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It Ain't Fun Trail Running in the Winter!

Posted on Aug 24, 2011
Author: Fredrik

I love to run off-road, or "trail run" as it is called nowadays. Trail running competitions are often held from early easter or late autumn. At the end of the season, fanatics like me must continue even though it's snow out there. I both hate & love this season, but mostly it is okey for me, cuz it feels almost like a law of nature that there should be a little ruggedness and rain when standing on the starting line of a trail running trip or a race, otherwise it is not a true off-road race anyway.

But now, right now it's winter again and there's lots of snow and cold out there. Why should you run then? Hmm, you wonder, where is he going now, I want to be inspired so that I can get out on my jog!!! Sorry, to run when the snow is out there is CRAZY. Why? I will explain.

Firstly, when it is so much snow that you have to put on the spikes (Spiky is probably still the best on on the market) or your Icebug shoes with spikes, Here i my point -I think you should take on a pair of cross-country skis and take yourself out on the ski trail.

Secondly, even if you have studs on you'll most likely slip and injure yourself anyway. If you are unable to ski and "have" to run so, it's better to do what you must on a treadmill...

Thirdly, it is not during the 10 winter sessions as you lower your marathon time by five minutes. Use the winter to train other muscles than pure trail running muscles.

Last but not least, I think that if you do not want to go cross country skiing when the snow is white and fine, you should choose to do something a bit more creative than a normal winter trail run. Buy a pair of snow shoes and run with them on the snow. Dare and do something different from your normal training schedule in order to develop (I believe, very seriously, that this will develop your running more than the 10 winter runs you manage to do).

Whether you are going to get out and run or not, I think you should consider the following equipment things:

1 Go out and run in the winter if the weather is good and the sun is shining, cuz then it is truly lovely. It sparks when you move and the air is cold, clear and wonderfully rich in oxygen. It's also very nice going for a run on Christmas morning, before the other in the family is awake.

2. Wear the right equipment to be on the safe side. During winter I run in my country ski clothes that are suited to winter winds and have better protection on the belly and thighs than the usual running wear. I usually also take underpants with shelter and always a headlamp just in case.

3. It gets dark quickly this time of year, so make it a habit to put on a reflective vest when you are out on winter running.

4. Remember if it's really cold outside so you can easily rip the lungs and it can be really dangerous. Use a lung pulse that helps to warm up the air.

5. If you have pain, use Tiger Balm which helps to warm up your muscles before you go out into the bitter cold of the winter landscape.

6. Play Christmas music in your headphones, it can only be done now before -mas without vomiting:-)

Winter running actually has its charms and I think obviously it's a bit cool to be winter trail running. And as they say... "pain is temporary, glory is forever".

© Trail Running Equipment 2011

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/track-and-field-articles/it-aint-fun-trail-running-in-the-winter-4171324.html

About the Author

My name is Fredrik Erixon and I'm the president of a small Trail Running competition in Stockholm. I love to trail run and cross country ski.

Running Trainers and Running Shoes from DW Sports

Posted on May 28, 2011
Author: david gabbitas

Running is an aspect that's involved in almost every sport, which means only one thing; you need a great pair of running shoes.  At DW Sports we're always offering cheap deals on running trainers because we understand your right to enjoy exercising without the hefty price tag.

How to choose running trainers

When you search for running shoes on our website, we like to help you out as much as possible. First we ask "What Shoe Are You?" This prompts you to decide what you want from your running trainers. Whether it's to cushion your foot which encourages foot motion, offer support to increase stability or a trainer that helps with your control aimed at runners with flat feet. To help you decide which of the three best suits you and your running shoe needs, we've created a brochure that explains to you in detail The Gait Cycle, Running Styles and the recommendations for you. 

This process of choosing the best running trainers for you can also be explained in store to you where our dedicated staff can demonstrate what's meant by each category and then help you to find the best pair of running shoes for you. 

Why do you need running trainers?

At DW Sports we're experts in sportswear so we understand that not everyone likes the same type of running shoe. This is why we offer specialist trainers for running with prices for women starting as low as £223.99 with male running shoes starting at £19.99. As with all of our sporting footwear, we make it easier for our customers to find what they're looking for online, we do this by offering the ability to narrow your search of our products by brand, colour and size.

