Monday, 30 March 2009

adidas Men's Samba Classic Soccer Shoe

Adidas' legendary indoor shoe, the Samba Classic Soccer Shoe, features soft leather and a low-profile gum rubber outsole to give the elite player ultimate control. They also offer a full-grain leather upper for comfort and a soft feel, die-cut EVA for lightweight comfort. Better yet, they have a non-marking outsole for use on polished indoor surfaces.


Keith Scott is a Certified Athletic Trainer (ATC) through the National Athletic Trainers Association and also a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS) through the National Strength and Conditioning Association

Keith received his Masters Degree in Exercise and Sports Science with a concentration in Sports Medicine from the University of Arizona. During his 13 years in Tucson, he had the pleasure and opportunity to work with hundreds of athletes each year in the youth, high school and college levels.

Keith focused on injury prevention, post surgical/injury rehabilitation, and Strength and Conditioning. He worked extensively with athletes of all levels and many different sports, with over 15 years working directly with athletes in the trenches. Keith currently resides in Southern New Jersey.

CB: Keith, how do you use your background of athletic therapy when designing programs for people and taking them through their workouts? How might they differ from someone like myself with only a minor background in the area of Rehabilitation?

KS:
I have a very strong background in assessment, so I take a lot more time evaluating range of motion in all major joints (some minor joints too), muscle and tendon strength, joint integrity, and basic movement patterns and mechanics.

I will take a whole session just doing an evaluation sometimes. I also take a pretty thorough history on each person, finding out about previous injuries, chronic problems, pain, etc and not to forgetthe persons experience level in training.

Once I have a good understanding of the persons situation I design my programs much like I would a rehab program for someone with an injury. After all, I have yet to meet anyone that does not have problems, imbalances or pain somewhere, so its really no different.

I create a problem list first and form the program around that. For example, if someone comes in with very tight hip flexors, tight dorsiflexors, and horrible scapular control (like a lot of people that we probably see) those go on my problem list. I create a program around those areas first and work on those things right away. I wont introduce an exercise in those areas until we correct them or at the very least, are on the road to correcting them.

People that cant control their hips, or ankles for example, have no business squatting any kind of weight until those things are handled, yet we see trainers, and coaches doing just that everyday.

What I have seen with a lot of trainers and coaches is that this problem list, if ever really generated in the first place, gets lost in the program and things never really get addressed that should. Ultimately, the athlete gets injured or never improves. Each program should be different because each athlete is different. Of course this takes more time and effort from the trainer/coach.

All of my programs utilize a lot of hands on work myofascial work (releasing), teaching of self myofascial work, muscle activation, and hands on stretching (PNF patternscontract/relax, etc). I am a big proponent of closed chain proprioception too, for upper and lower extremities as well as joint mobilization techniques and exercises.

I also use a lot more recovery methods with my athletes especially after training sessions. Different types of cold and heat therapy as well as different types of treatment massages and stretching.

CB: what are the typical muscle groups, lifts, and physical abilities that you focus on when training young athletes for sports?

KS:
Assuming that we are talking about high school age athletes first, I use the same type of muscle group training that I would an older athlete. This assumes that there are no major problems that need attacking first.

I work a lot of posterior chain with all of my athletes. Every one of my programs has glute work extension, abduction, stability, as well as adductor work (which I believe is missed in a lot of programs)

My programs will always have upper extremity pulling exercises included for the posterior chain, and rotator cuff work, especially the external rotators, but a good share of subscapularis work as wellthat muscle is overshadowed a lot by the other internal rotators and is extremely important.

I like to train the rotator cuff as a stabilizer more than just as internal/external rotators. Its job is to stabilize first. Here is where I will throw in some closed chain proprioception, PNF patterns, etc..

Along with the pulling and rotator cuff work, I will address scapula stability and function a lot. Sometimes this is just teaching the athlete correct movement of that area. Young athletes are in a perfect place to start to develop correct scapular movement patterns, and stability of that shoulder complex.

