Camp Bastion Marathon - Event update

Up & Running have been keeping up the support of events and charities again but this time a little further afield.  South Central Asia!! 

We supported the Camp Bastion Marathon organised by Extreme Energy .  The event attracted 411 runners, rasied over £12,000 for the charities, and was a huge success. It was apparently mentioned in dispatches from the theatre to the UK, which is remarkable due to the communications problems and operational security, but word has got out of its success.  

Here is a photo of some of the racers (slippery participants)

and a video from British Forces News (You Tube). 

We are proud to sponsor Extreme Energy and the participants of their events.  People who are doing a tough job in a tough climate, and are living proof that the need to run is a very strong motivator what ever the environment. 

Is there a need for running socks?

We often get asked in store 'should I wear a technical running sock'? When we say yes this can be occasionally look upon as a cleverly disguised 'selling ploy', but honestly it isn't.

We believe that there are 2 key things (3 if you are a woman) that you need to make your running as comfortable and pleasant as possible.

First and foremost you need a running shoe, this is essential if you are to have comfortable and stress free running. Secondly a running bra is needed if you are a lady, and thirdly a good pair of running socks is important. But why?
Technical running socks can help to prevent blisters by reducing the friction between your foot and the lining of the shoe.
Technical running socks are made from yarns that wick perspiration from the feet and keep them dry. This increases comfort but again reduces the risk of friction.
Technical running socks do not wear as quickly as non technical socks. There is nothing worse that a sock feeling like the bottom of a budgies bird cage.
Technical running socks are available in a variety of different thickness's and styles. This again helps fit your foot into the shoe. If you shoe is slightly neat or loose, this can be adjusted by the thickness of a sock.
Finally, a technical running sock complements a technical running shoe - you wouldn't put remoulds on a ferrari! Some one (a rep I believe it was) once used the phrase 'a sock is the interface between the shoe and foot - the foot shoe interface'. It may be a rough way of seeing it but he was right that the conduit to comfortable shoes and as a result comfortable running is the sock.

Below is some feedback from customers who have worn one brand of running socks (although there are many), this is what they said....

'I have run over a 1000 miles in my socks and whilst they cost more than cheaper non technical socks last ten times longer and are far more comfortable'
On the face of it the five pack supermarket socks are a lot cheaper than technical socks, but they wear out a lot quicker, do not wash well and do not offer any of the qualities of technical socks, so are really a false economy'.
'What is the point of spending seventy pound plus on a pair of good running shoes and then wearing a cheap pair of cotton socks which can cause a blister?!'

So when you are asked,'do you want any running socks?', don't think its a selling ploy we genuinely want you to enjoy your running.

Mizuno Prophecy - Don't predict the Future..... Make it

Up & Running are proud to be involved with the launch of a new revolutionary shoe from Mizuno - the Prophecy.  On April 2nd it will be nationally launched in 3 U&R stores (Belfast, Birmingham and Leeds Central).  And on the day we will be offering not just advice and support on the shoe there will be a give away also.  We have already whet your appetite with the shoe 'teaser', and we are now pleased to show you the shoe in all its glory. 

 

So if you are looking for a neutral shoe with all the cushioning in the world and are keen to try something revolutionary then the Mizuno Wave Prophecy could be for you.  Get yourself down to Belfast, Birmingham and Leeds Central and take part in the Mizuno event of the year.

TuffNutz - thanks from the organiser

Up and Running Liverpool are proud to sponsor a series or races from the Seaside runs organiser Roy Fisher, and below is a recent email from him thanking us (and others) for the team effort put into the event. We are proud to support Roy and his team and hope that you will look up Pensbyrunners (Tuffnutz) and take part in the event.

Hi everyone,

Well that's another TuffNutz over and again it was a great success. Well done to all those who helped before and during the event. There were 49 marshals involved officially with one or two extras appearing on the day. We also had 6 members running in our teams and all on a day when we had a great (and successful) turn-out at the Liverpool Half Marathon!

