If you’re looking for a new sport to get your teeth into or want to tone up before your summer holidays then take a look at trail running. There are many advantages, mainly that is much more fun than road running! FieldandTrek.com take a look at some of them…
To begin with trail running is not the same as road running, at all. It requires you to use different areas of your body and much more concentration. You need to be fully focused and keep your mind on the trail in front of you so you are aware of any bumps, tree stumps or obstacles in your way.
The nature of trail running also allows for a more peaceful and tranquil environment, away from the hustle and bustle of traffic and urban noise. If you want to go alone you can, obviously not at night, and it is time to be with yourself, in silence if you desire, and take a step back from your busy life and get back in touch with you.
Unlike road running, trail running offers a full body workout and you can tailor it to your needs and fitness levels. There is a mix of walking, running, sprinting and strength involved so really does work every part of your body. As you’re running along multiple gradients you will strengthen your leg muscles, improve upon your cardiovascular fitness and strengthen and work your hip, ankles and lower leg muscles when you run sideways and in a zig zag motion to navigate the terrain.
Your balance and core will also improve, so if you want to tone up it’s the perfect exercise! When you’re running over rough, uneven surfaces it is important to engage with your core to keep you balanced, also the resistance over sand and mud is greater so you’re core will constantly be working throughout your run.
As trail running requires different movements and changing from walking and jogging to a sprint, you aren’t just repeating robotic movements, as a result this reduces the number and severity of injuries that you might suffer when you go road running.
Finally it is more fun! Running through the mud, constantly changing route and directions, hurdling over obstacles and taking in beautiful sceneries – much more exciting than running alongside a grey road!
For more information of trail running visit the FieldandTrek blog, online store or keep up to date with their official Facebook and Twitter pages.
Camping can be a fun, wallet friendly way to enjoy your time with your family. But for a great camping holiday, you need to remember all those essentials that make the camping holiday easy on you as well as your kids. Take a look at our family camping checklist to remind yourself of the essentials.
Camping equipment
• Tent/s and tent poles- Make sure your tent is waterproof and has no holes in before going on the trip).
• Pegs- Try to check with the campsite before hand to make sure you have the correct strength pegs required for the ground).
• Mallet- Mallets are especially important if the campsite you are sleeping on has tough or hard ground.
• Sleeping bags- There needs to be one sleeping bag for each camper and should be the right sleeping bag for the season.
• Sleeping mats/ airbeds- Depends on personal preference.
• Camping pillows- Camping pillows prevent neck ache and give you a warm, comfortable place to put your head at night.
• Tent repair kit- Ideal if your tent gets damaged on your holiday and you need to make a quick repair.
• Extra blanket- Perfect for those colder nights during your camping adventure.
Camping kitchen
• Pet supplies and food (if you are taking your dog or cat with you).
• Aluminium foil- Foil can be used for storing and protecting food.
• Oven mitts- Oven mitts can save your fingers from being burnt as this
• Bowls- Bowls can be used for washing dishes, utensils and other items as well as cooking meals.
• Table cloth- Table cloths give a sense of occasion to your family meal and also protect your table from hot utensils.
• Water jug- Easy way of storing accessible water on the table for the family.
• Camping stove/ BBQ- For cooking your meals on.
• Cooler box- Keeps your food cool or hot.
• Bottled water- In case the water on your campsite is not sanitary, bottled water can be drunk and used to wash.
• Plastic plates, cups and cutlery- Non-breakable cutlery so you can enjoy meals without worrying about your kids breaking your cutlery in the outdoors.
• Food containers- To store leftovers or carry picnics to your chosen destination.
• Knives- Important if you are planning a meat meal or need to cut up vegetables. Plastic knives may not cut through harder food types.
• Cutting board- Great for cutting vegetables, meats and other food items on the table as other surfaces may not be fit for preparing food.
• Dish towel- For drying dishes after cleaning.
• Paper towels- Ideal as a throw-away cleaning up tool.
• Black bin bags- Can be used for rubbish bags or storage.
• Water carrier- To store a large supply of water close to the tent easily.
• Picnic rug- Can be used for family picnics.
• Matches or lighter- To light your stove.
• Gas for the stove- The essential fuel for the stove is important to keep your family fed during the camping holiday. Remember to check the gas is compatible with the stove you are using.
