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Posts Tagged ‘Five’

Even quality running shoes generally don’t last more than 500 miles. If you are heavier than average it can be significantly fewer miles than that. As a result, the serious runner can end up spending a small fortune on shoes over their lifetime and substituting for cheap sneakers is not a wide option as quality engineered running shoes will provide greater foot arch support, less fatigue, improved running comfort, and consequently less leg and foot pain. All of this means that ultimately you will be saving money in the long run by preventing costly injuries and chronic damage. The following are recommendations that will help to extend the life of your running shoes.

1 – Store your shoes in a cool, dry place. You want avoid heat and you want to avoid moisture. The first will cause your items to crack and the latter will cause the matrix that makes up the sole to compress. In addition, you will want to alternate your running shoes because running does compress the sole, particularly when it is wet the shoe needs time to air out and return to it’s original form. Giving it the proper amount of time to recover is paramount to keeping your shoes in good shape.

2 – Avoid getting you shoes wet. Running shoes are made for running, not for playing in the puddles. However, if you’re running rain or shine, they’re going to get wet sometimes, or they’ve been worn so much that a trip through the washer is a must. If this happen, take great care as you dry them. Remove the insole and laces and hang out the shoes upside down to air dry. Do not leave them in the sun, on a furnace vent, or dry them in the dryer. Dry your insole the same way. Direct heat can be damaging to leather increasing the vulnerability of the shoe to crack and making the structure of the sole more likely to break down.

3 – Wear your running shoes only while running. Admittedly, I find my running shoes very comfortable, particularly because I have a naturally high arch which my running shoes support better than average, but if you want your shoes to last, save them for the task they were created for. What breaks down a running shoes is the constant weight on the engineered sole. Wearing the shoes for ten hours a day is nearly the equivalent to running in them ten hours a day, maybe a little less, but you will save money by having a different pair of shoes for you everyday activities. Remember, that shoe can wear out before 500 miles is up if you are standing in them all day and that can translate into costly foot and leg injuries.

4 – Unlace your shoes when taking them off. We all want to just slip off our shoes immediately when we get home, but slipping hour shoes off and putting them back on without loosening the laces leads to stretching out the shoe creating a poorer fit that leads to less functionality and a shorter life.

5 – Don’t buy cheap running shoes. Cheap shoes mass produced in a foreign company, while looking like the running shoes you see in the store, have little similarity in the engineering. They are effectively you basic shoe with a laminated on design to make them look sporty. As a result, there is no advanced engineering to improve your run and no reason for them to last longer than a couple hundred miles. What you can expect is to spend less time running and more time recovering from your last run. Though counter-intuitive, cheap running shoes are actually more costly.

There are many things you can do to extend the life of your running shoes. The main keys are to avoid getting them wet, avoid exposing then to direct dry heat, and giving them adequate time to air out between runs. In addition, stick with quality shoes with a solid leather upper and an engineered sole and not only will you have a better run, but be financially better off.

Recently people in the United States have started to become more aware of America’s obesity problem. In the past five years I have noticed a dramatic increase in the amount of people running in and around my neighborhood.

Running is a great way to burn calories and tone the body at the same time allowing you to enjoy some fresh air. As more people run outside for exercise it is important that they choose the right running shoe.

Although running is a cheap and easy way to help keep in shape, there are some negatives to this activity. The hard ground can cause shin splints, aggravate knees, and even cause issues in the lower back.

Buying a proper pair of shoes can help keep these negative side effects to a minimum.  I have done some research and would like to share the top five best running shoes for 2001.

1.       Nike Air Zoom Vomero+2 (0) – The toe, arch, and heel were specifically designed to help cut down on the amount of impact each step has on the ligaments around the knee cap.

