So back to ArtRage after a while, and a slow start indeed:
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| A touch of green |
Sunday 14 November 2010
Sunday 7 November 2010
25 minutes in 27 years!
Into week 7 of my training, I can now run continuously for 25 minutes (the most I would have ever done in 27 years of my life - this timing is doubly accurate as today is my birthday). Current progress - 58.52 Kms and counting!
During runs, I average a distance of 4 to 4.5 kilometers. Within the next few weeks, I hope I can up the ante to reach 5 kilometers in 30 minutes. The Couch to 5K training routine is good - but you need to keep to the schedule no matter what, and sometimes that can be tough indeed.
Winter is catching up, and with it falling temperatures. Tonight (I just finished a run) was really cold - even with my (decent?) layers of clothing. The secret to running in cold weather is, as they say, layering.
So on to my gear list:
Base layers - the innermost layer of clothing, ideally should feel like second skin. I have four, one from Adidas (with anti-microbial technology built in), one from Puma, two from Nike (I like Nike), one of which has compression technology. Not that I am all too technical into the details of running gear and fabric technology - there was a sale online and I just got lucky to gear up for real cheap. All the base layers have wicking built in, they let sweat transfer outwards of the clothing but traps heat.
Mid layers - When its cold, you need these. I have two (as an experiment) Nike Dri-Fit Thermal Mid Layers. These are designed to do two things, transfer sweat from your base layer outwards, and trap and maintain body heat. They have thumbholes that is well placed, and the overall fitting is great. These are really good, but pricey at 40 quid a piece. I should get more.
Outer layers - Just a humble jacket (Nike Dri-Fit Hoody). I wear it primarily for the hood, which helps in light showers. Also, the top half of it it a nice bright flourescent yellow - helps when you are running at 6PM and its pitch black outside.
Running tights - I feel like a girl wearing the Karrimor tights - but man do they help in providing mobility and keeping you protected in the cold. Plus points for simplicity and feel good factor wearing these - cost efficient and works.
Running socks - Ankle length Nike and Asics gear, designed for running. Most of these may purely be marketing hype, but hey, who cares right?
Shoes - A Nike (like I said, I like Nike) StoneShield Trail Shoes, which is pretty decent, and really nice for the canal side running. I need to buy another pair soon though.
Misc. - In cold weather, the body has a tendency to draw blood from its extremities to your inner core. This is why your hands hurt in the cold - your body is ready to sacrifice your fingers and toes in order for it to have more oxygenated blood circulating in your core body. And 40% of body heat is lost from one's head. Which means having a good pair of gloves and headgear is quintessetial, especially if you are running in the cold. So yes, you guessed it, Nike HeadCap (but I must get a balaclava) and Gloves.
Yup, that's about it. Good gear is essential in extreme conditions - and I don't mean sub zero temperatures when I say extreme conditions. For me, 3 degrees C without windchill at night is extreme :-). Until next time!
During runs, I average a distance of 4 to 4.5 kilometers. Within the next few weeks, I hope I can up the ante to reach 5 kilometers in 30 minutes. The Couch to 5K training routine is good - but you need to keep to the schedule no matter what, and sometimes that can be tough indeed.
Winter is catching up, and with it falling temperatures. Tonight (I just finished a run) was really cold - even with my (decent?) layers of clothing. The secret to running in cold weather is, as they say, layering.
So on to my gear list:
Base layers - the innermost layer of clothing, ideally should feel like second skin. I have four, one from Adidas (with anti-microbial technology built in), one from Puma, two from Nike (I like Nike), one of which has compression technology. Not that I am all too technical into the details of running gear and fabric technology - there was a sale online and I just got lucky to gear up for real cheap. All the base layers have wicking built in, they let sweat transfer outwards of the clothing but traps heat.
Mid layers - When its cold, you need these. I have two (as an experiment) Nike Dri-Fit Thermal Mid Layers. These are designed to do two things, transfer sweat from your base layer outwards, and trap and maintain body heat. They have thumbholes that is well placed, and the overall fitting is great. These are really good, but pricey at 40 quid a piece. I should get more.
Outer layers - Just a humble jacket (Nike Dri-Fit Hoody). I wear it primarily for the hood, which helps in light showers. Also, the top half of it it a nice bright flourescent yellow - helps when you are running at 6PM and its pitch black outside.
Running tights - I feel like a girl wearing the Karrimor tights - but man do they help in providing mobility and keeping you protected in the cold. Plus points for simplicity and feel good factor wearing these - cost efficient and works.
Running socks - Ankle length Nike and Asics gear, designed for running. Most of these may purely be marketing hype, but hey, who cares right?
Shoes - A Nike (like I said, I like Nike) StoneShield Trail Shoes, which is pretty decent, and really nice for the canal side running. I need to buy another pair soon though.
Misc. - In cold weather, the body has a tendency to draw blood from its extremities to your inner core. This is why your hands hurt in the cold - your body is ready to sacrifice your fingers and toes in order for it to have more oxygenated blood circulating in your core body. And 40% of body heat is lost from one's head. Which means having a good pair of gloves and headgear is quintessetial, especially if you are running in the cold. So yes, you guessed it, Nike HeadCap (but I must get a balaclava) and Gloves.
Yup, that's about it. Good gear is essential in extreme conditions - and I don't mean sub zero temperatures when I say extreme conditions. For me, 3 degrees C without windchill at night is extreme :-). Until next time!
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