Category: Running Gear

The best running watches of 2017

Posted on by Mohsin Salya

Hi, and welcome back to the Mohsin Salya blog.

I think you probably all know that I’m not a huge technology geek – not at least when it comes to running. But I do make an exception for a good watch – timing yourself accurately is a pretty basic requirement if you want to improve your performance.

So, we’re going to avoid fitness trackers here, which generally just monitor the number of steps you take or hours you sleep – this is just my quick guide to the best running watches out there.

The watch with everything: The Garmin Forerunner 935

This is a serious running watch for serious runners – and it comes at a serious price too. It’s a sleek, lightweight design, and is surprisingly comfortable to wear. It’s got GPS for tracking your runs and even has a barometric altimeter to track elevation. In terms of running data, you’ll get everything you need, from pace and speed through to cadence and elevation. It’s a big investment, but if you’re putting in a lot of miles every week it is well worth it.

The more affordable option: Timex Ironman GPS

Simply and beautifully designed, the Ironman GPS has more than enough for most runners. It’s (unsurprisingly) got GPS tracking and although it’s being billed as ‘The Simplest GPS Watch Ever’ it’s still packed with features – basically giving you everything you need to know how far you’ve gone, how long it’s taken you, and your pace.

The basic option: Casio Unisex Phys Running Watch

If you’re the kind of person who likes to just strap on a watch and then run without worrying too much about whether it’s tracking your location, heart rate or pace, then this is the watch for you. It has a stop watch, 60 lap memory and it’s water resistant to 50m, all for just over £20.

Until the next time,

Mohsin Salya.

Can minimal running really help your form?

Posted on by Mohsin Salya

Hi, and welcome back to the Mohsin Salya blog.

Running, just like any other sport, has its crazes. Many of course are driven by the industry – the big name companies jumping on trends to sell the latest trainers, clothing or technology. Minimal footwear is one recent phenomenon that seems to have stuck around however – and it’s probably with good reason.

Less is more?

The thinking behind minimal running shoes is this. Over the years, as shoe material technology has become increasingly advanced, the amount of support and cushioning technology that is built into the shoes has increased. Minimal running shoes are a response to this trend and is based on some sound scientific thinking.

The idea is that the cushioning we’ve all become so accustomed to has actually negatively affected our running form. Runners wearing shoes with over 8mm of cushioning on them are often inclined to land on their heels – rather than the mid or fore-foot – and so they’re actually running less efficiently than they should.

Improve your form

So, do I recommend that you give minimal shoes a go? Well, I think they’re certainly an interesting response to the technology overload that we’ve seen going into shoes in over the decades. I also think that they’re well worth giving a go if you feel that your super-cushioned running shoes are negatively impacting on your running style – it seems that they certainly can be a useful corrective to the poor running form caused by heel strikes. Without the cushioning, you’re forced to adopt a more natural running style, and it certainly makes sense that this can improve your running efficiency.

I’ve personally found that switching between minimal shoes and more cushioned ones has certainly had a positive effect on my own running – so give it a go and see how you get on.

Until the next time,

Mohsin Salya

The best running shoes of 2017 revealed!

Posted on by Mohsin Salya

Hi, and welcome back to the Mohsin Salya blog.

Those of you who have read a lot of my writing on running will know that I’m not someone who is into continually buying the latest kit. I tend to only buy the things I need – whether it’s clothes or technology – and then (literally) run it into the ground before I invest in the next big thing. While there is a lot of incredible gear out there, I do think a lot of it is more about changing fashions rather than huge leaps forward in technology.

That said, there is however one area where I do regularly invest in the latest new products – and that’s running shoes. I’ve spoken in the past about the benefits of having more than one pair of shoes for your runs and I thought that it might be an idea to share some of the latest that I think have really stood out this year. So, here are my top picks of 2017.

Altra Escalante

The Escalante is a gorgeous shoe – it’s built using TPU foam in the sole rather than the traditional EVA foam, which both lasts longer and delivers a bit more bounce for your money. It’s a comfortable fit and I highly recommend it for those long training runs. Prices start around £115.