 

2.       Brook Glycerin 6 (5) – These shoes are extremely comfortable in that they hug the curves of your foot perfectly. Also , the breath-ability in the glycerin’s is among the best of any running shoe on the market

 

3.       Reebok Zigtech (9) – The Zigtechs have a soft sole that gives the runner a sense that there is a shock absorber on the bottom of their feet. This technology allows for longer runs with a lot less stress on the lower back, knees, and shins.

 

4.       Mizuno Wave Creation 11 (4) – The Wave Creations also have a good shock absorbing sole that results in less stress in the knee’s and back. Also, the rugged out-soles will help them last longer than the majority of comparable running shoes.

 

5.       Asics Gel-Ds Sky Speed (5) – These shoes are some of the lightest running shoes on the market. At just over nine ounces these Asics will make it feel like you’re running barefoot, but give you the confidence of knowing you have a top of the line running shoe.

 

There are many other shoes that are less money and will help support the foot when enduring a strenuous running workout. When determining which running shoe to buy, first consider the running route itself.

If you are going to be running outside through a dirt path you will want to get a harder sole that will last from wear and tear at the same time keeping your feet protected from rocks and debris.

If you plan to run primarily on a treadmill something light weight with a soft sole will work just fine. Also, being indoors you will want to get a pair of shoes that will let your feet breathe easier.

When determining the right pair of running shoes consider the route you will be running and how vigorously you plan to run.  Typically trying on multiple pairs of shoes will help discover which shoes are right for you. Also, a shoe salesman will also be able to guide you through different features to help the shopping process easier

Promotional apparel-items such as polo shirts, caps, or jackets-are all great ideas for promotional items. They can be used as uniforms for your staff, promotional giveaways, or simply as gifts for valued clients and customers. There are many reasons why polo shirts are a fantastic choice for your next promotion-here are just a few.

* Polo shirts have huge design potential

Polo shirts come in an enormous range of styles and colors. From sporty two tone shirts to practical, low key styles, there is a very large range to choose from. Whether you’re interested in shirts for employees to wear on the shop floor as a kind of uniform, or in designing shirts for promotional giveaways, there’s a rainbow of colors to choose from and it’s easy to choose styles that will reflect the kind of image you want to project.

Polo shirts typically have large print areas that give you plenty of room for your chosen design, and whatever you want your shirts to say, you’ve got the space to make it happen.

* Polo shirts are great value for money

Granted, polo shirts are more expensive than a promotional pen or coffee mug, but they have enormous value in terms of the longevity of the item and the uses you can put them to. A well-made polo shirt will continue to be an effective advertising vehicle for your company long after the ink in a promotional pen has run dry, and polo shirts can be used in a variety of exciting ways that are highly visible in terms of the number and variety of people who will see them. The advertising message on a polo shirt is also much more likely to get noticed, simply because of its large size.

* Polo shirts promote company identity

Polo shirts can be used by staff as a uniform, given to company sports teams, and used at other company events where you want your employees to present a uniform look that reflects a particular image. Having promotional polo shirts on hand makes it easy to dress your staff in matching clothing for any casual occasion.

* Polo shirts have a large range of promotional applications

Polo shirts can be used in a wide variety of ways-trade show giveaways, door prizes at conferences, spot prizes at company events or promotional business events, fund raisers for schools or charities, and apparel for highly visible marketing events. Have fun and get inventive with your next promotion-make a bold statement with eye-catching polo shirts, and you reap the rewards in terms of increased public awareness of your company.

* Profit!

Polo shirts and other types of clothing are also great options for promotional merchandise. Night clubs, pubs, cafes, and restaurants, all types of products and services-the potential is endless. Shirts that feature a fun and funky design are always popular, and most people like to wear clothing that tells something about their tastes and what they enjoy doing. Promotional merchandise is not only popular with customers; it’s also fantastic advertising, thanks to the large print area that promotion