Having Marshall Teams with a leader responsible for their area seems to be a great way of marshalling a large and widespread event such as this. It is great to see us all come together to create such a Club effort. I know that the competitors think the event is great but many also mention the friendly and helpful marshals. I'll publish some of the comments soon. I reckon that 40 teams is at our maximum but that generates so much interest and support. The Start field was heaving during the race and at the end. Joints and Points not only sponsored the event but provided free massage for weary runners.

If any of you have taken photos or video as requested at the TuffTasks or en route then can you get them to me as soon as possible. Email them or put them on a CD or a memory stick or even your camera card and I'll get them onto the website. Iain Arnison will be making a short video again to encapsulate the day.

Congrats to all the competitors for finishing and the winners for being the best. Our Ladies team, Pensby Galz, won the Lady category again so we need three in a row next year!

Many thanks to our sponsors for money, Goody Bag stuff and Spot prizes - Up & Running, GlaxoSmithKline (Lucozade Sport), Coca-Cola, Britvic, Runners Sports, John West Foods, Joints & Points Healthcare, Parfetts and of course a special mention for the Goody bag team (Steve, Phil, Ceri, Cath and Karen) who made 240 rolls and assembled all the stuff in 120 bags on Saturday. A big thank you too for St. John's Ambulance who were out and about on the course and thankfully weren't needed. A donation will be winging its way to them.

I just have to revamp and update the TuffNutz part of the website and sort out all the results. then it's thinking about next year!

Next big events are the Multi-terrain over a lot of the TuffNutz course on May 10th and also our 25 year celebration dinner-dance. We will be pushing tickets hard from now on so make sure you are free on May 21st.

Thanks for all your support for 'the best running club around'

Roy

Here's to a great event, a great club and to another successful race.  Roll on next year. 

Brooks Gait Anaylsis video

Sam's Sunday Run

Sam from HO is running the London Marathon in a few weeks - here's his long run from yesterday ...

What is CaniX?

As runners we can often get a little board of the 'same old same old' running that we do. Pounding out the concrete only to come home and then find that you have to take the dog out to cool down. Well there may be a solution to this and something that kills 2 birds with one stone. CaniX. CaniX (www.cani-cross.co.uk)

Eh? Whats that I hear all of your cry. Well CaniX is running with your dog. (canine + cross-country = CaniX). Simples!! Note to Ed: there seems to be a lot of animal references in this piece and not all the right breed

CaniX cater for all shapes and sizes, any breed and all fitness levels — canine and human. Humans from the age of seven and dogs from the age of one onwards can enter. At certain events, short courses are set for under elevens to enter on the day (not for competition though).

Previous events have included vision impaired entrants running with a human guide, hearing impaired entrants running with their Hearing Dogs, people who have had a triple heart by pass, 10km/ marathon/ ultra-endurance athletes, to kids, have-a-goes and those that just love to do things with their dogs.

CaniX is a brilliant way to get out in the fresh air and spend time with your dog. You and your dog can enjoy the peace and tranquility of your surroundings and get in shape at the same time with an invigorating workout. Plus you don't have to cool down after a run and get that obligatory post run chill.

There is no handicap for the breed of dog as, regardless of breed, most dogs can run faster than their human team mate. Just check out my Greyhound!!

You don’t need to be super fit, it’s for all levels (again just check my greyhound!!). Take it easy at first and build up slowly, alternate between walk/run. You could enter the 2.5km ‘Have-a-go class’ and when you feel comfortable try the 5km.

No real special equipment or training is needed. Many however choose to harness their dog’s pulling power and chase instinct with a dog running harness, waist belt and line. This is more comfortable for both you and your dog and gives you extra assistance (handy for the hills)! Dogs soon learn the difference between their collar and their running harness – understanding that they can pull with one and not the other. The running harness directs all the pulling power to the dog’s chest and shoulders away from the neck.

So to recap CaniX helps:

• Maintain a healthy lifestyle for you and your dogs.
• Strengthens the bond between you and your dogs.
• Can be enjoyed by all ages, male or female.
• Is a versatile sport that can be practised anywhere.

Why not have a go. If nothing else it will make you run faster, or will it be drag!!