New Balance Trail Running Shoes

My trainers were on their last legs so I put out a request for any suggestions for what trainers I should get next on twitter and @Al0haAlice told to get New Balance Trainers "because they are amazing"

With a recommendation like that I would be silly not at least give them a look, Al0haAlice also writes a lifestyle blog so if you fancy a gander then click here

I side stepped the New Balance website and went straight to SportShoes.com and score myself a juicy discount. 

Prices on the New Balance website started from £55 where as I bagged mine for £30 with postage and packaging.

I have used SportsShoes.com in the past and have always had a great experience and super fast delivery, my trainers have always arrived a day after I have ordered them.

I had not heard of New Balance before, I am not going to lie, I normally hit up Shoe Zone and get the cheapest on offer, great if you are on a budget just not great if you are after giving them some serious abuse when running.

My New Balance trainers are really comfortable and breathable.

They fit my size 11 feet well and give me an extra inch to my 6 foot height, all the better for looking down upon the peasants my dear!

Great grip, I have not slipped over in mud or on wet grass yet so that's always a bonus. I am yet to try them on a really muddy route thanks to summer finally arriving!

Great design and people have commented on how nice they look, my Shoe Zone classics will surely be weeping in my wheelie bin, I will pray for them.

All in all a great buy, especially if you can get them cheaper like I did.

The Killer Armley Steps

Tucked away in the trees on the way up from the Leeds/Liverpool canal to Armley Park are the respected and feared Killer Armley Steps!

161 steps to conquer, it might not seem a lot reading it but when you are stood at the bottom unable to see the top of then you will probably change your mind!

Thanks to the excellent to the coverage of the trees keeping  you cooler can really push yourself and because the steps are off the beaten path the chances are you will have the steps all to yourself.

Because of the amount of flights of steps you have then you can create a multitude of workouts, adding body weight exercises at every landing, jumping the steps, interval training etc

You are only bound by your creativity.

As far as I know there is a free Sunday afternoon fitness class, check out their facebook page for more pictures, workouts and videos by clicking here

The Armley Steps are not a good place to go at night, it is not well lit so keep your visit to the day light hours.

If you are in the area and want a fitness challenge then give the Armley Steps a go, it's free so you can't really go wrong!

Running Music

I was was asked to write a review on a set of interval  running tracks for Running Music Download.

There are three interval tracks on offer, 3 minute, 4 minute and Pyramid Training.

Each track includes a warm up, the main session and a cool down.

Tracks would not be out of place in a night club so if you live for Saturday night then you should definitely give them a look.

The benefit of having these tracks is that you basically have a personal trainer in your ear, keeping you updated on how long your work and rest periods are.

Although the tracks are running tracks but you can also use them in kettlebell training or circuits.

With interval training you push yourself more and more the fitter you become.
It's one of the best ways to burn fat and get your body summer ready.

The tracks all last around 40 minutes so one track will give you your  entire cardio for the day if that's what you want or you could push yourself by playing the next track!

Check out the tracks for yourself on Spotify:

3 minute interval track.

4 minute interval track.

Pyramid Training

Check out my post on music and exercise.

If you are looking for some motivation to up your cardio game then these tracks will certainly do the job!

Jogging in Armley Park

Armley Park is one the best parks in Leeds that I have been to.

It's a little rough around the edges but don't let that discourage you, it's a great park to go for a run or just to enjoy with your family.
If you are driving there is a small car park at the entrance

 The park has a rugby/ football pitch, cricket pitch, tennis courts, skate park, bowling green, children's play area and even a ping pong table, pretty standard so far.

What makes Armley park stand out for me is the woodland trails that lead from the park right down to the Leeds/Liverpool canal.

Yes you can stick to the flat round route in the park proper but if you are looking to push yourself or training for an event like Tough Mudder then you should definitely go down to the woods today.

The routes take you up and down hill with sets of steps thrown in for good measure, the most gruelling and famous being the 161 killer Armley Steps.

We are due a heat wave so getting beneath all those trees is a great idea to keep you cooler and minimise sun burn.

Don't let the graffiti fool you, Armley Park is one of the cleanest parks I have been to and the wild flowers smelt amazing when I visited in the evening.

I wouldn't recommend going at night time, it's not well lit and sadly I have heard about incidents in the nearby area.

There were so many pictures that I took and wanted to put up but I feel it would over crowd the post so get up there for yourself and check it out!

