Showing posts with label gear. Show all posts
Showing posts with label gear. Show all posts
Tuesday, January 12, 2010
Nantucket Bike Basket Co.
Cute baskets for your bike! What a fun way to dress up your "casual bike", great for running errands! Check them out.
Wednesday, December 30, 2009
my Newton review
Last month I posted an article that reviewed the Newton running shoes. At the time I had bought a pair, but had not worn them yet. I thought I would follow up on that now that I've given them a try!
After reading a lot of good reviews on them I wanted to give them a try, but not at full price! In October I found a pair on sale online, but they were the racing model, not the everyday model. I waited to try them until after my half marathon, I didn't want to risk causing an injury after all that hard work!
Right after the half marathon at the end of November I got sick. But I was desperate to get outside after a few days, so I took a walk, and decided that would be a great opportunity to try them out. So this was about a week after the half, walking, just to give you the background. And I walked to the drugstore to buy decongestants! Anyway, the 45 minute downhill walk there was fine, no problems. As I started to walk home my left heel hurt. Not in the arch, but in the padded part of the heel. Weird. I got home fine, but the heel pad was sore for a few days. Being the paranoid athlete I am, I went to my PT and he thought it was plantar fasciitis. Oh no, the dreaded PF! So I rested it for a week (and I was still sick) and now, 3 weeks later, that part is not sore, but I have some Achilles soreness. I'm not sure that's related to the shoe, but I'm not going to risk it and will not wear them again!
Anyone want to buy a pair of once used Newtons in a size 8??? :-)
In talking to other people, I guess they're a love them or hate them shoe. So what does not work for me may be great for you!
Another reader asked about the Vibram Five Finger (VFF) and Nike Frees. In my opinion, these would be a better way to go as they do not change your foot strike like the Newton's do, but make it feel more like barefoot running.
I would be curious about other opinions!
After reading a lot of good reviews on them I wanted to give them a try, but not at full price! In October I found a pair on sale online, but they were the racing model, not the everyday model. I waited to try them until after my half marathon, I didn't want to risk causing an injury after all that hard work!
Right after the half marathon at the end of November I got sick. But I was desperate to get outside after a few days, so I took a walk, and decided that would be a great opportunity to try them out. So this was about a week after the half, walking, just to give you the background. And I walked to the drugstore to buy decongestants! Anyway, the 45 minute downhill walk there was fine, no problems. As I started to walk home my left heel hurt. Not in the arch, but in the padded part of the heel. Weird. I got home fine, but the heel pad was sore for a few days. Being the paranoid athlete I am, I went to my PT and he thought it was plantar fasciitis. Oh no, the dreaded PF! So I rested it for a week (and I was still sick) and now, 3 weeks later, that part is not sore, but I have some Achilles soreness. I'm not sure that's related to the shoe, but I'm not going to risk it and will not wear them again!
Anyone want to buy a pair of once used Newtons in a size 8??? :-)
In talking to other people, I guess they're a love them or hate them shoe. So what does not work for me may be great for you!
Another reader asked about the Vibram Five Finger (VFF) and Nike Frees. In my opinion, these would be a better way to go as they do not change your foot strike like the Newton's do, but make it feel more like barefoot running.
I would be curious about other opinions!
Wednesday, December 23, 2009
Newton Running Shoes
I have been very curious about these shoes. The idea behind them is (I've paraphrased this from their website) that when your midfoot/forefoot LANDS on the ground, the shoes technology in the midsole loads up with energy. And as your forefoot moves inside the shoe, the lugs in the midsole release their stored energy and LEVER you forward. And then there is a final burst of "energetic return" as you LIFT your knee and begin a new stride.
Now, it sounds like hocus pocus, but people I know that use the shoes really like them. But they are expensive, so I wanted to make sure I really wanted to try them, and was just not looking for a miracle cure for better running form. So I've been doing a bit of reading, and came across this article on Slowtwitch.
But: Are they faster?