This is not to say that I dont put pushing exercises in programs, because I do, but I certainly dont think benching needs to be the crux of every program.

CB: What do young athletes really need?

KS:
Young athletes need movement training firstrunning mechanics, jumping mechanics, lifting mechanics, etc

I focus a lot of moving correctly. Just by learning how to move correctly and with the correct muscles, will reduce injuries with out a doubt...not to mention make a better and stronger athlete. After that, they need to establish both stability work in all joints, and reactive work.

Common lifts squats (front, back, split), lunges (sag. Plane first, and no multi-plane until they master that movement), dead lifts, cleans, push press, rows (seated, bar, db), medicine ball work.

Of course this all will be altered slightly depending on the sport, experience level, and problem list/

CB: Okay, describe a typical session for a young athlete.

KS:
Typical session address problems first if applicable at this point (ex: pain, tight areas, areas that need activating, releasing, etc.)

If time permits, I will do some releasing or the athlete will him or herself (foam rolling, etc.), followed by a really good active warm up. Mobility drills, and large muscle group warm up (lunges, jump rope, push ups, etc..) Active stretches, proprioception work (balance, coordination work)

Teaching and learning come next younger athletes need to be taught how to do the lifts, or mechanics correctly, so I will spend some time there at the beginning. Its essential with kids that you repeat things and get the movement patterns ingrained.

Depending on whether its a speed day, the athlete may do some speed, footwork, basic agility work first, and some reactive training. This will be followed with resistance training (major lifts first dls, squats, cleans, presses, etc..) And then any additional work at the end. I will include a lot of core training within the session usually between sets for more advanced athletes.

Most sessions end with some static stretching (ex: hip flexors, calves, heel cord, hip rotators, shoulders), and then recovery modalities if possible. Depending on which season the athlete is in, some energy system work might follow.

CB: At a young athlete level, how much variation is there in the programs between sports?

KS:
As far as resistance training not too much. Almost all of my athletes will do squats of some sort, dead lifts, presses and pulls. I work large muscle groups with all of the younger athletes, and besides rep and set schemes, it is pretty much the same.

I find that most need work on the same areas and those areas are usually the important ones for all sports. With that said, I will plug certain things into each program depending on the sport.

For example, a wrestler and basketball player will be trained much different when it comes to intensity, rep/set, especially as the competitive season nears. Off-season schemes look much more similar. Energy system training will be very specific to the sport however, as will reactive training and preventive exercises.

CB: What rehab, recovery, and prehab stuff would apply to young athlete training programs that most other trainers are missing?

KS:
As I already made mention to, most young athletes just need to learn how to move correctly first. This goes for all resistance training. Correct form will help to reduce both acute and chronic injuries.

Second, understanding muscle activation should be a standard in all programs, and especially when working with youth. Young athletes just dont move very well these days and in so many instances I find muscle groups that are just shut off. Many trainers are so stuck on increasing flexibility whenever there is a problem, that they miss everything else.

When something hurts, stretch more, when you cant do something stretch more. This is the answer to everything. It drives me insane.

In many cases these athletes dont need more stretching, they need activation. Both primary and antagonist muscle groups. Activation doesnt only need to be manual, meaning from the trainer/coach, but it can be taught to the athlete as well through simple exercises and drills.

It may sound like a strange form of prehab, but its so important in joint stability, and generating strength/power, and efficiency.

Proprioception!!! I dont see many trainers/coaches dealing with this at all. I like to describe proprioception as how the brain and muscles/joints/body talk to each otherit controls your balance, coordination, and how much of an athlete you really are. Control is a must in all movements. Good trainers and coaches can work it in the program without anyone ever knowing, but in many cases, it needs to be addressed straight up.

Finally, recovery is huge in my world. I dont see this even talked about much, but it is so important to overall progress and health. Just an ice bag over a sore joint, or a heating modality in the right place can make a huge difference in the athlete and how they respond to your program.