Crystal One Day Contact Lens

I was selected to review Crystal One Day Contact Lens and I happily accepted the opportunity.

The main reason I was so eager to give these contact lens a go is because I have been burned by contact lens in the past, not literally but a contact slipping round to the back of your eye while on a run isn't going to be ideal!

The lens are a little thicker and bigger than the ones I normally get from my opticians so I was a little worried, in this case bigger doesn't always mean better.

I needn't of worried! 

I got the lens in easy enough and after some slight discomfort, which I have had with every contact I have used in the past to different degrees, I was off!

These lens are absolutely perfect for the gym, I actually forgot I had them in and unlike my glasses can't slip down my nose!

Running in heavy rain was no problem either, running in heavy rain with glasses on is out of the question for me, well until someone invents little lens wipers anyway.

Exercise and Crystal One Day contact lens are perfect together but please remember to stay hydrated.

Not only will your body thank you, your eyes will too.

Dry eyes equals dry contact lens and that is when you will remember you have them in.

I broke a cardinal rule of contact lens and fell asleep in them!

I forgot they were in and off I went to the land of Nod.

Other than thinking Jesus had come to heal me in my sleep they weren't any problems in the morning with taking them out.

Sleep in contacts is never a good idea as it can damage your eyes, if you do end do it then make sure you get hydrated first so the lens are easier to take out.

I the longest amount of time I wore the lens for was 12 hours on the day of the Body Power Expo and other than my eyes being tired I still barely noticed that I had lens in.

I highly recommend these lens to anyone who is sick of glasses holding you back in your fitness goals or just want to try clearer, more comfortable lens, just click the link here

I personally feel glasses do stop me enjoying aspects of my life to their fullest, there are only so many times you can rotate between Harry Potter and Wally for  Halloween.

Sunglasses and goggles are out of the question and I feel they do detract from my appearance, plus I am in the 2% of the population with green eyes and I let the people see them!

To order your contacts you will need an up to date prescription which you will have to go to your opticians for, you should have regular eye check ups anyone and this should give you one more reason to get checked.

Jogging along the Leeds/Liverpool Canal

The sun is out so I am making sure my run game is strong and there are not many places in Leeds I enjoy more than the Leeds/ Liverpool Canal.

You can  run to your hearts content, it's 127 miles long!

The route has a nice amount of tree cover, bridges to go over and under, ducks and boats to see along the way as well as a whole heap of other runners and cyclists.

I haven't been the whole 127 miles but the distance I have gone has pretty much all been flat other than when you approach  the locks.

At some point I do plan walking the entire distance for charity but I need to gather some brave souls to come along.

There are no toilet facilities that I have come across but some of the under passes certainly smell like they are!

The only thing I feel I should add is if you decide to venture down the canal please think of your own safety, particularly women.

Although I haven't heard anything bad for a while about incidents down by the canal but it should not leave your mind, take a friend or at the very least tell people where you are going and how long you expect to be.

Sorry to leave this post on a downer but I wouldn't feel right not giving people at least some sort warning.

How to start running

Getting into  running isn't as easy as you might think.

You can't just slap on some Nike Airs and away you go!

Go at your own pace:

Don't throw yourself into running, particularly if you are carrying a bit of weight. 

Build yourself up gradually, start by walking then jog then start to run.

Wear the right footwear:

Make sure your trainers give you good support and change them around the 6 month mark, if you are unsure of your trainers are up to the job then head to a running shop and they should be able to advise you on what to get, if you are on a budget then try Sport Shoes.com

Avoid concrete:

Try to run on soft ground, running on harder ground will increase your chance of getting the dreaded shin splints! If you are running on grass just be careful you don't slip, trip, fall or stand in dog poo!

Get a water bottle:

Hydration is so important, I have been half way down the road and had to head back to get my water bottle. I find it also impossible to have a good quality run without bringing water with me.

Plan your route:

 Are you likely to need a toilet break?
 Are you likely to get lost?
 Can you get help if heaven forbid something went wrong?
 These are all things you should consider.

Create an epic play list:

Not will the right music make you run faster for longer the prospect of having some alone time listening to all your favourite hits uninterrupted is part of the strong appeal of running in the first place.

Warm up:

Think of your body like an engine, it is much more efficient warmed up, not only will you minimise the chance of injury you will always have a better run.

