Ryan Hall's Blog, page 168

What To Look For In A GPS Running Watch

Your GPS running watch does a lot for you, but you shouldn’t settle for one that only tracks your distance. It needs to go the distance. Here’s what to look for in your next wrist-top running partner.

Help with Your Form

You just finished a training run, but something felt a little off. Did you try to make up time by taking huge strides? Did you bounce too much or come down too hard? It’s difficult to be sure, unless you have the right watch. A great running watch is just as invested in making you a better runner as you are. That means helping you work toward your ideal form. A watch that offers running dynamics provides detailed stats on your stride length, ground contact time balance and more to help you train around your strengths and weaknesses.

Fine-Tune Your Training and Recovery

Now that you’ve got your form down, you want to train for that next race. You train every day, making every step count. But when do you take a rest day? When should you increase the intensity to see the best results? You’ve read all the articles and researched training plans, but none of them are tailored to you. The new Forerunner® 935 from Garmin can take the guesswork out of your training. It’s called training status. Using your recent exercise history, the 935 lets you know if you’re training productively or overdoing it.

Track Your Stats and Get Support

You made it to race day in great condition, and you ran your best time. Do you go straight home and write down your time in a journal or the back of your race bib? Will you even remember it so you can try to beat it at your next race? And what about your friends and family—how can you share some brag stats with them? Your watch should take care of that too. The Forerunner 935 does all that without you lifting a finger. It Syncs to your phone and the free mobile app so you can share to your social media accounts, compete and compare with friends and more. You can even let friends and family follow your run or race in real time.

Looks Count Too

The latest running watches are great at putting a lot of tech at your fingertips, but how does it fit and look on your wrist? Here’s where the 935 really stands out as a great styling option—it’s lightweight, has a soft, flexible wristband, and you can rock it from workout to your work day with easy-to-swap bands that don’t require tools. Paired with Garmin Connect™ online support community, the Forerunner 935 does everything we expect and more to help you beat yesterday.

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6 Everyday Runners’ Secrets To Survival And Success

Gleaning inspiration from professional runners can be tricky—there’s no doubting their passion, talent and the fact that they dedicate their lives to their sport. But it’s their job. What about those that aren’t sponsored, have jobs and families, and look to running as their hobby—yet still manage to do amazing things? These champions are everywhere you look.

When you’re trying to slay at the office, raise kids, roll out tight quads and make it out the door for a run—all at the same time—it may feel like you’re barely hanging on by a shoelace. After talking to everyday runners, we learned that you’re not alone and you’re doing way better than you think! Check out the following runners’ secrets to survival and success.

RELATED: How Running Changed These Four People’s Lives

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Puma’s New Shoes Give Runners A Customizable Fit In The Easiest Way

Puma’s new Speed Ignite NETFIT, joins a growing number of customizable running shoes hitting the market. However, the brand has a simpler take on the growing trend: just change up the lacing.

Puma introduced NETFIT technology, described as “a unique customizable lacing system that offers infinite performance and style options.” The sock-like upper portion of the shoe is made from a high grade netted mesh that attaches to a form-fitting base. The mesh allows runners to lace the shoe to best support their needs.

Although the Speed Ignite NETFIT is a neutral shoe, Puma provides five different lacing strategies: standard, stability, wide foot, narrow foot and heal support. They encourage runners to experiment with different lacing options to find out what works best for them.

In addition to a customized fit, Puma also hopes these shoes will make a style statement. “It’s a performance innovation that allows for athletes at every level and across a range of sports to create their own, perfectly customized fit,” said global marketing director Adam Petrick in a press release. “But maybe even more exciting are the opportunities for creativity—anyone can use laces of different colors, widths, lengths and styles to create a personal expression for each individual taste.”

RELATED: Salomon Introduces A Completely Customizable Running Shoe

Usain Bolt will be wearing shoes with NETFIT technology while training for the 2017 World Championships, taking place in London this summer. “The best thing about the NETFIT Technology is that it is customizable and I can lace them any way I want; not only to get the best fit, but it gives me the opportunity to be creative with it,” explained Bolt at the shoe launch. “Sometimes you wish you could just design shoes purely tailored to your own feet and now you can.”

The Puma Speed Ignite NETFIT is available now and retails for $140. The brand is also adding NETFIT technology to other sports and lifestyle shoes later this year.

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Meb’s Top Tips for Recovery

Meb’s top tips for Recovery:

Wear CEP compression socks after a workout to help speed up recovery
What you put in your body affects what you get out of it—nutrition is key to recovery
Utilize various types of therapy after your workouts to maximize results and speed up recovery

To see more tips from Meb, click here.

