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The Backyard Ultra

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A race that is based on endurance and not speed? When I heard this my ears perked up. If you are not familiar with the format of a Backyard Ultramarathon then this is how it is run: all starters begin at the same time at the top of the hour and have a 6.7-km loop (or out-and-back) course to run under 1 hour. If they finish in 45 minutes (or 50 min) then they have 15 minutes (10 min) to rest until all runners begin again at the top of the next hour and run the same 6.7 km again. If a runner does not start at the top of the hour, or does not finish the 6.7 km within an hour then they are out of the race and receive a DNF (did not finish). This continues until, one-by-one, runners drop out and there is only one last runner who completes the 6.7 km course alone and is declared the only finisher of the race and thus the winner. These races can last for days. That could be for me, I thought. I am no longer very fast, but I can run for a long time. So, when I was invited to run the 1st He...
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Do you NEED to wear trail-running clothes for your off-road runs?

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Somewhere over Chamonix, France Of course not, you can certainly wear any old running gear for your trail runs, but clothing designed specifically for trail running may provide benefits you never knew you were missing. Specific design features, plus cuts and fabrics catered to trail running, can make your experience off-road more comfortable than ever. But first you need to consider what your needs are. Do you run where it is hot and humid? Then light, quick-drying mesh fabrics may be best. Are you out with a backpack for hours or days? Then multi-functional gear that packs down small would be a priority. Here’s some tips what to look for: Pockets – pockets are a trail-worthy upgrade that allow you to stow things with easy accessibility from snacks to sunscreen, lip balm and, of course, trash. A designated pocket for trash that can be emptied at the next aid station is a smart idea as dropping a gel packet on the trail is not only an environmental concern but it can also come alo...
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Six Ways to Battle the Blister! ...Plus lacing techniques

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These are my feet after the third day running through the 70C sand of the Moroccan Sahara Desert. Could the blisters have been avoided with proper foot care, shoes and socks? Probably not. But most of us don’t run regularly in such adverse conditions so there is a lot we can do to avoid a ‘worst case’ scenario. What actually causes blisters? Blisters on the feet are typically caused by friction between your skin and your sock. Running shoes that are ill-fitting, laces tied too tight, too loose or not optimally tied for your unique foot structure can cause blisters. Sharp seams in the shoes, wrinkled socks or ill-fitting insoles can also be the culprit. Then if the skin is irritated by rubbing for a long period of time, fluid will collect under the skin, forming a blister. Six basic precautions that should be taken to prevent foot blisters from forming while running: 1. Shoe Fit: As the saying goes… “If the shoe fits, wear it”. Proper shoe fit is critical. Since your feet ...
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