The Running Shoe Guru

Mo Farah runs Olympic A standard - at 1500M!

2012-05-19T02:40:00.002-07:00

Watch more video of 2012 USATF Oxy High Performance Meet on flotrack.org

Renato Canova interview

2012-05-15T04:01:00.000-07:00

Bernard Lagat talks about 2012 Olympics

2012-05-14T03:54:00.000-07:00

part 2 of Bernard Lagat video

2012-05-14T03:00:00.000-07:00

Nike Speed Suit

2012-05-13T14:25:00.003-07:00

Members of the American Olympic athletics team will have a technical advantage over their fastest rivals.

Thanks to a high-tech running suit that takes inspiration from a golf ball.

Nike - who sponsor the U.S. team - have unveiled the TurboSpeed suit, which they claim can knock 0.23 seconds off a 100 metre sprint.

The time may not sound much by your ordinary jogger's standards but when it comes to the fastest race in the world, every millisecond counts.

Take U.S. sprinter Walter Dix’s time in the 100 meter sprint at the 2008 Beijing Olympics, for example.

The bronze medal winner lost out to world champion Jamaican Usain Bolt by a mere 0.22 seconds.

Bolt is sponsored by Puma, so if Nike’s claims are to be believed, Dix could beat Bolt by simply putting on a different running suit.

He could certainly overtake silver medalist Richard Thompson, who was just 0.02 seconds faster.

Thompson is a member of the Trinidad and Tobago team, who are sponsored by Adidas.

Nike TurboSpeed's design incorporates golf-ball ‘dimples’, which reduce aerodynamic drag.

The kit's efficiency was tested during hundreds of hours in a wind tunnel over a twelve year period.

And it is eco-friendly too - made from 82 percent recycled polyester fabric, a material that uses around 13 recycled plastic bottles per outfit.

The Russian and German teams are also sponsored by the sportswear company.

Brooks Adrenaline GTS 12 Limited Edition unveiled

2012-05-12T07:34:00.001-07:00

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ULTRARUNNER JOSEF AJRAM TAKES BAREFOOT RUNNING TO THE NEXT LEVEL

2012-05-11T02:53:00.001-07:00

ULTRARUNNER JOSEF AJRAM TAKES BAREFOOT RUNNING

TO THE NEXT LEVEL

“I don’t know where the limit is, but I know where it’s not” – Josef Ajram

Barefoot running has continued to increase in popularity amongst recreational runners this year but few people have embraced the concept as fully as ultramarathon runner and Merrell ambassador Josef Ajram, who competes in the first of 7 consecutive ironman events on May 13^th in the Canary Islands, Spain.

Josef Ajram will be taking part in the Red Bull 7Islands challenge from May 13^th to May 19^th and will cover an incredible 26.6km swimming, 1260km cycling and 295.4 km running, in seven consecutive days, on seven different Islands. Unlike the majority of athletes who train at this distance, Josef is a barefoot specialist, preferring the lightweight minimalism and increased connection to the ground that he gets from barefoot shoes. Josef Ajram stated: “I believe we have to bring the benefits of Barefoot to everyone, giving people the chance to test the difference and feel the benefits for themselves. The feeling of running in barefoot shoes is simply amazing”.

His hunger for adventure in the most extreme of situations is far-removed from his day job as a trader in the stock market, living in Barcelona. Despite generally being considered to be two worlds apart, Josef believes the same principles of success exist in his work life and as a competitive runner - perseverance, dynamism and an ability to calculate possibilities and measure his capabilities.

This passion for a challenge has led him to participate in some of the most challenging endurance competitions in the world, including the EPIC 5 in Hawaii (5 ironmans, 5 days, 5 islands), Ultraman triathlon in Canada and the Marathon Des Sables across the Sahara Desert in Morocco.

Josef will be attempting the Red Bull 7Islands challenge wearing Merrell Trail Glove shoes, which is his preference for road running and Merrell Bare Access for more mountainous and extensive runs. The recently launched Barefoot Access products offer a little more cushioning and protection than the rest of the Merrell Barefoot range, providing 8mm of cushioning rather than the standard 4mm. Both styles are true to the Merrell ‘Zero-drop’ philosophy, with an equal height footbed from the heel to the forefoot but the Trail Glove boasts greater traction, featuring deeper lugs as a result of its trail running design.

The Merrell Barefoot collection helps to engage feet efficiently, with many users changing from a heel-strike running technique reporting a reduction in injuries and a strengthening of body core. from your feet up - giving a more efficient and aligned lower-impact gait. Ajram said, “I feel that my running is much more efficient using barefoot products and that a few significant pains I had in my lumbar zone have disappeared. I attribute these benefits to barefoot running, as the pains were causing me serious trouble until I changed my running style and started training regularly Merrell Barefoot shoes.