I was wrong in my article earlier this year. If you run in them the way you should, I believe they are faster than standard training and racing shoes.
My evidence: For the last 4 months I've been doing 10K training runs on the same course on a regular base; almost every week at least once on this same course. Every third time I ran in Newton shoes. I did these runs all with the same average heart rate. Yes, weather conditions varied, and my fitness increased steadily during the season, but, without exception I was always faster in the Newtons.
I also noted I was faster when running the Newton “style” in regular shoes versus the standard way in standard training shoes. So based on this you could say that this more natural running form is always better than the standard way.
Other notes: When I started training longer distances in the Newtons I noticed that my calves were getting stronger, but I also had a lot less stress the day after a long run (more than 15 miles). I recuperated a lot faster. Was it the Newtons, or my newly-developed running technique? In any case, it is certainly not my experience the Newtons are ill-advised for longer runs.
Mileage per pair: I wore two pairs throughout the last six months, a trainer and a racer. I’ve got significant mileage on both and the wear on the outsole (which is primarily wear on the lug) is appropriate, in my opinion.
Are there no negative points to mention on the Newton running shoes? In my view there are some.
Both racers and performance trainers feel a bit slippery on wet surfaces. They tackled this problem with the All-Weather shoe. They placed a non-slippery rubber on the lugs so you feel there is more grip; this rubber is also placed on the outsole of the new Isaac.
The second—and this is what concerns me the most—is that I found that the upper is so flexible that it stretches out. After only after a handful of runs I had to tighten the laces to get the same fit. During the first few runs they fitted snug and nice but a few runs later they tend to get a bit looser and wider. Now I have to tighten my first pair much tighter than when new and they tend to wrinkle a bit at the base of the tongue. I'm looking forward to comments from other Newton users, to see if my experience with the upper is unique.
But overall I have to say I'm impressed with the shoes, and more yet about the attempt to educate runners in how to run, and that there is a shoe made for this technique. Let’s see how adroitly Newton develops new models; maybe even a tri-specific shoe.
---------------
The Newton website has some good info on improving your running form.
Now, it sounds like hocus pocus, but people I know that use the shoes really like them. But they are expensive, so I wanted to make sure I really wanted to try them, and was just not looking for a miracle cure for better running form. So I've been doing a bit of reading, and came across this article on Slowtwitch.
Newton: a second look
Written by: Jeroen van Geelen
Date: Mon Nov 23 2009
Earlier this year I wrote a short piece about Newton shoes. I had my first pair for just a few weeks and didn't run too much in them because Newton says you should gradually build up your mileage in its shoes. I also cast doubt, in this earlier article, that you would be faster in Newton shoes. Well, I have to retract that statement. But let me first tell you what I experienced in the intervening 6 months.
To really enjoy Newtons you have to understand the philosophy behind the shoes and, as I read a lot of other articles about the shoes as well as a lot comments from users on different forums, I can tell a lot of people don't. I'm not going to explain how they work. I'm sure almost every athlete with interest in training gear visited Newton’s website and knows that there are lugs under the forefoot.
What I will try to explain is the difference between the traditional way of running and how Newton shoes need to be used. Note the picture containing three cubes. You can see that the heel strike means your heel meets the ground at a sharp angle, which is in a way of breaking your own speed. The second phase is when your feet are flat on the ground and the nex,t of course, your push-off phase.
In this way of running you don't have a smooth transition from heel to toe. To some it may looks that way, but, just stand up and put your heel with some force to the ground as you would do while running. You can feel the impact on your body and because your leg is in front of your body the upper leg muscles can hardly help your body absorb the impact of your heel strike. A lot of stress is put to your knees, hips and lower back.
To really enjoy Newtons you have to understand the philosophy behind the shoes and, as I read a lot of other articles about the shoes as well as a lot comments from users on different forums, I can tell a lot of people don't. I'm not going to explain how they work. I'm sure almost every athlete with interest in training gear visited Newton’s website and knows that there are lugs under the forefoot.
