Category: Sports

Great Choice of Fishing Rivers in the UK

People who live in the UK have a nice selection of rivers to choose from when looking for somewhere to go fishing. In fact, half of the population within live within five miles of a waterway, so they should never have any problem finding somewhere to engage in this tranquil activity. The best rivers for fishing in the UK would include:

River Tyne

The Tyne has a reputation as the best river in the UK for salmon fishing. There is also a plentiful supply of trout here as well. The Tyne is 62 miles in length and it is formed by the confluence of two other rivers – the North Tyne, and the South Tyne. Some of the best coarse fishing is to be found in the North Tyne and River Tyne, but the three rivers are all good for game fishing.

River Frome

The Frome is a 30 mile long chalk stream river in Dorset. This is a good option for people looking to catch some trout, and there is also a good supply of roach, perch, and carp. It is possible to fish for free on the part of the river that runs from the town bridge in Wrexham to the Marina. The best bait to use here tends to be maggots for roach and chopped up worms for perch.

River Annan

The River Annan is located in Dumfriesshire, Scotland, and this is a good destination for people trying to catch salmon or sea trout. In order to be able to fish on this river, it is necessary to get permission from the owner – this can be done through the River Annan website. The sea trout seasons runs from the end of February to the middle of November. The best time of year to catch salmon is during the autumn months.

River Teifi

The River Teifi in West Wales passes through the Cambrian Mountains, and it is a popular spot for grayling fishing and trout fishing. People come here from all over the world to fish, but it is necessary to buy a day ticket or become a member. The best time of year for trout fishing is between March and June, and it is possible to catching grayling right up until the middle of October.

River Tweed

The River Tweed is located on the Scottish Borders, and it is a good spot for Salmon, grayling, and brown trout. This is one of the most beautiful rivers in the UK, so it really can be a pleasant place to go fishing. The fish in this part of the world tend to be a bit more challenging to catch, but this can make the whole experience even more enjoyable. The season here runs from February to November, and the best time to catch some salmon would be during the autumn. Fly fishing is permitted for the whole season, but it is only permissible to spin fish between the middle of February to the middle of September.

River Thames

The Thames is the most famous river in the UK, and it can also be a great option for people who are looking to do some coarse fishing. One of the nice things about fishing the Thames is that it is not necessary to pay for a day ticket or permit, but it is required that people have a fishing licence. Some of the best locations for fishing on the Thames are outside London in places like Reading (Scours Lane is particularly good) and Oxford (Osney Lock is a good spot).

Running is one of the most complete sports that exist, as it provides a full workout to the muscles in both the upper and lower body. However, when it comes to running a marathon, the intensity of this sport takes on a whole new dimension. Every year, hundreds of marathons are organised around the world, and individuals of all ages and physical conditions take part in this extremely demanding competition. Of course, training is essential when it comes to facing a sports event like this, and as many successful marathon runners affirm, preparation can be even harder than the marathon itself. In this article we have put together a 24-week marathon training plan based on the tips of expert marathon runners.

Why twenty-four weeks?

Twenty-four weeks may seem a long time to be training for a one-day event, but there are so many factors involved in preparing your body (and mind) for a marathon that six months of training are the minimum amount of time that first-time marathon runners need in order to be ready for the competition.

It is also important to note that rest days are essential during training, so that the body has time to regain strength. The inclusion of rest periods prolongs the duration of any marathon training program, but you do not want to rush any aspect of your training to find out that you are not as ready as you thought on the day of the event.

Building resistance and endurance through physical exercise: weeks 1-12

During the first four weeks of your training, you should focus on getting your body used to running regularly. Start with an easy 2-mile run five days a week during the first week, and plan two rest days (not consecutive) where you can rest completely or do other type of exercise. Cycling and swimming are great options for building endurance.

In weeks four to eight the goal is to increase your daily distance, first to 3 miles and then to 4. You should also include a longer run once a week, until you are able to tackle a 9-mile run at the end of week eight. Remember that you do not need to run all the time while training. Switching between brisk walking and running is perfectly acceptable.

During weeks nine to twelve you should maintain your 4-mile a day average and increase the distance of your long runs until you can attempt your first half-marathon run (12 miles). Listen to your body and pace yourself accordingly.