• Pans and pots- Remember to check that these have lids.
Camping furniture
• Fold up camping chairs- Chairs make the camping trips comfortable for you and your family.
• Storage shelves- Storage shelves keep your food, drink as well as kitchen utensils off of the ground and away from animals or insects.
• Fold-up camping table- The camping table will make your breakfast, lunch and tea meals family occasions.
Outdoor equipment
• Torch- Useful for those short trips to the campsite at night.
• Pump- If you are taking airbeds with you, you will need a pump to blow it up.
• Duct tape- Tape can be used as a quick repair on sleeping bags, tents and other items.
• Lantern- Lanterns provide essential tent light at night time so your family can complete games, play with toys, read books or do other activities.
• GPS device or map- Can be used for finding your way to the campsite as well as around the area you are staying in.
• First aid kit- Essential for any family, first aid kits can patch up any minor injuries.
• Umbrellas- In case the weather turns bad, umbrellas can keep your family dry when you are out and about on your day trips.
• Hand sanitiser- Hand sanitiser can kill bacteria and germs on your hands without requiring water.
• Insect repellent- Great for keeping insects away from your tent at night and stops them being able to bite you.
Clothing
• Waterproof jacket
• Waterproof trousers
• Outdoor footwear/ wellies/ walking boots
• Underwear
• Tops
• Trousers
• Jumpers
• Hats
• Gloves
• Swimwear- If your campsite has a swimming pool or if there is a swimming pool nearby.
• Night wear- Extra layers to keep you warm in your sleeping bag.
• Flip flops- Slip on shoes for going to the campsite shower, toilets or swimming pool.
Personal essentials
• Toiletries- Toiletries such as toothbrushes, toothpaste, hairbrushes, shampoo and shower gel are required so you can always feel refreshed when you need to.
• Toilet roll- Just in case the campsite toilets are not as prepared as you are!
• Backpack- Great for carrying items on day trips or picnics.
• Hand wipes- Useful to clean your body or items while you are on the move.
• Alarm clock- Alarm clocks are great for time keeping and sticking to tight schedules on your family holiday.
• Towels- Essential as part of swimming kit and shower equipment. Towels can also be used as extra layers at night.
• Sun lotion and after sun- A family essential during summer camping trips, the sun lotion and after sun will protect your family’s skin.
• Washing powder, drying line and pegs- If you are going for longer trips, these can make your trips easier so you can reuse the clothing you have brought with you.
Entertainment- These are not essential items, however they can entertain your kids for hours in the evening or during bad weather.
• Toys and games
• Books or magazines
• Cameras
• Electronic chargers
• Radio- Keeps you and your family up to date on the latest news and provides talk debates.
• Bikes and cycle helmets
The outdoor specialist, FieldandTrek.com has a great collection of family tents from famous camping labels such as Vango, Gilert, Lichfield, Coleman and Wild Country. Have a look at the latest camping offers and information on our official Facebook and Twitter pages.
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Whether you’re off on an annual family camping holiday, going to a festival or gathering with your mates for a weekend break, make sure you do it in style. Many people associate camping with soggy tents, inedible food and being stuck in the middle of nowhere with nothing to do. However, FieldandTrek.com show you how you can experience luxury camping without a luxury expenditure.
Staying in an immobile yurt, tipi or a bell tent can prove to be quite expensive, however it is worth looking around, as depending on your chosen location you may be able to find a good deal. Usually they are around £250 and upwards so it really does depend on your budget . However there is no reason why you can’t customise your tent to make it look more ‘glamping’ than ‘slumming’. There are some great family tents with living space available so why not take a couple of rugs, cushions and lanterns from home and turn your ordinary tent into a stylish one. If you’re going family camping this is also a great activity for the kids to take charge of! You could also hang some bunting outside of the tent so all the campers know you’re the cool kids on the block.
No glamper would sleep on the hard ground and neither should you. Campri have a range of airbeds starting from just £5.99 for a single, £9.99 for a double and just £3.99 for a foot pump, even if you aren’t planning on going camping again they are useful for when you have any guests stay over.
