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running headlamp

January 29, 2019 | Gear Comments Off on Running Headlamps for the trail runner |

Running Headlamps for the trail runner

Deepthi Velkur reviews headlamps for runners who love to hit the trails. 

Whether you’re running at an all-night ultra-race, honing your racing skills before the break of dawn or sneaking in a jog post a hard day’s work, it is inevitable that you as a trail / ultra-runner will have to run in the dark at some point.

Running at night is a different animal for sure and is a one-of-a-kind experience that challenges you mentally and physically. It can be daunting but with the right preparation and focus, you can make a night run one of the most fun things you can do.

To be fair, the challenges you face are pretty much the same as you would during the day, however, they are just amplified by the absence of ambient light. Another challenge is the perception of your environment as it is heavily distorted and it requires your eyes to focus harder to distinguish obstacles and analyse the terrain.

To help runners overcome the lack of visibility at night, there are a plethora of running headlamps available in the market that cater to every budget and style. These headlamps provide great visibility to runners on even the darkest trails and they come equipped with a wide range of features making night/dawn running an amazing experience.

So, how do you choose a good running headlamp?

Choosing a headlamp may not be as easy with the varied options to choose from and the latest features available out there making it all the more confusing for you to zero-in on the best one.

However, the few parameters to keep in mind would be to check for the fit of the headlamp, brightness of the lamp, focusable beam, weight and balance, easy control options, battery life, rechargeable and water resistant. Here are a couple of options:

Black Diamond Spot

The Spot is the most affordable option available but that doesn’t mean the product sacrifices on comfort and other necessary features. It is durable, lightweight and provides quality lighting and is definitely a popular choice for runners on their nightly runs. This headlamp casts 300lumens at full capacity that can be adjusted on the fly in any weather conditions. It uses the PowerTap technology to transition between light settings. It also boasts of an excellent spot light capability and a wide evenly lit flood beam making it perfect for route finding after dark.

There are a lot of features such as dimming, strobe, red night vision and lock mode that are packed into the little light and all these are controlled by a single button, hence accessing these features with press and hold button actions makes it hard to use. The brightness memory feature allows for a runner to switch the light on and off at a preferred brightness without going back to full power. The Red night vision mode has strobe settings and proximity and activates without cycling and the Red LED’s preserve your night vision and reduce the strain on your eyes. The main drawback would be the average battery life it possesses.

Features:
Weight With Batteries :  92 g (3.25 oz)

Max Distances :  [High] 80 m; [Low] 11 m

IPX Rating :  X8(Water resistant, submersion up to 1m of water for 30 min)

Bulb detail :  1 QuadPower, 1 DoublePower, 1 SinglePower LED

Average run time: High:25, low:180hrs

Batteries :  3 AAA (included)

This headlamp is priced at INR 3994 (available at a 57% discount at the moment) (www.amazon.in).

Petzl Tikka Headlamp

A classic time tested piece which is great go to for urban running. It’s a compact, lightweight and its elastic adjustable headband keeps the lamp secure minimizing slipping or bouncing around while running. It boasts of 200 lumens brightness and a wide uniform beam capability comfortable for close-range vision. A single push button makes it quick and easy to select the effective lighting modes for distance, proximity and movement. A bonus feature on this model is the glow in the dark locator that self-charges when not in use making it easy to locate in the dark which comes with an emergency whistle. The Tikka is a hybrid headlamp powered using standard batteries and is easily compatible with the Petzl CORE rechargeable battery. Couple all of these quality features with a 3-year manufacturer guarantee and you have yourself one hell of a headlamp.

Features:

Weight With Batteries :  85 g (3 oz)

Max Distances :  [High] 60 m; [Low] 10 m

IPX Rating :  X4(withstand little rain)

Bulb detail :  White LED, Red LED

Average run time: High:60, low:240hrs

Batteries :  3 AAA or rechargeable Ni-MH

This headlamp is priced at INR 5340 (www.amazon.in) (available at a 23% discount at the moment)

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

 

Deepthi Velkur is a former sprinter who is trying her hand at various sports today. A tennis fanatic, who believes that sleep should never be compromised.

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power meter cycling

January 29, 2019 | Gear Comments Off on The world of Power Meters-Favero Assioma Duo |

The world of Power Meters-Favero Assioma Duo

Deepthi Velkur reviews a power meter that can become your best friend when you are an ardent cyclist.

