Suunto-blogg

New York City. It can be daunting to figure what to do and where to go when visiting New York City, especially on a tight schedule, this includes fitting in a run. We understand and have done the scouting and compiled your go-to route guide to running in the city on a timeline. Whether you are looking for a sight-seeing route in Central Park, a local favourite track along the shoreline that makes up Hudson River Park, or a long run/urban adventure into Brooklyn we’ve got the routes to give you that runner’s high in the Big Apple. This list is focused on Manhattan, though the final route does make a brief and memorable stop in Brooklyn. To follow these routes with your Suunto watch or mobile device, please follow these instructions: 1. Press download GPX.2. Go to Suunto app and press + button in app map and press 'import route'.3. Find the route, press it. The app opens the route, press 'Done'.4. You can modify name and details. The route is saved. Keep the 'Use in Watch' toggle on to have the route in watch. Note: If you are not reading this on a device with Suunto app installed, download the route file and save it in a location you can access on your mobile device. Then follow the guidance above.   In the middle of it all: Central Park (2,9–9,8 km) Download the GPX file here. Who is it for: Tourist run/walk route, you could say a wonder overload! Description: Central Park is the quintessential running track in Manhattan. It is the home of the NYC Marathon finish line, countless events throughout the year and countless options for short or long loops. There is an energy in the park that is unique, people from all walks of life, tourists and elite runners; everyone runs here and the park is almost always busy, but rarely crowded, especially at the northern end. Most running groups, clubs and organizations meet at Columbus Circle and head off together, generally moving counter-clockwise around the park. Our route starts here as well. As you begin, you head east, some of the most recognizable skyline immediately becomes visible. You’re now on the route of the NYC marathon (though in the opposite direction). As you track left on to Terrace Dr., you’ll pass Bethesda Fountain and Strawberry Fields before making your way back towards your starting point, watch out on your right for the famous Tavern on the Green. Starting Point Note: Columbus Circle is the corner 59th Street & 8th Ave and is reachable simplest via train (A, B, C, D, 1). When you are on the southern half of the park, it’s like having aid stations, as vendors lining the main route have stands where they sell water and gatorade, which comes in handy on those hot summer days, so bring a couple bucks, there are also a handful of water fountains. An excellent time to run is when the park is closed to traffic, Monday through Friday from 10AM-3PM and 7PM-10PM and also on the weekends starting at 7PM on Friday through 6AM on Monday. If you can't fit in a run during these times, a runner's lane (the innermost recreation lane) is always available. It is recommended, for safety reasons, that you run against the traffic. Finishing Point Note: Typically ending at Columbus Circle provides the best end-point and access to transportation, and other amenities, including a Whole Foods in the lower floor of the mall, with its own pub, perfect for post-run refreshment and snacks! Possible route extensions and alternatives: Central Park provides countless different routes through it’s beautiful grounds, with different sights and appeals for the runner, you really can’t go wrong. There is a main route (paved road) that is the most popular, as well as multiple transverses that cut across the park, providing more options. Paths and trails also criss-cross the park, leading to sights including The MET, the Reservoir, and the Central Park Zoo. The Reservoir Loop: This route gives runners a soft surface cinder path about 3km around the Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis Reservoir. It is a mostly flat track and offers incredible views of the city, particularly picturesque at sunset. Try to remain on the right side of the path and run counterclockwise. This route is best accessed by taking the train to 86th Station (A,B,C trains) and following 85th St Transverse or paths to the reservoir. Full Loop: For the full experience (and the biggest hills) follow the main paved road throughout the park. The full loop measures just under 10km, and will give your legs a good work out.   