What I will try to explain is the difference between the traditional way of running and how Newton shoes need to be used. Note the picture containing three cubes. You can see that the heel strike means your heel meets the ground at a sharp angle, which is in a way of breaking your own speed. The second phase is when your feet are flat on the ground and the nex,t of course, your push-off phase.
In this way of running you don't have a smooth transition from heel to toe. To some it may looks that way, but, just stand up and put your heel with some force to the ground as you would do while running. You can feel the impact on your body and because your leg is in front of your body the upper leg muscles can hardly help your body absorb the impact of your heel strike. A lot of stress is put to your knees, hips and lower back.
Instead, make a strike with your mid foot, or, with just a very light heel strike. This is difficult-approaching-impossible if you don't shorten your stride. And, you need to shorten your stride length quite a bit more than just a couple of inches. This is easier if you lean slightly forward with your whole body, not just (as some forums suggest) with your upper body.
So, lean forward slightly with your whole body and don't bend at the hips. If you then run with a shorter stride you will see that you will almost immediately adopt a midfoot strike, and place your leg under your hips. This affords your body a lot less impact stress and, I believe, help solve knee, lower back and hip injuries.
But if you shorten your stride and you want to run at the same speed or faster you need to increase your run cadence. We don't need to reference the laws of thermodynamics to understand this. It’s also about increasing your running cadence.
Another mistake I read on forums is that, while running in Newtons, your heel may not contact the ground at all; that you should run on your toes. That's a complete misunderstanding of how these shoes work. It's no problem to have a slight contact at the heel, rather you don't want to have an aggressive heel strike. If you shorten your stride this almost instantly happens with most people so it's a natural way of running. This is what Newton Running is all about.
If you’re currently a heel striker you might argue that this is your natural gait, so, why change it? Well, your “natural” style will disappear if you run barefoot for 50 yards. You’ll notice that without your shoes you don't make a heel strike. Your body doesn't like a heel strike, but, we developed this style since we wear shoes almost from the day we learn to walk. That's way a heel-strike gait may feel natural to you, but, it really isn't.
When you take a look at how the Kenyans, Ethiopians or other African runners run, not one of them is running with a heel strike. They run naturally.
So don't try these shoes unless you are willing to jettison heel-striking. Newton shoes won't work for you.
So, lean forward slightly with your whole body and don't bend at the hips. If you then run with a shorter stride you will see that you will almost immediately adopt a midfoot strike, and place your leg under your hips. This affords your body a lot less impact stress and, I believe, help solve knee, lower back and hip injuries.
But if you shorten your stride and you want to run at the same speed or faster you need to increase your run cadence. We don't need to reference the laws of thermodynamics to understand this. It’s also about increasing your running cadence.
Another mistake I read on forums is that, while running in Newtons, your heel may not contact the ground at all; that you should run on your toes. That's a complete misunderstanding of how these shoes work. It's no problem to have a slight contact at the heel, rather you don't want to have an aggressive heel strike. If you shorten your stride this almost instantly happens with most people so it's a natural way of running. This is what Newton Running is all about.
If you’re currently a heel striker you might argue that this is your natural gait, so, why change it? Well, your “natural” style will disappear if you run barefoot for 50 yards. You’ll notice that without your shoes you don't make a heel strike. Your body doesn't like a heel strike, but, we developed this style since we wear shoes almost from the day we learn to walk. That's way a heel-strike gait may feel natural to you, but, it really isn't.
When you take a look at how the Kenyans, Ethiopians or other African runners run, not one of them is running with a heel strike. They run naturally.
So don't try these shoes unless you are willing to jettison heel-striking. Newton shoes won't work for you.
However, if you are runner with chronic knee issues, shin splints, or any other overpronation related injuries you may want to give Newtons a try. Because of the slighter angle at which your heel/midfoot strikes the ground while landing the lever is so much smaller, thus the movement causing overpronation is much less.
