What do you do if you want to take your bikes on holiday? You can’t exactly cycle there in most cases, but you’d like to cycle around once you get there. The answer is to simply attach your bikes to your car using a bike rack, and then drive them there. It’s a lot easier than taking them on public transport, and cheaper than renting bikes once you get there.
Bike racks sit on top of your car, and can hold a surprising number of bikes – sometimes as many as five on one rack. They are very useful, yet generally inexpensive, and you can buy them at any good garage or DIY store. Don’t worry too much about which model you get: as long as it can hold the number of bikes you need it to, it’ll generally be just fine.
If you’re going to fit a bike rack to your car, however, it is important to realise that it could potentially be a hazard not only to you and your car, but also to the other drivers on the road. For this reason, you need to make sure that the rack is secured to your car exactly as the instructions say and follow all the relevant safety regulations. If your rack seems unstable, you should take it to be fitted by a professional – don’t take any risks.
By the same token, you should also realise that bikes that are badly secured to bike racks are very often stolen in car parks, as they are easy to take without people noticing. You should lock the bikes to the rack using a secure bike lock, such as a solid metal D-lock, and never leave them unattended without the lock on. This applies especially if you are taking valuable mountain bikes, as losing five of those at a time could be a real disaster.
Showing posts with label sports. Show all posts
Showing posts with label sports. Show all posts
Sunday, 22 September 2013
Saturday, 21 September 2013
BMX - Biking
BMX bikes are a special kind of low bike, with smaller wheels than normal, that can be used for racing. They are designed to be very light weight but also very robust, as well as streamlined for speed. They are also known for being easier to perform tricks with than normal bikes.
BMX stands for bicycle motocross, which refers to the origin of the sport: children saw motocross races on the TV in the ‘70s and wanted to emulate them. Since they had no motorbikes of their own, they used their bicycles to race around similar dirt tracks to the ones they had seen. Today the sport is notable for being one of the few sports that is taken part in almost exclusively by the under-10s. Although there are a few older professional BMXers, most good ones move on to other cycling or motorcycling sports.
Among children today, BMXes remain one of the most popular kinds of bikes around, even if they do not compete in competitions, and BMX magazines are some of the biggest-selling hobbyist magazines. This was a surprise to many, as the sport was considered pretty much dead in the ’80s and early ‘90s, only to undergo a dramatic revival in the mid-‘90s that is still going on now.
BMX is now one of the range of extreme sports like skateboarding and snowboarding, and similar tricks can be performed with the bikes to the ones the boarders do. The sport of Freestyle BMX was invented to allow BMXers to concentrate on doing tricks in skate-parks instead of racing, and has since arguably outgrown the popularity of BMX racing altogether – this is the style that the most famous BMX bikers, Mat Hoffman and Dave Mirra, compete in.
BMX stands for bicycle motocross, which refers to the origin of the sport: children saw motocross races on the TV in the ‘70s and wanted to emulate them. Since they had no motorbikes of their own, they used their bicycles to race around similar dirt tracks to the ones they had seen. Today the sport is notable for being one of the few sports that is taken part in almost exclusively by the under-10s. Although there are a few older professional BMXers, most good ones move on to other cycling or motorcycling sports.
Among children today, BMXes remain one of the most popular kinds of bikes around, even if they do not compete in competitions, and BMX magazines are some of the biggest-selling hobbyist magazines. This was a surprise to many, as the sport was considered pretty much dead in the ’80s and early ‘90s, only to undergo a dramatic revival in the mid-‘90s that is still going on now.
BMX is now one of the range of extreme sports like skateboarding and snowboarding, and similar tricks can be performed with the bikes to the ones the boarders do. The sport of Freestyle BMX was invented to allow BMXers to concentrate on doing tricks in skate-parks instead of racing, and has since arguably outgrown the popularity of BMX racing altogether – this is the style that the most famous BMX bikers, Mat Hoffman and Dave Mirra, compete in.
Saturday, 10 August 2013
Different Types of Archery Competitions
Copyright 2006 Rob Daniels
The sport, of archery is considered one of the oldest traditions. The earliest people known to have used the bow and arrow were the ancient Egyptians, who adopted the weapon at least 5000 years ago. The Egyptians used bows and arrows for hunting and warfare. Ancient Egyptian arrows, have been recovered in large numbers.
The sport, of archery is considered one of the oldest traditions. The earliest people known to have used the bow and arrow were the ancient Egyptians, who adopted the weapon at least 5000 years ago. The Egyptians used bows and arrows for hunting and warfare. Ancient Egyptian arrows, have been recovered in large numbers.
In archery, the athlete use a bow to shoot arrows at a circular target. There are different kinds of competitive archery that are thriving as sports.
Field archery
Field archery includes an open-field target range, where archers shoot different arrows at different targets or different distances around a course. Archers shoot 3 arrows at each target, score and move on to the next until the trail is completed. The archers score their arrows depending on accuracy. The targets are scored based on the highest scoring area that the arrow touches, so the thickness helps.
Speed Archery
This is a variation on target archery, but the aim is to shoot arrows both quickly and accurately. The competition is won by the archer who shoots the greatest number of arrows shot into a target in one minute. The distances shot are shorter than for target archery, and are normally between 10 and 60 metres.
Flight Archery
Flight archery can be done individually or with all the group members firing at the same time. People have done it since the invention of the bow and arrow. Archers shoot a number of arrows and then search for the one which has been shot the farthest, marking it with an identifiable marker. Archers shoot a number of arrows and then search for the one which has been shot the farthest, marking it with an identifiable marker. The current world record for an arrow shot with a standard recurve target bow is 543 metres.
As technology has advanced, archers use modern day conveniences to improve their scores. Archers in modern archery competitions usually use a release aid to hold the string steady. This causes close to the same amount of tension to be used on every shot, so the arrow flight is the same. In addition, archers will often use gummy wax. The gummy wax helped to hold the arrow in place, and it lubricated the trough, giving the shot a smooth glide.
The sport, of archery is considered one of the oldest traditions. The earliest people known to have used the bow and arrow were the ancient Egyptians, who adopted the weapon at least 5000 years ago. The Egyptians used bows and arrows for hunting and warfare. Ancient Egyptian arrows, have been recovered in large numbers.
The sport, of archery is considered one of the oldest traditions. The earliest people known to have used the bow and arrow were the ancient Egyptians, who adopted the weapon at least 5000 years ago. The Egyptians used bows and arrows for hunting and warfare. Ancient Egyptian arrows, have been recovered in large numbers.
In archery, the athlete use a bow to shoot arrows at a circular target. There are different kinds of competitive archery that are thriving as sports.
Field archery
Field archery includes an open-field target range, where archers shoot different arrows at different targets or different distances around a course. Archers shoot 3 arrows at each target, score and move on to the next until the trail is completed. The archers score their arrows depending on accuracy. The targets are scored based on the highest scoring area that the arrow touches, so the thickness helps.
Speed Archery
This is a variation on target archery, but the aim is to shoot arrows both quickly and accurately. The competition is won by the archer who shoots the greatest number of arrows shot into a target in one minute. The distances shot are shorter than for target archery, and are normally between 10 and 60 metres.
