Another great performance at Challenge Roth

The 2009 edition of the Quelle Challenge Roth iron-distance race will go down in history as one of the quickest and most memorable races of all time.

Britains Chrissie Wellington smashed the female world record, taking 14 minutes off the previous record held by Skinfit athlete Yvonne Van Vlerken, lowering the record to a staggering 8:31:59.

Germany's Normann Stadler rode the quickest iron-distance bike split in history, covering the 180 kilometers in an incredible 4:14. Normann finished in fourth place overall, behind fellow German Michael Gohner who took the top prize with a sensational time for 7:55:53.

Skinfit athlete Olaf Sabatschus had a wonderful race, finishing in an incredible sixth place with a time of 8:06:01.

One more great performance at the event was from the Skinfit team.

With a great position at the Expo, and a great team on hand to speak to the hundreds of competitors and visitors, it was a very busy few days.

On race day, it was great to see so many competitors wearing the Skinfit kit.

The Skinfit team would like to wish all competitors our congratulations on making the event such a special and memorable occasion and we look future to meeting you again at future events.

Yvonne places second at Ironman Frankfurt

Once again, the outstanding athlete Yvonne Van Vlerken has shown her true class racing at Ironman Frankfurt.

After a very strong bike leg, Yvonne came into T2 side-by-side with Sandra Wallenhorst and the two of them fought it out during the marathon with Yvonne leading the first half of the run leg but eventually conceding victory to Sandra Wallenhorst, to record a time of 9:02:18.

We would like to congratulate Yvonne on another great race and a great day out for Skinfit!

Skinfit UK Brand Ambassador Stuart shines in Lanzarote!

One of Skinfit UK's Brand Ambassadors, Stuart Anderson, recently raced at Ironman Lanzarote. Here's Stuart's race report for your reading pleasure, enjoy!

Race Report

I'm really pleased: I had a great race with everything more or less going to plan.

It was a tough day for age groupers and Pro's alike with Bert Jammer narrowly missing a herd of goats crossing the road, whilst on the decent to Famara.

I had a great race with everything more or less going to plan. The swim was frantic and the current was pushing us into the buoys. I was using a new Sailfish suit, so I was pleased with the extra buoyancy it game me. Exiting the water for the second lap was exhausting, but good for the spectators, and I managed a smile before entering the water for another pummelling.

We had typical Lanzorate weather with a head wind from Yaiza all the way to Mirador del Rio. Going up Haria I was pushing 450 watts, holding just 8kmh!!

I could have walked quicker...

I had a solid bike and I managed my 'Ironman marathon PB', so I was really happy. I used only Infinit on the bike and gels and water on the run....I had no stomach issues and felt strong the whole way through. Getting your nutrition right is as important as all the hours you put into your training; I took two bottles with six scoops of Infinit in each and consumed 1/3 of a bottle per hour, chasing it down with water from my aero bottle. I'm sure this contributed to my 3.08 marathon as I ran pretty consistent splits off the bike. The crowds support was awesome and because it's a loop marathon course, where you collect a different coloured band each loop, it's easy to focus on attaining the next band to stay motivated.

Although I qualified for Kona, I've decided to make 2009 a build year for a dream year in 2010.

It was a tough decision but I didn't accept my slot for Kona as I want to attain a top 10 position in my age there and I think I will need more than 4 months to build for this.

I have a place in Ironman Wisconsin (Sept 13th) which has slots for 2010 and it will be my goal to qualify there.

To sum up, Lanza is such a well organised race and Kenneth Gasque the Race Director makes all the competitors feel really welcome. I've already registered for 2010!

stuart anderson

BIB	AGE	STATE/COUNTRY	PROFESSION
541	35	London Greater London United Kingdom	Consultancy Manager

SWIM	BIKE	RUN	OVERALL	RANK	DIV.POS.
1:03:48	5:33:17	3:08:34	9:53:46	42	8

LEG	DISTANCE	PACE	RANK	DIV.POS.
TOTAL SWIM - 3.8 km	1:03:48	1:40/100m	235	63
TOTAL BIKE	180 km (5:33:17)	32.40 km/h	76	16
RUN - 5 km	7:06:29 5 km @ 21:17	4:15/km
RUN - 10 km	7:28:28 5 km @ 21:59	4:23/km
RUN - 15 km	7:51:18 5 km @ 22:50	4:34/km
RUN - 21 km	8:14:36 6 km @ 23:18	3:53/km
RUN - 26 km	8:38:00 5 km @ 23:24	4:40/km
RUN - 31 km	9:02:14 5 km @ 24:14	4:50/km
RUN - 36 km	9:27:32 5 km @ 25:18	5:03/km
RUN - 42.2 km	9:53:46 6.2 km @ 26:14	4:13/km
TOTAL RUN	42.2 km (3:08:34)	4:28/km	42	8
TRANSITION				TIME
T1: SWIM-TO-BIKE				4:11
T2: BIKE-TO-RUN				3:56

Yvonne Van Vlerken interview

Skinfit athlete Yvonne Van Vlerken is featured in this weeks episode of the IM Talk podcast. 

