Archive for running apparel
Distance Runners: Got Water and Fuel?
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Distance runners: have you considered your water and fuel needs? What about a belt to carry it?
Some of us who run only a little (a happy 2 to 3 miles per outing) occasionally carry a bottle of water along on warm days. But for a distance runner, the need is more intense.
Look at the fuel belt set up in the picture. That belt and its four bottles could potentially add as much as four pounds of extra weight. And a lot of runners question the way the weight is dispersed:
“Topher” asked:
Is it better to use a weight belt or a “Camelback.” Better the weight around the waist, or the shoulders where the straps could rub as my arms move during my run. I am expanding to longer weekend runs and figure I’ll need more than just a water bottle.
Some runners like the Camelback, which is as you might guess, a shoulder harness with water strapped…on your back, like a camel. But most say that set up is best for hiking and shorter runs. The waist and hip belt set up is preferred because it disperses weight off the back and lowers it to the region most built to handle weight in women: the hips.
In addition to greater comfort, many female runners prefer this method of carrying water because the bottles are also easier to clean. They go right in the dishwasher. Which allows you to get back out on the trail with a lot less bother.
Fall into Running Fun
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Are you enjoying the Fall season? I hope so. Some say Fall is the best season of all for outdoor running.
The scenery is great. And the weather is usually not too hot and not too cold — making it perfect for enjoying favorite old paths and exploring new ones before the winter’s onset. This last gasp of favorable weather gets lots of runners away from the treadmills for one last bit of enjoying the temperate beauty of fall.
But Fall by its very nature also brings the early close of day. In fact, sunset comes earlier every day until we find ourselves in winter. So a little extra caution is neccessary.
Always Run Against Traffic
It’s easier to avoid traffic if you can see it. Avoid busy roads and those with no shoulders or sidewalks.
Be Visible
If you’re running in the early morning or at night, even at dusk, wear white, yellow, or orange clothes. Also, make sure you have reflective gear on. If you purchase running gear that doesn’t have any reflective areas on it, you can always add some. (Purchase reflective tape at fabric stores or online.)
Always Have Identification on You.
Put your driver’s license in your pocket or wear an ID tag on your shoe.
Run With a Buddy
Good Running Shoes Are Worth Every Penny!
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How long should a running shoe run? How long those favorite new shoes will last will depend on a number of different factors such as your weight, your gait, how far and how frequently you run.
The generally consensus is that a new pair of running shoes is needed every 300-500 miles. This means if you run 3-5 miles four times per week, you could need new shoes again in as little as 3.5 months or as much as 10 months. This distance rule is best gauged by keeping an accurate training log.
Another indicator for when shoes need replacing is time. The consensus here is that running shoes should be replaced every six months. However, this is just a rule of thumb. Some runners may find themselves replacing their running shoes every four months while others may find they only need to replace their running shoes every eight months.
You should also be aware of how the running shoes feel and how well they are performing. In your running log, keep notes of how you feel after each run. You may notice, for instance, shin or knee pain on a regular basis after approximately 250 miles on a particular pair of running shoes. This type of information may indicate you need to purchase new running shoes more often than the average runner.
Keep in mind, running shoes can solve problems for runners or cause them. Paying careful attention to this key instrument in your run can help you avoid trouble down the road.