Pain will stop a training program in its tracks. Control pain, soreness, and stiffness and you will get ahead so much faster and safer.

How come some coaches/trainers never share recovery methods with their athletes or clients? Its a must for me and makes a bigger difference than people think. If you are not using recovery methods with your athletes and clients, you are missing the boat on good progress. Of course, rest and good nutrition are the key for proper recovery. It all needs to be addressed.

CB: Any other general recommendations for young athletes?

KS:
Start eating well when you are young; it makes it so much easier to establish good life long habits when you do so at a young age. It will also pay off more than you think doing the training and completive seasons.

Even if you dont have a trainer or a coach, make sure you train and condition before your season starts for at least a month, if you are not already playing another sport. The majority of the injuries I have seen over my 15 plus years are because athletes are not in proper condition when the first practice begins.

Get off of the computer and get your rest. Tired athletes usually become injured athletes. Besides, muscles grow and the body heals when you are sleeping and resting. Most teens ignore going to bed at an early enough time.

Play as many sports as you can while you are in high school. Specialization isnt needed at a young age and may wind up hurting you. The majority of division I athletes that I have worked with were 2 or 3 sport participants.

Craig Ballantyne is a Certified Strength & Conditioning Specialist and writes for Men's Fitness, Maximum Fitness, Muscle and Fitness Hers, and Oxygen magazines. His trademarked Turbulence Training fat loss workouts have been featured multiple times in Mens Fitness and Maximum Fitness magazines, and have helped thousands of men and women around the world lose fat, gain muscle, and get lean in less than 45 minutes three times per week. For more information on the Turbulence Training workouts that will help you burn fat without long, slow cardio sessions or fancy equipment, visit http://www.TurbulenceTraining.com

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Friday, 13 March 2009

Got Beckham? Soccer Ball Logo Women's Babydoll tee Shirt in 6 Colors Small thru XL

Brand new item. Form-fitting babydoll style.


Following fresh revelations that fellow Israeli Tal Ben Haim expected nothing good to come out of compatriot Avram Grant's tenure at Chelsea, it would seem that the dagger has sunk deeper and twisted further into the manager's back. It would not be lost on many how ironic it is for his fellow countryman to criticize his abilities, coupled with the fact that Grant does own an impressive record at Stamford Bridge since his official appointment as the new manager replacing Portuguese Jose Mourinho. However, it has been his record and tactics in crucial games that have led to calls for him to resign or be sacked from his post, for managers are judged based on the number of trophies they win, not on their overall win and loss record.

The Israeli manager has cut a curious figure ever since his arrival at the fashionable London club. Without a doubt, filling Jose Mourinho's huge shoes would be a difficult task for anyone, given the ex-Chelsea manager's achievements in his short time at the helm. Winning two titles in three season would always present a hard act to follow for any manager coming in to replace him, and while Grant accepted the task, he also made promises to owner Roman Abramovich that he would introduce the attacking style of play that the Russian so desired. It was this same demand that Mourinho failed to deliver, and which ultimately put paid to his hopes of extending a love affair with Chelsea.

Instead, Grant has continued producing teams and on-field tactics that were a mirror image of his predecessor's, churning out efficient and productive soccer teams that provided results at the expense of an open, expansive style of football that has been habitually played by the likes of Manchester United and Arsenal. Along the way, he has assured Abramovich that the attacking football would arrive with time, as he reasoned that players that have been programmed to play in one style for so long would require some time to relearn the ropes. Unfortunately, time is running short for the Israeli manager, who has often been said to be a charismatic figure with his employers, but has often cut a dull figure on the sidelines and in press conferences.

