#Road Runner Technical Support

[blowflyfag]

Pro Wrestling Illustrated: 1995 THE YEAR IN WRESTLING. March 1996

MOST POPULAR WRESTLER OF THE YEAR: SHAWN MICHAELS 27,783 votes

The day after WrestleMania XI, “Psycho” Sid Vicious attacked Shawn Michaels, the man who was employing him as a bodyguard. What happened next put Michaels on the road to winning our Most Popular Wrestler of the Year award for the first time.

When Shawn’s good friend Diesel, who had been his enemy for several months before this incident, saved “The Heartbreak Kid” from further punishment and chased Sid away, fans responded with cheers for both men that set Michaels on a course toward unprecedented popularity. Those who once enjoyed despising him became eager to embrace him. And even before Michaels became a full-fledged fan favorite, he had his share of fans. 

“Michaels always struck me as being extremely arrogant,” wrote Nate Suarez of Montreal. “But now I'm seeing a different side of him. He’s more appreciative of the fans. He’s still cocky, but I can overlook that now.”

What Michaels has in abundance is charisma. He is naturally a very attractive personality, and the fans responded to that.

“He’s very charming,” wrote Sandra Trell of Cheyenne, Wyoming. “He’ll do something that’s really rotten, but then he’ll give the crowd a certain look, and everybody will think his opponent deserved exactly what Shawn did to him. It’s like I cheer in spite of myself.”

It doesn’t hurt, of course, that Michaels is a handsome man. For some of his supporters, that is more significant than any wrestling maneuver he uses.

“My heart skips a beat everytime I see him on TV or at the arena,” gushed Roberta Ashanti of St. Paul Minnesota. “How could you not love him?”

However, it isn’t Michaels’ good looks that have carried him to the peak. He is without question one of the sport’s outstanding technical wrestlers. ”That’s why I like him,” wrote Sam Gray of North Bergen, New Jersey. “Forget all that glitz and the hype; the guy isa terrific wrestler. He could beat anybody in the world.”

Clearly, Michaels is the most popular wrestler in the WWF, and one who doesn’t mind sharing the spotlight with his friend Diesel. After the Sid fiasco, Michaels displayed no jealousy toward “Big Daddy Cool” while he was World champion. It is an attitude that added to his popularity.

Next year could be different. Michaels could turn rulebreaker again. But for now, Shawn deserves all the favorable attention he gets.

RUNNERS-UP

STING: 17,728 votes

First runner-up: Last year’s winner is the most popular athlete in his federation, WCW. Sting even hears a few more cheers than his friend Hulk Hogan. One possible reason: He seems more sincere and reachable than the “Hulkster.” Supporters respect Sting for always playing by the rules and for not abandoning WCW for other opportunities. 

DIESEL: 13,450 votes

Second runner-up: He isn’t quite as popular as Michaels, but “Big Daddy Cool” still has a wildly enthusiastic following. Aside from displaying vastly improved skills, Diesel has proved himself quite articulate in the talk-show circuit, and that doubtless has won him fans who don’t normally watch on TV or travel to the arenas.

HULK HOGAN: 11,831 votes

Third runner-up: a decade ago, Hogan was more popular than any professional wrestler ever had been. Today he hears a few more boos, but there are still thousands of loyal “Hulkamaniacs” who believe there’s nobody better than their man. It is a popularity that persists on the strength of what he has done on the movie set, but in the ring.

VOTES FOR OTHERS (8,730)

Some of the top vote-getters who did not capture a runner-up spot include: Bam Bam Bigelow, Tommy Dreamer, Bret Hart, Public Enemy, Razor Ramon, Randy Savage, Tracey Smothers, and The Undertaker.

[miles--muscles]

"Hydration Backpacks: Trail Running Essentials"

Trail running raises unique challenges that differ from running on a road, but one of the most difficult is how to stay hydrated over rough, often remote terrains. For runs going beyond a couple of hours or in areas with scarce water sources, a hydration backpack is vital gear. Such backpacks, equipped with a hydration reservoir or bladder, can hold serious water quantities, usually between 50 and 100 ounces, besides other important supplies.

One of the best features in hydration backpacks is the no-hands drinking system. A long tube connected to the bladder enables you to take sips without stopping or even slowing down. Uninterrupted access to hydration during a very long run can be very critical, especially in bad conditions where maintaining momentum is really required. You can keep moving through the rough terrain, up steep inclines, or down rocky descents without stopping to drink.

Another advantage associated with hydration backpacks is the carrying capacity for additional gear. Most come with multiple compartments and pockets that will help you store energy gels, snacks, first-aid supplies, a lightweight jacket, or even trekking poles. This is especially important for trail runners who need to be completely self-sufficient in remote areas where support or resupply stations are nonexistent.

Another important consideration would be the level of comfort a hydration backpack offers. The packs fit very closely to your back, thus distributing the weight not to have any strain or bounce. In most models, adjustable straps and a ventilated back panel will keep you cool and dry by reducing excessive sweating. Just like with hydration belts, a few runners may be put off by the thought of carrying a pack at all, but with a little adjustment, it becomes an integral part of your running gear.

For me, hydration backpacks are a must for trail running. Being able to carry a large volume of water without having to hold it in your hands is a game-changer on the longer and more technical trails. The extra storage gives peace of mind in knowing you have everything you need for safety and comfort.

Most importantly, you need to get the right hydration backpack to suit your needs. If you are running a considerable distance, especially on technical trails, it will indeed be very different if the weather is bad. If you're doing a shorter trail run, then you'll only need to carry enough water in your pack-say, up to a bladder with a capacity of 50 ounces. However, ultra-marathons and multi-day treks like events will demand as much as 100 ounces of capacity.

In summary, if you're devoted to trail running or just long-distance running in general, a hydration backpack is well worth an investment. It avails the hydration one needs for continued performance and storage space to carry the essentials. Now, we'll address electrolytes—the importance of them, and how to choose the right supplement—to keep you hydrated and performing at your best.

[lezzerlee]

Gale can be fat, fit, skinny, or whatever you want him to be.

I want to caveat this first by saying that I both like chubby Gale, and support fans who think a wizard like him would not be fit at all. That's absolutely an acceptable head-canon and an enjoyable one! I just take a little bit of issue with declarative statements I've seen that "Gale would never" have the body they gave him in the game.

I have a different perspective (based on personal experiences).

Something that happens to some people when they are injured or faced with severe health issues is to try to shore up their body. They go into the extreme of making the body they have the "healthiest" it can be to try to buy more time, or counter the injury.

I have a friend that went vegan and "clean" eating with all organic food in the face of cancer. I myself threw myself into fixing diet, sleep, & exercise (in that order) when I pinched a nerve from sitting too much and my entire lower body went numb/pins & needles numb for months (technically synesthesia). My point is, people often seek some level of control when something bad happens to them.

I can wholly believe that Gale, in the face of feeling like he is dying from magic he doesn't understand (with no cure in sight), might use some of his time to make sure his body has the best chance it can to last long enough to find a cure for himself.

I can see strength, musculature, etc being a sign of health in the world of Baldur's Gate. Physical strength has been a signifier of health, vitality, virility etc. across human history. While it's true that plumpness was a sign of health and wealth at times, being a strong athlete,/knight/fighter/worker has always been desired. There's something primitively attractive to many people about stamina and athleticism. Of course you don't have to look like model to signify that. Sumo wrestlers were revered for their strength and athleticism. The strongest men competitions often feature men with absolute bear builds with a healthy amount of fat.

But a book nerd, wizard focusing on making his body as strong as possible? To me, he's probably doing pushups and sit-ups and calisthenics because that's what's available to him. It's what he might know and be able to take on without specific training. It's what he can do locking himself away, or between researching a cure. In my mind, he's likely to aim for runner-fit, or skinny-fit if his perception of getting "healthy" is changing what might be a former dad-bod. Or maybe he was just a skinny kid with a crazy metabolism, and no athleticism and just builds muscle. It does not really matter. The point is, I can absolutely see Gale getting fit as a reaction to dying.

For me, personally, my reaction to a scary injury has been about being strong. My ultimate goal is to make sure my core can support myself into my 80s, that i have the hip flexibility, that I'm stretching and building muscle. Hell I'm into diet because I think pooping well is important because hemorrhoids and acid reflux are awful. Sleep has been one of the biggest things to help me feel better. Lack of sleep creates constant stress, which fucks your muscles and your stomach and your brain.

And Gale, in a state of dying might not be able to calm his anxiety or brain (he needs to focus on finding a cure). But he sure could try to do something about his body.

Anyway, there's lots of fun that can be had playing around with the idea of what "healthy" means to people like Gale, or Karlach, who both have traumatic, life-altering issues that can be metaphors for terminal illness. It's just as interesting exploring Gale as fat as it is wasting away, or fit. Exploring his idea of eating healthy while on the road is amazing especially with him as the camp cook.

I recognized that modern social ideas would have you believe health is leanness. I'm not here to argue what "health" really means because I absolutely do not buy in that skinniness = health, or that fat = unhealthy. I've used quotes around words like health and clean and etc. because people have vastly different ideas of what that may mean. I've only written all the above to say any body that Gale has is "correct" because you can justify it as characterization.

Which circles me back to my caveat. Maybe healthy means eating your fill instead of stressing out. Maybe it means not pushing your body too hard with exercise and strain (which can also have downsides). It's why chubby Gale is fun. I especially like the idea of post-nether brain Gale relinquishing tight control over his body because he isn't dying anymore. But it's not the only option that makes sense. Saying Gale "wouldn't be fit" isn't true. The same as saying he "wouldn't be fat" would also not be true.

[vividracing]

New Post has been published on https://www.vividracing.com/blog/what-is-a-drag-pack-comparing-5-different-drag-wheels/

What Is A Drag Pack? Comparing 5 Different Drag Wheels!

Are you on the hunt for new wheels so you can get traction at the strip? Well you have landed at the perfect article! Here we will explain in our latest YouTube video what a Drag Pack is and compare 5 different drag wheels available. Whether you are needing these for your Mustang, Camaro, Corvette, or 2000hp Lamborghini, Vivid Racing has the wheels you need to get the job done.

