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Dear Santa
I've been good!

Greetings!

If you're like me, it's hard to keep the motivation up at this time of year with short days and freezing cold tempertures. If you're struggling to keep your running legs moving then check out our top tips for winter running in this month's newsletter.

I know that many of you are also complimenting your running with Nordic Skiing, especially now that the Nordic Centre is in such excellent shape. Well you'll be glad to hear that we have been listening to your requests and now carry a fantastic range of Nordic ski apparel for both men and women. Visit the store and check out our selection from Craft, Salomon, Rossignol, Sugoi and Pearl Izumi.

Stuck for a Christmas gift for that active person in you life? Well check out our Dear Santa list below!

Anna Collins
Ultimate Fit Centre
Tips for Winter Running 
 Winter run Tips Here are a few tips from Active.com and coach Jenny Hadfield 

 

Set a Specific Goal: There is nothing more motivating than to train for a race or specific goal. You can plan to run a 5K, half marathon or reach a number of miles every month. You'll have instant motivation in knowing you have to train for the race or hit your target mileage. Reward yourself when you reach your goals, then set another one. 

Run With a Buddy or Group: Make your workouts safe and social. You'll have a built in motivational source, a friend to chat with along the way and it is safer to run in numbers. Running with others (or pets) is a great way to beat the winter doldrums. If that's not enough motivation, reward yourself with a fun race destination like Arizona, Florida or even Mexico.

Accessorize: Having the right apparel makes all the difference in the world. Layering is the key to avoiding over- or under-dressing. Consider wearing a layer that blocks the wind; pants, tights and top that wick the moisture away from your skin; and, for the coldest days, a mid-layer that fits more loosely, that insulates and moves the moisture from your base layer away from your skin.

Your winter running wardrobe should include a running jacket, hat or headband, gloves, tights and a few long-sleeve shirts. Your body temperature increases as you run, so you don't need many layers in most winter conditions. 

Dress for 15 to 20 Degrees Warmer: Over-dressing is easy to do in winter running. Dressing for 15 to 20 degrees warmer than it actually is will allow your body temperature to increase and reduce the risk of overheating and excessive sweat. You should feel chilled when you walk out the door. If you are toasty warm, remove a layer. Less is more.

Run During Light and Warmer Times of Day: If possible, run during daylight hours so you can absorb that needed sunshine we rarely get in the winter. You'll get your miles in during the warmest time of day and come back with a smile on your face.

Be Seen: If you run when it is dark out, wear a reflective vest or flashing lights so you're seen by traffic. In snowy weather, wear bright clothing. Run with identification or a runner's I.D. in your shoe or pocket-just in case.

Hit the Treadmill: When the weather gets bone-chillingly cold and icy, hit the treadmill. Treadmill running is a great way to stay fit and you'll get in quality miles without risking an injury from slipping on ice.

Gear Up: Wear trail shoes or a traction device like Yak Trax. They will give you better traction and stability in the snow. 

Note: Avoid wearing the Yak Trax indoors or on roads without snow. They're portable enough to keep them in your pocket until you hit the snow.

Stay Low: Shorten your running stride and keep your feet lower to the ground. You will run more efficiently and reduce the risk of slipping, falling or straining muscles. Choose to run on fresh snow rather than ice or packed snow. You will get better traction on fresh snow and reduce the chance for slipping. Watch out for snow-covered cracks and holes in the road.

Take Extra Time To Warm Up: Your body will warm up more slowly in cold weather, especially if you run in the morning. Take at least five minutes to walk briskly before you start to run. It may take 10 to 15 minutes of running before you are completely warmed up and in your running tempo. 

Hydrate: It is just as important to drink fluids in your winter runs as it is in the summer. Make sure to hydrate before, during and after your runs to avoid dehydration. Use warm fluids in your water bottle or tuck it under your jacket to avoid freezing. 

Start into the Wind: Start your run into the wind so you have the wind at your back on your way home. You'll avoid getting chilled by the wind after you've been sweating. 

Keep it Fun: Mix up your route, run through the neighborhood holiday lights or run a holiday race. It will get you outside and enjoying winter rather than cursing it.

Dear Santa......
 