Despite popular belief camping furniture can be stylish and if you’re going in a group to a festival or camping then try to get matching (or the same) camping chairs – you’ll look like you’ve just stepped out of a magazine. The Outwell Rawson chair at £12.00 is great for relaxing in, while the Campri camping chair at just £6.00 is more practical for eating. If you have young campers then the Campri Animal chairs at £6.99 are a must! Eating off your knees at mealtimes does not scream luxury so make sure you get your hands on a camping table.The Easy Camp Angers Table at £12.99 is perfect, featuring extendable legs so you can adjust the height so it can fit inside your fashionably designed tent, or you can go alfresco, and remember you can always use it in the garden afterwards.
If you’re planning on cooking, or at least eating at the campsite, then there are some great choices for bright and beautiful utensils and cook sets. Campri and Litchfield have took on a blue theme for a fresh look where as Outwell have gone with green for an outdoorsy feel, so pick a colour and go with it. If you’re after a complete dinner set then the 26 Piece Dinner Set at just £5.00 is a steal, and comes with its own carry case. The Outwell Collapsible Bowl at just £4.99 is perfect for salads or pasta and saves on space with its nifty design.
It is always worth remembering that whatever you purchase you can probably use it at home too, and similarly there may be things you have at home that will jazz up your camping trip! For more camping tips, ideas and news visit FieldandTrek.com or keep up to date with what’s going on with the official Facebook and Twitter pages.
Music can have huge affects on our mood. We all have certain songs that make us feel especially happy and those that trigger sad emotions, so how does this compare when we’re working out? FieldandTrek.com takes a look at why we should get with the beat.
When you listen to your favourite tunes the chemical, dopamine, that is associated with motivation and addiction, is released, as well as emotions of pleasure and reward. Therefore having your mp3 player blasting out while your at the gym, out for a run or cycling (obviously not on busy, open roads) can mean that you are more likely to work harder, longer and burn more calories…excellent!
Up the tempo. Sticking on your favourite songs whilst going out running is great, but one of the things to watch out for is that the tempo matches your pace. Studies have shown that if the tempo is lower then you slow down, however when it comes to high energy songs you begin to work harder and improve your endurance by up to 15%, according to research at Brunel University.
Gym’s usually have chart music playing, but if this isn’t your scene take your mp3 to make sure you’re fully motivated and in a positive and happy mind-set. Making a specific playlist of workout tracks is the perfect way to keep motivated, just make sure you stay clear of soppy love songs and head towards some upbeat dance anthems or classic rock ‘n’ roll tunes.
Exercising can sometimes feel like a chore and the thought of donning on your running shoes makes you want to crawl back into bed. But like with any chore if you turn on your music you tend to feel happier, time goes faster and it much more enjoyable, mainly because you aren’t even thinking about the task in hand but the lyrics and probably being on a sunny beach somewhere!
Whether you prefer listening to your favourite tracks on headphones, earphones or carrying around your personal boom box, it’s definitely worth incorporating them into your workout. For a range of earphones and fitness equipment log on to FieldandTrek.com or onto our official Facebook and Twitter pages.
From the Karrimor Great Trail challenge to the Ennerdale trail run, you need to be ready for your trail running events this summer with the best trail running shoes around. Take a look at our trail running shoes guide to choose the best shoes for you.
You will hit the trails running in the Nike Air Alvord trail running shoes ideal for beginners. The Nike Alvord trail running shoes for men and women are constructed from BRS 1000 rubber and feature the Nike Air unit for impact absorption.
The Nike Flex trail running shoes will help you tackle any terrain. The lightweight trail running shoes have a Nike Flex outsole and Fitsole sockliners for outstanding cushioning.
The Nike Pegasus Plus trail running shoes include Nike + technology capabilities to track your running progress to help you improve your performance. Benefiting from heel cushioning technology and Fitsole sock liners, these trail running shoes are perfect for devoted trail runners.
Ideal for speed hiking as well, the Salomon XA Pro 3D Gore-tex trail running shoes have GORE-TEX technology offering waterproof protection as well as moisture management to keep your feet dry and ventilated during your trail runs. The Salomon XA Pro 3D trail running shoes are suitable for beginner trail runners.
With Sensifit technology for enhanced support, the Salomon Speedcross trail running shoes feature quick lace systems for ease of use, light weight muscle chassis for great cushioning as well as non-marking Contragrip outsoles.