Flight Archery
Flight archery can be done individually or with all the group members firing at the same time. People have done it since the invention of the bow and arrow. Archers shoot a number of arrows and then search for the one which has been shot the farthest, marking it with an identifiable marker. Archers shoot a number of arrows and then search for the one which has been shot the farthest, marking it with an identifiable marker. The current world record for an arrow shot with a standard recurve target bow is 543 metres.
As technology has advanced, archers use modern day conveniences to improve their scores. Archers in modern archery competitions usually use a release aid to hold the string steady. This causes close to the same amount of tension to be used on every shot, so the arrow flight is the same. In addition, archers will often use gummy wax. The gummy wax helped to hold the arrow in place, and it lubricated the trough, giving the shot a smooth glide.
Thursday, 1 August 2013
Daytona 500 Fragarance - The Scent Of Racing Sports News
The Daytona 500, which is commonly referred to as the Super Bowl of NASCAR, is held each year in February. Drawing hundreds of thousands of fans each year, with even more watching at home on television, the Daytona 500 is racing’s most anticipated event. The sports news media agrees with large press attendance and pre-event weekend coverage. It serves as the season opener for the new racing season, but now it serves as so much more. While sports news continuously surrounds the annual Daytona 500, it is now focused on a new men’s fragrance of the same name.
Elizabeth Arden, which is the #2 American perfume creator, will begin offering the “Daytona 500" men’s fragrance beginning in April 2006. In addition to being found at participating retailers, the Daytona 500 fragrance is expected to be readily available online. Elizabeth Arden believes that the scent “embodies the confidence, power and intensity of the men daring enough to race in the ultimate adrenaline rush.” And what a rush it is. The Daytona 500 is arguably the most exciting race of the year and is widely published in sports news publications, as well as sports news programs.
Jeff Gordon, four-time Cup champion and defending Daytona 500 victor, already promotes another product in the Elizabeth Arden fragrance line. Halston, which is also a men’s fragrance, is promoted by Jeff Gordon, who serves as product spokesman. When Gordon signed on as a representative in February 2005, Elizabeth Arden claimed that their sales increased by 30-40% from previous sales. It is this relationship that creates the preexisting association between Elizabeth Arden and NASCAR.
With the release of the Daytona 500" fragrance, sports news will once again be swirling around the sport. But, by April, with the Daytona 500 competition long since past, the new Daytona 500 sports news will come in the form of a men’s fragrance. With this being the first racing-related fragrance, it is only fitting that it would be named after the first regular NASCAR sanctioned event. During it’s earliest days, racing at the beach in Daytona quickly became the base for which the sanctioning body of NASCAR was born.
Sports news is found everywhere from the internet to the television and printed publication. If it happens in NASCAR and the Daytona 500, it is sure to be covered. At the same time, any product that references both is sure to be a sports news magnet.
Elizabeth Arden, which is the #2 American perfume creator, will begin offering the “Daytona 500" men’s fragrance beginning in April 2006. In addition to being found at participating retailers, the Daytona 500 fragrance is expected to be readily available online. Elizabeth Arden believes that the scent “embodies the confidence, power and intensity of the men daring enough to race in the ultimate adrenaline rush.” And what a rush it is. The Daytona 500 is arguably the most exciting race of the year and is widely published in sports news publications, as well as sports news programs.
Jeff Gordon, four-time Cup champion and defending Daytona 500 victor, already promotes another product in the Elizabeth Arden fragrance line. Halston, which is also a men’s fragrance, is promoted by Jeff Gordon, who serves as product spokesman. When Gordon signed on as a representative in February 2005, Elizabeth Arden claimed that their sales increased by 30-40% from previous sales. It is this relationship that creates the preexisting association between Elizabeth Arden and NASCAR.
With the release of the Daytona 500" fragrance, sports news will once again be swirling around the sport. But, by April, with the Daytona 500 competition long since past, the new Daytona 500 sports news will come in the form of a men’s fragrance. With this being the first racing-related fragrance, it is only fitting that it would be named after the first regular NASCAR sanctioned event. During it’s earliest days, racing at the beach in Daytona quickly became the base for which the sanctioning body of NASCAR was born.
Sports news is found everywhere from the internet to the television and printed publication. If it happens in NASCAR and the Daytona 500, it is sure to be covered. At the same time, any product that references both is sure to be a sports news magnet.
Sunday, 30 June 2013
Choosing Hockey Sticks For Your Best Game Play
Hockey equipment is required for all players who step onto the ice but some differences exist regarding the hockey equipment utilized by different leagues. Players’ hockey equipment generally consists of skates, shin pads, gloves, hockey pants, sticks, and helmets. The hockey stick tends to be the most vital, apart from your body protection.
Choosing hockey sticks that suit you best is important. If you choose the wrong sticks you could end up playing badly or even doing yourself an injury. So how do you work out which hockey sticks are right for you? Here are some helpful tips.
Firstly, when standing in your skates, your stick should reach your chin. Some defence based players prefer a longer stick to give them more reach when they're defending. If you can, buy your sticks a little long and have the shop cut them down. This is far better than having a stick that is too long or too short. Most people tend to find they have to have their stick customized to give them their optimum comfort.
You can work out what length you need by looking closely at the wear of the tape on the bottom of your stick. If the tape is worn down near the toe, then you should probably consider a longer stick. If the tape instead is worn near the heel, then you should probably consider a shorter stick. Ultimately you should try sticks at different lengths until you find one that's got a comfortable weight and feel for you.
When choosing hockey sticks you should also consider weight and blade size. Most players recommend wrapping both the stick handle and the blade with a layer of tape. This is done to assure both a tighter grip on the handle and so that the puck does not slide off of the blade as easy as normal. If you are new to the game and have yet to tape your stick then we recommend that you do this early on. As outlined above, it will help you measure your game.
Different curves will affect the way you stick handle and shoot the puck too. Again, when you're starting off and new to the game, it is a good idea to try different curves until you find one that feels comfortable. Like with all sports equipment, the best idea is try out a few different hockey sticks so that you find one that conforms to your style.
Monday, 2 January 2012
Wow LeBron James proposes to longtime girlfriend
The new year is already off to a hot start for Miami Heat forward LeBron James, who rang in 2012 by proposing to longtime girlfriend Savannah Brinson at his 27th birthday party Saturday night in Miami.
Brinson and James are high-school sweethearts, dating back to James’ days as a standout at St. Vincent-St. Mary High School in Akron, Ohio. Brinson is the mother of James' two kids, LeBron, Jr., 7, and Bryce, 4.
James turned 27 on Friday, and in addition to the engagement, Saturday night’s bash also featured the kind of extravagant birthday cake that you’d expect at a party thrown by King James, a a towering rum cake adorned with edible 18-carat lions and Swarovski crystals.
In photos from the event, James is wearing a black tuxedo with a bow tie and black glasses, and Brinson is wearing a black dress.
A witness told the New York Post that James "got down on one knee and proposed" to his high school sweetheart, putting a large pear-shaped diamond on her ring finger.
"It was real cool," James said. "It was an opportunity for me with my personal life, so it was good. My girl, she's very excited."
The swanky party was hosted by Heat teammate Dwayne Wade and his girlfriend, actress Gabrielle Union.
"He was just trying to catch her off guard," Wade said of James. "Obviously, they've been together for a while, and I'm sure they had many discussions about the possibility of marriage. So, I thought he did a good job of catching her when she least expected it."