The importance of running trainers

Now you know that there are all sorts of different variables that can affect your purchasing decisions when it comes to running trainers, you'll be able to get more out of your chosen pair. The last thing we want is for you is to be unhappy with your running shoes which is why we try to explain the best style for you. To reach your potential as a runner, you'll need a great pair of running trainers.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/fitness-articles/running-trainers-and-running-shoes-from-dw-sports-4252061.html

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Minimalistic Running Shoes To Correct Running Postures

Posted on Apr 11, 2011
Author: Rugged Enthusiast

The trend of migration towards minimalist running shoes began in 2010 and since then the segment has become over flooded with every major shoe manufacturer producing at least two brands of minimalistic running shoes. Today a runner has the option of choosing between a bulkier shoe and a bare foot simulating shoe.

Man started using shoes to offer protection from the ground elements. However, with extra cushioning of shoes, we lost our gait and developed bad habits leading to over and under pronation. Minimalistic shoes aim at reducing our gait problems and reintroducing us to the correct ways to run and land our feet.

The research into minimalistic shoes has crossed over to all segments of running shoes as well as trainers. Today's shoes come laden with technology that reduces weight, introduces foam and cushion materials with the least thickness and a more utilitarian approach. With so many choices, a runner's first dip into minimalist shoes can come at the cost of confusion and indecisiveness.

The first problem facing a runner in transition from a bulky heel cushioned shoe to a minimalistic runner variant is that the heel is provided with little or less cushioning. The idea behind this is to correct improper gait and running style. A runner wearing a minimalistic shoe will have to land on their midfoot and toe segments rather than on the heel. People with pronation problems might find this a little bit uncomfortable at first but with practice it should become easier. To ease the transition, many brands have brought out light weight versions that still come with some amount of cushioning in the heel area.

Since every runner runs in a different manner, the biomechanics ultimately govern one's choice of minimalistic running shoes. The choices facing runners in this segment are the Adidas adiZero Mana 5 and adiZero Adios, Asics DS Racer 8 and Hyperspeed, Brooks Launch and Green Silence, Mizuno Musha 3 and Wave Ronin 3, New Balance Minimus,  Nike Lunaracer, Free Version 7 and Zoom Streak 3, and Pearl Izumi 3. There are many other brands and models that one can foray into as well. However, it would be advisable to read barefoot shoes review before venturing out and trying a few.

 

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/equipment-articles/minimalistic-running-shoes-to-correct-running-postures-4852748.html

About the Author

Minimalistic Running Shoes - http://www.runningshoesguru.com/2011/04/lightweight-and-minimalistic-running-shoes-for-2011/

Barefoot Shoes Review - http://www.runningshoesguru.com/

LunarGlide - The Running Machine

Posted on Mar 26, 2011
Author: Rugged Enthusiast

It was expected that Nike will have to work really hard after the success of Lunar Trainer and Lunar Racer. However, with the much awaited launch of LunarGlide, Nike has proved that it was worth waiting for these beauties. Just around 300 grams, LunarGlide are very lightweight shoes. Lunarlite foam is used in the inner part to make it more stable and comfortable. The upper part of the shoe is designed on the basis of Flywire technology. LunarGlide are available in both male and female varieties, with almost the same specifications.

Sole is perhaps the most important part of any shoes. LunarGlide are based on Lunar Foam technology. Interestingly, the same technology is used by NASA and the foam is known be 30% lighter than conventional foams. Furthermore, lunar foam has the ability to stretch and comeback to its original shape in almost no time. However, the only drawback is that the direct exposure of lunar foam to sun damages it that is why it has to be concealed with some other protective material. Nike not only overcame this problem but the protective layer is designed in such a way that the lightweight of the shoes remain there and the cushioning mechanism makes the shoes more comfortable to wear. With the different amount of material used in the different places of shoes ensures that no part of the foot has to take any stress. To top it all, LunarGlide are provided with the ability to insert a chip that can communicate important sprinting data to the iPod.

Upper part of the LunarGlide also does not add any extra baggage of weight to the shoe. Flywire used in the upper part makes it lightweight and can be presented against any professional sprint shoes. Flywire is used for connecting eyelets and middle part of the sole to provide stability to the sprinter while on the run. Lunarglide is so weightless and comfortable that it can be worn without socks, a feature any sprinter will really appreciate.

You would expect the Nike LunarGlide shoes to be very expensive with all state of the art features. That is not the case as the range of different LunarGlide varieties are in the range of $40 to $100 only. Female variety of LunarGlide just like other Nike running shoes is relatively cheaper than the male variety.