Enjoy your trail running even more in comfortable and supportive trail running shoes. Get the latest news and offers with the official FieldandTrek.com Facebook and Twitter pages.
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Family camping can be memorable and enjoyable trips, but it can also be exhausting and stressful if you haven’t fully prepared. A forgotten cooker, left behind torch or misplaced sleeping bag can make a booked camping adventure a nightmare for you or your kids. FieldandTrek.com can make your next family camping holiday easy this camping season.
The best-selling family tents on FieldandTrek.com include the Campri Quest tents, the Coleman Galileo tent and Vango Astoria tent. Perfect for a large family, the Campri Quest 8 man tent is designed with a big storage porch and bathtub PE groundsheet. The 1200mm Hydrostatic Head 8 man tent has two large breathable inner tents that can be divided in to four bedrooms. The Campri Quest 5 man tent delivers a five bedroom space with a bedroom divider for privacy as well as storage pockets. In the outer tent, there is a porch for storage and mesh ventilation for climate control with a 1500mm Hydrostatic Head.
The Coleman Galileo 5 man tent won the Camping Magazine’s 2013 touring tent of the year award. Featuring extra large windows, the Coleman Galileo brings the fantastic outdoor scenery in to your tent. The lightweight fibreglass poles make pitching manageable, the UV 50+ guard protects against the sun and has weathertec protection finish against wind and rain with a 1001-3000 HH rating. Adding the bedroom divider, the tent can sleep up to five people for a comfortable night’s sleep. If you want to protect and maintain your tent for a longer lasting life, the Coleman Galileo 5 tent also has specially made groundsheets and carpets sold separately.
Ideal for a family of walkers, this Vango Astoria tent comes with two separate sleeping areas at both ends of the tent and a massive central space for storage. The front and rear doors are sheltered for easy access and the main entrance has large windows to let in the beautiful light and backdrop that can also be covered for privacy at night. With an easy to pitch design and a 4000-10000 HH rating, the Vango tent has a streamlined structure for extra protection from the wind and lightweight inner groundsheets.
Don’t forget that a great night’s sleep also requires a snuggle worthy sleeping bag. The two season Vango Star Midi junior sleeping bag is ideal for Spring and Summer time whether your kids are having a sleepover or going on a family camping trip. With a carry sack for storage and transportation, the Vango Star Midi junior sleeping bags is made from hollow fibre and has a single layer construction. Or if your kid prefers the mummy style sleeping bags, the Karrimor Hibernate 2 season junior mummy sleeping bag delivers a double layer and hollow fibre construction for extra warmth. The Karrimor Hibernate sleeping bag can be packed away compactly in the compression stuff sack to be transported. We also have double sleeping bags to cuddle up on your family camping trips. With a rectangular design and side zip fastener, the Campri summer double sleeping bag is lightweight and easy to store in a stuff sack. The Outwell Contour double sleeping bag has been made with 2200g isofill insulation for cosy camping throughout the year. The two to four season sleeping bag features built in pillows, a two way zip and can be zipped up into two separate sleeping bags for those colder nights.
If you want even more comfort on your outdoor adventure, we also have airbeds and camping mats. The Campri airbeds have durable constructions and an internal coil structure for extra stability. The Karrimor two tone foam mats are four season camping mats offering thermal insulation as well as water resistance.
No family camping is complete without the family meals. The foldable Vango Maple table with adjustable legs for uneven ground and tough construction is a great family camping table. The Campri kids animal camping chair is perfect for your kids to relax and eat at the family dinner table. With a choice of cute animal shapes, the Campri chairs will add a little more fun to your camping trip. You can also get a stable, comfortable and strong Karrimor director chair to keep you comfortable during meal times on your camping weekends.
Enjoy the Summer sun with a Campri collapsible BBQ. The quick folding design can be folded down to save space when you are transporting your camping equipment. Cook amazing family meals on the Campri portable cooker on your camping weekend. The single hob cooker has a heat adjuster knob and can be used with a Butane gas cartridge. The Outwell 24L cooler box can store your cold or hot food from 18 degrees below the outside temperature to up to 60 degrees. If you are always worried that the journey to your camping destination will break your plates, try the Lichfield 26 piece camping dinner set made from lightweight plastic which is also easy to clean. The Lichfield dinner set has four sets of cutlery, plates, bowls, mugs as well as a salt and pepper shaker.