Most of us associate water skiing with summertime fun – warm sunshine, beaches and picnics – so it may come as a surprise that water skiing was born in Minnesota in 1922 when Ralph Samuelson used two boards and a clothesline to ski across Lake Pepin. Samuelson has been credited by the American Water Ski Association as the first water ski racer, and the first to jump a ramp and slalom ski, as well as the first to hold a water ski show, too.
Like Samuelson, avid enthusiasts will water ski nearly any time, any where there is an opportunity, even when winter temperatures and chilly water are a deterrent for most people. Fortunately, no matter what city and state you call home, there’s probably a local lake or other body of water where you can get in some ski time, perhaps even practice your gainers and other tricks.
Of course, skiing at the same location all the time can become routine. Add a little excitement to your water time this year by planning a water skiing vacation. Whether you are a novice or expert, you can have some added fun by water skiing at one of these five great locations:
Top U.S. water skiing destinations
1) San Diego, Calif. – With a climate that provides ideal conditions year-round and an average of 264 days of sunshine each year, San Diego is a water skier’s dream. It’s also the home of Mission Bay Park, the largest manmade aquatic park in the U.S. Located just 10 minutes from downtown, Mission Bay offers hardcore skiers the opportunity to take an early morning jaunt around the bay, and still make it to the office on time. In addition, there’s a variety of water ski classes for everyone from the novice to the experienced. For a little more excitement and a change of pace, skiers can cruise around the freight and military ships in San Diego Bay. A variety of local lakes are perfect for those that prefer freshwater water skiing. Plan your trip to San Diego the weekend of Oct. 9,, 2009, and you’ll be able to watch the 5th U.S. Open Water Ski Racing National Championships, too.
2) Austin, Texas – As the Live Music Capital of America, Austin’s earned a reputation as a vibrant city that exemplifies a young, active outdoor lifestyle. For water skiers, the long summers and short winters provide almost year-round opportunity to hit the water. In addition to Lake Austin and Lake Travis, Austin offers several world-class facilities built specifically for water skiers:
- Austin Aquaplex – The Aquaplex is known for “easy” water with a medium-to-high viscosity – great for slalom and jump-ski enthusiasts.
- Guadalupe Ski Plex – Built to accommodate competitive water skiing, Guadalupe is home to three lakes, two slalom courses and a ski jump, as well plenty of boat docks and storage areas.
- Utopia River Ranch – For professional lessons, trek to Utopia River Ranch, a private water ski training facility located near Staples, just outside of Austin.
3) West Palm Beach, Fla. – South Florida, from Key West and Miami to West Palm and Orlando, is a hub of activity for water sports lovers of all kinds. With few days under 70 degrees, South Florida’s Palm Beach County offers ski enthusiasts nearly year-round opportunity, as well as two major water ski attractions and several exciting competitions.
- Okeeheelee Park – The site of choice for beginners and professionals, the facility is a nationally recognized competitive water ski park with five courses that can accommodate everything from traditional to barefoot and kneeboard skiing. If you love to bask in the moonlight, you can take advantage of night skiing on a lit course, too. At under $100, annual permits are more than affordable, too.
- Palm Beach Training Center – Ask Chet Raley, one of the world’s top ski coaches and a national champion, for world-class water ski instruction at Palm Beach Training Center, a private facility located in Boca Raton. Raley offers video coaching for under $100, as well as more expensive clinics for professional skiers.
In addition, South Florida hosts the following water skiing events:
- 3rd IWSF Pan Am Region Wakeboard Championships (Miami)
- Board Up Miami (Miami)
- 4th Big Dawg Slalom Series Championship (West Palm Beach)
- 67th GOODE Water Ski National Championships (West Palm Beach)
4) Pine Mountain, Ga. – Located just outside of Atlanta in Pine Mountain, lays Robin Lake Beach, home of the world’s longest manmade white sand beach. Ranked among Fine Living’s top 10 most unique beaches in the world in 2007, Robin Lake Beach is part of Callaway Gardens resort. Callaway Gardens also hosts the Masters Water Ski and Wakeboard Tournament®, which awards more than $100,000 in winnings each Memorial Day weekend. A great destination for the entire family, the stunning vacation resort offers something for everyone, from water skiing to golf, relaxing spa visits and more.
5) Seattle, Wash. – Although you may not think of the rainy Emerald City as a water skiing hub, it’s the testing ground of choice for popular water ski manufacturers like Herb O’Brien, Pat Connelly, Jeff Jobe and Denny Kidder. With picturesque Mount Ranier as a backdrop, Lake Washington and Lake Sammamish provide the perfect glass.
Of course, these aren’t the only great places to water ski. Lake Havasu City, Ariz., Charlotte, N.C., Sacramento, Calif., Grand Rapids, Mich., and Madison, Wis. are other destinations beloved by ski enthusiasts.
No matter where in the U.S. you are located, there’s a great place to water ski near you. However before you take your boat on a trip or hit the water, be sure it’s protected. Nationwide offers affordable boat insurance, as well as personal watercraft insurance in case you own any other water sport toys, like jet skis. For more information, visit nationwide.com.

