Category: Technology

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.

Upcoming running trends to look out for

Posted on by Mohsin Salya

Hi, and welcome back to the Mohsin Salya blog.

I’m often asked about what I think will be the next big thing in running. Running is a strange sport in this sense – in its purest form, it is just a simple, ancient activity that essentially hasn’t changed much since humans first stood on their hind legs.

But in many other ways it’s hard to think of a sport that has done more to influence so many aspects of our lives – from its impact on fashion, in terms of the latest trainers and the advanced breathable materials we wear, through to the changing obsessions that periodically grip the sport itself – with everything from ultra running to obstacle races like Tough Mudder. It is a sport that is literally always on the move.

So, with that in mind, here are just a few of the new directions that running might be heading in over the coming year.

Time to get social

For those of you who don’t like to run alone – good news. Just like pretty much every other area of our lives, running is getting increasingly social. Runners are great at building a strong community and now it’s becoming easier than ever before to organise and bring together like-minded people for a shared experience.

Retail reality bites

Retailers are using social media in increasingly smart ways to target groups who they know will love their products, and this is a particularly powerful phenomenon in the world of running. Of course fashion has always been important to runners, but now with our increasingly connected digital networks and the distance between customers and retailers getting ever shorter via social media, new styles and sub cultures will multiply rapidly.

It’s all about the shoe

I’ve talked before about the idea of having multiple shoes to suit the running you’re doing – whether they’re trail shoes for off road, winter running shoes, barefoot running shoes or those special shoes that you only put on for competitions. This is another trend that will only increase in the coming years, with retailers and runners creating a perfect storm of supply and demand.

So, running moves on, as it always will. Whether you want to follow the herd – or run your own race – well, that is entirely up to you!

Until the next time,

Mohsin Salya

Back to basics – what do you actually need to run?

Posted on by Mohsin Salya

Hi, and welcome back to the Mohsin Salya blog.

In our last blog, we talked about how having a number of different pairs of running shoes can be a real advantage, allowing you to match the footwear you need to the terrain you’re taking on. But there is another approach to running – that of stripping back all of the technology and simply running with as little external baggage as possible. Here are a few things you could try.

Lose your watch

I’d also include your GPS, heart rate monitor and your smartphone in this list of things to leave at home. Just take a look at how a dog runs on a beach – freely and without any inhibition whatsoever. When was the last time that you ran – just ran – with that kind of freedom? Running should be a liberating, exhilarating experience that gives you a break from the technology that dominates so much of modern life.

So, try getting rid of all of the kit that you’ve learned to rely on to judge your pace and your fitness, and re-learn the art of listening to your own body for feedback – you’ll find that it gives you a whole new perspective on what you’re capable of as a runner.

Ditch your headphones

I know that many people – myself included – love to listen to music while running. It can be a great way of getting through those longer workouts, and a real motivator when the going gets tough. But again, try and leave your headphones at home for once. You might find that the long run that you thought was dull is actually packed full of new experiences to notice – you’ll hear the birds, and you’ll soon find that you’re more absorbed in the environment you’re passing through. That kind of mindfulness can be a real refresher for a busy brain – lose yourself in the moment, listen to your breath and stop worrying about the list of jobs you’re going to do when your run is over.

Barefoot running

An extreme one this, but there is a school of thought that suggests getting rid of your running shoes altogether and hitting the road barefoot. In the last few years the running shoe industry went through a phase of producing minimalist footwear, that put more of the responsibility for supporting your feet on the muscles in your feet themselves.

It’s an argument that certainly makes some sense and taking it to its most extreme conclusion – running barefoot – is an interesting option. If you’re concerned that letting your shoes take the strain is actually weakening your muscles in your feet and increasing your risk of injury, then maybe give it a go.

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 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

What Are The Best Running Apps?

Posted on by Mohsin Salya

 

Hi and welcome back to the Mohsin Salya blog.

If you own a smartphone, you’ll know just how much of an integral part of our everyday lives they have become. For runners, they can also be an incredibly useful tool.

