Sun & Ski Sports

Sliding an arch support inside your running shoes can make the difference between comfortable running and chronic pain. If you don’t have adequate arch support, you may be more likely to develop any of a range of running injuries, from runner’s knee to plantar fasciitis.

The type of arch your foot has helps determine which type of running shoes will give you the best arch support.

• Flat feet: If you have flat feet, seek out shoes that claim to have stability and motion control.

• High arches: If you have high arches, seek out more cushioned shoes.

• Normal arches: If your arches are neither too high nor too low, you can wear most types of shoes.

But regardless of your arch type, you may need additional support, depending on the biomechanics of your feet. Talk to a podiatrist, and he or she may recommend an over-the-counter arch support or customized orthotics. And you can get extra arch support with running socks such as Thorlos, which provide specialized fit in the arches, heels and toes.

When choosing a backpack for hiking, you have a variety of options when it comes to style, features, brands and price.

If your hiking plans involve overnight camping, you might want a technical backpack. Multi-day hiking technical packs have either an internal or external frame. Some of the pros and cons are as follows:

Internal frame: This style fits close to the body and is more compact. An internal frame is recommended for skiing and rough trail scrambling, but be prepared for a sweatier back due to the close fit.

External frame: This style is usually less expensive than an internal frame and works well for hauling heavy gear. But it is bulkier and can shift around, so it is not a good choice for skiing or scrambling over rough trails.

It’s important to try on different backpacks because they vary slightly in shape from brand to brand. You may discover that one brand fits your body type especially well. Visit your local Sun & Ski Sports store for a wide selection of hardware packs and backpacking equipment.

A PFD, or personal flotation device (another name for a life vest), is a must-have item of water sports gear. Some factors to consider when purchasing your PFD include:

• Certification: Look for life vests that are approved by the U.S. Coast Guard. USCG approval means that the PFD meets USCG standards of impact and buoyancy.

• Material: Nylon life vests are less expensive, but neoprene models are more comfortable, and they may be worth the investment if you spend a lot of time enjoying water sports.

• Size: A PFD should fit snugly, but not so snug that it inhibits your movement.

• Kids: Young children and infants should wear life vests at all times in or around the water. The Jet Pilot Children’s S-1 Kids Neo Life Vest is USCG-approved, suitable for children weighing 30-50 pounds, and includes a handle on the back to make it easier to pick up a child from the water.

When selecting a PFD, it’s important to try on several styles to find the best fit for your body and your water sports activities. Visit your local Sun & Ski Sports store for expert advice and an extensive PFD selection.

If your arches are average, your feet don’t roll too far in (underpronate) or out (overpronate) when you run. That means you can choose from a variety of types of running shoes. Some runners with normal arches prefer a shoe with more cushioning; others prefer a shoe with more motion control and stability.

Asics running shoes include several appropriate choices for average or neutral feet. The Asics Gel Nimbus offers a combination of comfort and stability that suits many runners. The shoe is available in both men’s and women’s models and features an asymmetrical lacing system to help reduce irritation and improve fit. The Nimbus also includes Asics’ Gel cushioning technology and patented lightweight midsole for a shoe that’s stable without being bulky.

If you have neutral feet, it’s best to try on a variety of styles before you buy running shoes to determine whether you need more cushioning or more motion control. Visit a local Sun &Sports store for expert advice.

This November, take time to “Share Your Warmth” with those in need by donating gently used winter apparel to Star of Hope at Sun & Ski Sports winter clothing drive November 9-23. “Share Your Warmth” collection boxes will be set up to collect new or gently used coats, jackets, sweaters, hats and gloves at all five Hous…ton-area Sun & Ski Sports locations.

Over the past 11 years, Sun & Ski Sports has collected more than 27 tons of clothing to provide warmth to Houston’s homeless.

“Share Your Warmth” collections are located at Sun & Ski Sports stores through out the Houston area: 6100 Westheimer, Memorial City Mall, Katy Mills Mall, 5503 FM 1960 West and 1355 Bay Area Boulevard.

While you’re at the store, be sure to take full advantage of our entire store on sale! Every ski, every bike, everything! The more you buy, the more you save!

Visit www.sunandski.com/shareyourwarmth for more details!

