Tuesday, December 20, 2011
Wednesday, December 7, 2011
Thursday, October 20, 2011
Thursday, October 13, 2011
Fall Running
As a proud Canadian I feel fortunate, if not privileged to be able to run in such a beautiful country. As a Quebecois it almost goes without saying that the Eastern Townships in the fall is as picturesque as any place on earth. Indeed, every season brings a different kind of beauty to the running experience yet autumn in Quebec is like running through a painting. Something about the smell of the leaves, the bright colors, the rhythmic crunching under my feet, and the cool, clean air filling my lungs sends me back to my childhood.
As I write this I’m remembering the utter joy I felt running through the trails along the golf course at Bishops/Champlain campus. Fall running in the Eastern Townships is known for their rolling hills and the many large multi-colored leaves that seem to hold on until they can’t be any more gorgeous before finally letting go, turning the pathways into a crimson carpet.
With autumn almost upon us it’s time to shift into a new running gear. I enjoy summer but don’t miss the sometimes exhausting heat that comes with it.
In order to fully enjoy running through the four seasons, our clothing needs to match the conditions, obviously. While shorts and halters will suffice in summer, layering is the best way to adapt to changing temperatures in the fall and winter. Breathable, sweat wicking, water proof jackets are ideal for spring and fall running. Wearing a lightweight long sleeved cool max shirt and/or vest will be enough to preserve body heat, allowing you to run any distance more comfortably. Sunglasses will provide eye protection all year round while caps serve the dual purpose of providing shade and preserving body heat, of which 80 per cent is lost through the head, a well known medical fact.
Waterproof or gortex hiking or trail running shoes will make even the harshest conditions more manageable while a plethora of gloves and mittens available will make choosing the right pair more likely.
Runners enjoy a unique view of the changing seasons which even the most ardent cyclist or Sunday driver will not experience because the slower pace combined with runners’
only access to many isolated vantage points are almost theirs alone. The terrain we take for granted in summer may become quite different, however, in rainy or snowy conditions. Some trails may become too dangerous to run, depending on the forces of Mother Nature.
With school starting and along with it a new running season marks the beginning of goal setting and a renewed optimism for the future.
The fall season is also a perfect time to learn how to run, enter new events or beat your personal best.
Fall also marks the start of cross country season and the many big marathons such as Marine Corps (Washington, D.C.) and New York City Marathon in November.
Locally, there is the New Balance UBC Fall Classic (5k,10 and Half Marathon distances) on November 20th. www.fallclassicrun.com
Also, for some cross country races there is the Gunner Shaw run on December 3. www.lgrr.com
Here are some additional tips that will make your run more enjoyable and safe during the fall season:
Wear reflective gear so cars and people can see you.
If running at night wear a head light or a light that can be attached to your clothing.
Keep hydrated as even though it is fall a runner still needs to drink enough water.
Always make sure that someone close to you knows the route you are planning to run.
Try to avoid running the same route every time – keep your running distances varied.
If possible during dark conditions always run with a buddy.
Very important for running sustainability in fall: After your run, enjoy a cup of hot chocolate beside a nice….warm….fireplace!
See you on the trails!
.
As I write this I’m remembering the utter joy I felt running through the trails along the golf course at Bishops/Champlain campus. Fall running in the Eastern Townships is known for their rolling hills and the many large multi-colored leaves that seem to hold on until they can’t be any more gorgeous before finally letting go, turning the pathways into a crimson carpet.
With autumn almost upon us it’s time to shift into a new running gear. I enjoy summer but don’t miss the sometimes exhausting heat that comes with it.
In order to fully enjoy running through the four seasons, our clothing needs to match the conditions, obviously. While shorts and halters will suffice in summer, layering is the best way to adapt to changing temperatures in the fall and winter. Breathable, sweat wicking, water proof jackets are ideal for spring and fall running. Wearing a lightweight long sleeved cool max shirt and/or vest will be enough to preserve body heat, allowing you to run any distance more comfortably. Sunglasses will provide eye protection all year round while caps serve the dual purpose of providing shade and preserving body heat, of which 80 per cent is lost through the head, a well known medical fact.
