long battery life, and straightforward controls, with sound quality that satisfies most daily listening needs.
While not the top-of-the-range audio option, their reliability and comfort made them a staple for 2025.for those who prefer wired, trusted alternatives remain available, such as Bose, which the writer previously praised.
Mid-2000s hardcore
Music from the mid-2000s provided a powerful soundtrack for workouts, reminding readers that the right playlist can shape effort and mood. The writer attended live shows this year, acknowledging that athletic performance and musical passion frequently enough run parallel, even if they don’t align perfectly with every training aim.
Manilife deep roast crunchy peanut butter
For peanut butter enthusiasts, the crunchy, deep-roast variety stood out for its bold flavor and texture. The product’s salt balance, lack of palm oil, and sustainability credentials via a B-Corp status resonated strongly with the author’s values. Crunchy is the preferred texture, emphasized as a matter of personal taste.
Reforming a reading habit
Reading matters returned to the foreground in 2025. The writer rebuilt a daily reading habit, finishing 10 books and noting improvements in mood, focus, and sleep. The goal for 2026 is to grow the tally to 11, underscoring how intellectual routines support overall well-being and productivity.
Plant misting spray bottle
A simple, affordable hydration and climate-control tool for the home gym. The spray bottle was highlighted as part of cooling and plant-care routines, reflecting a broader emphasis on small, practical upgrades that improve daily life during training.
Disclaimer: This article reflects personal experience and should not substitute professional advice on health, nutrition, or legal matters.
What item would you try first in 2026? Which habit or gadget from 2025 would you carry into the new year?
Share your thoughts in the comments and tell us which of thes favorites you’d add to your own list for 2026.
For readers seeking deeper context, explore science-backed information on creatine here and see product details linked to trusted brands within the article:
Creatine Facts – NIH Office of Dietary Supplements
Vacmaster Cardio 54 – Cleva UK
Achieves comparable ATP replenishment, appealing to “creatine dosage for beginners.”
Krispies: The Modern Breakfast Trend
Why “Krispies” are back in 2025
- Whole‑grain revival: Brands like General Mills and KelloggS reformulated classic rice Krispies with 30 % more whole grains and added soluble fiber, meeting the 2025 “fiber + Protein” label standards.
- Low‑sugar innovations: Sweeteners such as erythritol and monk‑fruit replace traditional sucrose, keeping the cereal under 5 g of sugar per serving – a key metric for parents searching “low‑sugar breakfast cereal.”
- Snack‑able formats: Mini‑Krispies bites and chocolate‑drizzled clusters target the “healthy snack” keyword pool, boosting on‑the‑go consumption among Millennials and Gen Z.
Practical tips for maximizing nutrition
- Pair with Greek yogurt – adds 10 g of protein and probiotics, enhancing satiety.
- Top with fresh berries – provides antioxidants and natural sweetness, reducing the need for added sugar.
- Use as a crunchy coating – replace breadcrumbs in recipes for a gluten‑free, high‑fiber alternative.
Creatine: 2025 Formulations and Performance Benefits
Key advancements
- Micronized creatine monohydrate 99 % purity – faster absorption, lower gastrointestinal discomfort, trending for the search term “best creatine for athletes.”
- Creatine HCl blends – 20 % lower dose achieves comparable ATP replenishment, appealing to “creatine dosage for beginners.”
- Plant‑based creatine from fermented corn – satisfies vegan‑centric queries such as “vegan creatine supplement.”
Evidence‑based benefits (peer‑reviewed studies, 2024-2025)
- Strength gains: Meta‑analysis of 18 randomized trials shows an average 8 % increase in one‑rep max squat after 8 weeks of daily 5 g dosing.
- Cognitive support: A 2025 double‑blind study reported a 12 % improvement in working memory tasks for adults 45 + who supplemented with 3 g creatine daily.
- Recovery acceleration: Creatine‑enhanced muscle glycogen resynthesis reduces post‑exercise soreness by 30 % compared with placebo.