Race Star 92 Drag Star: https://www.vividracing.com/index.php?keywords=Race+Star+92.html&utm_source=YouTubeDescription-Tag&utm_medium=YouTube&utm_campaign=dragpack101

Weld Laguna S107: https://www.vividracing.com/index.php?keywords=Weld+S107.html&utm_source=YouTubeDescription-Tag&utm_medium=YouTube&utm_campaign=dragpack101

Weld Ventura S104: https://www.vividracing.com/index.php?keywords=Weld+S104.html&utm_source=YouTubeDescription-Tag&utm_medium=YouTube&utm_campaign=dragpack101

Forgestar D5: https://www.vividracing.com/index.php?keywords=Forgestar+D5.html?utm_source=YouTubeDescription-Tag&utm_medium=YouTube&utm_campaign=dragpack101

Forgeline CF1R: https://www.vividracing.com/index.php?keywords=forgeline+CF1R?utm_source=YouTubeDescription-Tag&utm_medium=YouTube&utm_campaign=dragpack101

Credit to the following for the supporting footage used: Race Star Wheels Forgeline Motorsports WELD Racing Goodyear Cleetus McFarland 1320Video Matt’s Off Road Recovery NHRA Global Metal Spinning Solutions Brady Houghton BowenzMotorsports BOOSTED LUCKEY StandMode MP3BOOSTED Kelley’s Garage DerekBaranProductions Street Speed 717 Chris Sullivan Jon Doc

Video transcript:

[Music] [Applause] welcome back to Vivid racing I’m Aaron and today we’re talking drag racing we’re talking about the spicy staggered setup the Big mey L Hoover 305 come alive this is drag pack 101 and by the end of this video you guys are going to have a solid foundation of what wheel setup to buy for your car whether you’re on the street or on the track or even both so first and foremost what is a drag pack technically speaking this is a term that Ford used back in the day however over time it has become commonly used to reference a lightweight wheel and drag tire package now on the front you will typically see a really skinny wheel setup these are called Front Runners or more commonly known as skinnies these will typically be about 4 and 1/2 in wide now the obvious reason for running these is weight reduction they’re quite literally half the size I have heard arguments that there’s more to it than just weight reduction but that is the basic principle here these really probably shouldn’t be used for daily driving considering they’re quite literally half the wheel of your traditional setup you’re going to run the risk of cracking a wheel from hitting a pothole due to how just simply how skinny they are there isn’t a whole lot of mass there to absorb the impact but the real risk is the lack of traction purely because there’s not much of a contact patch at all you’re quite literally getting half the amount of traction to steer your car so if you run into rain or inclement weather of any sort might get real spicy real quick but keep in mind for the daily drivers out there you don’t have to run a 4 and 1 12 in wheel on the front to get your drag packed look all the wheels I’m going to show you today all have great staggered fitment options to maintain skinnyish fronts now the biggest thing you want to look for when fitting the fronts is making sure you have a large enough Barrel to clear your brakes and spindles and everything else going on in there if you have like a six or eight piston brake kit with massive rotors you’re probably not going to fit a 15-in wheel on the front you’re probably looking a bit closer to your factory fitment which probably has like a 17 or 18in wheel that are typically 7 to 9 1/2 in wide unless you’re the Roll Racing GTR that’s four-wheel drive you don’t really need thick mey sidewalls on the fronts your goal is that you get just enough Tire on the ground to keep the car going straight with the least amount of rotational Mass possible often times you’ll even see people run the factory fronts wrapped in like a Mickey Thompson Street comp all right so that covers everything for the front so let’s move to the back where all that big meaty thickness is the overall goal here is to get a smaller radius wheel that opens up the wheel well for a big old meaty sidewall and to have that big old wide and thick contact patch you may notice that your atypical drag pack is going to have bead locks on the rear as well this is so you can run a really low tire pressure to let that sidewall twist and grip on launch without the tire actually slipping on the wheel this is the same concept you see off-road vehicles using to grip in the dirt but rather than using a big knobby mud or dirt Tire they’re using a big smooth drag radial or drag slick all said and done the recipe is a small radius wheel plus a thick contact patch plus a meaty sidewall plus an optional bead loock all of that together equals Maximum Traction now an example of why you want a really meaty sidewall is perfectly illustrated by Top Field drag cars when they launch obviously this is at a much greater scale than a street car but the same principles apply the twisting of the sidewall is the tire working to grab traction and it lets the contact patch do its job and grip the track and stops the Wheel from just spinning into a burnout drag races are often won and lost by The 330t Mark or even the 60t mark getting that launchd down is critical now the reality is 98% of all cars don’t really need a bead loock typically anything under 800 horsepower you don’t need a bead loock but if I’m honest if I could afford a good bead loock I would do it in an instant I just I love the way they look they just they do it for me now for sizing you’re generally looking anywhere from 15 to 18in wheels that are at a minimum 10 in wide but as my old man told me a 12-in wide tire is where boys become men just keep in mind clearances it is really easy to put on a 12-in wide wheel on your base C5 because they technically do fit but they rub in every possible way they even poke out quite a bit and next thing you know the fiberglass on your rear quarter panel is cracked from hitting a pothole at 80 Mi an hour if wheel fitments confuse you you’re not alone we have a bunch of Wheel fitment videos that cover all sorts of platforms that can help so make sure you check out some of our older videos If you’re looking to learn more about that but if you guys want to keep learning and seeing us compare different car parts make sure you guys hit subscribe and while you’re at it smash the like button also follow us on Instagram our boy Shane makes a ton of build content on a daily basis to get your build started and if that isn’t enough and you’re looking to go deeper make sure you’re jumping into Old forums and Facebook groups a good form can be a gold mine of information they are full of people who’ve either done it all on that specific platform or are currently going through and are just sharing what they’ve been doing with their car just buy or beware if and when you go to ask a dumb question cuz we all have dumb questions do yourself a favor and use the search bar first every form has a Search tool and every Facebook group has a Search tool as well it is very likely that somebody has already made a post looking for information about putting a corset exhaust on a Corvette so use the search tool before you ask so let’s compare a few different wheel brands that are popular among the drag racing community and as always links are in the description below along with a little discount code if you guys want to save a few of those Pennies on checkout at vividracing.com each of the following Wheels come in a standard wheel as well as a bead loock option for the rear so if you like one of these styles of Wheels but you don’t want the bead loock don’t worry that wheel is definitely an option to purchase so first up is an affordable cast wheel option we have the racar 92 drag series these are great for someone who is getting into aftermarket wheels but doesn’t want to break the bank these wheels technically retail for around $400 a piece but they are more often than not on sale for about $280 to $300 depending on the size of wheel out the door for a full set of these wheels you can expect to be around $1,200 they are a simple but classic five-spoke design that work on nearly any platform they pretty much always look good they make finding the correct fitment for whatever car you have a breeze their data catalog is huge now the biggest thing you want to be aware of with these rayar wheels is that you will need to use a shank style lug nut this is a trend in pretty much every drag pack that I’ve seen so far you are more likely than not going to need to get some shank style lug nuts if I’m honest the only real negative about these wheels is that they are cast wheel which isn’t inherently a bad thing but lightweight and durable and strong is the goal you certainly can go lighter and you most definitely can go a lot stronger but hey if this is what you can afford there is nothing wrong with that these are a great wheel to get the party started they’re not the fanciest thing in the world but they definitely work next up is where you get a bit more value but it does come with some extra cost the following three sets of Wheels here are flow forged meaning they are a combination of cast and forged wheel technology first up we have two offerings from weld we have the Laguna s17 which is a super clean design that I actually absolutely love this would absolutely be my top pick outside of going for like a super clean forged wheel setup now these retail for around $350 a piece all in all you can expect to be around $1,500 for a full set next we have the well Ventura s104 now in my eyes these are a direct upgrade from the RAR 92s that’s simply because they’re both of simple five-spoke design the Ventura s104 definitely has a little bit more premium look to it out the door a set of four of these wheels will cost around $16 to $1,700 once again based off of the size of the wheels you’re looking for and for our last flow forged wheel we have the forar D5 just another classic simple look you generally can find these wheels from $4 to $500 a piece out the door you’re looking at about $2,000 for a full set of these wheels now like I said these three sets of wheels are flow Forge aluminum so they’re going to be stronger and slightly lighter than a cast wheel like the RAR 92s but obviously they do cost a little bit more but I would argue that this little bit of extra cost is worth it in the long run flow forged wheels are probably where you get the most bang for your buck compared to anything else that we’ve talked about plus there’s a reason you see forg star and weld wheels everywhere in the drag racing Community they’re just a really good wheel but just like anything in life doesn’t matter how good something is something better will always come along that leads us to the top of our list the forged forg line cf1 RS these are a lightweight super strong forged aluminum wheels they come in at a spicy $1,500 a piece these are about as high quality as I guess some fitments are readily available but realistically these wheels are made to order with full customization this is the type of wheel you put on a 2,000 horsepower car that’s running deep into the sevens or even in the sixes in the quarter mile but if you want to fleux on your buddies at cars and coffee and be future proof for all the horsepower and tourque you could ever dream of this is your wheel one day when I can essentially double the value of my car by throwing a set of these on it rest assured I will absolutely make the poor life choice without hesitation if you haven’t mathed it up already a set of these wheels will run you about $6,000 and that’s if you don’t do any customization to them and for that price why not just go a little bit deeper and add a little on to get the perfect fit and finish so there it is that is drag pack 101 plus a few buying options to get the part already started now I really didn’t include any Tire fitment in this video because that’s its own realm of black magic and Wizardry so we’re going to cover that in an upcoming video so make sure you hit that notification Bell to know when it’s posted if you guys enjoyed today’s video definitely let us know in the comments but what helps us even more is if you guys use the links in the description below but that’s all I’ve got for you guys today thank you guys so much we’ll see you guys next time peace oh [Music]

[williamsonw]

Gripping Success: The Power of Grip Socks in Your Workout Routine

Choosing the right socks for running is crucial for both performance and comfort. In the world of athletic footwear, options abound, from traditional white socks to specialized grip socks designed to enhance traction. Each type serves a unique purpose, catering to different preferences and needs of runners. In this blog post, we'll delve into the characteristics of running socks, grip socks, and white socks, helping you make an informed decision about which ones are best suited for your running endeavors.

Running Socks:

Running socks are specifically engineered to provide comfort and support during intense physical activity. They are often made from moisture-wicking materials such as nylon, polyester, or merino wool, which help keep your feet dry and reduce the risk of blisters. Additionally, running socks are designed with cushioning in key areas to absorb impact and reduce friction, enhancing overall comfort and performance.

Grip Socks:

Grip socks, also known as traction socks or non-slip socks, are gaining popularity among runners for their ability to improve stability and traction. These socks feature specialized grip patterns on the sole, which help prevent slipping and sliding, especially when running on slippery or uneven surfaces. Grip socks are particularly beneficial for trail running, cross-training, and indoor workouts where traction is essential for optimal performance and safety.

White Socks:

White socks have long been a staple in athletic wardrobes, favored for their classic look and versatility. While they may not offer the same technical features as running socks or grip socks, they are still a popular choice among runners for their comfort and breathability. White socks come in various styles and thicknesses, allowing runners to find the perfect pair that suits their preferences and training needs.

Conclusion:

Whether you're a seasoned marathoner or a casual jogger, choosing the right socks can significantly impact your running experience. From the moisture-wicking properties of running socks to the enhanced traction of grip socks and the timeless appeal of white socks, there's a variety of options to consider. By understanding the unique benefits of each type of sock, you can ensure that your feet stay comfortable, supported, and ready to tackle any terrain. So, lace up your shoes, slip on your favorite pair of socks, and hit the road with confidence!