Waterproof or gortex hiking or trail running shoes will make even the harshest conditions more manageable while a plethora of gloves and mittens available will make choosing the right pair more likely.
Runners enjoy a unique view of the changing seasons which even the most ardent cyclist or Sunday driver will not experience because the slower pace combined with runners’
only access to many isolated vantage points are almost theirs alone. The terrain we take for granted in summer may become quite different, however, in rainy or snowy conditions. Some trails may become too dangerous to run, depending on the forces of Mother Nature.
With school starting and along with it a new running season marks the beginning of goal setting and a renewed optimism for the future.
The fall season is also a perfect time to learn how to run, enter new events or beat your personal best.
Fall also marks the start of cross country season and the many big marathons such as Marine Corps (Washington, D.C.) and New York City Marathon in November.
Locally, there is the New Balance UBC Fall Classic (5k,10 and Half Marathon distances) on November 20th. www.fallclassicrun.com
Also, for some cross country races there is the Gunner Shaw run on December 3. www.lgrr.com
Here are some additional tips that will make your run more enjoyable and safe during the fall season:
Wear reflective gear so cars and people can see you.
If running at night wear a head light or a light that can be attached to your clothing.
Keep hydrated as even though it is fall a runner still needs to drink enough water.
Always make sure that someone close to you knows the route you are planning to run.
Try to avoid running the same route every time – keep your running distances varied.
If possible during dark conditions always run with a buddy.
Very important for running sustainability in fall: After your run, enjoy a cup of hot chocolate beside a nice….warm….fireplace!
See you on the trails!
.
Tuesday, August 30, 2011
Street Strider
Step inside your average fitness center and you are likely to see all manner of machines which are designed to make you sweat buckets before you can look good. Chances are you’ve seen enough “Easy Abs” infomercials to last you a lifetime. There will be those who even think that they’ve surely seen it all by now. Every type of weight machines, bicycles, treadmills, elliptical and fly by night gadgets has already been thrust upon us.
You guessed it. There IS something new on the horizon that has never been seen before, at least not in Canada. It is a new way to work out that looks to be much more fun than merely riding a bike. With all of the features of a standard elliptical machine, you can take this one for a ride around the block and beyond. It’s called, ‘Street-Strider’ and will propel you just about anywhere while you stay in the traditional, elliptical standing position.
Cross training can be the answer to getting you back on track to help you stay fit but with no impact on your joints or feet. The Street-Strider will be for those who prefer a total body workout in the great outdoors. It has three wheels, with two in the front. Long handles will work your arms while steering, while the pedals are designed to keep you standing up. With eight gears Street-Strider will get you over many of the most challenging hills.
Dr. David Kraus, an avid cyclist from California invented the Street- Strider in 2005 and in 2009 participants on the NBC’s reality program, “The Biggest Loser”, had successfully trained on the unique looking machine.
According to a study with the American Council of Research (ACE) (www.acefitness.org.) it was determined that, “In particular, that exercise using the Street-Strider burned an average of 423 calories for 30 minutes (that’s 14.1 kcals per minute) in men, while women burned an average of 276 calories (9.2 kcal/min). Average that all out and you’re looking at the Street-Strider burning approximately 12.7 percent more calories per minute than traditional elliptical machines.”
It is the full body machine that uses both the legs and upper body that combines biking, jogging and cross country skiing into one workout with no impact.
Lynn Kanuka (Canadian Olympic Bronze Medalist (1500 metres) 1984 LA Olympics) first heard about the Street-Strider recently and was impressed by what it can do for one’s whole body. Kanuka, notes, “I can only run two days per week these days and the Strider offers no impact.” She also adds, "I do my workouts on it such as a Fartlek session, hills for 20 minutes and I go as fast as 20-30 Km on it" I Love it. One can also do their errands too.”
She continues on, "Anybody can do it, kids love it, and there is no age limit.”
