Category Archives: Sports nutrition

Not feeling the Christmas spirit? Jog on!

Now that we are in December, the countdown to Christmas has begun in earnest. But many people will be facing the festive season with a mix of emotions. There is the usual pressure of buying the right presents and preparing the big meal itself. Then there is the prospect of having to make small talk with distant relations you may not be quite so keen on seeing. And on top of all that, just to make things even more difficult this year, the increase in the cost of living means that you may well feel anything but merry. But somehow despite this, anyone young at heart will still be starting to feel the excitement of Christmas beginning to grow. There are plenty of things you can do to channel all of that festive energy. Luckily, one of the best ways to keep that holiday spirit high will reduce your stress levels and also happens to be free. There is no better way to build yuletide cheer than going for a run to see the dazzling colours and twinkling illuminations of outdoor Christmas displays.

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Speedy recovery fuel

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With the advent of what looks and feels like ‘rugby weather’ and the earlier darker evenings, the prospect of venturing outside to go for a run is anything but inviting. But even in the daylight, you are still likely to be whipped by the wind and rain at some point and spend far too much time estimating the depth of puddles and getting it badly wrong. If you manage to return home without mud-caked soggy trainers, it will have been a good result. One thing you’ll be needing after a hot shower and warm, dry clothes is some nourishment and the sooner, the better. But not everyone knows what they should really be eating that will help them quickly refuel again and also promote their recovery.

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Why a running holiday is not a misnomer

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Now be honest. If someone you trusted casually said the words ‘running holiday’ in a sentence, what would be your response? Because even if you call yourself a runner and have the stash of technical t’s and medals to show for it, you are still likely to have stopped them mid-flow with a ‘Hold on, what??!’ And truthfully, when you hear those words together for the first time, it simply sounds wrong. However, for runners of all abilities, a running holiday can be one of the best experiences there is.

Although to be perfectly clear, I am not referring to the kind of running holiday where you sign up for an organised training camp to work on improving your running and smashing your PBs. Sure there are plenty of luxurious resorts out there catering to all this that offer some serious coaching among an unlimited buffet of sport, exercise and wellness. But what I am talking about is slightly more adventurous and completely stripped down to the bare basics of running. Imagine a holiday where you spend several days running from one destination to the next along a beautifully scenic route so that by the end of your holiday you have travelled an epic length…

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Fuelling on the run

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As the summer has neared its end and the never-ending heatwave has begun to subside, many runners will be starting to think about training for a longer event. Whether it is for an autumnal half-marathon or for something even longer in the spring it’s a good time to reassess how you are going to fuel it all. Because for many runners their primary focus is firmly set on the bare bones of their training plan and the necessary kit they’re going to need to get them through the upcoming weeks and months. And this is fine because at first you may be flying through the training and feeling slightly complacent about what’s ahead of you. But in reality, every runner knows in the back of their mind what is coming up. As you ratchet up the mileage in your legs you will inevitably have to face the prospect of doing some rather daunting long runs.

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How to outsmart your running watch

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I was distracted the other day by the glare of someone’s massive smart watch and it reminded me of how old and basic my own version is. Despite my family’s polite suggestions of an upgrade whenever another birthday is approaching I have resisted retiring my simple model. So far, I am not even tempted. Because why would I replace my running watch when it’s in working order and has everything that I consider to be the essentials for any run? It measures the time, the distance and also the pace. And to be honest, I only really care about the first two. I would probably find out that there are loads of other things it also records if I could be bothered to look it up in the app but truthfully, I cannot. Though still, I am outnumbered in my family by the wearers of sophisticated mini-computers who collect a wealth of information about their health and fitness stats.