How to choose my trail running shoes?

 How to choose my trail running shoes?

Finding the right sneakers is for some and for some a very complicated mission, a mission that becomes even more complex when one is new to the discipline. The process of choosing a trail running shoe, of course, is not exempt from this difficulty, not a few years ago, when the discipline was semi-unknown, nor now, when the world of mountain racing is gaining in popularity, diversity and technicality.

- How to choose my trail running shoes and products

The perfect shoes may not exist, but the right shoes do exist. As in everything in this life, we do not have an ABC to reach them but, fortunately, we have experts and runners hardened in a thousand battles that can help us not to trace the wrong path in our search for the long-suffering footwear that will take us along trails , peaks, slopes and ravines. Cristóbal Colón, podiatrist and CdM collaborator, and Juanan Ruiz, Ultra Trails runner and manager of the Tottrail store, advise us on this delicate task.

1. ADVICE YES, BUT EACH ONE IS EACH ONE

Each is from a mother and a father. Listen to the advice and feelings of other runners but do not assume them as your own. The preferences and tastes of other trailrunners do not necessarily have to suit you. Today we have more information than ever on this discipline, information of great value that can be of great help, but this is not mathematics: there are no perfect results or general laws; what may be good for one may be an ordeal for another. Advice yes, but, as our head podiatrist, Cristóbal Colón, says, “each one is each one”.

2. NEITHER DROWNED NOR UNTIED

This is a classic and as such cannot be left off the list. The shoes, neither fair nor dancing. Paying attention to the last is essential for a good fit. "The consistency of your foot –whether it is narrow or wide– with the last is very important to adapt to your fatigue partners," says Juanan Ruiz.

3. A SNEAKER FOR EVERY SITUATION

There is no perfect shoe but there is the right shoe. It is not the same to run 20 km than to do 60 km, it is not the same to run on grass, on a not very aggressive terrain, than to do it on a technical and stony terrain, it is not the same to train as to compete ... Is it necessary to continue? In the world of mountain racing we can find a great diversity of situations that require a diversity of solutions.

Therefore, it is important to have several models of shoes, one for each situation. While it is true that it involves a greater outlay, it is no less true that our performance in the race and our feet will thank us for it. Juanan Ruiz makes it clear to us: “the secret is to have a good closet”.

4. FASHIONS APART

Sometimes it is healthy –physically and psychologically– to forget about fashions, brands and images and really think about what is important: how much do we weigh? What type of footprint do we have? What is our running technique? The needs of each broker are different; We all need shoes, true, but we all have different physical conditions. It is necessary to adapt our purchase to those needs, because each one will be better off with a shoe with a specific drop and with a specific last. Columbus's advice on this matter is direct, blunt: "Don't eat 100% advertising."

5. THE NEW vs THE OLD

A sneaker review does not always mean higher quality. The new version of our favorite sneaker can break our schemes, that is, it may be totally different from what we knew. Because we like the first design, we don't necessarily have to like the new version, and vice versa. Anyway, it is clear, there are second parts that are good.

6. IN THE STORE

If you are new to this, the most sensible thing is that you let yourself be advised by the sales professional of the store. Squeeze him with the questions that arise and put him to the test. In addition, it is important that you put on the two feet of the model you have chosen in situ. Tie them well and walk or jog gently through the store because this is where the first sensations begin. Invest a little more time and do not stop trying half a number more and a half number less of your size, you already know that there are differences between the same size of two different brands.

How to choose your trail running shoes?

 How to choose your trail running shoes?

It is clear that one of the most common questions among "Trail Runners" is - we say it from experience - How to choose your trail running shoes? The choice of our / yours trail running shoes is one of the most important to be able to enjoy from the mountain with guarantees.

- How to choose your trail running shoes and products

That is why, and thanks to our experience, we present you a series of questions that you should ask yourself when choosing your ideal shoes. It is clear that this is a general approach, since many other personal factors, philosophies, etc ... of each individual come into play.