Perhaps it is time for another change at Stamford Bridge, especially given the fact that the club will now likely not snatch the English Premier League title away from current holders Manchester United. It would also seem unlikely for them to be crowned European champions, given that they have to first overcome bogey team Liverpool in the upcoming semi final. Grant has always maintained that he will leave the job if his employers expressed their dissatisfaction with his results. That time might come sooner than expected.

Nick Kershaw has been providing cutting edge soccer news for many years since falling in love with the sport. Not content with providing live soccer commentary on his private network, Nick is also a retailer of Cristiano Ronaldo jersey for sale.

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Monday, 9 March 2009

adidas Women's Megabounce+ 2008 Running Shoe

A cushioned ride is good. A cool, cushioned, energy-returning ride is even better. This shoe has a breathable layered upper and improved Megabounce heel for a more comfortable, enjoyable run.


What are the updates on the world soccer news? Had there been happenings that would make a mark in world soccer history?

If you wanted to be in the know with regards to news on world soccer, all you have to do is tune into your favorite sports channel in your television or listen to the radio news or better yet, browse through the internet.

Numerous websites would cater you what you wanted to know about world soccer. The websites would tell you who are best players, the players you should watch for, tournaments and leagues schedules, the top players of soccer, the best teams and most importantly updated soccer news. All of the above mentioned information and a lot more you wanted to know about soccer will be given to you in details. In fact, you could even participate in forums and discuss events and happenings in world soccer.

More so, sports website masters see to it that they are updating all the information in their sites. They would not want to have a reputation of having old and obsolete news and information about soccer. Soccer enthusiasts and fans often visit these websites to get the freshest and latest information they could ever get. They would even brag about information if they have been ahead with regards to the latest news on soccer. These enthusiasts and die-hard fans would eat their hearts out and give anything for the latest scoop inside the soccer field and behind the scenes as well.

So, be able to get the latest on the world soccer news ahead of your friends and family and you are assured to be in the limelight.

Watch Videos about world soccer news.

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Thursday, 5 March 2009

1996 Donovan Bailey Adidas Shoes Photo Print Ad

An original vintage magazine ad print from the year published. Print ads make unique gift items that can be framed as artwork. Shipped flat un-framed in plastic sleeve with backing board.


Just Who is...Stella McCartney
A child prodigy, a hard working young mother, one of the best fashion designers of her generation, a crusader for justice for humans and animals alike, Stella is, like her name suggests, a real Star. Stella has been both blessed and cursed by being the first born of her illustrious parents, Sir Paul McCartney and Linda Eastman McCartney. Even before she was born, she made musical history. Linda had a difficult labor, and baby Stella came into this world through cesarean section. Her father reportedly prayed that she would be born "on the wings of an angel", thus the choice of Wings as the name of Paul and Linda's new band. Fast forward a few years, and it wouldn't be hard to think Stella had an easy childhood, but that isn't quite true. She was bullied at school because of her famous parents, and her folks were determined she would develop important values, like independence and creativity. However, they were also very supportive, teaching Stella to have confidence in herself. Stella washed dishes to earn money to afford to buy clothes. She couldn't even afford fashion magazines, but this might be why and how she's so innovative. Stella considers her late mother Linda a fashion icon. Linda did care about fashion, but she was also independent about it. If the prevailing style didn't suit, then Linda would wear what she liked, because it suited her and felt good. So this 'never be a slave to fashion' attitude has given Stella a foundation which her brand is so renowned.

"I've been struggling furiously all my life to be independent. -- Stella McCartney
Stella began her career at the tender age of 15, working with Christian Lacroix on his first collection and then learning tailoring on London's famous Saville Row. She then attended St. Martens College of Art and Design, her final year collection creating a stir, but not for all the right reasons. She enlisted her friends, Kate Moss, Naomi Campbell and Yasmin Le Bon to be her models. Her parents high profile insured the world's media were to descend on this little student show, leaving some of the other students reportedly declaring that she turned it into a circus. Her entire final year collection was bought by Browns, Bergdorf Goodman and Neiman Marcus, so all the hard work was starting to pay off.

