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Running Tech Wear Makes it Easy to Protect Your Skin From the Sun

June 24, 2014 By Complete Runner

uv protection for runners With the sun shining most days this summer it is good to take the proper measures to protect your skin from harmful ultraviolet rays.

Many people differ in opinions about using sunscreen, and if you do use it when running there is a good chance you are going to sweat it off. However, good running tech wear clothes make it easy to keep your skin protected from harmful rays.

In addition to wicking away moisture to keep you cool and comfortable when running, many running shirts and shorts from top brands come standard with UV protection. You probably shouldn’t fully rely on this to keep your skin safe, but it definitely provides a great second layer of protection with no additional effort.

The quality of your running clothes matter, which is one more reason to look out for copycat running clothes that look nice but aren’t functional. If your closet is lacking fashionable yet functional running tech wear, remember that you can find the latest and most innovative running clothes at Complete Runner!

Are You Stressed, Tired, and Reliant on Caffeine to Make it Through the Day?

June 22, 2014 By Complete Runner

coffee

Are you always tired for no reason? Feeling stressed? Need energy drinks and caffeine to keep going throughout the day? Have trouble getting out of bed in the morning?
If this sounds like a day in your life, you could be suffering from Adrenal Fatigue. According to www.adrenalfatigue.org, Adrenal Fatigue can happen when your adrenal glands don’t function properly, typically due to stress.

With your adrenals not functioning right, you may be pumping your body with more caffeine filled energy drinks, sodas, and coffee than you should just in order to function, and it is a repeating cycle throughout the day as you burn energy fast.

Regardless if you are experiencing adrenal fatigue or not but are “hooked” on caffeine, it’s not a good place to be. Please go see your doctor if you think it is necessary, but instead of pumping your body with caffeine try using natural carbs that will burn long-term, such as some fresh fruits or Honey Stinger or ProBar, so you don’t get too reliant on caffeine to function regularly.

A Fun Alternative to Replenish Electrolytes After Running

June 20, 2014 By Complete Runner

watermelon for runners

When it comes time for runners to hydrate, there are typically a few choices.

Filtered water will get your mouth wet, but is really “dead water” and won’t replenish the nutrients that you lost. Another choice is sugary sports drinks.

We’ve always said that the best hydration for runners is electrolyte enhanced drinks with low or no sugar. However, what if there was a fun alternative to hydration for runners?

Actually, there is. Take a visit to the new Davison or Flint Farmer’s Markets and you will most likely find some tasty watermelon there that will not only taste good at your picnics this summer but will also quench your thirst and replenish your electrolytes after a run.

Stay safe and hydrate this summer with electrolytes from Complete Runner, and some all natural watermelon from the local market!

What is the Difference Between Walking Shoes and Running Shoes?

May 27, 2014 By Complete Runner

cortana

If you are a competitive walker, or want to get into the sport, you may be wondering what the difference is between walking and running shoes. Before we discuss that, let’s first look at the differences between running and walking.

When running you put more impact on your feet, knees, and joints. On the flip side, the most efficient way to walk is when your shoe never leaves the ground. Because of this it is best for walking shoes to have a low heal drop and minimal cushion, which will allow for an efficient, light-weight walking shoe.

What this ideal walking shoe sounds like is a good pair of racing flats, which are super light-weight with a low heal drop. Ironically, racing flats aren’t just a good shoe to improve performance of runners, but also make for a great walking shoe.

Learn more about racing flats in this previous article, and stop in Complete Runner to try on a pair.

Instinct

2-in-1 Running Shorts Help Prevent Chafing and Overheating

May 27, 2014 By Complete Runner

Chafing in the crotch and inner thigh is definitely not something you want to experience. Some of you know exactly what we mean.

You can use a product like Run Guard to help prevent chafing, and we highly suggest doing so if you are prone to it, but when it comes down to it there is nothing that will help prevent chafing more than the proper running tech wear.

So, when it comes to chafing in the crotch/inner thigh, a good pair of 2-in-1 running shorts will do wonders. These are running shorts with underwear or compression shorts built in and are designed to be breathable and wick the moisture away from your skin, which helps to keep you comfortable and dry, preventing chafing and even overheating.

Regular shorts and underwear, especially if they are cotton, won’t wick the moisture away and you’ll pay the price later.

Even though a tube of Run Guard is highly recommended, it just makes sense to wear 2-in-1 running shorts for your workouts and races to not only keep you comfortable during the race but also prevent a lot of discomfort after.

Testimonial: Hoka Running Shoes Saved My Running Career

April 30, 2014 By Complete Runner

Sarah DeDolph runs track and cross country at Flint Powers and is an exceptional athlete.

Two years ago she had horrible stress fractures that kept her from running. Hours of physical therapy wasn’t even doing much good.

Complete Runner suggested she look into the Hoka running shoes and compression socks, among other things. Now, Sarah is competing again injury and pain free! After getting over their funky look, some of her high school team members are even converting to Hoka running shoes for their training and are noticing fewer aches and pains.

Don’t just take our word for it, here is Sarah.

If you have yet to experience the Hoka for yourself, stop by Complete Runner in Flint today!