The built in sensors in a smartphone make it a great platform for a variety of running apps that can measure a variety of things. They can track your speed, distance travelled, calories burned and even map your route. These features get even better when paired with a run tracker or smartwatch.

However, there’s so many running apps to choose from these days that it can get a bit confusing. In this blog post I’ve put together some of the best apps on the market.

Runkeeper (Free on iOS and Android)

This app uses your phone’s GPS to track your running, hiking or other distance activities. Recording your pace, distance, total exercise time, calories burned and other useful metrics, it also allows you to take and tag photos on the go. You can either run your own route, or download and follow some popular routes in your area. The app will also sync with numerous other apps and services, and you’ll receive detailed reports of your tracked activity.

Strava (Free on iOS and Android)

Strava is well known amongst runners for being a top-notch tracker. This app adds some more competitive and gamified features to the standard running tracker apps on the market. Recording your running speed, distance travelled, time and course taken, Strava combines this with leader boards, achievements and challenges. As well as providing useful metrics and tracking, the app also has a social element as you can race against your friends – perfect for when you’re lacking motivation.

Runtastic (Free on iOS and Android with optional in-app purchases)

Using GPS to track and map your distance, Runtastic plots your route in real time. A personal exercise diary keeps track of your running metrics, and routes can also be viewed in a Google Earth-style view. It also has a configurable dashboard with detailed graphs of your exercise information. Progress can be shared over social networks, and there are numerous training plans in this neat app.

Adidas Train & Run (Free on iOS and Android)

This is definitely one for those of you who have other Adidas tracking devices. The app integrates tightly with the shoemaker’s exercise trackers, most notably the Fit Smart wristband. Once synced with the wristband, the Train & Run app tracks steps taken, calories burned and distance covered, as well as route tracking with your phone’s GPS. Post-run, you can also check out your zone training with the app’s coloured route mapping. The app comes with a variety of professionally designed training and exercise routines built for a variety of purposes, such as improving fitness or losing weight. The app also has voice coaching, and syncs well with other fitness apps and services including Strava.

Until next time,

Mohsin Salya

What Are the Best Headphones for Running?

Posted on by Mohsin Salya

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

If you’re anything like me, you won’t be able to have an effective run without listening to some motivational music to keep you psyched. There have been many studies on the effectiveness of music on athletes, especially runners. A recent study even found that runners who were running a 5k listening to music ran their first two laps faster than when they ran without music.

Whatever genre of music you find works for you, having a pair of good quality and good fitting headphones is a must. Here I’ve picked out some pairs that meet all the requirements that I look for when listening to my motivational music, and that suit all budgets.

Monster iSport Strive – from £23

These are the cheapest model in the Monster iSport range, but they definitely don’t compromise on performance. The shape of the ear-bud design makes them feel as though they are sitting against, rather than inside, your ear. But regardless of this, they still don’t budge no matter how sweaty you get whilst running. The open design also means you can enjoy your music whilst still being aware of what is going on around you.

Senheiser PMX 686G Sports – from £80

These are a little on the pricey side, but definitely worth investing in if you love the neckband design. They may not suit every runner, but they are a lightweight pair of headphones that will never fall out. These have no silicon wings or memory foam ear buds, just a secure fit and superb sound quality. These are for the runner who demands the best quality sound.

KitSound Outrun – from £48

For the runner who can’t stand those annoying wires, these Bluetooth headphones are for you. These are great value, as they cost less than many wired models. They’re really light at 15g, and thanks to the large, flexible silicon wings they stay in place brilliantly whilst you’re running. These have a clean, balanced sound with no harsh sounds to put you off your stride.

Audio Technica SonicSport (ATH-SPORT3) – from £30

If you’re a runner who can’t stand having to push your earbuds back into position every few hundred yards, then these innovative over-ear headphones are definitely for you. The mouldable cable can be bent to hook around your ears, guaranteeing a secure fit. They’re also waterproof, so don’t worry if you sweat a lot whilst running. They’re safe to run under the tap afterwards too.

Until next time,

Mohsin Salya