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Daily Record
6 days ago
- Sport
- Daily Record
Ayrshire team set World and British record after completing 100K ski erg challenge
Ski Sirens beat the younger, mixed team target by 10 minutes. An Ayrshire team has set a world and British record after completing a 100K 'ski erg' challenge. The team of 10 determined women, called 'Ski Sirens,' beat a younger, mixed team record by 10 minutes and set a new record in the small, women's, 40-49 age category. The challenge took place at ULT Fitness and Crossfit in Ayr, one year after the first ULT event and was held in aid of Ayrshire Hospice. Team member Evey Prentice, 54, said: "We sang, we danced, we laughed, we counted and miscounted, we sweated, and we swore. "We alternated every minute for the first half, then with 40K to go we switched to 45 second changeovers, which was hard to count when you were starting to feel the bite of exhaustion. "We kept each other going and kept the pace sub two until the last 15K, by which time it had crept up to 2:00:1. With only 30 seconds to blast it and enough time to recover, we began to chase the sub two pace and by the end, although our final screen read a 1:59:9 pace, our verification screen showed a 1:59:8 pace." The team was coached by Annie Atkins, 61, a multiple British and World record holder in Concept2 indoor rowing. Evey first met Annie at Prestwick Rowing Club, where she was inspired by Annie's World record achievements. Aged 50, Evey joined Annie in March 2022 in Rhyl, and earned her first four British and four World records with a large women's team, We Rowed All Night. In the 30-39 and 40-49 age category they set records for 24 hour distance row and 26 hour longest continuous row. A few months later, in December 2022, Annie's journey took a turn when she underwent emergency treatment after a ruptured bowel led to sepsis. Overnight she learned she had stage four bowel cancer, was fitted with a stoma and left with a hernia, yet her determination never waned. At the time of starting chemotherapy, Annie was already planning her comeback regime. Six weeks after surgery and 12 hours after starting chemo she was back to training. Annie said: "I think having goals and a positive mindset definitely helps your recovery. I would also add that because I was so fit on the lead up to my illness, it definitely helped and although this would be conjecture, I honestly believe I wouldn't be here now had I not initially been so fit." Annie was in remission in 2024 and joined ULT gym with Evey where the duo found a bunch of like-minded people and formed ULT Rowtorious Lassies, who broke the same records as Rhyl but in a small team of 10women in the 40-49 age category. Evey said: "In October 2024, Annie and I had competed took solo first and second place, respectively in our age categories in the Driathlon, but we were hungry for more. As the ski erg is part of the Driathlon, Annie looked for a record she thought we could take. There was no record set for the 100K ski erg in the 30-39 and 40-49 age categories. "Annie approached our original ULT Rowtorious Lassies and managed to get most of them to agree. We needed a couple of others to make up our team of 10 and found them easily from the ULT membership." The new team involves 10 members, Annie and Evey, Candice Christie, Clare Holland, Geraldine Hunter, Kathryn Chalmers, Lorna McEwan, Lyndsey Lamount, Hilary McNally and Maria Coughtrie. On May 1, 2025 Annie set up a chat and began posting workouts to prepare the team for the challenge. The team trained together as much as possible, with one, honorary-ULT member, doing her training in Dundee. Ski Sirens initially aimed for a 2.04 pace, the benchmark set by a younger mixed team, but under Annie's guidance the team improved their technique. "Most of us had never seen a sub two, below 2mins/500m, pace and some of us were hovering around the 2.10-2.15 pace. However, Annie provided tips on technique and we trained hard to compete easy", said Evey. Annie added: "The training was hard but I really enjoy training hard. It gives you a focus, drive and so many other great benefits." Just weeks before the record attempt, Annie received devastating news that her cancer was back. Evey shared: "She was confused and devastated. With results and treatment up in the air, we all wanted to do what was best for Annie and she wanted us to carry on but, thankfully, passed the baton to me for organising. "We had already decided, as a team, to donate to Ayrshire Hospice, and Annie wanted to use their Super Summer Draw campaign idea for us." Supper Summer donations could be put towards a fish supper on the private terrace for families to share with a loved one. Dinos and Renaldo's kindly donated fish suppers and ice creams to the team, while Dinos also donated suppers to Ayrshire Hospice and Outcast supported the team with free iced coffees. Annie said: "It's always an amazing feeling to crack another endurance event or world record but to know you have been able to help a charity too is an additional bonus. "I have faced a number of testing times and not just my own battle with cancer but my youngest daughter has faced complex medical issues throughout her life and that is why I actually started doing charity events. "Then tragically last year my beautiful first grandson passed away at just three-days old. Being able to raise awareness for charities and turn tough times into positives certainly helps me cope better." While talking