And with the leg more under your hips instead of in front of your hips the upper leg muscles can help to absorb the impact of each stride. But you will use your calves a bit more, and your Achilles tendons that attach your calves to your heels. At first you can and probably will feel this, hence Newton’s admonition to slowly adapt to its shoes.
For most new Newton users I would recommend alternating with a standard pair of running shoes. After a few weeks maybe two runs in your Newtons and one with your other shoes. And so on. You will see that this different running style is demanding on your connective tissue. I, for example felt it in my calves for the first serious runs. But I confess I didn’t ease into my new Newtons as I’m suggesting you do
Nevertheless, as our store’s guinea pig I run in so many different shoes. So, alternating in the beginning will let your gradually adjust to a more natural way of running.
Alternatively, the latest models in the Newton range, the Sir and Lady Isaac (pictured just above), are made for an easier transition from standard to Newton. These models feature a heightened heel relative to the forefoot.And with the leg more under your hips instead of in front of your hips the upper leg muscles can help to absorb the impact of each stride. But you will use your calves a bit more, and your Achilles tendons that attach your calves to your heels. At first you can and probably will feel this, hence Newton’s admonition to slowly adapt to its shoes.
For most new Newton users I would recommend alternating with a standard pair of running shoes. After a few weeks maybe two runs in your Newtons and one with your other shoes. And so on. You will see that this different running style is demanding on your connective tissue. I, for example felt it in my calves for the first serious runs. But I confess I didn’t ease into my new Newtons as I’m suggesting you do
Nevertheless, as our store’s guinea pig I run in so many different shoes. So, alternating in the beginning will let your gradually adjust to a more natural way of running.
But: Are they faster?
I was wrong in my article earlier this year. If you run in them the way you should, I believe they are faster than standard training and racing shoes.
My evidence: For the last 4 months I've been doing 10K training runs on the same course on a regular base; almost every week at least once on this same course. Every third time I ran in Newton shoes. I did these runs all with the same average heart rate. Yes, weather conditions varied, and my fitness increased steadily during the season, but, without exception I was always faster in the Newtons.
I also noted I was faster when running the Newton “style” in regular shoes versus the standard way in standard training shoes. So based on this you could say that this more natural running form is always better than the standard way.
Other notes: When I started training longer distances in the Newtons I noticed that my calves were getting stronger, but I also had a lot less stress the day after a long run (more than 15 miles). I recuperated a lot faster. Was it the Newtons, or my newly-developed running technique? In any case, it is certainly not my experience the Newtons are ill-advised for longer runs.
Mileage per pair: I wore two pairs throughout the last six months, a trainer and a racer. I’ve got significant mileage on both and the wear on the outsole (which is primarily wear on the lug) is appropriate, in my opinion.
Are there no negative points to mention on the Newton running shoes? In my view there are some.
Both racers and performance trainers feel a bit slippery on wet surfaces. They tackled this problem with the All-Weather shoe. They placed a non-slippery rubber on the lugs so you feel there is more grip; this rubber is also placed on the outsole of the new Isaac.
The second—and this is what concerns me the most—is that I found that the upper is so flexible that it stretches out. After only after a handful of runs I had to tighten the laces to get the same fit. During the first few runs they fitted snug and nice but a few runs later they tend to get a bit looser and wider. Now I have to tighten my first pair much tighter than when new and they tend to wrinkle a bit at the base of the tongue. I'm looking forward to comments from other Newton users, to see if my experience with the upper is unique.
But overall I have to say I'm impressed with the shoes, and more yet about the attempt to educate runners in how to run, and that there is a shoe made for this technique. Let’s see how adroitly Newton develops new models; maybe even a tri-specific shoe.
---------------
The Newton website has some good info on improving your running form.
Friday, December 18, 2009
TriClique Jewelry - gift idea!
Here is some cute tri jewelery I found on the Iron Girl site. It's from TriClique.