Nike Air Zoom Pegasus 34

An all-time classic, of course, but the Pegasus just seems to be getting better and better with age. Suitable for most runners, they’re beautifully made and have a staggering amount of technology built into them – that, more importantly, actually works. This year there’s more room for your toes, which anyone who has experienced sore toes out on a run will know is very welcome news. Prices from around £100.

Brooks Ghost 10

Secure feeling, this is a quality shoe that will look after you on your long runs. It’s a product built for high mileages, but it is also a great shoe for beginners too – a piece of footwear that will never let you down when you need it most. Prices start around £80.

Until the next time,

Mohsin Salya

How many pairs of shoes do you need?

Posted on by Mohsin Salya

Hi, and welcome back to the Mohsin Salya blog.

 Remember that pair of new running shoes you were looking at recently and that you stopped yourself from buying? Well, maybe you should think again, as I’m a big advocate of having multiple pairs of trainers to run in. There are a couple of great reasons to do this – and not just because it’s fun to buy shoes!

Adapt to the terrain

Firstly, having more than one pair of shoes to run in means that you can match your footwear to the terrain you’re going to be running on. While this probably isn’t so important if you run exclusively on just one kind of surface, it’s absolutely essential if you run on routes that take you across rough terrain as well as roads. Trail shoes will give you the extra grip and stability you need off-road, while road shoes will have the support and impact protection you need to make sure the tarmac doesn’t take too much of a toll.

Reduced injury

There is also some scientific evidence that suggests that wearing different pairs of running shoes as you train on different days can actually reduce your chances of injury. The idea is that different shoes will distribute the impact of your foot hitting the ground in subtly different ways – meaning that no one area will take sustained punishment if you swap your footwear regularly. The researchers – based in Luxembourg – suggested that multiple-shoe wearers were 39% less likely to get injured than runners who only use one pair.

Recovery time

Finally, just as your body needs rest between runs, so do your shoes. Repeated daily use of the same pair of running shoes means that the protective foam in the soles has no opportunity to recover its shape. So, give your old trainers a rest, and treat yourself to a new pair of running shoes. You deserve it!

Until the next time,

Mohsin Salya.

Reviewing the Most Popular Apps in the Running World

Posted on by Mohsin Salya

Hi, and welcome back to the Mohsin Salya blog.

Runners are as bad as everyone else when it comes to technology – I should know, as I’m addicted too. Whether it’s the latest shoes, the cutting-edge trainers that will give you an extra few seconds of pace, a sports drink or a new wireless activity logger, sometimes it’s hard to resist.

Essential apps

Apps for your smartphone are yet another way to scratch your technology itch – but there are a few apps out there that I think are actually great tools for the modern runner. Here’s my pick of three of my favourites.

Strava

It’s all here – an app built with the professional runner in mind. Strava is a legend in the running world, and with good reason. It feels clear, well-designed and solid, and is a great way to set goals to suit you. Whether there is a time, distance, power or segment goal you want to beat, Strava makes it easy to track how you’re doing as you run.

Mapmyrun

One of the best-selling running apps out there, Mapmyrun allows you to plot routes and track pace, route, distance, calories and other key fitness indicators using your iPhone’s own technology. It’s hugely popular, with a loyal and connected community – 30 million people can’t be wrong.

Zombies, Run!

If ever you need a little more incentive when you’re out on your run, then this app might just do the trick. The idea is that you listen to a zombie-themed story on your headphones as you run in the real world – and that periodically you’ll then be ‘chased’ – with the chance that the zombies will catch you if you slow up. If having the undead hot on your heels sounds like your idea of fun, then this is the app for you.

Good luck!

Until the next time,

Mohsin Salya.

What Is The Best Material for Running Gear?

Posted on by Mohsin Salya

Hi there, and welcome back to the Mohsin Salya blog.

You need to think carefully about the type of clothing you wear, before you start running. If you pick something inappropriate, the material could make you uncomfortable, damaging your performance. To help you understand what’s required to best support your running, in this post I’ll be advising on the best material for running clothes.