about the challenge, Annie said: "I have done many endurance fitness challenges over the years and each have their own unique demands. "With both the Ski Erg and rowing too, I have had to work at adapting my technique to cater for my abdominal surgery, stoma and incisional hernia. I didn't realise just how much my triceps compensate for my core so three hours into the ski erg event, my triceps were certainly feeling it. "I always remember, though, that the pain is only temporary unlike the enduring pain others face every day and that helps you power through." She added: "I will need to review my goals depending on future treatment but I will definitely be advocating and encouraging a 'training through treatment' approach. "I'm also sure there will be plenty of other challenges and records to break in the future but I really need to keep this quiet as the team will be blocking my number and running the other way when they see me. "I've managed to get Evey to agree to a cumulative 160K each, on any erg, in the month of August, for the 160K people living with cancer." To support Ski Sirens charity fundraiser, please visit here.
CNET
17-07-2025
- CNET
The Best-Sounding Midrange Bluetooth Speaker I've Tested Is 25% Off Right Now
Deal alert: The Sony ULT Field 5 Bluetooth speaker is available for $248 at Amazon. That's equivalent to 25% off or a savings of $82. We named this newcomer the best midrange Bluetooth speaker available, and this discount puts it in a much more appealing price range. If you were to ask me what my favorite new portable Bluetooth speaker of 2025 is so far, I'd have to say Sony's ULT Field 5 speaker. When it launched back in April, I called it one of the best-sounding Bluetooth speakers I've tested in its size class. However, it cost $330, which is pretty pricey, though I suspected we'd see it discounted in due time. That has come true a few times already. The speaker has been marked down a couple of times since launch, first for Memorial Day and again for Amazon Prime Day. Now it's on sale again, albeit at a smaller discount than during those big sale events. Read more: Best Bluetooth speakers of 2025 In fact, a few other Sony Bluetooth speakers are on sale for good prices, including the new ULT Field 3 ($149 or $51 off) and the compact ULT Field 1 ($98 or $32 off). They're all good portable speakers, but the ULT Field 5 has the best sound of the bunch and is arguably the best overall. ULT is short for ultimate or, as Sony says, "The ultimate step into the evolution of its portable audio products." Power represents "dynamic sound pressure and deep bass." Sound translates to "as if you were in the front row at a concert." Enlarge Image The Sony ULT Field 5 (left) compared to the ULT Field 3 (right). Screenshot by David Carnoy/CNET In the past, I thought Sony's Bluetooth speakers were decent enough but not great. However, with the ULT series, Sony's significantly improved the sound quality of its Bluetooth speakers. I also like the new designs of the ULT Field 3 and ULT Field 5, which can stand vertically or lay horizontally. Both speakers are fully waterproof, dust-proof, and rust-proof, with an IP67 certification. Both include a new removable shoulder strap, which I ended up using more with the heftier ULT Field 5 than the lighter ULT Field 3. The ULT Field 5 weights 7.27 pounds while the ULT Field 3 weighs 2.65 pounds -- a big difference. (Read my hands-on first take review of both speakers). Enlarge Image The ULT Field 5 with its removable shoulder strap attached. David Carnoy/CNET The ULT Field 3 delivers more bass and volume than you'd expect, given its relatively compact size (and it offers better clarity and bass performance than its predecessor, the SRS-XE300). But the ULT Field 5's soundstage is noticeably wider and the speaker plays louder with noticeably fuller, richer sound. It also has built-in party lighting with a USB-C charge in-out port so the speaker can be used as a power bank to charge your devices. Battery life is rated at up to 25 hours at moderate volume levels or 10 hours with the party lighting activated. Read more: Best Bluetooth speakers of 2025 Don't expect real stereo separation from either the ULT Field 5 or ULT Field 3. To get true stereo separation, you'll need to link two of them together, creating a stereo pair (Sony has made it easier to link its ULT speakers in both Party Connect mode and stereo mode). Of course, not everybody can afford one of these speakers, let alone two, but it helps that they're now on sale. ULT Field 5 key specs Weight: 7.27 pounds 7.27 pounds Drivers: 1 woofer, 2 passive bass radiators, 2 tweeters 1 woofer, 2 passive bass radiators, 2 tweeters EQ: ULT1 Mode (deep frequencies), ULT2 Mode (powerful sound), 10-Band EQ, Sound Field Optimization ULT1 Mode (deep frequencies), ULT2 Mode (powerful sound), 10-Band EQ, Sound Field Optimization App control: Sound Connect app (iOS and Android) Sound Connect app (iOS and Android) Price: $330 Colors: Available in black and off white Available in black and off white Predecessor: SRS-XG300 SRS-XG300 IP67 waterproof, dust-proof, rust-proof and shock-resistant Party lighting Removable shoulder strap Up to 25 hours of battery life (10 hours with lighting on) Speakerphone (built-in microphone) In-out USB-C charge, so the speaker can be used as a power bank 3.5mm audio input Link multiple speakers with Party Connect or stereo pair To see how this model compares to others, check out our list of the best Bluetooth speakers available now.