Iron Girl added TriClique Jewelry to its family of partners this season. TriClique, of Annapolis, MD is the official jewelry provider for the Aflac Iron Girl National Event Series.
In the TriClique Jewelry collection there is the perfect piece available to wear as a symbol of your event lifestyle. Also TriClique Jewelry also has a program to design your own piece of jewelry.
TriClique supports Iron Girl's mission of empowering women toward a healthy lifestyle and believes it is the joy felt through event participation that encourages women to accomplish their goals and live actively. The mission is to provide each participant with something beautiful by which she can remember her unique event experience.
TriClique founders, Meg Maier and Crissy Fuentes, created the brand in honor of triathlon, the sport that has most impacted them. Through their designs, Maier and Fuentes hope to promote the benefits of cross training and inspire women to challenge themselves, thereby discovering what they are capable of accomplishing.
Thursday, December 17, 2009
Gifts Ideas for Runners Who Have Everything - from Jeff Galloway
I'm always looking for gifts - year round I do my Christmas shopping. This came from an eNewsletter from Jeff Galloway.
"Gifts for the runner who has everything"
For the runner who is
* a beginner or has friends/family who want to start a fitness program: Getting Started, Walking, Women's Complete Guide to Walking
For the runner who needs
* answers to many questions and needs direction: Galloway Running Schools
* a coach: Jeff's Ecoaching program For the runner who wants
* to enjoy running more: Galloway retreats or Running Schools
* to track their workouts: Jeff's Training Journal
For the runner who is training for a specific event:
* One mile/two miles/5K runners: Testing Yourself
* Marathoners or future marathoners: Galloway Training Programs
* Those who run many races a year: Year Round Plan
* Half Marathoners or prospects: Half Marathon-You Can Do It
For ALL runners and walkers
* New - Jeff's Marathon Training DVD, featuring video on "acceleration gliders" & "cadence drills"
* "The best week of running all year" (JG): Tahoe Running Retreat--July 2010
* All you need to know about running: motivation, getting faster, nutrition, building endurance, fatburning - Jeff's Running Schools
"Gifts for the runner who has everything"
For the runner who is
* a beginner or has friends/family who want to start a fitness program: Getting Started, Walking, Women's Complete Guide to Walking
* training for their first half or full marathon: Galloway Training Programs & Marathon FAQ
* often injured: Injuries-Treatment and Prevention
* a parent (or grandparent) who runs: Fit Kids/Smarter Kids
* coaching others: Injuries-Treatment and Prevention & Year Round Plan
* in Military/law enforcement and needs to pass the PT test: Testing Yourself
* often injured: Injuries-Treatment and Prevention
* a parent (or grandparent) who runs: Fit Kids/Smarter Kids
* coaching others: Injuries-Treatment and Prevention & Year Round Plan
* in Military/law enforcement and needs to pass the PT test: Testing Yourself
For the runner who needs
* answers to many questions and needs direction: Galloway Running Schools
* a coach: Jeff's Ecoaching program
* motivation: Galloway retreats
* help with their IT Band: foam roller
* help with calf cramps or sore calf muscles: Zensah compression sleeves & The Stick massage tool
* to rekindle their love of running: Blue Mountain Beach & Tahoe Retreats
* help with their IT Band: foam roller
* help with calf cramps or sore calf muscles: Zensah compression sleeves & The Stick massage tool
* to rekindle their love of running: Blue Mountain Beach & Tahoe Retreats
* to enjoy running more: Galloway retreats or Running Schools
* to track their workouts: Jeff's Training Journal
* One mile/two miles/5K runners: Testing Yourself
* Marathoners or future marathoners: Galloway Training Programs
* Those who run many races a year: Year Round Plan
* Half Marathoners or prospects: Half Marathon-You Can Do It
* 5K or 10K goal runners: 5K/10K Running
* 10 mile goal runners: Galloway Training Programs
Women Runners--Women's Complete Guide to Running
Walk break runners--Gymboss timer & Timex Ironman watch
Walkers or prospects--Walking or Women's Complete Guide to Walking
* 10 mile goal runners: Galloway Training Programs
Women Runners--Women's Complete Guide to Running
For the gadget/gizmo junkie
* Gymboss Timer
* Gymboss Timer
For ALL runners and walkers
* New - Jeff's Marathon Training DVD, featuring video on "acceleration gliders" & "cadence drills"
* "The best week of running all year" (JG): Tahoe Running Retreat--July 2010
* All you need to know about running: motivation, getting faster, nutrition, building endurance, fatburning - Jeff's Running Schools
Monday, December 7, 2009
Beginner Intro Triathlon Package - gift idea!