Weeks 13-24: increase mileage with caution

By this point your physical strength and endurance will be significantly improved. In weeks thirteen to twenty-four your aim should be to combine short and long distances and to increase your once-a-week long distance runs by one mile every week until you can run 22 miles in week twenty-one. This will be a tough physical and mental test, but there is no need to over-exert yourself or to force your body to complete the 22 miles. See how you feel after 12 miles and do not hesitate to stop or cut the run short, as going beyond your limits at this point might drain all your energy resources before the big day.

It is wise to rest for at least 3 days the week prior to the race, and to keep your distance to no more than 5 miles per day on running days. This will help your body replenish its energy levels in preparation for the marathon.

Completing a marathon requires dedication and determination, but it is not an impossible task. Give this training plan a try and get ready to celebrate what will surely be one of your biggest achievements.

Boating is a fantastic hobby or sport that is not limited to fitness, age, or gender. Anyone can take it up, whether an enthusiast in their prime, or a hobbyist in their retirement years. However, to be safe and confident in your abilities, you will need to be familiar with the basics of boating and navigation.

Before you start, you will at least need to know how to start and stop the boat, to keep the vessel and everyone aboard safe, and to manoeuvre it correctly. If you have a group of people helping to sail a bigger boat, such as a canal boat or yacht, you will need to be able to direct your “crew,” from making sure everything is safe, to accounting for all of the necessary equipment, to evaluating the boat’s suitability for use. You will also need to know basic boating terminology, such as directions. For example, the front of the vessel is the bow, and the back is the stern; the left direction is port, and the right is starboard.

Possibly one of the reasons that boating is such a good hobby is that it forces you to slow down and relinquish the fast pace of the world, as operating a boat requires long, deliberate movements characteristic of an unhurried lifestyle. A boat will need time to gather speed as it gets going, as well as to slow down and stop gradually. A boat is similar to a train or aircraft, in that it cannot stop suddenly like a car can, as it does not have a braking mechanism.

When setting off, take basic precautions such as knowing your waterways, or becoming familiar with new routes before embarking on them. Of course, you should always be familiar with your boat before going out in it. The boat will need to be pushed away from the bank before you can start the engine. Start the boat slowly, and gradually pick up speed once you know you are clear of other boats, shallow water, and swimming areas. Move slowly when passing other boats and entering shallow water, especially where there may be swimmers, to avoid wake and disturbance. In narrow waterways, such as canals and rivers, travel on the right.

For steering, a boat may have a steering wheel or a tiller. A steering wheel is simpler, as on a leisure vessel, such as a speed boat, it may be located toward the front of the boat, which will make steering the boat similar to driving a car. A tiller is more complicated, as it requires steering from the stern, and you have to remember that turning is counterintuitive – you must steer left to go right, and vice versa. The boat also must be negotiated from a “pivot point” of approximately halfway along its length. This means that when turning, you need to consider the halfway point when timing the turn, rather than the front; otherwise, you could end up taking the turn too wide and hitting something. As with starting and stopping, the boat will need time to make the turn, so you need to start the turn in plenty of time.

When mooring your boat, ease in to the bank with the engine on a low setting, and stop by putting the boat in reverse briefly when the bow is near the bank. Put the engine into neutral, and position it facing upstream or with the tide. Tie the boat securely with rope, connecting it via both the bow and the stern using bollards, if available, or hitching posts driven into the bank.

Many of us can remember our first bicycles. We all recall their rather clumsy handling, their ability to rust with even the slightest bit of moisture and how heavy they were to carry into the house during winter months. We have seen great technological advances in the last twenty years in many forms of technology, and the world of bicycling is no exception. Let us have a quick look at some of the most recent innovations which have given riding enthusiasts even more reasons to take to the road.

Carbon Fibre Frames

This is most likely the breakthrough that most of us are aware of, as carbon fibre is utilised in a variety of industries. Aluminium and steel are quickly being replaced with this lightweight, rustproof and exceedingly strong material. Another benefit of carbon fibre technology is that it can absorb the shocks often felt over difficult terrain more effectively. Thus, not only is this composite durable and lightweight, but it also allows the user to experience a more comfortable ride. In recent times, many mountain bikes are now offering this option to choose from, further highlighting their safety benefits.

Full Suspension Bicycles

This second improvement has as much to do with comfort as it does with handling all types of terrain. Not only does this change provide a more comfortable ride, but this type of suspension is easily adjustable to accommodate different body types and centres of gravity. Riders will find themselves better balanced than with previous suspension systems.