1. TYPE OF USE
- COMPETITION: Obviously, competition-oriented shoes have some common characteristics among all of them. Weight is one of the most important factors among this group, we are talking about shoes that are around 250g (approximately). The last is usually another of the differential points, most of the time betting on rather narrow lasts and lighter, more minimal insoles. Another point that we have seen that is usually a common denominator among shoes intended for competition is the drop, since it is usually somewhat lower (this rule is not always met).

- TRAINING: In this case, we are looking for shoes with a greater weight, probably due to a direct relationship in general structure of the shoe and cushioning (which is superior). The last is usually wider prepared to support more volume of kilometers. Another point that this shoe profile usually has in common is durability, the materials are more durable than in competition shoes, for example.

- MIXED: At this point we find the "intermediate" shoes that can be used both for competition and training. Their numbers are in the middle of the two mentioned above, although depending on the profile of the runner they may be more for training or competing.

2. TYPE OF LAND
- COMPACT: When we talk about terrain we must talk about the sole and there is a big difference between soles intended for compact terrain and oily terrain. In this case, the soles are usually with less prominent studs and with more studs bareness (multi studs), with less space between them. In the photo you can see a clear example of this type of soles. In this sense, although it does not always have to be this way, uppers can be less protected, somewhat more open and breathable.

- DECOMPOSED: A terrain that is difficult to control on many occasions, that is why shoes are so important in this type of terrain. What we must pay attention to if we are looking for shoes for these types of terrain on the sole, which must be with prominent and separate studs, to avoid saturation of the mud. Another of the points in common that these shoes usually have is the more protected upper, both in protections and in the mesh, which is usually more resistant and waterproof (not always). They can also incorporate leggings or tighter collars.

- VERSATILE: Obviously we are talking about those shoes that are located somewhere in the middle, they do not have a heel as prominent as those specific for greasy terrain, but not as little as those for compact terrain. A profile of shoes that without being specific in anything, will work correctly in everything.

3. DIFFICULTY OF THE TERRAIN
- TECHNICAL: We speak of technical terrain when we speak of broken, stony areas, with difficulty in walking. If our goal is to run on these terrains, we should look for structured shoes, with good support and fit. In addition, the outer protections must be prominent, to avoid impacts on the foot. They usually incorporate anti-rock plates in the sole / midsole, to protect the soles of the feet, especially over long distances.

- EASY: The easy terrains are those that are well marked, that do not have many obstacles that prevent our progress. The shoes for these areas are less structured, somewhat more "free". The sole tends to have less prominence on the studs and with fewer protections (anti-rock plate).

- VERSATILE: The shoes for changing terrain, versatile, are usually a point in between the two previous ones. They are not usually very structured "tank" shoes, but neither are they without structure, they will work correctly on easy and technical terrain.

4. DISTANCE
- SHORT: We are talking about a profile of shoes that are usually lighter, with less structure in general. Damping is usually less generous, lower profiles. The last can be somewhat narrower, sharper and the templates are usually more minimal.

- MEDIUM: That intermediate point that can be used for both short and medium distances, depending on the runner profile we are, is surely the most versatile shoe profile if we talk about distances. Its structure is usually medium and its cushioning pleasant, without being very cushioned.

- LONG: They tend to be sturdier, more structured and, as a consequence, heavier shoes. The midsole is usually more of the protagonist, with higher profiles and with wider cushioning sensations. The last is usually wider and its templates are of higher quality and profile.

5. RUNNER WEIGHT
- LIGHTWEIGHT (H <70kg / M <55kg): Shoes that tend to be less structured, lighter and with less cushioning (lower profiles), in general.

- MEDIUM (H70-80kg / M55-65kg): For this runner profile, we should look for shoes with a little more body, more structured. The midsole is usually of higher profiles and with greater sensations of cushioning.