Locals Route: Hudson River Park (6,3 km) Download the GPX file here. Who it is for: For runners looking for a speedy shoreline and abundant attractions. Description: Hudson River Park is the longest waterfront park in the US. While part of the attraction to this path is the shoreline of the Hudson river, in recent years, significant development has taken place making the run more pleasant, and more interesting. It is hard to beat the crisp morning miles with the sun peacefully rising over the bustling city, peaking through the towers, but there really isn’t a bad time to enjoy this route. With runners able to jump into the path anywhere along the length of Manhattan, it is also easy to meet up with others or adjust your distance should you like to. The path is flat, and heads downtown to the tip of Manhattan, Battery Park. From here you have a nice vantage point to the Statue of Liberty. In true NYC fashion, you can also find a myriad of activities to go along with your run including kayaking, beach volleyball, golf driving ranges, ice skating, Chelsea Brewing Company, outrigger canoeing and even sailing lessons! Starting point note: We have built this route to deliver the most interesting sights in a short distance. Beginning at Chelsea Piers, an activity and amenity hub and an attraction in and of itself. 23rd St has Subway stations at 7th Ave & 8th Ave with trains coming from all over Manhattan, from those stations head west (larger Avenue #s) Finishing point note: When you’re done, Table Green in Battery Park (open seasonally) offers a full compliment of beverages and snacks in the beautiful Bosque Gardens. To return to the start of the route, walk north to Rector St and jump on the Uptown 1 to 23rd St and this will put you back in Chelsea, a few blocks east of where the route began. Lower Manhattan has efficient train access to all parts of the island. Possible route extensions and alternatives: A nice cool down route, is to follow the High-line which runs parallel to the park and is particularly close to the route from the neighbourhood of Tribeca to 23rd St. Join it from Gansevoort St & Washington St and enjoy the stroll uptown passing the Chelsea Market (@ 15th St.). Should you want to run longer, start further uptown; at the Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum (46th St and 12th Ave) and run downtown towards Battery Park. Or even start at Battery Park and run all the way to the George Washington Bridge and the “Little Red Lighthouse” (20km).   Adventure Run: Mid-town to Brooklyn (14,6 km) Download the GPX file here. Who is this for: Runners looking for some urban adventure on their run. Description: Sunday morning long run in NYC? Want to walk out the front door and go? Here’s a route for you! Starting in mid-town, at Herald Square, you’ll pass the Empire State building, run along the East River, crossing over the Iconic Brooklyn Bridge, take a loop quick through DUMBO, pause near Jane’s Carousel for a view with BK bridge and the Manhattan skyline together. Plenty of visual inspiration to keep you moving! Running in mid-town is only really advisable in the early mornings and preferably on the weekends. Sidewalks are characteristically uneven and unpredictable, so keep aware of where your feet are falling, with the usual pedestrian traffic, this becomes difficult to navigate safely and to enjoy a good flow to your run. Starting point note: Herald Square (34th St and Broadway) is always busy, full cafes, shops (including the largest in the world - Macy’s - in case you forgot your runners). Most subway lines stop here within in a block or two. Begin by heading east (towards smaller avenues) and you’ll pass the Empire State building. When you hit the East River, turn right (downtown). Finishing point note: Brooklyn Bridge Park, end at Grimaldi’s Pizza, or the Shake Shack next door and re-fuel, then jump on the East River Ferry half a block away and enjoy the view of Manhattan on your left and Brooklyn on your right ($4 on weekdays/$6 on weekends), the boat will drop you back at 34th St, head across town and you’ll find yourself back at Herald Square.   Discover new routes with heatmaps. Heatmaps show the tracks frequently used by the Suunto App community all over the globe, based on millions of moves. You can plan your own route with the help of rich, topographic maps, transfer it to your compatible Suunto watch and start exploring. With Suunto 5 and Suunto 9 watches, you can add these routes directly to your device and track your progress. Lead image: Photo by Becky Phan on Unsplash SEE ALSO MUST-RUN ROUTES IN BARCELONA, HELSINKI, LONDON, PARIS AND STOCKHOLM  