Heat power forward Chris Bosh and actress Queen Latifah were also among the 60 friends and family members at the shindig.
Shortly after 1 a.m. ET, Heat owner Micky Arison sent a tweet congratulating his star player on the engagement, writing, “Congrats to Lebron. @KingJames and Savannah so happy 4 u guys.”
Other NBA stars (and their wives) got in on the action too, as tweets of congratulations came in from L.A. Clippers point guard Chris Paul and La La Vazquez, the wife of New York Knicks forward Carmelo Anthony, among others.
James isn’t the first member of the Big Three to put a ring on it in 2011. Bosh married Adrienne Williams in June at an extravagant wedding at Miami's Fontainebleau Hotel — an event that required the NBA to make an exception allowing team executives and players to mingle during the lockout.
Now that Bosh and James are done giving out rings, fans in Miami are holding out hope that they can team up with Wade to bring a different ring to South Florida.
They’re off to a good start. The Heat are unbeaten through five games, and James is averaging 29.6 points, 7.8 rebounds and 6.6 assists per game.
From :
http://www.foxsportsflorida.com/01/01/12/LeBron-proposes-to-longtime-girlfriend-B/landing_heat.html?blockID=637448&feedID=3934
Brinson and James are high-school sweethearts, dating back to James’ days as a standout at St. Vincent-St. Mary High School in Akron, Ohio. Brinson is the mother of James' two kids, LeBron, Jr., 7, and Bryce, 4.
James turned 27 on Friday, and in addition to the engagement, Saturday night’s bash also featured the kind of extravagant birthday cake that you’d expect at a party thrown by King James, a a towering rum cake adorned with edible 18-carat lions and Swarovski crystals.
In photos from the event, James is wearing a black tuxedo with a bow tie and black glasses, and Brinson is wearing a black dress.
A witness told the New York Post that James "got down on one knee and proposed" to his high school sweetheart, putting a large pear-shaped diamond on her ring finger.
"It was real cool," James said. "It was an opportunity for me with my personal life, so it was good. My girl, she's very excited."
The swanky party was hosted by Heat teammate Dwayne Wade and his girlfriend, actress Gabrielle Union.
"He was just trying to catch her off guard," Wade said of James. "Obviously, they've been together for a while, and I'm sure they had many discussions about the possibility of marriage. So, I thought he did a good job of catching her when she least expected it."
Heat power forward Chris Bosh and actress Queen Latifah were also among the 60 friends and family members at the shindig.
Shortly after 1 a.m. ET, Heat owner Micky Arison sent a tweet congratulating his star player on the engagement, writing, “Congrats to Lebron. @KingJames and Savannah so happy 4 u guys.”
Other NBA stars (and their wives) got in on the action too, as tweets of congratulations came in from L.A. Clippers point guard Chris Paul and La La Vazquez, the wife of New York Knicks forward Carmelo Anthony, among others.
James isn’t the first member of the Big Three to put a ring on it in 2011. Bosh married Adrienne Williams in June at an extravagant wedding at Miami's Fontainebleau Hotel — an event that required the NBA to make an exception allowing team executives and players to mingle during the lockout.
Now that Bosh and James are done giving out rings, fans in Miami are holding out hope that they can team up with Wade to bring a different ring to South Florida.
They’re off to a good start. The Heat are unbeaten through five games, and James is averaging 29.6 points, 7.8 rebounds and 6.6 assists per game.
From :
http://www.foxsportsflorida.com/01/01/12/LeBron-proposes-to-longtime-girlfriend-B/landing_heat.html?blockID=637448&feedID=3934
Wednesday, 28 December 2011
South America catching up to Brazil, Argentina?
Jorge Sampaoli’s Universidad de Chile extended their unbeaten run to an astonishing 35 matches last week as they beat LDU de Quito of Ecuador to lift the Copa Sudamericana, the club’s first ever continental crown. The final was, for only the second time in the competition’s 10-year history, notable in the absence of a finalist from either of South America’s traditional big hitters, Argentina and Brazil; with Velez Sarsfield (Argentina) and Vasco da Gama (Brazil) both having exited at the semi-final stage.
It has since been mooted that we may be seeing the beginnings of a power shift in South American football, with the gap between the big two and the rest decreasing. It’s an argument that’s tough to quantify, with each variable inherently leading us to another. Of the last 16 in this year’s Sudamericana, half of the club’s were from Brazil and Argentina (4 from each nation) due to the increasingly convoluted format of the competition, but only three progressed to the quarter-finals.
The Sudamericana in itself, however, seems an inappropriate yardstick - not least because the competition is given vastly differing levels of significance by its competitors. Vasco elected to play mainly reserve sides away from home in the competition, prioritizing a bigger prize in the form of their domestic league title. Thanks to the archaic state championships that run for four months of the year in Brazil, leaving the nation’s biggest clubs mainly turning out against part-timers, the Brazilian domestic league squeezes 38 rounds into just seven months. That left Vasco facing seven games in 24 days whilst attempting to negotiate their way past Bolivian club Aurora in the quarters.
Both Velez and Vasco were quite clearly prioritizing their leagues. Despite Boca Juniors having all but sealed the title by the halfway stage of Argentina’s Apertura, Velez coach Ricardo Gareca was still certain as to where his priorities lay. “We have to see how we end the local championship,” he said following his side’s quarter final first leg, “and then see if we can move forward in the Copa Sudamericana.”
“To me, [the Sudamericana] will school us for the Libertadores” said Vasco’s Dede. The Libertadores is now number one on every South American club’s list of priorities, so it perhaps provides a better measurement of the disparity between the ten CONMEBOL nations. Historically, the dominance of Brazil and Argentina over the Libertadores is plain to see. Of the eight clubs to have lifted the trophy more than three times, five are Argentinian or Brazilian. This year’s was the 52nd edition of the competition, 37 of those are split between the Brazil and Argentina. You have to go back 20 years to the last final that wasn’t contested by a club from either nation, when Colo Colo grabbed Chile’s first and only ever Libertadores crown by beating Olimpia of Parguay.
This year, however, Brazil and Argentina had just one team each at the quarter final stage after the Brazilian clubs’ dreams of the Libertadores title were shattered in what the media dubbed ‘Black Wednesday’. Five of its six clubs would crash out at the round of 16 despite the Brazilian league being at its strongest in decades. The eternal ‘nation of tomorrow’ is in the midst of an economic boom, with government figures estimating that over 30 million people have joined Brazil’s middle classes in the last 10 years. That’s a lot of added disposable incomes, and the leading corporations have taken notice, plunging money into huge sponsorship deals that have aided the returns of the likes of Ronaldinho, Luis Fabiano, Fred and Deco whilst also proving enough to keep youngsters such as Neymar and Lucas Moura at home that little while longer.
It’s possible, though, to read too much into that. Brazilian clubs were probably showed up for being naïve as opposed to any discernable lack of quality, as the most common failing amongst the clubs to fall was an inability to deal with counter-attacking opposition that utilized wide forwards, restricting the forward movement of Brazilian full-backs, and one of two missed enough chances to win three matches. Though one of football’s great tactical innovators, Brazil can be an insular nation, and its clubs will have to be a little more streetwise if they wish to exert any real dominance over the rest of the continent next year.