"I know what makes chicks tick" -- Stella McCartney
After only two collections, Stella took over the job of creative director for Chloe, from a very disgruntled Karl Lagerfeld. This turned out to be an astute move by Chloe; their profile and profit rising after Stella's first collection in October, 1997. After her mother's tragic death from breast cancer in 1998, to honor her mother Stella stepped up her campaign against animal cruelty, actively joining PeTA's (People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals) campaign. She re-newed her contract with Chloe in 2000, but there were reports that Gucci had approached Stella and were turned down due to Gucci requiring Stella work with leather. Coming to their senses, Gucci offered Stell a 50/50 agreement for her to launch her own label, without the strings. She took them up on it, and her first store was launched in New York in 2002, to be followed by a second in Mayfair, London, and then, on her birthday in September 2003, a store in Los Angelos and a her first perfume.

"This collection is for women who take their sport and their style seriously. Why should we have to comprise one for the other." -- Stella about her latest adidas collection
In September 2004, Stella began a joint-venture with adidas, and thus the birth of the classic Stella McCartney Tennis Dress. Entering it's fifth season with the Spring/Summer 07 collection, delicate but tailored looks continue to flourish through-out the line. Rising WTA Star Maria Kirilenko plays exclusively in adidas by Stella McCartney. For all garments close to the skin, adidas' ClimeLite(r) fabric technology insures a comfortable game. No creatures have been harmed in anyway by the production of the adidas by Stella McCartney brand, and this includes people. Stella wouldn't have it any other way, another good reason to admire this remarkable young woman.

Cheri Britton is the editor of http://www.womens-tennis-apparel.com/, reviewing and showcasing the latest styles in tennis dresses, tennis skirts, women's tennis shoes and bags. Her site also has links to her blog, where she discusses what the WTA Stars are wearing, and how they're faring in the tournaments.

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Saturday, 28 February 2009

Got Beckham? Soccer Ball Logo Women's Babydoll tee Shirt in 6 Colors Small thru XL

Brand new item. Form-fitting babydoll style.


Multitudes of ballet schools exist which have brilliant teachers imparting ballet lessons to people of all ages. Apart from the normal ballet lessons, there are even summer intensive courses and some special courses for children aged 3 or 4 years. Such courses help to tune in their movements to music.

Some good ballet schools are The Classical Ballet School, Ballet Academy, Boston Ballet School, Russian Ballet School, School of American Ballet, the San Francisco Ballet School, and Canada's Royal Winnipeg Ballet besides many others.

Such schools offer both beginners classes as well as classes for training professionals with live music accompanying instructions and training. Some of them like The Joffrey Ballet School among others also offer placement opportunities, besides giving ballet classes.

Some non-profit schools include American Repertory Ballet's Princeton Ballet School and The Ballet School at Stamford. Classes in the former school include both children and adults. Some classes are for ages 4 to 9, while the rest like the, "adult open enrollment classes" take people aged from 13 to 70. With a relaxed atmosphere in the classes and live music, such classes make learning a pleasure.

The latter-mentioned school, however, has a number of classes, each suited for different levels of learning such as "pre-ballet," "ower school," "middle school," "upper school," "supplementary classes," "pre-professional classes," and finally "the adult classes." $14 is charged for each adult class, but it comes even cheaper if we buy class cards which are valid for some months.

Coming under the banner of top institutes, Pacific Northwest Ballet offers numerous classes for children and adults. Its classes run in two semesters -fall and spring- and to enroll in it, we have to just fill up a registration form. Classes for adults are divided into different levels like "beginning," "intermediate," and "advanced." Class cards are available which are much cheaper than the class fees.

Besides the regular classes, some institutes like Ballet Academy and Shan-Yee Poon Ballet School have certain special elements attached to their classes. While the former allows observation classes where parents can actually know how their kids are taught, the latter allows for free trial classes in the spring semester, 2006.