We know the desire to run does not stop when you travel, in fact many times its the opposite. Running is one of the best ways to explore a new city! One of the challenges to fully enjoying this potential is not knowing where to go. Big cities have lots of sights and routes, but how to find the right one? We’ve got you covered! Here at Suunto, we’ve put together a collection of routes that showcase some of the best parts of Helsinki (our hometown!). Through winding parks in the heart of the city, to historic sites and architecture, these routes hit all the high notes. We’ve put together three main options for you; short and scenic route, a favourite track of local runners and those “in-the-know,” and finally an adventurous trail in the city’s Central Park, winding through the heart of Helsinki. Trust us, you’ll be thankful you brought your sneakers! To follow these routes with your Suunto watch or mobile device, please follow these instructions: 1. Press download GPX.2. Go to Suunto app and press + button in app map and press 'import route'.3. Find the route, press it. The app opens the route, press 'Done'.4. You can modify name and details. The route is saved. Keep the 'Use in Watch' toggle on to have the route in watch. Note: If you are not reading this on a device with Suunto app installed, download the route file and save it in a location you can access on your mobile device. Then follow the guidance above.   Short, sweet and central – Töölönlahti (4,9 km) Download the GPX file here. Who it is for: Tourist run/walk route taking stunning views of the city in less than 5 km. Description: Töölönlahti is the most popular and frequented of any running loop in Helsinki. It is peaceful, picturesque and in the heart of central Helsinki. The track follows the shoreline of a charming inlet, that in the span of just over 2 km lends views to Finlandia Hall, the Opera House and the tower of the Olympic Stadium. Particularly scenic are the calm, early morning hours as the still water of the bay, and finishing up in time for a coffee and snack at one of the many quaint cafes nearby. Most afternoons see many visitors, though even when it's busy, it's not crowded. Start point note and logistics: From the Central Railway Station exit west (right as you leave the main exit). You’ll walk past the Kiasma contemporary Art Gallery, The Helsinki Music Centre and Finlandia Hall, and you’ll see the bay from there. The route follows the water to the right! Have fun! Finish Point note + post-run POIs The most straightforward point to finish at where you began but there are countless options to exit the loop, you can head towards the Olympic Stadium for a visit, or to a charming little cafe overlooking the bay Cafe Sininen Huvila (summer only). Run extensions and alternatives: On the opposite side of the bay from the starting point, is a small foot-bridge that takes you over the train tracks to the opposite side of the bay. You can follow this extension of the route for an additional 2.5 km of mostly flat shale, and paved path. Your tree-lined route includes turn of the century, stone buildings to keep you company, here you’ll find a go-to pub and patio called Juttutupa should you need refreshment. The loop circles back to the same foot-bridge, so you’re never too far from you started.   Locals Run – Sibelius Seaside (7,9 km) Download the GPX file here. Who it is for: The locals running route: Some history and some wild & rugged island terrain, a feast for the senses and the legs! Description: The route begins at the Sibelius Monument, an ode to Finland’s greatest composer, Jean Sibelius. This handsome park can be busy at times with visitors and tour buses, but as you head towards and along the seaside, you will find a new view of wild coast-line of Helsinki. The charming island of Seurasaari, a frequented haunt for Helsinki’s runners of all abilities. This teardrop-shaped island is home to undulating trails woven amongst lightly-wooded, rocky terrain, seemingly dangling in to the Baltic Sea. An open-air museum that displays traditional Finnish way of life and homes from the past four hundred years is a fascinating distraction along the way. Start point note and logistics: The Sibelius Monument is 2.5 km from the Central Railway Station. The best (and most fun) way to get there is to take the tram. Firstly, head west from the train station to Lasipalatsi (on Mannerheimentie). You can take Tram #4, 7A or 10 that head west, away from the city centre. In four stops you’re at Töölön Kisahalli, get off here and head towards the sea along Humalistonkatu, and you’ll find the park. Finish Point note and post-run POIs: Your route back follows your outbound journey and ends at the beloved Cafe Regatta, across the road from your starting point. If you still have some energy, you can also extend your outing with some kayaking or SUP, which you can rent directly from the cafe (open year-round). Run extensions and alternatives: Instead of finishing at Cafe Regatta, you can continue back along the water for a dip in the Baltic Sea at Helsinki's largest beach, Hietaniemi (1.5 km further), or turn left towards the centre at Hesperian Esplanadi.   