Unlike Brazil, Argentina does have cause for concern. The short tournament system has undoubtedly spread a culture of short-termism throughout Argentinian soccer, and it is no surprise that Velez - the league's most practically run club - has been its standout performer over the last two years, twice lifting the league title and reaching the semi-finals of both continental competitions.
The emergence of this year’s Sudamericana finalists, 'La U', most likely the continent’s best team at present, and LDU, a club that has written its entire continental history in the last four years, are perhaps more aptly described as variants as opposed to examples of something representative of a major power shift; as are Penarol of Uruguay, deserved Libertadores finalists this year.
Successful clubs anywhere in South America are habitually disbanded as soon as success arrives, with the allure of the increased wage and status offered by a big move too much to turn down. Penarol have since lost coach Diego Aguirre to the Middle East and star forward Alejandro Martinuccio headed to Brazil to join Fluminense. LDU quickly lost Jairo Campos to Brazil, Claudio Bieler to Argentina, and Damian Manso to Mexico following its 2008 Libertadores triumph; La U has already lost its star forward, Eduardo Vargas, who sealed a move to Napoli in Italy’s Serie A less than a week after firing his side to the Sudamericana title.
Player movement at such a rate undoubtedly makes it more difficult for those outside of Brazil and Argentina to compete long term; despite lacking financial muscle, Argentina is well established as a major shop window to Europe and continues to attract players from around the Americas. According to the Professional Footballer Observatory’s 2011 player migration report, Brazil exported 283 players 2010, Argentina 215; of the other CONMEBOL nations, only Colombia and Paraguay made the top 20 (with 71 and 43, respectively).
Other clubs from around the continent will continue to compete, and likely make major impacts on South American competitions, but, for now, it seems Argentina and Brazil will, collectively at least, continue to sit above the rest. If the disparity between domestic leagues is increasing anywhere, then the most striking example is likely Brazil’s continual strides ahead of Argentina.
It has since been mooted that we may be seeing the beginnings of a power shift in South American football, with the gap between the big two and the rest decreasing. It’s an argument that’s tough to quantify, with each variable inherently leading us to another. Of the last 16 in this year’s Sudamericana, half of the club’s were from Brazil and Argentina (4 from each nation) due to the increasingly convoluted format of the competition, but only three progressed to the quarter-finals.
The Sudamericana in itself, however, seems an inappropriate yardstick - not least because the competition is given vastly differing levels of significance by its competitors. Vasco elected to play mainly reserve sides away from home in the competition, prioritizing a bigger prize in the form of their domestic league title. Thanks to the archaic state championships that run for four months of the year in Brazil, leaving the nation’s biggest clubs mainly turning out against part-timers, the Brazilian domestic league squeezes 38 rounds into just seven months. That left Vasco facing seven games in 24 days whilst attempting to negotiate their way past Bolivian club Aurora in the quarters.
Both Velez and Vasco were quite clearly prioritizing their leagues. Despite Boca Juniors having all but sealed the title by the halfway stage of Argentina’s Apertura, Velez coach Ricardo Gareca was still certain as to where his priorities lay. “We have to see how we end the local championship,” he said following his side’s quarter final first leg, “and then see if we can move forward in the Copa Sudamericana.”
“To me, [the Sudamericana] will school us for the Libertadores” said Vasco’s Dede. The Libertadores is now number one on every South American club’s list of priorities, so it perhaps provides a better measurement of the disparity between the ten CONMEBOL nations. Historically, the dominance of Brazil and Argentina over the Libertadores is plain to see. Of the eight clubs to have lifted the trophy more than three times, five are Argentinian or Brazilian. This year’s was the 52nd edition of the competition, 37 of those are split between the Brazil and Argentina. You have to go back 20 years to the last final that wasn’t contested by a club from either nation, when Colo Colo grabbed Chile’s first and only ever Libertadores crown by beating Olimpia of Parguay.
This year, however, Brazil and Argentina had just one team each at the quarter final stage after the Brazilian clubs’ dreams of the Libertadores title were shattered in what the media dubbed ‘Black Wednesday’. Five of its six clubs would crash out at the round of 16 despite the Brazilian league being at its strongest in decades. The eternal ‘nation of tomorrow’ is in the midst of an economic boom, with government figures estimating that over 30 million people have joined Brazil’s middle classes in the last 10 years. That’s a lot of added disposable incomes, and the leading corporations have taken notice, plunging money into huge sponsorship deals that have aided the returns of the likes of Ronaldinho, Luis Fabiano, Fred and Deco whilst also proving enough to keep youngsters such as Neymar and Lucas Moura at home that little while longer.
It’s possible, though, to read too much into that. Brazilian clubs were probably showed up for being naïve as opposed to any discernable lack of quality, as the most common failing amongst the clubs to fall was an inability to deal with counter-attacking opposition that utilized wide forwards, restricting the forward movement of Brazilian full-backs, and one of two missed enough chances to win three matches. Though one of football’s great tactical innovators, Brazil can be an insular nation, and its clubs will have to be a little more streetwise if they wish to exert any real dominance over the rest of the continent next year.
Unlike Brazil, Argentina does have cause for concern. The short tournament system has undoubtedly spread a culture of short-termism throughout Argentinian soccer, and it is no surprise that Velez - the league's most practically run club - has been its standout performer over the last two years, twice lifting the league title and reaching the semi-finals of both continental competitions.
The emergence of this year’s Sudamericana finalists, 'La U', most likely the continent’s best team at present, and LDU, a club that has written its entire continental history in the last four years, are perhaps more aptly described as variants as opposed to examples of something representative of a major power shift; as are Penarol of Uruguay, deserved Libertadores finalists this year.
Successful clubs anywhere in South America are habitually disbanded as soon as success arrives, with the allure of the increased wage and status offered by a big move too much to turn down. Penarol have since lost coach Diego Aguirre to the Middle East and star forward Alejandro Martinuccio headed to Brazil to join Fluminense. LDU quickly lost Jairo Campos to Brazil, Claudio Bieler to Argentina, and Damian Manso to Mexico following its 2008 Libertadores triumph; La U has already lost its star forward, Eduardo Vargas, who sealed a move to Napoli in Italy’s Serie A less than a week after firing his side to the Sudamericana title.
Player movement at such a rate undoubtedly makes it more difficult for those outside of Brazil and Argentina to compete long term; despite lacking financial muscle, Argentina is well established as a major shop window to Europe and continues to attract players from around the Americas. According to the Professional Footballer Observatory’s 2011 player migration report, Brazil exported 283 players 2010, Argentina 215; of the other CONMEBOL nations, only Colombia and Paraguay made the top 20 (with 71 and 43, respectively).
Other clubs from around the continent will continue to compete, and likely make major impacts on South American competitions, but, for now, it seems Argentina and Brazil will, collectively at least, continue to sit above the rest. If the disparity between domestic leagues is increasing anywhere, then the most striking example is likely Brazil’s continual strides ahead of Argentina.
Rupert Fryer is a freelance soccer journalist and co-founder of SouthAmericanFootball.co.uk. You can follow him on Twitter at @Rupert_Fryer.