- HEAVY (H> 80kg / M> 65kg): They are usually shoes with more body, more structure (higher weight). The midsole tends to offer greater cushioning thanks to higher profiles and more thought-out compounds.

6. FINAL REFLECTION
- It not only depends on the weight of the runner, it depends on many other factors.

- It also depends on the sensations, the experience that we want to have when running (Natural running, minimalism, terrain sensations, protection ...)

- Obviously, it depends on our training area. We must analyze our training "yard" to be able to choose a correct trail running shoe for us.

- Our personal goals, our bets, when running will be the ones who mark the profile of shoes we want to choose.

- The more we know about ourselves, or the friend who asks us for a recommendation, the better recommenders we will be (previous models, tastes, sensations, terrain, technique, distances ...).

Three differences between trail running and running around the city

 Three differences between trail running and running around the city

If you are a regular city runner and you are thinking of switching to trail running, be very careful about changing "hard". And it is that running on asphalt and running through the mountains have little to do; the difference is even greater if we are used to running on a treadmill. Today we explain some differences between trail running and running around the city: viton, mountain or asphalt?

- Three differences between trail running and running around the city and products

Different training, different preparation
In the case of mountain races, be clear that they are much harder than those you can do in the city. The orography of the terrain usually has many ascents and descents, it is one of the factors with which we measure the hardness of a trail. Be very careful with races considered "leg-breakers": those that involve making a considerable ascent and then descending and repeating this process several times.
Preparation for trail races usually takes longer than those for a race on asphalt, and always after having run on the flat. It will be important that in our weekly workouts we always include fartlek sessions, characterized by changes of pace. In addition, in trail training, lower body strength work is very important, either with our own body weight or in the gym.

Work on proprioception thoroughly
Especially the ankles. The terrain on which we are going to move in a trail race is unstable and uneven. We are no longer talking about more or less steep slopes or slopes, but rather that on our way we can find stones, mud or even sloping terrain.

To deal with these unforeseen events, it is best to work on proprioception or the ability to know where each segment of our body is at all times. This will help us to prevent possible injuries (the most frequent are sprains or ligament injuries). You can see some exercises to work ankle proprioception here or here.

Choose the right footwear
Just as we do not use lifting shoes to go running, we must also take care of the choice of our shoes when going out to the mountains. Trail running shoes are characterized above all by having a type of sole with better grip than traditional running shoes. The type of sole to choose will depend on the terrain on which we are going to move: it is not the same to run on stones than on grass, and we will need a different grip.

In any case, trail running shoes have a studded sole and a lot of pattern to effectively grip the ground without slipping or falling. In addition, its materials must be specific to protect us from inclement weather (rain, lower temperatures, mud ...).

Taking these three factors into account, we encourage you to start preparing to run on a different terrain, how about trying trail running as a challenge for 2015?

HOW TO CHOOSE YOUR TRAIL RUNNING SHOES?

 HOW TO CHOOSE YOUR TRAIL RUNNING SHOES?

Trail running is defined as running in the middle of nature. Trail and asphalt running are often seen as antagonists. However, both disciplines are not so far from each other. It is true that the terrain where it is practiced is different, but the basic principle remains the same: put one foot in front of the other! However, a different terrain implies different needs. Let's start with the sneakers.

- HOW TO CHOOSE YOUR TRAIL RUNNING SHOES AND PRODUCTS

WHAT ARE THE DIFFERENCES BETWEEN TRAIL SHOES AND ASPHALT SHOES?

The differences between trail and asphalt shoes are due to the terrain. On trail, you will need GRIP but also PROTECTION, SUPPORT and STABILITY on uneven terrain.

THE GRIP ON TRAIL RUNNING SHOES

With marked studs, you will immediately feel the dust, stones and even snow. It's a wild thing!

The studs allow a better grip on soft ground, it is true. However, less aggressive studs will suffice on dry ground. They will provide greater stability as well as better efficiency.

The sole of many trail running shoes is usually quite versatile. They allow running in any condition.