3 Compelling Reasons Why You Should Pay $10 (or More) for a Pair of Performance Running Socks

April 30, 2014 By Complete Runner

Feetures Running Socks

Running shoes get all the attention.

Most people realize the importance of a proper fitting and gait analysis to find a pair of running shoes that work well with your feet to offer the optimal performance and comfort, but what about the socks?

Wearing high performance running socks is critical, especially while racing. Here are three reasons why you shouldn’t fret at spending $10 or more for a good pair of running socks.

1. Performance Running Socks Keep Your Feet Comfortable

Sweaty feet aren’t cool (literally), and that is why a good pair of running socks offer wicking technology to keep your feet dry, cool, and comfortable while running.

2. Performance Running Socks Reduce the Chance of Blisters

Just like running shoes, high quality running socks offer a great fit to your feet. Not only is this comfortable, but allows your socks to stay firmly in place to reduce the risk of movement between your foot and sock, greatly reducing your chance of getting blisters.

3. Performance Running Socks Compliment Your Running Shoes

After taking the time to find the perfect pair of running shoes, it just makes sense to also fit your feet with a good pair of socks. A good pair of shoes with crappy socks won’t allow you to reap all the benefits from your shoes, so think of high quality socks like the perfect complement to your running shoes, like Peanut Butter is to Jelly (except not as messy).

A few dollars more for a good pair of socks is a great investment into your feet, offering you the best performance and comfort possible. With many quality brands to choose from, like Feetures, Balega, Wright Sock, FitSock, Injinji and SmartWool, Complete Runner is not only Flint’s favorite place to buy running and walking shoes, but also running socks. Stop by today and let us help you make your feet happy!

Activity Bands Make Staying Active Fun and Easy

April 29, 2014 By Complete Runner

Polar Loop Activity Band

The activity band craze started a few years ago with the Fitbit and continues today with the Polar Loop and Garmin Vivofit.

What’s all the fuss you may ask?

Well, these activity bands are pretty neat. The whole premise is that even small choices, like taking the stairs or walking instead of driving a few blocks, can add up fast to help you develop a healthier lifestyle.

Most activity bands track your steps, distance, calories, and let you know if you have been sitting for too long. Kind of like a personal assistant for your health.

Most even allow you to set goals for yourself, and will track your daily progress.

They are not only beautifully designed but easily connect with your smart phone and computer, allowing you to track and analyze your trends.

Many activity bands also connect with heart rate monitors to track your performance during more rigorous running workouts.

Activity bands can benefit both runners and walkers by encouraging them to live a healthy lifestyle throughout the day and in between workouts, and can also give a more complete view of your health than only tracking your workouts.

See the Polar Loop in action in the video below, and check out this and the Garmin Vivofit by stopping into Complete Runner today!

An Unconventional but Proven Way to Recover from a Hamstring or Quad Injury

February 23, 2014 By Complete Runner

Not too long ago a middle-aged woman came in with a hamstring injury that she just couldn’t get over. Not only are these injuries painful, but they can take weeks or months to fully recover, putting a damper on your running plans for some time. This woman tried everything yet her condition wasn’t improving.

We offered her some advice, and she was able to fully recover quickly and start running again. So, what did we tell her?

We told her to wear a pair of CW-X tights all the time. That is it.

So, why did this work? It is really a matter of compression and support.

Compression

Compression wear helps to increase circulation in the legs, not only preventing cramping during a race but carrying away the inflammation to aid in faster recovery. That’s right, faster recovery.

Support

In the same way you would wear a cast to support your broken arm, CW-X tights take compression to a whole new level. Their innovative tights are made in a way to grab all your major muscle groups to keep them supported in the proper position, not only making your run more efficiently during a race but also helping you recover more effectively with your muscles in the right position.

So, by having the proper support and compression on her injury at all times, just like a cast on a broken arm, she was able to recover quickly from her hamstring injury.

It is really quite amazing how the right running tech wear and clothes can not only help you to perform your best, but also recover from a race or a serious injury!

2014 Running Shoe Trends: Minimalistic with Cushion?

February 20, 2014 By Complete Runner

Hoka Conquest Flint Michigan

Can you really have a minimalist (natural) shoe with cushion? Isn’t that an oxymoron?

No, this is for real.

We introduced the Hoka One One shoes last year in the store and they were a crazy success! Why? Because they are minimalistic with cushion, offering a natural and comfortable run that is unlike anything you have ever experienced before.

See our review of the Hoka One One here.

Other shoe brands are noticing the success of the Hoka, and following suit. This is the trend we are seeing for running shoes in 2014.

Brooks is coming out with the Transcend, which is similar to the Hoka One One.

Brooks Transcend Flint Michigan

Altra is coming out with the Paradigm, offering a zero mm heal drop (in comparison, the Hoka is about 4-5 mm).

Altra Paradigm Flint Michigan

These shoes are quite amazing, offering the best of both worlds (minimalism and support). Not only will you be able to run more efficient and comfortably, but will be able to run longer and farther. If you have never tried the Hoka before you don’t know what you are missing, so stop into Complete Runner today to see if they or the Brooks or Altra can make an impact on your running!

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