Body temperatures

Remember that when you run, your body generates a lot of heat, so you can get pretty sweaty. If you build up a sweat during a run, it can cause discomfort and even give you rashes, limiting your ability to run regularly in the near future. I’d advise you to look for running clothes in materials that promote breathability, helping regulate your body temperate and preventing sweat from building up.

You may be tempted to buy cotton running clothing, as this material is both comfortable and cost effective. But New Jersey-based fitness store Fleet Feet Mahwah argues that cotton is actually pretty ineffective. This is because cotton holds moisture, so if you sweat while running, your clothes will get and stay wet. Not only can this cause rashes, but it won’t allow your body to regulate your temperature properly, meaning that you’ll overheat during summer and freeze during winter.

Ideal materials

Instead, Fleet Feet Mahwah suggests, buy running clothing in technical fabrics. These pieces are typically made with materials like Lycra, polyester and nylon. Technical fabric clothing is highly breathable. It lets a lot of air flow through the material per minute, moving moisture away from your skin while you run, to prevent sweat from building up. Technical fabric pieces are also extremely lightweight, meaning that you don’t have to carry a lot of weight with you while running.

Fleet Feet Mahwah also argues that you should buy running socks in technical fabrics, as opposed to cotton. A cotton sock will retain moisture, which when combined with the heat and friction created by your running shoes, can increase your chances of developing blisters. Again, technical fabric socks will wick away the sweat, allowing you to run comfortably for longer. I should also point out that fungus thrives in dark, moist areas, so cotton running socks can prove really unhealthy for your feet.

Shoes and jackets

To ensure you’re comfortable while running, you should also choose good shoes and jackets. You may want to consult my list of the best running shoes on the market for guidance. You might want to go for something like the Merrell All Out Charge shoes, available from Sports Direct for £50. They’re lightweight and flexible, with exceptional cushioning and support, helping you stay comfortable.

If you’re running in brisk temperatures, you may also want to buy a good running jacket. The Ashmei Nightrunner has been hailed as the best jacket on the market, although it retails at £225. It’s fitted with merino wool, which is effective at regulating your body temperature. For something more affordable, buy the Adidas Supernova Storm Half-Zip. Retailing at roughly £60, it has heat-managing stretch back panels and wind blocking polyester sleeves, while it also has nylon panels on the front.

Promoting comfort

You should keep in mind that if you wear clothing that makes you uncomfortable when you run, it could dissuade you from running again, not to mention the performance limitations. You should always do a lot of research and try to spend as much as you can afford on high tech fabrics. With good clothing, you’ll soon want to fit running into your schedule more regularly.

Until the next time,

Mohsin Salya

What Should You Buy a Runner for Christmas?

Posted on by Mohsin Salya

So you’re on the lookout for a last minute gift for your running relative, friend or partner, but they already own the latest GPS watch and running shoes? Look no further! On the Mohsin Salya blog today I’ve put together some different and thoughtful Christmas gifts that will be perfect for those who are passionate about running.

Nike Dri-Fit Tempo 260 Printed Gloves

Made from a special sweat absorbing fabric, the Dri-FIT Technology in these gloves will keep hands dry and comfortable out on your run. Super lightweight and breathable, they’re also touchscreen compatible, enabling a change of music whilst keeping your hands warm. The reflective graphics will also enable complete visibility in the dark winter months. There’s not a lot these gloves can’t do, and at £25 they make a great affordable gift.

Hotel Chocolat All Dark Collection

Yes, believe it or not – getting chocolates for a fellow runner is a good idea. Dark chocolate is really rich in antioxidants, so it’s really worth making a regular treat in a running diet. This collection is also really decadent and something you wouldn’t buy for yourself, featuring 70% dark chocolate Ginger Puddles, a Mini Hazelnut Buche, Fruit and Nut Slab, 70% Dark Slab, Dark Pocket Collection and 70% with Cocoa Nibs Nano Slab. £25 isn’t too bad for such luxury.

