how to

How To Prepare for a Running Race

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Are you looking for something to do that is beneficial for you? Why not learn something new like taking lessons on arts or learning how to play an instrument. Maybe you are athletic and would like to do something about sports. It could be either learning a new sport or joining competitions. Whatever sport you are interested in, there are surely competitions you can join. If you are in a club, it would be a lot easier for you to find one. 

Running is one of those that always seems to have an event. It could be a marathon or a fun run. No matter what, grab that opportunity. It will be beneficial for you to keep in shape. In addition, some of those events are for charity, so you will be helpful for others too. Running a race is not that simple though. You will need to have preparations for it. 

Have the Best Gear

It is just running, why would you need gear? Do not worry, it does you will not need any equipment, but you would need to have the proper attire for it. You would need the right shoes for it. It will be for supporting your ankle, locking your heel into place, and giving your toes enough room to wiggle around. If you are planning to run long distance, get one that is heavier for added comfort. If you are going for a shorter race, have one that is lighter and easier to run with. Clothing is also an important aspect. It would be wise to invest in good ones. Dri-FIT fabrics are designed for this and better for you to look for those.

Train and Practice

To get ready for anything, you would need to practice and running is not a consideration. By training, you will be able to enhance your ability and condition your body. If you are planning to run long distance, endurance is essential and by training, it will be developed. You would also know what your body needs before, during, and after the race. Have a schedule for your training. Remember to not exhaust yourself because it will affect your performance.

Prepare Mentally

Finishing a race is not just about how your body works, but also how your mind takes it. A positive mentality is one of the keys to success. Remember that it is not always about winning, but finishing it. Do not stress about the race too much but relax and have fun while you are at it. 

Prepare Physically

Your physical needs are not just obtained through training, but also how you will take care of yourself. Make sleep your priority. Be sure to have seven to eight hours of sleep in your course of training. Having enough rest will energize you whereas the lack of it will make you feel groggy and dull. Food intake is also important. Be sure to know about proper diet techniques. Carb intake is important to fuel you. Know what other food you would have to eat and avoid. Hydration is also important especially during training, so have a bottle of water and energy drinks with you always. 

How to Surf for Beginners

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When you are on a break, it would be nice to spend some time on the beach. You could have your friend or family and bring food and games to bond over. You could also do some activities and fun sports such as limbo and frisbee. Why not also try new things? You can try riding a jet ski or banana boats. If you love a thrill, why not try surfing? It might sound and look intimidating. It sure doesn’t look easy either. But everyone, even the experts, all had their beginnings. This might be the time for you, and as you start, you will need to learn about the following:

Know the Right Equipment

Of course, when you surf, you will need a surfboard. There are some beaches that have them for rent, and it would be perfect if you just want to give it a try. But if you are planning to have it as a hobby, you can definitely purchase one for your own and have some recommendations that will be perfect for beginners. It is advisable for beginners to use soft-top surfboards because it is safer and convenient.

Know about the Waves

The next thing you will need to learn about are the waves. Remember that not all waves are great for surfing. There will be a time that it is dangerous and not convenient for surfing. As a beginner, the preferable wave would be that breaking over the sand. But as time goes on, you would need to learn more about waves, so you would know the perfect time for you to surf. 

Know the Basics

Now it is time for you to surf. The question is how will you start? The first thing you need to do and remember is not to surf and learn on your own. Have some experienced friends or other companions like in surf school when you surf. This way, you will avoid injuries and danger. As a beginner, it would be wise and helpful to have lessons. This way you will not only know how but also learn about the different techniques. You will also be inspired by their life and make you fall in love more with the sport. Before you start, be sure to have a warm-up and stretching. This way, you will avoid cramps and increase your heart rate. At the water, remember about the following:

  1. Take it slow. Being on the water could make you excited to learn and start. But rushing things will just do bad rather than good.
  2. As said before, everyone was a beginner at some point. So, do not get attached to those who are experienced. Instead, work on your skills and develop them.
  3. Practice sitting on your board so that you will get used to it and be comfortable for sitting on the board is not easy. Another thing you would need to practice is paddling and have the right rhythm.
  4. Get used to wipeouts fo even experts get wipeouts, so it would surely happen a lot to you as a beginner. But for your safety, you will need to learn how to fall with it.