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Nike’s Breaking2 Falls Short Of Its Goal, But Still Delivers A Record

Eulid Kipchoge just missed breaking 2 hours, but ran the fastest marathon in history.

Nike’s ambitious Breaking2 event may have fallen just short of the coveted record, but still proved to be an exciting endeavor.

Early this morning on a Formula 1 track in Monza, Italy, Eliud Kipchoge, Lelisa Desisa, and Zersenay Tadese began their attempt to break the elusive 2-hour barrier in the marathon. In the end it was Kipchoge, alone with his pacers, who stayed in contention. Hovering just under the 2-hour mark for most of the race, his pace creeped up during the last 5K. Kipchoge finished in 2:00:25, faster than anyone has ever run a marathon.

Tadese, owner of the world record in the half marathon (58:23) hung on to the blistering pace until half way. His finish of 2:06:51 was almost 4 minutes faster than his previous best (2:10:41). Desisa, whose marathon PR of 2:04:45 was set at the Dubai Marathon in 2013, fell behind at 15K. He hung on and finished in 2:14:10.

“I’ve seen the magic of gold shoes and swift suits. I’ve seen iconic athletes leave it all on the track. But I’ve never seen anything like what we saw today,” says Nike CEO Mark Parker after the race. “This achievement represents more than a race. It’s a moment of global inspiration that will encourage every athlete, in every community, to push the limits of their potential.”

While Kipchoge failed to break 2 hours, the event never lacked excitement. The race was streamed live on Twitter, Facebook and YouTube, generating a lot of conversation, despite the late hour in much of the U.S. Nike has not released information on how many people tuned into the race.

Woven into the broadcast were background stories on each runner and commentary by Nike athletes and Kevin Hart, who added levity to a serious event. Nike also had segments devoted to the creation of the much talked about Nike Zoom Vaporfly Elite shoe. Each athlete was able to customize their shoe, which is supposed to allow runners to use 4 percent less energy.

The time will not be eligible for an official world record. However, the aim of Breaking2 was more to test the limits of human endurance, making the event part science experiment and part one-of-a-kind marketing endeavor for Nike. Adidas is said to be planning their own race to chase the 2-hour barrier. The brand debuted their own Sub2 shoe last year. They also sponsor Dennis Kimetto, who has run the official world record of 2:02:57, and Wilson Kipsang, whose PR is 2:03:13.

If you missed Breaking2 last night, you can re-watch the entire race below.

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5 Ways to Protect From the Sun For Runners

You’d be hard-pressed to find a foil tanning reflector at the local pool these days. Watching someone lather up in baby oil would be considered a crime. We know more now about the harmful effects of the sun’s rays then we did 50 years ago. But how often do we think about it before we head out on our next training run?

According to the Skin Cancer Foundation, “Clothing is the single most effective form of sun protection.” While sunscreen also helps, many people don’t apply enough, or they forget to reapply regularly. And if you’re engaging in high- intensity activities, sunscreen can easily sweat off. Clothing offers a “goof-proof” way to protect your skin. Plus, while some sunscreens block only one type of UV rays (UVB), UV protective clothing provides a full spectrum of protection against both UVA and UVC radiation.

In honor of Skin Cancer Awareness Month, we’ve compiled the top 5 ways to protect yourself from the elements so you can stay out and play longer.

1. BUFF® UV multifunctional headwear

Simple, innovative and effective, this multifunctional layer can be worn 12 different ways – from headband to cap, neck gaiter to hair tie – then adds built-in sun protection that blocks up to 95 percent of harmful rays*.

2. Sun Protectant Apparel

The outdoor industry has your back, and your front too with the rise of the sun protectant category. Brands abound with long-sleeved, sun repellant apparel that offers UPF 50 protective material*. They’ve got you covered when you’re exposed.

3. BUFF® Pack Run Cap

This exceptionally lightweight cap weighs only one ounce. But don’t let the size fool you. It boasts UPF 50 protective material* and wicks moisture to keep sweat out of your way.

4. BUFF® UV Arm Sleeves

Styled for runners, these UV Arm Sleeves have reflective elements strategically placed for better visibility in low-light conditions. Put them on in the morning to fight the chill and comfortably leave them on all day for UPF 40+ sun protection*.

5. Dawn or Dusk & Have No Fuss

Plan your runs for the early morning or later in the evening to avoid the sun altogether. To boot, you can also avoid overheating and sunstroke if your schedule is flexible!

* Some clothing carries an Ultraviolet Protection Factor (UPF) rating, which is similar to the SPF ratings on sunscreen. Clothing marked UPF 50 allows 2 percent (1/50) of UV radiation to pass through. In other words, it blocks 98 percent of the sun’s harmful radiation. In general, fabrics must score at least a 15, blocking 93.3 percent of UV radiation, to offer good protection.