Foot Rubz Foot Massager Ball

If you don’t fancy giving someone a foot massage after their long run, this is the nest best thing and a great substitute. Great for runners with achy feet, or niggles such as plantar fasciitis, this ball uses Asian acupressure techniques to help relax and roll out those aches and pains. These are a great stocking filler at £18.99.

Lisa Jackson – Your Pace or Mine?

This is a gift that could be great for a runner, or someone who has thought about starting running. This book is inspiring, telling the story of Lisa Jackson and how she came to marathon running for the first time at 31. Jackson ran her first 56 mile ultramarathon at 41, and the best thing about her is that she’s not afraid of coming last. The book is humorous as it focuses on the people she met on the way to the finish line, and it a great gift for anyone who is keen to experience the amazing feeling of achievement.

Hopefully these will give you some inspiration when making those last minute purchases.

Until next time,

Mohsin Salya

The Best Winter Running Gear for 2016

Posted on by Mohsin Salya

Hi there – welcome back to the Mohsin Salya blog.

Now that the days are dull and getting darker, it’s harder than ever to take on the weather and go out for that all important run. However, with the right gear, you’re more likely to head out into the cold and take on the elements. In this post I’ve put together some of my top running gear picks for winter 2016.

  1. 2XU Hyoptik compression tights

 These compression tights are sure to get you noticed – which is only a good thing when training in the low light conditions of winter. The HYOPTIK reflective logos stand out for greater safety, whilst the fashionable design will make you feel confident when out running. The graduated compression gives extra support to leg muscles and aims to aid post-run recovery. These tights are available for men and women, and come in at £75.

mohsin salya The Best Winter Running Gear

  1. Saucony Ultimate Touch-Tech gloves

Something every runner needs is a good pair of warm gloves. When they’re practical as well, that’s a bonus. These gloves keep your thumbs smartphone ready, so that you can change the track you’re listening to or reply to a text with minimal fuss. The extended cuff adds extra warmth, whilst the fleece offers something to wipe your face on if it happens to be raining. Priced at £20 from Saucony, these are really reasonably priced too.

  1. Runderwear merino underwear

Underneath all the fancy, high-tech running gear, you need a solid foundation. If you haven’t heard of running underwear before, winter is definitely the time to invest in some. These underpants have been designed to give you optimum comfort and performance, as the intelligent fabric combines high grade merino wool with thermocool technology. This is clever because it keeps you cool when you’re too warm, and warm when you’re cold. Priced at £25, these are available for both men and women.

  1. Flipbelt reflective

Do you have a fair few items to carry when you’re out running and no pockets? This clever little thing can store your phone, house keys and credit cards in its super convenient design. The Flipbelt is also super high-vis – you can never have enough reflectivity on a winter run. Available in yellow or black, the Flipbelt is priced at £32, and is definitely a great investment buy.

mohsin salya The Best Winter Running Gear 2

  1. On Running Cloudventure Waterproof

If you’re looking for the ultimate winter running shoe – look no further. The Cloudventure trail shoe is said to be 100% waterproof and windproof, whilst still being breathable. On Running’s innovative sole pods add to the great engineering of the shoe, which even have protective toe caps. Perfect for winter off-road jaunts, these come in at £140 and are available for men and women.

Until next time,

Mohsin Salya

The Best Jackets for Running

Posted on by Mohsin Salya

Hi and welcome back to the Mohsin Salya blog.

Now that the temperatures are constantly dropping and the days are getting shorter, there are lots of reasons to want to skip a run. But you don’t need to let the elements determine your training schedule. Whether it’s a steady downpour or an unrelenting breeze, one of these jackets is sure to protect you on your autumn run.

One Gore-Tex Active Run Jacket

This jacket has its own Gore-Tex outer surface, making it possible to shake off the rain from a water-repellent surface. At £229.99 it isn’t cheap, but the revolutionary jacket features the lightest and most breathable Gore-Tex innovation. The last thing you want when you’re running is something weighing you down. This jacket enables you to remain fast, comfortable and dry in all weathers.

