Nov 27 2011

Key Jangle and Other Things You Should Know About Running

 Key Jangle and Other Things You Should Know About Running

There is lots of advice on the web about running. you can find pages and pages on different training programmes, the importance of having the right trainers and other major considerations when embarking upon your journey into the world of running. there isn’t though, a list of the little things that you might have to think about or the tiny annoyances that some runners face on a daily basis. so, because of our helpful nature, we thought we’d put together a small list for you.

1) Key Jangle-
the phenomenon that is the noise generated when two or more keys are placed inside a pocket and are then jostled whilst the individual runs.

Having your keys jangle at the start of your run when you’re out on a quiet pathway without your mp3 player can begin to irritate. An hour later and failed attempts to modify your running style to keep the keys still and that little irritation will have turned into a constant grind.

Key jangle prevention is simple, only take one key or keep keys separated by soft material that won’t make the jangle sound. Don’t ruin your run with the key jangle.

2) Drink Transportation -
the method by which the runners carries their replacement fluids. Methods can include backpacks with water bags, tiny bottles in a Batman style utility belt and the good old-fashioned bottle in the hand.

Plan ahead how you want to carry your drink. A bottle in one hand can put you off balance, the utility belt may not feel comfortable and the backpack may feel unusual. there are good products out there and something for everyone.

The alternate to carrying your drink is to leave it on the ground a pick it up as you do circuits. one of the outcomes of this, though, can be turning the corner to see someone’s dog licking the bottle, only for the dog walker to smile and apologise.

3) Runner’s etiquette -
a code of behavior that delineates expectations for social behavior according to contemporary conventional norms within the running community (how runners should behave towards other runners).

When running past a fellow runner it is important to acknowledge them without disrupting their run. Casual nods, hellos and smiles are fine but high fives and bum pats are a no-no and trying to stop them to start a conversation is an act worth punishment.

If being taken over; do not disrupt your run to avoid being overtaken, you may ruin your run and the run of the overtaker. If you try to keep up with your fellow runner you may struggle to finish your run.

If overtaking a fellow runner you should do so respectfully; avoid laughing, cheering and turning round to gloat. that runner may be a slower runner but all runners are equal. Also, watch out as that runner may be on a recovery run and might wipe the floor with you at your next race.

4) Noisy headphones -
wearing headphones that are playing audio files at a volume at which others can hear.

This is sort of a sub-section to runner’s etiquette. before you start your run, turn on your mp3 player and listen to the headphones from an arm’s length away. If you can clearly hear the music, it needs to be turned down. otherwise be prepared to not only be deafened but for everyone you pass to hear that cheesy Rocky theme tune you’ve got on repeat.

5) Windswept hair -
an undesirable look that involves the individual’s hair being messed up due to windy conditions.

It is difficult to go for a run and look good. Celebs in magazines or the person on the front of Runner’s World do not represent what most people look like when out on your run. Combine the effect of the wind with your sweaty brow and you have the makings of a bad look.

But don’t sweat, or do sweat but only on the run, you may not look great when you’re out on your run but your body will have everyone grabbing for their running trainers.

6) Needing the loo -
the desire or requirement to go to the lavatory to empty your bladder.

When your run is going great the last thing you want is the sudden urge to pee. make sure the last thing you do before you leave the house is go to the toilet to get that bladder good and empty. then only drink the amount of fluid that you need on your run and avoid overfilling.

In case of weak bladders or long runs, plan a running route that has loo stops. These should be somewhere hidden to offer you some privacy and avoid arrest (so not in the middle of the street).

Most races have designated loos on race routes but if PB’s or positions are on the line, you may have to consider peeing on yourself. this should never happen on a training run.

There you have it, a few things that you may not have thought about, about running. it would be great if you could add some of your own or let us know about your experiences with any of these.




Nov 26 2011

X-Men vs Terminator Theatrical Trailer

 X Men vs Terminator Theatrical Trailer

This is a FAN-MADE, non-profit video made purely for entertainment purposes. In the war between mutants and machines, we lose. this is a crossover that I’ve wanted to make for a long time now. When Senator Kelly and William Stryker create Skynet to eliminate the mutant-X gene for good, the X-Men unite in order to prevent the annihilation of their species. this crossover assembles some of the most memorable characters from either film series. I know I didnt include EVERY character, and some missed out, but this was a difficult crossover to make, and I included whoever I could. the audio has a few problems here and there, but hopefully it wont take away from the editing. Hope you enjoy! Footage from: “X-Men”, “X-Men 2″, “X-Men: the last Stand”, “X-Men Origins: Wolverine”, “Terminator 2: Judgement Day”, “Terminator 3: Rise of the Machines”, and “Terminator Salvation”. Music is the original theme to “the Terminator” as well as the theme to “Terminator 3″. Honors and Awards: #5 – Most Discussed – Film & Animation – Australia #23 – Most Discussed – Film & Animation – Australia #3 – top Favorited – Film & Animation – Australia #26 – top Favorited – Film & Animation – Australia #5 – top Rated – Film & Animation – Australia #16 – top Rated – Film & Animation – Australia Related Blogs




Nov 25 2011

Sprint to Look Better Naked

 Sprint to Look Better Naked

Traditional approaches to cardio for fat loss have focused solely on exercising in the Fat-Burning Zone (FBZ), also know as the aerobic zone, by performing slow, steady-state exercise of low to moderate-intensity for long-durations. however, aerobic exercise alone has not only FAILED at producing significant fat loss, it can actually cause you to store fat (think trouble spot areas) and lose muscle. Not too sexy

So what’s the alternative? Exercising in the Carb-Burning Zone (CBZ), also know as the anaerobic zone, to make your workouts dramatically shorter AND more effective. this is accomplished via interval training where you alternate between bouts of all-out high-intensity sprints and low to moderate-intensity active recovery periods. the sprint portion of the interval rapid depletes your body’s glycogen (the stored form of carbohydrate, or sugar, in muscle) tank so that your body starts using fat (both dietary and stored body fat) as it’s primary energy source at all other times of the day. more specifically, sprints lasting 30-60 seconds in length are scientifically proven to burn up the most sugar in your body so that you can quickly tap into your unwanted fat stores.

For maximal fat loss we highly recommend intervals that consist of a sprint followed by an active recovery period of greater or equal length depending on your current level of conditioning, with the exception of some elite level interval protocols where the recovery period is actually less than the sprint period (e.g. Tabatas). for example, if using a 30 second sprint, here’s how you would go about selecting the appropriate active recovery period for your current fitness level to best customize your interval training workouts:

Level I- Beginner: use a 1:3 work to rest ratio (30 s on, 90 s off)

Level II- Intermediate: use a 1:2 work to rest ratio (30 s on, 60 s off)

Level III- Advanced: use a 1:1 work to rest ratio (30 s on, 30 s off)

In addition, this form of training not only burns a ton of calories during the actual workout but has a serious AFTERBURN effect which will have you burning more calories for hours and hours after your workout is completed (some studies suggest anywhere from 12-24+ hours). this phenomenon is know as Excess Post-Exercise Oxygen Consumption (EPOC) and describes the energy expended by your body in the recovery of your metabolic rate back to pre-exercise levels. the best part about EPOC is that you control it, meaning that the harder you work during training the more calories your body will burn BOTH during your workout AND for up to 24-48 hours after completing your workout

So what are you waiting for?

Start sprinting to look better naked TODAY