When this writer tried out the Street-Strider it felt like a sensation of flying, a gliding motion, and not feeling any impact whatsoever. I felt like a kid at play having fun and friendly smiles from others watching me while I was test striding at the Clement Track. Richmond resident, Katrine Mckinnon also test strided and she enjoyed it so much she decided to buy one. “It is different than from riding a bike. It is smooth and feels also like I am flying.”
Kanuka also has been getting positive feedback from others while she is training on it, commenting, “…the street strider is good on the trails, urban areas and it feels so natural to be on it and it is a wider than a bike. (see picture). “The Street-Strider is here to stay,” she says. So if you are tired of going to the gym or need something else to complement your running or simply want to have fun on a three wheeler, then put on your helmet and take a ride on the Street-Strider. See you on the trails!
The elliptical trainer on wheels
A fantastic new way to get movin' outside
No impact, full body and super fun
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IyeHOGDvvu0
Lynn Kanuka-Streetstrider.ca
You guessed it. There IS something new on the horizon that has never been seen before, at least not in Canada. It is a new way to work out that looks to be much more fun than merely riding a bike. With all of the features of a standard elliptical machine, you can take this one for a ride around the block and beyond. It’s called, ‘Street-Strider’ and will propel you just about anywhere while you stay in the traditional, elliptical standing position.
Cross training can be the answer to getting you back on track to help you stay fit but with no impact on your joints or feet. The Street-Strider will be for those who prefer a total body workout in the great outdoors. It has three wheels, with two in the front. Long handles will work your arms while steering, while the pedals are designed to keep you standing up. With eight gears Street-Strider will get you over many of the most challenging hills.
Dr. David Kraus, an avid cyclist from California invented the Street- Strider in 2005 and in 2009 participants on the NBC’s reality program, “The Biggest Loser”, had successfully trained on the unique looking machine.
According to a study with the American Council of Research (ACE) (www.acefitness.org.) it was determined that, “In particular, that exercise using the Street-Strider burned an average of 423 calories for 30 minutes (that’s 14.1 kcals per minute) in men, while women burned an average of 276 calories (9.2 kcal/min). Average that all out and you’re looking at the Street-Strider burning approximately 12.7 percent more calories per minute than traditional elliptical machines.”
It is the full body machine that uses both the legs and upper body that combines biking, jogging and cross country skiing into one workout with no impact.
Lynn Kanuka (Canadian Olympic Bronze Medalist (1500 metres) 1984 LA Olympics) first heard about the Street-Strider recently and was impressed by what it can do for one’s whole body. Kanuka, notes, “I can only run two days per week these days and the Strider offers no impact.” She also adds, "I do my workouts on it such as a Fartlek session, hills for 20 minutes and I go as fast as 20-30 Km on it" I Love it. One can also do their errands too.”
She continues on, "Anybody can do it, kids love it, and there is no age limit.”
When this writer tried out the Street-Strider it felt like a sensation of flying, a gliding motion, and not feeling any impact whatsoever. I felt like a kid at play having fun and friendly smiles from others watching me while I was test striding at the Clement Track. Richmond resident, Katrine Mckinnon also test strided and she enjoyed it so much she decided to buy one. “It is different than from riding a bike. It is smooth and feels also like I am flying.”
Kanuka also has been getting positive feedback from others while she is training on it, commenting, “…the street strider is good on the trails, urban areas and it feels so natural to be on it and it is a wider than a bike. (see picture). “The Street-Strider is here to stay,” she says. So if you are tired of going to the gym or need something else to complement your running or simply want to have fun on a three wheeler, then put on your helmet and take a ride on the Street-Strider. See you on the trails!
The elliptical trainer on wheels
A fantastic new way to get movin' outside
No impact, full body and super fun
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IyeHOGDvvu0
Lynn Kanuka-Streetstrider.ca
Friday, July 8, 2011
Saturday, April 16, 2011
Friday, April 1, 2011
Monday, January 10, 2011
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