School of American Ballet, founded by George Balanchine and Lincoln Kirsten, also has extensive courses for everyone. Special classes for boys are provided by North Star Ballet School. Russian Ballet School offers graded classes, wherein students are placed according to their dancing abilities. For those interested in learning dances of different countries, here is a class called character dance - which helps us learn dances of different countries.

Ballet provides detailed information on Ballet, Ballet Shoes, Ballet Classes, Ballet Dancers and more. Ballet is affiliated with Ballet Flat Shoes.

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Tuesday, 24 February 2009

adidas Women's Koolvana Sandal

Sleek and feminine, this lovely thong is designed to hug every curve of your foot. The plush fitFOAM™ footbed pampers you with extreme comfort.


When it comes to choosing match types, many people get confused on how to go about it. Should you just go all broad, or all exact? Use all 3 or mix and match. What is the best and most effective way to use match types within the Google AdWords system? Well, let's break it down and evaluate the 3 match types and how they work
Broad Match Type

The broad match type is considered the default option (probably because it can spend the most money) which means that your ad will be eligible to be shown anytime a users search query contains your keyword, in any order, and plus similar phrases. Your ad will also be shown for singular and plural variations, synonyms and "other related terms". This can get a little tricky and a little costly, especially if you do not realize what Google is about to do

If you bid on tennis shoe your ad may be show when users type in the following search queries

Any order - tennis shoe, shoe tennis

Singular / Plurals - tennis shoe, tennis shoes

Similar phrases - shoe for tennis, I need tennis shoes

Synonyms - tennis dress, tennis cloths, tennis apparel, tennis outfit

Relevant terms - tennis sneakers, new balance, Adidas tennis clothing, (you might even get mapped to basketball shoes)

PROS of Broad Match

Broad match is great if you need to discover new keywords, especially ones that convert, find new keywords that you would never normally have thought of and generate for traffic to your site. If you are having a hard time coming up with a keyword list or have low traffic volumes then use broad match to cover many more keyword possibilities without physically having to think of them on your own.

Broad match is great for keyword discovery, getting volume, covering many keyword possibilities and marketers with keyword mental block.

CONS of Broad Match

Broad match is bad for marketers with limited budgets. Since there are millions of searches done per day on Google's network, it can get very costly to get mapped to an endless selection of keywords. Many niches with high volumes include make money, dating, health, and free stuff.

If your marketing in one of these niches broad match can blow your budget within hours so be sure to choose your keywords wisely and be ready to use many negatives to help reduce and remove untargeted traffic.

Phrase Match Type

The phrase match type works like broad match. It will match you to many keyword variations, however the variations are restricted to the keyword order that you specified. With phrase match your ad can only be mapped to a search query when a user's search term contains your term exactly as typed plus anything before or after your keyword.

If you bid on "tennis shoe" your ad may be show when users type in the following search queries

Anything Before - red tennis shoe, green tennis shoe, cheap tennis shoe

Anything After - tennis shoe sale, tennis shoe online, tennis shoe fdsafragdfa

You will never be mapped to shoe tennis, tennis shoes, shoes for tennis, tennis sneakers, or any other variations.

PROS of Phrase Match

Phrase match will not spend as much as broad match, will be more targeted traffic than broad match, and will get more search volume than exact match. Phrase match will never be mapped to "related" search queries that are not really related. If you are in an industry with lots of search variations or are afraid that broad match may blow your budget to fast then phrase match may be a better option for you

CONS of Phrase Match

Since phrase match only maps you to exact keyword variations you lose out on finding goldmine keywords that you otherwise may never have thought of.

Exact Match Type

The exact match type is the most restrictive match type of them all. The only time your ad can be shown is if the users search query is exactly what you're bidding on. You will not get any other variations, related terms and you will not even get mapped to plurals and singulars. What you type is what you get in this situation

For example if you bid on [tennis shoe] your ad may be show when users type in the following search queries

Exact phrase - tennis shoe

That's it! You will never be mapped to shoe tennis, tennis shoes or any other variation.