PROTECT YOUR FEET WHEN PRACTICING TRAIL RUNNING
Trail running shoes are reinforced by protections that reduce foot contact with sharp edges and sharp stones. On the upper part of the shoe, the reinforcements will protect the toes and instep from bumps or scratches.

Therefore, despite the aggressiveness of the terrain, trail running shoes are very durable.

FOOT SUPPORT FOR GREATER SAFETY
The support of the instep must be precise and effective to avoid the rotation of the shoe on unstable or sloping ground.

A STABLE SNEAKER FOR IRREGULAR GROUND
The stability of a trail shoe is achieved through firm cushioning and a fairly rigid design. In this way, the shoe will compensate for small support errors and give you confidence.

The control of pronation is not essential on trail, although it is on asphalt. In fact, on uneven terrain, the supports are constantly changing.

WHAT CRITERIA SHOULD I USE TO CHOOSE MY TRAIL SHOES?
Trail running demands shoes designed for uneven terrain. The current offer is so vast that it is easy to get lost. But do not spread panic! To choose the right shoes, you just have to ask yourself the right questions:

HOW WILL I USE MY SNEAKERS?
By use we mean:

the type of terrain,
our goals and
the distance to travel.

On mainly SOFT or slippery SOILS, bet on an aggressive grip. The sole should have deep and separate studs to expel mud. Good instep support will help you avoid surprises ... and imbalances!


Is the terrain where you move VARIED? Especially on ROADS IN GOOD CONDITION? Choose lightweight and versatile shoes. Studs up to 4mm provide the necessary grip on most surfaces. They will help you maintain good performance. The thin thickness of the sole will provide lightness and stability (less deformation of the studs and the foot closer to the ground). Finally, the flexible shoes will facilitate the extension of the foot in the fast parts.


On HEAVY and rocky TERRAIN, you will need a stiff midsole for stability. The upper part of the shoe will be specially reinforced to protect your feet from stones.


Won't the SNOW stop you? Your shoes should prioritize grip with marked studs fitted with metal studs. Look for a precise hold and reinforced protection against the elements. The integrated shin guards and waterproof membrane will prevent you from running on wet feet.

OBJECTIVES AND INTENSITY
Have you just started trail running or just want to go out a few times a month for fun? Choose lightweight and versatile shoes. Bet on comfort when you try them on.

- For regular use with the aim of progressively improving, your shoes must be reinforced and favor support. They will also be perfect for the long hours of harder training.

--In competition, bet on featherweight! Very lightweight shoe focused on performance, precision and dynamism, with just the right amount of comfort and cushioning.

DISTANCE
The distance you run will also be key in your choice. Look for a lightweight and responsive shoe for short distances (less than 15km). A “classic” multi-purpose shoe suitable for medium distances (15 - 50 km). Finally, more reinforcement and cushioning will relieve you in distances of more than 50 km and ultra-trails.

Distance can also influence your options in terms of camber and cushioning.

TAKE INTO ACCOUNT YOUR PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS
It is obvious that the size of your foot will influence your choice. A larger foot size will require a shoe with more support and cushioning for comfort. A smaller one may require more movement and lightness.

Finally, when trying them on, discard any that put pressure points on your foot. Even if the shoe is on sale, the discomfort will not improve as kilometers progress! The choice of the number can also make you doubt. Leaving at least 1 cm in front of the toes is a good start. Try on your shoes at the end of the day if possible.

When you gain experience, you will be correct in your choices. As for the color ... We don't get involved there! It's up to you!


