Need advice? Injured? Confused? Overwhelmed? Bored? ASK FLASH!
ASK FLASH is a free advice column to help you with all of your running, fitness and nutrition inquiries. To ASK FLASH — simply fill out the form at the conclusion of the column.
Today, Flash will reveal his personal approach to several key running questions from Curious in Askea Grove, Alabama…
Q. What kind of clothes do you wear when training/racing? Stylish top of the line, or old tattered race shirts and whatever shorts you dig up?
A. I am very much a function over fashion kind of guy - but that doesn’t mean that fashion doesn’t matter. To me, it all starts with being comfortable. I’m not comfortable in cotton shirts because … well … because they make my nipple bleed. That is a bummer - who needs that?
I’m not comfortable in very short running shorts because my thighs rub and chafe. Again, bummer. Big droopy basketball shorts weigh far too much when you sweat like I do. So, I have settled into a style of comfort. I mostly wear good quality mid-length runners shorts, sleeveless technical shirts, and very high quality technical underwear (see Underwear…it really matters).
Read the rest of this entry »
Now that you’ve read Part I of TFS’s Winter 2006 Apparel Guide, it’s time to learn how to protect your upper body and create an outer-layer of protection.
The optimal upper-body base layer provides breathable protection against the cold, but is also light enough to fit under a potential outer-layer apparel.
One option, for both men and women, is Underarmour’s close-fitting and moisture-wicking “Cold Gear Long Sleeve Top” (Another of our Editor’s favorites - especially the mock-turtleneck). The “Cold Gear” product line is a solid choice to help you stay both warm and dry. Under Armour’s “Cold Gear” tights and compression shorts are also very effective products.
Now that the base layer has been covered (which could be sufficient in milder, winter weather), you need to focus on outerwear.
Read the rest of this entry »
The mere thought of facing brutally low temperatures, face-burning winds, rain, sleet, snow, and ice is probably enough to make most people decide against that winter run in favor of some eggnog in front of the fireplace.
However, winter running can be invigorating and really enjoyable as long as you use common sense and are properly suited with the right cold-weather running apparel.
While comfort is always a concern, you need to keep the focus on staying warm and protected from the elements. When the body is subjected to extremely low temperatures it loses heat quickly. Therefore, unprepared runners leave themselves at risk and vulnerable to hypothermia, windburn, frostbite and a winter full of injuries.
Read the rest of this entry »
Check out TFS’s review of Bodyglide’s Anti-Friction Skin Formula; a product so phenomenal that it received a higher rating that any product we have ever reviewed.
Product: BodyGlide Anti-Friction Skin Formula
Price: $7.99 (1.3 oz), $12.99 (2.5 oz)
Rating: Excellent 9.15/10.0
Pros: Stops chafing and irritation, easy to apply, unscented, sweat-proof, doesn’t stain clothes, all natural
Cons: None
Overall: For ANY athlete that has ever suffered the pain of chafing, this product is for you. It is without a doubt one of the best products ever created for the sport of running.
Bodyglide have been making their Skin Formula since 1996 and many runners must thank their lucky stars. It is designed to protect your skin against irritation and prevent chafing and blisters (Without using any petroleum or other oils). You apply it to bare skin in vulnerable areas (anywhere skin or clothing rubs against skin during activity); creating an invisible, sweat and water resistant barrier.
This review is also applicable for Bodyglide’s Anti-Friction Sun Formula. The Sun Formula has all the same benefits as the original Skin Formula plus SPF-25 sunscreen; making it great for all those sunny days.
Effectiveness - 9 - I have used Bodyglide Skin Formula on my lower back (when I wear my water belt over long distances it prevents my skin being worn away), on my feet to help prevent blisters, on my inner thighs to prevent skin on skin chafing and on my chest around where my sports bra rubs sometimes. It works miracles Read the rest of this entry »
It’s 6:30 am. You’ve motivated yourself to get up and run before work, but the thermometer outside reads a chilling 37 degrees (F). If you are among those brave souls who will trek outside for their run in the bitter cold, there are some very important things to consider.
According to the American Council on Exercise:
The major problems encountered when exercising in the cold are associated with an excessive loss of body heat, which can result in hypothermia or frostbite.
Here are some tips to help you better avoid those dangers and keep you healthy and fit throughout the winter: Read the rest of this entry »
For all of us female runners out there, an effective sports bra is just about as important as any other piece of our running equipment. They ensure that we are comfortable and pain free (at least up there) while running, prevent sagging later in life and make us feel more confident.
In addition, it is essential that you purchase sports made of neoprene or other moisture-wicking fabrics in order to keep you dry and to prevent painful chafing. Some Body Glide can also be helpful to ensure that no chafing occurs while running.
According to “Running4Women” , a proper and good-fitting sports bra will:
[F]it snugly without the rib band restricting breathing, it should give a smooth outline without unsightly bulges over the cups or around your back, and the straps need to be wide enough to support the breast without causing ridges on your shoulders.
© 2006-2008 The Final Sprint, LLC | Privacy Policy | Design by The Blog Studio
The Final Sprint, LLC is owned and operated by Adam Jacobs
The Final Sprint