[nikeunofficialblog]

NIKE AIR ZOOM PEGASUS 39 REVIEW

Every summer, we look forward to what Nike has got to offer in the Pegasus series, an iconic neutral daily trainer. Surprisingly, never before have I seen Nike launching something globally and retail stores in India at the same time. I was quick to pick up the Pegasus 39 from a retail outlet in Mumbai, for review purposes. The first in the series I picked was Pegasus 35, which featured a full-length air zoom pocket, and Flywire, and there was no reason to hate it. Did anyone say over-plush tongue? Damn! I loved it, through the 1500+KMs mileage, I had put in them.

The next in line, Pegasus 36 didn't feature any significant updates, since Nike believes in providing major updates once in two years. I tried the Pegasus 37, but the fit didn’t work well personally, Pegasus 38 was also a disappointment. Both the previous editions had a wider toe box which doesn’t work well for me.

Pegasus has always been known for its cushy and responsive ride and is the best-selling shoe for many other reasons, so Nike wouldn’t shy away from correcting a few elements to offer a better overall ride.

The Pegasus 39 was due for significant updates and the changes are quite visible right out of the box. I was well prepared to unbox just another heavy daily trainer and that's exactly where the surprise began. Contrary to what happened in the recent past with the Pegasus line finally, it is refreshing to see 39 follow a diet and shred some weight.

Fit & Comfort

You can’t go wrong in the fit and comfort element of the best-selling running shoe. Out of the box, I was amazed at the lightness of the shoe. Recent editions of Pegasus have been gaining weight, and that changes with the Pegasus 39, marginally! It is still heavy but is now the lightest in the series. I would have ignored weight, if I had not reviewed its competition, the Skechers Gorun Ride 9 recently.

Putting them on didn’t feel easy though, but that doesn’t matter. All that matters is the fit and comfort during the run and it’s not that bad. Thanks to flywire, the lockdown of the midfoot is the best among competition. There’s good arch support. The toe box is roomy enough for a narrow feet runner like me but is flexible for wide feet runners. The upper looks breathable, however it still runs warm. This is largely due to an additional sleeve in the upper, mildly padded tongue and plushly padded heel.

Stability

The Pegasus 39 is a neutral trainer out of the box, but it does offer a stable ride thanks to the apt midfoot lock , firm ride and grippier outsole. On the muddy track run, cornering was not at a problem. There isn’t any other stability element.

Durability

Pegasus is one of the durable trainers out there. It’s not just about the outsole, but the overall element and structure. The react foam is the most durable one out there. The outsole formula has remained constant and there’s nothing wrong with keeping what works. Though the rubber doesn’t completely cover the midsole, it is tough and deep enough to comfortably stride through wet patches, puddles and some off roads. The only time I struggled was when slippery mud patches on the roads because of rains, but that is more technical.

For the majority, this is worth keeping at the top in terms of durability. If I was a one-shoe person, I would train for about 1000KMs on these.

PROS

Snappy ride Lighter than previous editions Smooth and responsive ride Durable midsole and outsole Excellent traction on wet surfaces

CONS

Runs a bit narrow Feels warm Quality control issues with finish

[topprocare]

The Best Trail Running Shoes to Help You Tackle Trickier Terrains

Fed of pounding the pavements or fancy testing your technical abilities? The best trail running shoes, suitable pair of trails running can provide the necessary underfoot support for exploring woodlands, hills, mountains, coastlines, and beyond. Say farewell to urban running and embrace the invigorating outdoor air.

The mental and physical benefits of trail running are remarkable as well. Research indicates that venturing off the conventional paths can lower anxiety, decrease the risk of injury, and engage a broader range of muscle groups.

Even elite distance runners, including those from Ethiopia and Kenya, predominantly log their miles off-road. Many of them opt for concrete running only once a week. Whether you’re preparing for a road marathon or not, regularly hitting the trails offers numerous advantages.

Read More: The Best Trail Running Shoes to Help You Tackle Trickier... (topprocare.com)

[fitjourneydaily]

Unlock Your Inner Adventurer: Exploring Trail Running and Off-Road Adventures

In a world steeped in technology and urban landscapes, trail running and off-road adventures offer a refreshing break from the ordinary. These adrenaline-pumping activities allow us to connect with nature, challenge ourselves, and explore stunning terrains that leave us in awe. Whether you're a seasoned runner or a novice seeking a new thrill, trail running and off-road adventures are perfect for embracing endurance tracks and natural terrains. In this article, we will delve into the world of trail running and off-road adventures, discussing their benefits, essential gears, training tips, and the best locations to explore. Benefits of Trail Running and Off-Road Adventures: 1. Breath-taking Natural Terrains: Trail running and off-road adventures take us away from mundane roads and onto picturesque paths through mountains, forests, and remote landscapes. This connection with nature has a profound impact on our mental and emotional well-being. The tranquility and beauty of natural terrains provide a sense of escapism, enabling us to rejuvenate our spirits. 2. Enhanced Physical Fitness: Trail running engages different muscle groups due to the uneven terrain. The constantly changing surface forces your body to adapt, leading to increased strength, agility, and overall fitness. The elevation changes and technical obstacles encountered during off-road adventures provide an excellent cardiovascular workout, improving endurance levels and lung capacity. 3. Mental Stamina Building: Endurance tracks demand mental resilience and determination. Trail running and off-road adventures require strategic decision-making, quick reflexes, and adaptability to varying terrains. Conquering challenging terrains and enduring long distances builds mental stamina, boosting self-confidence and fostering personal growth. Essential Gear for Trail Running and Off-Road Adventures: 1. High-Quality Trail Running Shoes: Investing in a sturdy pair of trail running shoes is crucial to ensure stability and protection on uneven terrains. Look for footwear that offers sufficient grip, cushioning, and ankle support. The right shoes can prevent slips, reduce the risk of injuries, and enhance overall performance. 2. Hydration System: Staying hydrated during trail running and off-road adventures is essential, especially when tackling endurance tracks. Consider using a hydration pack or belt with easy access to water bottles or a hydration bladder to ensure you maintain optimum hydration levels throughout your adventure. 3. Protective Clothing: Shield yourself from the elements and potential hazards by wearing appropriate clothing. Opt for moisture-wicking and breathable fabrics that provide comfort and protection. Don't forget to wear a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen to shield yourself from the sun's rays when exploring natural terrains. 4. Navigation Tools: When venturing into unfamiliar terrains, having reliable navigation tools is indispensable. Carry a compass, trail maps, or GPS devices to stay on course and ensure a safe and enjoyable experience. Training Tips for Trail Running and Off-Road Adventures: 1. Gradual Progression: If you're new to trail running or off-road adventures, start with shorter and less technical trails, gradually increasing the distance and difficulty level. This approach allows your body to adapt to the demands of the terrain, reducing the risk of injuries. 2. Strength and Flexibility Training: To excel in trail running and off-road adventures, incorporate strength training exercises that target your lower body muscles, core, and upper body. Additionally, focus on flexibility exercises such as yoga or dynamic stretches to improve your agility and prevent muscle strains. 3. Practice Uphill and Downhill Techniques: Trails often include challenging uphill climbs and steep descents. Learn proper uphill and downhill techniques, including adjusting your posture, varying your stride length, and engaging your core for stability. Developing these skills will improve your efficiency and reduce fatigue. 4. Cross-Training: Supplement your trail running or off-road adventure training with cross-training activities like cycling, swimming, or hiking. This diversification helps prevent overuse injuries, improves your overall fitness, and keeps workouts fresh and exciting. Best Locations for Trail Running and Off-Road Adventures: 1. The Dolomites, Italy: Renowned for its awe-inspiring landscapes and rugged trails, the Dolomites offer a paradise for trail runners and off-road adventurers. From gentle hikes to challenging ascents, there's something for every level of expertise. 2. Moab, Utah, USA: Moab is a desert playground for outdoor enthusiasts. Its unparalleled red rock formations and extensive trail networks provide endless opportunities for trail running and off-road adventures, such as exploring the famous Slickrock Trail or running along the White Rim Road. 3. Chamonix-Mont-Blanc, France: Nestled amidst the breathtaking French Alps, Chamonix-Mont-Blanc is a haven for both trail runners and alpine enthusiasts. Magnificent trails wind through glacial valleys, offering stunning views of snow-capped peaks and serene alpine lakes. 4. Cape Town, South Africa: Surrounded by stunning natural beauty, Cape Town boasts a variety of trail running routes that cater to all fitness levels. Whether you choose to run along the famous Table Mountain trails or explore the coastal cliffs of Cape Point, you'll be captivated by the diverse landscapes. Tags: 1. Trail Running 2. Off-Road Adventures 3. Endurance Tracks 4. Natural Terrains Conclusion: Trail running and off-road adventures provide an exhilarating escape from the daily grind, allowing us to immerse ourselves in the beauty of natural terrains and explore our boundaries. By embracing endurance tracks and stepping out of our comfort zones, we can experience the physical and mental benefits that these activities offer. Remember to equip yourself with the essential gear, adhere to proper training techniques, and discover incredible locations globally that offer unforgettable trail running and off-road adventures. So lace up your shoes, embark on new journeys, and unlock the adventurer within you Revitalize your diet with Puravive's Superfood Blend. Packed with essential nutrients, our blend is the perfect addition to your daily meals, supporting your diet and overall health. Experience the power of superfoods with Puravive. Check out the Puravive Superfood Blend Product Page. Read the full article

[kicksaddictny]

HOKA x SATISFY Clifton LS

HOKA is proud to introduce its latest partnership with SATISFY®, the Paris-based performance brand on a mission to help runners ‘Unlock the High.’ Together, both brands have developed a new, collaborative version of the iconic HOKA Clifton LS, the Clifton LS SATISFY®.  A testament to both brand’s commitment to uncompromised performance, seamlessly integrating the HOKA® brand’s trusted functionality with SATISFY®'s performance design.

SATISFY® lives where technical equipment meets luxury – providing both brands an opportunity to expand audiences beyond their own across this new, co-created style. The Clifton LS SATISFY® boasts a custom engineered mesh design inspired by topographic maps, ensuring optimal breathability and a distinct look tailored for the discerning runner.

While its design exudes style, at its core, the Clifton LS SATISFY® is all about performance. It’s built to support natural running mechanics and ensures responsiveness, whether on road or trail. Key features include the co-branded upper and insole, asymmetrical engineered base mesh, translucent hotmelt print, double heel webbing pull, woven tongue webbing, speed lace system, and a custom crag box. It also features a reflective molded toe cap as an update for visibility when running at night, and its double heel pull feature is a nod to the double heel pulls featured on climbing shoes. The shoe’s durability is further enhanced by its Durabrasion Rubber outsole, prepared to tackle any terrain with ease.  