To choose your trail running shoes, define:

The main driving range (soft, steep or varied)
Your goals and intensity (leisure, progress - training or competition)
Your running distance (short distance to ultra trail)
And pay attention:

• To your physical characteristics (size)
• To your sensations during adaptation (support, comfort, size)
• To your experience and progression

How to Deodorize a Carpet with Baking Soda

 How to Deodorize a Carpet with Baking Soda

Treatment of the carpet with bicarbonate Eliminate strong odor Reference i one of your carpet emits an unpleasant odor because it has been stained with food, has a pet or age

- How to Deodorize a Carpet with Baking Soda and Products


If one of your rugs is giving off an unpleasant odor because you've stained it with food, have pets, or are placed in an area with heavy foot traffic, plain baking soda can help you solve the problem. Chemical detergents commonly used to remove stains and odors are harmful to the environment and can irritate the eyes and mucous membranes of the respiratory tract; Baking soda, on the other hand, is harmless to humans and animals, and is easy to use and extremely inexpensive.

Steps Method 1 Treat the carpet with baking soda

1 First, clean the carpet with a vacuum cleaner. Combining baking soda with powder is not a good idea, so absorb excess dirt before deodorizing the carpet. Use the vacuum to remove dust, dirt, or loose fibers. The soles of your shoes carry dust and grease particles, and when you rub them against the carpet, you push dirt deep between the fibers.


2 After vacuuming the carpet in the best possible way, ask other family members not to walk on it during the baking soda period.


3 If the carpet is in a high traffic area, you may need to treat one section at a time.


4 Spread a generous dose of baking soda on the mat. You will need at least a pack or maybe two as it will need to be completely covered so that its original color can barely be distinguished. Do not skimp on the quantities, as it is an inexpensive product that does not harm your health.


5 Since baking soda tends to clump, it is best to sift it before spreading it on the carpet. This way, you can spread it much more evenly.


Buy a new packet of baking soda if what you have at home has hardened from moisture. It needs to be in perfect condition in order to effectively absorb bad odors.


7 Rub the baking soda on the carpet. You can use a brush or a dry sponge to penetrate between the fibers and reach the base of the carpet. This step is especially important if the rug has bristles or long pile.


8 If you're afraid that scrubbing the rug might ruin it, you can use an old sock or shirt instead of a sponge or brush.


9 From this point on, it is best not to walk on the carpet until the job is complete.


10 Let the baking soda work for a few hours or overnight. You can leave it on even for 24 hours, everything will be won. The longer it remains in contact with the fibers, the better the results. Baking soda naturally neutralizes and absorbs odors rather than just covering them like normal deodorants do.


11 Remind other family members not to walk on the carpet to avoid loading the baking soda on the rest of the surfaces in the house.


12 Check that the carpet is completely covered with baking soda. If not, step in where necessary. The method will not work if some smelly parts remain uncovered.


13 Baking soda sucks. Proceed step by step. Given the amount, you will need to vacuum each section of the carpet several times to complete the job. As long as it's not wet, the baking soda should come out pretty easily.



Method 2 of 3: remove strong odors


1 Smell the carpet at the end of the first baking soda treatment. It usually only takes one application to overcome most odors. If not, you can repeat the treatment a second time. Remember that baking soda is best left in place for a long time to neutralize unpleasant odors.


2 Consider washing the carpet before treating it with baking soda. If it is very dirty, it is unlikely that baking soda alone can completely remove unpleasant odors. It is best to do a deeper cleaning by shampooing the carpet to prepare it for the next treatment. In this way, the chances of success will increase.


3 Try using a mixture of equal parts water and white distilled vinegar instead of buying carpet shampoo.


4 Wait until it is perfectly dry before using baking soda if you have decided to wash the carpet.


5 If you want, you can add a baking soda to mask the bad smell. If the rug has a strong odor, you can use a fragrance to cover it. Pour the baking soda into a bowl before spreading it on the rug and add a few drops of a scented essential oil. Mix with the mixer to mix the two ingredients, then transfer the powder to the sieve and distribute it evenly on the mat. You can choose one of the following fragrances to mask unpleasant odors:
Lemon or citronella; lavender; eucalyptus; Cedar.