Adventure Trail – Paloheinä & Helsinki Central Park (18,4 km) Download the GPX file here. Who it is for: The trail and forest adventure-seeker. Description: The first 7 km is a loop around the Paloheinä forest. There are a multitude of off-shoots in the forest with a mix of single-track and main trails, in the forest you’ll be able to get a nice mix of elevation change and some reasonably technical portions. Around the forest is a mostly flat, mixed gravel trail. When heading to the city through central park the route is pedestrian roads (gravel sur-face) and there are many different paths that can be taken, you can use your Suunto watch (Suunto 5, or Suunto 9) to track your progress on the trail running heatmap. This narrow shard of greenery through the city will make you feel as though your entirely away from the bustle. Start point note and logistics: Straightforward to get to. Take the 66 or 66A bus from the Central Railway Station, and it is the last stop on the route. Conveniently there are free showers and dressing rooms in Paloheinä should you want to spend your entire time running the forest. Open in the summer Mo-Fr 12-21, Sa-Su 10-18. Finish Point note: We have plotted the route to pass a little bay called Töölönlahti (also mentioned in the first route), so anywhere in this area you’re in close proximity to hotels, cafes and a veritable plethora of points of interest. Run extensions and alternatives: You can spend as long as you like in the forest, sometimes the single-track is too fun to leave! Even if you get lost the park it’s not too big that you can’t find you way out soon enough. There is a main trail within the forest which is used for cross-country skiing in the winter and covered with soft blanket of sawdust. It’s easy to spend a couple invigorating hours within this quiet, natural space, and you can always take the 66/66A bus back to the centre.   Discover new routes with heatmaps. Heatmaps show the tracks frequently used by the Suunto App community all over the globe, based on millions of moves. You can plan your own route with the help of rich, topographic maps, transfer it to your compatible Suunto watch and start exploring. With Suunto 5 and Suunto 9 watches, you can add these routes directly to your device and track your progress.     Lead image: Photo by Markus Winkler on Unsplash SEE ALSO MUST-RUN ROUTES IN BARCELONA, LONDON, NEW YORK CITY, PARIS AND STOCKHOLM    

Keeping up your running routine while traveling can be challenging, but when it is the right route at the right time, it's rewarding in many ways. Whether it be an invigorating break from a hectic schedule, or a way to explore a new city, knowing where to go is everything. This couldn’t be more apt than in a mega-city like London. The options are endless, but at the same time daunting; but don’t worry we’ve got you covered. We’ve highlighted three types of routes: the short and sweet tourist route with plenty of scenery; the locals run which is favorite and accessible route, and finally, a more adventurous, forested, single-track trail. Each route comes with the logistics to get you out and back with ease! Each of these routes share the same motivation – inspiring you to explore a new route and new city on the run!   To follow these routes with your Suunto watch or mobile device, please follow these instructions: 1. Press download GPX.2. Go to Suunto app and press + button in app map and press 'import route'.3. Find the route, press it. The app opens the route, press 'Done'.4. You can modify name and details. The route is saved. Keep the 'Use in Watch' toggle on to have the route in watch. Note: If you are not reading this on a device with Suunto app installed, download the route file and save it in a location you can access on your mobile device. Then follow the guidance above   GOLDEN JUBILEE AND MILLENNIUM BRIDGE (4KM) Download GPX file here. Who it is for: Tourist Run/walk route taking in the cities best sights in less than 5km. Description: Simply the best route for visiting and photographing (if you choose) some of London's most famous landmarks. This short route is best done in the morning during a crisp sunrise. The route takes in some of the most visited paths in London so it can be crowded during the day but soaking up that atmosphere can be part of the fun, if you are that way inclined. Expect extremely "instagramable" shots from the two iconic bridges of Golden Jubilee and Millennium Bridge. Look out for the National Theatre, South Banks finest culture, London Eye, Tate Modern, HMS President, Big Ben, St Paul's Cathedral, The Shard and more, its a veritable feast for the senses! Start point note: Best access via London Charing Cross Station or Embankment Finish Point note: 100m before the finish you will see Embankment Café. Perfectly stationed in Garden Pavilion, right next to the Thames River. This cafe will have something to quench your thirst or fill your stomach at any time of day. It could be coffee and a Traditional English Breakfast in the morning or even quintessentially British Fish and Chips in the evening. Run extensions and alternatives: Instead of finishing back at Embankment, continue to run past it keeping the River Thames on your right. After 800m you can take a right up Richmond Terrace which leads you to the famous Downing Street and into St James Park. Continuing a bit further along the Thames (1km from Embankment) will have you finish at Westminster tube station and next to Big Ben. Here you will be a stone’s throw from St Stephens Tavern, a real ale pub known as the ‘politician’s hangout.’   