“The HOKA® partnership with Satisfy has allowed both of our design teams to come together and push the boundaries of performance and lifestyle, through a one-of-a-kind take on the Clifton LS. Satisfy, to us, represents a key partner at the forefront of shaping where the future of running culture is headed, and we’re excited to see where this meaningful unification of our brands goes next,” said Travis Wiseman, Director of Lifestyle Footwear at HOKA®. 

“Starting my running journey with the Clifton 3, it’s been a full-circle experience collaborating with HOKA® on the Clifton LS. We’ve taken a performance-driven approach, combining HOKA®’s technical expertise with Satisfy’s minimalist design philosophy. Together, we’ve crafted a unique take on this HOKA® icon, merging trail and road running aesthetics to perfectly align with today’s running culture. It’s exciting to be able to work with a brand like HOKA®, jointly shaping the future of running.” said Brice Partouche, Founder and Creative Director of SATISFY®

HOKA® and SATISFY®  will bring this partnership to life by merging elements of running, trail, and skateboard culture for a one-of-a-kind community experience, captured through both still and moving imagery. The campaign was centered around an event called the SATISFY® HOKA Hill Bomb that took place in San Francisco, known for its incredibly steep roads. On November 16th, HOKA® will execute a similar event in Paris. 

Available for an MSRP of $225, the HOKA x Satisfy Clifton LS is available for purchase today at SatisfyRunning.com and tomorrow, November 17th at HOKA.com and authorized HOKA® dealers worldwide.

[samanthaus1]

We have been offering the best assistance to our customers so that they can perform RR email setup in the best of the ways. If you are looking to setup in this email, then don’t wait and call at road runner phone numbers now.

[calciopics]

Alexandra Popp’s warmup woes rob her of fairytale finish with Germany

Injury shortly before kick-off denied the tournament’s best finisher the ending she had craved for an entire career

While England danced along to “Don’t stop me now”, Alexandra Popp made a long and lonely walk along the touchline to the pocket of Germany fans in Wembley’s north-west corner. She had been stopped before she had even begun. Two or three of the travelling support were able to catch the pieces of kit she tossed up: a water bottle, a bag, perhaps a spare shirt.

Popp lobbed up several gifts although, true to form, there was not a towel in sight. She has never thrown that in and it is why, even in an arena pulsating with the glory of one of its most famous nights, everybody might have spared a thought for the tournament’s best striker.

In the end Germany will feel that, sometimes, fate and fortune are simply not on your side. They have tended to expertly steer clear of such a conclusion, whether at this level or any other, down the years but thoughts will inevitably turn to the cruellest of pre-match twists.

This had been Popp’s summer: she had been its best striker and, after she had overcome a succession of cruelly timed injuries to perform with an enthralling vigour and panache, a fairytale writer with little regard for host‑nation headiness would have offered the ending she had craved for an entire career.

Instead she cut a distraught figure after pulling out with a muscle injury in the warmup and there was an impression, even before a ball had been kicked, that Germany’s narrative had run out of road. Perhaps, if those away fans had collectively closed their eyes and wished hard enough, the match might have run to penalties and Popp, dragging herself off the bench, might have slotted in the winner. But reality painted a less romantic picture, even though Martina Voss‑Tecklenburg will feel her team were by no means inferior on the night.

At an earlier point in the post‑match euphoria, Sarina Wiegman’s players were belting out Sweet Caroline in a long line facing the seats occupied by their friends and family. Halfway down the other end of the pitch, their beaten opponents leaned in to a huddle. Voss-Tecklenburg, the coach whose calm authority shone through in this tournament, stood at its centre and for a moment her players straightened up.

Germany had slumped to the floor as one upon the full-time whistle as if drowned by the tide of white-and-red emotion around them. Defeat in a European Championship final would hurt anyone; here the pain came with an extra sting. No German side had fallen short after getting this far, and then there was the fact they had done so in such a storied fixture.

Soon enough there was cause to walk taller. The loud ovation Germany received upon collecting their runners-up medals spoke beautifully of the good-natured spirit in which this entire competition has been contested but it also told a further truth. This is an outstanding side that stretched England to the limit in a tense, taut, nervy and sometimes tetchy final, dictating much of the game and not deserving to lose. For the home side, joy was heightened by the knowledge victories come no more hard-earned than this.

Popp’s absence was telling at times, particularly when Germany failed to capitalise on a succession of inviting positions before Lina Magull’s smart leveller. There was a moment when Giulia Gwinn, their superb right-back, marauded into the area and arrowed a waist‑high cross that evaded Sydney Lohmann; it took little effort to imagine Popp flinging herself gladiatorially at the ball and making sure.

There had also been cruel luck in the continued absence of Klara Bühl, the flying winger out with Covid-19, and at times it was not hard to wonder what their first‑choice attack might have achieved when the screw was turned. The substitute Nicole Anyomi – tall, strong, quick and technically excellent with it – made a difference, though, and nobody would seriously suggest this squad is anything but deep in ability.

Those absences might make German hearts look back more fondly but, on the pitch, this game was decided by two moments when things went askew. Ella Toone’s opener was sublimely taken but followed a long stoppage for injuries to Marina Hegering and Beth Mead, England reacting the quicker.

The winner by Chloe Kelly, who may not have had the chance to seize on confusion at a corner if the commanding Hegering had not been substituted halfway through extra time, came shortly after a curious sequence in which the keeper Merle Frohms sidefooted away a speculative shot from Toone. In these small episodes, the focus and application that marked an otherwise super‑assured performance appeared to waver. Most teams would let you get away with it; England are not most teams.

So Germany lick their wounds, but anyone zooming out will consider how important their sweat and tears were to the success of this occasion. A record crowd, a booming television viewership and a captive audience of new fans needed to see an event of this intensity: a physical, technical tussle played at a rattling pace by two heavyweights who both showed up on the night.

It takes a pair of marvellous football teams to make a final truly worth winning. Popp, for one, may take some convincing of such consolation but Germany contributed thrillingly to the sense women’s football will only soar in one direction from here.

Nick Ames (The Guardian)

[lokiondisneyplus]

Loki is the latest Marvel Studios TV series in the long-running franchise and it’s currently ongoing with five episodes so far available to stream on Disney+ Hotstar Malaysia. For previous breakdowns of Loki episodes, check out Episode 1 here, Episode 2 here, Episode 3 here, Episode 4 here and Episode 5 here.

If you want a non-spoiler guide to Loki, you can head on over here.

Courtesy of Disney+ Hotstar Malaysia, we were lucky enough to be the only Malaysian media to participate in a roundtable interview with Loki Costume Designer Christine Wada and Loki Production Designer Kasra Farahani.

This interview with Loki Production Designer Kasra Farahani has been edited for clarity.

Keep in mind that we’ll be discussing some elements from all five episodes of Loki so far, so there will be spoilers below:

Q: You’ve previously worked on Black Panther and other MCU movies. How different was the experience of working on a TV set instead of a movie’s? Were there limitations?

Yes, I’ve worked on several Marvel projects. For me, this is the most fun one, maybe because I’m in a different position than I was on the other ones. But also, just because this project is unique in a couple of ways.

Number one; it’s literally in its own timeline from the rest of the MCU. It’s separate from the stories we’ve all enjoyed and seen in the MCU so far. The other thing that this one has that’s really great is the amount of visual and narrative variety. We have this kind of base in the TVA that we spend a lot of time in but also we have all these exciting different places in the world that the story takes us to. These were great worlds to design and to imagine.

In our case, there was no difference. The thing about the Marvel series is that it’s pretty much like Marvel movies; in terms of their creative ambition, in terms of the way they’re scheduled, the fact that we have one director.

There was not much about it (Loki) that resembled an episodic project, except for the fact that it was six hours of content that we were trying to make, so it’s a very long project.

In terms of resources, I didn’t ever feel that we were unduly stretched. Always, when you get a creative brief like this, there’s always a period at the beginning of every project where you’re reconciling the creative brief and the resources that you have. That has been the case for every project that I’ve ever worked on regardless of the size. There’s this beginning phase where that’s the case and oftentimes, it’s in that process where you come up with some very great creative solutions that are a direct result of some of the limitations, actually.

Yeah, I wouldn’t say that we had some extraordinary limitations in this case (for Loki), but that’s generally true for all projects, in my experience.

Q: What were you inspired by when making designing the sets of the TVA with its retro-futuristic and anachronistic aesthetics?

In the source material, the TVA had a lot of different things going on, but one of the strong themes also was this armada of desks, which is kind of typical of a post-war era bureaucracy look. There was a grain of that in the source material but a lot of it also came from the show’s creator and writer, Michael Waldron, who described in the original document I read before interviewing for this job.

He described the TVA as a kind of mix of Mad Men meets Blade Runner. Part of these two strong visual references for us. On top of that, me and director Kate Herron, even before we met and spoken to each other, were inspired by Terry Gilliam’s Brazil also as a strong influence because of the anachronisms that that story had and also because of the clear presence of this strong monolithic bureaucracy, which is something that we have in the TVA also.

For the TVA, we were looking a lot at wanting to create a world that had a paradoxical feeling, being an imposing monolithic architectural space that has brutalist elements in them and had almost Soviet modernist elements to them. The colour palette and the materials and the whimsical patterning were much more like American style modernism.

The result was hopefully when you’re in an environment like this, you don’t know whether to feel terrified or invited. Hopefully, it creates that feeling in both the characters and the audience; this kind of cognitive dissonance in not knowing whether they can trust the TVA or not. That’s the narrative objective.

The writers came up with these ideas and the idea with that was to kind of create the bubble gum wrapper in the Renaissance era (Loki Episode 2) and the futuristic shovel in the early 20th-century farm field (Loki Episode 1). These ideas were placed there to create a trail of clues for the TVA to follow before they have clarity on Sylvie’s identity. But for the anachronisms generally, that was something we tried to do throughout the TVA to have all kinds of strange things from different timelines and different worlds popping up in terms of props, like the Infinity Stones in the mail cart and stuff like that.

Q: What was it like working with Tom Hiddleston, who is a producer on Loki?

It was very exciting to have this opportunity to take the character and his storyline in a different direction. It became all the more exciting when I read the scripts and I saw the type of journey they were going to take the character on.

Tom is a professor of Loki, basically. After all, ten years or so of playing the character; he knows it better than anybody and he has an in-depth understanding of the character and his backstory; the character’s family relationships and he was really helpful in giving a little talk to all the department heads about the background of his character, which was very informative.

Q: Recently, Loki series director Kate Herron said that 90 percent of production sets were physical. Does this include the world of The Void, and can you tell us more about how you brought it to life?

That’s true. That was what was unique about this show, because of my own design approach, and my goal in creating this large monolithic brutalist environment, I felt strongly that the sets needed to be built kinda wholly and that they needed to have the ceilings in-tact. This was also supported by Loki cinematographer Autumn, in that the way of her own style of photography is very wide and low-angled photography, which is why for both of our creative goals, it made a lot of sense to build these sets like completed and 360-degree environments.

