Running 4 Women » run

ZOCA – Run Tee

Joanne Tranter (R4W admin) — Wed, 07 Mar 2012 11:42:51 +0000

Welcome to Spring / Summer 2012
Whether it’s for fun & frivolity, Olympic-style endeavours, or indeed if you are more of a hardy outdoor type, our fresh new Spring/Sumer 2012 range includes super-comfortable natural fibres as well as technical fabrics for optimum endurance. A colour palette of the prettiest Cornflower Blue, cool Sage or fashionable Maize is complemented by some dynamic pieces in oh-so retro Black & White.
With lots of thought-through features – plenty of pockets, reflective trims, lockable zips and refined details throughout, ZOCA styles are designed to flatter, developed to perform and made to last.

Integrity forms the core of ZOCA – an ethical approach, a drive towards sustainability, and a realistic take on what constitutes true value.

All ZOCA garments are manufactured within Europe, to the highest standards.

Categories include running, cycling, outdoor active, fitness and tennis. Favourite new styles include a beautiful long-line Performance Jacket, Loose Fit Running Tee and a beautifully sleek new Bamboo Hooded Top…

We love being active by nature… we hope you do too!

Run Tee

This feminine tee has been carefully designed into a flattering loose fit silhouette with a tie detail at the waist and reflective tape for visibility. It is branded with the silver ZOCA weld and is made using AQUAMOVE fabric, you can be sure that it will transport moisture away from the skin leaving you feeling dry and comfortable.

PRODUCT REVIEW – Zoca Run Tee by Andrea R4W forum member

STYLE - The style of this Tee is really nice, especially the cut and the way it falls. It is very flattering and the seam up the back helps it to hold it’s shape well. It really does look like a classy Tee. Score 5/5

COMFORT – I loved the soft feel of this Tee when I got it out of the bag but wasn’t sure whether that would translate into comfort when it was worn but it certainly does. There was nothing uncomfortable about this Tee at all, both on short jogs or slightly longer runs. Score 5/5

BREATH ABILITY – Did the breathability job very well. I felt fresh all through the run. Score 5/5

QUALITY – It really does look and feel like a quality garment and I don’t think it is let down in any way. It looks well made and I do expect it to last a good long while. Score 5/5

COLOUR – The choice of colours seems good. The one I have is white but there seems to be a good choice of other colours. Score 5/5

OVERALL – I would definitely go for this product again. I like the feel, wear and look and I love the ethics of the company. For the environment conscious runner I think it ticks all the boxes. Highly recommended. The only negative comment I would make is the absence of a little pocket. This would be a handy addition. Score 5/5

Price: £35.00

Available from ZOCA

Shock Absorber – Run Sports Bra

Joanne Tranter (R4W admin) — Wed, 19 Oct 2011 09:52:58 +0000

Focus on RUN

When you run, your breasts move in a repetitive figure of 8 pattern. This continuous up & down and side-to-side movement can cause rubbing and chafing. That’s why we created a bra specifically for running.

Focus on Support

The Infinity-8 support system designed for the RUN sports bra offers enhanced support to target excessive breast movement. The seam-free inner and concealed elastic under arms reduces any rubbing or chafing. During testing, we calculated a reduction of up to 78%* bounce, giving you a more focused running bra for a more focused performance. *University of Portsmouth 2009 (Scurr et al).

Shock Absorber’s Run sports bra has been developed to provide absolute support and friction-free comfort during running, so you can focus on your performance.

Infinity-8 design for scientifically proven support
Soft, seamless inner for friction-free comfort
Quick-dry, moisture-wicking chest band
Padded, adjustable straps
High performance fabrics keep you cool.

PRODUCT REVIEW – Shock Absorber – Run Bra – Joanne R4W Coordinator

STYLE – First impressions were this is a weird looking bra with lots of fasteners but it was a really comfortable and was an excellent fit. Score 4/5

COMFORT/SUPPORT – Straps very well positioned after a few adjustments and comfortable under running tops. Felt fully supported. Score 5/5

BREATHABILITY – Very impressed, stayed dry. Score 4/5

QUALITY – Excellent quality, very well made and you can tell lots of research has gone into this product. Score 5/5

OVERALL – Would recommend to all Running4Women runners big and small very comfortable, snug fit, no wobble or bounce which is a must when running. Score 4.5/5

Available from Shock Absorber

Falke Sport Spirit Run Invisible Trainer Liners

Joanne Tranter (R4W admin) — Mon, 08 Aug 2011 11:01:20 +0000

This invisible running sock has been cleverly designed by Falke to sit neatly under trainers giving you all the comfort, freshness and support of wearing a sock without the look. With a left and right toe progression and anatomically knitted cushioning on the toe and sole, this pair of trainer liners has a specific left and right sock for an incredibly sleek fit. The anti-slip system, which comprises of a heel grip and support, will help these socks stay in place during your run. Made rich in soft, skin-friendly cotton, these lightweight trainer liners are an essential for any keen runner.