From :
http://msn.foxsports.com/foxsoccer/latinamerica/story/south-america-leagues-catching-up-to-brazil-argentina-122111
From :
http://msn.foxsports.com/foxsoccer/latinamerica/story/south-america-leagues-catching-up-to-brazil-argentina-122111
Friday, 18 November 2011
Beckham reflects on U.S. adventure
LOS ANGELES, Calif. – For David Beckham, the most surreal moment of his American adventure didn’t come on a soccer field or at a party, but instead involved the Los Angeles Lakers, Jack Nicholson and a Staples Center restroom.
“It was pretty strange,” Beckham said in an exclusive interview with Yahoo! Sports. “I was watching the Lakers. I was waiting to go to the restroom and Jack Nicholson comes out and he just says, ‘It’s all yours, David.’ I was like, ‘He really knows my name?’ ”
Beckham’s five years in California might be coming to a close, with his contract up at the end of the season. The Galaxy takes on the Houston Dynamo in the MLS Cup final on Sunday with the chance to win its first title of the Beckham era.
There was a minor fitness scare when the England midfielder skipped Thursday practice, with reasons for the absence ranging from a strained hamstring to a common cold. Beckham offered no more detail than an admission that he did indeed sit out.
However, it is unthinkable that he would miss Sunday’s showdown, which provides the chance to finally add some tangible silverware to what he feels has been a successful pilgrimage off the field.
When Beckham came to the U.S. in January 2007, it was hoped he could elevate interest in the game and provide a boost in media coverage and attendance. Despite a rocky first season that saw the Galaxy struggle miserably and Beckham struggle through injuries, he has for the most part achieved his goal.
“I have definitely achieved what I wanted to off the field,” Beckham said. “I wanted this game and this league to grow, and I didn’t expect it to happen so quickly. I said back then it wouldn’t happen in one or two years, but in five years a lot has happened. Attendances now rival NBA and NHL – all that in a country where soccer is not the No.1 sport. That is something I am proud to be part of.”
Beckham was unveiled as a Galaxy player in July 2007 at a glittering ceremony at the Home Depot Center attended by a string of celebrities and more than 600 media members from around the world. But he soon cut a lonely and frustrated figure, as the reality of MLS’ lower standard and the deficiencies of his teammates became apparent.
MLS was still relatively unknown then, but growth has been steady, both in terms of standard and recognition. For the past three seasons the Galaxy has claimed the Supporters’ Shield, the title given to the side with the best regular season record. The 36-year-old Beckham frequently gets messages from soccer star friends in England who can access his matches on British television.
Now the aim is to win a trophy, one the Galaxy came to within a whisker of in 2009, but lost the final on penalty kicks to Real Salt Lake. With Beckham, Landon Donovan and Robbie Keane providing the star power and a fine supporting crew including influential Brazilian midfielder Juninho and young American defender Omar Gonzalez, the side is strongly favored to beat the Dynamo.
Beckham suffered similar frustration during his time at Spanish club Real Madrid, which failed to win La Liga in his first three seasons and finally clinched the trophy in his final match there.
“I think you always feel unfulfilled if you don’t win a trophy,” Beckham said. “No matter where I have played … people asked the same question in my fourth year at Real Madrid and I ended it winning a trophy.
“The last three years have been successful but I want to win the final. Everyone wants to win it. We need to be ready.”
After the game Beckham has a decision to make, and there are two favored options. One would be to remain with the Galaxy for one more season, a second would be to switch to the most vocal and financially generous of his suitors, French club Paris St. Germain, allowing him one final crack at playing in the Champions League.
Given that his body does not recover as quickly as it once did – he played much of this season with a fractured spine – retirement could be an option, although he will surely play for the Great Britain Olympic team in London next summer.
The decision-making process will take in many factors, with his ambition, lifestyle and physical health among them.
“I want to finish this season off first, kick back and relax and think about what the future holds for me,” Beckham said. “Whether it will be to continue to play or continue to play here, who knows? I want to be a champion at the end of this season, and then I will decide what happens in the future.
“The best thing about being here is just the experience of playing in a different country with different players and being part of a soccer nation that is growing. Being part of the Galaxy this year, it’s the most enjoyable year I have had here.
“There are certain things we are able to do here that we couldn’t in Europe, but I love London and I love England. I am a very patriotic person about my country. I have loved living here and will continue to love living here because it is a great place to live. Living in L.A. has been incredible for the family. California, the weather, the climate – something like that is a dream. But who knows what is going to happen.”
Beckham and his wife, former Spice Girls singer Victoria, have settled in well to the California lifestyle and gained high-profile friends. The soccer star regularly exchanges text messages with his friend Kobe Bryant, yet any suggestion that he is more interested in showbiz than soccer would be unfounded.
His performances in 2011 have been energetic and outstanding, and were a major reason why the Galaxy did not lose a home game during the regular season. As a teammate, Beckham has the full support and admiration of his colleagues and his commitment to the team is beyond question.
The days when some Galaxy fans were unsure of his dedication to the club have long passed. At the end of both Beckham’s second and third years in L.A., he went on loan to Italian side AC Milan. That decision, based primarily on his wish to remain in contention for selection to the England national team, did not meet with universal approval, especially when he was injured in Milan and missed most of the 2010 MLS campaign. However, Beckham won over the crowd once more this year, and it is clear that he envisages a bright future for American soccer, one in which he’d like to continue to play a role. He has an option to buy an MLS club at a discount, a move likely to happen before too long.
“I definitely would like to be involved in MLS,” Beckham said. “It has been part of my life. Not just living here but being part of MLS, I have enjoyed it. Everyone knows I have an option of a franchise in the league; it is something I am passionate about moving forward.
“The new franchises, the stadiums just for soccer and expansion teams … it shows a growth in a sport in this country. When you look around the league and you see these youth academies in every MLS team, more home-grown talent coming through, it is all positive.
“If it continues to grow like it is growing, it will be up there with the top leagues in the world. Certain things need to happen: We need to bring top talent to this league at a younger age, like 25. That will happen in time. This league has only been going 16 years, and I am proud to have helped it grow.”
Whether or not Beckham signs off in fairytale fashion Sunday, whether or not it is indeed the end, there is no disputing that he has been part of a success story. The ludicrous predictions back in 2007 that he would make soccer a rival to the NFL were not of his making and were simply impossible.
But American soccer is in a far healthier position at the end of David Beckham’s contract (you know, the one that was supposedly worth $250 million but in reality paid one-eighth of that) than it was at the beginning.
For that, the Beckham era can be regarded with fondness. For that, the Beckham Experiment can be said to have passed its test.
Read More:
http://sports.yahoo.com/soccer/news;_ylt=AssZQkB0WEGb6lh5VS6uYn0mw7YF?slug=ro-rogers_beckham_jack_nicholson_staples_111711
“It was pretty strange,” Beckham said in an exclusive interview with Yahoo! Sports. “I was watching the Lakers. I was waiting to go to the restroom and Jack Nicholson comes out and he just says, ‘It’s all yours, David.’ I was like, ‘He really knows my name?’ ”
Beckham’s five years in California might be coming to a close, with his contract up at the end of the season. The Galaxy takes on the Houston Dynamo in the MLS Cup final on Sunday with the chance to win its first title of the Beckham era.
There was a minor fitness scare when the England midfielder skipped Thursday practice, with reasons for the absence ranging from a strained hamstring to a common cold. Beckham offered no more detail than an admission that he did indeed sit out.