Engadget
08-07-2025
- Business
- Engadget
Prime Day 2025: The best headphone and earbud deals available right now
Prime Day is here, and now is an excellent time to upgrade your personal audio gear. Whether you're into headphones or earbuds, and whether you prefer Sony, Bose or Beats, there's a range of options to choose from at various prices. We've tested everything on this list of deals, so we can provide additional guidance beyond just browsing the spec sheets. Plus, we know if the company's performance claims actually hold water. Here are the best Prime Day deals on headphones and earbuds you can get right now, and why any of them would improve your daily listening experience. Sony WH-1000XM6 headphones for $430 ($20 off): Sony's latest flagship headphones have only been out a few months and we're already seeing a small discount on them. These are my top pick in our headphones guide for the combination of advanced features, comfy fit, great sound and improved active noise cancellation (ANC). Sony ULT Wear headphones for $130 ($70 off): If you're after a solid set of Sony cans but don't want to splurge for the 1000X line, the ULT Wear is a good option. There are a bunch of handy features and robust sound with ULT bass boost. Sony WH-CH720N headphones for $80 ($70 off): The cheapest Sony headphones we'd recommend for Prime Day are no slouch. They're lightweight and comfy with respectable sound for the price. You also get Adaptive Sound Control, 360 Reality Audio and multipoint Bluetooth on this budget model. Sony WF-1000XM5 earbuds for $200 ($100 off): My top pick for best earbuds is also on sale for Prime Day. No other company comes close to the list of features Sony offers here, and that's on top of excellent sound, improved fit and effective ANC. Sony LinkBud Fit earbuds for $130 ($70 off): Sony's much smaller earbuds offer big sound and a lot of features for less than the 1000X model. These are a big improvement over the company's LinkBuds S, which were already a low-key hit for affordable earbuds. Sony WF-CH710N earbuds for $80 ($40 off): The CH710N is still quite new, but the earbuds are a steal at $80 for Prime Day. The compact, comfy design is a highlight, as are all the features Sony managed to pack in. Plus, they're available in a lovely transparent blue that allows you to see all of the internal components. Bose QuietComfort Earbuds for $129 (28 percent off): The best Bose earbuds for most people are getting a decent discount this week. This model gives you the company's powerful ANC and great sound for less than flagship prices. You also get spatial audio and dependable battery life in this affordable option. Bose Ultra Open Earbuds for $239 (20 percent off): If you thought Bose's clip-on open earbuds were a bit too pricey to splurge on, now's your chance to get them for less. Plus, this model works with the company's soundbars for an enhanced living room listening experience. Beats Solo 4 headphones for $100 (50 percent off): Beats' popular on-ear headphones are half off for Prime Day, which makes them a great deal for fans of that wear style. While they may look similar to their predecessor, the Solo 4 have improved sound and longer battery life compared to that older model. Beats Powerbeats Pro 2 earbuds for $180 (28 percent off): Apple's first earbuds with heart rate tracking are slightly discounted for Prime Day. This your chance to try the tech without paying full price. What's more, the Powerbeats Pro 2 have an improved design, the smarts of Apple's H2 chip and powerful bass. Samsung Galaxy Buds FE for $55 (45 percent off): Samsung's budget earbuds are solid option if you're looking to spend less than $60. Like the Galaxy Buds 3 Pro, these are best-suited for Samsung devices where you'll find features like live translation and automatic switching. Apple AirPods Pro 2 for $149 (40 percent off): The best AirPods you can buy are at their lowest price this year during Prime Day. In addition to hands-free Siri, this model supports advanced features like Apple's hearing test and hearing aid tool, in addition to hearing protection and more. Google Pixel Buds Pro 2 for $170 (25 percent off): The best earbuds for Pixel phone users are down to $170, which makes them a great purchase right now. Live translate and hands-free access to Gemini might be the highlight, but these earbuds have great sound and capable ANC too.
