A treadmill may be seen as only suitable for the gym, but having one in your home can give you the best exercise options. It can be used at home when you don’t have to go to the gym because of the lack of time or can’t get outside for other reasons. Whether it’s a low-cost treadmill or not, they will all do the same functions. But before you decide to purchase a low-cost treadmill, consider the following factors.
Budget for a treadmill
Budget is probably the most important factor you have to consider before purchasing a low-cost treadmill. This home fitness equipment should have the highest quality for the money you’re ready to pay for it. The best treadmill should be easy to use, comfortable, and durable.
For a low-cost treadmill with great horsepower, it can have an impact on your workouts. A treadmill with a continuous-duty horsepower of 2.5 to 3.0 can be ideal for frequent exercise. Besides, depending on your weight, you should consider finding a treadmill with a powerful engine. Here are more specifications you should look for:
Size of the belt. Consider having a belt of 48 inches long and 18 inches wide for the treadmill you want to use for running.
Speed. For running, find a treadmill that can go up to 10 mph or more.
Incline. A treadmill that has an incline of 10 percent or more is ideal. It’s even better if it has a decline feature that helps you to feel like you’re running outdoors.
Cushioning. A treadmill should be stable, meaning it shouldn’t shake while running or walking on it.
Workout space and size of the treadmill
It makes sense to plan for space where you want to place the treadmill before you purchase it. Therefore, you should measure the floor space you want to put the treadmill. This space is also important for doing other various exercise activities. Remember that treadmill dimensions are published, making it easier for you to determine if the treadmill will fit well with your floor space measurements.
Once you have figured out how much space you require to have a treadmill, you can choose the right treadmill. Standard treadmills usually measure 7 inches long and 3 inches wide. However, you might also find folding treadmills that are shorter but need plenty of floor space.
Try a treadmill before you buy
It might be challenging to find the right treadmill that meets your expectations. However, you should research and try different models of treadmills before you purchase them. For this reason, list a variety of treadmills that you are interested in and call the sellers to find out if you can try them.
When you visit the shop, spend a couple of minutes on the treadmills to make sure that they are quiet and stable while running or walking on them. The quality of the treadmill can also be determined by the manufacturer’s warranty. Hence, a lifetime warranty or a minimum of 10 years inscribed on the frame and motor might reveal its quality.
Have you ever used the services of a Pacer in a distance running event? Was it because you wanted to finish at a certain time or because you needed the encouragement, motivation and advice that an experienced Pacer could provide? Those are usually the main reasons why runners decide to follow a Pacer during an event but collectively, the Pacing team of a particular event play a significant role in getting as many runners as possible to achieve their finishing time goals. Pacers also perform an unofficial role as ambassadors and advocates of the event.
The Kuala Lumpur Standard Chartered Marathon (KLSCM) began its Pacer programme in 2010 with the intention of raising the quality of the event, and it has grown to become a crucial ingredient of KLSCM ever since. Becoming a Pacer for the premier distance running event in Malaysia is a serious responsibility so this year, Dirigo Events, the owner and organizer of KLSCM, decided to invite and conduct open trials for all those harbouring aspirations to be a Pacer.
Out of an initial 247 applications, 116 runners were shortlisted for the Trials which took place over two consecutive Sundays. Both sessions were held over a 1km loop at the LHDN offices in Jalan Duta. The candidates were required to run consistently timed loops without the aid of watches or any electronic devices. The intention was to get the candidates to run by “feel” as consistently as they could, with the Half Marathon hopefuls doing 10 loops while those trying for the Full Marathon had to complete 18 loops.
“For the 12th edition of KLSCM, we felt we needed to freshen up our Pacer Team with some new blood and so we decided to conduct the Open Trials,” said Rainer Biemans, Project Director of KLSCM and Director of Dirigo Events. “The response was great and we had some really good performances over the two Sundays, which gives us a bit of a headache to select the best participants. But that was a nice problem to have,” added Biemans.
Biemans and the Dirigo Team have now analysed all the results and have come to the difficult decision of selecting 30 Pacers for KLSCM 2020. Congratulations to all those who were selected to be a KLSCM 2020 Pacer! Keep training and keep the KLSCM Pacer flag flying high! The successful candidates are listed below:
Half Marathon
Munintaran Sundram (2:00) / Nur Helmi b Nor Halim (2:00) / Siti Shuhaizam bt Mamat Raduan (2:30) / Shirley Chan (2:30) / Rosaline Tee Min Jy (3:00) / Nor Amalina bt Mohd Yunus (3:00)
Full Marathon
Puaa Wen Piao (3:45) / Lionel Lee San Loong (3:45) / Lim Yew Khuay (4:00) / Richard Tang (4:00) / Malcalm Chew (4:30) / David Christopher (4:30) / Teoh Beng Jun (5:00) / Chua Soon Ee (5:00) / William Chung Wei Lam (5:00) / Ahmad Hadafi b. Jus (5:30) / Loh Kien Waei (5:30) / Mohd Fazli Izwan b Abd Jalil (5:30) Seah Leong San (6:00) / Annliza Alexander Alibar (6:00) / Joel Lawrence (6:00) / Yeoh Ching Ya (6:30) / Sim Kuan Kuek (6:30) / Kee Chai Soon (6:30) / Radiah Kalia Abdullah (7:00) / Azieziah Abdul Rahman (7:00) / Look Swee Yit (7:00) / Low Chooi Wan (7:15) / Wong Sing Haow (7:15) / Tan Kok Hee (7:15)
Please bear in mind that the selected Pacers will be making appearances at the KLSCM 2020 Running Clinics, which will commence later this month, right up till May 2020. If you have a time goal for this year’s KLSCM, do find out who the Pacers are for that timing and attend the Running Clinic that they will be at to get to know them and seek their advice. Follow the KLSCM FB page to find out who will be at which Clinic!
Physical literacy is a very important aspect of any child’s proper development. That is why parents have to understand that some things that might sound quite “natural” to be learned by kids by themselves, such as running, require attention. So, parents should be teaching kids to run a proper way.
The Basics
1. Personal Example
A child should learn how to run a proper way, and it is advisable to begin teaching this at the age of 7, as a kid will be able to memorize everything relatively easily and develop the proper technique. So, the basic premise is to show a kid the running posture through a personal example. Elbows at 90-degree angle, head in a still position, and a proper breathing technique. It is imperative to tell a kid that you have to use both nose and mouth to breathe.
2. Start Slow
Slow and steady wins the race. The basic workout for your kid should be as simple as possible. This way, a child will be able to get used to the pace and other things. So, I advise to accompany child run and watch for mistakes. Begin with 4-minute runs and then return to the starting spot. This way, a kid will be able to develop correct running habits without getting annoyed by exhaustion, which is important for any new activities that children try out.
3. Keep a stable pace
The thing with running is stability. I strongly advise all parents to give their kids a habit of maintaining a consistent running pace. This practice is imperative for avoiding exhaustion, injuries, and annoyances. And, when your child suffers an injury while running, it’s understandable that you’ll panic. Get them to the emergency room if it’s apparent that they need it. If you are unsure whether to go to urgent care or needs paediatrician walk-in appointments, an excellent first step would be to call the doctor’s office and look for a paediatrician near you. Furthermore, having a consistent pace during a run is beneficial for one’s cardiovascular apparatus, which transforms into a longer and healthier lifespan.