MULTI ROYAL PARKS ROUTE (8.1KM) Download GPX file here. Who it is for: The “locals” running route in the heart of London. Maximum greenery, maximum sightseeing. Description: An absolute must for locals and anyone over for a short stay. The Royal Parks are a thing of wonderful British heritage so with this route you can hit 4 in one run. Starting from Hyde Park (the home of one of London’s most famous running clubs) you will run around and through the park taking in Kensington Gardens and The Round Pond. Green Park will have you running directly past Buckingham Palace. Finally, through St James Park and past Horse Guards Parade and down The Mall. Beauty. Start point note: Lancaster Gate tube on the Central line. Paddington Station is only a 3 minute walk too. Finish Point note: Green Park tube. It’s worth taking the time to visit Shepard Market which is full of independent shops, pubs and restaurants. Run extensions and alternatives: Doing a full lap of Hyde Park before heading out is very popular with locals. Similarly, you can add in full loops of Green Park or St James Park. Another option is continuing the Green Park loop to get back to your initial entry point and heading back into Hyde Park to finish at the Café in the centre of one of London’s biggest Green spaces.   RICHMOND PARK AND WIMBLEDON COMMON TRAILS (16.3KM) Download the GPX file here. Who it is for: The adventurous type of runner seeking something more than just concrete blocks Description: London's worst kept trail running secret. A beautifully scenic route taking in Richmond Park which is teaming with deer, ponds and wildlife. Richmond has its own unique London Culture with constant pop-ups and riverside events. Crossing over into Wimbledon Common you’ll be running through some fantastic single track path in a forest-like environment. Keep in mind, if it rains expect it to get muddy! There are a couple of short sharp hills along the way, they are not long but at 12–15% grades they will certainly get your lungs going. Start point note: 10 minute walk from Richmond Station. A straight forward walk up the high street (left out of the station) will get you up to Richmond gate and the start point of the route. However we also recommend walking down the Thames River path into Richmond Park. It is an extra 5 minute walk but if it’s a clear day then start your route on the towpath for lovely views and waterside activities. Finish Point note: The route does a figure of 8 to finish back at the same start point. Walking or running back to Richmond tube will take you past copious amounts of cafes, bars and restaurants. For something different, and extremely British, we’d recommend the Tea Box for gourmet teas and cake in a cosy corner café. Run extensions and alternatives: At the top of Wimbledon common you will see the A3, run parallel to this, beside Putney heath, for a few hundred metres before taking a left turn down the A219. This will have a running down a big hill straight towards Putney which is another South-West London hotspot. In Putney you can still get both tube (Putney east or Putney Bridge), Trains (Putney Station) and Buses outside Putney station to most parts of London. Another option is to do a full loop of Richmond Park instead of crossing into Wimbledon common. Following the Tamsin Trail which hugs the outer parameter is a glorious run that is extremely popular with locals. A full loop is 11.5 km. Lead image: © Max Willcocks Discover new routes with heatmaps. Heatmaps show the tracks frequently used by the Suunto App community all over the globe, based on millions of moves. You can plan your own route with the help of rich, topographic maps, transfer it to your compatible Suunto watch and start exploring. With Suunto 5 and Suunto 9 watches, you can add these routes directly to your device and track your progress. SEE ALSO MUST-RUN ROUTES IN BARCELONA, HELSINKI, NEW YORK CITY, PARIS AND STOCKHOLM    