In the world of cycling, data is your best friend. The more you know about how you are performing, the more accurate and impactful your performance improvement will be.

One of the more popular changes in cyclists’ training over the past few years is measuring your power output.  To be able to do that, you would require a power meter. This brings us to a series of questions: What is a power meter? How does it work? What are the benefits of using one? The different models out there?

In this article, we will cover the basics you need to know, as well as our take on a very popular pedal-based power meter model in the market.

What is a Power Meter?

It’s an electronic device used to measure the power (or torque) that you generate when you turn the pedals. Measured in watts, it is a precise way for you to gauge your effort on a cycle. The data from the power meter is then relayed real-time to the handlebar mounted computer displaying multiple variables that measure performance. You can put power on virtually on any type of cycle – road, track, mountain.

Different types of power meters

There are multiple types available depending on where the power meter is located on your cycle. For example, there is a crank-based power meter, where the power sensors and electronics are built into the crank. Alternatively, there is a pedal-based power meter where the sensors and electronics are located in the pedals.

The Benefits of a Power Meter

  • It helps you structure your training better
  • You can track your fitness more accurately
  • You remove guesswork from the equation
  • The accurate performance data you get show how you have improved and that is very motivating

We have various models of power meters available in the market today such as the Stages, Powertap P1, Power2max, Garmin Vector 3, Favero Assioma Duo, etc. I’ve chosen one of the most popular power meters – Favero Assioma DUO.

The Favero Assioma Duo is a pedal-based power meter designed on the Look cleat system and are quite compatible with the original Look Kleo cleats. It measures power in the pedal body and places its electronics in pods that are mounted on the pedal spindles. These pedals are built better than their previous model, the BePro units which makes the installation on any bike and swapping between bikes, an absolute cinch. Just using a regular 8mm hex wrench along with elbow grease is all you need for installation. This apart, they have added in a companion app and Bluetooth Smart support system.

Features

The Favero Assioma DUO offers all of the benefits of a power meter pedal –

  • Dual-sided power output(watts)
  • Easy to setup and transferable to any bike in seconds
  • Super lightweight (149g per pedal),
  • Start and Stop technology which automatically switches the pedals off when not in use to save power
  • 54mm Q factor
  • Completely waterproof
  • Great compatibility
  • Uses the IAV (Instantaneous Angular Velocity) technology thus making it more accurate (+/- 1.0% accuracy).

Data.. Data.. Data..

The Assoima pedals gathers a lot of data which include: cadence, power output (dual sided), left-right balance (0-100%), smoothness of the pedal and torque effectiveness. The pedals are compatible with majority of head units from GPs computers to multisport watches which can be connected via Bluetooth and are excellent in connecting and transmitting real time data. It’s advisable to do regular updates via the Assioma app which essentially serves as an interface to do updates and check pedal battery life.

Reliability

While riding the Assioma pedals is no different when compared to any other pedal when it comes to adjusting the tension and the included cleats offer 6° of float. They also offer black cleats with no float. Although the Look Keo cleats offers  4.5° and 9° on top of what Favero has which are quite compatible.

Battery Life

Apart from being supremely easy to install not requiring any complex tools at all, the Assioma DUO is powered by a rechargeable battery built into the pods themselves ensuring 50 hours of battery time. A warning light shows up 8hrs before when the pedals need charging and can be charged simultaneously with a magnetic USB charger.

Price

The Favero Assioma Duo(double-sided) are priced at INR 102,577(sale-price) on www.amazon.in (retails for about $670).

The many available features and their attractive price makes them one of the best value deals among power meters out there in the market.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

 

Deepthi Velkur is a former sprinter who is trying her hand at various sports today. A tennis fanatic, who believes that sleep should never be compromised.

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January 21, 2019 | Gear Comments Off on Trail Running Shoes to Consider |

Trail Running Shoes to Consider

If you are looking for the perfect shoes for trail running then we have two suggestions for you here, writes Deepthi Velkur.

Tired of running on polluted, crowded streets? The sea of people a bit unnerving? If the answer to the two questions is yes, then trail running is a good idea for you.

Deena Kastor, an eight-time American cross-country champion once quoted, “To me, heaven on earth is exploring on a trail”. As you run through lush green forests, rolling hills and gorgeous plains, heaven certainly is a thought that comes to mind.