4. Increase the distance
After getting used to the short-distance trips, begin considering longer runs for your child. So, while your child is on the way to learn how to run, you can begin to enhance their stamina. Basically, you should try and pick a route that is fun. For example, a run to the park, a local landmark, playing ground, or that ice cream shop. By gradually increasing the distance while keeping it fun, your child will develop proper technique in no time.
Other important things
5. Proper equipment
Wish I knew some of the things I am about the list here long ago and I would pay someone to do my research paper about running a couple of years ago. However, personal experience is the best teacher. It is imperative to buy your child a pair of proper shoes that are designed for running, the same goes for the socks, which should be moisture-wicking. After all, adequate footwear will ensure that a kid will not suffer from joint problems and blisters. Also, never forget that a child grows, so it is important to keep up with footwear.
6. Make use of technology
Getting a fitness tracker or smartwatch is an interesting idea as well. Considering the possibilities of the latest technologies, you can track your child’s progress and even things such as heartbeat rate and distance traveled. Furthermore, if you decide to let your kid go for a run alone, giving a child this fitness tracker is also a safety reassurance.
7. Hydration
Your child run training sessions should be always supported with packed water. The reason is quite simple – proper hydration is just important. This statement is multiplied several times when you are participating in intensive physical activities. Dehydration is very dangerous, and you should protect your child from this risk at all costs.
Develop their habits
8. Consistency
When it comes to running, consistency is the key. Take your kid out for a run at a regular schedule and do so frequently. This way, a child will get used to cover greater distances with every run. Trust me, one day you will notice that your kid will outrun you even at long 3 to 5 km races! This will not only make a parent proud personal coach, but will give a child the so-needed confidence, not to mention the health benefits.
9. Healthy diet
While this is a no-brainer, healthy eating habits can greatly enhance the quality of your child run. Eating something light and easily digestible two hours before running is important to maintain adequate energy levels and avoid exhaustion. I would suggest food that is rich with carbohydrates, such as fruits and vegetables. Even more, a child should have a snack immediately after a race to refill energy levels.
10. Social running
Running with others is important, especially for kids. They will feel company, fun, and a feeling of healthy competition. So, encourage your kid to call friends for a jog, or accompany them yourself. This way, a child will be motivated to cover greater distances and keep up with others while having a good time.
Conclusion
Teaching kids to run is an important activity that will give them long-term benefits in many aspects of life. So, these tips should serve as a basic guiding line for those parents that want to enhance the quality of life for their children. After all, it is a healthy and fun way to bond with your child, so have fun.
There’s an old Roman proverb that indicates a direct correlation between a healthy body and a sound mind. In our time, however, there’s a wide misconception that athletes are not the most successful students which kind of contradicts the ancient Roman wisdom. If these few words have put you in a conundrum, you might consider putting both theories under the test and take on jogging as the simplest form of physical exercise and track your academic progress to establish the truth.
Nevertheless, before you put on your tracksuit and hit the local park, let’s see what the science says about the influence of jogging on learning abilities.
Improved concentration and self-confidence
Focus is of paramount importance on our ability to learn as it allows us to dedicate our full attention to the subject at hand. A recent study conducted among 210 students of medicine shows that those who took on recreational activities such as jogging felt more confident in the face of their college challenges. Furthermore, the participants engaged in physical exercise scored a higher percentage of above-average marks, while their counterparts noted average and passing marks.
While filling in the reports, students reported that their focus was improved, which enabled them to be more efficient while learning. The fact that with each passing week they could run faster and longer improved their self-confidence and sense of personal progress, so they approached each test and exam with more self-belief.
Stress relief
Coping with academic challenges like essays, exams, homework, and research papers requires a lot of time and effort. Pushing our minds through all these tasks can put us under a lot of stress, especially when deadlines get close. Some students turn to online help services, many of which hire international staff which enables them to write essays for Aussies as well as provide homework to Russian or American students.
Jogging is also an astonishing stress reliever, as it allows us to free our minds of all the pressure and just concentrate on our breathing while we rest our eyes over the landscape. When our mind is under a lot of stress, we aren’t able to adopt new knowledge because our cognitive function is diminished. Studies show that people who regularly run possess higher cognitive flexibility, which means they can easily adapt versatile knowledge and take on different intellectual tasks.
Feeding our brain with oxygen
Oxygen is an essential element in our cellular metabolism process, it improves our cellular growth, therefore benefits our entire body. The more oxygen we pump in our brain the better it works, improving our overall body functions. As a result, our cognitive functions improve, allowing us to switch between diverse mental challenges and come up with various solutions to different problems.
When we jog for a certain amount of time, our lung capacity improves, which allows more oxygen to get into our bloodstream. The positive effects of jogging on our pulmonary system are long-term, and the results keep improving as we maintain regular exercise. In extent, physical and psychological wellbeing induce higher levels of dopamine, which keeps us calm and more eager to face academic tasks that college life places before us.
Improving motivation
Disregarding where you come from, what’s your social status, or any other personal trait, some basic human characteristics are the same for Australians, Americans, Germans, or any other people anywhere in the world. Competitiveness is one of the essential human traits, forcing us to do better than ourselves and our peers.
The lack of motivation is often the main reason why students fail at certain classes or decide to procrastinate when they should be engaged. With each passing jogging session, you’ll notice your results improving and your natural impulse to do better will kick in. Once you restart your motivation and self-confidence, it will easily transcend from physical activities to your academic endeavours.
Conclusion
As we can see, jogging has a massive influence on our ability to learn, as well as on our physical state. It’s a simple form of exercise that doesn’t require any special conditions; all you have to do is get out and start running. It doesn’t matter if you take on jogging on your won or in the company of your friends, although group running sessions are an amazing motivator. Now that you know what science has to say about it, it’s time to get out and do your research.
Guest post: Joshua Robinson is a freelance content writer dedicated to topics that include college essay writing, student lifestyle, and health. As a writer, Joshua tends to deliver practical value to his readers and applicable pieces of advice. With each new post, Joshua seeks to inspire his readers and expand their knowledge using trusted resources and the latest studies.
Though some say Ultra Marathon is any distance longer than 42.195km and some say its a distance above 50km, but to me, to make that Ultra Marathon more worthy and memorable with effort, it should be more than 50km. Been running since 2015 and the longest single run was 42.195km. I really had no courage to register myself for an ultra-marathon as its already so torturous to do a 42.195km marathon. But last year, I’ve made running an ultra marathon as my bucket list item to do and taaaadaaaaa!!! I’ve completed a freaking 52km at one go! ?
(Credits: Google)
Can’t remember who jioed who, Eleanor, Rey and I registered for the Garang Warrior Ultra. Malaysia’s Ultra-Trail Marathons is too scary for me to attempt with their crazy elevations. There isn’t many organisers organising ultra marathons in Singapore so we registered Garang Warrior Ultra. It’s held at Macritchie reservoir and it’s a 12 hours event to run as many 4km loops of about half on road and half on trail. I thought I must do at least 13 loops so I can get the title of Very Garang ?
(Credits: Garang Warrior Ultra)
And it kena the Covid-19 period. Honestly, I was hoping that event organiser might postpone or cancel the run as, since the outbreak of the virus, I’m in no mood to do my regular runs and stressed myself up for whatever the reasons. Many other runs were either postponed or cancelled already. I was 50/50 about DNS for the Garang Warrior Ultra as I’m in no conditions for such a long-distance running, didn’t do any LSD at all, being stressed and tired with work as well, and last month’s Taipei Standard Chartered Marathon was just still so recent and I’m still so tired from it ? Many many excuses and reasons, but Eleanor was so poisonous and reassuring. Positive vibes ?