Our ideas for the best winter run and nordic ski gear out there

So now you have the motivational tips to keep you running throughout the winter, here are a few gift ideas that you may like to put on your Dear Santa list!

Bestbaselayer

Craft Base Layer
Craft's new Pro Zero Extreme merges two of our most battle hardened fabrics, Pro Zero and Pro Cool, into the most effective base layer yet. Pro Zero stays in contact with your body, pulling excess moisture away from your skin, while simultaneously keeping you warm. Pro Cool outer fabric allows air to circulate around your body and further promote moisture expulsion. proZEROextreme also features an antimicrobial treatment to prevent fabric odor from setting in. Guaranteed to be the best fitting, best performing and most comfortable base layer yet.

The Storm Tight from Craft is a thermal winter tight that combines a windproof and breathable front panel with a highly flexible Flex Fleece fabric. Equally suited for cold weather cycling, running or NordicStorm Tight skiing. A true favorite of winter extremists.


 Xium jacket 

 

  

Rossignol's Xium Jacket for men and Escape Jacket for women offer great warmth and breathabilty on those colder Nordic Ski days

 

 

A new concept from Salomon providing both better warmthTouring Lobster

and great grip thanks to a lobster construction

and PRIMALOFT® fabric.

Women will love it!

 

 

  

 

yaktrax xtrHike and Run with confidence on all outdoor trails. The XTR by Yaktrax provides you with extreme traction on snow and ice.
A patent pending spike design enhances traction while preventing snow build up. It is designed for anyone who prefers to go off road during the winter months.
The XTR is made with high strength carbon steel spikes and stainless steel chains that will resist rust and abrasion. 
A natural rubber outer-band adapts to all types of footwear

 

 

 

 

 

Buff

Buff performance headwear is all about versatility and simplicity - one garment serves many functions. Among other uses, a Buff can be worn as a hat, neck gaiter, balaclava, bandana, scarf, hair band, helmet liner, headband, and pirate-style cap or as a sun, wind or dust screen.

Designed to offer technical performance and protection from the elements during a wide range of outdoor activities and sports, Buff models are available in hundreds of styles and designs...

  

smartwool

  

 

Smartwool's light cushioned PhD Running Light Mini is the perfect running sock for mild or cool weather conditions. Thanks to WOW™ technology in high density impact zones, shock and abrasion are reduced. Made in the USA of New Zealand Zque™ Merino wool.

 

 

We also carry Gift Certificates. 

For more Christmas gift ideas just come in and ask one of the Ultimate Fit Centre Elves - Anna, Warren, Mo, Cindy, Alysson, Martine, AJ and Kate

Happy Holidays from all of us!

Store
In This Issue
Tips for Winter Running
Dear Santa....
Run Club
Upcoming Races
Yoga for Runners
Banff Trail Trash
Contact Us
Find us on Facebook
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Run Club

Run Club is now Wednesdays at 6pm with  Liza Pye. Bring a headtorch! If you wish to be added to our run club e-mail list click here

 

Trail running 2Liza is a Physical Therapist with Ascent Physical Therapy in Canmore and Lake Louise and also an ambassador for Salomon Running.

 

 

 

Upcoming Races and Events
 

Run Santa Run 5 KM Run and 1 KM Walk

Where: Calgary, AB
Date: Saturday December 18th, 2010
Time: 10:00am

 
Register Run Santa Run

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Lake Louise to Banff Loppet
Where: Lake Louise/Banff
When: January 23rd, 2011
Time: 6am-3pm

 

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Frozen Ass Fifty
Where: Calgary AB
When: February 13th, 2011
Time: 9am


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Yoga for Runners 

 Kristen Stuart

Don't forget Yoga for Runners with Kristen Stuart every Tuesday 7.30-8.30pm at the store. Drop-ins welcome just bring $15 cash or cheque. 

To find out about other classes that Kristen offers click here

 

 

Banff Trail Trash
 
Banff Trail Trash 



 


Follow Leslie's stories of Trail Running in the Canadian Rockies.

 Click here to read the latest blog 

 


Ultimate Fit Centre
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#102-822 Main St, Canmore, AB
403-678-6824
Opening hours:
Mon-Sat 10am-6pm
Sun 9am-5pm
 

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