Light the way in your tent and on your campsite with the Campri basic torch or Vango deluxe camping lantern. Constructed from sturdy plastic, the Campri basic torch will get you to and from the campsite facilities even on the darkest nights. The stainless steel Vango deluxe lantern has an operating time of up to 5 hours so you can have family fun well in to the night time. You can make pitching easier on yourself at the campsite with the Outwell tent tool kit including a rubber mallet, peg extractor, pegs as well as dustpan and brush.
FieldandTrek.com has a massive range of family tents to enjoy your great family camping adventures together. The family tents are made by popular tents names such as Coleman, Vango, Lichfield, Gelert and Wild Country. Grab the latest family camping news from our Facebook and Twitter pages.
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Trail running is becoming increasingly popular, mainly because it is considered to be a more effective workout and also running through the countryside is much more scenic than running along bland concrete roads that all look the same. However, if you are thinking of making the transition and pushing yourself that bit further there are a few steps that you need take and FieldandTrek.com are on hand to guide you through it.
First of all you need to change your footwear. Going trail running in normal running shoes is not advisable, not only are they not as supportive as trail running shoes but they do not tend to have deep lugs and a traction outsole which provide you with added grip and stability.
Before you start trail running you should try to increase your balancing techniques. Running off the beaten track on uneven surfaces means that you will have to work harder to stay grounded, strengthening your ankles through balancing and shuttle runs will enable you to build up strength for you to cope over rough terrains.
Mixing up your training routine is also a great way to prepare for a trail run. Combining short, fast runs with slower ones means your body will get used to the different stages of a trail, including hills and flat stretches. To avoid risk of injury you should try to slow down when descending hills as they can be dangerous.
When you’re out on a trail run be aware of your surroundings. If you’re used to a straight open road, with the only thing you have to look out for is cars, then you may forget to keep your eyes peeled for smaller obstacles such as tree roots, rocks, puddles and so forth. To avoid falling over, and let’s face it, embarrassment, just make yourself aware of the trail in front of you!
If you are making the switch remember to take it at your own pace and not to push yourself too far on the first day, these things take time.
To get yourself kitted out log on to FieldandTrek.com for a whole range of trail running shoes. You can also keep up-to-date with our latest offers and deals on out official Facebook and Twitter pages.
There is nothing as satisfying as seeing the sun rise on a camping trip and knowing the day will be filled with family fun. Family camping can be one of the most rewarding and enjoyable holidays of your life. Whether you are heading for the seaside or staying in a camping park, ensure your kids don’t get bored on your camping holidays with our camping activities.
· Board games- Take board games to entertain your kids for hours inside or outside of the tent. Board games teach your children to abide by rules, basic social skills and also satisfies their competitive needs. FieldandTrek.com has a Vango 5 in 1 board game set to play draughts, solitaire, backgammon and much more.
· Walking- Enjoy a leisurely stroll, hike, trek or simple walk with your family will actively encourage exercise. The walks should be novice level to begin with so you can slowly improve your walking levels. You can get all you need for a walk including walking boots and waterproof jackets from our outdoors range.
· Scavenger hunt- Your kids will learn about nature the fun way on a scavenger hunt. An adult should set a list of natural items such as green leaves, rocks, tree bark and pine cones. This is an easy way for your kids to learn to identify items whilst keeping them occupied for long periods of time. Families can complete scavenger hunts on walks or campsites.
· Ball games- Have a great ball game with your family on your next camping holiday. Ball games such as basketball, croquet, cricket, badminton and tennis, are ideal for open areas. Encouraging exercise and fair play, the games can be played by the whole family.
· Outdoor activities requiring extra equipment- If your kids love the great outdoors, take them skiing, surfing, canoeing, cycling, horse riding, fishing, sailing or climbing. The equipment and kit required for the sport can be hired out at outdoor centres.
· Stargazing- Stare in wonder at the beautiful stars with a telescope or with your eyes while camping. During a camping trip, there is often a deficit of activities for the night-time. The Campri 4ft refractor telescope will delight your children’s curiosity of the world by allowing time to simple gaze at the stars.