The day prior to the race, I packed Vaseline, snake powder, plasters, 3 sets of shirts and shorts, brought 2 pairs of shoes, 2 pairs of sunglasses, 3 caps, 2 small towels, 2 arm sleeves. It looks like I’m packed either for a vacation or a fashion show ? I’d actually intended to wear this cap to protect myself from getting burnt ?
I look like Japanese soldier ? In the end, though I brought this cap with me, I didn’t wear it as I thought I might suffocate ? Maybe I should have just worn it so I wouldn’t get pigmentation or get much more orh lu lu ?
On race day, we reached before 6.30 am to take temperature and to deposit our baggage as well as to collect our bibs and timing tag. Just trying my luck whether I can get Chinese characters printed on the bib ?
Flag off was on time at 7 am and Rey and I go slow together when Eleanor zoomed off from the start, our strategy was to walk every upslope to conserve energy and we did the first 8 loops together then I was on my own.
(Photo credits: Tekko from Running Shots)
Brought enough clothes machiam going for a 3 day 2 night vacation but I ended up only changed my clothes once and I must say it was really shiok to change out of my super wet clothes after completed 5 of the 4km loops.
(Credits: Run, Don’t f/Stop)
There’s food prepared such as boiled eggs, cup noodles, biscuits, bread as well as fruits such as bananas and watermelon. Didn’t really eat much but it was awesome to have Coke. I’m not a gassy drink person actually. I drank the most coke this day my entire life. Though there’s energy drink like Tailwind as well as water, I only took Coke. Throughout and my last 4 loops, I was chewing on ice cubes as well as drinking coke all the way like a boss ? Honestly the best part was chewing ice throughout as the weather was insanely hot ? Heat is definitely not my friend ?
(Credits: Run, Don’t f/Stop)
(Photo credits: Tan Guan Kiat)
I was pushing myself to keep going since the 6th loop. My legs were already very sore and jelly. But I kept going. Then I was so tempted to give up and DNF. Completing 44km was good too since the minimum to complete is 1 loop so it’s not considered DNF right? But it’s not what I’d set out for. Then I saw a female runner whom I’ve met along the way giving me encouragement to keep going, just 2 more loops to go. But And I was so tempted to give up and DNF. Completing 44km was good too. wasn’t merely too more loops, I was at snail pace. It means almost another 2 hours out there. Convinced myself that I’ve already done this far, just persevere.
My NB shoes served me well over it’s “retirement age” and the sole finally came off during my 11th loop, though I’d another spare pair of shoes, I decided to wear slippers to continue the last two loops. My legs weren’t mine anymore.
Eleanor accompanied me at my most torturous last loop ❤️ Luckily I got her.
The feeling of pengsan feeling was real. Good enough, I finished the race without any injuries, saw a few runners with bloodied knees ? Ouch ouch! But they are so mentally strong and they keep on going ?
It’s the most expensive local race I’ve ever paid for. A total of $123 for the race entitlements and as well as for the finisher tee and medal which is not included in the entitlements and have to be purchased separately. Though I have countless of medals and finisher tees already, but for this crazy distance which I’ll be covering, I deserve a medal! ? Due to the outbreak of the virus, we are not able to get the finisher medal on the event day due to the medals are from China, the organiser will announce the collection of the medal ? Erm, I felt that we paid for something that is only very memorable and touching to get immediately after the run. Should post it to us instead of asking us to collect?
(Credits: Garang Warrior Ultra)
And on 15/02/2020, I was so prideful that I did my first ultra-marathon and earned myself a “Ultra Trail Marathoner” title, which today on 16/02/2020 I felt so what use do I have earning the title? Can it be eaten? ?
The funny thing was during the entire run, I was sibeh negative. I even said things like I’m retiring from long-distance running, no more full marathon, no more half marathon and I’ll happily run 10km races. Now, it’s just less than 24 hours after the race, and I was thinking simi ultra to next? ? #NeverLearn
The Western Australia (“WA”) State Long Course Championship was originally held in Collie, before moving to Rottnest Island. However, it wasn’t long before the event outgrew Rotto and in 2002 found a new home in Busselton where it has been held since, with the support of IRONMAN. The ‘Busso Half’ has been a staple of the West Australian Triathlon calendar and often has acted as the end of season celebration for triathletes in the state.
Organised by Triathletes, For Triathletes
Such is the popularity of SunSmart IRONMAN 70.3 Busselton that non-triathletes know or have completed the event, fitness enthusiast have it on their bucket list and many have already ticked it off. The event grew to be the largest Half-IRONMAN triathlon in the Southern Hemisphere.
Owned and operated by Triathlon WA since day one, the race is the only IRONMAN in Australia owned by its governing body meaning it is delivered by triathletes with their enjoyment as a priority.
About Busselton and the Event Course
Set in Busselton, around two hours’ drive from Perth, the City has developed into the event capital of Western Australia. With the famous Margaret River region, a stone’s throw away, the region welcomes tourism and benefits from fantastic weather nine months of the year.
From inception, the course was designed to provide a challenging yet fast and enjoyable experience for participants and to feature local scenery. The event starts and finishes from the same location, Barnard Park, on the Busselton foreshore. A Kids triathlon, FunMan distance and relay event round out the weekend’s activities, providing the opportunity for participants of all ages and fitness levels to enjoy taking part. In 2020, sponsors, suppliers and Triathlon WA teams will be joined by the local community, schools and groups in the FunMan team event as Busselton locals are encouraged to be a part of the Festival of Triathlon.
Highlights in 2020
In the event’s favour this year is the increased focus on World Championship qualifying spots available to age-group participants. The World Championships this year is being held in Taupo, New Zealand in November, making this event one of the last qualifying opportunities for an event that is particularly appealing due to its ‘local’ status. The event also carries double the number of qualifying spots and we see this carrying significant appeal to the triathlon audience.
Further opportunities are on offer to bring interstate and international audiences to the 2020 event thanks to new transport routes. A direct flight from Melbourne to Busselton will be in place by early 2020 and a new direct Perth to Tokyo direct flight opened in September 2019, making travelling to IRONMAN 70.3 Busselton easier than ever.
About the Event
The SunSmart IRONMAN 70.3 Busselton is held on Saturday 2nd May 2020 starting with an ‘M’ shaped swim alongside the historic Busselton Jetty, followed by a ride through the Tuart Forrest before finishing with a half marathon along the ocean foreshore, looping through the athlete village for maximum spectator exposure and a great experience for all athletes involved. Roads are closed for the duration of the event and swept prior to ensure a safe race for participants and the beaches are cleaned offering a spectacular view of a famous white Western Australian beach.
For those not up to taking on the full event, there is a relay event which we provide the opportunity to team up with friends, family or colleagues to complete a single leg of the race each as part of a team.
The following day, the FUNMan Triathlon provides a great recovery session for those up for it, whilst offering novices, juniors and those involved in the event a fun way to finish the day by completing a short distance triathlon where the focus is truly on fun and participation. For this event, all sponsors, suppliers, staff and volunteers will also form teams to experience the sport. A Kids Triathlon will round out the day’s events before visitor’s head home with great memories of their weekend in Busselton.
