Sports

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.

Scuba Diving for Beginners

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Life is short, so make the most of it. That is what people might say. It is the reason why they have a bucket list or a list of things to try. It would be a mix of simple things such as trying a new food or going to places, and things that will involve danger such as skydiving or climbing a mountain. It is all about the thrill.

Scuba diving is one of those activities that is common but also dangerous. It involves going underwater that is limited to air. It does sound intimidating, but also fulfilling especially when you see the beautiful nature that is underwater. You just have to prepare yourself for it. Here are the things you should do for preparation:

Know The Locations

There are a lot of locations that offer lessons and destinations for beginners. You might want to search for those, but if you do have one within your area, go for it. Just make sure to familiarize yourself with it. 

Know The Gear and Equipment

Scuba diving will certainly involve a lot of gear. From the attire like the wetsuit and masks and then you have the equipment. You would need to choose a wetsuit that is right for you. It is not only looking for the right fitting but also the temperature of the water. You will need to have a research about the place you will most likely diving the most. Masks are also crucial. You should have one that stays on your face and does not leak. As for the equipment such as the oxygen tanks, it would be better to rent first than to buy to see the right one for you. You can definitely invest for one once you have decided that scuba diving is not just a one-time experience.

Get Training

You would need a certificate and license before you will become a scuba diver, so you will definitely need training. Choose a school that is known for safety. It is the most important factor. To know about this, you could have a research and read some reviews. As said before, water temperatures are also significant. So if you are thinking of having scuba diving as a hobby, know about the temperature of the place you will mostly go to.

Some Tips:

  1. If you want to make sure that scuba diving is right for you, why not try first in a swimming pool before doing it in the ocean. In fact, it is required for you to be able to read water or float for 10 minutes and have to swim 200m.
  2. Do not be afraid to ask questions. It is for your safety and enhancement of skills.
  3. If you have decided to have scuba diving as a hobby, always practice. Have a dive as often as you can to enhance your skills.
  4. Join a club or community, so you will be able to know about the latest trends about scuba diving. You can also exchange knowledge with one another and help each other improve.
  5. Relax. Panicking, especially underwater, will just cause you harm.

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.

The Most Dangerous Extreme Sports

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Are you a person who always look for a thrill or adventure? It can be as simple as riding thrilling rides at amusement parks. It could be also going for a hike. Traveling whether abroad or locally is also an adventure for it is seeking something new. There are also activities like paintball, swimming, or riding a motorcycle that pumps up our adrenaline.

But there are also sports that not only gives you a thrill but also very risky. It is those activities where your life may be in line or danger. Are you willing to try them? Here are some of the examples:

1. BASE jumping

BASE stands for building, antenna, span, and earth, and they are places people can jump. People will have their parachutes, but that does not make it less dangerous. Jumping from an immense height is dangerous enough but add that the winds and altitude. BASE jumping is actually more dangerous than sky diving because it involves lower altitude. In addition, parachutes do not guarantee safety for it might fail and the right timing is involved in opening it.

2. Big-Wave Surfing

If we think about it, the ocean has enough dangers of its own. Surfing also requires a lot of skill to be done even on simple waves. Common problems when surfing include riptides, broken surfboards, and sharks. Add to that the risk of drowning. It will be a whole other level if it involves bigger waves. The wave should be 20 feet high in order to consider it as big-wave surfing. Those common problems will be surely a high risk.

3. Bull Riding

It is dubbed as “most dangerous 8 seconds in sport.” Yes, it is only 8 seconds long but remember that bulls are already dangerous as they are and harder to hold onto them while they are tossing you off which if it happens, will cause you a lot of injuries. Worst-case scenario will be paralyzation or even death.

4. Cave Diving

Scuba diving is actually dangerous itself with limited air supply, risk of the bends, and drowning. What more for cave diving? Caves are actually dangerous when you get stuck and do not know the way out. Add to that the low visibility and cramp space underwater. Also, there are no emergency exits in case of difficulties.

5. Heli-Skiing

It is skiing that involves helicopters, and the reason for that is skiing off-trail. The risks include being hit by an avalanche and getting lost. In addition, it is far away from human inhabitation, so it will be harder to get some help.

6. Free Climbing or Soling

Rock climbing is hard enough then imagine doing it without any safety gear and harness. It will definitely dangerous even if it is just a simple mistake such as stepping on loose rock or grabbing a wrong one, it will definitely cause a fall. Records say that only a few injuries have occurred for most are death. Climbers are provided with safety equipment but it is not effective, unfortunately.

Looking for an Adrenaline Boost? Try Paintball.

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Paintball played by the speedball method can provide a good rush of adrenaline. It is a fast-paced game, as the field of play is small. The strategy and equipment will be a bit different when playing the speedball version of paintball. The rules for speedball are different than traditional woodball version of paintball as well. Paintball can be expensive, but it is really determined by how much the player is willing to spend on equipment and how often they might play.

If you’re looking for another way to get a burst of adrenaline, you need to try paintball – especially speedball. The field of play for speedball is usually more like an athletic field. The field size will generally be about the half the size of a football field. There are not many places to hide during a game of speedball, and mostly you’ll be working with man-made bunkers. The bunkers can be any shape and they are normally inflatable. The games can be held either indoors or outdoors.

A game of speedball is short and it can be quite intense. The teams typically consist of three to seven players. Speedball is the version of paintball that is played professionally, and it does require some strategy to win. Your strategy will be influenced by the setup of the bunkers, the number of players in the game, and purpose of the game There are games that last about 20 minutes, but often the duration will be quite a bit less. Since the games go by quickly, you are able to play several games in a day. Many people consider speedball very addicting. You can play the game just once, and before you know it you will want play it again and again. People are addicted to the fast pace, rapid firing of the marker, and fun you will have with your friends.

There is definitely some equipment required to get total enjoyment out of speedball. The most important piece of equipment is your mask. You want a mask that is not going to fog up too quickly on you. A less expensive mask may fog up little more easily than other, more professionally designed masks. Mask with thermal lenses will reduce fogging, but this type of mask may be the most expensive.

A paintball gun is often referred to as a “marker”, as this tends to dissociate the sport with violence. For speedball, you want a marker that will fire rapidly. You want check how many paintballs the marker can fire per second – the best speedball guns can fire upwards of 15 balls per second! By having fast-firing marker, you may sacrifice some reliability though, so be aware.

The rush of playing speedball comes from the rapid fire of the markers and dodging behind the bunkers to avoid being hit. Strategy changes as the game moves along and players are eliminated. Because the game is so fast-paced, you need constant communication with your team to have a solid chance at winning the game.

While speedball can be addicting and fast-paced, it can also be expensive. A good marker can easily cost over $1,000. The use of CO2 or compressed air to power the markers is another ongoing cost, not to mention the seemingly outrageous price of paintballs themselves. Overall, the price of playing paintball will be driven by the players’ preference as to how much they want to spend. A player who wants to play with great equipment and who is very involved with paintball will spend more. The beginner may look at the sport as casual and spend small amount for games on the weekends.