Sonic Reflex Jacket

 As well as offering another layer to keep you warmer, this jacket also provides 360º of high reflectivity when the lights are shining on you. Perfect for the darker evenings, this jacket is also DWR-coated for wind and water resistance in case you get caught in a shower. At the back the jacket is longer and offers more coverage to keep you warm and dry. Priced at £95, this is a middle of the range jacket which offers essential visibility.

Adidas Supernova Storm Half-Zip

This half-zip offering from Adidas is the ultimate climate control layer. The thin, stretchy back panel dumps heat whilst the wind blocking polyester sleeves and soft-shell nylon front panel defend you from icy gusts of wind. An added bonus feature of the jacket is that when it’s hit with headlights, the static-like graphic on the sleeves and shoulders come to life. It’s also really affordable too at £52, and perfect for those who don’t want to be weighed down by a heavy layer.

Ashmei Nightrunner

A fashionable yet still extremely practical layer, this jacket has been hailed as the best winter jacket on the market. It has a tailored fit and an ergonomic design, complete with asymmetric zip. The temperature regulating technologies in this jacket are a result of using Merino wool. This clever material warms you when it’s cold and cools you down when it’s hot, wicks moisture away and dries fast. Priced at £200, this is definitely a smart investment.

Nike Impossibly Light Crackled

This jacket is the most lightweight on the list, and yet it still offers all-over reflectivity. It can easily be packed away into its own hood, so it’s perfect for grabbing on the go when you’re not sure which direction the weather is heading in and the grey clouds look like they may start something. This jacket isn’t just waterproof, it’s water-repellent, meaning the rain drops roll straight off it. At £100, this is a practical option for those indecisive autumn days.

Until next time,

Mohsin Salya

Which Are The Best Running Shoes?

Posted on by Mohsin Salya

Hello and welcome back to the Mohsin Salya blog.

There are so many different running shoes on the market these days that when it comes to choosing a new pair, the decision can get overwhelming. There are good and bad reviews for all pairs, there are specific pairs for a certain type of running and there are different types of arch support. In this blog post I hope to clear some of the confusion, and give you my personal pick of the best running shoes in 2016.

Road

Adidas Adistar Boost ESM

Although these are pricey, the Techfit™ flexible upper unit provides seamless support for ultimate comfort when running, The Boost™ mid-sole technology offers energy retruns whilst also making sure the foot is well supported, whilst the Formotion technology adapts to the running surface to make sure that the running experience is smooth and responsive. Although one of the more expensive shoes, these are well worth every penny.

Nike Flyknit Racer

The Nike Flyknit Racer offers a lightweight and flexible competition shoe. The relatively low stack height provides great mobility, whilst offering a very well-cushioned experience. This shoe is great if you’re looking for a super light shoe with great mobility, and are suitable for a range of athletes.

Brooks Launch 3

Air Mesh material on the upper makes the Brooks Launch 3 ultra-breathable, whilst the 3D Fit Print maintains the structure of the shoe but still promotes flexibility. These shoes definitely have aesthetic appeal, whilst on the technical front high abrasion resistant rubber offers responsiveness and durability.

Trail

Salomon Speedcross 3

The Salomon Speedcoss 3 shoes give an all-round great ground feel, and the Sensifit and Endofit features ensure that they give runners a precise and comfortable fit. The shoe features a quick lacing system for easy-on and easy-off, and also has anti-debris mesh which is really effective. A great all-rounder trail running shoe, it is available in a variety of different colour options.

Asics Gel Venture 5

The 5th version of the Asics Gel Venture offers a better grip than previous versions, and provides more than enough support. For added durability, the shoe features the Asics High Abrasion Rubber and also has Rarefoot Gel Cushioning System for shock absorption and smooth transition. This shoe is ideal for light trail running and a great partner for everyday running and training.

Merrell All Out Charge

This is a great affordable option that is lightweight, flexible and comfortable. It has the Merrell HyperWrap 360 Degrees Fit System technology which keeps the foot in place for agility and natural stability. If you want exceptional cushioning and support at an affordable price, these are the daily trail running shoes for you.

As always, do your research and read plenty of reviews before settling on a shoe, and it’s always recommended that you try on before you buy.

Until next time,

Mohsin Salya