Imagine avoiding trees, rocks, branches and boulders instead of people on the street – sounds like fun doesn’t it? Trail running is more engaging, more fun and definitely more scenic. You don’t need heaps of specialized gear to run a trail but there is one thing that will make your run a whole lot easier and safer too – the right kind of footwear.

Difference between a trail running shoe and a road running shoe

The main difference between the two is the traction on the sole. In a trail running shoe, the sole has deeper lugs for a bigger surface area. The upper part is usually knit meshed to avoid debris from entering the shoe. Also, trail shoes generally have a lower offset where the heel height is lower than that of the toe height making it relatively flatter thus providing a stable platform to run on.

Choosing a trail running shoe can be daunting so we’ve taken a shot at providing information on two excellent shoes that could be part of your trail running gear.

Salomon Speedcross 4 CS

This is a trail running shoe that is built for the toughest trails out there. It is designed keeping in mind comfort and protection on the long, challenging runs.

The first thing you notice when you wear them is the reinforced outsole. The outsole is patented Contagrip Wet Traction, the best shoes you can buy for traction which come with deep lugs and soft rubber ensuring durability and providing maximum grip.  It offers more traction against slippery conditions, steep up and downhill terrains. The uppers are water-resistant, reinforced, abrasion-resistant and have an anti-debris mesh that protects debris from entering the shoe. The CS variant (ClimaShield) allows the foot to breathe bringing a quick drying in the forefoot area.

The toggle lacing system and sockliner offer a secure, supportive fit and there is a good level of cushioning around the ankle. On the trails, you will appreciate the cushioning in the footbed and sole.

Underneath, the design and placement of the studs ensure that mud doesn’t clog up thus ensuring a consistent grip. The drop is 10 mm which provides for great cushioning. It also has an enhanced Lightweight Muscle midsole and a molded EVA band which ensures stability in addition to the cushioning.

Features

Weight :297g
Heel Height :33mm
Forefoot Height :22mm
Drop :10mm

Overall, this is a shoe designed for soft, wet and rugged terrains and while expensive (retailing at INR 13,000 on www.amazon.in), they certainly pack a punch in terms of durability and safety. One drawback though – they can’t be used for road running.

Hoka One One Torrent (pronounced “Hoka O-nay O-nay”)

The rather interesting name means “now it is time to fly” in Maori. The torrent is a trail running shoe that is super lightweight, agile, and technical allowing runners to tackle any terrain.

Hoka One One shoes are known for their premium cushioning and the torrent doesn’t disappoint. The midsole provides for a lot of cushioning without comprising on the responsiveness of the shoe. The multidirectional lugs underneath the shoe offer good traction both up and down hill. They offer a lot in terms of breathability ensuring your feet don’t get too hot and sweaty on those long runs.

The Hoka One One Torrent achieves a fine balance between agility and traction at 254g offer one sweet running experience.

Features

  • Weight: 254g (size EU 42)
  • Forefoot height: 18mm
  • Heel height: 23mm
  • Drop: 5mm

Priced at INR 8,100 on www.runnerinn.com, the Hoka One One Torrent is a good investment considering that this can be used for trail runs, road running and other ultra-runs.

In conclusion, both of these shoes are a good investment with the Hoka One One holding a slight advantage as it can be used across trails as well as road runs.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

 

Deepthi Velkur is a former sprinter who is trying her hand at various sports today. A tennis fanatic, who believes that sleep should never be compromised.

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September 28, 2018 | Gear Comments (1) |

Energy Gels – are you a believer or a skeptic?

Energy gels are a great source of energy that help fuel your endurance run or training. But, are they a must-have or just another fad? Deepthi Velkur explores this topic in conversation with two runners – Vijay and Brijesh.

There is one question that niggles runners especially when training for a long distance run – how do I avoid hitting the dreaded wall?

For an upcoming race or endurance event, you’ve probably thought through your fuelling strategy. Be it energy drinks, bars, natural food sources or gels, we all rely on some form of carbohydrate supplement to sustain energy levels to cover longer distances and help you get over the finish line.

With energy gels, you either are a believer or a skeptic. You usually end up a skeptic because you have probably read about the side effects such as gastro problems that these gels can cause. For a believer though, these gels hold a place on its own.

Simply speaking, energy gels are designed to replenish the carbohydrate stores that deplete while running. Sounds like these gels are a big saviour, right? Unfortunately, these energy gels do not provide a one to one replacement as the glycogen we intake through gels is not always absorbed by the working muscles. So why do we need to use them?

