Posts Tagged ‘Jogging’

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Running Local Races – Bristol 5K, Yate

Tuesday, June 9th, 2009

When someone asks you to name a running event, what’s the first thing that comes to mind… The London Marathon? Race for Life? The Great North Run? There are a number of high profile running events which take place throughout the UK. But running events arent always of this mangitude, in fact some of our favorite running events are the smaller and more intimate races taking place right on your doorstop.

There are a number of advantages that the local running races have over the larger and more commercial events. They dont have the same entrance fees as the larger events, they are often smaller and tend not to be as busy and over-subscribed as larger races such as the marathon. Some of the smaller races are brilliant for complimenting your training, whether you’re looking for a fresh challenge, trying to beat a Personal Best Running Time, or even taking part in a smaller race as part of your training for one of the larger events.

We’ve caught up with Pete Morton, Leggit’s resident personal trainer who recently achieved Gold and a new course record for St Mary’s Challenge, Yate, a local 5K race in Bristol.

Pete, Our Resident PT

Pete, Our Resident PT

“The third annual running of the St.Mary’s Primary School 5K Challenge saw the largest field yet (around 150 runners) assemble on the school playing field on Sat 6th June 2009. Along with the other stalls and attractions held at the school that day, this was the main event.

There were trophies and medals on offer for the top three males, females and juniors, and along with spot prizes, a bonus bottle of wine for breaking the course record of 20:17. This seems quite slow for a 5K, but with the distance being an unusual 5.5K (3.5miles) it made all the difference.

The start was slippery underfoot due to the greasy paths from drizzly showers, and it has to be the only race I have done that runs through a churchyard cemetery. The course was winding but largely flat, and well marshalled along most of the route. There were unfortunately, for those of us right at the front, points where it was unclear which way we had to go, and this did cause confusion on one or two occasions. My aim was simple, 3:40 per kilometre and try and finish in the top 5. 1K in 3:37. 2K in 7:05, 4K in 14:00…

I hit the 5K mark in 17:10, neck and neck with one other runner, as we battled it out for first place. Youth did in the end triumph over experience though, as I kicked away over the last 400m to win, and claimed my bottle of wine for the new course record of 19:44. A much enjoyable local race, but one that will need more volunteers if it is to continue to grow.”

Peter Morton
Summit Personal Training, North Bristol

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Cheap Running Kit – 30% off with Reebok

Friday, June 5th, 2009

30% off Reebok Running Kit until 15th June 2009, thanks to a FREE voucher code brought to you by Leggit.co.uk

To claim your 30% discount all you need to do is quote the following Voucher Code at the Reebok Checkout – AFFILIATESALE

If like us you’ve been making the most of the glorious weather this past fortnight and have been out running whenever possible, you may have found your winter running gear to be a bit too hot and heavy.

In the summer months its time to shed those layers and make sure that your running kit is light, comfortable and allows your skin to breathe; this will prevent overheating and exhaustion and will enhance your running performance.

So whther you’re male or female, and shopping for running clothes or running trainers, whether you’re running in preparation for an upcoming event, or just enjoy jogging casually, we’re pretty sure that you will find a bargain with Reebok’s summer promotions. Take a look below for Leggit’s top 3 Reebok items for summer running.

Hexride Trainers - so much more than just a regular running shoe, Reebok’s Hexride Trainers not only provide air support in the heal of the trainer and flexibility to help ensure that your feet are comfortable, but also breathability and even moisture control – perfect for those hot and sticky summer runs and for keeping your feet cool

VTC SS, Play Cool X – Mens Running Top A definite must have if you’re running in the sun or the heat. The Play Cool X running top is powered by Outlast technology on the back and neck. Specifically designed to absorb, store and release excess body heat to ensure that you stay as cool as possible throughout your run.

VTC Long Bra Top – Women’s Running Top And last but not least, one for the ladies. The VTC Long Bra Top comes complete with Reebok’s ‘SmoothFit bonded seam mesh panel, providing ventilation, helping to keep you cool. The VTC Running top also has a built in bra, designed for high impact exercise and with hidden seams to avoid irritation whilst running.