 

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/equipment-articles/lunarglide-the-running-machine-4852844.html

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Nike Lunarglide Shoes - http://www.runningshoesguru.com/2009/07/nike-lunarglide-running-shoes-review/

Nike Running Shoes - http://www.runningshoesguru.com/

Reconnect With The Past Using Pose Running Shoes

Posted on Feb 20, 2011
Author: Rugged Enthusiast

How did people run prior to the development of running shoes? Before 1970s how did everybody run? Today people do not venture out onto tracks without a good pair of running shoes. However, what people do not understand is that man has been running throughout the ages and this is no new phenomenon.

The best long distance runners are from regions of the world that lack basic amenities and therefore even basic running shoes. The Tarahumara Indians and the East Africans have had a long legacy of great runners and they achieve such great feats without wearing running shoes. What people today seemed to have forgotten is that running is not all about having the best pair of shoes, it is more about the dynamics and technique. Unfortunately, shoes have given rise to a poor gait and running habits. People today are either overpronated or underpronated. Either ways, it is bad news for all of us.

Pose running shoes are supposed to be the answer of technology for curing bad running habits. These shoes eliminate the need of cushioning heels as they correct one's landings by forcing them to land on their midfoot region. This is exactly how one should run. By depending on the forefoot every time you stop crashing into the ground you start floating into the landing with a silent movement of the foot. This translates into faster recovery allowing you to pull the feet off the ground faster. Another advantage that pose running shoes provide is that they are so light and have so little cushioning that one is able to sense when the foot has hit the ground therefore increasing the speed of lifting the foot off the ground.

Pose running shoes should ideally be light, have little cushioning, be flexible, flat and comfortable. By having all this one can run faster as they feel the ground underneath them. Contrary to popular belief, a good shoe should not hide the foot away from the environment underneath it. Instead it should provide a sound feel of the ground allowing the foot to adjust as required. Pose running shoes takes running back to the stone ages when man knew exactly how to run best. Before venturing out to buying such a shoe it is best to get equipped by reading a few running shoes review.

 

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/equipment-articles/reconnect-with-the-past-using-pose-running-shoes-4852763.html

About the Author

Pose Running Shoes - http://www.runningshoesguru.com/2011/03/shoes-for-pose-running/

Running Shoes Review - http://www.runningshoesguru.com/

Finding Running Shoes For Flat Feet

Posted on Jan 27, 2011
Author: D. Kvinta

With any sport, it is important to find the right fit in all of your sports gear.  When it comes to distance running, running shoes for flat feet or over pronation can save the runner from ongoing injury and permanent damage to their skeletal or muscular system and ensure success in their running goals.

If running is your sport of choice, understand that each running shoe is not considered equal.  Before you embark on your first run, it is important to have your feet assessed by either a professional or running shoe sales expert who can review your step and educate you on the best running show for your stepping type.

Running shoes for flat feet are easily found and are designed to accommodate for the full foot force you will experience as a flat footed runner.  Running shoes for feet that pronate are designed differently than the flat foot running shoe and correct different stepping issues.  If you purchase a running shoe that is not designed for your foot type, you will find that you are prone to injury, will not feel as comfortable as other runners who have the correct shoe and could end up not enjoying running due to the inappropriate fit. 

You can make a quick assessment of your own feet by looking at your current footwear.  Check for worn areas on the of the shoes heels. Worn areas will show if you walk on the outer portion of your foot, the inner portion of your foot or if you walk with a full foot thus showing no excessively worn areas.  This quick check and some research online could either confirm that you have the right running shoe or confirm that your current runners are inappropriate for you foot. 

When you are prone to injury and have to visit a professional to correct any physical or muscular damage you have from running, the first item they check are your running shoes to see if they are the correct design for your foot.  The second item they check is the amount of mileage you have on the current shoes as this can also put your body at risk for injury.  Physiotherapists see time and again, inappropriate fit and shoe types on runners and can stop ongoing injury through a simple change of a shoe.

If you know your foot type, you can research new running shoe products and see if the design is correct for you foot.  New technology is not for all foot types and media hype should not sway your decision to keep with a good fit.  Good fit should take precedence over the latest and greatest technology as this could increase your chance of injury and add to the cost of your exercise because of needed physiotherapy.  The most disappointing result of injury is the down time that a runner has to do while waiting for recovery.

Whether you need a running shoe for correction of over pronation or are looking for running shoes for flat feet, it is important to find the right shoe that will enhance your running experience through properly fitting footwear not hinder it.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/equipment-articles/finding-running-shoes-for-flat-feet-4517043.html

About the Author

To get the latest tips for choosing the best running shoes for flat feet, please visit - http://mindritesports.com.