PROS of Exact Match

Exact Match offers the most control over your campaign. You are bidding on exactly what the search user is looking for and your traffic will be highly targeted. Since your ad only shows up for the exact search term and no other variations, you will also have greater control over messaging to the search user, position of the text ad on the page, and the avg CPC paid per click. Since no other keywords can have effect on these factors you can easily manipulate the outcome in your favor. Any conversions resulting from this keyword can easily be tied back to the sale and therefore you can increase or decrease bid depending on if you want a higher position to capture more clicks or if you need to lower position to increase net profit per conversion

CONS of Exact Match

Exact match search volume is usually much less than Phrase or Broad match.

This article was provide by Robert Priolo for PPC Kings A blog that provide insider education and training on PPC marketing and campaign management. For more information on Broad Match, Phrase Match Exact Match for PPC marketing and other related subjects, please visit our main website.

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Monday, 16 February 2009

adidas Men's Copa Soccer Sock

#216084.SW


Some people have fought many years of their lives to preserve the rich heritage of the outdoors and nature we now enjoy. That dedication and effort has been rewarded by fantastic hiking opportunities in our local, state, and national park systems. In honor of their efforts, let's break out of our winter hibernation and venture into the crisp, clean outdoor air and hit some of those dirt trails. Let's Go Hiking!

Here are 4 steps to having an enjoyable hike, no matter where your feet decide to take you.

1. Know the area you will be hiking in to. Although many states, like California, Colorado, or Wyoming have exceptional hiking hot spots, even your local park will have some kind of useful information. Whether it's a website with information and trail details, or a map at the park office, trailhead, or visitor center, always check before you head out on your hike so you know what to expect.

2. Know the conditions you will be facing, wherever you go. Nothing is worse than traveling to a hiking destination only to miss the hike, because it was raining or freezing and you weren't prepared. If the trail is flooded out, or snowy conditions have shut it down for an extended period, you should be able to find this out as well. It is also good to know if there are any plants or animals to watch out for at your hiking location. Wiping with poison ivy won't feel good in the morning.

3. Wear clothing that works and fits the terrain and hike conditions. There are many options in your clothing arsenal, to keep yourself comfortable, here are a couple of pointers:

- Try and stay away from cotton. Instead, look for synthetic and natural fibers that pull moisture away from your body, or at least stay warm when wet.

- Also, go for layers to keep yourself warm, versus carrying around a huge parka, in case you are hit by a freak snowstorm.

- The two most important pieces of clothing for any hiker, are good socks and good shoes. Don't underestimate the pain a hike can cause with uncomfortable shoes and socks.

- Finally, a hat in cold weather is a great addition, since your body loses over half its heat through your head.

4. In addition to knowing the weather conditions, you will need to be prepared with a first aid kit that's appropriate for the hiking you will be doing. In most cases a simple kit will do. You can pick up a simple first aid kit at a local department or sporting goods store. Or you can build you own, which should include these basics:

- Different sizes and shapes of bandages and gauzes.

- Various types of tape for wounds or fixing tools.

- Suntan lotion.

- A light emergency blanket (preferably with some kind of water resistance).

- Aspirin, allergy, laxative, and anti-diuretic medications.

- Small multi-use tool with a knife, scissors, and a needle and thread.

- A cell phone can come in very handy in emergencies.

It's a good idea to pack all of this in a waterproof bag or container.

Using these tips, your next hiking adventure should be quite comfortable, safe, and enjoyable!

2005 Kathy Burns-Millyard. Kathy is a professionally published freelance writer and stock photographer living in Southeast New Mexico. You'll find some of her best articles and reports on small business, motivation, and marketing in the Brain Dump section of her main, Electronic Perceptions website. Please visit and enjoy!

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