To understand this better, I had the opportunity to get different views from two runners, one an ardent energy gels believer while the other is largely skeptical of them.

Do read on to see what each of these runners have to say on the topic –

Vijay AM, an ultra-marathon runner says using energy gels has worked for him during marathons and long runs. According to Vijay, “Gels are the best food source you could carry on long runs as they are convenient, lightweight, no water
needed(tried and tested) and can be consumed on the go”. You need to plan when to use them during the run-in Vijay’s case, he consumes the gel every 15kms during the run. The best source of energy for long runs are acquired from body stored carbs and fat, but Vijay’s view is that carb storage is limited and fat reserves of the body alone cannot meet the various surges in energy that you require during long runs. Also, eating during a run is challenging and can lead to some ugly after effects. As a result, gels present a good source of carbs as they burn faster and provide immediate results. That being said, gels can only complement the carbs and fat stored in the body that still remain the best source of energy.

On the other hand, Brijesh Gajera, co-founder and coach of Ashva ( running club, Bangalore) and a marathon runner himself, thinks otherwise. It’s not that Brijesh is completely against energy gels but his view is that running gels need to be used sparingly and he does not use gels much during training except a couple of times during long runs before the main event to ensure that every minute detail is taken into consideration for achieving his end goal.

Brijesh recommends that you use the gel only for marginal gains with caution and proper consideration and definitely not as a replacement for solid food. In his opinion, gels only make a 2-3% difference and are not very efficient, the remaining 97-98% comes from the actual training itself.

According to Brijesh, a lot of hype has been created on social media around using gels and its benefits, this can be very misguiding to newbies. Frequency and timing of the usage are critical factors to ensure they are effective else it could lead to stomach distress.

 

It is important that you practice the fueling strategy suited to you during your training phase so that it works the way you want it to come race day. If gels are not your thing, not to worry as you have plenty of other alternatives out there. Choose wisely!

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

 

Deepthi Velkur is a former sprinter who is trying her hand at various sports today. A tennis fanatic, who believes that sleep should never be compromised.

 

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September 25, 2018 | Gear Comments Off on The little things that make a big difference |

The little things that make a big difference

All the fancy running gear, world class sneakers or latest gadgets are not the only things that will help you burn kilometres on the road. To make all of these come together and make you competitive, you need to accessorise! 

Running is considered as being one of the most accessible forms of aerobic activity. The best thing about running is that you could possibly do it anywhere without needing any expensive equipment or a gym membership. It is just you and the open road.

Running becomes so much more convenient when you are least distracted or working with uncomfortable running gear.

To make life that tad bit easier, here are a few small running accessories that are quite beneficial for runners:

Running Armbands:It is a useful piece of accessory for anyone spending time running, walking or jogging. An armband that comes with pockets and water resistant makes for a convenient accessory as it can hold your smartphone as well as other personal items such as your keys, money, and credit cards tucking them away safely while you enjoy a hands-free run, walk or jog. Many armbands come with the additional safety feature of being reflective or an LED light which is useful and helps improve visibility to motorists/drivers especially on your early morning or late evening runs. Most armbands take the one size fits all approach while others come with a wide variety of arm sizes. The armbands also have a protective touchscreen compatible case and usually lightweight. Most popular armbands are Tribe water resistant, Trianium, and Tune belt.

Running belts\Water bottle holders: Most runners have a hydration routine that is followed before, during and after a run. Having a handheld water bottle, hydro sleeve or fuel belts make water easily accessible during an exercise routine. Portability is now easy with collapsible bottles which can fold, few come with specialized valves that make sipping of water easy and avoid leakage. For those of you who prefer running hands-free, running belts with pockets to hold your bottles and loops for your jacket and gels are also available. CamelBak and Trek and Ride are a couple of good options out there that might suit your hydration needs.

Running Cap: This is one of the most useful accessories during a run as it helps to protect you from the scorching sun. Some of the best running caps provide you with UV protection, adjustable velcro straps to give you a proper fit, moisture-wicking in-built sweatband that absorbs sweat and proper ventilation. The options for running caps are endless as they are quite popular amongst runners. Nike, Puma, TrailHeads, 2XU run visor to name a few top brands.