“I like that it looks and feels like a normal shoe, without the eccentricity of the Five Fingers or the flamboyant sole of the Newton. Merrell’s Barefoot line is spectacular!”

adidas adizero Tempo eyewear

2012-05-10T07:41:00.000-07:00

Adidas – Adizero Tempo Eyewear - £115.00

It was the level of adjustment that made these glasses the most comfortable to wear for all our testers. The arms flex easily and stay in place around the head as well as being able to tilt up and down at the hinge. With a nosepiece that can also be adjusted the wear can find a fit that hold the glasses in place even during intense activity. The wide lens provide excellent coverage and the very lightweight glasses meant testers commented ‘I didn’t even notice I was wearing them!’

Craft sun shade products

2012-05-09T07:39:00.000-07:00

Craft - Compression Arm Coolers - £30.00

At first glance it may seem a little strange putting on a ‘sleeve’ to help keep cool, but these compression arm coolers really do the trick. Whilst they have the word compression in their name they are not too tight and feel comfortable and amazingly cool! Perhaps it’s the fabric that is used, but all our testers reported a ‘cooling’ sensation when wearing them they have good sun protection so could be just the job, maybe for long adventure runs?

Craft – Elite Run Cap- - £15.00

A great value cap, the mesh side panels provide great ventilation whilst the cap on a whole wicks moisture effectively. It’s adjustable to give a snug fit and has a soft headband.

70,000 visitors and still growing

2012-05-08T02:22:00.000-07:00

THANKS TO OUR 70,000 + REGULAR VISITORS

Preston Guild 5k

2012-05-07T13:01:00.002-07:00

The first race in the Preston Guild 2012 series took place today in Preston.
Won by Thomas Carson of Bolton United Harriers.
Full results here -

http://www.ukresults.net/2012/guild5k.html

Under Armour - Cold Balck

2012-05-06T12:44:00.003-07:00

Under Armour – Cold Black Tee - £22.00

This unique fabric treatment allows dark colours to reflect the suns rays and heat as well as light colours. The treatment works very well with all testers reporting that they remained cool throughout their training and exposure to the sun. The fabric is light, breathable and has great stretch qualities to ensure a great fit.

Spresh Water bottle

2012-05-06T12:43:00.003-07:00

Source - Spresh Bottle - £18.00

The innovative bottle features a full-length internal straw along with a soft squeezable outer shell that means you can drink every last drop of its contents with tilting your head, just a gentle squeeze is all that’s required. Its one of those ideas that you wonder wasn’t invented sooner! Highly effective and very popular with testers.

Gore running Wear

2012-05-05T05:56:00.001-07:00

Gore Running Wear – Visor Cap - £15.99

If you just need protection from the glare of the sun without wearing sunglasses this visor is perfect. The lining material wicks moisture and prevent sweat from running down your face, while the back has an easily adjustable Velcro strap to give a great fit.

Gore Running Wear – Running Cap - £16.99

Lightweight, moisture wicking and with adjustable fit, this great value cap helps regulate body temperature and keep the suns glare at bay.

Annecy sun protection

2012-05-05T05:54:00.001-07:00

ANNECY - SUNLIP SPF30 - £3.99

Designed to protect lips during strong sun exposure when running or any sporting activity, testers licked the easy application and non-greasy feel of this balm. The small size also means it slips into the smallest of pockets.

ANNECY - SUNCREAM SPF30 - £9.99

Multiple levels of protection to keep the skin healthy whilst exposed to the sun. This clever blend will help facilitate tanning whilst also moisturizing, protection and repairing skin. The high SPF30 offers great protection against high UVA & UVB rays. But most importantly our testers found that it was easy to apply and their skin remained comfortable during activity.

ANNECY - AFTER SUN CREAM - £8.99

Regenerating after sun cream to soothe skin made fragile by sun exposure and dehydration. Enriched with hydrating and soothing active ingredients this cream creates an immediate feeling of freshness and comfort.

Sunglasses

2012-05-04T08:08:00.003-07:00

Polaroid – Blaze Sports Glasses - £50.00

Ultra light and good protection from the sun, testers also commented on the stylish reflective lens of these glasses. Our lady testers found the fit best, as the frame was a little slimmer than other on test. The arms wear comfortable and along with a ‘sticky rubber’ nosepiece, held the glasses in place well.