Stay for the Fun
Just three hours’ drive south of Perth and only 110km from end to end, Your Margaret River Region is one of Australia’s most compact, yet strikingly diverse holiday destinations stretching from Busselton and Dunsborough in the north of the region, down to Augusta in the south. It’s an enticing mosaic of pristine natural wonders, premium wineries, relaxed microbreweries, world-class restaurants, spectacular beaches, towering forests, inspirational artisans, warm and friendly locals, and a laid-back persona all of its own.
From the tranquil waters of Geographe Bay in the north, down the ancient cave-carved Leeuwin-Naturaliste Ridge, through picturesque vineyards and karri forest of the heartland, to the desolate beauty of Cape Leeuwin in the south, this is a place of astounding natural contrasts. There are just so many things to do in the Margaret River region you’ll need at least a few days to explore it. Take advantage of our stunning range of accommodation throughout the region in Margaret River, Dunsborough, Busselton, Augusta, Yallingup and throughout the South West.
Event: SunSmart IRONMAN 70.3 Busselton Race Date: Saturday 2 May 2020 Minimum Age: All athletes must be 18 or older on race day
* The 2020 SunSmart IRONMAN 70.3 Busselton event has 80 qualification spots for the 2020 IRONMAN 70.3 World Championships that will take place in Taupo, New Zealand.
Event: Funman Teams Triathlon Race Date: Sunday 3 May 2020 Minimum age: 10 years of age on race day
* Funman Individual Entry: one individual completing all three legs; Funman Teams Relay: 2-3 individuals completing 1-2 legs each (one participant per leg); Funman Teams Challenge: 3 individuals completing all three legs (finish time is taken as the final participant of the team crosses the line)
Event: SunSmart Kids Triathlon Race Date: Sunday 3 May 2020 Minimum age: 7 years of age on race day for the short distance and 10 years of age on race day for the long distance
Sir Roger Bannister was a British middle-distance runner. He broke the 4-minute barrier on 6 May 1954 at Iffley Road track in Oxford, England. He was 25 years old at that time and was studying to become a doctor. Bannister’s accomplishment was reported all over the world and he was crowned as the greatest distance runner of his time. He was knighted in 1975 and lived till the age of 88. This is the story behind the world-famous Iffley Road Track, where history was made. 66 years on, the legend of this famous venue still lives and breathes in all runners. It played a significant role in shaping the world of running and is a symbol of athletic performance and glory.
If you want a piece of history that you can carry with you, to showcase to your fellow running buddies that you hold true to the values and virtues of the sport of athletics and distance running, Iffley Road’s running kit is highly recommended. Iffley Road is a running apparel brand from the UK. They produce high quality and stylish running kits suited for runners of all levels. They believe in producing sustainably to limit their impact on the environment, which is something that I, myself am an advocate of. Claire Kent, co-founder of Iffley Road was kind enough to send over the Sidmouth Striped Half-Zip Top, together with some other products, to me for a review. This review will focus on the design, performance and comfort of the half zip top.
Before going into the specifics, I would like to talk a little bit about the packaging. The half zip top came neatly packed in a cream coloured drawstring muslin pouch with the Iffley Road logo embroidered on it (which I absolutely loved!). What I really liked about it was that the pouch came in handy especially when I needed a place to put my dirty running kit, post-run/workout. It also did not take up much space in my gym bag. It made transporting my gear easy and hassle-free.
Design
After
removing the half zip top from the pouch and opening the protective wrapping
paper, I examined the design of it. My first impression was that it looks simple
and that it will not attract the same kind of attention that the other
conventional running brands would. The colour of the half zip top is stated on
the online store as “Night Sky,” which is a colour that is very new and
different. Iffley Road believes
that running is timeless, just like their style.
Their kit is designed to look smart and at the same time, give you all that you
need to have a good workout. I instantly knew that the half zip top would look
great, not only in the gym and on the track, but around the office as well. If
you are the type that goes for a run before heading straight to the office or if
you do your runs after work, this kit is certainly for you. The Iffley Road design
and style is perfectly suited for those who want to lead a balanced lifestyle.
The Iffley Road logo is printed on the zip pull giving the kit a subtle touch of class. The classic tri-stripe ribbon is sewn on to the back of the kit on the inside and outside. According to Iffley Road, the tri-stripe ribbon pays tribute to the original Amateur Athletics Association (AAA) colours from the 1950s. In my opinion, this is a unique feature that brings back history and serves as a reminder of the trailblazing glory of the old days.
Performance
The most distinctive technical feature of the Sidmouth Striped Half-Zip Top is the bespoke drirelease® piqué fabric that Iffley Road states on their website to be lightweight, soft, durable and effectively wicks away perspiration.
I ran a total of 30 km wearing the half zip top. The distance covered was a mixture of track, trail and city running. In my opinion, this is the best way to make a fair judgment on the performance of the half zip top. In the hot climate of Singapore, I must say that Iffley Road has done a great job in creating their own special fabric. It was great at keeping my body dry and its texture and pattern brought about by the weaving technique used in manufacturing pique fabrics, which is the material of the half zip-top, made it breathable. It is also durable, and you do not have to worry much about wear and tear. I usually like to do static exercises as part of my pre and post-workout routine. I found that it is perfectly alright to get down and dirty even on rough surfaces with the half zip top. It is able to maintain its shape and form even under moderately rough conditions. However, do take note that the highly absorbent material means that it will absorb rainwater pretty easily.
From my experience, the half zip top is suitable for trail running. The material is thin, giving it a lightweight feel (approximately 300g) but not too thin to prevent twigs, leaves and insects from getting to your skin. Despite it covering approximately 75% of the upper body, I did not find it to be restricting my movement. I could move my hands freely (jumping jack test), bend down and stand back up straight (toe touch test) without feeling the fabric tighten around my mid-torso area and I could twist my torso with ease without feeling it tighten around my lower torso area (torso twist test). While running, the half zip top fit well and did not cause drag by bouncing from side to side.
I also realised just how useful the in-seam pocket was. It can nicely fit a car key, some cash and my credit card. Other than that, a nutrition gel can be also be snugly fit inside the pocket in case you need it while on your long runs. It has ample space; the zip is smooth and does not get caught in the fabric making it easy to zip and unzip. Same goes for the neck zip.
Comfort
The half zip top fits well. The soft fabric is not harsh on the skin especially during those long runs and it does not cause chafing on the underarm and neck area. The stitching lines did not cling to my body causing discomfort. This is an essential characteristic for me because over time and constant use of the kit, the stitching lines may trap bacteria. If the lines cling to the body, it may cause skin irritation and reddish lines will form on the skin that made frequent contact with the stitching lines. Apart from that, the tri-stiped logo appears to be securely sewn on and does not irritate my skin while I run.
Final Words
So far, the half zip top checks all my boxes. I was also glad to know that Iffley Road offers repair services for damage due to wear and tear, at a reasonable charge so that it can last a lifetime. Awesome! The Sidmouth Striped Half-Zip Top may not have flashy looks like the off the shelf running products that you see in the store or online, but it surely does take the lead when it comes to quality, durability and sophistication. One drawback of the half zip top would be that it is designed for a slightly cooler climate and using it in the tropics may not sit well with some runners out there.
Be that as it may, if you are as sentimental as I am, the Sidmouth Striped Half-Zip Top should be your number 1 choice. Stand out from the crowd and show off your passion for running. The half zip top is sold on the Iffley Road online store (https://www.iffleyroad.com/collections/half-zip-tops-and-polo-shirts) at a price of £70. They offer complimentary international shipping for orders over £75.