Disk Brakes

Many of us associate disk brakes with automobiles, but they have also entered into bicycling technology. Their major benefit lies in the ability to clamp much more firm than rim brakes. This obviously gives more stopping power and improved control over winding courses. Additionally, they are much more resilient to conditions such as mud, grit and water that would prove detrimental to more traditional methods of braking. Finally, these systems can be incorporated on a larger variety of frames than rim brakes.

LED Lighting

Light emitting diodes are now the mainstay of headlamps for bicycles. They offer a crisper quality of light as well as are able to project their beams much further into the distance. Thus, they represent a vast safety improvement for night riders. They are also much smaller than previous models and their lightweight lithium ion batteries are fully rechargeable. For further information, websites such as www.tredz.co.uk have many examples of this improved lighting technology.

Electronic Gear Shifting

Most of us are accustomed to manually shifting gears while bicycling. This action is being quickly replaced by technology which allows for automatic gear changes based a bicycle’s inclination or declination. As these processes are exacting in their nature, smooth transitions between gears are now a reality. Also, it is said that the rechargeable batteries have a life of approximately 1,000 miles. The website www.cycleandstyle.com provides more details on this process.

Saddles

Bicycle seats are also much more comfortable than in the past. Many now use composite materials and gels to give added comfort and the least vibration. Some even are tested to fit the contours of specific body types. Such websites such as www.themanual.com can help further illustrate just how far bicycle saddles have come in recent years.

These are but a few of the most prominent advances in cycling to be found in recent times. There is no doubt that this trend will continue into the future; providing even higher levels of comfort and safety for the biking enthusiast.

Marathon and half marathon events are popular throughout the UK, and there are several events that are respected enough to attract some of the world’s best marathon and half marathon runners.

<h2>The London Marathon</h2>

Beginning in 1981, the London Marathon, now sponsored by Virgin, has become one of the most famous annual marathons in the world. Traditionally help every spring, the London Marathon has a diverse mix of world class athletes and fun runners, with many of the latter running to raise money for charity. 2012 saw nearly 37,000 athletes complete the course, and it’s currently the largest marathon in the world. The very first London Marathon took place on March 29th, 1981, and was founded by the former Olympic steeplechase champion Chris Brasher and former Welsh athlete John Disley. The 2013 race will take place on April 21st.

<h2>The Great North Run</h2>

Also beginning in 1981, the Great North Run is normally held every September in the North East of England. Sponsored by BUPA, the Great North Run is a half marathon, with the race beginning in Newcastle upon Tyne and finishing in South Shields. The event is the brainchild of former Olympic 10,000 metres bronze medallist, and now BBC TV commentator, Brendan Foster and it is one of the biggest half marathon events, attracting over 50,000 runners and elite runners from across the globe. As with the London Marathon, the Great North Run includes many charity fun runners. 2013’s race will take place on September 15th.

<h2>The Edinburgh Marathon</h2>

A relatively new race, which began in 2003, the Edinburgh Marathon is now the biggest annual marathon race in the UK after London, and it attracts over 16,000 runners. Runners have the option of taking part in the marathon as part of a relay team, with each member running 6.5 miles. The 2013 event will take place on May 26th.

<h2>The Manchester Marathon</h2>

After an absence of 10 years, the Manchester Marathon returned in 2012. The race has a strong tradition, and was first held way back as 1908. The event takes place on a flat course, and fun runners are encouraged to run in support of selected charities. The 2013 race will take place on April 28th.

<h2>The Belfast Marathon</h2>

The Belfast Marathon offers a variety of ways of completing the course. As well as a marathon and wheelchair race, the course can be tackled via a relay team, or just walked around. The 2013 event will be held on May 6th.

<h2>The Glasgow Half Marathon</h2>

The Glasgow Half Marathon attracts over 20,000 runners, and is Scotland’s biggest mass participation event. This 2013 half marathon will take place on October 6th, and will feature many runners running for charity.

<h2>The Richmond Half Marathon</h2>

Organised by the Ranelagh Harriers, the Richmond Half Marathon is a yearly event held in Surrey. Both affiliated and non-affiliated runners are welcome, as are runners for charity. This year’s event will be held on May 5th.

<h2>The Blackpool Half and Full Marathon</h2>

This event was first held in 2004, and part of the flat and fast course includes the Blackpool seafront. The 2013 run will take place on April 7th.