For the TVA, that was almost always the case, with the exception of when you saw outside a window. With the Void (in Loki Episode 5), a lot of that was built practically as well. What I can tell you is that we build a large piece of this landscape on a soundstage, which was about 150 feet by 200 feet of undulating wilderness terrain. In that, we would bring in these different scenery elements on different days to make it feel like different places within the Void.

For example, one day there was the bus stop terrain where we meet Loki. One day it was the giant head. One day it was the drive-in movie theatre where we find Sylvie. All of these things were brought in and we shot there over the course of seven days. The terrain was designed in such a way that depending on what angle you shot, it felt like a very different place. Backgrounds were put in during post-production in visual effects. The Loki palace, where the Loki variants kind of hang out, the bowling alley, all of that was also a 360-degree built set as well.

Q: What was the most challenging set of the entire Loki series that you had to work on?

We had a lot of very ambitious sets but I think the city of Sharoo at the end of Loki Episode 3: Lamentis was a very technical set. The goal was to create this virtual one-in, that appears as a single shot. This was a very involved and elaborate process of choreography, basically.

All the different departments were involved to make this happen because as we watch the sequence, we see tons of actors running around, there are explosions happening, the camera’s panning up to see the planet above crumbling and asteroids pelting the surface.

There was a lot of planning that went through at the very beginning. We brought the paper models of this to Autumn, our cinematographer and creative director, to use to plan some of their shots. One day, we had some more information that fed back to the art department where we developed more involved and elaborate drawings and models which again, fed back to them. In this way, we had kind of an iterative conversation to arrive at what the design was.

So, as we start to build the set, many of the department heads came to visit and check the progress. We rehearsed what the shot was going to be, so we could exactly fine-tune the set to meet the needs of this shot and see where the edits needed to be. In order to do this, we needed to adjust the exact width of the roads or move a piece of scenery here and then figure out exactly, okay, there’s going to be an explosion coming out of the ground here and another explosion coming out of the building here and this is when the camera looks up to the sky and sees the planet explode. This is where the window breaks and this is where the guy jumps out and grabs him and there’s a fight.

There are many, many people involved; Monique Garderton, our stunt coordinator, Kate Herron, the director, and also the special effects team, and of course, visual effects, deeply involved, and Richard Graves, who is kind of our AD (Assistant Director), the circus leader of all of it, organizing everybody to kind of work on this thing altogether. It’s the sort of thing that involves so many different departments that it can only really be discovered when working in a big group together.

I would say that was maybe the most challenging technically because there were so many logistical parameters and so many moving parts.

Q: What are your thoughts on diversity in the production of the creative industry?

I think that it is critically important. As somebody who is myself an immigrant, I was born in Iran and my family moved here when I was quite young. I’m super happy to see the direction that the industry is going in. I think Marvel has been particularly excellent in providing leadership in this way and I honestly have to give a lot of credit to Kate Herron, our director.

Almost more than any other project I’ve been on, she prioritised inclusivity and diversity. I mean, lots of people, don’t get me wrong, it’s on every project and on everyone’s mind, but I think Kate went above and beyond because it’s so fundamental to her worldview and she’s such a sensitive soul in this way. One of the many ways in that it was such a joy to work with Kate and I’m very proud of the many different ethnicities we’re representing, and how many women we’ve had. In our art department, we had close to fifty men and women.

It’s important and leads to better creative results that are more fully realized and more representative of what the fans really want.

[meaningofmotorsport]

Italian Grand Prix Review

One thing that is certain, is that whether you like the Sprint format or not, it somehow gives us some chaotic and bonkers racing on the Sunday. I can’t wait to see what Brazil could give us for their Sprint weekend!

Incredibly, the biggest moment of the race was probably not the eventual winners, but instead the traditional Sprint weekend crash between Lewis and Max! I hope this one won’t be as controversial as at Silverstone, simply because both cars were out, and it was more of a racing incident in my view. Before I delve further into my thoughts on it, we have to be thankful for the halo, as it almost certainly saved Hamilton’s life, in what was already quite a scary crash.

As mentioned, I see it as a racing incident, however I wouldn’t call it a stupid decision to penalise Max, as he was being rather bold in his move, and it would have been difficult to get through there cleanly. The reason I think there should have been no penalty, is that Lewis was rather indecisive in his defence, he didn’t completely block off the move from Max, like what happened on Lap 1 when the roles were reversed. This meant that there was a clear opening for Max to try and fit into, which then closed up at the apex of Turn 2, causing the incident.

Do I think that the circumstances leading up to the crash may have clouded Max’s judgement? Probably, simply because he is human, and when things go against you, it can cause you to drive differently. So, without that, he may have been more cautious. It was also good to see Red Bull and Max being more sensible in their reaction to this incident compared to Silverstone, possibly because they knew they had a bigger part to play in this one.

What a day for McLaren, and for Ricciardo! To be honest, I don’t think the crash for the title leaders changed the outcome of the race much! They were both unable to pass the McLarens in the first stint, so that could have continued for the rest of the race! It was the start and 1st lap that was crucial, as Ricciardo got past Verstappen, and could control the race from there. Their pace was not better than Mercedes and Red Bull, but it was still better than we have seen all year so far. The strategy was also on point, as they were able to react to Red Bull wanting to pit Max, to make sure they didn’t get the undercut. Which meant that even if Red Bull had nailed the stop, they would probably have come out behind Daniel.

No one should be disappointed with the result, as everyone wanted to see Ricciardo back to winning ways, and see him return to his old self! He is such a character in the paddock, as well as being an absolutely talented driver, and we all missed the shoey! With momentum on his side, it could be a great end to the year for the team! You do have to feel for Norris a bit, as he may have been faster in the race, and given he has carried the team for most of the year, he may have felt he deserved to win first. Nevertheless, he drove perfectly too, and was rightfully pleased with how it all turned out!

What is it with drivers being fired from teams, and then performing really well! First, we see Giovinazzi finding pace in the Alfa out of nowhere, and now Bottas has had one of his best weekends ever in the sport! It may just be that the pressure is off now, and so Valtteri can just relax and drive as he wants to. We just haven’t seen him pass cars that well whilst at Mercedes before yesterday. Perez too did as much as he could really, to finish on the road behind the McLaren’s. He should have given the place back to Leclerc, although if the FIA didn’t tell them to give it back, it is a bit of a harsh penalty!

Given their power deficits, 4th and 6th is pretty good going for the home team of Ferrari. Yes, luck played its part, but they were able to stay with the front runners in the 2nd stint. Leclerc defending from Norris was a bit iffy, as he was just in the middle of the road and forced Lando onto the grass. Looking ahead, the battle isn’t over with McLaren, despite them scoring big today!

Stroll and Alonso fought their way up to finish 6th and 7th respectively, with Stroll being rather aggressive with his teammate in the first few laps. Given that the low rake concept really helped Mercedes with weekend, we may have expected more from Aston Martin, who also have their engine too. That incident with Stroll really ruined Vettel’s race, as he couldn’t make up positions from there.

Williams really is making their way into the midfield fight now, as Russell bags some more points, and both cars were fighting the Alpine’s and Aston Martin’s all day. Granted their pace may have been slightly slower, and they were holding some of them up, but the improvements are massive at the moment. Ocon made a silly mistake whilst battling with Vettel, in pushing him off the track, which cost him any chance of points, as he got a penalty for it.

Giovinazzi lost any hope of points on Lap 1, when he simply drove across the front of Sainz exiting the 2nd chicane. Carlos had the right to pull alongside him, as he had the momentum, and Antonio just didn’t see him. Kubica did well again, given he is just filling in for Kimi. The Haas’ crashed into each other again, as Mazepin spun Schumacher, which I am sure will only help inter team relations! It was worse for AlphaTauri, as Tsunoda couldn’t start the race, due to a technical issue, whilst the team couldn’t set the suspension up correctly for Gasly after his crash in the Sprint!

Finally, I have talked about their crash, but up until then, the race was going very differently for the 2 title contenders. In my opinion, Max didn’t lose the race in the crash, or the pit stop, it was the race start instead, as he just didn’t have the straight line speed to get past the McLaren’s after that. They tried to do the undercut, but McLaren were wise to it, and their mistake in the pits was human error, to do with the new FIA regulations around it. Hamilton on the other hand, by starting on the hard’s, had set himself up very well for the 2nd half of the race. He was able to eventually pass Norris, and with a clean pit stop, could have beat out Lando, and pressured those in front!

On a track where Mercedes looked so strong, it may be a net win for Max to lose nothing in the championship to him, but it could have been so better for Red Bull if Sunday had gone smoothly! With his penalty, expect Max to take his engine penalties too at Russia, where Mercedes is strong too, which will be prime opportunity for Hamilton to close the lead and possibly overtake Max again for the title lead!

-M

Thank you very much for reading this article! To keep up to date with when they go out, and to see my reactions to races and other news, follow me on Twitter at: https://twitter.com/MeaningofMotor1

Also, if you want to support me, I have a Patreon Page at: https://www.patreon.com/meaningofmotorsport

[kairoswrites]

The Secret Hunters, Royal Guard, and More

The (incomplete, roughly) original character cast from my FFXV/Harry Potter crossover series we were faster on our feet, as of the fourth fic “time to change the road we’re on”; Dave and Monica are the only canon characters of this lot.

