Clothing & Footwear
Wear the right gear, and running will be a breeze
Forget fancy equipment and expensive kit, running doesn't require you to spend a lot to get it right.
All you really need is the right trainers and comfortable gear that lets your body breath.
Get it right now, and you'll be achieving PB's like nobody's business.
A decent pair of trainers is essential, but it's not as simple as grabbing a pair you like the look of.
Wearing the wrong sized or shaped shoe can have a serious effect on your running ability. Not only that, it could leave you with blistering, serious discomfort, or even permanent damage.
You won't believe what a difference trainers can make until you get the right pair, and for runners in Swindon, the latest technology to find you the perfect shoe is readily-available.
The Big Adventure Store, located at Basepoint Business Centre in Swindon, uses the latest in video gait analysis technology to find your perfect match.
Video gait analysis involves recording you running on a treadmill and clever equipment that analyses your running pattern, the movement of your feet and your general running style. The results will show what type of shoe you require - and more importantly, the difference between the wrong ones and the right ones.
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Prepare for the weather... |
You might think you look like a pro taking to the streets in a pair of running knickers and a little vest, but it could be a decision you come to regret!
Your body is a temple, so treat it like one.
If you're going for a long run, make sure you've checked the weather before you set off. There's nothing worse than getting an hour down the road to find you really should've worn that waterproof jacket, or running in a pool of sweat and realising that you should've left it at home.
The key is to let your body breath and move without being restricted by clothes. You don't need to pile on the clothes during the winter - just wear a thin water and windproof jacket and you'll be surprised how protected you are.
Wearing a hat is also a necessity when it's cold, wet and windy. As
soon as you let your head get cold, you might as well start walking home.
This may appear like it's a tip just for the ladies (and yes girls, having the right sports bra really does make a world of difference), but whatever your gender or body type, you definitely need the right support.
When it comes to running clothes, cotton is a definite no-no. Not only will you smell like you've run a marathon (whether you have or not), your body won't be able to breath.
There is a wide range of technical clothing available - seamless cuts to stop chafing, anti-odour materials, and even material that reacts to temperature change to adapt the airflow around your body.
The right socks are almost as important as your trainers. A decent pair will be shaped and padded in the right areas - and the best ones will even have 'L' and 'R' on to ensure the padding is in the right place for each foot.
With all this in mind, there really is no excuse not to maximise your performace.
Half-Marathon
