Tag: race

Finding your ideal running distance

Posted on by Mohsin Salya

Hi, and welcome back to the Mohsin Salya blog.

I distinctly remember two races I ran as a teenager. The first was an 800m: I recall running harder and faster than I’d ever run before. I also remember people quickly passing me, and I soon trailed in last. The other race was a 5,000m, and I remember the feeling of entering the finishing straight on the shoulder of the runner in first place, certain that I had enough energy to take me across the line as a winner. I did – and I knew I had found my distance at last.

So, how do you find yours? Most of us who have run for a while probably have developed a rough idea of what distance suits us best. This is the gut instinct route – how far do you actually like to run? Here’s what Steve Plasencia, from the University of Minnesota has to say on the matter of picking your optimum distance –

Follow your gut

“Certainly, there is a scientific method involved to some degree, as a 5K runner is genetically different from a marathoner, but there’s not much difference between the 5K and 10K runner. So, to some degree it boils down to what the runner likes. The distance where you feel the most comfortable plays a major factor. Do you like the long runs? Can you stay focused for that long a time or are the shorter runs better suited for you?”

A more scientific approach

If you’re feeling a little short changed by that answer, then you might be pleased to hear that there are also more scientific routes to finding your ideal race. Race time equivalent charts – that predict likely finishing times for longer distance races based on the performance in shorter races (or vice versa) – are a good place to start.

Look as well at how you’re physically put together – ideally, sprinters are tall with a muscular, slim lower legs and narrow hips (think Usain Bolt), middle distance runners have plenty of stamina but are more than capable of high speed, while long distance runners are lean and lightweight with slim bodies and legs.

I believe there’s a perfect distance out there for everyone – so go out and find it!

Until the next time,

Mohsin Salya

The Hardest Race in the World – Would You Attempt It?

Posted on by Mohsin Salya

Hi, and welcome back to the Mohsin Salya blog.

It is hard to imagine a running challenge more gruelling – the legendary Berghaus Dragon’s Back Race in Wales is thought by many to be one of the toughest races in the world. Consider the numbers for a moment – five days, 315km or 196 miles – and, crucially, 15,500 metres of climbing. To put that into perspective, that is nearly equivalent to running up Everest. Twice.

Wild country

To add to the challenge, the race takes place in some of the most inhospitable terrain imaginable – the runners need to negotiate not just the mountains but also remote, trackless moorland, bogs and wild, open country. And yes, it is a race – there are cut off times for each section, and the winner of 2015’s race, Jim Mann, ran again this year to try and hold on to his hard-won title. Over the years, it’s been a favourite challenge for some of the world’s most accomplished ultra and fell runners looking to test themselves in the toughest conditions.

North to south

The race was first run back in 1992, and has had a growing – and fearsome – reputation ever since. This year, over 200 runners from around the world have taken on the Dragon’s Back route that runs from the north to the south of Wales. Starting out from Conwy Castle the runners then headed for the Carneddau and Glyderau mountains before carrying on towards Snowdon and the ultimate finish in Llandeilo in South Wales.

Ready to take on the Dragon?

So, for those of you who are up for the ultimate challenge, you’ve still got time to start training for the next race which will get underway in May 2019. Good luck – you’ll need it!

Tips and tricks to fundraise by running!

Posted on by Mohsin Salya

Hi, and welcome back to the Mohsin Salya blog.

We all run for different reasons. For some people, it’s all about the times – every race you do, you’re focused on improving – doing better than you did last time out and beating your personal best. For others, it’s a way to unwind – a sociable, healthy way to escape from the stresses and strains of daily life.

A chance to make a difference

But for many, running is also a way to do good – to raise money or awareness for a cause that’s important to them, or even to remember a loved one. Running for a charity is an incredible motivator – you know that every step you take, however hard it is, is making a difference.

So, how do you make the most out of a fundraising run?

Spread the word

Well, first of all you need to shout about it – tell your friends, tell your work colleagues, tell the world. This is actually also a great motivation tool in itself – once everyone knows that you’ve signed up for the run it makes it a lot harder to pull out – and the encouragement you’ll get from everyone who knows you’re taking part will see you through.

Get social

If you use it, social media is clearly a great way to promote your fundraising effort. The key to making it a success – a little like running itself – is to keep up the momentum. Tell your friends on Facebook – you could even create an event and invite them – post training update pictures on Instagram and make it easy to donate with a fundraising page on JustGiving. Mention the charity or cause you’re fundraising for on Twitter and you might get a retweet from the charity themselves to help spread the word. And if you’re really committed, you could even set up a blog to document every step of your training programme.

Just go for it

So, next time you sign up for a race, consider using it as a way to raise money or awareness for a good cause. That way you’ll not only be helping yourself by getting fitter – you’ll be making a huge difference to others too.

Until the next time,

Mohsin Salya.