A piece of running gear for the dynamic and sophisticated individual who values leading a healthy lifestyle. What do you think about the Sidmouth Striped Half-Zip Top? Feel free to comment down below!
Fitness enthusiasts work out even when they are sick. Not so enthusiastic gym-goers, on the other hand, will find the slimmest illness excuse to skip the gym. But between these two groups of people, who is right? Is working out while sick a positive or negative thing? Well, working out on a regular basis helps you to remain healthy and minimize the effects of chronic illnesses such as heart conditions and diabetes. Regular exercise is also known to boost body immunity. That is why this post focuses on exercises, how they help you recover from illness, and how to do it best for optimal benefits.
How Can You Know If You Are Too Sick To Exercise?
Workout experts say that the best way to know whether or not you are too sick to exercise is to pay attention to the extent of your symptoms and their location. If the symptoms are below your neck, it is to your best interests not to exercise. If they are from your neck up, it is relatively safer to engage in physical exercise. The illnesses that you can have and still exercise include sore throat, mild headache, or running nose. Working out will aid your recovery process in that case.
However, if you have a productive cough, fever, stomach upsets, or a tight test, vigorous exercising can easily exacerbate the illness. Such illnesses need your body to focus all its energy on fighting and trying to recover from whichever infection that has rendered it sick. You. cannot afford to waste any energy on muscle function. The key is to listen to your body, take a break from exercise if you must, or jump on your classic bicycle if you feel okay.
Sweating Out a Cold or a Flu
Sweating out a cold or flu is okay, but you need to be careful not to dehydrate your body while at it. When your body is fighting a cold, what it needs most is tons of fluids to loosen the congestion that comes with the infection, keep the mucous membranes in your respiratory tract fully functional, and to reduce the itchy feeling on your throat. Note that you lose a lot of water through sneezing and watery eyes. The bottom line here is to sweat the flu out, but drink plenty of water while at it.
Important: When sweating a cold out, be sure to clean your equipment thoroughly immediately after use, then wash your hands. That will prevent the gathering of germs on the equipment, which would be risky as flu is a viral infection that spreads extremely fast.
How Exercise Can Help You with Cancer & HIV Therapy
Oncologists recommend exercise therapy for cancer patients for two reasons. First, exercise is known to effectively modulate a patient’s immune system. Secondly, there is an unconfirmed possibility that regular physical exercise increases NK cell activity for patients with cancer and boost lymphocyte proliferation. For HIV patients, on the other hand, regular exercise boosts cardiovascular health and increases CD4+ cells. That, in turn, prevents muscle wasting, improves mood, and helps patients to live a happier life.
How Does Exercise Affect Your Immune System?
We have mentioned on several occasions that exercise may play an important role in our immune system. But how does that happen? Well, brief vigorous exercise such as morning jogs and biking boosts both our innate and our adaptive immune response. The strength of your adaptive immunity is particularly dependent on moderate, regular exercises, while innate immunity grows with an increase in your chronic resistant training.
How often should you exercise for an improved immunity? Scientists have varied opinions as to how much training is too much, but most of them agree that exercising vigorously (say running a marathon) once a month is okay. On the other hand, 3 mild exercises per week are fine, although there aren’t any conclusive findings that show negative effects on the immune system due to everyday training. To be safe, ride your classic bicycle to work every other day.
Conclusion
The takeaway point here is that working out when ill will not necessarily lower your immune system, but there are times when it is unwise to waste too much of your energy on exercise. Don’t make things worse just to prove a point to your close associates that you are a workout animal. Find a way of reaching your fitness goals without jeopardizing your health.
Guest post: Ron Utrilla is a bicycle tester at BikeBerry. He is a big advocate that everyone should be more active in their lives. He works really hard on his projects and tries to find ways that everyone can get into fitness in an easy and approachable way.
The race was planned just after four weeks after my marathon in September (here is the previous race report). So the short term training plan aimed mainly to transfer from the passed race to a new, shorter one. For that, I gradually increased MPW from 20 to 35 during the first three weeks of four available, leaving the last one for tapering with slow-paced recovery runs. The first three weeks were in the spirit of Hanson Plans, with the rotation of tempo, sprints and long endurance runs, each followed by a recovery. Of course, I was mostly leveraging the fitness base I made before the marathon (again, Hanson-style approach with peak 70 MPW), the only goal was to actuate it before the half-marathon. A day before the race, I had a brief 2-miler with a few short (400m) MP-stretches.
Pre-race
The transition plan seemed to work well, and I felt quite rested & ready for the HM. The only potential problem was the weather forecast: whilst not rare for British October, it was stating rain showers for the whole day. So my pre-race was all about mentally preparing for puddle running and planning dry change clothes. Hopefully, I had an advantage here since the race was local to me: so I could quickly get to the start and get back home after finishing.
As for fueling, I went typical carb load starting two days before HM, and had pre-race granola breakfast roughly two hours before the start. I wanted to run without refuelling, with just catching water stations.
Speaking of plans: my previous (first) HM was about 1:33:31 and I definitely wanted to go faster, hopefully, less than 1h30. I also set a stretch goal of 1h25 which surely was very ambitious, nearly 4:00min/km. To achieve the goal, I had tactics to stick to the 1h30 pacer for the first half of the race and then go faster, up to my LT, finally going full gas on the last 5K.
Race
It turned out, the forecast was right and it was already raining cats and dogs when I woke up. I took my showerproof jacket and jogged to the race village trying to keep wait windows as minimal as possible. Made a warm-up, changed clothes, went to the starting line and was already completely wet to that moment. Actually, spotted a nice trick: some guys were using black plastic waste bags with holes made for arms & neck; not sure it protects well from the rain but at least seems to delay a moment of getting entirely wet.
So I started in the second from the front group and tried to follow the 1h30 pacer. This lasted for about 3-4K until I rushed a bit forward to escape from the queue on the water station, and decided not to return back to the pacer group. With lessons learned from the marathon, I was continuously monitoring my HR to stay below my LT for the first 10K. Then, I went a bit faster and got into LT zone for the next quarter of the race. Exactly at this moment, the weather got worse: there was literally a wall of water, with streams all around on the road. Immediately got soaked to the skin, laughed at the “car wash” style refresher that I passed by.
On the last 5K, I slowly moved to the “red zone” above my LT, and the racecourse entered the city park area with gravel & sand pathways. They were obviously full of puddles, leaving nearly no chance to miss one and step on the solid ground. Hopefully, it wasn’t that muddy, and even my road running flats weren’t slippering much. On the last mile, we go: an asphalt section and then about 1K on the few centuries-old pavements in the historical centre of Oxford. Final rush to the finish line and 1:26:39. Nearly 7 minutes washed away since the first half-marathon I did this May.
Post-race
The first thought, “cool, I actually made it as planned!”. Just a few seconds later, “wait, I’m not completely wasted as I was last time, I should have probably run faster!”. Feeling happy and a bit disappointed at the same time. On the other hand, I can’t easily what went wrong i.e. where I should’ve speeded up. The best guess I have is, perhaps, the first half could be closer to the LT lower limit so I’d maximise the efforts here…
I’m generally happy how the race was organised. With about 7000 participants running, Virgin Sports did a good job keeping the race safe and providing water & electrolytes on the course. The course was quite flat, maybe a bit too much packed into the same streets, with dual-way running. I think my only concern is, since the race village was in the park and it was raining cats & dogs, the entire territory around tents was wet and muddy. Even with gravel covered pathways, it was barely possible to get in or out without collecting the mud on your feet. Thinking out loud, some plastic/rubber mats could to the job, if properly placed on the pathways… But I get it, maybe it was hard to predict & plan such things in advance.