X-Bionic Fennec Bandana reviewed

2012-05-03T12:40:00.000-07:00

X-BIONIC - FENNEC BANDANA - £39.99

Wearing this bandana is like running in the shade. The built in 3D Bionicsphere system on the forehead quickly and efficiently removes excess sweat, wicks it away and utilises every last drop of sweat to conserve energy by working with the bodies natural cooling systems. The styling is not for everyone but the functionality is excellent.

Pre Classic - Bekele Vs Farah

2012-05-02T13:05:00.001-07:00

Heres the start list -

Kenenisa Bekele (Ethiopia)
Mo Farah (Great Britain)
Isaiah Kiplangat Koech (Kenya)
Yenew Alamirew (Ethiopia)
Thomas Pkemei Longosiwa (Kenya)
Tariku Bekele (Ethiopia)
Edwin Cheruiyot Soi (Kenya)
Abera Kuma (Ethiopia)
Jacob Cheshari (Kenya)
Galen Rupp (USA)
Alistair Ian Cragg (Ireland)
Albert Rop (Kenya)
Craig Mottram (Australia)
Collis Birmingham (Australia)
Matt Tegenkamp (USA)
Tesfaye Cheru (Ethiopia)
Dathan Ritzenhein (USA)
Chris Thompson (Great Britain)
William Malel (Kenya)
David Bett (Kenya)

More details here -

http://www.letsrun.com/2012/bekelepre-0430.php

Paula looks ahead to London

2012-05-02T13:03:00.001-07:00

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/olympics/article-2137668/London-2012-Olympics-Paula-Radcliffe-looking-forward-marathon.html

Chris Thompson runs Olympic 5000m qualifying time - video here

2012-05-01T12:53:00.001-07:00

Watch more video of 2012 Stanford Payton Jordan Cardinal Invitational on flotrack.org

Ronhill ladies summer clothing reviewed

2012-04-30T13:47:00.001-07:00

Ronhill – Racer Tank - £28.00

The high content of elastane and double layer fabric used in this bra top means excellent support whilst retaining great moisture wicking qualities. The broad shoulder and band straps means there’s no digging in and flat-locked seems means no chaffing.

Ronhill – Trail Twin Short - £35.00

These stretch woven shorts have a ‘short tights’ style inner lining to provide great fit and support. The outer fabric stretches nicely to remain comfortable while running and has a water repellent treatment to cope with inclement weather. A rear zipped back pocket is great for keys or gels.

Ronhill – Aspiration Vest - £24.00

The fabric used is this vest is especially good at wicking moisture from the skin. Added mesh side panels increase this highly breathable functionality. The seems are all flat-locked for added comfort and no chaffing.

Ronhill – Trail Contour Capri - £35.00

These Capri tights are perfect for longer trail runs, using a UV protection fabric that will block most of the suns harmful rays as well being supportive with good stretch. Two side pockets and a rear zip pocket means you can carry gels, keys and phone easily and securely.

More on Dwain

2012-04-30T13:40:00.001-07:00

As Dwain Chambers is now allowed to compete in the Olympic games (should he qualify) the debate continues in the UK.

http://www.guardian.co.uk/sport/2012/apr/29/dwain-chambers-pariah-mentor

The UK media has gone to town yet again with the debate over Dwain, without mention of Carl Myerscough, who will also now be allowed to take part. Myerscough also served a 2 years ban for drug use, although, unlike Chambers, Myerscough claims his innocence on the matter. (Chambers admitted his part in his ban openly when caught).

Myerscough's wife, Melissa also served 2 year drug ban in 2004 - she also pleaded her innocence.

So, along with Justin Gatlin of the USA there will be potentially be several previously banned athletes in London this summer. They could include Great Britain's Christine Ohuruogu, who served a ban for missing 3 drug tests prior to winning her Olympic Gold and getting her MBE, as well as Tim Don, triathlete, who also missed 3 consecutive random drug tests and served a ban.

Dwain Chambers

2012-04-29T12:45:00.002-07:00

http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/olympics/17853070

The Three Peaks Race - Yorkshire, UK - a preview

2012-04-26T12:52:00.001-07:00

Three Peaks Fell Race – Together with Salomon
Saturday, April 28th, 2012

Runners from as far away as Australia will be in the Yorkshire Dales on Saturday (April 28th) for the Three Peaks Race, but it the Scots who are the favourites to win the historic event, which is being held for the 58th time.

The “Marathon with Mountains”, which has Salomon as its principle sponsor, starts at Horton-in Ribblesdale, near Settle, and takes competitors over a 23-mile course with 5,270 feet of ascent, including the summits of Penyghent, Whernside and Ingleborough – Yorkshire’s Three Peaks.