Skates don’t come cheap and they are perhaps one of the most important pieces of hockey equipment to a player. Therefore it becomes quite important to understand how to purchase skates that will aid your play and help you enjoy the game better. If you are a beginner and are planning to buy yourself a new pair of skates then here are some basic tips to get you started:

1.) Difference between sizing of hockey skates and regular shoes

Hockey skates are generally sized an inch or two smaller than your regular shoes. The reason they are sized smaller is for ankle support and stability. If you get them bigger you will have no support whatsoever and will have a better chance of falling. In addition too much space for your foot to move about in a loose hockey skate may result in injury such as blisters and sprains.

Here are a few points to keep in mind:

a.) Hockey skates need to have a tight fitting. Your toes should be able to feel the front end of the skate while your heel is backed up into the back part of the skate

b.) Different brands have different sizing guidelines. So make sure to check them out before you go for the buy.

c.) Lace up the hockey skates and try to move about by bending your knees to a point where you are almost squatting. In this position, you should feel the toe area loosen up a bit. Considering the fact that your knees will usually be bent as you skate, a feel of comfort in this position is important.

d.) Never buy skates to grow into. This will put you in a risk of injury.

e.) Try to go for boots that come with a multi layered boot construction and reinforced heel. Both these factors aid ankle stability

2.) Blade radius

Blade radius is the actual amount of blade that is in contact with the ice at any point of time. For beginner skaters a larger blade radius of around five inches is recommended. A larger radius increases stability and aids easy maneuverability along the ice surface.

To measure blade radius place the ends of the blades together (bottom to bottom). The length where the edges of the blades make contact is the blade radius.

3.) Break-in period

Break-in period of a skate is the amount of time it takes for the padded lining of the skate to get molded and adjusted to the shape of your feet. How soon the break-in happens depends on a lot of factors like the quality of lining and body-weight of the player among others. A heavier person will generally have a faster break-in period than a light person. So if you have lighter body mass, try to go for skates with a softer lining. You can also try the following tips to for a faster break-in:

a.) Blow hot air into your skate with a blow dryer keeping the dryer at a safe distance. Put the skate on immediately after around 3 minutes of blow drying. This will cause the foam to mold to your foot faster.

b.) Try coating the inside of your skates with thin layer of petroleum jelly, it softens them up. This will aid in a faster break-in as well

4.) Used or New Skates?

Hockey skates are supposed to be stiff. This is something that you should be aware of before buying them. Some people might opt to buy the less expensive used hockey skates instead of the more expensive brand new ones. Bear in mind that used skates may have lost their stiffness factor which is essential for more powerful skating action and support for the legs, feet and ankles.

5.) How much to invest?

You can buy a good pair of skates for anything around $100 to $700. It is recommended not to buy expensive skates for your first pair. Until you play in a league you won’t know what position you are playing or what kind of skate with best accommodate it. The first pair is more for practice and introduction to the sport.

Good luck and play hard!