· Learn about the surrounding area- No matter where you end up on your family holiday, there is always some local history or places of interest to visit in the vicinity. Your children will enjoy learning bout the area and enjoying the facilities on offer.
· Stories-Whether fabricated or true, telling stories or making up chain stories around a campfire or on a walk will encourage your family to bond.
· Cook meal together- Share the burden of cooking on your next camping trip by getting the rest of the family involved. You can delegate certain parts of the preparation to your children, but remind them to be careful.
· Arts and crafts- You can get creative on your next camping trip with arts and crafts activities. If there is an impending event such as Easter or a birthday, make cards for the event or create a bookmark.
FieldandTrek.com has a large range of camping equipment and outdoor equipment. We have one man tents to family tents as well as pop up tents and festival tents. The camping gear is made by popular and high quality camping names such as Coleman, Gelert, Wild Country, Campri and Karrimor. If you want more of the latest deals and news, check out our FieldandTrek.com Facebook and Twitter pages.
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Camping can be a great alternative to a family holiday abroad and with people now looking to save money on luxuries such as holidays, it has become increasingly popular. However, there is one issue that can often cause a few arguments-the family tent. However, Leading outdoor specialists FieldandTrek.com have a fantastic choice of family tents in a range of sizes and styles to suit all budgets.
If you’re heading on a family camping trip for a cheap getaway then the price will probably by the main factor. For families of three or four the Vango Alpha 400 Tent at just £71.99 is a great choice with a separate storage space that is perfect for keeping your food or outdoor footwear in. If you’re a family of five or you fancy a bit more space the Campri Quest 5 Man Tent at £99.99 is ideal thanks to a dividing curtain to the main inner tent, teamed with a large porch area so you can store all of your camping essentials without being squashed.
Sometimes being in the same tent as your family for an entire week, or even weekend, can cause a bit of friction. Instead of lugging two tents to the camp-site opt for a tent with dividers, like the Gelert Atlantis Four Man Tent at just £120. This family dome tent boasts two side-by-side sleeping areas with two optional entrances and an all-in-one pitch design for easy pitching and less stress!
For families who are after the fun and joy of camping without having to sacrifice on a bit of luxury the Vango Diablo 600 6 Man Tent is a great option at £249.00. The social area in the middle of the tent means you can comfortably eat and stay entertained inside if the sunny weather disappears and you are instead greeted with a heavy downpour, coupled with hanging storage so your clothes stay de-crinkled and 2 side pod bedrooms for extra space and privacy.
So whether you’re after a bargain family tent, a spacious tent or adding a touch of luxury to your family camping trip make sure you log on to FieldandTrek.com and check out their impressive range. You can also keep up-to-date with their latest offers on Facebook and Twitter.
There are many benefits to using walking poles. Walking poles provide better balance, help you establish a rhythm, decrease stress on the legs as well as making difficult walking patches easier and safer.
There are four types of walking poles. Anti-shock walking poles feature internal springs to absorb walking shock. Standard poles are simple poles that are cheaper and lighter. Compact poles can be used by children as they are shorter and have smaller grips. The compact poles can also be packed easier. Nordic poles are used for full body workout walking.
There are two main types of material used to make walking poles, these are aluminium and carbon fibre. Aluminium walking poles are generally stronger and more economical, but they are heavier. Carbon fibre walking poles are lighter and more expensive. However, they can break and splinter due to stress.
It’s important that you are able to change the poles to fit your height and the terrain. In order to change the height of the poles, you need to use the locking systems. The two main types of locking mechanisms are screw and lever locks. The screw locks work by twisting the pole to tighten the adjuster. The lever locks have small levers that clamp against the poles.
With three types of grips, there are different shapes and feels of pole grips to suit you. There are cork, foam and rubber pole grips available. Rubber grips insulate from cold, shock and vibrations during cold-weather activities, however they can cause chaffing and blistering if you are walking in warm weather. Foam grips absorbs moisture. The cork grips resist moisture, decreases vibration and conforms to your grip.
Other features to consider when choosing a walking, hiking or trekking pole is the price, wrist straps, baskets and pole tips.
FieldandTrek.com, the UK retailer has walking boots, walking clothing and walking accessories. Check out our latest news and offers on the Facebook and Twitter pages.
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