Choosing The Best Girls Running Shoes

Posted on Dec 25, 2010
Author: Jason Tumlin

If you plan to take up running or jogging anytime soon then it would be best to start looking for a good pair of girls running shoes. Whether you are going to join track competitions or simply run on your own for fitness purposes, a good pair of shoes is definitely a wise investment. After all, you would surely want to keep your feet comfortable even while you begin to lead a more active lifestyle.

Just because they are called running shoes, it doesn't mean you can't use them for other purposes. This type of shoes may also be worn when you go walking, biking, or playing any kind of sports. In short, you always have to use them when you run, but you don't always have to run when you have them on. How do you know which model of girls running shoes are right for you? There are, of course, some considerations that you need to keep in mind.

Make sure that the shoes you pick can provide solid support to your feet while you run. Take special notice of arch support because having your arches fall can be a very painful experience, one you definitely wouldn't want to go through. Comfort is another important consideration when picking out a pair of running shoes. The activity itself will already put much pressure on your feet and legs, so you want to make sure that the shoes you wear do not add to the stress that your legs are feeling during the exercise.

It is best to choose a pair of shoes with special padding in it, especially in the heel area. This helps ensure that you don't hurt your heel while running. You also need to ensure that the shoes have a generally cushy feel to them, so you'll have to take the time to try them out before you actually buy them. Of course, selecting the right size is necessary when picking out running shoes. Shoes that are too small tend to choke your feet and make them throb after a run, while shoes that are too big can leave your feet open to injuries and blisters. These damages will definitely make it more difficult for you to continue with your exercise routine.

Before buying your running shoes, decide if you are going to wear socks with them or not. If you do decide to wear socks, you will also have to consider how thick the socks are. Socks can make a significant difference in the shoe size that you need. You may have to go about a half size larger if you are planning to wear thick socks. Better yet, bring the socks with you when you shop for the shoes so that you can try them on as well and ensure that your running shoes fit just right.

Girls running shoes are an important investment, so take your time in choosing a pair to make sure that you buy only the best option in terms of both quality and price. Take all the necessary factors into careful consideration so as to make running a truly refreshing and invigorating experience.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/fitness-articles/choosing-the-best-girls-running-shoes-3072141.html

About the Author
Please visit if you would like to read more great writing. Currently, featured articles are about the pedometer calorie counter, jogging watch, and much more.

Do Barefoot Running Shoes Work?

Posted on Aug 16, 2010
Author: mike miller

Barefoot running shoes are the latest craze in the sport of running and have become very popular with people who are stuck in cities and towns and possess nowhere to run other than pavement streets and roads.

Running is an excellent way to help stay in shape and maintain a healthy lifestyle, but it is also a really easy way to attain irritating injuries which need you to definitely devote some time away from running to ensure that these problems fully heal. However, recent reports show that it running injuries can happen even if you do not have an incorrect running form; it might actually be the wearing of modern running shoes themselves that creates most typical running pain and injuries.

Distance running shoes are created to support, comfort, and overcome your feet while you run, meaning you're not in a position to run in a manner that is natural for your body. It is primarily the inescapable fact leading to many runners' complaints. When you facilitate this way, there's almost no room to your foot to roll and so you do not experience just about any excess movement within your ankles. For this reason barefoot running shoes are in reality the right running shoes, because they let your feet to go inside the exact manner they're built to, not forcing any kind of one's foot, ankle, knee or hip to go within an awkward manner.

Barefoot running shoes might appear to be a contradiction by themselves, while you can not run barefoot if you are wearing shoes. Even though this is true, you need to know that barefoot running shoes don't offer any type of support for your feet, or any type of correction in your running style, they're merely a thin protective layer to defend the feet against the hard surface, rocks, debris, etc.

A lot of people will agree that roads and pavements are under desirable places being running on in bare feet that know what you are able climb onto or even in, so a set of barefoot running shoes just provides you with that satisfaction that permits you to truly enjoy your run, while also allowing you to run with the natural form that you were intended to run with.

So if you are looking to run a long distance and want to try something new, give barefoot running shoes a look.  You just might be able to finally run pain free for once in your life.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/equipment-articles/do-barefoot-running-shoes-work-4821619.html

About the Author

Mike is a software developer, web designer, loving father, and avid runner.  If you are looking for the latest and best barefoot running shoes, check out Vibram FiveFingers, which are the newest toe running shoes available.

