Sports Then and Now

Top-tier athletes are always in pursuit of novel ways to whet their skills, build endurance, and put in top performances. Pushing your body to and beyond its limits is practiced more and more by athletes. Take Dean Karnazes, for example, who claims to have never felt his muscles cramp or seize up – not even running 100 miles. Most people’s bodies build up the acidity in their muscles because they have reached their lactate threshold, causing their bodies to stop in their tracks. But Karnazes biggest obstacle is said to be his mind- proving the human body is capable of so much more than we have ever thought possible. The question is how to train your body to push harder and do better. There are a few lesser-known ways that help an athlete push beyond the limits to win that extra inch. From pushing the brain to perfecting unwinding, let’s take a deeper look at some unconventional means which can make all the difference. 

Brain Health: The Hidden Powerhouse

Athletic performance isn’t just about physical strength; it is about mental agility, focus, and decision-making. A sharp mind can make the difference between winning and losing, yet brain health is often overlooked.

Neuroplasticity and Skill Development

Neuroplasticity is really important in the course of learning new techniques in athletes or other game situations; the brain has the capability to change, develop new connections, and reorganize. Challenging the brain with activities such as puzzles or strategy games will enhance this process and improve hand-eye coordination and reaction times. Simple practices – like solving riddles – might spark neuroplasticity and maintain the adaptiveness and resilience of one’s brain.

Owning a boat is a dream for many of us, but whether due to funding or a lack of nearby water, not everyone has the chance to make the purchase. But you just did! Congrats! Now that you’re a brand new boat owner, there are some essential tools you ought to have on board to ensure smooth sailing no matter where you take your craft. Read on for ten must-haves for every boat owner.

Life Jackets

Safety first, always! Make sure you have enough properly-fitted life jackets for everyone on board. It’s also a good idea to carry additional sizes in case of guests or unexpected passengers. Plus, having a variety of sizes ensures that every person on board has the right equipment to keep them safe in case of an emergency.

Navigation Tools

Whether you prefer traditional paper charts or modern GPS systems, having navigation tools on board is crucial for safe and accurate navigation on the water. Don’t forget to bring backup power sources and keep your charts updated!

Knowing how to use a navigation tool is essential for any boat owner, especially when venturing out into unfamiliar waters. To use a traditional paper chart, start by identifying your current location and then plot your desired destination using the scale on the chart. Next, use a compass to determine your heading and adjust as needed to stay on course. For modern GPS systems, simply enter your desired destination and follow the route suggested by the system, taking note of any potential hazards or obstacles along the way.

VHF Radio

A VHF radio allows you to communicate with other boats, marinas, and emergency services while on the water. Invest in a waterproof model that can withstand the elements. Don’t forget to familiarize yourself with proper radio etiquette and emergency protocols before setting sail.

Anchor, Rode, and Lifts

Anchoring is essential for staying in one place while on the water, especially if you want to take a break or enjoy some fishing. Make sure your anchor and rode (the line that attaches the anchor to your boat) are suitable for your vessel’s size and weight. A lift can also come in handy for retrieving the anchor once you’re ready to move on.

Fishing has been a human pastime for generations upon generations, and it isn’t hard to see why! Fishing offers a unique and fulfilling experience that allows us to reconnect with nature, challenge ourselves physically and mentally, and create lasting memories. But like any skill or hobby, it takes practice and knowledge to continuously improve your fishing success. Ready to reel in a great catch? Let’s get started!

Understanding the Basics

Before we dive into advanced techniques, we need to have a solid understanding of the fundamentals of fishing. This includes knowing how to properly set up your equipment, understanding different types of lures and baits, and being familiar with basic fishing knots. Taking the time to learn these basics will not only make you a more efficient angler, but it will also help prevent any accidents or mishaps on the water.

Knowing Your Target Species

Different species of fish have unique behaviors, habitats, and preferences when it comes to feeding. Understanding these factors is crucial in determining the best techniques and locations to target your desired catch. Researching your target species beforehand can greatly improve your chances of success on the water.

Some common fish species that anglers often target include bass, trout, salmon, catfish, and walleye. Each of these species has its own unique characteristics and behaviors, so to get any kind of success you need to familiarize yourself with them before hitting the water. For example, bass are known for being aggressive predators that prefer lures over live bait, while catfish are bottom-feeders that are attracted to strong-smelling baits. Knowing these differences can help you choose the right approach and increase your chances of a successful catch.