6 Make sure the selected essential oil is not dangerous for your health before using it if you have pets.


7 Repeat the same process after a few weeks. Don't let too long before you clean and deodorize the carpet again, otherwise it will start to smell again. Ideally, treat it with baking soda every 2-3 weeks or at least once a month. It is more difficult to remove odors if the substances that caused it have been in contact with the carpet for months.

How to remove the smell of tobacco from carpet

 How to remove the smell of tobacco from carpet

One of the things that can happen is to have an unpleasant cigarette smell on the carpet. Cigarette smells aren't exactly something you want to have. It smells bad and can really put off visitors and guests who come to see you. Cigarette odors are caused by allowing a person to smoke indoors. Over time, smoke and odor get stuck in the carpet fibers in the long run. If you want to eliminate this unpleasant smell from the carpet, you can request the service of professionals such as those at here, but today we also leave you some tips that you can try:

- How to remove the smell of tobacco from carpet and products

• Use a vinegar-based cleaning solution: Vinegar is a wonderful kitchen ingredient that can be very helpful in removing odors and deodorizing your carpet. Using vinegar is fairly easy, since all you need to do is make a cleaning solution with it. For this, you only need to mix a teaspoon of white vinegar with a cup of warm water. Apply the cleaning solution to the area of ​​the carpet where the odor is concentrated and let it sit for about five minutes. Then just remove it with a wet / dry vacuum and you will notice that the smell of the cigarette will no longer be there.

• Use baking soda on the carpet: If you don't want to use vinegar on the carpet, you may be able to use a different cooking ingredient to eliminate the cigarette smell. Another thing you can use to get rid of cigarette odor is baking soda. It has deodorizing qualities and will help eliminate it. All you have to do is sprinkle the baking soda all over the carpet to create a thick layer. Then, allow the baking soda to absorb the odor by letting it sit overnight. The next morning, use your vacuum to suck up all the baking soda along with the cigarette smell from your carpet. You will instantly smell that the cigarette smell is no longer there and that your carpet smells clean and fresh again.

How to Deodorize Your Carpet Easily

 How to Deodorize Your Carpet Easily

How to Easily Deodorize Your Carpet Unpleasant odors and odors can be a nuisance to your home. Odors can come from many sources, including your carpet. Instead of helping to improve the appearance of your home, a smelly carpet can do the exact opposite of what you bought. Unpleasant odors can stick to the fibers of your carpet and be annoying and embarrassing. Nobody wants a smelly carpet, which is why deodorizing it is something that many carpet owners have in mind. Trying to deodorize your carpet can sometimes be challenging, especially if you don't know what to do. There are many simple ways to make your carpet smell clean and fresh again, and some don't even require a lot of work. These are some of the ways you can deodorize your carpet.

- How to easily deodorize your carpet and products

1. Baking soda - Baking soda has been used by many homeowners as an odor neutralizing agent. Many use it in their refrigerators, freezers, and shoes, but it also works great for removing unpleasant odors from their carpet. The vinegar will absorb the odors and you will notice an improvement after a while. Another way is using it with steam cleaning. Mix a teaspoon of vinegar with a cup of hot water and then spray on the smelly areas of your carpet. Then use a steam cleaning unit to remove everything from the carpet. This works great as it really gives you a deep clean that hits hard to remove odors from your carpet. Baking soda is very cheap and is available at any local market or grocery store. Using it is also very simple.

Just sprinkle an even layer of baking soda over the areas of your carpet where the smell is coming from and leave it there for a few hours or even overnight. Then use a vacuum cleaner to remove it along with all the nasty smell from your carpet.

2. Vinegar - Vinegar also works great as a carpet cleaner, especially for removing unpleasant odors. Like baking soda, vinegar is very affordable and can be easily purchased at any local grocery store.

You can use vinegar in a number of ways. One is by leaving a bowl of vinegar in the room where the rug is located. Using either of these two strategies will definitely help you deodorize your carpet. Soon, your carpet will smell fresh and clean once again for you and your family to enjoy.