The Secret Hunters/Lucian Vanguard (In Order Of Oath-Swearing/Age):

David "Dave" Auburnbrie, head and coordinator of the Secret Hunters Finn, the second to have been sworn to Harry, second-oldest but not second-most-mature, orphan turned street kid who knows Ravatogh inside and out, gender neutral/never mentioned pronouns; accomplished arsonist Aggie, leader of the outbound scouts, Knife Nut, knows the wilderness of Cleigne like the back of her hand, same age as Dave and Finn; message courier and supply runner Edward and Alphonse Elric, blond and amber-eyed, mixed heritage (mother from Niflheim, father from Lucis), refugees from Niflheim, shout-outs to FMA: Brotherhood; contact for cells in Duscae Marnie, who is very light on her feet, trickster, Loves To Garden (Has Semi-Green Thumb), masqueraded the most as Cor when Operation: Leonis Eternal was going on; thief, spy, and saboteur Sonora Reluceo, silver-tongued and clever, dry wit, great with paperwork but even better as a mediator and haggler Odin Durus, relocated from abusive home, came from same orphanage as Peter, partnered with Quintus; loves the beach, the more outspoken of the pair; contact for cells in Leide Peter Sollers, relocated from abusive home, came from same orphanage as Odin; pretty quiet, keeps to himself a lot, great friends and partners with Ken; Cleigne support Quintus Vallis, fifth son of a house of eight children, partnered with Odin; extremely good at blending into crowds and combing the rumor-mill for information; contact for cells in Leide Judie Dyer, daughter of dead Hunters, sister of Ken, the rare well-adjusted orphan/courier/rebel/Secret Hunter; message courier and supply runner Ken Dyer, son of dead Hunters, brother of Judie, great friends and partners with Peter; has a soft spot for the younger children of the Granica House, learning to knit from Harry; Cleigne support Florence Campbell, orphan from outer Duscae who traveled all the way to the Granica House, Picky As A Cat; message courier and supply runner 

The Royal Guard

Captain Astraea Nimbus, Referred To Only By Last Name, head of Harry's immediate Royal Guard detail; veteran of the Great War, hyper-competent, barrier queen, call sign Nimbus-1 1st Lt. Simon Otto, Lestallum accent, cheerful, the warmth to Nimbus's dour seriousness, hell on wheels (crazy driver) and squad medic, call sign Nimbus-2 2nd Lt. Griffon Aubelle, stern with an iron backbone, extremely talented but quietly competent, squad sniper and ordinance expert, call sign Nimbus-3 Warrant Officer Kabira Fores, quiet wit, looks to utilize least effort for maximum gain, squad mage and magical powerhouse, call sign Nimbus-4 Warrant Officer Monica Elshett, newest addition to Nimbus Squad, transferred from Crownsguard and still works as liaison, precision magic control rivaling Lucis Caelum talent, squad administrative and intel expert, call sign Nimbus-5

Technically, Astraea Nimbus should be a Major instead of a Captain as she's the head of HRH Harry's entire security detail at the moment, but the Royal Guard bends a lot of rules with their canonical five-person squadron. So, HRH Harry would be considered the Colonel of his own guard regiment (of rotating Royal Guard Squadrons; he only has the one because Regis didn't want to overwhelm him), while HM Regis would be Colonel-in-Chief of the Household Division.

Miscellaneous

Auntie Mae, She Who Rules Cleigne, unofficial official godmother of Ravatogh, quite possibly Minerva McGonagall Ardor Scientia, Ignis Scientia’s uncle, who served as part of Regis Lucis Caelum’s Retinue before he was reassigned Titania Highwind, the mother of our favorite canon mercenary

[bigruntheory]

            “To everything I’ve ever lost, thank you for setting me free.” 

This event happened in Tony William's backyard, Mount Victoria, NSW. Fri 27- Sun 29 November 2020.

This report will swing from serious to joking, but will at all times be genuine with the best intentions; you will just have to try your best to navigate the subtle or dramatic changes for yourself,  bearing that in mind. 

This report is a true (made up on the spot then heavily edited) account of events I experienced within the beating heart of endurance running, the true spiritual home of ultra, the best concept to emerge in running since putting one foot in front of the other:  A Last One Standing Endurance Race. (LOSER)

The Blue Goat Backyard LOSER is a little shorter than the official distance of 6.7 something kms, at just 5.23km a lap, but what it falls short of in distance, it more than makes up for in rugged, uneven, highly technical terrain-  which pretty much makes it Australia’s toughest LOS event. 

Whatever its comparable status, agreed or not, or however you approach it personally, it’s definitely an authentically challenging, scenic course, held within a supportive, fun, party atmosphere: 

 The buzz at the Blue Goat & Fatboy Slim’s Big Beach Boutique II - 

         equally awesome & hazy in my mind- and I was at both. 

These LOS events will work for anyone who enjoys to run.  The Blue Goat Backyard will work for anyone who enjoys to run challenging trails.  And if you don’t like running or trails or a challenge, then they will suit anyone who likes to party while other people do.  So they’re great events for everyone. 

The LOS format will especially suit you if you are on a path to self-discovery, self-transcendence or to just see how far you can personally go and run for, in one go.  You might be surprised to find that in just turning up to have a go, you discover new things about running, runners & yourself.  

 LOS event vibes & hubs will differ somewhat in style, and you can expect them to be as diverse and unique as their hosts-  they should all provide a brilliant gateway for some amazing personal journeys in running & in life.  This one delivered. 

The LOS format, and specifically the way that AAA racing & BMF organise events, means ANYONE of any ability, can come and enjoy the experience of their running lifetime, seeing how far they can go, or set a target of laps or distance and create a PB in a unique, supportive, safe and fun setting.  

When I say party and fun, I mean it. They had the most amazing Britpop and other timeless classics (Creedence/Stones/Beatle’s) blasting out the speaker all day and night; there was also a Robbie Williams song in there.....

Training and attitude will only take you so far- a lairy shirt must do the rest. 

In spite of the bushfires & the pandemic, this event still happened, as seen & predicted by me, which in part is why I felt so deeply that I had to be there. You can’t escape your destiny, really, so you had better make it double awesome when it arrives. 

After last years event ,which slipped under my radar for some reason, Tony’s backyard pretty much got burned to the ground in bushfires which massively damaged the whole Blue Mountains & Hawkesbury areas. There were also floods, which actually helped stop some of the fires but which bought their own destruction. This all happened during the end of 2019 and early 2020, after which everything went tits up, particularly for gyms, trainers & organised racing- due to the reaction to the COVID 19 bullshit pandemic.

                Fun on one of the Blue Goat Bees, earlier in the year.  

Getting involved behind the scene for this years event was great fun.  Seeing it transform gradually until the race day was awesome, it went from burnt sticks, charcoal and indistinguishable trails to looking like a nature trail again by race day.  It still has a way to go, but it’ll get there; it’s still a beautiful course which i parts feels like you are in the Grand Canyon at Blackheath, or the Grose valley, which are only just down the road.  

If I’m correct, I don’t think anyone really thought this event was gonna be on, due to the COVID, but I had no doubt at all… . I knew I had to be there helping out and I knew I had to be there on that starting line and knew I was definitely going there to be the last one standing.  This is not to say that it was time to put my feet up and just waltz in there like it was easy and in the bag - far from it.   I trained hard. Really hard. 

So call me mystic Steve if you like, but months prior to the event I bought a ticket and started manifesting, which is a pretty simple & powerful practice, not to be underestimated at all….it’s very much like goal setting to be honest, except there is a spiritual dimension and much that you can’t explain or prove scientifically.  It works very well with the art of training your body mind & spirit for tough challenges and healing, too, which really go hand in hand. You basically write your story then walk into it. 

                                                                             Law of attraction/ manifestation. 

This write up will cover some matters of running & strategy but mostly matters of the mind, heart & spirit. I present this to the world in genuine gratitude for the experience and I hope that it inspires others to be on that starting corral of an LOS event, wherever that may be, whatever your age, ability or experience.  

                                        How does it all work, this LOS?

Every hour on the hour, you have to be ready in the starting corral to go and run your lap, then back in time to do whatever you need to do-put your feet up, go to the loo, refuel or maybe have a banana & dance like no one is watching you- or in my case, like you are Bez from the Happy Mondays - whatever you do, however you roll, you have to be back in the staring corral to go do just one more lap, again.  It’s really as simple as that. One loop, one hour, make of it what you will and what you can; bring out your soul & enjoy!

  Should you do just one lap, you might find yourself in the position of saying, well why not see if I can do just one more? And so it goes…

These events are happening now, they are quite new & fresh and trust me, they will stand the test of time, because as I keep saying, there’s nothing conceptually better than the Last One Standing Format - it really is the Rock n Roll of endurance running & every event that happens has been a living testimony to that in one way or another.  

Even during a global pandemic, nothing could hold the LOS back; in fact it just got stronger & rose to another level.   While other events we imploding, postponing, being moved virtually and seeing reductions in numbers and interest, the annual Big Dog’s Backyard Ultra, usually in Tennessee,  went ahead, on a satellite basis, across the world, live on the internet, and made history with record breaking performances & a once in a lifetime twist to the team dynamic; a twist so good, and a global audience buzz so great, that even the satellite event format will definitely go forward in some form or other into 2021 and beyond…..so many benefits to keeping things local and compet8ing more widely.....

      The Australian Team sporting their AURA gear ready to take on the world.

Each country put a team together, which lifted the LOS format into another dimension. Instead of competing against your own team mates & globally in Tennessee, each country had their own teams on their own loops, competing against other teams. So in effect, this bought teams together and made the connection between the assist & the Last One Standing less of a battle of breaking the other down and more of a battle of building the other up, supporting them and remaining strong for the team.  How good is that to see in  competitive endurance running!?

                  Clint Eastwood, still cool after all these years.

I fell in love with the LOS format when I watched the Clint Eastwood Last One Standing, hosted by AAA Racing in Oxley Park Queensland and it was great to watch many of the same familiar faces, with the same party atmosphere, running together and taking on the world at the World Champs.  Massive, genuine kudos to the whole team from the Clint Eastwood  & The Big Dog satellite event, all runners and behind the scenes – and Sam Penny needs special mention for the GoPro awesomeness, without which I may never have had that fly on the wall buzz of being at the event.

So, runners of all ages and abilities, whatever your goal, this is your opportunity to get up and at it & be part of something life-changing, challenging & massively fun, one short lap at a time.

Don’t go thinking you have to be superman, genetically gifted or even an ultrarunner or even a ‘runner’ Basically just ditch any thought or label that creates doubt or fear or holds you back and simply get up and go for it. You just need to be willing to turn up and have a go & enjoy the experience.

        ���Anyone can do anything”  Tony Williams, Blue Mountains Fitness.

So, there was this running race my running mates told me about & I can’t remember when I made the decision to be there but it was also around the time a running mate was talking about helping out building trails and tracks and I know this must sound vague and I’m probably getting my wires crossed but I somehow put these two ideas together & they gave birth to the idea that I needed to be at the Blue Goat Backyard. And that’s how it all began….

Thanks to Tony & Alun – the whole BMF & AAA Racing collective , Fabiano & Sean for being on hand to help and support and look after us through the night and day and Keith for the awesome photos- popping up all over the course to catch candid snaps- all the sponsors, too. T8 for the awesome shorts and underpants, Papadino’s for the Pizzas & the prize voucher even made peace with Tailwind and had a recoverite after the event.

Thanks to all the people I met and worked with on the several bees & for all the care, imagination & spirit that put energy into making this happen- the whole event- not just the LOS; all the work that goes into delivering a vision into reality, planting the seed & helping it grow.  

                            Hawkesbury Trail Runners

Massive shout out to the Hawkesbury Trail Runners!  So glad you all came to support the event you fell in love with last year before a period of tragedy hit the area and awesome to see you at the event (well, sort of -in the heat of the moment and the day, socialising was very short lived due to needing to cool down, fuel up and get back out;  and after the event, I puked up & conked out!) Managed to wave and mumble to a few of you and had a chat with regular run buddies Mike & Vicki.

You all did so well, especially in that fierce heat and I’m  quite fond of the memories of just blurting random stuff out in the zone- the Britpop running the event of your lifetime zone….