What Differentiates Women Running Shoes From Those Of Men

Posted on Aug 12, 2010
Author: Rugged Enthusiast

Long gone are the days when women's shoes were replicas of the men shoes except for a smaller size and more pinkish colors. Shoe manufacturers have long understood that women runners are just as important a segment to cater to as men runners. An increase in women runners in marathons and other such meets is probably the reason behind such an increase. However, the latest research into bio-mechanics suggests that women run differently from men and this is exactly why many brands have started producing gender specific shoes. Here are a few such differences highlighted to understand how shoe manufacturers differentiate shoes based on gender.

Q Angle

Women owing to their larger hip region have a wider Q angle. This is the angle made by the quadriceps muscles with the hip bone or patella. Women therefore are prone to overpronation and hence their shoes need to support this tendency to depend on inner arches of the foot. Therefore, women shoes generally have different midsoles and insoles.

Body Mass

Women weigh at least 15% less compared to men of the same foot size. This means that shoes meant for men are designed to handle a certain weight range and if women wore them, then the comfort factor would not suit them as they would be too bouncy for their feet. What women need is a shoe with less bouncy foam so as to suit their body mass.

Feet Structure

This is the most important consideration that shoe designers have to take into context. As it turns out women differ in their feet structure from men. Men tend to be broader at the foot and have larger toes while women of the same foot size have narrower toes and rounder heels. This governs the way the upper region is designed. While sole difference alone cannot help one tell a women shoe from a men's shoe, the structure will. The upper tend to be narrower and the heel collar shorter.

With these three considerations in mind shoe designers differentiate the women shoes from men shoes. Some of the well respected women running shoes are Mizuno Wave Rider 13, Nike Zoom Vomero+5, Asics Gel Nimbus 12 in the cushioning shoe segment while in the stability shoe segment, Nike Zoom Triax 13, Mizuno Wave Inspire 6, Asics GT 2150 are just a few. All above shoes have got good running shoes review.

 

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/equipment-articles/what-differentiates-women-running-shoes-from-those-of-men-4852821.html

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Women Running Shoes - http://www.runningshoesguru.com/2009/05/choose-the-best-womens-running-shoes-summer-2009/

Running Shoes Review - http://www.runningshoesguru.com/

Running Hydration Gear! A Good Water Hydration System Keeps The Motor Running

Posted on Jul 25, 2010
Author: Jeff Anderson

For individuals preparing for their next marathon, or leisure running event, you know how important it is to keep your body fully hydrated to maintain your ultimate peak performance. But no matter what level of runner you are, having properly designed running hydration gear can be the vital reinforcement in helping you get across that finish line safely!

A balanced performance level for runners is a very important component, and your concentration level plays a key role in keeping proper pace, and maintaining your ability to read the warning signs your body is telling you. This is why the correct sports apparel and running equipment is just as important as the training for the serious running enthusiast.

Hydration accessories play a key role in the runners' mix of sports products needed to keep their endurance at the level required by the individual runner. Many designs are currently available that not only provide functionality, but also offer comfort and stability. While running long distance, or taking short mountainous trail runs, the last thing you want to be worrying about is if your water pack is fitting correctly, and the gear content isn't shifting and bouncing all over your body.

With inferior product designs, you will experience more frustration, and with your attention focusing on your bottle gear, and not your activity, you increase your chances of throwing your concentration off, or even worse, you may seriously injure yourself.

Hydration Packs Are Specially Designed Running Systems!

Like proper running shoes, athletic clothing, and accessories such as a pedometer, all have certain features that you desire in order to assist you in an overall better performance. The same applies when you choose your hydration pack, because all packs are not created equal, and they also have features that may differ in application.

The right running system for you will determine on what level of comfort you're looking for and also the required function. If you're a speed walker, you may feel the packs with the water bottles will be sufficient, however, if you're a full out long distant runner, having bottles may be a hindrance, and switching to a more stable waist pack with a bladder/reservoir system, plus also adjustable features that will prevent bouncing during your stride, may be exactly what you're looking for in a water hydration system.

The good news is that with the incredible technology and design, you have many options today than ever before, and when you start searching outdoor sporting good stores, or online bag suppliers, you should have no worries finding the right running pack that's right for your needs.

As an athlete, I understand the importance of maintaining the concentration levels during a good run, or any other sporting activity that requires your mind to keep that necessary focus. Having the best hydration tools to help you achieve your goals, and prevent you from breaking your level of concentration is crucial to any sport. Keeping your body fully hydrated is surely important to you and your health, so there should be no compromise when you decide to select your running hydration pack system!

For more information, check out Training Schedules, and Running Coach.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/equipment-articles/running-hydration-gear-a-good-water-hydration-system-keeps-the-motor-running-4834719.html

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