However, it is unthinkable that he would miss Sunday’s showdown, which provides the chance to finally add some tangible silverware to what he feels has been a successful pilgrimage off the field.
When Beckham came to the U.S. in January 2007, it was hoped he could elevate interest in the game and provide a boost in media coverage and attendance. Despite a rocky first season that saw the Galaxy struggle miserably and Beckham struggle through injuries, he has for the most part achieved his goal.
“I have definitely achieved what I wanted to off the field,” Beckham said. “I wanted this game and this league to grow, and I didn’t expect it to happen so quickly. I said back then it wouldn’t happen in one or two years, but in five years a lot has happened. Attendances now rival NBA and NHL – all that in a country where soccer is not the No.1 sport. That is something I am proud to be part of.”
Beckham was unveiled as a Galaxy player in July 2007 at a glittering ceremony at the Home Depot Center attended by a string of celebrities and more than 600 media members from around the world. But he soon cut a lonely and frustrated figure, as the reality of MLS’ lower standard and the deficiencies of his teammates became apparent.
MLS was still relatively unknown then, but growth has been steady, both in terms of standard and recognition. For the past three seasons the Galaxy has claimed the Supporters’ Shield, the title given to the side with the best regular season record. The 36-year-old Beckham frequently gets messages from soccer star friends in England who can access his matches on British television.
Now the aim is to win a trophy, one the Galaxy came to within a whisker of in 2009, but lost the final on penalty kicks to Real Salt Lake. With Beckham, Landon Donovan and Robbie Keane providing the star power and a fine supporting crew including influential Brazilian midfielder Juninho and young American defender Omar Gonzalez, the side is strongly favored to beat the Dynamo.
Beckham suffered similar frustration during his time at Spanish club Real Madrid, which failed to win La Liga in his first three seasons and finally clinched the trophy in his final match there.
“I think you always feel unfulfilled if you don’t win a trophy,” Beckham said. “No matter where I have played … people asked the same question in my fourth year at Real Madrid and I ended it winning a trophy.
“The last three years have been successful but I want to win the final. Everyone wants to win it. We need to be ready.”
After the game Beckham has a decision to make, and there are two favored options. One would be to remain with the Galaxy for one more season, a second would be to switch to the most vocal and financially generous of his suitors, French club Paris St. Germain, allowing him one final crack at playing in the Champions League.
Given that his body does not recover as quickly as it once did – he played much of this season with a fractured spine – retirement could be an option, although he will surely play for the Great Britain Olympic team in London next summer.
The decision-making process will take in many factors, with his ambition, lifestyle and physical health among them.
“I want to finish this season off first, kick back and relax and think about what the future holds for me,” Beckham said. “Whether it will be to continue to play or continue to play here, who knows? I want to be a champion at the end of this season, and then I will decide what happens in the future.
“The best thing about being here is just the experience of playing in a different country with different players and being part of a soccer nation that is growing. Being part of the Galaxy this year, it’s the most enjoyable year I have had here.
“There are certain things we are able to do here that we couldn’t in Europe, but I love London and I love England. I am a very patriotic person about my country. I have loved living here and will continue to love living here because it is a great place to live. Living in L.A. has been incredible for the family. California, the weather, the climate – something like that is a dream. But who knows what is going to happen.”
Beckham and his wife, former Spice Girls singer Victoria, have settled in well to the California lifestyle and gained high-profile friends. The soccer star regularly exchanges text messages with his friend Kobe Bryant, yet any suggestion that he is more interested in showbiz than soccer would be unfounded.
His performances in 2011 have been energetic and outstanding, and were a major reason why the Galaxy did not lose a home game during the regular season. As a teammate, Beckham has the full support and admiration of his colleagues and his commitment to the team is beyond question.
The days when some Galaxy fans were unsure of his dedication to the club have long passed. At the end of both Beckham’s second and third years in L.A., he went on loan to Italian side AC Milan. That decision, based primarily on his wish to remain in contention for selection to the England national team, did not meet with universal approval, especially when he was injured in Milan and missed most of the 2010 MLS campaign. However, Beckham won over the crowd once more this year, and it is clear that he envisages a bright future for American soccer, one in which he’d like to continue to play a role. He has an option to buy an MLS club at a discount, a move likely to happen before too long.
“I definitely would like to be involved in MLS,” Beckham said. “It has been part of my life. Not just living here but being part of MLS, I have enjoyed it. Everyone knows I have an option of a franchise in the league; it is something I am passionate about moving forward.
“The new franchises, the stadiums just for soccer and expansion teams … it shows a growth in a sport in this country. When you look around the league and you see these youth academies in every MLS team, more home-grown talent coming through, it is all positive.
“If it continues to grow like it is growing, it will be up there with the top leagues in the world. Certain things need to happen: We need to bring top talent to this league at a younger age, like 25. That will happen in time. This league has only been going 16 years, and I am proud to have helped it grow.”
Whether or not Beckham signs off in fairytale fashion Sunday, whether or not it is indeed the end, there is no disputing that he has been part of a success story. The ludicrous predictions back in 2007 that he would make soccer a rival to the NFL were not of his making and were simply impossible.
But American soccer is in a far healthier position at the end of David Beckham’s contract (you know, the one that was supposedly worth $250 million but in reality paid one-eighth of that) than it was at the beginning.
For that, the Beckham era can be regarded with fondness. For that, the Beckham Experiment can be said to have passed its test.
Read More:
http://sports.yahoo.com/soccer/news;_ylt=AssZQkB0WEGb6lh5VS6uYn0mw7YF?slug=ro-rogers_beckham_jack_nicholson_staples_111711
Wednesday, 16 November 2011
Psychology Behind Shadow Boxing Exercises
Shadow boxing exercises are an indispensable part of a boxer's training regime. In this article, we will try to understand the psychology behind shadow boxing exercises along with the benefits of the same.
Boxing is a competitive contact sport in which the participants should not only be in great physical shape but should also have a great presence of mind. No wonder boxers have to train so hard. The training regime includes intense workouts where boxers have to work on their general fitness along with boxing-specific movements. The shadow boxing exercises are an integral part of a boxing workout. Unlike a sparring session wherein a boxer attacks or defends against an actual opponent, shadow boxing is a sparring session without an opponent. It is a kind of workout where the boxer tries to simulate a fight. The boxer attacks and defends against an imaginary opponent. The purpose of this technique is to mentally prepare boxers for events where they have to fight very aggressive boxers by the likes of Muhammad Ali. Other boxers who used this boxing technique include Mike Tyson and the late Joe Frazier. Every aspiring boxer knows how helpful this technique is when it comes to overpowering one's opponent in the boxing ring. The use of shadow boxing technique is not just restricted to boxing, it has been incorporated in various styles of martial arts. The famous Hong Kong actor Bruce Lee was also seen practicing shadow boxing in his films. He incorporated this technique in Jeet Kune Do, a form of martial arts that he founded. If you wish to understand the importance of shadow boxing exercises in boxing training, you can go through this write-up on the psychology behind shadow boxing.