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Watch Nike Attempt to Break The 2-Hour Marathon Barrier

Photo: Courtesy of Nike

On Saturday, May 6, marathon running history could be made. Three Nike athletes, Lelisa Desisa of Ethiopia, Eliud Kipchoge of Kenya, and Zersenay Tadese of Eritrea, have been chosen to potentially run a sub-2-hour marathon as part of Nike’s highly anticipated Breaking2 Project.

The record attempt will take place this Saturday at 5:45 a.m. CET (11:45 p.m. EST on Friday, May 5) on a 2.4K loop around portions of the Autodromo Nazionale track in Monza, Italy, home to Formula 1’s Italian Grand Prix. Although the event is closed to the public, live coverage will take place on the Breaking2 site, 15 minutes before the race starts, with Sal Masekela hosting the show and Paula Radcliffe, Craig Masback and Kevin Hart providing commentary. A livestream of the attempt can also be viewed on this special Breaking2 Twitter landing page and Nike’s Facebook page.

What will breaking the 2-hour marathon barrier look like, though? For Nike, it’s essentially a science experiment—to test the human potential and see what’s possible. That means controlling every aspect of this race against time—from the choice of athletes, course, location, time of day and gear (all three athletes will be wearing the Nike Zoom Vaporfly Elite) at the onset, right down to the logistics of on-course fueling and pacing for race day.

Brad Wilkins, director of Nike Explore Team Generation Research, has been leading the research behind the Breaking2 Project. He explained that the Autodromo Nazionale track was chosen because of its flatness and gradual wide turns that will help reduce the amount of energy required to run at the speed needed to break 2 hours.

“It’s nice that it’s a loop course because that allows us to give hydration and nutrition really frequently,” Wilkins says. “So every lap they’re going to have access to fluid and nutrition, and we have a very specific way to hand that off, so they don’t have to look for a hand or a table. We are going to be able to hand these guys their waters and nutrition at speed.”

Not only are the athletes receiving consistent fuel, Wilkins and his team have also calculated precisely how much fluid each athlete is going to lose through sweat every single lap (for 17 and a half laps), and are going to replace exactly what’s been lost with the right amount of nutrition, provided on course.

Several pacers will also be used during the attempt. They will be rotated in and out throughout the race. The three athletes will have people running in front of them, keeping the pace, and even helping them draft a little, at all times.

RELATED: Study Finds Sub-2-Hour Marathon Is Completely Possible

In order to break 2 hours, though, the work and research needed to make it a success starts with the athletes. Since last November, Wilkins and his team have been working with Desisa, Kipchoge and Tadese and each of their coaches to perfect their racing strategy. Each athlete has a unique training regimen and strategy that needed to be taken into consideration.

“These three guys have very different approaches to their training,” Wilkins explains. “So we’ve just been collecting data and analyzing and giving a lot of feedback on how they’re responding to their specific workouts. And all of them are super mentally prepared for this.”

To be clear, if Breaking2 is successful and a sub-2-hour marathon is actually achieved on Saturday, it will be a record, but not one comparable to Kenyan Dennis Kimetto’s world marathon record time of 2:02:57 that he ran at the 2014 Berlin Marathon.

“Our idea is basically to show that it’s humanly possible and [if it is] then everybody will have this mental barrier removed and they’re willing to go for it in an actual race like Berlin,” Wilkins says when asked how this attempt compares to USATF sanctioned marathons and what the results could mean for the marathon world. He also explains that this could be an opportunity to “disrupt the way that marathon organizers put on their marathons.” Meaning if this is a success, it could change the thinking around when and how traditional marathons are conducted, if the goal is to pursue even more impossible and faster times.

“There are ways you can innovate around how marathons are run,” he adds. And that’s the real message Nike is sending through the Breaking2 attempt—whether or not history is made.

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5 Star Wars Quotes That Can Be Perfect Running Mantras

May 4th is Star Wars Day. As in “May the fourth be with you.” (Get it?) Maybe you can recite every line from every movie. Or maybe you don’t even know who Yoda is. Regardless, any runner can find inspiration among the ten movies. Here are five iconic Star Wars quotes that can also be amazing running mantras. Repeat them during your next workout to feel the power of The Force. (Or you know, just to feel really strong.)

“Do or do not, there is no try.”

(Episode V: The Empire Strikes Back)

Yoda’s declaration to Luke after he questions his Jedi abilities is probably one of the greatest quotes in the entire Star Wars franchise. And of course it is also one of the best running mantras ever too. It is a great reminder to stay focused on the present. Regardless of how a run or race turns out, giving all of your effort at that moment is what truly matters.