This is a cool gift if you're a new triathlete or know someone who is.
From TriSports.com, it's everything someone just getting into triathlon needs!
The Beginner Intro Triathlon Package includes everything a triathlete might need to get started! Plus, save money by purchasing it as a package deal. All of the items included will get you started on the road toward your first triathlon. Items include:
Includes:
TYR Racetech Goggle - Smoke Grab Bag Swim Cap Race Belt - Black Lock Laces - Black TriSports.com Visor TriSports.com Waterbottle Chamois Towel - Blue Blister Shield Roll-on Mesh Swim Bag - Black 12 Energy Gels (variety) 6 Energy bars (variety) Triathlon 101 Book
From TriSports.com, it's everything someone just getting into triathlon needs!
The Beginner Intro Triathlon Package includes everything a triathlete might need to get started! Plus, save money by purchasing it as a package deal. All of the items included will get you started on the road toward your first triathlon. Items include:
Includes:
Tuesday, December 1, 2009
The BibKeeper - gift idea!
This is really cool! The BibKeeper is a scrapbook for your race numbers! It holds 10 race numbers in a scrapbook. The bib goes on the right, and on the left there's room for pictures, results, thoughts, etc from the race!
They retail for $29.99. You can order extra pages, 5 for $5.99 (although they say you can only add 2 more pages with the current posts in the scrapbook, but can buy longer ones).
They retail for $29.99. You can order extra pages, 5 for $5.99 (although they say you can only add 2 more pages with the current posts in the scrapbook, but can buy longer ones).
Tuesday, November 10, 2009
my favorite websites
Today I'm going to tell you about my favorite websites!
McMillan Running - McMillan's Running Calculator
www.mcmillanrunning.com
This part of the website rocks in that you can enter in the time and distance of a recent race, and it will tell you your predicted time for a different race distance. Of course, that depends if you're actually trained for that distance, but it's pretty good! It also gives you paces to train at.
For example, my last 10K was 53:38 and I wonder what my time will be on my upcoming half marathon. Actually, it will be over by the time this post goes live, so I'll put my result at the bottom! :-) It says I'll do my half marathon in 1:59. I sure hope so! But, I'm taking into account that my 1oK was flat and the half is hilly. Also, I am training for that distance, where I was doing more speedwork for the 10K, so it all might even out!
Running For Fitness
www.runningforfitness.org
I just found this website when I was looking to convert speed to pace. It has some great calculators listed to the left; age graded target times for races, predict VO2 max from a race, daily caloric needs, heart rate zones, and more!
Sports Basement
www.sportsbasement.com
The best place online to buy discounted athletic apparel and gear! And if you're even in San Francisco, they have 3 stores there - but visit the giant Presidio store!
Athleta
www.athleta.com
This store gets WAY too much of my money! Only the cutest yoga, athletic, swimwear and "lifestyle clothing" around! It rocks. They were purchased by the Gap about a year ago, which has ended up being even more dangerous for me, since the only store credit card I own is from the Gap, so I get points and special discounts. Yikes!
Team Estrogen
www.teamestrogen.com
"Where Style Meets the Road" - so true! The have an extensive selection of women's cycling clothing, and they've recently added triathlon clothing as well. And the last couple of times I've ordered I've gotten free Team Estrogen sticky notes in my box!