How Does Shadow Boxing Help
The psychology behind shadow boxing exercises is to visualize defeating your opponent. Boxing is a sport wherein the boxer needs to be highly motivated. This is a combat sport where one must be physically fit and mentally alert. Training helps the boxers condition themselves, mentally as well as physically. Boxers not only need to have control on their body, they also need to work on their state of mind. A negative self-image can ruin their chances of winning which is why they must have control over their emotions. Under no circumstances should the boxer feel intimidated or appear to be intimidated by the opponent. Imagery is an integral part of boxing training. Boxers must incorporate the method of visualization during the workout session. Shadow boxing as well as punch bag boxing are great methods that can help a boxer improve his/her concentration. It also helps him/her get into a fighting rhythm.
Throwing punches or practicing a sequence of movements repeatedly while maintaining the fighting stance can help the fighter perfect his moves. This definitely improves one's punching speed and is also a great warm-up session for intense boxing-specific workouts. Being a competitive sport, boxers need to create opportunities and land punches that can overpower the opponent. Not only should the boxer have the ability to focus and observe his opponent's body language, he/she should also be able to make the right decisions at the right time. This can come from practice. The imagery or guided visualization during shadow boxing helps the boxer rehearse his strategic moves. To be able to win, one must first think like a winner. Visualizing yourself in the ring and defeating your opponent during these sessions is definitely the best form of motivation.
Shadow Boxing Techniques
To practice shadow boxing exercises, the fighter needs to face a light-colored wall. There is a light source behind the boxer that projects his/her shadow on the wall. The boxer then practices his/her moves and footwork by treating the shadow as his/her opponent or sparring partner. There are two methods that boxers use in the shadow boxing sessions. These are referred to as the short method and the long method. In the long method of shadow boxing, boxers practice straight punches or jabs as they shuffle their feet back and forth. On the other hand, boxers move their body from left to right while practicing short punches or close body shots while practicing the short method. There are a variety of punching techniques that boxers usually use. These include left jab, left straight, right straight, left hook, right hook, uppercut, liver shot, and other shots to the body. Combination drills where you practice a specific combination of some of these punches in a rhythm can certainly help in honing one's boxing skills. Here are some of the common combinations one could try:
* Left Straight, Right Straight: Here you visualize throwing a punch to the left side of your opponent's head, followed by another punch to the right side.
* Left Hook, Right Hook, Left Hook: For the Left Hook, bring your left hand near your chin and bend your hand at an angle of 90 degrees while punching your opponent's face with your fist. Follow the same action with the right hand and repeat the action with your left hand again.
One can also graduate from the simple shadow boxing exercises to an intense form of workout. Take for instance, the 10x10 shadow boxing circuit wherein boxers can practice a 10-punch combination ten times within a minute. Besides developing speed and accuracy, one also needs to develop punching power. Once one has perfected these moves, one can attempt them while fighting one's sparring partner.
This was a brief overview on shadow boxing exercises. Shadow boxing is definitely a great technique that prepares a boxer for a fight, mentally as well as physically. A boxer can work on his opponent's weaknesses and try to improve his concentration, speed and punch power. Shadow boxing as a technique can help boxers mentally condition themselves for defeating their opponent.
By Smita Pandit
Published: 11/15/2011
Read More:
http://www.buzzle.com/articles/psychology-behind-shadow-boxing-exercises.html
Boxing is a competitive contact sport in which the participants should not only be in great physical shape but should also have a great presence of mind. No wonder boxers have to train so hard. The training regime includes intense workouts where boxers have to work on their general fitness along with boxing-specific movements. The shadow boxing exercises are an integral part of a boxing workout. Unlike a sparring session wherein a boxer attacks or defends against an actual opponent, shadow boxing is a sparring session without an opponent. It is a kind of workout where the boxer tries to simulate a fight. The boxer attacks and defends against an imaginary opponent. The purpose of this technique is to mentally prepare boxers for events where they have to fight very aggressive boxers by the likes of Muhammad Ali. Other boxers who used this boxing technique include Mike Tyson and the late Joe Frazier. Every aspiring boxer knows how helpful this technique is when it comes to overpowering one's opponent in the boxing ring. The use of shadow boxing technique is not just restricted to boxing, it has been incorporated in various styles of martial arts. The famous Hong Kong actor Bruce Lee was also seen practicing shadow boxing in his films. He incorporated this technique in Jeet Kune Do, a form of martial arts that he founded. If you wish to understand the importance of shadow boxing exercises in boxing training, you can go through this write-up on the psychology behind shadow boxing.
How Does Shadow Boxing Help
The psychology behind shadow boxing exercises is to visualize defeating your opponent. Boxing is a sport wherein the boxer needs to be highly motivated. This is a combat sport where one must be physically fit and mentally alert. Training helps the boxers condition themselves, mentally as well as physically. Boxers not only need to have control on their body, they also need to work on their state of mind. A negative self-image can ruin their chances of winning which is why they must have control over their emotions. Under no circumstances should the boxer feel intimidated or appear to be intimidated by the opponent. Imagery is an integral part of boxing training. Boxers must incorporate the method of visualization during the workout session. Shadow boxing as well as punch bag boxing are great methods that can help a boxer improve his/her concentration. It also helps him/her get into a fighting rhythm.
Throwing punches or practicing a sequence of movements repeatedly while maintaining the fighting stance can help the fighter perfect his moves. This definitely improves one's punching speed and is also a great warm-up session for intense boxing-specific workouts. Being a competitive sport, boxers need to create opportunities and land punches that can overpower the opponent. Not only should the boxer have the ability to focus and observe his opponent's body language, he/she should also be able to make the right decisions at the right time. This can come from practice. The imagery or guided visualization during shadow boxing helps the boxer rehearse his strategic moves. To be able to win, one must first think like a winner. Visualizing yourself in the ring and defeating your opponent during these sessions is definitely the best form of motivation.
Shadow Boxing Techniques
To practice shadow boxing exercises, the fighter needs to face a light-colored wall. There is a light source behind the boxer that projects his/her shadow on the wall. The boxer then practices his/her moves and footwork by treating the shadow as his/her opponent or sparring partner. There are two methods that boxers use in the shadow boxing sessions. These are referred to as the short method and the long method. In the long method of shadow boxing, boxers practice straight punches or jabs as they shuffle their feet back and forth. On the other hand, boxers move their body from left to right while practicing short punches or close body shots while practicing the short method. There are a variety of punching techniques that boxers usually use. These include left jab, left straight, right straight, left hook, right hook, uppercut, liver shot, and other shots to the body. Combination drills where you practice a specific combination of some of these punches in a rhythm can certainly help in honing one's boxing skills. Here are some of the common combinations one could try:
* Left Straight, Right Straight: Here you visualize throwing a punch to the left side of your opponent's head, followed by another punch to the right side.
* Left Hook, Right Hook, Left Hook: For the Left Hook, bring your left hand near your chin and bend your hand at an angle of 90 degrees while punching your opponent's face with your fist. Follow the same action with the right hand and repeat the action with your left hand again.
One can also graduate from the simple shadow boxing exercises to an intense form of workout. Take for instance, the 10x10 shadow boxing circuit wherein boxers can practice a 10-punch combination ten times within a minute. Besides developing speed and accuracy, one also needs to develop punching power. Once one has perfected these moves, one can attempt them while fighting one's sparring partner.