Bike Racing for Beginners

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Being on vacation or break does not necessarily mean spending a lot of money to have fun or to relax. You can just stay at home or within your area and search for some fun activities to do. You can also do some sports you enjoy. While you are at it, why not join some competitions? 

One of the simple activities you could do is riding your bicycle. But as said before, you can join some competition or any other event. Joining is simple. You do not have to be really competitive, you can also do it just for fun or even help in case there are events for a charity. Here are some tips you can do before joining:

1. Buy the Best Bicycle for Yourself

A very good tip for this is buying it at your own instead of online. You may be able to save more on buying online, but the advantage of buying them yourself is seeing them and feeling them. You will be able to see and try if the bike fits you, and you will also see its faults. You may have a desired bike you have, but having other’s opinion may also help you. After getting your bike, have it on a test run and make yourself comfortable with it.

2. Have the Essential Gear and Equipment

After getting your bicycle, it does not stop with that. You should also have the essentials that are important for your safety and comfort. First will be your clothing. You cannot just wear anything you like for it might get uncomfortable for you. You would need to have the right clothing and shoes. The clothing consists of base layer, jersey, and cycling shorts. The reason for this is for you to move freely. You should also have the proper padding for your shorts for protection. Another essential for protection is the helmet. If you plan to bring your bike anywhere, be sure to have the security essentials such as a lock.

3. Join a Club

A great way for you to have more ideas and knowledge about cycling is to meet fellow cyclists that share enthusiasm and interest with you. Joining a club will be the fastest way to meet them. You will be able to exchange your knowledge and theirs. This is also helpful for you to know some latest trends and could answer some of your questions. Joining a club also will help you point out which race you can compete or even join them for group competitions.

4. Practice Tactics

Cycling is not just about riding around your neighborhood, it is also knowing the different kinds of routes. Some are more challenging than others, but you can always practice and learn how will go with it. You could also learn your strengths and weaknesses with it and how you will develop them.

5. Search and Know about Races

Before you sign up for anything, be sure to know the details of those races. Here are some examples of races you can join even if you are a beginner:

  1. Time Trial – racing bicycle designed for use in an individual or team time trials raced on roads
  2. Hill Climb – a basic skill that is competed the same to the event of time trial
  3. Road Race – Riding on paved roads that are usually closed down from other traffic.
  4. Circuit Race – This is a race where everyone starts at once, and you go around the course many times. The tricky part is that as you continue with the race the track gets a bit longer each time.
  5. Criterium – Several laps around the same defined route.

Skiing Tips for Beginners

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It is nice to try something new once in a while. It could be something simple or you could go ahead and do something extreme. What is important is to get to try something and who knows, you might enjoy.

There are various sports out there that you can give a try. There are some that are well known and could be done near you. There are also some even if it is well known but cannot be done at your place or exclusive at certain places. One of those is the skiing. Skiing is commonly found at cooler places such as Canada and Vermont. You would see skiing resorts in those places. If you had the chance to go to those places or even in other countries such as Switzerland or even Japan, why not give skiing a try. If you are a beginner, you will definitely be assisted, but here are some tips that will help you:

1. Know about the Place

It could be at the same or another country, but no matter what, you should familiarize yourself with it. If you are a beginner, there will surely be trails that are available for you. But even if that is the case, you should know about the trails and slopes and the difficulty of it for you. Ask questions about them with some staff or even some experienced ones that will help you. 

2. Know the Essential Gear

For skiing, you will have your gear that you would use and also essential for your safety. Here are the essentials that you will need:

  1. Ski Helmet – used for your head’s protection.
  2. Ski Goggles – not everyone wears goggles but it is helpful as a protection from wind and other particles that may distract you.
  3. Ski Socks – you cannot just use any socks when you ski. You should have one that will not only protect you from cold but also stay up and support you.
  4. Ski Boots – should fit snuggly around your leg, but not so tight as to cause pain or damage. The idea is not only to give you some support, but also to keep snow and water out of your boot. It should definitely not be cutting off circulation to your feet.
  5. Ski Poles – used for balance and propulsion. Find ones that are best for you and learn how to handle them correctly.
  6. Skis – a narrow strip of semi-rigid material worn underfoot to glide over snow.