PRODUCT REVIEW – by Andrea R4W member

COMFORT/FIT – Fit was very good, snug but not tight. Consequently this is a very comfortable sock, almost like a second skin. Score 5/5

STYLE - Good looking sock, Adequate style although the bright red colour didn’t help its goal of invisibility. However, once they were on and inside the trainer they really were hard to see. Score 3/5

FRESHNESS – I wore these socks for three runs before they even begun to loose their freshness. They washed well and look like they will last through a few washes. Score 5/5

QUALITY – I thought the quality of these was excellent. They feel well made and soft, and are not so thin that they look like they will wear out. Score 5/5

OVERALL – I was really please with these socks. I have never worn invisible socks before and really felt the difference when running. The first time I wore them was a 5k race, so it was a bit of a gamble but I felt the difference straight away in both comfort and freshness. Score 5/5

Available from Sockshop

Columbia Women’s Rapid Run™ Knee Pant

Joanne Tranter (R4W admin) — Thu, 19 May 2011 11:43:25 +0000

You’ve got a drawer full of running gear and yet you’re always reaching for the same tried-and-true pieces. Meet your next all-time favourite, the Rapid Run Knee Pant. This rock solid running staple has all the performance features you’d expect: gusseted crotch, elastic waistband, internal draw cord, flat lock seams and an internal tuck pocket for a credit card or key. Stretch mesh at the back of the knee gives you that cooling sensation that can ease a little bit of the pain of that gruelling 8-mile tempo run – and the reflective hits along the side of the legs mean you can safely rip out your workout in the morning’s darkness and bask in the endorphin-afterglow for the rest of the day.
Colour – Grill
FEATURES:

Fabric: 90% polyester/10% elastane Slick knit, 76% nylon/24% elastane mesh
Omni-Wick® advanced evaporation
Form fit, mid rise
4-way comfort stretch
Interior draw cord
Gusset detail
Reflective detail
Inseam: 17”
Imported

Product Review – by Ellie – R4W Member

STYLE – I love the capri style. Score 5/5

COMFORT – Tights were very comfortable, the fit in the lower leg was good with the mesh vent at the calf. Score 5/5

QUALITY – The fabric is sturdy, stretchy and soft excellent quality. Score 5/5

COLOUR – Nice simple colour. Score 4/5

OVERALL – Excellent Capri, will be ordering in different colours and definitely recommend to others. Score 5/5

For more information please go to Columbia

What is Triathlon?

Peter — Mon, 19 Apr 2010 12:53:58 +0000

What is Triathlon?
Getting started in the world of triathlon can appear to be complicated. The British Triathlon Federation (BTF) has plenty of advice, assistance and a whole bundle of benefits to get you going.

Triathlon has come a long way since its beginnings in 1974 when a group of friends began to train together. The group consisted of swimmers, cyclists and runners, and before long they were organising competitions combining the three sports.

Triathlon is an exciting multi-discipline sport involving a continuous race over various distances in the three disciplines of swimming, cycling and running. A standard triathlon is made up of a swim, followed by a cycle ride, followed by a run.

Competitors race against the clock, which starts as they enter the swim and stops as they cross the finish line after the run.

For this reason, triathlon is often reported as having a ‘fourth discipline’ known as the transition. The transition is the point in the race when competitors change from swimming to cycling, and from cycling to running.

Race Distances
Distances of individual events may vary from race to race, but there are some standard triathlon distances, quoted in terms of swim/bike/run:
Super sprint – 400m/10km/2.5km
Sprint distance – 750m/20km/5km
Standard distance – 1500m/40km/10km
Middle distance – 2.5km/80km/20k
Ironman distance – 3.8km/180km/42km

Triathlon Clubs
Belonging to a club is an excellent way to get more involved in triathlon. There are around 350 affiliated triathlon clubs in Great Britain ranging in size from five or six members to well over 100. Clubs cater for all levels of ability and experience, and either have their own coach or access to one.

Apart from help and camaraderie, being a club member also entitles you to Home Nation membership at a reduced cost. Clubs enter teams in the Mazda National Relay Championships, a popular annual event. Details of local clubs are available on the BTF and Home Nation web sites.

Competition Status
Triathletes fall into two categories – Elite, the professional triathletes who compete at an international level, and Age Group – triathletes who are non-professional. The Age Group system allows you to compete against other triathlete entrants of the same age (within a five year band) and sex. Triathlon and duathlon World Championships give all triathletes the chance to enter – they have an Age Group category as well as an elite category.

Great Britain can enter 20 women and 20 men in each Age Group – that’s a total of over 300 competitors flying the British flag. This provides opportunity and incentive to athletes who have never considered competing at an international level.