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Charity Runners Are More Motivated

Monday, June 1st, 2009

Runners who are working towards a charity event or challenge are more motivated accroding to new reserch carried out earlier this year. Christian Aid found that 60% of 18 – 34 year old runners said that they felt they were more likely to train harder and commit to a regular exercise routine if they have signed up to a runnng race for charity.

christian-aid-logo2

Many Charities reserve places at some of the more popular running events which are often difficult to get places for such as The London Marathon and The Great North Run. The great thing is that there are charity events and places for all distances and all abilities – everything from the Race 4 Life 5K which supports Cancer Research to 10Ks, 1/2 marathons and even the full 26.2 mile marathon. Running for charity is a brilliant way of securing your place at some of the best races in the country – although there is usually a minimum sposorship requirement to prevent freeloaders!

Many Charities will also provide you with moral support throughout your training and the race. Christian Aid provide runners of the Great North Run with training programmes, nutritional advice, fundraising tips and even a free foot massage after the run itself! – dont forget – the Great North Run is taking place on 20th of September and the closing day for entries is 1st July. This is a really popular race so it is important to book your place as early as possible to avoid disappointment.

Leggit.co.uk offer a range of training programmes which will get you to half marathon standard in a minimum of 12 weeks, if you’re thinking of taking part on an event such as The Great North Run, or a Half Marathon near you, take a look at our free training guides to help you get off on the right foot. Alternatively, use our events guide to find a running race near you.

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Hereford Half Marathon

Sunday, May 31st, 2009

Read our Review on the Hereford Half Marathon 2009…

Pete, Our Resident PT

Pete, Our Resident PT

“Sunday 17th May 2009 saw the 25th Anniversary of what is known as one of the tougher half marathons in the UK, the Hereford Half.

The 6th time I have run this race and have only known it to be bright and sunny on the day. So, on opening the curtains in my hotel room that morning to see grey skies and heavy showers, I was filled almost with a sense of doom and gloom that reflected the weather.

However, true to form, 15mins before the 11am start, the rain stopped and blue sky appeared above us. The record 500 runners looked collectively relieved.

The race started promptly at the leisure centre and after the initial climb up Holmer Road, we reached the first mile marker. I checked my watch. 6:03 for mile 1 – ouch that was fast. I settled into an average pace of just under 6.5minute miles. Even a stitch at 5miles couldn’t stop me as the course undulated through the country lanes and surrounding villages of Stretton Sugwas and Creddon Hill (known more famously for being a base for the SAS). I hit mile 10 in 1:03 and was flying. 12miles in 1:15 Then the killer blow. The finish saw us enter the racecourse and run the last 350metres on soft woodchippings, much like running on sand.

My legs were drained but as I saw the clock on the finish line I knew that a new personal best was mine. 1:22:04 and 10th out of 461 finishers. A smart medal and a meal of steak and chips was my reward for the hard yards. A huge thank you should go to St. Michael’s Hospice of Hereford for again organising such an enjoyable event. I’ll be back next year!”

Peter Morton
Summit Personal Training, North Bristol

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Choosing the right running trainers

Wednesday, May 13th, 2009

Buying the correct running shoe is very important, it can help prevent injury, improve running style and make you look good! Everyone is different, so what is a great trainer for one person may be a poor choice for someone else.

Using the “Wet Foot Test” is a great way to get a basic idea of the type of shoe you need without having a full running style or gait analysis.

Wet the sole of your foot with water and then stand on a surface which will clearly show your footprint (a piece of cardboard works great). From your footprint you will be able to identify the best type of running shoe to get you started. There are 3 categories, Cushioned, Stability and Motion; match your print with the diagrams below to work out which style of running shoe you need.

leggit have teamed up with Wiggle, the online running shop, to give you some expert tips on choosing the right trainers for you.

Cushioned
If your footprint looks like this image, with a narrow band or sometimes no band at all between the forefoot and heal, then a cushioned shoe will best for you. It provides plenty of flexibility and foot movement, great if you have rigid feet.		 run-cushion
Stability
If your foot print looks like this diagram, with a medium band flaring towards the heal, then a Stability shoe will be best for you. It provides a mixture of moderate cushioning and stability. This is considered the “Normal” foot.		 run-stability
Motion
If your footprint looks like this image, clearly showing the whole of your sole, then a motion shoe will best suit you. It provides added support and helps prevent your heal from rolling inwards (pronate) too much.		 run-motion

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