Congrats to Jackie and Claudio in their runs, had a brief chat with Jackie in the fierce heat....also to Matt & Jen from Plus Fitness running the marathon and half respectively on a tough course in tough conditions.

All any of us really need to do is turn up and make the most of it, and that’s exactly what everyone did; and that’s how a great event works, really, so let’s all do it again next year!  Mystic Steve predict big things happening in the Blue Goat Backyard for 2021…..!

Whilst I was busy running and didn’t get to join in the party for too long & during the later phases and the high heat was stumbling around like a bull in a china shop, it was huge fun singing, dancing &, running all night and day. The energy I drew from Britpop was out of this world!  I’ve never sung & danced at an Ultra or race before to my knowledge. It just got better with every lap!  

Massive thanks for all the runners I had a chitchat with and shared a song joke or story with, however mish mash it all was, it was great fun all night and day - and apologies for the audible fart and swearing- it was quite challenging keeping this under the radar at times.  

 Everyone who stepped up to that course was a winner whatever the goal, distance or outcome. Sorry if I missed you on the day, or if I didn't miss you but wasn't making much sense in the delirium of hot endurance. Here’s some awesome photos:

Rob heads up to the Corral.

It is said, when you blow this horn, Beer & Pizza arrives

The drone, sounds like a swarm of bees.

In all the excitement I forgot to get a t shirt. 

   Got some awesome car stickers though and part of a Goat’s skull. 

When I’m in the zone I often adopt a different persona and mindset-  I’m not the same often reserved introvert as when you see me under normal conditions; I guess the animated extroversion gets magnified , as you’d expect from anyone giving the performance of their life up on stage.  

There are moments of surrender, where I’m in total alignment with higher self, emitting my frequency with a genuine smile & peace into the world and that is where the practice creates the art.....

    Endurance running is all about finding your inner peace, well, sort of....

        I think Alun’s singing Tom Jones here- I’ve zoned out to Oasis classics

I missed the presentation- seems to be a trend of mine (happened after the Hounslow Double when, after accidentally busting in on the elite presentation, did I mention bull in china shop already? I went and nodded off in the car!) That was the inaugural year when Tony took out the first place in the Double by a long, long way.

After it was all over, I puked up then momentarily imploded and had a lie down.

                         Deep relaxation is really good for you.  

The medics gave me ice packs and aimed a big fan on me (was really nice to have a fan at one of my races, actually, i could get used to that) They took good care of me, so thank you for the care and the cups of tea and water I recall there were two of you and you were lovely.  I had a power snooze for a couple of minutes, which I think actually lasted a couple of hours, and I cooled down, which brought me back to life.

Before this, I fondly recall running up to the corral giving the goats a wave the final time and being greeted by everyone going wild.

                                                   Hello gorgeous.

I blurted out a speech, that I know would've made total sense to everyone if it actually left my lips the way it was written by my heart- the former not sure, the latter no doubts.  Basically gratitude, peace & love, keep going, never give up and things will get better- as in running so in life. ❤️

In spite of it being the hottest day of the year so far and genuinely a tough course we had a lot of laughs and fun moments in the middle of it all. Some of it is a Blur but most of it was Oasis and also notable tunes also from the Stone Roses, Muse, Radiohead, Prodigy, Rolling Stones, The Verve, Doves, Manics, REM and many many more

             Music is medicine & I’m so grateful to my musical brothers & sisters.

There were several different events happening at the same time during the heat and middle of the day and it became a little confusing at times with all the different energies going off around the hub, but once back into the peace & calm of focussing on the running every hour, everything made sense and came together. The music fired me up like a second wind every lap, I thought I was dreaming at one point, like I could not have scripted the day better if I’d have sat there and made up my own story about a perfect day out running around with Britpop classics in the background, because that’s exactly what it was like!  

Again, never underestimate the power of manifestation, positive thinking and the art of raising your vibration so that you attract good, positive people & experiences into your life.

I can’t wait to go to Queensland now and join in for an all weekend running party at the Clint Eastwood. I can see myself dancing and singing my way round that course al day and night and day and.....well, if they’ll let me in!

                           Correct, you also swear and sing a fair bit as well.

I’ve said it before I’ll keep saying it and you heard it from me first: There is nothing conceptually better in running than a Last One Standing Endurance Race. It’s the Rock n Roll of endurance running.  It’s raw, simple, pure & true and it happens in the now. It provides a stage for you to give the greatest performance of your life-  every present moment-  every hour, on the hour & all the minutes in between. It really gives you the opportunity to be loud & proud and really turn up, (not just to be fully in the present moment) your training and turn up your performance to the next level.

                                         Turn up, turn it up & BE LOUD!   

As in running so in life; God calls upon you to bring all that you are to the starting corral and step up into the very highest version of yourself. All your experiences, the culmination of physical mental & spiritual training, as you step into space, out past the music (of Britpop!) into the blinding lights, then the darkness & then the many winding turns that lead us to who knows where, because there is no finish, is no end….. the end is just the beginning, of another loop, another lap- another chance to shine.

                            Competitive mindset bypass. There is no finish, there is no competition, there is no advantage to being the fastest runner, no disadvantage to being the slowest. Anyone who can complete a lap in time to be back ready to go out on another, has an equal chance at being the last one standing to complete that beautiful, identical repetition of what we all love: simply running in nature; one foot in front of the other, moving forward, fully grounded in the present moment; putting the practice of our meditative flow state into effect as best we can.  

The reality of endurance trail running is that it is a tough struggle and your achievements are hard earned.   Such is anything worth doing.  And I’m sure anyone who heard me stumbling, swearing singing & shouting through the dark and the day, will  attest that I am not the exactly an oasis of calm- I’m probably more like Oasis the band.

As many of you may already realise or guess from reading this, I don’t take the competitive, type a personality,  or egoic side of running at all seriously.  I do genuinely regard running as part of a spiritual practice. It can at times be done purely as a spiritual practice, like meditation or Yoga or making music. Running can bring us together, individually and collectively. 

Not every time that  run do I run spiritually, just as not every time I sit down do I meditate or every time I pick up my guitar do I make medicine music; sometimes I just make a noise or just sit or just go and run and zone out to music, However, there is a great light to be found  when you just get out into nature and breathe and move gracefully, gratefully and in complete alignment with the flow of the universe and everything in it. 

The Bluegoat track, like a spiritual path, is rocky, uneven, twisting & turning, it requires total concentration & surrender to the process; still you may trip, slip, maybe fall; there will be blood, sweat  & tears….you need to climb & descend, there are milestones, you meet others at different stages in their journeys and there is no finish in sight; there are surprises, tests and you find yourself back at the beginning with each cycle….

There are tears and laughter and moments you don’t even comprehend at the time. It can be dark and ugly and chew you up and spit you out many times, all day long in fact....until you surrender to the process and let go.....Then you may see, there are obstacles and trials, but they are not in your way; the only thing standing in your way is you – and that’s really more of an illusion you created than a real living person, so you just get your unreal self out of the way and let your best self shine-  & shine it does…. 

You can tell this is lap 1 - my legs are the still the same colour as my shirt.

All you need to succeed, at whatever you turn your mind to, is a single-minded determinism- pure focus & intention of putting one foot in front of the other and deciding not to stop until you have succeeded.  May you spirit drive your machine wherever you may roam, knowing within you , is where you are home,.

So now we know the power of manifestation and endurance and the value of community &  service to others, the plan must be created to use apply energy skills to seed & grow something of genuine, lasting value in this world.  So that’s what’s gonna happen….it’s out there in the Universe, God is my witness, momentum is building,  so watch this space….like, not literally here this is just a web page. 

Whilst I train & participate in events during all conditions, phases & biorhythms, I do love a full moon.   Clear full moon nights are magical & highly energetic; Blue Moon rising at the Blue Goat was perfectly poetic!

I'm not knocking a new moon, by polar contrast, or any other phase, but the energy was just right and I guess I was feeling lucky.

Let’s talk about feeling ‘lucky’ as I’ve already stated my predictions and what I positively manifested with my energies & intentions form the moment I made the instant decision to be at this race.  

I basically created my own luck through being completely honest with myself whether this was something I could achieve.

Did I have what it takes to run at an LOS event? Of course, I did, no doubts at all. Why? Not arrogance or confidence, but the format itself.  You can’t really lose in an LOS unless you are the last one standing!  So going to win is going lose, and losing is glorious in all its forms.   There is no shame in the DNF (Did Not Finish) at all if you’ve given your all. The DNF in other events is nothing to strive for or celebrate, but the DNF in the LOSER is a test to see how far you can go….what could be more pure? And the only one who doesn’t get to fully reach their potential on the day; reach the peak of what they can do on that day, during their race time, is the Last One Standing.

I created my own luck by setting my intention and my energy to creating & following a training program that would enable me to achieve my goals.  I visualised being the last one standing for months and I trained like it was in the bag already, because that was what I felt deeply.

I knew it was my time & I had the God given ability to create my story & walk right into it.  I said many times during the event that it was just perfect and that I couldn’t have scripted it better myself.  I stepped into a higher version of myself that I’d created through some very tough training & some heartfelt actions; in another sense it felt like I was on stage performing.  

Apart from key milestones that marked out the path of consistent focus and intuitive training, as I regained fitness from hiatus, there were some very specific and tough challenges that I set myself in order to prepare for a race of this nature. A race that just goes & goes & goes interminably requires you to leave no stone unturned regards you physical body, your mental ability your nutrition plan & your spirit. Someone once said runners don’t’ run with their legs they run with their arms.  I believe runners. once the body is trained sufficiently, run with their minds- and the mind is fuelled by limitless energy & power of the spirit.  

So you go through every motion of training and preparing your physical body and you feed you mind and your spirit with positive thoughts and genuine love for self & for others. If you don’t see this kind of thing in training programs, then you soon will do just as soon as I can get my shit together…..

I’d watched the Clint Eastwood & I’d watched the Big Dog & I fell in love with the concept of the LOS. I fell in love with all the people in the front row. The runners slogging it out in the Clint Eastwood LOS & the Australian team at Bigs Backyard Ultra satellite event. I decided in a moment that I wanted to be part of it, so I made it happen; the moment I’d made my mind up, everything started falling into place and I was sent signs and opportunities that I had to take without a moments thought. I knew that everything surrounding this journey had to be  centered on other, something outside of, larger than self.

 An ex Army bloke from the UK RunGrahamRun was doing a mental health charity treadmill World Record helping blokes with mental health and suicide prevention.  The run was to complete 21  marathons in 7 days – on a treadmill! . He invited teams to rival of beat him in the challenge. So I supported this and set out to do just 7 marathons in 7 days.

This set me up very nicely for the next opportunity in my path, which was to support Mark Avery doing a 20 marathons in 20 days challenge for Gotch4Life and Run4MentalFitness- an Australian blokes charity helping with suicide prevention and setting up places for blokes to engage in ways that deal with the root of bloke issues.  Safe places to share stories, feelings and concerns without judgement. 