Goody Bag
This year, Oxford Half goodies came in linen cloth bags and mainly consisted of a blue t-shirt, snacks and bars from sponsors, extra-light beer (meh…), and — I still have a strong feeling that I accidentally got a ladies bag — dry shampoo and brow corrector. This year, finisher’s medal was in a polygonal shape, somewhat reminding me of a manhole cover or spider’s web, but that’s alright.
Overall, I’m happy with the race and planning to go further next year. I’m twice as happy that I managed to do the season without any injuries or overtraining, despite that I made a half & full marathon for the first time. Thinking of pushing harder on the speed & strength training this year and making my sub-3 next spring.
Check back to this page regularly for the latest updates. For submission of news and information, please kindly write to contact@justrunlah.com. Thank you.
29 Aug 2020: Event originally scheduled – Earth Day Run 2020
Event is cancelled.
A full refund will be arranged for registered participants.
No further action is required.
28 Jun 2020: Event originally scheduled – TRI-Factor Singapore Series Compressport Run & Run-Swim Challenge 2020
Event has been postponed.
New event date and race pack collection details will be announced on a later date.
Participants’ registration will automatically be transferred to the new date without any administrative requirement.
In the event that participant is unable to make it for the new date, the registration fees will be credited for any event by Orange Room/TRI-Factor in 2020 or for the following year’s edition of the TRIFactor Series
23 May 2020: Event originally scheduled – Sundown Marathon 2020
Event is cancelled.
Participants who have registered for this year’s race will gain direct entry into the 2021 edition.
Any requested refunds will be handled by this year’s race organiser, Infinitus Productions.
26 Apr 2020: Event originally scheduled – Income Eco Run 2020
Event is cancelled.
All registered participants will receive a full refund of entry fees paid.
There will be no follow-up action required on participants’ part for the refund.
19 Apr 2020: Event originally scheduled – Ground Zero Run 2020
Event is postponed to 6 September 2020.
Race venue and time remain the same.
10 Apr 2020: Event originally scheduled – #AsiaCityRace #SIN 2020
Event is postponed to 11 September 2020.
More details will be updated at a later date.
8 Apr 2020: Event originally scheduled – J.P. Morgan Corporate Challenge Singapore 2020
Event is postponed to 26 November 2020.
Race venue is to be determined and time remains the same.
5 Apr 2020: Event originally scheduled – 2XU Compression Run Singapore 2020
Event has been postponed to the second half of the year.
New event date and race pack collection details are targeted to be announced in the week of 4th May 2020.
22 Mar 2020: Event originally scheduled – Terry Fox Run 2020
Event has been postponed.
New event date will be announced in due course.
T-shirts will be shipped to participants.
23 Feb 2020: Event originally scheduled – Run for Hope 2020
Event is postponed to 16 August 2020.
Race pack collection date and venue will be confirmed at a later date.
Please keep a lookout on their website and their Facebook page for further updates.
If you are a registered participant, no action is needed, as your run slot will be automatically transferred to 16 August 2020.
Please direct all enquiries to enquiry@runforhope.sg or call our hotline at 9010 6353. (Monday to Friday, 10:00 am to 5:00 pm, closed on weekends and public holidays)
22 Feb 2020: Event originally scheduled – Run for Light 2020
Event is postponed to 25 July 2020.
Race pack collection on 15 & 16 Feb (Sat & Sun) at City Square will still proceed.
Please keep a lookout on their website and their Facebook page for further updates.
15 Feb 2020: Event originally scheduled – Marina Run 2020
Event has been postponed.
New event date will be announced in due course.
Race Pack Collection is also cancelled.
15 Feb 2020: Event originally scheduled – Singapore Cancer Society – TalkMed Relay for Life
Event is cancelled.
To carry on the spirit of Relay for Life, which aims to bring together the community to celebrate cancer survivorship, remember loved ones lost or still battling cancer, and to fight back against cancer, Singapore Cancer Society (SCS) and TalkMed will be planning for a Virtual Relay For Life 2020 with an online virtual event and a 100km virtual run in March or April 2020, for participating teams to do their part in support of the cancer community.
As there are now a few local cases without any links to previous cases or travel history to China, the Ministry of Health (MOH) has stepped up their risk assessment from DORSCON Yellow to DORSCON Orange.
Additional precautions for large-scale events
– MOH advised event organisers to cancel or defer non-essential large-scale events. For those who choose to proceed, they should take all necessary precautions. These include: · Carry out temperature screening; · Look out for respiratory symptoms such as cough or runny nose, and deny entry to unwell individuals; · Remind participants not to attend if the participants have recent travel history to mainland China, and require travel declaration, if possible; · Ensure that event venues are ventilated and are adequately equipped with facilities for handwashing; and · Increase the frequency of cleaning commonly used areas; and · Maintain a registration list of participants, if practical.
– Individuals who are unwell, on Leave of Absence, or have recent travel history to mainland China, should not attend such events.
The Kaveri River trail allows a runner to explore pristine
nature. The trail follows the serpentine canal of river Kaveri, worshipped as a
goddess in South India. The run starts near the Ranganathittu bird sanctuary,
around 15kms from Mysore. It is a loop run and the route is dotted by green
paddy fields, sugarcane plantations and coconut trees. From time to time, the
birds from the sanctuary make an impromptu appearance to cheer the tired
runner.
Ever since I started running, I have always wanted to experience the Kaveri River Trail. It sounded too good to be true in a rapidly urbanizing India and appeared way different from the city road races. After the highs of running in Ladakh in September 2019, I wanted to follow up with a run that would give me the same exhilaration that I had experienced while running in the cold desert.
The overnight bus from Pune to Mysore was tiring and I thanked myself when I checked into the quaint Green Hotel situated in a leafy neighbourhood. Its green lawns, white dinner table juxtaposed with green napkins and its laid back demeanour was just what the doctor had ordered. After a hearty meal, I sank into a deep slumber to allow my body to recover from the long work week and the overnight bus journey.
Since I had to collect my bib and the race T-shirt, I went to the venue early. It was pitch dark and there was a chill in the air. As I was collecting my goodie bag, the birds from the adjoining sanctuary decided to do their bit to welcome the runners. What started as the chirping of the night birds soon evolved into a cacophony of noise as the sun started coming up. Unlike the city marathons, space was abundant for the runners and I decided to do a slow warm-up. Apart from the occasional conversation of the few other runners who decided to do a slow warm-up well ahead of the start time, there was an eerie silence. The birds seemed to understand that they had 700+ runners for company at an unusual time in the morning and decided to go silent. It was almost surreal and the 500-meter loop from the starting line to the entrance of the bird sanctuary appeared to be the quintessential ‘stairway to heaven’.