Sunglasses: Runners who run for long durations understand the need for a good pair of sunglasses. Many protect themselves from the sun by wearing protective clothing or wearing sunscreen but neglect protecting their eyes. The sun tends to limit your visibility and also has a harmful effect on your eyes. Look for sunglasses that provide UV protection giving you a snug feel, resistant to slippage when you’re bouncing around. Under Armour, Oakley radar, Julbo Aerolite, Nike Vaporwing Elite.

As a parting note – buying good quality running-specific accessories will not only last but will also enhance your running enjoyment. With the right kit, you are now ready to rule the roads and have fun doing it.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

 

Deepthi Velkur is a former sprinter who is trying her hand at various sports today. A tennis fanatic, who believes that sleep should never be compromised.

 

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September 14, 2018 | Gear Comments Off on Skechers for me and New Balance for you |

Skechers for me and New Balance for you

Deepthi Velkur compares the Skechers GoRun Ride 7 with the New Balance Fresh Foam Zante V4 to see which she likes best.

Every runner knows that the foot hits the ground really hard when you run. When you run the feet and ankles feel the most pressure. The natural rolling of your foot depends on your running style as well as how your running shoe is built.

In order to minimize the impact, different brands have developed their own cushioning technologies. The choices are aplenty and finding the right shoe is quite daunting and confusing, but, we should focus our search down to 3 key areas:

  • Reducing the force during impact
  • Protecting the musculoskeletal system and
  • Conserving energy

In this article, I would like to focus on two models that have used different technologies aimed at offering a smooth run.

I’ll start with the Skechers GoRun Ride 7 – which is a smooth riding lightweight running shoe that offers great cushioning and rebound. Also, the shoe has a breathable and comfortable knit upper that beats most in its class.

They are a slightly rockered shape which helps deliver a smooth transition from landing to toe-off. These are perfect every day running shoes and at 264 grams they feel good through the run.

On the other hand, the New Balance Fresh Foam Zante V4 – named after a beach in Greece, these shoes are a terrific all-around lightweight trainer that has the right balance of a soft cushioned ride and give you a fast-snappy responsive feeling. They are extremely versatile weighing in at 244 grams and can be used for racing 5Ks to marathon distances.

Let’s now do a little comparison between these two and hopefully, that will help you decide on what suits you best.

Fit and Ride

On the GoRun Ride 7, the fit is perfect and true to size. There is a nice mix of softness and bounce and they do equally well while running at an easy clip or speeding up. A word of caution though – it does feel a bit tight when using a sock-liner, so I would suggest buying half a size up in case you like some wiggle room.

The Zante V4 is a sleek, compact and well-designed shoe. It offers a snug fit similar to the Ride 7 and the only noticeable difference is the “No Sew” upper and Hyposkin wrap that locks your foot into the platform, quite well.

Upper

On the GoRun Ride 7, the upper is made up of Knit mesh, inner gusset, and synthetic overlays. It is a simple two-toned breathable upper with a single sew overlay that helps secure your foot. The knitted mesh upper is very comfortable, though it can get slightly warm in humid conditions.

The Zante 4 has a slim upper profile which is relatively pointed and made of engineered mesh, inner sleeve and fused synthetic. The No Sew upper along with the new Hyposkin wrap really holds your foot in place. However, be cautious as lacing up too tightly will cause your foot position to be a bit outward.

Midsole

The GoRun Ride 7 has been upgraded with the new Full-length Flight Gen foam and has a 6 mm heel-to-toe drop. It is light, responsive and mixed with the awesome M Strike (Midfoot Strike) technology which really makes the run smooth.

The midsole of the Zante V4 has a single density Fresh Foam 6 mm heel drop. The Fresh Foam is intended to give a soft yet snappy response but unfortunately, it can’t compete with other outstanding midsole technologies such as the FlightGen in Skechers Performance. The way the shoe is designed, Fresh Foam is holding it back from being a really superior fast trainer.

Outsole

The outsole on the GoRun Ride 7 is a combination of exposed Flight Gen and strategically placed rubber to provide traction and durability. This combination ensures that the shoe grips well on wet surfaces and stays durable.

On the Zante V4, blown rubber is used to provide solid traction and a smooth forefoot landing but unfortunately, without significant flex grooves in the outsole or midsole, the result is a stiff shoe.

Price and Recommendations

The GoRun Ride 7 is light enough, super cushioned for long days and recovery days, but still has some significant snap to it when you want to go fast. The fit is flawless and the shoe disappears on your feet when you run in it. At INR 6,499 (www.amazon.in), I highly recommend getting a pair of these shoes for your daily run.