Instead of just marathons,  I actually did ultramarathons and also added in a lot of cycling. I know how to listen to my body and push it through adaptations with fasting, nutrition & specifically focussed rotations across all terrains and relevant speeds and intensities.  You are really just calibrating a complex God driven physical body through a series of experiences in order to achieve a specific goal. 

The goal in this instance was conceptually perfect in that it was technically interminable, ie. kind of eternal.  You simply had to train to go as far as you could go; so you had to see how close to the edge you could get to that point in the training, without breaking yourself.   

I genuinely pushed my limits and discovered more about running and endurance than all the hours my studying had taught me, and infinitely more than debating with ultra coaches online could ever have revealed. I trained and pushed harder and longer than ever before and also balanced that with more rest & recovery and fine tuning than ever before. I applied every technique I knew and discovered exactly what nutrition worked best in all situations. 

After all the training and the experience of others doubts, I thought it would be quite amusing to win one of the toughest ultra endurance challenges in Australia while singing and dancing & wearing a lairy pink shirt and cargo shorts I got from Big W, fuelled up with honey water, bananas and hemp and walnut oil .   I had a plan, a 50 hour plan. It consisted of 30 litres of honey water (1kg raw honey per 10l)  25 ripe bananas, 250ml x Hemp seed oil 250ml x Walnut oil, a few vitamin e capsules and  a few coq10 capsules. 

So let that be a cheeky lesson to all you very serious runners in your expensive compression gear, with your gadgets & gimmicks and fancy nutritional products & lord knows what else you use, slogging away to the beat of your watch, as I did before a great meltdown of over training and loss of genuine joy-  in running and in life.  In many ways the way I run today is a result of hard lessons and failures, or going too far too son, and burning out. I’ve been obsessed with a quicker this a quicker that, gotta beat the last time every time.....lets set an unrealistic goal....it slowly takes all the joy out of your passion like all addictions inevitably do. 

Let this light shine on those who talk the talk so readily in their little cliques and so called training groups, especially those who have personally attacked me and tried to shut me down or censor the story of my training and my experiences for reasons best known to their egos and projected issues. I forgive ya. 

 May the light of my achievements and those of my brothers & sisters- everyone walking the walk- everyone saying I can-  illuminate the dark attitudes of the ‘can’t’do this ‘can’t’ do that-  and the put downs and rationalising words of so called science, and disbelief in your training, thinking , fuelling, wider wellness strategies..... genuine experiences......May my brothers & sisters who are in doubt, or disliking, hating, fearing, not loving, put down the ego, and find a better way.  May my walk inspire others to walk the walk and to never say they can’t do something, or be held back by others as to what they think they can or can’t achieve.  And may I long take all my own best advice back to my own heart as well and never forget it.  

Everyone, today, just get outside  and get moving and enjoy what you are doing and be grateful that you can do what you can do; and you’ll find that you can do a lot more and a lot more and a lot more......  

             Genuine footage from an online Ultra running research conference.

 I know what it’s like to lose things, we all do, but there’s no use banging on about that old story; a great spiritual teacher recently told me that I had to put that down and never pick it up again.... and so it is.  So know this - an event that celebrates losing in all its glory is of divine significance when you are running on a spiritual path.  You ether win or your learn ; and in a race/journey with no winners, everybody learns, which is a glorious & pure win win paradox. 

It takes the biggest fear in endurance running - the dreaded DNF (Did Not Finish) and turns it into a glorious badge of honour. A badge that says you gave your all. You went as far as YOU could go on that day, in that place. There is nothing to fear in the LOS regarding a DNF.  You really cannot lose.....

......unless you win!? Ooops, well, oh well, I think I can handle it. 

I wasn’t quite ready for my glorious DNF just yet, so I became the biggest LOSER.  And I’ll just have to wait and see where my glorious limits truly lie.....

                    I caught quite a tan out there. 

So, after an extended power snooze I revived myself and had some pizza and some Goat’s pish, and enjoyed the hospitality and company of Tony,Alun & Susannah, thereafter kipping on the sofa for the night, where upon I made a swift exit the next morning, before the England v Wales Rugby came on....I think I might’ve predicted the score and dIdn’t want to hang about for it.

Truth is, I had to get back to talk to my son Jack (also race strategy/challenge consultant) on the phone and then on Zoom and told him the news.. He was pleased I won, and notwithstanding the pep talks about the true nature of taking part, he  rightly likes it when I win.  I think it has a positive effect when your son knows that you’ve gone and done something a bit special, even if it might not make full sense to him now, it may well help him in the future, so that's a win win. I actually asked him during one of the training cycles (20 maras in 20 days) whether I should beat everyone on the leaderboard or let the organiser take the top spot. He said nah, beat him, I don’t think he’ll mind if you win. So that’s what I did.... thanks for the tip matey! 

So here endeth the tale of a fantastic weekend and experience, can’t wait for next year, see if we can get double the numbers starting and smash some course records. Hoping to see more of my running buddies on that starting corral with me having a dance and a song and then heading out onto the endless, beautiful loops of our own personal limits...... anything can and always does happen in a race- sorry journey- of this kind.  

You may be next years LOS, with me to help you to go as far as I possibly can, leaving YOU to do just one last loop and be the biggest LOSER on the day?  You know it makes sense.   Big love from Steve. :)

[fitjourneydaily]

Unlock Your Inner Adventurer: Exploring Trail Running and Off-Road Adventures

Introduction: In a world steeped in technology and urban landscapes, trail running and off-road adventures offer a refreshing break from the ordinary. These adrenaline-pumping activities allow us to connect with nature, challenge ourselves, and explore stunning terrains that leave us in awe. Whether you're a seasoned runner or a novice seeking a new thrill, trail running and off-road adventures are perfect for embracing endurance tracks and natural terrains. In this article, we will delve into the world of trail running and off-road adventures, discussing their benefits, essential gears, training tips, and the best locations to explore. Benefits of Trail Running and Off-Road Adventures: 1. Breath-taking Natural Terrains: Trail running and off-road adventures take us away from mundane roads and onto picturesque paths through mountains, forests, and remote landscapes. This connection with nature has a profound impact on our mental and emotional well-being. The tranquility and beauty of natural terrains provide a sense of escapism, enabling us to rejuvenate our spirits. 2. Enhanced Physical Fitness: Trail running engages different muscle groups due to the uneven terrain. The constantly changing surface forces your body to adapt, leading to increased strength, agility, and overall fitness. The elevation changes and technical obstacles encountered during off-road adventures provide an excellent cardiovascular workout, improving endurance levels and lung capacity. 3. Mental Stamina Building: Endurance tracks demand mental resilience and determination. Trail running and off-road adventures require strategic decision-making, quick reflexes, and adaptability to varying terrains. Conquering challenging terrains and enduring long distances builds mental stamina, boosting self-confidence and fostering personal growth. Essential Gear for Trail Running and Off-Road Adventures: 1. High-Quality Trail Running Shoes: Investing in a sturdy pair of trail running shoes is crucial to ensure stability and protection on uneven terrains. Look for footwear that offers sufficient grip, cushioning, and ankle support. The right shoes can prevent slips, reduce the risk of injuries, and enhance overall performance. 2. Hydration System: Staying hydrated during trail running and off-road adventures is essential, especially when tackling endurance tracks. Consider using a hydration pack or belt with easy access to water bottles or a hydration bladder to ensure you maintain optimum hydration levels throughout your adventure. 3. Protective Clothing: Shield yourself from the elements and potential hazards by wearing appropriate clothing. Opt for moisture-wicking and breathable fabrics that provide comfort and protection. Don't forget to wear a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen to shield yourself from the sun's rays when exploring natural terrains. 4. Navigation Tools: When venturing into unfamiliar terrains, having reliable navigation tools is indispensable. Carry a compass, trail maps, or GPS devices to stay on course and ensure a safe and enjoyable experience. Training Tips for Trail Running and Off-Road Adventures: 1. Gradual Progression: If you're new to trail running or off-road adventures, start with shorter and less technical trails, gradually increasing the distance and difficulty level. This approach allows your body to adapt to the demands of the terrain, reducing the risk of injuries. 2. Strength and Flexibility Training: To excel in trail running and off-road adventures, incorporate strength training exercises that target your lower body muscles, core, and upper body. Additionally, focus on flexibility exercises such as yoga or dynamic stretches to improve your agility and prevent muscle strains. 3. Practice Uphill and Downhill Techniques: Trails often include challenging uphill climbs and steep descents. Learn proper uphill and downhill techniques, including adjusting your posture, varying your stride length, and engaging your core for stability. Developing these skills will improve your efficiency and reduce fatigue. 4. Cross-Training: Supplement your trail running or off-road adventure training with cross-training activities like cycling, swimming, or hiking. This diversification helps prevent overuse injuries, improves your overall fitness, and keeps workouts fresh and exciting. Best Locations for Trail Running and Off-Road Adventures: 1. The Dolomites, Italy: Renowned for its awe-inspiring landscapes and rugged trails, the Dolomites offer a paradise for trail runners and off-road adventurers. From gentle hikes to challenging ascents, there's something for every level of expertise. 2. Moab, Utah, USA: Moab is a desert playground for outdoor enthusiasts. Its unparalleled red rock formations and extensive trail networks provide endless opportunities for trail running and off-road adventures, such as exploring the famous Slickrock Trail or running along the White Rim Road. 3. Chamonix-Mont-Blanc, France: Nestled amidst the breathtaking French Alps, Chamonix-Mont-Blanc is a haven for both trail runners and alpine enthusiasts. Magnificent trails wind through glacial valleys, offering stunning views of snow-capped peaks and serene alpine lakes. 4. Cape Town, South Africa: Surrounded by stunning natural beauty, Cape Town boasts a variety of trail running routes that cater to all fitness levels. Whether you choose to run along the famous Table Mountain trails or explore the coastal cliffs of Cape Point, you'll be captivated by the diverse landscapes. Tags for WordPress: 1. Trail Running 2. Off-Road Adventures 3. Endurance Tracks 4. Natural Terrains Conclusion: Trail running and off-road adventures provide an exhilarating escape from the daily grind, allowing us to immerse ourselves in the beauty of natural terrains and explore our boundaries. By embracing endurance tracks and stepping out of our comfort zones, we can experience the physical and mental benefits that these activities offer. Remember to equip yourself with the essential gear, adhere to proper training techniques, and discover incredible locations globally that offer unforgettable trail running and off-road adventures. So lace up your shoes, embark on new journeys, and unlock the adventurer within you Revitalize your diet with Puravive's Superfood Blend. Packed with essential nutrients, our blend is the perfect addition to your daily meals, supporting your diet and overall health. Experience the power of superfoods with Puravive. Check out the Puravive Superfood Blend Product Page. Read the full article