What do I Wear?
You don’t need to spend bundles of cash on all the latest tri gear. A few of the basics are all you need to get started. It couldn’t be simpler:

Swim
Novice events tend to be pool-based, although some may involve open-water swims. The type of event will affect what kit you need. A swimming hat lowers water resistance and saves you vital seconds in the water, so it definitely counts as a triathlon essential. You can pick them up for a couple of pounds in any sports store and they’re worth it.

Goggles are a godsend when you’re swimming in a pack of enthusiastic triathletes. Being able to see what’s going on is the difference between getting stuck in the pack or making a breakaway lead. Cold British open water swims mean you can’t overlook wetsuits – they’re compulsory with water temperatures below 14 degrees. Summer is officially the triathlon season but a full-length wetsuit is still advisable.

Top Tip
When changing kit in transition, be quick but don’t be too hasty. If you rush you can get into a mess and end up taking more time getting changed than is necessary. The best piece of advice about putting gear on is ‘less haste, more speed’, meaning don’t rush too much or you will get in a real mess and end up spending more time getting changed.

Bike
Nobody is excused from wearing a helmet, so you’ll never see a triathlete riding without a lid, not even an elite. Modern helmets are reasonably priced, simple to use and they give the best protection to your most important parts. One nasty tumble is all it takes.

You don’t need a purpose-made tri suit to compete in, but something close-fitting and comfortable and, if you are taking part in an open-water swim, that can be worn under a wetsuit is ideal. A singlet and shorts will serve you just as well, but extra padding in the saddle area is desirable.

A bike has to count as an essential piece of triathlon equipment, but until you get to a more advanced level you don’t have to worry about the quality of your bike. Drag your old one out of the shed, but be sure to give it a good service – punctures could almost certainly be the end of your race.

Cycling shoes are a luxury if you’re just starting out, but you definitely want shoes that are easy to get on and off during transitions. The advantage of cycling shoes is that they attach to the pedals giving you better cycling stability and power.

Run
Again, there is no real need for specialist running gear at first. Swim, run and bike kit can double up; just make sure that the outfit you choose to wear is comfortable, even when you’ve been cycling in it. Breathability is always an advantage.

Shoes are the most important part of your running equipment. If your feet are well supported and comfortable, it will make your run seem much easier. Check it out with a running shoe expert before you buy, as individual running styles dictate your trainer requirements.

Tri Kit Costs
This introduction to tri kit necessities is a good point for getting started. Triathlon equipment costings can be pretty reasonable, but professional gear can add up at an astounding rate.

With thanks to the British Triathlon Federation for the above information:

www.britishtriathlon.org

Carbohydrates

Peter — Tue, 30 Mar 2010 11:04:19 +0000

Question:

I suffer from bloating after eating carbohydrates such as bread and pasta. However I run between 25 – 30 miles a week and therefore need carbohydrates within my diet to give me energy. Can you suggest any alternatives?

Sara

Answer:

Hi Sara,

Bread and pasta are made from wheat. You should try to vary your dietary intake of grains as bread and wheat are mostly highly processed and commonly cause digestivesymptoms. Try millet, quinoa, couscous (made from wheat but not as processed), rice or barley. Don’t eat wheat more than once per day, unless it is an exception to the rule. You could also try a wheat intolerance test if you want to be certain (a Nutritionist should be able to do this for free using a pulse test or as a paid lab test).

Kind regards,

Emma Wight-Boycott MSc Nutr (2009), PGDip Nutr, PGcACNEM, Dip. Sc Nutr

Cold and Hungry

Peter — Mon, 29 Mar 2010 19:24:34 +0000

Question:

I have just read a response to a runners question regarding feeling cold and hungry after a run and was interested that you mention checking thyroid function. I have recently been diagnosed with low thyroid function and am in the process of finding the correct level of medication. I go to the gym normally 4 times a week and always do a 30 – 45 min run on the treadmill as well as light weights. I am 51 yrs old and originally started going to the gym as I also have high blood pressure and high cholestral, I’m pleased to say that with exercise , medication and a change of diet this are both under control. however with the thyroid issue now playing apart I wondered if you ahd any advise you could offer. I have ran several 5k fun runs and really enjoy running and would like to run more often and outdoors. Any advice or information would be appreciated.
Answer:

Hi Eileen ,

That is fantastic news about your cholesterol and blood pressure.

Hypothyroidism, as I am sure you are discovering, is rather complicated. I would not try to treat it in this format here however some things to discuss with your health professional are: Selenium deficiency, higher than required Vitamin B3 supplementation, inadequate conversion of beta-carotene to Vitamin A. Insulin resistance is usually inter-related so a low sugar and low carbohydrate diet can sometimes be of help.

I would recommend replacing a gym session with a swimming or yoga session if possible for its relaxation and stretching. Over-exercising can exacerbate hypothyroidism.

Regards,

Emma Wight-Boycott

MSc Nutr (2009), PGDip Nutr, PGcACNEM, Dip. Sc Nutr