Once upon a time, runners worked out in cotton t-shirts and bulky sweatpants. But no more! Moisture-wicking fabrics have revolutionized activewear clothing, and runners are among the many athletes to reap the benefits. The best running apparel is made from a moisture-wicking fabric that moves the sweat away from your skin to keep you cooler in hot weather and cozier in cold weather.

Under Armour apparel and North Face running apparel are great examples of moisture-wicking running clothing. These and other apparel companies such as Brooks and Asics offer running gear for all seasons, including shorts, short-sleeved tops, long-sleeved tops, and tights.

To get the most out of your moisture-wicking running apparel, keep these care tips in mind:

• Wash cold. Wash your activewear clothing in cold water on the delicate cycle to preserve the moisture-wicking properties of the fabric. Any detergent designed for the delicate cycle will do, or you can buy specialized detergents designed for activewear clothing.

• Hang to dry. The labels on some activewear clothing say to tumble dry on low heat, but your gear will last longer if you let it air dry. Hang your activewear clothing on a plastic hanger or drying rack for an hour or so, and it should be good to go when you are.

If you are running for more than an hour, it’s important to have some water or a sports drink, even during the winter. A hydration belt is the easiest way for runners to take their water with them, and there are several options for hydration belts. Keep these points in mind when choosing yours:

• Single bottle: A single bottle belt, such as the Nathan Triangle Waist Hydration Pack, features an angled design that makes it easy to pull out the bottle and take a drink without breaking your stride. The belt is designed so the bottle is centered on the lower back for maximum comfort.

• Multi-bottle: Some runners prefer a hydration pack that holds several small bottles instead of one large one. This style of belt, such as the Fuel Belt Endurance 4-Bottle Hydration Belt, distributes the weight of your water or sports drink more evenly, and some runners find it less distracting than the sloshing or large amounts of water in a larger single bottle.

Visit a Sun and Ski Sports store near you to try on the different types of hydration belts and find the best style for your fitness running needs.

If you are getting registered for the BP MS150 ride for 2010 and wanting to join Team Sun & Ski Sports, when you get to the registration page that allows you to search for your team, use the search term “Sun And Ski Sports” to find us. If you need further assistance, please contact us through the comment section below and we’ll be glad to help!

Ok, so now you have kids, but that doesn’t mean you have to give up your favorite winter sports. Instead, introduce kids to skiing and snowboarding. As winter sports becomes a family event, be sure that the kids have the right winter sports equipment for their interests and activities.

-Skis/snowboards: Visit one of our Sun & Ski sports shops and talk to our expert staff about how to select the right skis and snowboards for your kids. Our kids’ snowboards include the K2 Youth Vandal, which features a dual progressive shape and 3-inch base bevel. As with adult snowboards, it’s important to find the right boot and binding combinations for kids’ skis and snowboards.

-Apparel: Kids’ winter sports apparel should include the same insulating and moisture-wicking properties as adult gear. That includes starting with a quality base layer, such as Thermotech performance thermal underwear, available in kids and toddler sizes.

-Accessories: Kid-friendly accessories such as the Burton Youth’s Vent Mitt feature Thermacore insulation and a pocket that can open for venting or close to hold hand warmers.

Come meet up at the Arlington Sun & Ski Sports for Bikes, Bagels, & Bananas, our weekly Sunday morning ride. For your convenience, we open the store at 7:30 AM in case the riders need supplies.

When: Tuesdays @ 6:15 PM | Where: Arlington Sun & Ski Sports | Cost: Free

Join us every Tuesday evening for some mountain bike riding though the south part of the Dallas Metroplex (OCNP, CH, BP, BC, RL). Beginners, intermediate and advanced riders are all welcome to join us.

Length: The length of the ride is 30 miles. Please make sure your bike is in working order before we head out.

Note: This is an unsanctioned ride; all riders assume responsibility for their own skill level and actions. Helmets and hydration are strongly recommended.

Questions? Call Scott or Stan at 682-433-0027.

Looking for more information about our Arlington Bike Shop? Visit our Arlington Sun and Ski store or view our online selection of cycling apparel and cycling accessories. Feel free to also peruse our list of bike shop services.