Avoid solid food:

Avoid solid food an hour or so before a run, you are more likely to get a stitch if you don't!

Listening to your body:

As your body gets used to running your body will feel sore and your will be short of breath but this will gradually get better as your body adapts, if you are in actual pain then this needs to addressed, hopefully you will just have a stitch or shin splints.

Music and Exercise

Music is amazing, it can effect your mood, focus and even restore memories.

It has a massive effect on the brain and has been used to help people suffering from Alzhimer's disease.

Music also effects our cardiovascular system affecting blood pressure, heart rate and stress levels.

In the fitness realm pretty much any endurance athlete will tell you that  music with help you go faster, for longer.

Music reduces your perceived effort and pain, if you don't feel the pain as much then you can push past where you would normally stop.

 Of course you need to pick the right music,Enya or David Gray are not going to quite cut it I'm afraid.

Faster music works the best, just think of all the songs that come on the radio that give you an energy boost and suddenly you want to get drunk and go dancing!

If you are not currently listening to any music then maybe you should re think buying that I pod, if music can help make plants grow or cows produce more milk then imagine what it can do for your performance!

If you are a runner be warned, be careful when listening to music when running near traffic.
If you lose concentration or don't hear a car coming you are more likely to be hit.

The other danger is if might unwittingly start belting out Ke$ha while on the treadmill!

Jogging at Golden Acre Park

Out jogging again, this time at Golden Acre Park in Horsforth.

This is perfect park is perfect for beginners.
The park is the fairly small at just over half and acre compared to Roundhay's 700!

Golden Acre Park gives you one clear route to jog  around through the trees, past Paul's pond and the ducks that live there.

There are a lot of benches around the pond so if you need a rest you can have a sit down and if you have brought some healthy treats with you and don't mind sharing then you can feed the ducks!

 Do not feed the ducks bread, it can harm their health and uneaten beard attracts rats and can pollute the water, apparently defrosted peas are good choice.

The route is flat and for the most park dry and toilets near the cafe which are free to use.

Golden Acre Park can get busy and there isn't the room on the pathways to accommodate a lot of people, if need room to stretch your legs then opt for Roundhay or Burley Park.

Whether you are just starting out or a seasoned veteran Golden Acre Park is still a lovely park to walk round so if you get the chance to stop and smell the roses then you certainly should.

Jogging at Roundhay Park.

Roundhay park is huge, let's get that said straight away.

It boasts hills, steps, a skate park, children's play area, gardens, trees, two lakes, water fountains, a small water fall, sports pitches, five car parks, a land train, a canoe club and even a little castle!

You can make things easy for yourself by just sticking to running around the lake, which is flat but a bit muddy in places.

 If you are a bit more adventurous and know the park well you can come up with your own route that incorporates the hills and/ or the long flight of steps to really challenge yourself.

There is enough room to cycle without getting in the way of any joggers although you may have to dodge the odd duck or swan.

There are  four different toilets for you to take your pick from, I couldn't find the opening/ closing times but I will have a look when I next go!

Round Hay Park is a big tourist attraction and can get very busy so if you don't like to share your space or just don't want a big crowd watching you sweat your bits off then you may want to take this into consideration.

I really enjoy jogging at Roundhay park, even if it is muddier than Kirkstall Abbey or Burley Park.
The amount of space and the landscape gives you lots of options in terms of route so you won't ever get bored, plus I do love to run to the sound of ducks                                                     happily quacking along with the sound of my foot steps!

Special thanks to Vikki who chauffeured me to the park and modelled in my picture.

Please check out here just giving page, only one week before she takes on the The Whole Hog to raise money for RMHC!

The importance of Leg Day!

We have all seen the memes littering the Internet but do an excellent job of increases awareness of muscle south of your pecs and abs!

You look more attractive :

First off balance in your body is more appealing to the eye and if that isn't enough to convince you all the polls and surveys I have seen on the body parts that people find the sexiest the booty is always on the top of the list!

Improves fat loss:

There are more muscles on the lower part of your body and that means when you work your lower body you are going to burn more calories! That and your body uses more calories to maintain muscle mass then fat when you start packing on some size you'll increase your resting metabolic rate.

Boosts Testosterone:

Working your muscles leads to a testosterone boost, the more muscles worked the bigger the boost!
If you are planning a full body workout always start with your lower body.