Suunto app saves millions of workouts every year, creating a veritable treasure trove of training data. When our data team crunches that mountain of numbers – while respecting personal privacy laws, of course – they discover some surprising sport insights. Our data nerds have just finished calculating the 2019 workout stats generated by users in nations across the world. Continuing the age old tradition of friendly international sport rivalry, we looked at which nation is the fastest, which nations runs for the longest distance, as well as other stats. We’re sure you’ll find the results as interesting as we do. Flat and fast: Denmark sets the pace According to our analysis of all the workouts in 2019, runners in Denmark are lightning. The average pace of our Suunto-wearing Danes is 5:11 min/km! Whoop! That’s quick. Perhaps it’s not surprising given a 2017 Eurostat survey found Denmark, a nation of 5.6 million, exercises more than all other EU nations, apart from Suunto’s own Finland. Apparently exercise, whether cycling the small nation’s famous bicycle path network or running along its gorgeous coastline, is a core element of Denmark’s culture. Respect! Click here for tips on how to improve your running economy! The long run: Portugal goes the distance Portugal, a nation of 10.3 million, likes to run! Our data shows people in Portugal ran the longest average running distance – 10.3 km/run. It’s the only nation to break the 10 km average distance mark. Bem feito! Click here for tips on running the distance! Sleep tight: who sleeps the most/least? Analyzing all the sleep data proved an interesting exercise. People in Chile, Finland, New Zealand and Ireland enjoy a good night’s sleep; on average they get more than seven hours a night. Conversely, people living in Asia, including Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand and South Korea, seem to like burning the candle at both ends; on average they get less than 5.5 hours a night. We hope they’re getting enough recovery time! Click to read how sleep can make you a better runner! Feeling great: the most common feeling vibe It seems like Suunto users are positive bunch – must be all that outdoor exercise. We checked what is the most common feeling recorded after all the workouts, and we discovered “excellent” came out on top. That’s a really good sign. Feelings are a great way to keep track of how your training is going, and to monitor whether you might need to rest more. Magnifique: the French LOVE trail running When comparing their trail running to treadmill workouts, the ratio in France is 12.9:1, almost 13 times more trail than treadmill. In the US, by comparison, the ratio was 1.6:1, and in Spain 4.8:1. We’d love to know what causes this big difference! Around the clock: trail runners move for the longest Respect to all the trail runners out there. It’s the most popular activity for 12+ hour long activities. That’s a solid length of time to be on your feet moving. We hope you are fueling and hydrating well. Read to learn how to transition from road to trail running! By foot wins: running and walking the most popular Running came out as the most popular activity among Suunto users, followed by walking, and cycling in third place. Sport lovers: Suunto fans enjoy four activities On average Suunto users did 4.3 different activities during the year. But some were much more varied; one user tracked 74 different activity types, another one did 72! That’s an impressive performance! We wonder how they found the time! Go guys! Men walk more Out analysis shows male Suunto users walk a little more than women. Men walk on average 9446 steps a day, and women 7969. Ladies, show them next year!   Lead images: © Graeme Murray / Red Bull Content Pool Read more articles: 7 tips for running in the dark Hunter or the hunted? 7 race tactics for the trophy Fuelling the engine: 6 principles of nutrition for athletes

Greg charges his electric car on route to the mountains. © Greg Hill   With the release of his latest film, Electric Greg, skimo legend and Suunto ambassador Greg Hill showed how the adventure lifestyle can be more sustainable. He climbed more than 100 mountains without using any fossil fuel, instead relying on his small electric car to get him into the mountains.     Also a weekday vegetarian who grows his own vegetables, Greg has researched how he can “be a little better'' in terms being kinder to the planet. He says it’s not about being perfect, but just trying to improve incrementally. “As outdoor enthusiasts we are the ones who appreciate and get so much back from nature, so we should be the ones doing the most to preserve it,” Greg says. “Snowboarder Jeremy Jones is the ideal example of that. He recognized his impacts and looked for ways to change it. In creating Protect our Winters, he enabled change on so many levels, from personal to political. We can all make a difference.” Follow the cardinal rule Before even thinking about other ways to be more sustainable, make sure you are following the cardinal rule of outdoor recreation: pack it in, pack it out. “It’s a pretty simple mantra,” Greg says. The only thing you should leave in the outdoors are your footprints, and the only thing you should take are photos. For a month, Greg restricted himself to cycling to and from all his trips © Greg Hill Find backyard adventures Often times, destinations further afield seem more exotic. While it’s great fun to explore far away places, exploring our local recreation areas helps us to feel more connected to the land where we live. It’s fun to get a topographical map of your local area, note points of interest, and visit them all. It’s also a fun adventure project to walk, hike, bike or run every single trail in your local mountain or forest park.   