Getting your bike prepared and ready before riding is critical for all riders. Whether you compete in races, relax on the trails, or use your bike for general transportation, you need to get it ready ahead of time for it to yield the best results. So, whether you’re trying to learn basic maintenance, or how to get a perfect fit, these tips will teach you how to get your bike rider-ready in no time.

Inspect the Brakes

Your brakes are a safety essential, and, as such, should always be in pristine condition. As such, you should check your brake pads often because they will wear out over time. To do this, take a simple ride in your yard and pump the brakes once you gain some speed. If they are not functioning 100%, it is time to replace the pads.

Lubricate the Drivetrain

You will need to lubricate your chain well before you ride. This ensures that the lube sinks into the chain deeply and dust and dirt do not stick to the chain, which will happen if you lubricate and then ride your bike immediately after. Add only a small amount and be sure to wipe off any excess.

In the past decade, gun sales have increased significantly in the US. This begs the question of whether these guns are treated with the safety concerns they deserve. If you are a first-time gun owner, you should learn the following basics of firearm safety. Doing so will help you be more responsible and avoid accidents from occurring in the long run.

 Always Treat All Guns as Loaded

As a gun owner, always respect the ability of the tool by treating it as loaded at all times. Before doing anything else, check whether or not it is loaded. If you aren’t able to do so, seek assistance from an experienced gun owner. Also, you should always keep your finger off the trigger, even if the firearm is unloaded. This habit will help prevent accidental discharge or mistakes in the future. While checking if the gun is loaded or not, always remember to point it away from yourself or another person, even if it is not loaded.

Get Some Training

As a gun owner, getting as much training on firearm safety as possible before heading to a gun shop is important. This will help you understand the mechanical and handling characteristics of the firearm. As a golden rule, you are advised to refrain from using a firearm unless you are fully familiar with it. One way to get familiar with your gun, after you have learned the safety behind it, is to go with an experienced gun holder to a shooting range. This will give you a chance to practice what it is like and what to expect when shooting.

Avoid Carrying a Gun in Your Pocket

The other thing you should do is avoid carrying a handgun in your pocket. Having a firearm in your pocket is extremely risky as the trigger can easily point toward the ground, and this can lead to an accidental discharge. If it is a must, you carry it in your pocket and ensure it is in a well-sealed holster. This will also help people around you get a better idea of what the purpose of the gun is. Having it placed without the holster is not only dangerous but can also give people the wrong idea when carrying it.

Know Your Target and What Lies Beyond

Gunshots can never be called back. As a gun owner, you should ensure they are aimed at the intended target. Knowing what lies beyond your target also helps protect people or buildings that may be in the line of fire. On the same note, never pull the trigger at moving objects unless you are absolutely certain you can hit your target or when necessary.

Gravel bikes have become a common staple in the cycling world. Allowing cyclists to experience a wider range of riding – from forest roads, two-tracks, single track, and other forms of unpaved terrain – gravel bikes give ways to more freedom and more possibilities.

With the growing popularity of gravel bikes has come more gravel-centric races throughout the U.S. A unique cross between road cycling and mountain biking, these events provide participants with a greater sense of adventure. You don’t need a high-performance bike to get involved, either. Many cyclists, especially those who are beginners, find a budget gravel bike gets the job done.

If you’re keen to participate in a gravel event sometime in the near future, check out these top gravel bike races found all throughout the U.S.

1. Unbound Gravel

Formerly known as Dirty Kanza, Unbound Gravel is one of the most widely-known gravel bike races in the US offering a range of short-course options along with the coveted 200-mile course and XL version extending 350 miles. Navigation is key for this race, so it’s highly recommended to use a GPS-enabled multisport watch or bike computer to help guide your way.

Bringing amateur and professional cyclists from around the world, Unbound Gravel transforms the small town of Emporia, Kansas in early June. The long courses meander the rugged and remote roads of east-central Kansas’ Flint Hills region, which hosts the only remaining expanse of natural tallgrass prairie in North America.

Unbound Gravel attracts several thousand gravel cyclists every year, yet not all participants finish. The race is extremely challenging with considerable climbing, self-supported race dynamics, and hot conditions. Learn more about this world premiere gravel bike race at UnboundGravel.com.