3. Know the Basics

Now it is time for you to ski. The first thing you need to know is properly putting your skis on. Then after that, you should learn about the proper positioning, stance, and how will you flex and gaze your body. When practicing, you should learn about the following:

  1. Warm up
  2. Learn about the different kinds of slopes
  3. Learn how to stop to avoid dangers
  4. Do not go to fast but take it slow
  5. Round off turns and could be good for controlling speed
  6. Slowly progress to parallel
  7. Warm down

In case you fall it is important that you will know how to get up and have your skis once again. As a beginner, you can also have lessons. There are some things we cannot just learn by ourselves and need some guidance.

Rock Climbing Techniques for Beginners

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Sometimes, life gets too boring that we just want to try to do new things. It could be as simple as learning how to cook or play an instrument. It could be traveling to another place, either in another country or just somewhere near. It could also be some exciting sports or even more challenging ones.

One of the activities you could try is rock climbing. You could either do it indoors with artificially made climbing walls. If you want more challenge, there are also a lot of spots outdoors that you could try. No matter where you want to first try, you will surely be guided as a beginner. There are techniques that you could try, and here are some:

1. Footwork

The problem for beginners is that they tend to focus upwards and what to grab. One of the important aspects of rock climbing is what you will step on. There are techniques for footwork that you could work on:

  1. Smearing – If you’re facing an ambiguous surface with not much to stand on, you want to expose as much of your foot’s surface area to the rock as possible. Think of it as making the sole of your foot one with the rock. You want your feet to stick like a suction cup (not really, but you get the idea).
  2. Edging – Sometimes there is an edge to stand on, but it’s very small. In this case, you want to basically wedge the edge of your shoe sole into the edge, as square as possible. This will allow you to maximize your grip to the edge, allowing you to propel forward and upward.
  3. Hooking – In some instances you can use one of your feet as an additional hand, rather than using it as a base like you normally would with your feet. Make sure you are in a good position to do so, as you are temporarily sacrificing one of your two most stable limbs.

2. Use Your Legs

Since your legs are much stronger, make use of them instead of relying too much on your arms which easily tires. 

3. Grip

Gripping the rocks is very essential for this activity. It is not about just for balancing but also for pulling yourself up. Some rocks you will climb on are of different shapes and sizes and tend to get tricky. You should know what to do if you get there. Here are the techniques for your gripping that will help you:

  1. Crimp – Use your thumb to give your index finger a bit of extra support when it needs it.
  2. Open Grip – When you have large holds at your disposal, open your hands and wrap your fingers around it as much as possible.
  3. Pinch – Use your thumb and fingers to pinch the hold like a lobster.
  4. Pockets – When you have a smaller hold you may need to use less fingers but you still want to make as much contact with the surface as possible.

4. Body Movement

The way you will move your body is also essential. You should not be stiff but also not frantic. Eventually, you will develop your own style and dynamic that you are most comfortable with. In the meantime, you can also learn some of the techniques you can begin with and can use or practice on:

  1. Sidepull – Sometimes you simply can’t get a good grip to make upward progress. Consider instead making movements to the side.
  2. Gaston – Another option instead of making upward progress is to make outward progress, potentially making other opportunities for you to grab next.
  3. Palming and Stemming – When palming, you’re relying on your palm rather than your fingers. It’s usually combined in conjunction with stemming, or basically spreading as discussed earlier.
  4. Underclings – This happens when you simultaneously push up with your feet and cling with your fingers.
  5. Dynamic Moves – also called as “dynos.” It is a way of utilizing your body’s momentum to make a movement to a grip that is a bit out of reach.
  6. Core Strength – Not only is it good for a six pack, core strength helps ensure you are strong from the center.

5. Relax

In climbing, be sure you would have resting points to catch a break. It is also important to relax and do not let fear overcome you. Sometimes, it is what will trouble you and might cause you to fall.