Sports Then and Now

Alan Webb

Nobody would ever argue that their flat feet offered any physical advantage to their fitness regime. Instead, the postural deformity of fallen arches is known to cause an array of uncomfortable complications, including Achilles tendonitis, arthritis, plantar fasciitis, or shin splints.

However, in modern times, flat feet are no longer considered to be the immovable obstacles that they once were, and these troubles are hardly enough to prevent ambitious runners from reaching their full potential. In fact, many of the world’s greatest runners who were seemingly cursed by flat feet still managed to find a way to move faster than anyone else. To celebrate these triumphs, here is a list of three highly impressive flat-footed athletes, who will hopefully motivate you to keep your own arches marching.

Saïd Aouita

Considered one of the first famous Arab sportspeople, Moroccan born Saïd Aouita boasts an extensive list of achievements which left his competitors in the dust. His passion was firmly fixed to the track and field events, and he left his permanent mark on that scene when he won the 5,000 meters at the 1984 Summer Olympics. Saïd’s impressive résumé doesn’t end there either, as he’s set many world records too, including the fastest time for the 1,500 meters (at 3:29.46), 2,000 meters (at 4:50.80), 3,000 meters (at 7:29.45), and twice for the 5,000 meters (at 13:00.40 and 12:58.39). What’s more, these are only a small portion of the man’s complete accomplishments.

Despite attaining such monumental successes, Saïd Aouita admits that his fallen arches have been an issue during his entire career. ”My only problem is that I have flat feet, which promotes tendinitis,” he admitted to French newspaper L’Equipe. Since then, Aouita has credited his special shoes for providing the additional support he needs, which is the same solution that many similar runners have discovered for themselves. Supplementing fallen arches with an orthotic insole can help balance out the pressure on your feet and better support the adjoining ligaments and tendons.

Alan Webb

In 2007, American track and field athlete Alan Webb broke the U.S. Record for the fastest mile time ever, clocking in at 3:46.91. Said record still remains unbeaten to this very day. Alan is also known for his representation of the United States during the 2004 Summer Olympics where he ran the 1,500-meter race. Due to such an impressive biography, it’s no surprise to anyone that Nike hired him to represent their brand from 2002 – 2013. Read the rest of this entry →

Paintballing is a sport that is always changing. Most individuals don’t realize it, but not only are the rules of the game changing, but the ways that individuals are playing the game are changing. Individuals are now undergoing relentless tactics and techniques at home to improve their game. So, what are of the best tips that can enhance your game and make you really stand out on the field?

Avoid Rapid Firing?

It is hard to deny that Extreme Sports Land offers some of the best paintball guns available on the market. In fact, if you are utilizing one of their guns it could be easy to expect to shoot anywhere from five to eight shots a second. In the heat of battle individuals can rapid fire at their targets, which can be both good and bad. If you aren’t completely careful you will find yourself with an empty chamber on the battlefield or constantly reload.

Be Careful Of Your Gas Supply

Most paintball guns are powered by pressurized carbon dioxide gas and each gun will only hold a certain amount of gas. While most advanced guns are only fitted with a twenty-ounce tank, this can run out pretty quick if you are constantly pulling the trigger. Always avoid dry firing the trigger when there are no pellets in the gun, because it will consume some of the energy from the 800 shots that you are allotted. Read the rest of this entry →

No one wants to pull out their sports equipment just before a game only to notice mold, mildew, cracks, termite holes, or other forms of damage. That is why you should spend some extra time cleaning and correctly packing all of your gear. Here are a few tips that will help you keep your sports equipment safe and damage-free.

Deflate All Balls When Not Being Used

Just before packing away all of your gear, you need to deflate any balls that are filled with air. Those balls contain a flexible air bladder that becomes weaker over time. Taking a few pounds of air out of a ball will increase its lifespan and prevent it from becoming lopsided.

Wipe Everything Down

Sports equipment is often caked in sweat and mud by the end of the season. Most gear is designed to stand up to that grime, but it needs to be thoroughly cleaned before packing it away. A damp towel and some warm water can be used to clean most sticks, bats, and pads. Once you are done cleaning the gear, you should wipe off all excess moisture. Read the rest of this entry →

There’s nothing like the feeling of the sun on your face and the wind in your hair during a refreshing hike, especially now that the weather is getting warmer. Before you set off, however, make sure that you’re prepared for whatever the great outdoors can throw at you.

Rain Protection

You never know when the sky will open up, but you can reduce the unpleasantness of a rainy day by including some waterproof gear with the rest of your camping or trekking equipment. If you’re going for a short trip, a hooded poncho might be enough. If you’ll be miles from civilization when a storm hits, you’ll want a jacket made from high-quality nylon or polyester canvas with a breathable lining.

Navigation

Some people like to follow old-fashioned paper maps. Others prefer the ease and convenience of technological gadgets like handheld GPS systems. There’s no right or wrong answer when it comes to how you comb through the wilderness, but make sure that you have everything you need to utilize your chosen tools. For example, if you’ll be using electronic navigation devices, you’ll want to bring along solar charging equipment as well.

Cold Weather Gear

It’s always a good idea to pack a few pieces of cold weather gear if you’ll be spending a long time outdoors. Even if the forecast promises sun, a breeze or high altitude might make you shiver, and temperatures usually drop at night anyway. Stick a few long sleeve performance shirts in your backpack to keep yourself warm no matter what the weather or terrain is like. Read the rest of this entry →

As any sportsman knows, if you have a team that is not happy eating, sleeping and playing together, then you are less than likely to have a successful season on the track or field. No matter if you are playing in a small-time league, or are trying your luck professionally, if your team does not get on, or has found it hard to bond, then you will no longer be able to bring the trophies home. So, if you are looking to help your team improve, and bring home the gold, then you need to consider taking part in team building activities, different ways that you can train and even alter your overall mindset if you want to succeed.

Team building activities

If your teammates all enjoy each others’ company and have fun together even while they are enjoying time away from the field, then your team is much more likely to have a successful season. Consider booking your team in for a team building activities, so that they can learn to work together on each other’s weaknesses and develop their strengths. From a cookery course to trying a new outdoors activity, the choice is endless when it comes to choosing a team building activity for you all to enjoy. Consider Des Moines Escape Room if you want your teammates to work on their logic and puzzle solving skills against the clock. Team building activities should be your go-to first step to help improve your team’s performance. Read the rest of this entry →

Summer is around the corner. If heading to the beach, think about getting off the sand and heading out into the water for more than just a swim. Many water sports are out there for us to try.

Water sports can be an exciting adventure as well as a fun way to stay in shape this summer. There are many things you can do alone as well as group activities where you can involve your friends and family. Check out a few of these water sports and see if you’d like to try some of them this year.

Water Skiing

Water skiing is the ultimate water sport. Most of us have wanted to try it at one time or another. Those of us who have experienced it know it’s not nearly as easy as it looks.

The hardest part is maintaining your balance — and your dignity — as the boat pulls you along. You will use and develop muscles you never thought about, and you’ll certainly feel them the next day.

Water skiing offers an intense workout as well as a summer thrill. Don’t try this if you aren’t in good physical condition. Practice it often, and you’ll find your way to a summer bod before you know it.

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