Reduce injury:

Working your lower body helps prevent injury by promoting stability, for example your glutes help prevent lower back injuries when hanging by stopping your body from twisting.

You will run fatter:

It makes sense, if you are using your legs to run developing them is not going to be a bad idea.
You might think it's your quads giving you all the power but a lot of it comes from your hamstrings, glutes and hips, pop some power moves into your work out like jump squats.

You will find day to day life easier:

Whether it's helping a friend move house or climbing a the stairs  strengthening your legs will make it easier and everyone can admire your buns of steel while you live the squat life!

Improved balance:

If you have shaky foundations then your whole house will be shaky!

So now you have read this post what are you waiting for?

Go forth and squat till you drop or you can just read about my 30 Day Squat Challenge or give this simple leg circuit a whirl!

Jogging in Burley Park

                   

I have been out jogging again, this time in Burley Park.

This park is all about fitness and fun with tennis courts, a basket ball court, bowling green, football goals, a cricket pitch and even resistance machines that use your own body weight plus it's a nice place just to sit and watch the world go by.

It's also great to go for a jog, there is good coverage from the trees and has a good incline to run up.
 You can mix up the route you take to an extent, making it shorter or longer or to opt out of the incline.

Burley Park is a lot quieter than Round Hay Parkwhich is a big plus in my books!

There are no public toilet facilities near by so make sure you plan any calls of nature you may need to answer!



As much as I love going to Kirkstall Abbey I find the jog there a bit too easy, the versatility and temptation of the other facilities on offer at  Burley Park makes me more inclined to strap on my trainers and head there than anywhere else in the Leeds area that I have come across.

Bubble Rush

I completed the 5k Bubble Rush at Harewood house, it was my first event of the year and I don't
think I could of chosen a better one!

The event it's self is a 5k fun run, so you can walk, jog, run, skip or dance your way to the finish line with 4 lots of colourful foam to run through and get covered in, there are worse things you could spend £22 on!

The weather was great and Harewood House looked amazing in the April sunshine, there were lots of stalls available ranging from food to bubble themed merchandise to a selfie booth with most of the money going to St Gemma's Hospice.

We were handed our white bubble run tee shirts and went through a fun warm up to the music of Maroon 5 and Bruno Mars designed with all ages and abilities in mind, in fact I am going to steal some of the moves for the next time I hit da club!

Off we went and straight away I my glasses were caked in pink foam!

Lucky for me it is quite light so fell away easily, not so lucky if you are wanting to white wash your friends because the foam just collapses in your hands and blows away.

Unlike the Santa Dash I completed for Saint Gemma's Hospice there was plenty of room to over take the slower runners, if we are all honest with our selves no body likes to get stuff in traffic no matter how cute the children are!

You get 4 lots of foam on the course and two fairly long hills Each lot of foam is a different colour, pink, blue, green and yellow, and it does dye your tee shirt and skin but washes out easily enough.

I did look like I had been given  good beaten with my pink and blue legs by the time I had finished!

Considering I had only gone out running once this year I surprised myself with how well I did, the only part I struggled on was the last hill and that was because my calves felt like they were going to explode, I am grateful to my ectomorphic build and genetics because they helped me run it like a boss!

All in all a great day out for all fitness levels and abilities and a lot of money was raised the St Gemma's, if you want to find out more about the events they put on and what they are all about then click here

Jogging at Kirkstall Abbey

The suns out so I strapped on my trainers and heading out to Kirkstall Abbey in, yes you have guessed it, Kirkstall!

The abbey its self is a ruined monastery and there is still enough of if left standing for you to have a snoop about in when the museum is open, which also has free toilets, open until at least 3pm throughout the year.

The back drop of the river Aire, trees and the abbey make for a more enjoyable and relaxing run then just pounding the streets like some sort of jogging hooker.

The land is pretty much all flat so it's great for beginners and great for me since I have not ran outside all year and have a 5k coming up this Saturday, I guess I'll just turn up and boss it!

If you are nervous about people seeing you jogging then Kirkstall Abbey is ideal, there are not masses of people there in the morning although in the hotter months it is very popular spot midday onwards.

A side from Kirkstall Abbey being a great play to go for a run it's also a great play just sit down and take in some nature and there are often events held from movie screenings to the annual Kirkstall Festival.

If you are ever in Leeds pop down and have a look and why not? It's free after all!