“Your focus determines your reality.”

(Episode I: The Phantom Menace.)

Qui-Gon Jinn’s advice to a young Anakin helped him to make sense of changes going on in his life. However, this may also sound exactly like something a running coach would say. Your focus, whether it is on your goals in general or just getting through one moment in a workout, determines success in running.

“The force is strong with this one.”

(Episode IV: A New Hope)

Darth Vader spoke this well-known phrase as he was flying behind Luke to prevent the Jedi from blasting the Death Star. Runners don’t have to be a villain to use this as inspiration though. Next time you see runners up ahead during a race, repeat this and charge after them.

RELATED: Mantras To Keep You Moving On The Trails

“Train yourself to let go of everything you fear to lose.”

(Episode III: Revenge of the Sith)

Another Yoda phrase because, really, no one is wiser. Yoda believed fearing loss made you more likely to go to the dark side. And truthfully with running, sometimes thinking you have nothing to lose can lead to the best performances. Don’t be afraid of your ambitions. Train hard to go after them!

“Now, be brave and don’t look back. Don’t look back.”

(Episode I: The Phantom Menace)

Shmi Skywalker’s farewell to her son Anakin can be transformed into a triumphant call-to-action for runners. In the middle of a race, there is no better phrase to have in your head. Stay strong and never fear who is behind you. Just keep moving forward.

RELATED: 12 Inspirational Running Quotes

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A Look At One Runner’s Ultimate California Road Trip

When runners are looking for stoke and adventure, Knox Robinson brings it better than nearly anyone. The founding coach of Black Roses NYC run crew and chief curator of Nike+ Run Club also produces one of running’s must-follow Instagram feeds, @firstrun. There, the former Division I runner documents his running adventures in far-flung places—from upstate New York to South America and east Africa, along with food, music, history and other touchstones of the running lifestyle.

But what sets Robinson apart is the style with which he does it: His posts combine documentary, poetry, social commentary and a reverence for running, with plenty of thoughts on wellness, meditation and spirituality. He speaks to the rhythms and challenges that all runners can identify with. Layered on top of all that is his coaching advice and sprinkles of encyclopedic music knowledge that this former editor at The Fader magazine is full of.

Earlier this year, Robinson took a three-week trip through California, from Palm Springs to the San Francisco Bay Area and Sonoma County, then back to Los Angeles. He not only brought his running gear, he did plenty of running (75–85 miles per week). He wasn’t traveling to race—he simply met up with locals and explored a few beaten paths and many roads less traveled. In the spirit of this month’s travel issue, Robinson shared photos, plus his inspiration for running as a pursuit in and of itself. Want to get away? You don’t need to do it for a race. Do it just to go running.

RELATED: Why You Should Plan A ‘Runcation’ (And Travel Tips for Runners)

How To Get Away

“You just gotta go for it,” Robinson says. “If there’s an interesting person or a place that you’re vaguely curious about, reach out and meet up with them for a run. If there’s a cool landmark or a cool park or some sort of sight that you’ve seen or have a recollection of, whether it’s six months ago on someone else’s Instagram feed, or 20 years ago with a line of poetry that you read while you were in college, go out and pursue that.”

On Meeting People To Run With

“I dialed up people and let them know I was going to be in town,” Robinson says. “But sometimes it’s also easy to be like, what town am I gonna be in? Then find the running club, like San Francisco Running Company, and join them on their runs. Other times it was cool to meet a stranger in town. Just walking up to the counter and asking, ‘Where should I run around here?’ I was having a good time just doing that. Also Googling and going to random places—just being an average runner and asking where I should go. It’s really great to have people show you their turf.”

How To Pack To Go Running In New Places

“Much respect to everybody with standard trainers, but I would pack a pair of lightweight flats so you won’t clog up your luggage, and you’ll keep your pavement runs super nimble and interesting,” Robinson says. “Definitely a pair of lightweight trail shoes as well. And a trail pack. That way you can say, you know what? I’m in Palm Springs, there’s a mountain right there, let me pack a water bottle and my hydration stuff, sunscreen and sunglasses. And mapping tools: Avenza has made scalable versions of tens of thousands of maps from all over the world, downloadable to your phone. They’re the topo maps you find at camping stores, but they’re searchable and GPS coordinated. I get the map for wherever I’m going to be to see what cool stuff is around.”

RELATED: 7 Essential Pieces of Gear For Traveling Runners

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7 Essential Pieces Of Gear For Traveling Runners

When you travel to run or race, packing your favorite running shoes is a given. What else you bring is up to you…but allow us to suggest these multipurpose, must-haves for cardio tourists.

RELATED: 10 North American Marathons That Are Vacation-Worthy

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