Tag: clothing

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

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

Do I Need Special Running Socks?

Posted on by Mohsin Salya

Hi, welcome to the Mohsin Salya blog!

It’s a question you may have never asked yourself – do I need special running socks, or are normal socks good enough? And are the more expensive brands better quality? In this post I’ll be sharing my thoughts on why you need to think about your socks when running.

Are special running socks necessary?

The short answer is yes – ideally you do. You could ask the same question of anything that is purpose built, such as special shoes for running or a particular type of bra for high impact sport.

Properly fitted, appropriate equipment facilitates an overall better experience, and in some cases can even make you faster. Obviously your clothing won’t do the speed work for you. However, there may be certain situations, such as wiggling around trying to avoid blisters and chafing, where the correct equipment can prevent this and in turn help you run faster.

It’s a similar situation to eating the right food to fuel your body, or getting fitted for running shoes. If you want to give yourself the best chance for success, investing in the right equipment is a must. After all, your feet are your foundation. If they aren’t happy, your run probably won’t be a very happy one either.

How can running socks help me run?

So how exactly will special socks make a difference to the comfort of your run?

  • Arch support – this prevents foot fatigue, improves circulation and prevents your socks slipping down mid run
  • Snug construction – can help to prevent blisters
  • Dedicated left and right foot – helps to improve the fit and comfort, and make sure that compression occurs in the correct place
  • Reinforced toe and heel – this improves cushioning and comfort, and can slow down the wear of the socks
  • Moisture wicking fabric – can regulate temperature and in turn prevent blisters
  • Odour defence – to combat the odour produced by sweating
  • Seamless toe – to prevent blisters and any discomfort

Where can I find some good quality running socks?

You’ll find running socks in any good sports clothing stores. If you’re shopping online, Wiggle and Runners Need have a great selection.

Happy running,

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

Tips for Running in the Rain

Posted on by Mohsin Salya

Hi and welcome back to the Mohsin Salya blog.

Rainy weather doesn’t mean you can’t go for a run, and you don’t have to take your runs inside. And when it comes to the big race, there’s a big possibility it could rain then too.

In actual fact, I think you should try to take advantage of opportunities to run in the rain. It will build mental durability, and you’ll also be totally prepared if it does rain on the big race day. In this blog post I’ve put together some tips to ensure that you aren’t phased if the weather does decide to turn against you on the day of a run.

Don’t overdress

This can be very easy to do, as we all instantly assume that rain equals cold weather. Another misconception is that more layers will keep you dry. In actual fact, unless you’re running with an umbrella over your head, you will definitely get wet.

The more layers you wear, the more wet and heavy clothing you have to run with. The most important layer is the one closest to your body. Make sure it’s a technical fabric such as polypropylene or CoolMax, which wick water and sweat away from your skin. The best approach is to dress for the temperature, as if it were a dry day.

Wear a hat

A simple tip but a not so obvious one – wear a hat with a brim. It will keep the rain of your race so that you can see, even in the heaviest of downpours. A full cap is good in the winter months, but in the summer when it’s notably warmer a visor is best as they allow heat to escape more efficiently.

Prevent chafing

Chafing can happen to us during any run, but it can be a lot worse than usual if you’re wet from the rain. If you’re planning on a long run in the rain, a product such as Vaseline on parts of your body where you would normally chafe and get blisters can work a treat. The most commonly affected areas are your feet, inner thighs, and underarms.

Swap your shoes

If you unfortunately find yourself running a marathon or race in the rain, this is something to consider. Keep your current race shoes and socks in a plastic bag whilst waiting at the start, whilst wearing your old running shoes. You can put your old shoes in your bag and put on your race shoes and socks right before you head to the starting line. If it’s stopped raining by then, you’ll have the pleasure of running in dry shoes and socks.

Dry out your shoes properly

The natural instinct when you get in from a wet run is to put your shoes in the dryer or in front of a heater – this is a big mistake as it will shrink them or warp their shape, meaning they won’t fit you properly again. Instead, stuff your shoes with crumpled balls of newspaper. This helps your running shoes keep their shape, and the paper draws moisture away from the shoes.

Use it as an opportunity

Ultimately, running in the rain will build your mental toughness, and you’ll realise that you can handle any challenge that comes your way. The truth is you won’t like it at first – in fact you’ll hate it. But stick with it, and you’re sure to develop your willpower as well as your body.

Until next time

Mohsin Salya

How to Run Your First 5K

Posted on by Mohsin Salya

Hi and welcome back to the Mohsin Salya blog.

So you’ve made the decision to take up running and train for a marathon – congratulations! The first race you’ll more than likely want to train for will be a 5K, which is just over 3 miles. It may feel slightly intimidating to run more than 3 miles all at once, but by following a few pieces of advice you’re sure to have all the faith and confidence you need to get to the finish line.

Before you get started it’s always a good idea to check with your doctor to make sure you’re healthy enough to begin training. Once you’ve got the go head, there’s nothing stopping you from getting started and making running that 5K a reality.

Get the right gear

When you’re a new runner, the variety of shoes and other gear available can be completely overwhelming and confusing. The most important thing to remember though is actually something very simple – comfort is key. When you put on a pair of running shoes, they should feel good on your feet. While there may be a little bit of break in required, any shoe that hurts or feels uncomfortable should definitely be avoided. Whilst it’s tempting just to buy a cheap pair of running shoes online, it’s always best to visit a local running store where they can give you a gait analysis.

Schedule

You’re almost at your most enthusiastic when you first start training, but there comes a point where that enthusiasm will fade. When this happens you need to have a plan in place to stay focused and motivated through the rough patches. Scheduling your workouts in a way that is realistic and accessible will give you the best chance at running a successful race. It may seem obvious, but scheduling your runs in a way that will work best for you is absolutely key. If you’re not a morning person, don’t schedule runs for 5.30am. If you’re stuck at work late most days, maybe try a lunch run. Whatever time works best for you, schedule it in your phone and make that run non-negotiable.

Stay motivated

It may be a lot easier to say than to do, but staying motivated is the only way you will stay on track. You simply can’t rely on sheer willpower alone, you need goals to keep looking forward to and targets to keep hitting. I’ve written a whole post on how to stay motivated to give you some tips and ideas.

Pick a training plan

There are loads of beginner to 5K training plans out there, and they can be really effective. Plans vary in length, with the longer ones lasting around 16 weeks. The longer plans are sometimes better, as they give you ample time to build up gradually to a strong and successful 5K, and there’s no reason to rush it. Over on my Pinterest page I’ve put together a board filled with different types of training plans. This one from Map My Fitness is particularly great for a first training plan.

Good luck on your 5K journey!

Mohsin Salya