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Must-Have Running Gear Every Marathon Runner Needs

Whether youโ€™re a pro marathon runner or just getting started with your first one, you need a few must-haves to make sure your marathon is a success. Without these essentials, you can end up getting exhausted faster, or worse might even get injured. So look at our pick of marathon must-haves for your next marathon challenge.

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Why Virtual Races Are Better Than Regular Ones?

Virtual races are gaining popularity among runners everywhere. They offer a convenient alternative to common races, especially marathons that require a lot of effort. To participate in one, youโ€™ll have to register yourself online on sites such as The Running Bug and pick from the available races. Take a look at the advantages virtual marathon challenges have over traditional races.

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How Running a Virtual Challenge can Help with the Latest Covid Restrictions

As a result of the latest Covid restrictions, everyone is on high alert. Participating in Virtual Running Challenges may help you in overcoming some of the stress. Latest COVID Restrictions Why People Think Running Challenges are a Good Idea? The Benefits of Virtual Running Challenges How can you Stay Active? Ways to Stay Active Outdoors Ways to Stay Active Indoors How can you Stay Motivated? Virtual Running Challenges Latest COVID restrictionsย  According toย government guidelines, a face mask should still be worn in places where you are likely to come into touch with individuals you donโ€™t normally interact with. We know that these COVID restrictions can be stressful, but we want people to stay on track and keep going. Keep reading to learn how. Why do People Think Virtual Running Challenges are a Good Idea? Government rules say that itโ€™s risky to meet with people indoors, especially the ones who havenโ€™t been vaccinated. Thatโ€™s why people think that Virtual Running Challenges are a good idea due to the many benefits that bring to you. The Benefits of Virtual Running Challenges Improve Mental Health Increased Lung Capacity It Boosts the Immune System Stress Relief Increased Confidence How can you Stay Active? Don’t allow the latest restrictions on gyms, swimming pools, clubs, and fitness centres to keep you from being active. During these challenging times, there are many ways to be active, but remember to be safe. Ways to Stay Active Outdoors Go for a Walk Do a Virtual Running Challenge Ride a Bike Ways to Stay Active Indoors Gardening Do a Virtual Fitness Class Do Yoga or pilates How can you Stay Motivated? The COVID guidelines should be followed at all times to be safe. Understandably, it might be difficult to keep motivated at times. There are, however, techniques to combat this. See below how to stay motivated. Enter a Rewarded Virtual Race Track your activities and achievements Set yourself up for success by writing down your goals Talk to your loved ones and friends Virtual Running Challenges Chooseย from a variety of virtual challenges. This challenge is all about YOU. You decide the speed, you decide the distance, and you choose the time and location of your challenge. Looking for a Seasonal Challenge? Or one on the World Mental Health? Weโ€™ve got you covered! Because of your dedication, you’ll get a medal at the end of the challenge. Now is the time to begin. It doesn’t matter if you’re a beginner or an advanced runner. Our challenges are for everyone. And, The Running Bug is the perfect place to start your online running journey. We help you get into running no matter what your ability level is. Check out some of our most recent challenges, or feel free to reach us with any inquiries. To earn 10% off any of our challenges, join our mailing list. ย  Share this blog Share on facebook Facebook Share on twitter Twitter Share on reddit Reddit Share on linkedin LinkedIn Share on pinterest Pinterest Share on tumblr Tumblr

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Light Up your Winter Runs

Now that the clocks have gone back, there is no denying that winter is well and truly on its way. With daylight hours reduced and a definite nip in the air, itโ€™s by no means time to put your trainers away, but a reminder to get prepared for the season ahead! How to Prepare for Winter Runs First thingโ€™s first, you need to be safe while out running, and with darkness settling in not much after 4pm, many of us will find ourselves having to run in the dark.ย Of course, this is not ideal but there are many running products out there which will help keep you visible to others, as well as lighting up the ground which can stop you from taking a tumble.โ€‹ Our Recommended Head Torches for Running Head torches are a night-runnerโ€™s best friend, but with so many on the market, how do you decide which one to go for?ย The main things to consider when buying touches and lights is how bright the light is, how heavy the kit is and how long the battery lasts. Get the Right Light for Running Brightness is measured in lumens and where you are running generally dictates how many lumens you will need in order to see and be seen.ย If you are running on street-lit pavements, around 50 lumens will be adequate, whereas if you are running on pitch-black trails or in thick woodland you are going to need many more; think numbers larger than 100.ย If trail runs in the dark are your thing, you might want to consider this heavy-dutyย torchย from renowned manufacturer Petzl:https://www.amazon.co.uk/Petzl-Mixed-Headlight-Unisex-Actik/dp/B01KYTRJ8C/ref=sr_1_9?crid=37TTB7IQ8DTY7&dchild=1&keywords=running+head+torch+petzl&qid=1604337730&sprefix=running+headtorch+pe%2Caps%2C150&sr=8-9 Whilst itโ€™s not the cheapest model on the market, it does offer 300 lumens and weighs in at 92 grams.ย You can choose from replaceable batteries (potentially useful if you are heading out on a long ultra-race), or can be used with rechargeable batteries.ย For a lighter and more affordable option, the Karrongย Ultralightย weighs only 42 grams, and is fully waterproof too:https://www.amazon.co.uk/Karrong-Ultralight-Induction-Headlight-Rechargeable/dp/B07RL6BM17/ref=sr_1_6?dchild=1&keywords=running+head+torch&qid=1604346536&sr=8-6 Our Recommended Reflective Running Equipment Reflective clothing is important when road-running, particularly at dusk or in the early morning when you might not necessarily need a head-torch, but visibility is lower and motorists might be less likely to see you.ย Investing in a reflective vest which can be worn on top of your usual running gear is a sensible idea. We like thisย oneย by Firefly Buddy which also comes with free reflective armbands:https://www.amazon.co.uk/Reflective-Running-Visibility-Reflector-Adjustable/dp/B0192RFUXS/ref=pd_bxgy_img_2/262-3083533-4674058?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_i=B0192RFUXS&pd_rd_r=8684dec4-686f-486f-b406-233c425e7f61&pd_rd_w=j9sKc&pd_rd_wg=btXRy&pf_rd_p=dcf35746-0212-418b-a148-30395d107b2d&pf_rd_r=E59E1FFYG5G7ZEEDH5CM&psc=1&refRID=E59E1FFYG5G7ZEEDH5CM Share this blog Share on facebook Facebook Share on twitter Twitter Share on reddit Reddit Share on linkedin LinkedIn Share on pinterest Pinterest Share on tumblr Tumblr