Move to the mountains If working remotely is a possibility for you, consider moving somewhere closer to the mountains. “If you love adventure, find the ideal town and move there, and then backyard adventure forever,” Greg says. This will result in less travel time, therefore less carbon emissions. And every morning you will look out the window and see the mountains waiting for you!   Greg is a weekday vegetarian. Studies show eating less meat is good for the planet. © Angela Percival / Arcteryx Use rail when possible One of the great things about living in Europe is the rail network. Sure, you might need to factor in more time to get to and from the mountains, but using rail, rather than driving a fossil fuel powered car, definitely helps us to be a little better. And after a big day in the mountains you can sit back on the train and enjoy a well earned beer or coffee. Buy quality gear In this age of fast fashion and disposable culture, we are conditioned to shop for the best bargain. But the best bargain is often not the best deal. Some outdoor gear – like Suunto watches, for example – have been designed and built to last. It’s also possible to send our watches back for repair, extending their lifespan. Other gear, like these running shoes designed by Salomon, can be recycled and turned into ski boots. Yes, good quality, durable, hardy gear usually comes with a higher price tag, but ultimately it will save you money in the long run because it will last longer and perform better. While cheap quality products wear out quickly and end up in landfill. Maintain your gear To help make your gear last, get professional advice about how to maintain it properly. When you get home from a big hike, for example, clean your footwear properly with the correct cleaner, and keep your leather boots waxed so the skin doesn’t dry out, potentially cracking. And wash your rain gear with washing detergent designed for the job. Go electric Buying an electric car is awesome, but if it isn’t possible for you then another option is to rent one when you do visit somewhere by plane. “On the last trip that I had to fly to, I landed and rented an electric car,” Greg says. “It was a Tesla Model X and it was amazing!” Remember, it’s not about being perfect, just a little better. Reduce microfiber plastic pollution One of the big challenges for the outdoor gear industry is reducing microfiber plastic pollution. All the plastic-based sport clothing people wear sheds trillions of microfiber plastics when they are washed, which ends up in the ocean. It’s estimated there are now more than one million trillion microfiber plastics in our oceans. That’s about 200 million microfibers for every person on the planet. Ouch. You can help tackle this problem by choosing to use clothing made of natural materials, such as wool, or you can use a Guppyfriend Washing Bag to prevent microfibers going into the waterway when you wash your plastic-based outdoor clothing. Choose ethical companies “Buy from companies that have good ethical policy towards the environment and are pushing change at their corporate level,” Greg says. “Many companies are now working hard at being better.” Visit company websites and see what they are doing about sustainability. Suunto’s environmental policy is here. Avoid packaging Plastic packaging is a big problem for the planet’s ecosystems. It’s out of control. So, instead of buying flapjacks, for example, make your own. Take a reusable water bottle, reusable food containers, and do everything in your power to phase out packaging! Lead images: © Angela Percival/ Arcteryx Read more articles: Fuelling the engine: talking nutrition with Greg Hill Proving electric adventure is the future How to find your way in the mountains 8 avalanche safety checks to tick off before the ski season

Winter is a good time to focus on strength training. Photo by Sergio Pedemonte on Unsplash  Now that winter has landed, it’s time to pause, reflect and adapt. With recognition and acceptance of the shorter and colder days, we can adapt and turn winter into an opportunity. Now is a good time to pause, to take stock of where you are at, and how your body is doing. Do you have any injuries or niggles that need attending to? How are you feeling mentally? Inspired, flat or tired? It’s also good to now reflect on how the season went, what went well, what could have been better, and how you’d like to do things differently next season. If you have a coach, sit down with him or her and review your efforts this year and discuss how to plan for next year. You could also sit down and analyze the training data captured by your Suunto watch and see what insights you can find. Pausing and reflecting like this will suggest