Check out this great interview with one of the worlds best triathletes. 

Be sure to keep visiting to hear all the latest Skinfit news!

Bert does it again...

Bert Jammaer wins Ironman Lanzarote - for the second consecutive year!

On 23 May, Skinfit athlete Bert Jammaer continued to impress the Ironman-world by successfully defending his Ironman Lanzarote crown. 

Known as one of the toughest Ironman-distance races on Earth, Bert once again displayed his considerable ability to perform in the heat. Don't forget, he did so wearing his blue Skinfit speedsuit!

You can read a great race report here. 

Its no surprise to us that some of worlds greatest triathletes choose to race in Skinfit. 

Well done Bert! 

Photo courtesy of foyfoto.com

Guide to Layering - Part 4

Waterproofs

The most technically advanced outer layers will be waterproof AND breathable, meaning that whilst the fabric prevents water droplets (rain) entering from the outside, it also allows the release of some of the water vapour (perspiration) from the inside. 

So, how does the system work?

All waterproof fabrics have an outer layer (face fabric), its main function is to provide a flexible and durable outer shell. The inside of the face fabric is coated or laminated with a protective moisture barrier which keeps you dry and comfortable in wet conditions. The choice of face fabric and barriers determines the level of brathability and waterproofness. 

To understand why breathability can differ, we must first understand how breathable fabrics work. Fabrics don't breathe, they work by temperature differential. When the inside of the fabric is warmer than the outside, a driving force is created. The higher the differential, the higher the driving force and the more the fabric will 'breathe'. 

Because of the structure of the inner protective moisture barrier, it allows the smaller water vapour molecules (perspiration) to pass through, but prevents the liquid molecules (rain) from coming in. 

Breathability is measured as a rating of how much moisture vapour can pass through a fabric in a given time, usually measured in grams per sq m of fabric in a 24h period. For general recreational use, 10,000gm/m2/24h and above is desirable. 

The efficiency of a waterproof garment will depend on the quality and number of coatings applied and the fabric construction (eg a 3-layer laminate is more durable and efficient than a 2-layer laminate). 

Waterproofness is measured by testing a garment's resistance to water. This is referred to as "hydrostatic head" and means that if a a fabric can stop a 5 meter column of water penetrating, then it has a hydrostatic head of 5 meters or 5000mm (or it exceeds a water resistance rating of 5 meters hydrostatic pressure). 

To be truly waterproof, a garment should also have seams which are sealed against water entry (taped seams). 

Your choice of waterproof garment will depend on your level of activity, as you will need a more lightweight packable garment for ultra light mountaineering or other active sport, whereas extreme protection and waterproofness will be required for high altitude mountaineering. 

Guide to Layering - Part 3

Outer layer

The outer layer (often referred to as a shell) will need to protect you from the rain, keep you dry, keep out the

 wind, retain heat and release moisture from the previous layers. 

It also needs to offer durable protection against the abrasive effects of outdoor pursuits yet be light and comfortable enough to allow for sustained activity. 

Depending on the type and intensity of the activity you take part in, you will need to decide what features are more essential to you, as o one garment is capable of giving you all the above without compromise. 

For example, shell jackets (like our Vento garment) are lightweight, and offer highly breathable, fast-drying, wind resistant properties, but they will not have any insulating property. 

For mountaineering activities, you may opt for a sturdy, durable option that offers greater protection from the elements (see our Pfafflar range). 

In extreme cold, insulation will be a major requirement, as will waterproofness. For high intensity sports, like running or biking, the outer layer may be just windproof and not waterproof. This will increase breathability whilst maintaining protection from windchill. 

We also recommend looking out for features such as hoods, ventilation zips, draw cords, and removable inserts when choosing an outer layer. 

Properties

• Durable
  
• Fast drying
  
• Breathable
  
• Wind resistant
  
• Water repellent
  
• Elastic softshells