The Zante V4 provides for an overall decent fit but unfortunately, the midsole Fresh Foam doesn’t offer as much feedback as you would like and that makes for an uncomfortable running experience. It is available on www.jabong.com for INR 6,599.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

 

Deepthi Velkur is a former sprinter who is trying her hand at various sports today. A tennis fanatic, who believes that sleep should never be compromised.

 

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August 24, 2018 | Gear Comments Off on The Right Running Support |

The Right Running Support

Deepthi tries the Under Armour Eclipse Non-Wired Sports Bra to understand if it makes for comfortable running gear.

When it comes to running for women, there are two must-have pieces of gear that every woman must invest in – good running shoes and a sports bra. Now, I have covered running shoes in several of my previous articles, in this edition I would like to talk about sports bras.

So, is wearing a sports bra while running really important? The short answer, YES! Any form of physical activity makes your breasts bounce but a repetitive and continuous activity can result in pain, soreness and make your breasts sag. The breasts are supported by two weak structures – Cooper’s ligaments and the skin itself. They have no muscles and are not connected to any other part and move independently of the rest of the body.

It is important that every woman, no matter what size she is, should wear a sports bra while running. Sports Bras are designed to give you the added support, limit movement when exercising especially running and also to prevent breast pain.

Finding a right sports bra that provides plenty of support during a run isn’t only about comfort, but it can make or break your workout routine. A sports bra that has poor fitting leads to painful chafing and will not provide you with the high-level support you need while kicking it hard at the gym or on the road. Because sizing systems vary and everybody is different, finding a supportive and comfortable sports bra that fits requires some trial and error.

You need to choose a bra that works just as hard as you but at the same time looks good too. You also need to keep in mind the type of activity and your chest size before going ahead and buying a bra. This is where the Under Armour eclipse non-wired sports bra comes in to do the job beautifully.

This bra uses the compression technology that gives you a close, second-skin fit and medium-impact support that lets you focus on your running and not worry about hurting yourself.

Product Features

  • Fabric is made of Nylon and Elastane
  • The bra has pockets for removable padding that add modesty and shape
  • Super-breathable SpeedForm power mesh lining
  • Unique open back with criss-cross straps
  • Studio Lux fabric provides unyielding support with a super soft luxurious feel
  • Clean, bandeau-inspired front with soft, breathable cups for extra structure and coverage
  • The material used helps in wicking away sweat leaving you feeling dry and light
  • 100% Imported, 90 days product warranty against manufacturing defects
  • Available exclusively on Amazon

Price

This product is available in different sizes and colours and is priced anywhere between INR 2299 – INR 5386 depending on the size chosen.

It is definitely worth every penny and a must try for all women. It is of excellent quality, provides great support for high impact workouts, sweat resistant and breathable making you feel strong from the inside. The adjustable straps ensure that my shoulders don’t get dug in and ache on longer runs.

If you run without a bra, or just use a standard t-shirt bra you are more at risk of developing back and breast pain as a result of this. Sports bras are specially designed to support your breasts ALL the way around, making sure they are secure and allowing the skin to breathe.

No matter what type of exercise you do, buying a good quality sports bra is the same as buying good quality sneakers, it will support your body and enhance your workout routine!

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

 

Deepthi Velkur is a former sprinter who is trying her hand at various sports today. A tennis fanatic, who believes that sleep should never be compromised.

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hydration belt

August 21, 2018 | Gear Comments Off on Making trail running easier |

Making trail running easier

Deepthi Velkur reviews the Nathan TrailMix Plus Insulated 2 Hydration Belt that is useful for trail runners.

The Marathon season is upon us now and it is always a good time to discuss the essential running gear that makes our long runs easier to deal with. An avid runner is quite familiar with the benefits and convenience of using running accessories, but, with the options flooding the market, it is important for us to review and determine what actually makes a difference to each one of us.

We all know that long-distance running is an endurance sport and like in all other endurance sports, hydration is key. It is a no-brainer that you need to have a constant supply of fluids with you if you want to survive and endure the amazing sport of running.

There are a number of ways you can hydrate yourself during a run like making pit stops at water stations, wearing a hydration belt or by using a hand-held water bottle. If your planning to run for an hour or more and want to run hands-free, a hydration belt is your go-to answer.