The 1,000 entrants include Andy Peace, of Bingley Harriers, who set the race record of 2hrs 46mins 3sec in 1996. He won the event in 1994, 1995, 1996 and 2004. Bingley’s dominance was continued by Rob Jebb, the winner in 2005, 2006, 2007 and 2009, who finished second in the Fell Runners Association English Championships in 2011.

But the Scots have been a force to be reckoned with since the Three Peaks was run as a heat of the World Long Distance Mountain Challenge in 2008. The winner that year was Jethro Lennox, from Shettleston Harriers in Glasgow, with his teammate Thomas Owens 37 seconds behind.

In 2011 Owens was the winner after Lennox fell on the descent from Ingleborough. Owens’ time of 2hrs 53mins 34secs was the fastest for four years, but seven minutes slower than Andy Peace’s 15-year-old record for the current course.

Great Britain international mountain runner Anna Lupton, of Radcliffe Athletic Club, who was the ladies’ winner of the Three Peaks in 2009 and 2010, heads a strong women’s field. It includes Wendy Dodds, of Clayton Harriers, the joint ladies’ winner in 1983, who has completed 28 Three Peaks Races. Dodds, who is 61, is the oldest woman taking part. Last year she was beaten by only four of the 18 over-60 male finishers.

As always, the Three Peaks has attracted a maximum number of entrants. They include Carol Cunningham, a resident of Melbourne, Australia, who is running for East Hull Harriers; Maria Latvakangas from Finland, who ran in the Three Peaks last year; Liam Mifsud from Malta, who is returning for the third time; Simon Chabriere from Grenoble in France and Brian Mullins from Ireland. Many competitors return year after year to pit themselves against the Three Peaks. Dave Scott, of Clayton Harriers, has completed 44 races since 1965, and Bill Wade of Holmfirth Harriers, has completed 41. The 2012 event is Wade’s 46th start. Mike Hetherton, of Pickering Athletics Club, has completed 34, Andy Hauser, of Holmfirth Harriers, 31, and Allan Greenwood, of Calder Valley, and David Findel-Hawkins, of Milton Keynes, 22. Jean-Marc Lawton, who is travelling all the way from Stornoway to compete, has finished 20 Three Peaks. He is in the process of writing a history of the race, which had six competitors when it was first run from the Hill Inn at Chapel-le-Dale in 1954. The 2001 event was cancelled because of foot and mouth disease and in 1981 the race was postponed to October because snow prevented competitors reaching Horton.

The oldest male entry is Bryan Pycroft, of the Fell Runners Association, who is 73, while Sam Fisher, of Howgill Harriers, is the youngest at 19. Youngest lady is Emma Dodd, of Wharfedale Harriers, who is 22.

The race starts in Horton-in-Ribblesdale at 10am on Saturday with fast runners expected to take around 26 minutes to reach the summit of Penyghent (2,277ft). They should be at Ribblehead by 11.20am. Anyone who does not reach Ribblehead by 12.10pm will be eliminated.

The record time from the start to Whernside summit (2,415ft) is 1hr 38mins. Anyone who does not reach the Chapel-le-Dale Valley Checkpoint by 13.30pm will be eliminated. Spectators on Ingleborough summit (2,372ft) can expect to see competitors from around 12.20pm with the winner returning to Horton by 12.50pm

Extra parking has been provided for Three Peaks spectators at the end of Philpin Lane near the Hill Inn. However, spectators should note that the Fellsman Hike starts in Ingleton at 9am on Saturday. Its competitors may be on Ingleborough, at the Hill Inn ill Inn checkpoint and climbing Whernside as Three Peaks runners travel in the opposite direction.

Information is at: http://www.threepeaksrace.org.uk/index.html

Brooks ladies summer clothing

2012-04-26T04:18:00.006-07:00

Brooks – Epiphany Support Tank - £30.00

This vest style top has an inner support bra making it great for warmer days when you’d like to keep layers to a minimum. The smooth, soft touch fabric is moisture wicking and dries quickly to keep you comfortable on those warmer summer days

Brooks – Epiphany Stretch Short - £24.00

The contrast panels on these shorts are mesh to increase ventilation while the broad waistband means they remain comfortable even during extend workouts. Our test runners liked the smart tailored style and contrast coloured panels.

Brooks – Versatile EZ Racerback - £16.00

The soft fabric and relaxed style of this vest top make it an easy, simple addition to a runner’s wardrobe. The fabric is light with a soft touch, wicks moisture well and dries quickly. Its also great value!