May My Tri
www.mapmytri.com
I've tried Google Maps but find it just too frustrating to use. I use this to map runs and bike rides, but you can also find swim distances too. The annoying thing is they have an ad that pops up on your map that you have to move out of the way, but if you upgrade and pay that goes away! I'm too cheap to do that!
Training Peaks
www.trainingpeaks.com
I use this to record my training. I like it, but I have not used anything else, except for my homemade spreadsheets! I have friends that use the log on Beginner Triathlete.
Fit Day
www.fitday.com
I use this when I track my eating. It's nice because it has many foods already in it's database, you can create your own foods, and it tracks your calories by fat, carbohydrate and protein percentages. You can also enter in your fitness information, but I don't do that.
Feel free to add others by responding with a comment!
McMillan Running - McMillan's Running Calculator
www.mcmillanrunning.com
This part of the website rocks in that you can enter in the time and distance of a recent race, and it will tell you your predicted time for a different race distance. Of course, that depends if you're actually trained for that distance, but it's pretty good! It also gives you paces to train at.
For example, my last 10K was 53:38 and I wonder what my time will be on my upcoming half marathon. Actually, it will be over by the time this post goes live, so I'll put my result at the bottom! :-) It says I'll do my half marathon in 1:59. I sure hope so! But, I'm taking into account that my 1oK was flat and the half is hilly. Also, I am training for that distance, where I was doing more speedwork for the 10K, so it all might even out!
Running For Fitness
www.runningforfitness.org
I just found this website when I was looking to convert speed to pace. It has some great calculators listed to the left; age graded target times for races, predict VO2 max from a race, daily caloric needs, heart rate zones, and more!
Sports Basement
www.sportsbasement.com
The best place online to buy discounted athletic apparel and gear! And if you're even in San Francisco, they have 3 stores there - but visit the giant Presidio store!
Athleta
www.athleta.com
This store gets WAY too much of my money! Only the cutest yoga, athletic, swimwear and "lifestyle clothing" around! It rocks. They were purchased by the Gap about a year ago, which has ended up being even more dangerous for me, since the only store credit card I own is from the Gap, so I get points and special discounts. Yikes!
Team Estrogen
www.teamestrogen.com
"Where Style Meets the Road" - so true! The have an extensive selection of women's cycling clothing, and they've recently added triathlon clothing as well. And the last couple of times I've ordered I've gotten free Team Estrogen sticky notes in my box!
May My Tri
www.mapmytri.com
I've tried Google Maps but find it just too frustrating to use. I use this to map runs and bike rides, but you can also find swim distances too. The annoying thing is they have an ad that pops up on your map that you have to move out of the way, but if you upgrade and pay that goes away! I'm too cheap to do that!
Training Peaks
www.trainingpeaks.com
I use this to record my training. I like it, but I have not used anything else, except for my homemade spreadsheets! I have friends that use the log on Beginner Triathlete.
Fit Day
www.fitday.com
I use this when I track my eating. It's nice because it has many foods already in it's database, you can create your own foods, and it tracks your calories by fat, carbohydrate and protein percentages. You can also enter in your fitness information, but I don't do that.
Feel free to add others by responding with a comment!
Saturday, October 17, 2009
Fall and Winter Riding Gear
I have to face the fact that summer is over. It's been nice, but with our typical rainy fall here, I can't avoid riding in the rain any longer. Do you have everything you need to keep riding all winter long? Besides a trainer? :-) This list is geared towards the northwest, so modify it if you climate calls for it.
They key to fall and winter riding is to keep warm and dry by dressing in layers and wearing adequate protection. A long-sleeve wicking base layer is key, whether under a short sleeve jersey, long sleeve jersey or jacket. Wool is great for this, since it retains heat even when wet. Having layers you can strip off as you warm up will also keep you comfortable. For example arm warmers and vests are things that are easy to take off and stuff in the back pocket of your jersey. Having a cheap, clear plastic rain jacket is excellent to start out with rolled up in the back jersey pocket in case you encounter rain. Also make sure you have enough food with you, as you'll burn more calories in the winter, trying to keep your body warm!