A hydration belt is an ingenious invention that holds not only your water bottle but can stash away your other essentials like the phone, sports gels, light snack, keys, and money leaving you to run free. There are a plethora of choices in the market for a running belt and to choose the right running belt depends on your individual running needs and also the type of runner you are such as a trail runner, long-distance runner, casual runner or a beginner. You also need to determine how much water you consume and the amount of storage space you need.

Features

Here is why I think you should consider the Nathan Trail Mix Plus Insulated Hydration pack –

  • SpeedFit holster with two 300ml Fire and Ice reflective and insulated flasks ensure quick one-handed access.
  • Zippered pocket with key ring clip and front stash pouch for gels, compatible with iPhone 6 Plus.
  • The ergo-shaped insulated belt is made from a soft monofilament material secures firmly around your hip and has a lightweight buckle closure which allows multi-directional stretching to give you a proper fit and eliminates bounce
  • Dual shock cords with one-pull tension lock for energy gels and glove storage
  • Double- wall flask construction keeps fluids cooler, 20% longer than other insulated flasks.
  • It is ultra-lightweight and comfortable providing an easy on the fly access to hydration and nutrition without slowing down your pace.
  • It weighs just 258g – so light and easy.

On long runs and I didn’t experience any problems like bouncing or bottles coming out of the holster. The balance and the location of the weight are excellent and with the pocket that is capable of holding a good amount of my running essentials, the TrailMix Plus is a perfect accompaniment to your running gear.

Price

The Nathan TrailMix Plus Insulated is available on www.amazon.in and costs INR 7423.

Final Word

Let’s face it – running or for that matter any aerobic exercise is tough. Hydration belts help us stay hydrated, focused and with this belt in, particular, it also removes the strain of carrying personal items thus making the run a better experience.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

 

Deepthi Velkur is a former sprinter who is trying her hand at various sports today. A tennis fanatic, who believes that sleep should never be compromised.

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Compression tights

August 16, 2018 | Gear Comments Off on Run Comfortably with Compression Tights |

Run Comfortably with Compression Tights

Deepthi Velkur takes a look at Skins Women’s Dnamic Compression Long Tights to see how comfortable they will be for runners.

Running like all other aerobic activities is much more comfortable when you have clothing that keeps you properly ventilated or in damp and wet conditions like we have  – slightly insulated and dry.

Running clothing gear includes pants, tights, shorts, shirts, vests, and jackets. The weather outside determines what combination you need to wear to stay comfortable on your road and trail runs.

The key points we should keep in mind are:

  • For warm days, the gear should help absorb moisture, keep you cool and protect you from the sun’s rays.
  • For cooler and rainy days consider wearing pants or tights as this will keep you insulated and dry.

One such running clothing item that has made a huge splash are compression tights.

Runners across the world have embraced it whole-heartedly as these tights wrap around your body cozily. The snug fit ensures minimal muscle vibration due to the constant pounding while running thereby providing that extra support for a runner to perform better.

While selecting a pair of compression pants for yourself, look for one that uses gradient compression as it provides just the right amount of surface pressure to facilitate circulation and deliver proper oxygen supply to the muscles.

In this review, I would like to focus on the Skins Women Dnamic compression long tights.

From being the first of its kind in compression sportswear, these full-length tights from Skins bring together their gradient compression technology with special seams and panels to cover your most active lower body muscles such as the calves, quads, hamstrings, and glutes.

Product features:

  • Engineered with gradient compression
  • 75% Nylon and 25% Elastane
  • Good moisture and temperature management with UPF 50+
  • Elasticated waistband
  • Seamless feel
  • Amazing design

Compression clothes work wonders for me and I use them quite often during my workouts and on my long runs. They feel extremely light on you, making you feel comfortable, improves performance and making you feel less tired at the end of a hard training day or run. The new look of the Skins compression tights is impressive. The mesh on the sides help improves breathability. I can definitely feel a lot more compression in this model as opposed to their previous models.

These tights are available on www.amazon.in and come in all sizes from XS to XL. The price varies basis the chosen size with S, M, L and XL retailing at INR 5000 (average price). It is noteworthy that the XS size is fairly expensive at INR 11,200. All these prices include import and delivery charges.

There has been a tremendous improvement to how compression tights are built today and the Skins company are constantly upgrading their products to give a more supported compression and snug feel. If you haven’t tried them yet, the time is now.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

 

Deepthi Velkur is a former sprinter who is trying her hand at various sports today. A tennis fanatic, who believes that sleep should never be compromised.

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