The half marathon started at 6:45 am. The cool breeze from the canal, the gentle rays of the early morning sun and the greenery that came up after the first few hundred meters made it a perfect setting. However, going by my previous experience of visiting Mysore, I knew that the scorching sun will soon make its presence felt. I decided to run hard for the first 10kms and see how I cope up for the remaining 11. The trail with the red soil against the backdrop of a clear blue sky made it a run to remember. The event was superbly organized and every two km there was a well-stocked water station. And what I liked most was the clear sign of kms completed by both half and full marathoners. What made it extra special was the complete absence of vehicles. We came across the local villagers and their bullock carts once in a while and they happily waved back to us. It seemed they were happy to share the trail with the runners for a day.
At the 10.5 km roundabout, I realized that the race was going to get harder. The sun was now on us. It was literally on our face and I wished I had got my shades. While the contact lens has been a trusted friend for ages, I have realized that the combination of sun and sweat can have an unsettling effect. I trudged along nevertheless as the trail which appeared smooth and easy an hour ago transformed into a harsh terrain dotted with pebbles and small stones.
I decided to rehydrate at alternative water stations and
apply the cooling sponges from time to time. The volunteers at the stations
helped us overcome moments of self-doubt through their kind words of encouragement
and smiling faces. And, not before long I could see the finish line. Due to the
serpentine nature, the trail allows you to have a clear view of what lies
ahead. I decided to push myself a bit and finished the race with a big smile.
The Kaveri River Trail allows you to run on a trail that is still untouched by the perils of urbanization. The trail is quite magical albeit very tough especially when the scorching sun is on you. It is a must-participate event for those who enjoy getting immersed in nature during a run. Superbly organized and heartily supported by the locals and the birds from the sanctuary, it leaves you feeling refreshed as you head back to resume your life in the cities.
SINGAPORE – 6 February 2020 – Following its success in distance running, Nike will continue to expand the record-breaking NEXT% platform with new footwear designed to provide runners with a measurable performance benefit for a new era of competition.
Nike Air Zoom Alphafly NEXT%
The Nike Air Zoom Alphafly NEXT% evolves the learnings of the Vaporfly franchise, adding Zoom Air Pods in the forefoot, more ZoomX Foam in the heel and a lighter Atomknit upper.
Call it the ultimate test run: When Eliud Kipchoge broke the two-hour marathon barrier in Vienna this past October, he was wearing a prototype of the Nike Air Zoom Alphafly NEXT%.
“For runners, records like the four-minute mile and two-hour marathon are barometers of progress. These are barriers that have tested human potential. When someone like Eliud breaks them, our collective belief about what’s possible changes,” says Tony Bignell, VP, Footwear Innovation. “Barriers are inspiring to innovators. Like athletes, when a barrier is in front of us, we are challenged to think differently and push game-changing progress in footwear design.”
The NEXT% platform is the ultimate expression of Nike’s ambition to engineer footwear with measurable performance benefit. NEXT% is all about creating more efficient intersections between the body and technology to enable athletes to shatter personal boundaries — and sometimes, as our athletes have shown, break records. It is the ultimate meeting of sports science and purposeful design.
“The groundbreaking research that led to the original Vaporfly unlocked an entirely new way of thinking about marathon shoes,” says Carrie Dimoff, an elite marathoner and member of Nike’s Advanced Innovation Team. “Once we understood the plate and foam as a system, we started thinking about ways to make the system even more effective. That’s when we struck upon the idea of adding Nike Air to store and return even more of a runner’s energy and provide even more cushioning.”
Breaking down the Nike NEXT% system
Nike NEXT% is a footwear innovation system engineered to give athletes a measurable benefit. Informed by sport science and verified by the Nike Sport Research Lab, the Nike Air Zoom Alphafly NEXT% features three critical components, working together to help runners on race day:
Full-length Carbon Fiber Plate: Provides stability and a smooth transition; increases stiffness in the forefoot to provide a sensation of propulsion
Nike ZoomX Cushioning: Lightweight, provides optimal energy return, minimizes energy loss
Nike Zoom Air Pods: Added cushioning, increased energy return
Nike’s newest race-day shoe, the Nike Air Zoom Alphafly NEXT% features two new Nike Zoom Air pods, more ZoomX foam and a single carbon fiber plate (all updates from its predecessor, the Nike ZoomX Vaporfly NEXT%), and an ultra-breathable, lightweight Flyknit upper – all adding up to improved cushioning and running economy.
The shoe is part of a suite of products releasing in summer 2020, including the Nike Air Zoom Tempo NEXT% and Nike Air Zoom Tempo NEXT% FlyEase, complementary training shoes that translate the principles of the Alphafly to rigorous daily use.
Nike Air Zoom Tempo NEXT%
Designed for higher mileage and more frequent use, the Nike Air Zoom Tempo NEXT% was created as a training complement to the Alphafly NEXT%.
For the Tempo NEXT%, the NEXT% system is specifically tuned to training. The plate shifts from carbon to a composite — softer for added comfort over higher mileage — but still serves to provide stability and transition throughout a runner’s full stride. ZoomX, prized for its energy return and responsiveness, sits above the plate at mid and forefoot. For maximum impact protection and durability, Nike React Foam is used at the heel. The same Nike Zoom Air pods featured in the new Nike Air Zoom Alphafly NEXT% are also placed in the Tempo’s forefoot to offer responsive cushioning and a sensation of propulsion.
The Nike Air Zoom Alphafly NEXT%, Nike Air Zoom Tempo NEXT% and Nike Air Zoom Tempo NEXT% FlyEase give athletes of today an opportunity to stamp their mark and motivate athletes (and designers) of tomorrow to set even greater goals.
Summer is fast approaching, and with it comes the scorching heat. The baking summer sun can slow you down, cause chafing and even dehydrate you. It’s a good thing science and human ingenuity brings us a solution to keeping cool while running. Have a look at five running shorts that will help you beat the summer heat.
1) ASICS Cool 2-N-1 5 Inch Shorts
ASICS touts these shorts as the perfect combination of lower-body comfort and breathability. Made of polyester, these shorts feature an inner mesh brief for comfort. The perforated woven fabric increases breathability, keeping you cool while running in summer. They also added a laminated media pocket for your keys or iPod. The reflective logo is a nice touch for runners who prefer evening runs. A great choice for serious runners.
2) Under Armour Qualifier Speed pocket 7 Inch Shorts
Known for their athletic gear, Under Armour runs for the finish line with these shorts. Manufactured using ultralight stretch fabric helps keep movement unrestricted. The center-front waistband expands for a perfect fit. Meanwhile, their inner mesh liner adds breathability. Mesh side panels help keep you cool while running. The fabric sports anti-odor technology to stop odor-causing microbes. A great way to keep cool while on the run.
3) New Balance Q Speed Breathe Shorts
Fitness brand New Balance charges forward with their Q Speed Breathe Shorts. The perforated fabric keeps runners cool. Dry Sweat-wicking technology helps keep you dry even while running. The lightweight fabric keeps runners comfortable while on the road. A pair to consider when looking for new running shorts.
4) Lululemon Pace Breaker Shorts
These shorts mix a classic fit and storage space for runners on the go. The lightweight fabric features a mesh vent in the back. Lululemon made the inner lining with quick-drying mesh fabric for breathability. An envelope pocket in the rear keeps you from losing your mobile phone. If you bring small items with you while running, these shorts are perfect for you.
5) Nike Men’s 7-Inch Running Shorts
Capping off our list of great running shorts for summer is Nike’s 7-Inch Running Shorts. Nike’s patented DRI-FIT technology is on full display here, keeping runners cool and dry. The lightweight fabric and sweat-wicking technology keep you comfortable throughout grueling summer runs. Mesh piping on the sides gives even more breathability and comfort. The inner lining gives further comfort and support. An elastic waistband and drawcord lets you get the perfect fit. A solid pick for your summer running needsPFood and waterConclusion
And there you have it, five great running shorts to help you beat that summer heat. Get on the road in these and get fit while staying cool and comfortable.
