How to Make Your Running Shoes Last Longer

“If the hill has its own name, then it's probably a pretty tough hill."
-Marty Stern

You should replace your running shoes every 300 to 400 miles, However, replacing your running shoes every two months gets expensive. So here are some tips to wear your running shoes only for exercise.

Wear your running shoes only for exercising. Even if you wear your running shoes just for walking around you are still wearing out the cushioning.

Take them on and off properly, do not take off your shoes without undoing the laces. Make sure you loosen your laces before you put your shoes on and off.

Dry your wet shoes properly, if your shoes get wet do not put them on direct heat like a radiator. Heat dries out the leather.Loosen the laces, take out the insoles and let them air dry away from heat.

Alternate shoes, if you run almost every day. It is recommended to rotate between two pairs of running shoes.

Store your shoes properly in a cool, dry place where they can air out.

Do you have any other suggestions to make your sures last longer?

What do you think of these suggestions?

Nip Guards

I learned about my need for Nip Guards when I ran my 2nd full marathon wearing a white tech T-shirt.  By the end of the marathon blood was seeping through the front of my shirt. I learned the hard way about nipple chaffing and my nipples were bleeding. After long training runs my nipples would sting in the shower. I had no ideas that it could lead to bleeding.  A fellow runner introduced me to Nip Guards and I have been wearing them ever since and I highly recommend them.



Here is a link to Nip Guards website:
http://www.runguards.com/

This is what Nip Guards look like outside of the box.

What have you used?  What do you think of Nip Guards?

Avoiding Dog Bites

 

“Don’t let the same dog bite you twice” – Chuck Berry

Recently while I was running outside I noticed a rather large dog running loose. To avoid the dog I immediately turned down a side street. This was probably not a good idea as the dog had already spotted me and I probably looked like prey running from it. The dog was barking and charging after me. I was scared and looking for something to use to defend myself. I do not know why but the dog suddenly stopped pursuit and turned around. I was listening to music on my headsets so it was possible that the dog’s owner had called it home. I have since purchased Jogger’s mace, to use as a last result to avoid getting bit. I researched avoiding dog bites on the web and here is what I have learned:

1)      Stand tall, facing the dog and slowly calmly back away

2)      Watch the dog out of the corner of your eye without making direct contact

3)      Use a deep firm voice to convey calm use the commands “no” and “sit”

4)      Stay relaxed and use an upright posture to give a sense of authority

5)      Never approach a stray dog

6)      Don’t run from a stray dog

7)      Never turn your back on a stray dog

8)      Last resort spray the dog with mace

9)      If the dog attacks try to stay on your feet, if he knocks you down curl into a ball to protect your vital organs

Any suggestions to avoiding dog bites?

Bluetooth Headset

“Music is a safe kind of high.” Jimi Hendrix

 

I recently purchased a Plantronics BackBeat 903+ headset. I purchased the Bluetooth headset because I have ruined wired ear buds when they got tangled up in my arms while running. I have also  had the wires get tangled up in the bottles on my fuel belt.

 The Plantronics headset sinks easily with my iPhone and delivers good sound. I use the headset primarily for running and have only had a couple of phone calls while wearing it. The sound quality for telephone calls seems acceptable to me. The placement of the buttons is easy to use. The buttons for music are the right side and the button to answer telephone calls is on the left.

 I have an Otterbox case for my IPhone. Whenever I would hook it to my fuel belt during runs the music would fade in and out. Then I purchased an armband for my Otterbox and have not noticed the problem since. The unit comes in a package with a carrying case and charger. When you plug the unit in to charge it, you can tell when the headset is charged when the light on the unit changes from red to blue. Whenever you turn the unit on it tells you how much approximate listening time is remaining.

The Plantronics Backbeat 903+ has a suggested retail of $99.95. Below is a picture of my Plantronics headset, case and charger.

Do you listen to music while you run?

If you do what kind of headphones do you use?

 

 

Road ID

“PAIN IS WEAKNESS LEAVING THE BODY”

 

My girlfriend worries about me running on the side of the road. I always carry my cell phone, but she worries what if I have a broken arm and cannot reach it or what if I am knocked unconscious. So for Christmas she bought me a Road ID bracelet. The Road ID bracelet has contact information engraved on it. We also took advantage of the interactive option, which costs $10 a year. With this option when EMS contacts Road ID they immediately have access to multiple emergency names and telephone numbers, my blood type, medical history, physicians, treatment preferences. With this feature I can update it at any time I want. Every athlete should carry some form of ID; it could save your life. This can also make people who love you happy.

Road ID’s are about as slim and light as a Livestrong bracelet. A lot of athletes wear them 24/7 to bed, to work, and even in the pool swimming. The Road ID is available in up to 8 different colors. If you purchase additional bands you can switch your name plate to match your mood or wardrobe. The only complaint I have read on line regarding the Road ID is that when you wear them 24/7 the ID plate can get scratched. Below is a picture of the box that my Road ID came in.

Now Get Off the Couch and Get Running with your Road ID!

What form of ID do you carry with you when yourun outside?

 

Click on this link to Road ID's Website

Asics GT-2150

The Asics GT-2150 is a very good stability shoe and Kohl's currently has it on sale for 64.99 a pair. I bought two pair, put them on our Kohl's charge and got another 15% off, plus got $20 in Kohl's cash, making my total tax included to less than $100.

Useful Products

NipGuards: NipGuards are a product that protect against painful nipple chafing and abrasion. NipGuards are primarily used male athletes as women typically wear bra's and do not experience the problem. I use NipGuards on every 1/2 marathon and full marathon that I run.website: http://www.nipguards.com/

Spibelt: I use the Spibelt to carry my cell phone, keys and/or ID while running, website: http://www.spibelt.com/

FuelBelt: I used a fuel belt until I wore it out and replaced it with a cheaper brand. The new one does not seal as well and is a little more awkward to get in and out while running. website: http://www.fuelbelt.com/

Bodyglide: There are parts of my body that cannot live without Bodyglide. You name it I use it there to prevent chaffing and red rashes. website: http://www.bodyglide.com/

Belkin armband: I have a Belkin armband for my Iphone. It is well built and reflective.

The Stick Marathon Stick Body Muscle Massager: I have seen a lot of reviews for them on the Internet and people are giving them 4 out of 5 star. Has anybody used one of these?

Garmin Forerunner 305 Features

I have a Garmin Forerunner 305 GPS unit. If you are running outside it will download a map of your run to your computer. It is one of those things that once you have it and get used to it, you wonder how you lived without it. The Garmin 305 can tell you:

• Total distance of your run
• Total time
• Average pace
• Average speed
• Maximum speed
• Total calories
• Average heart rate
• Maximum heart rate
• Total ascent
• Total descent

I have a foot pod for mine, this allows you to use the Garmin indoors on the treadmill. Garmin makes a variety of GPS units in a wide variety of prices, Timex also makes some GPS units.

I ran 3.2 miles in 30 minutes on the treadmill today. Really a good run, considering yesterday I did 14 miles. Usually I am not that loose after a long run.