how you might like to adapt over winter. Ask yourself what would serve you – body and mind – the best in the coming months? But before you begin, we are going to jump the gun and give you a few suggestions on how to make this your best winter ever. Try swimming regularly to maintain your condition. Photo by Goh Rhy Yan on Unsplash Make winter goals Making goals gives us direction and purpose. There’s no reason to drop making them over winter. After you have paused, reflected and adapted, create new goals for your winter. Write them down, tell your friends and family, and set to work fulfilling them. Go to physiotherapy If you suffered an injury, or have a niggle that comes and goes, now is the time to take care of it. Book a block of appointments at a sport physiotherapist, and get to the bottom of it. Make whatever your physio advises your main mission in the coming months. If he or she gives you exercises to do each day, do them! Work on technique Reducing your training volume means you have more time to exclusively focus on the finer points of your sport. If you’re a runner, dedicate the winter to improving your running efficiency and technique. You could do regular 20 minute treadmill runs, for example, and focus on form.  Resolve any niggles or injuries by seeing a physiotherapist. Photo by Jesper Aggergaard on Unsplash Get massage Your body has been your trusty work horse all year. Reward it by getting massaged. There are all sorts of massage styles; Shiatsu, Lomi Lomi, sports massage, Thai, Swedish etc. Why not try a few? We suggest getting at least three massages over the off season. Your body will thank you for it. Build strength Winter is a great time to focus on strength training. Join the gym, buy yourself some weights, or sign up for an online fitness course on core power. You don’t need to go hard. Just do a little each week over the off season and it will pay dividends come spring. Try something new Learning new forms of movement is good for the body and mind. You develop new skills and capacities you didn’t know you had. It also gives your body a break from your usual movement patterns, while keeping it in shape. Sign up for a boxing course, for example, learn cross country skiing, join a social team sport or go indoor regularly.   Climbing is great for coordination and mental focus. Photo by Jonathan J. Castellon on Unsplash Escape to training camp If slowing down and pivoting to other things isn't how you roll, then why not head to warmer climes where you can keep training like a beast? There are some great places around the world that offer training camps and warmer weather. Focus on eating well When the off season arrives, it’s often the case our nutrition plan goes out the window. Especially with Christmas and New Year, it’s easy to eat too much of the wrong stuff and gain weight that you have to shed later. While it’s good to allow yourself to enjoy, try focusing on eating well this winter. You could focus on eating seasonally, try being a weekday vegetarian, or learn how to cook a particular style of cuisine. Swim and sauna Swimming regularly is incredibly good for the body. It tones the muscles, improves strength, and is a good cardio workout while causing no impact on the joints. Try swimming two or three times a week this winter. If you’re not a strong swimmer, consider getting a couple of swimming lessons and developing your technique. Once you’ve done your laps, hit the sauna and sweat it out. There are many styles of yoga. Restorative is good for deep relaxation. Photo by Mark Zamora on Unsplash Practice restorative yoga One of the best ways to give the body and mind the deep release they need is by doing restorative yoga. This style of yoga is all about slowing down and holding easy poses for longer than usual and with the support of comfortable props. This approach invites deep muscular release and stimulates the parasympathetic nervous system, bringing us back to homeostasis, or a state of relaxation. Try to attend six restorative classes this off season. Yoga helps Emelie Forsberg find the flow. Stay inspired Dark, grey and rainy days week after week can get uninspiring. Counter this by dosing up on adventure and training inspiration. Read uplifting biographical books, listen to podcasts about training and your sport, and watch films and documentaries that spark your imagination. Find local meetups or clubs for your sport and connect with others who are on the same path as you. Hibernate Lastly, sleeping more can help you become a better runner. So consider how you can catch some extra winks this winter. Day time power naps have been shown to be immensely beneficial.   Lead image: © Photo by Vlad Tchompalov on Unsplash Read more articles: 7 tips for running in the dark How to find your way in the mountains 8 avalanche safety checks to tick off before the ski season Proving electric adventure is the future