The largest running event of Hong Kong has been cancelled in the wake of the coronavirus outbreak. Close to 70,000 runners were about to participate on Saturday, February 8.
All registered participants of Standard Chartered HK Marathon 2020 will have their entires refunded due to race cancellation, as per the organiser’s announcement on social media that reads as follows:
【#SCHKM2020 Cancellation Announcement 】 Public health is our top priority. To support the government’s epidemic prevention efforts, the organiser has decided to cancel the Standard Chartered Hong Kong Marathon originally scheduled for 8 and 9 February. Entry fee will be fully refunded with details to be announced shortly.
While disappointed, most runners on social media seem to agree that it is a ‘right’ decision made for public health. You can read a review of a previous edition of Standard Chartered Hong Kong Marathon here.
This marathon had many great reviews. My curiosity got the better of me and I just had to visit Yangon to experience this race for myself.
Booked a flight on Jetstar on 17th Jan and off we go!
Race pack collection was a breeze and hassle-free. I do not have any special mention on the race pack collection because it was truly quiet and no activities going on at all if you would even consider it as an expo. =(
Efficient Race Pack CollectionSimple Race Expo
On 19th Jan morning, I joined in the warm up with the full marathon runners although I signed up for the half marathon (which started 30 mins later). The half marathon race starts at 5.30am in the morning and weather was surprisingly cool and pleasant at 17 – 18 degrees.
Warm up session starting
Start line was simple and race was flagged off on time. The race route brings you to most parts of Yangon city, including running past the Shwedagon Pagoda and Yangon Zoo just to name a few places.
Start lineA view of Shwedagon Pagoda on the running route
Runners eventually merged between the 10.5km and 21km running route. This created a bit of a bottleneck that made me slow down quite significantly as there were many walkers for the 10.5km race.
But eventually when I got to the finish line, things were all good and everyone was happy to collect their after-race entitlements and medal.
Finish line
Race village was filled with finishers and it was a very enjoyable run to say the least. The running route was also scenic and not monotonous. Highly recommend this race if you want to experience a runcation that is something different.
Organised by one of the Thai trail organisers, Teelakow, it was also the organiser who did the trail race in Koh Chang. Signed up for this race because I thought every year, I should do a decent ultra at least, just to keep up. The race was year-end and also been to Pai before, I felt more at ease in the town.
After signing up, I found out that some Singaporeans were going to this race too, so we all signed up separately and went together. Came to realise that most of the folks were doing 100 miles instead of 100K. But glad that one running photographer, Tan Kim Lai was doing the 100 K.
Like PYT, I wanted to take Silk Air to directly go Chiang Mai from Singapore, unfortunately, they don’t operate it now. We had to go by Thai Airways as I also had check-in bags, fortunately, the price was very good but the down is that we need to transfer in Bangkok.
Pai is a very small town, practically reachable to all the restaurants and hotels by foot. The town is peaceful and quite nice for a laid back vacation, it is also a pit stop for travellers going further North. I stayed at the TTK Guest house, it was only 200m away from the race point in the Pai District office.
Room in TTK Guest House
The race start and race end are all at the Pai district office, there was a small field outside the office building. This is where the organiser set up the tentages for collection of race pack and mandatory items check. I reached Pai a day before my race while the folks doing the 100 miles will start on the night itself. After doing the admin stuff, walked around town, did some shopping as I thought I would not be able to move much after the race. The race briefing started at 4:30pm and after that I hang around the “mini bar” which has loads of refreshments like noddles, snacks and hot drinks ( no alcohol though).
Race Start Point
The 100 miles flag off was at 6pm. I stayed on the cheer the running friends, Kim Song, Jeric off. While me and Kim Lai have 8 more hours to our 100Km start time. We also met the Malaysian Ultra Runner group there. Met more familiar faces like Sally whom we did the TMBT together.
This bar is opened for all the participants throughout the event. There are many interesting Issan snacks in Pai and the night walking street is a good place to savour them all.
Mini bar
Race Start
Dragging myself up at 2:30 am, I did some small last preparations and finally move off to start line to be flagged off at 4am. There were not many 100km participants, I guess most of the folks went for the 100 miles as to speak the truth, it is not that a killer race. The scenery was nice only the weather was cold. Seems like we had a cold year and night can go as low as 8 degrees.
Four more minutest to starting
To cut the long story short, total of 12 checkpoints ( CPs) among them one is like a water point in the forest. Covering actually 105Km with elevation of 5500m. This is the longest I had ever done, but judging its less technical terrain and also cut off time of 32 hours makes it more manageable.
At the first check point it was still dark
The scenery is really nice, and 80% of the trail is mainly on dust trail and road. Which I am really glad as I have been very tired from Chicago Marathon. I also have not been practicing must in the trails. The check points are very well stocked with mostly rose syrup water, tailwind and also water. I hardly drink other things on the trails except water and coffee. But after trying the rose syrup, I am kinda hooked. There were 2 hot food stations which served fried egg with stew and rice. Although they might not be some Michelin star food, cooked by the school and villagers makes the food taste really good.
Dirt trail is a common scene
There were some forest parts which can be quite challenging, and also I experienced 2 river crossings. This time was better as I wore proper socks and did not experience the trench foot. My most memorable CP was Nam Pla Mung school, it was perched on the hill top. While running to it , you can see the beautiful mountain range. This was also the drop bag point where you get the hot food and also you can get a change of clothes. There were many runners sleeping and resting in the classroom of the school. Most of them were the 100miles runners. The weather was also very sunny, so there were many picture moments. It was indeed very panoramic.
Check points manned by locals.
As I was moving towards the water point in the forest, I stopped a while because the water point does not seemed to be at the stipulated area. So I waited for the 3 Malaysia pact team doing the 100miles, and as they caught up we realise that the water point has no one manning it. It was simply bottles of water left in the forest for all to take.
Typical fare!
We started moving off together the four of us to the second last check point. I got to know that one of them was called Kok Fei. They had joined all the 4 trails organised by Teelakow. We chatted and really it was good to have them in the forest as I was really getting lonely after 22 hours all by myself. They were very chatty too and like to joke. I could see the 3 of them are very experienced runners and one of them was not using a pole at all!
Finishing it off
Finisher medal and tee shirt
Finally at the last check point, we sat by the bon fire, I am amazed that they had done already 140 plus km and still able to move fast. Reluctant to leave the check point which also served hot food. We moved off in different directions. I was alone again, this time even more windy and cold as it was near to 4am in the morning. The rest of the 7 km was all roads. As I winded through Pai, I realised that the town has many other unexplored places. The Z monster has got to me this time and I had to fight sleepiness and feeling cold.
Finally at 4:26am the next day, I managed to finish the race and gosh was I tired. However, I was kinda happy that I did it in 24hours plus. Cutting off yet another 3 hours from the PYT race.
Overall
Finishing look
Setting back to Chiang Mai the very afternoon. I felt happy and good with the end of this race, managed to come in 7th position. Which I thought I was lucky as not many people joined this category and the power houses all did the 100miles. Now to the most enjoyable part. The rest and relax at the ChiangMai night market.
