Useful links

Race Time Predictor

Distance run
(format 99.9m or 99.9k)
e.g. 5k
Time taken
(format [h:]mm:ss)
e.g. 0:25:00

Sports Injury & Physio

Here are some Sports Injury specialists, physiotherapists, and other therapists who Club members have used and found valuable.

Disclaimer: Inclusion in this list should not be taken as a recommendation by Spectrum Striders RC or any of its members.

LinkDescription
Alive and WellSports Rehabilitation & sports massage by Laura Kirkham at the gym on Birchwood Park.
New Wave Physio & FitnessPhysio, sports rehab, sports massage, personal training in Newton-le-Willows.
Dynamic ChiropracticTreat back pain, joint, muscle & nerve pain from their clinic in Sale. May offer discount to Club members.
Sport & Injury TherapySports rehab & sports massage in Ashton-in-Makerfield by Andy McGlynn. Can do home visits

Running Gear Reviews

Choosing your running shoes.

Please noteSpectrum Striders RC is not responsible for the content of external internet web sites.

In determining how to choose a running shoe, your choice can make the difference between having a good or bad experience, running in comfort or pain, and, most importantly, whether you stay healthy or get injured.

The biggest and most common mistake novice runners make is to go to a bargain shop for an inexpensive first pair of running shoes right off the shoe store clearance table, or (worse) off the rack at a department store. After all, who wants to pay a lot for shoes when you may not actually use them much? How do you justify a higher priced running shoe to your partner? Aren’t you just paying a lot for a logo on the side?

All of these observations make sense. However, this kind of thinking is likely to lead you to the equally logical decision to quit after a couple of miserable runs. The very tenacious among us may wait until they suffer a blown-out knee or serious shin, hip or foot problem. Forget bargains! What you need to start running is the right shoe, not the cheapest.

Choosing a running shoe can be an overwhelming task given all the high-tech shoes available today and all the special features each running shoe claims to have. The suppliers listed on these pages can provide expert advice on choosing the correct running shoe, spikes or fell shoes specific to you. They will also have an extensive range of specialist running kit.

Remember: buy the right shoe for you, not just what looks good!

LinkDescription
Runner ClickA site for runners and athletes which provides product reviews on most running shoes in the market.
Gear WearA site which aims to help outdoor enthusiasts decide on what to buy and, importantly, what not to buy for their outdoor activities.

Running Gear Retailers

Disclaimer:  Inclusion in this list should not be taken as a recommendation by Spectrum Striders RC or any of its members.

LinkDescription
SweatshopNational chain with branches in Manchester Arndale Centre, Chorley & Hyde
Ultramarathon Running StoreSpecialist UK Ultra Running Store
DecathlonMultinational chain with branches in Warrington, Stockport & Bolton

Online Magazines & Articles

LinkDescription
Running ArticlesThe guide contains lots of helpful tips and information, including the following topics: running tips for beginners, the benefits of running and warm-up & cool-down exercises for runners.
Running Articles by Lucy WyndhamThe best foods for runners, tips to Make Your Running Exercises Easier
Beginners Guide to TriathlonsA very informative Beginners Guide to Triathlons. A big THANK YOU to Avery and Lucas who took the time to let us know of this article via Tracy Edward, Community Outreach Advisor for the Salt Lake City Children's Network.
Diet SpotlightA very informative article entitled "Healthy and Safe Running: A Detailed Guide"
Authority RunningA new online magazine which includes articles on injuries and recovery
Inov8Article on how to adjust the fit of the shoe heel to help prevent rubbing
Marathon Training PlanCustomisable training plan in an Excel spreadsheet suitable for beginners, intermediate or advanced runners.
A Runner’s guide to Marathon TrainingArticle suggested by Kelly from Wyoming – a very big THANK YOU! from your friends in the UK.

Results sites & race calendars

LinkDescription
UK ResultsRun by John Schofield. Large race calendar, lots of race results & entry forms. Also offers an on-line entry service for events, including our own Birchwood 10k and Ladies 5k.
SportSoftRun by Graham Fecitt. Race results, entry forms and race calendar. Offers an on-line entry service for events.
Runners WorldThis is the race events page of the on-line version of Runner's World magazine.
UK Road RacesResults & event calendar.

Running organisations

LinkDescription
Liverpool & District Cross Country UnionThe second cross country league we compete in.
parkrunparkrun is a free timed run over a measured 5k route, every Saturday at 9am. Our nearest parkruns are Warrington (mainly tarmac with some grass & trail, in Victoria Park) and Pennington Flash (on trails, near Leigh).
UK Athletics (UKA)The national governing body for athletics in the UK.
England AthleticsThe governing body which develops grass-roots athletics in England.
runbritain.comRoad running web site from UKA, England Athletics & other governing bodies.
BMAFBritish Masters Athletic Federation
Fell Runners Association (FRA)Caters for the needs of fell runners throughout the the country.
Cheshire County AAOur county governing body.
Northern AthleticsOur regional governing body.
AIMSAssociation of International Marathons & Road Races.
IAAFInternational Association Of Athletics Federations.
Virgin Money London MarathonThey organise the famous marathon and several other events
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