Tom's Guide
07-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Tom's Guide
Sony's monster ULT Field 5 speaker just got its first big discount in the Prime Day sales — save $120
You're not short of options if you're looking for a portable party speaker. There are plenty of options out there, but there's something about the Sony ULT Field 4 that sets it apart and makes it stand out. Perhaps it's the more subtle lighting to the more straightforward style, but it just feels more mature than your typical party speaker fare. There's also an unbeatable deal on the speaker at the moment. There's a $130 saving on the ULT Field 5, making the speaker just $198 at Amazon. That's the new lowest price for the speaker. The Sony ULT Field 5 is the goldilocks of the line. It's not too big, so you can easily move it around. It's not too small and sounds massive for outdoor gatherings. It's just right. The lights are cool, and the extra bass modes are a welcome addition. I scored it 4 stars in my review, thanks to its good battery life and solid sound. This saving is a monster, getting the speaker a new lowest price. When I reviewed the ULT Field 5, I wasn't expecting to like it as much as I did. After all, it's a large party speaker that would usually put bass and flashing lights at the top of the priorities list — something I'm generally not a massive fan of. But when it arrived, I found a more subdued party speaker. The lights weren't very in your face, and it didn't scream "LOOK AT ME, I'M FOR PARTIES" when I pulled it from its packaging. In use, I found a Bluetooth speaker that prioritizes sound quality over many other Bluetooth party speakers. There's loads of control to the bass, which is always welcome, and the ULT button enhances the low end beyond "make the low end louder." The rest of the package is excellent, too. It's built exceptionally well, doesn't weigh too much, and includes a carry strap to make it more portable. The Sony Music app is helpful, and the 24 hours of battery life on tap means it will last any party you might bring it to. Party mode, which connects to other ULT series speakers, is another welcome feature. It ranks alongside the best Bluetooth speakers available right now, and this deal makes it significantly more affordable than before.
Yahoo
11-06-2025
- Yahoo
Save $75 on This Like-New Bluetooth Sony Speaker
The following content is brought to you by PCMag partners. If you buy a product featured here, we may earn an affiliate commission or other compensation. If you're looking for a compact Bluetooth speaker that doesn't skimp on audio power, the grade-A refurbished Sony ULT Field 1 is worth a serious look. Available now for $54.99 (reg. $129.99), this portable speaker delivers full-spectrum sound with deep, resonant bass, courtesy of ULT mode. The Sony ULT Field 1 is IP67-rated, meaning it's fully waterproof and dustproof and built to withstand bumps, drops, and adverse weather conditions. At about 1.4 pounds, it's lightweight and includes a carry strap, so it's ready for parks, trails, and tailgates. It features dual speaker units (a 16mm tweeter and 83-by-42mm woofer) and a side passive radiator, delivering crisp highs and deep lows. Activate the ULT button to enhance bass on demand. Bluetooth 5.3 connectivity, up to 12 hours of battery life, and app control via the Sony Music Center, which offers customizable EQ settings and stereo pairing support, are also available. Plus, a built-in echo-canceling mic for hands-free calls. This unit is grade-A refurbished, meaning it arrives in near-mint condition and has an aftermarket 1-year parts and labor warranty. Get this refurbished Sony ULT Field 1 portable speaker while it's just $54.99 (reg. $129.99). Prices subject to change. PCMag editors select and review products independently. If you buy through StackSocial affiliate links, we may earn commissions, which help support our testing.
