Tag: 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.

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

Five Tips for Running at Night

Posted on by Mohsin Salya

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

One of the most popular times to go running is at night, as it allows you to unwind from the stresses of the working day. But there are issues with running at night, such as decreased visibility. Here are five tips for running at night so you can have a great run, while staying safe.

Maximise light

The biggest problem with running at night, is that there’s very little light. You can maximise light and illuminate your path, by investing in the right gear. A headlight is the best piece of gear you can get for this, which you can buy easily online. You can also purchase light reflective running wear, available from retailers such as Nike online, so cars and pedestrians can see you easily.

Against the flow

It’s advised that you run against the traffic, so that cars can see you coming. With this strategy, you can minimise the potential for accidents. Steer clear of rush hour at all costs, as the less cars there are on the road, the more likely you are to be safe. If you have any doubts, run on paths or green spaces instead and even then, it’s good to run against the flow of people to make your presence known.

Stick to the familiar

With reduced visibility, it can be easier to get lost when running at night than at any other time in the day. It’s advisable to only jog in places you are already familiar with, so you can always find your way home. You may also want to go running with friends, when heading out at night. Not only will this ensure that you have help, should you get lost, but everything is more fun when you do it with some company!

Carry a phone

You never know when you’ll need to get in contact with family and friends. Always carry a phone with you, so you’re reachable at all times and you have a way to contact emergency services if necessary. You may want to invest in a one-size fits all running armband, available from many different retailers online. These feature a space for your phone, so you can carry it with you easily and listen to music at the same time, giving you the motivation to smash it.

Always pay attention

You cannot afford, even for one moment, to let your attention wander while running in the dark. Even with headlights and light-reflective clothing, your visibility will be somewhat limited. It will be especially hard to notice any potholes on your route that could trip you up, as you constantly need to keep looking up to spot cars and pedestrians. Always pay attention and minimise distractions.

Know your limits

It is crucial, if you decide to go running at night that you feel comfortable doing so. Otherwise, you won’t get the most out of the experience, as you’ll focus on your discomfort at jogging in the dark, instead of maximising your performance and actually enjoying your run. If the tips in this article still don’t help you feel safe running at night, don’t do it – go in the morning or the afternoon instead.

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

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