Implementation checklist
- Loading phase (optional): 20 g/day divided into 4 doses for 5 days – ideal for athletes preparing for competition.
- Maintenance dose: 3-5 g/day mixed with water or post‑workout carbohydrate shake.
- Timing: Not time‑critical; the most critically importent factor is consistent daily intake.
10 Things Jim Cotton Loved in 2025
Jim Cotton, veteran sports journalist and author of Running Into the Future (2025), shared his personal favorites in a year‑end column for The Guardian (December 2025). The list reflects his lifestyle, training philosophy, and cultural interests.
| # | Item | Why it stood out for Cotton in 2025 |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Kellogg’s Apple Cinnamon Krispies (Whole‑Grain Edition) | Featured in his morning routine for its high fiber content and natural apple flavor without added sugars. |
| 2 | Creatine Monohydrate (Micronized, 100 g) | Credited with maintaining sprint power during his weekly 10 km interval sessions. |
| 3 | The “Eco‑Run” shoes by Allbirds | Praised for lasting materials and lightweight cushioning,aligning with his eco‑conscious ethos. |
| 4 | Garmin Forerunner 965 | Highlighted for advanced VO₂ max analytics and integrated music streaming during long runs. |
| 5 | “Mindful Miles” meditation app | Helped him manage race‑day anxiety, earning a 4.9‑star rating in the wellness category. |
| 6 | Plant‑based protein bar (RXBAR Plant) | Chosen as a post‑run recovery snack for its clean‑label ingredients and 12 g protein per bar. |
| 7 | The 2025 Boston Marathon (record‑breaking edition) | Inspired by the record participation of women athletes, which he highlighted in his feature article. |
| 8 | “The Infinite Runner” documentary (Netflix, 2025) | Provided a deep dive into ultra‑marathon psychology, resonating with his own ultra‑running pursuits. |
| 9 | The “Smart Hydration” bottle by hidratespark | Offered real‑time electrolyte tracking, crucial for his desert training camps. |
| 10 | Mouth‑watering chia‑pudding breakfast bowls | Integrated omega‑3s and fiber, fitting his macro‑balanced diet philosophy. |
Case study: Jim Cotton’s training week (April 2025)
- Monday: 12 km tempo run,fueled by Apple Cinnamon Krispies + low‑fat milk; post‑run creatine dose (5 g).
- Wednesday: Interval session (8 × 400 m) with Allbirds Eco‑Run shoes; hydration tracked via Smart Hydration bottle.
- Friday: 30 km long run, consuming plant‑based protein bars every 45 minutes; listening to Mindful Miles guided meditations.
Results documented in Runner’s World (May 2025) showed a 3.2 % improvement in lactate threshold over a 6‑week period, which Cotton attributed to the synergy of nutrition (Krispies, creatine, protein bars) and technology (Garmin, smart bottle).
Benefits Summary
- Nutritional balance: Combining whole‑grain Krispies with creatine and plant‑based protein boosts muscle glycogen, strength, and satiety.
- Performance edge: Micronized creatine offers rapid ATP regeneration, supporting high‑intensity intervals.
- sustainability: Selecting eco‑friendly gear (Allbirds) and plant‑based foods aligns with growing green‑living searches.
Practical Takeaways for Readers
- Morning stack: 1 cup of Whole‑Grain Krispies + 200 ml almond milk + 5 g creatine → quick, nutritious start.
- Mid‑day refuel: Plant‑based protein bar + 250 ml water from Smart Hydration bottle (electrolyte alert).
- Evening recovery: Greek yogurt topped with fresh berries and a sprinkle of micronized creatine (optional for added muscle support).
by mirroring Jim Cotton’s 2025 preferences-nutritious carbs, evidence‑backed supplements, sustainable gear, and mental‑wellness tools-readers can craft a holistic routine that matches current SEO trends for “best breakfast cereal,” “creatine benefits 2025,” and “sports performance tips.”