This was a brief overview on shadow boxing exercises. Shadow boxing is definitely a great technique that prepares a boxer for a fight, mentally as well as physically. A boxer can work on his opponent's weaknesses and try to improve his concentration, speed and punch power. Shadow boxing as a technique can help boxers mentally condition themselves for defeating their opponent.
By Smita Pandit
Published: 11/15/2011
Read More:
http://www.buzzle.com/articles/psychology-behind-shadow-boxing-exercises.html
Friday, 11 November 2011
Training for a Marathon
People tend to think that running a marathon is impossible. However, if you train yourself properly and also focus on nutrition and overall well-being, it is entirely possible. If you work towards building yourself up to running 26.2 miles, it will be difficult, but you can do it.
Find a Training Program
Marathon training will take up a good portion of your life, especially when you do training runs that go for 20 or more miles. These runs can take hours, and you can expect to be exhausted when you are finished with them, making you useless for the rest of the day. It is important then, to find a training program you can live with. Good training programs scaffold, or build on themselves. You should be running about four days a week, with three shorter runs and one longer run. When you start out, you will be running short runs for three days with a longer run on the fourth. During your training, these shorter runs will get longer, as well as the long runs too. This means that eventually you will be running 20 miles or more on some days. If your training program demands you to run 20 miles on a day you work, you may not be able to accomplish it. Choose a program that works with your schedule, and you will be much more successful.
Treadmill versus Outside
Since you will be running the marathon outside, you will want to do much of your training outside. However, you don’t want to run in the rain because this can ruin your shoes and add unnecessary weight in the form of water on your clothes. It can also be a miserable experience to run very far in the rain. If it's raining, you can combine outdoor running with treadmill running, or run all of it on a treadmill. It’s also possible for you to run the next day, which you must.
Rest Days
Rest days are as important as training days. If you don’t rest, your body will not be able to heal itself and you won’t be able to run for very long. In fact, you can risk injury if you run too much. If you must be active, cross-training such as walking or weightlifting can give you a workout without straining the muscles you need for running.
Nutrition
Proper nutrition is just as important as training. If your body isn’t fueled, you won’t be able to keep going. Carbs and protein are very important, as well as energy bars and other aids while you are running. Be sure to drink sports drinks and water, as you don’t want to dehydrate. Also, eat when you are hungry. Training for a marathon will burn many extra calories, so if you are feeling hungry, you probably need more food than you’re used to eating.
Support of Family and Friends
Never underestimate the support of your family and friends. As you are running, your family is at home carrying out your responsibilities. They will help you cook the food you need and take care of things around the house, while you are training. They will also cheer you on, if you ask them to. Do not forget this; moral support is just as important as anything you could do to train for the event. Be sure to thank those who were there for you. Training for a marathon can be hard on family members too, but it never hurts to show your appreciation.
By Buzzle Staff and Agencies
Published: 11/4/2011
from:
http://www.buzzle.com/articles/training-for-a-marathon.html
Find a Training Program
Marathon training will take up a good portion of your life, especially when you do training runs that go for 20 or more miles. These runs can take hours, and you can expect to be exhausted when you are finished with them, making you useless for the rest of the day. It is important then, to find a training program you can live with. Good training programs scaffold, or build on themselves. You should be running about four days a week, with three shorter runs and one longer run. When you start out, you will be running short runs for three days with a longer run on the fourth. During your training, these shorter runs will get longer, as well as the long runs too. This means that eventually you will be running 20 miles or more on some days. If your training program demands you to run 20 miles on a day you work, you may not be able to accomplish it. Choose a program that works with your schedule, and you will be much more successful.
Treadmill versus Outside
Since you will be running the marathon outside, you will want to do much of your training outside. However, you don’t want to run in the rain because this can ruin your shoes and add unnecessary weight in the form of water on your clothes. It can also be a miserable experience to run very far in the rain. If it's raining, you can combine outdoor running with treadmill running, or run all of it on a treadmill. It’s also possible for you to run the next day, which you must.
Rest Days
Rest days are as important as training days. If you don’t rest, your body will not be able to heal itself and you won’t be able to run for very long. In fact, you can risk injury if you run too much. If you must be active, cross-training such as walking or weightlifting can give you a workout without straining the muscles you need for running.
Nutrition
Proper nutrition is just as important as training. If your body isn’t fueled, you won’t be able to keep going. Carbs and protein are very important, as well as energy bars and other aids while you are running. Be sure to drink sports drinks and water, as you don’t want to dehydrate. Also, eat when you are hungry. Training for a marathon will burn many extra calories, so if you are feeling hungry, you probably need more food than you’re used to eating.
Support of Family and Friends
Never underestimate the support of your family and friends. As you are running, your family is at home carrying out your responsibilities. They will help you cook the food you need and take care of things around the house, while you are training. They will also cheer you on, if you ask them to. Do not forget this; moral support is just as important as anything you could do to train for the event. Be sure to thank those who were there for you. Training for a marathon can be hard on family members too, but it never hurts to show your appreciation.
By Buzzle Staff and Agencies
Published: 11/4/2011
from:
http://www.buzzle.com/articles/training-for-a-marathon.html
Peterson hasn’t bought anything since signing $100 million deal
We may be living in a material world, but Adrian Peterson is not a material girl. Or boy. Or super-rich football player.
The Minnesota Vikings running back told SI.com's Jimmy Traina that he had yet to buy anything special since signing a $100 million contract extension in September. Not a new car or an iPad or anything.
During an appearance on the Hot Clicks podcast, Peterson revealed his saving ways:
"I actually haven't purchased anything yet. Haven't bought anything yet. I like to sit back and let my money grow, so I'm going to sit on it for a minute. Something might pop up that I want to purchase, it might be a good investment or something, I don't know, we'll see. As of now, I'm just watching it build up in my account.
"I gotta look out for my family … so I have to be smart about it."
What? No, what your family needs is nine cars, four houses, 200 hours on NetJets, a butler who only folds pajamas and a walk-in cheese cave. Anything else for a family whose main breadwinner has $36 million in guaranteed money coming to him is tantamount to deprivation.
from:
http://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/blog/shutdown_corner/post/Peterson-hasn-8217-t-bought-anything-since-sign;_ylt=AtwhetAkybcIZBEXz6H0C4xDubYF?urn=nfl-wp11578
The Minnesota Vikings running back told SI.com's Jimmy Traina that he had yet to buy anything special since signing a $100 million contract extension in September. Not a new car or an iPad or anything.
During an appearance on the Hot Clicks podcast, Peterson revealed his saving ways:
"I actually haven't purchased anything yet. Haven't bought anything yet. I like to sit back and let my money grow, so I'm going to sit on it for a minute. Something might pop up that I want to purchase, it might be a good investment or something, I don't know, we'll see. As of now, I'm just watching it build up in my account.
"I gotta look out for my family … so I have to be smart about it."
What? No, what your family needs is nine cars, four houses, 200 hours on NetJets, a butler who only folds pajamas and a walk-in cheese cave. Anything else for a family whose main breadwinner has $36 million in guaranteed money coming to him is tantamount to deprivation.
from:
http://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/blog/shutdown_corner/post/Peterson-hasn-8217-t-bought-anything-since-sign;_ylt=AtwhetAkybcIZBEXz6H0C4xDubYF?urn=nfl-wp11578
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