Here are some things that are essential, and some things that are extravagant!
Fall
Arm warmers - great to strip off if the sun comes out on a beautiful fall day!
Knee warmers - you really should have your knees covered if it's below 60 degrees out. Keep those joints and legs warm and happy!
Nylon vest (with mesh back for ventilation or solid)
Ear band
Toe covers
Anti-fog wipes for glasses - great for keeping your glasses from fogging up when you stop. Can usually get them in ski shops.
Winter
Wind front tights
Neoprene booties
Warm Jacket - I would recommend something wind resistant, but not necessarily a nylon jacket, as they tend to be billowy.
Skull cap - has to be pretty cold to warrant this, I usually wear an earband.
Long fingered gloves (duh!)
Lobster gloves - these are like mittens, but keep two fingers together, like lobster claws. They are very warm, and are great for 30-40 degrees.
Rain
Gore-Tex Jacket (pit zips are important to prevent overheating)
Gore-Tex Pants (a little overkill, except in torrential rain!)
Plastic rain jacket - these are clear and available at all bike shops
Gore-Tex gloves - it's great if you can find these in a shell to wear over your regular gloves.
Gore-Tex oversocks - these go over socks, but inside shoes. Can be a little overkill on anything but torrential rains.
Bike hat with small bill - you've seen people on the street wear these, but they're great for keeping the rain out of your face.
Wool socks - keep you feet warm(er) and retain heat when wet.
Bike
Fenders over front and back wheel with a mud flap in back!
Puncture resistant tires
Flashing red light for back of bike
Light for front - if you're doing a lot of riding in the dark (esp. commuting), investing in a rechargeable battery headlight, like Night Rider or Light 'N Motion is key.
*** Be sure and take care of your bike when you're riding in the rain. Nothing wears the parts out faster than the grit on the road. If your bike gets wet on a ride, it's best to gently hose it off after the ride. Wipe off the chain as well, and remember it will need to be re-lubed after it gets wet. Always plan on lubing it after every 3 - 5 rides regardless.
Good luck! I'll also post a list of my favorite on-line shopping places later, to help you get ready.
They key to fall and winter riding is to keep warm and dry by dressing in layers and wearing adequate protection. A long-sleeve wicking base layer is key, whether under a short sleeve jersey, long sleeve jersey or jacket. Wool is great for this, since it retains heat even when wet. Having layers you can strip off as you warm up will also keep you comfortable. For example arm warmers and vests are things that are easy to take off and stuff in the back pocket of your jersey. Having a cheap, clear plastic rain jacket is excellent to start out with rolled up in the back jersey pocket in case you encounter rain. Also make sure you have enough food with you, as you'll burn more calories in the winter, trying to keep your body warm!
Here are some things that are essential, and some things that are extravagant!
Fall
Arm warmers - great to strip off if the sun comes out on a beautiful fall day!
Knee warmers - you really should have your knees covered if it's below 60 degrees out. Keep those joints and legs warm and happy!
Nylon vest (with mesh back for ventilation or solid)
Ear band
Toe covers
Anti-fog wipes for glasses - great for keeping your glasses from fogging up when you stop. Can usually get them in ski shops.
Winter
Wind front tights
Neoprene booties
Warm Jacket - I would recommend something wind resistant, but not necessarily a nylon jacket, as they tend to be billowy.
Skull cap - has to be pretty cold to warrant this, I usually wear an earband.
Long fingered gloves (duh!)
Lobster gloves - these are like mittens, but keep two fingers together, like lobster claws. They are very warm, and are great for 30-40 degrees.
Rain
Gore-Tex Jacket (pit zips are important to prevent overheating)
Gore-Tex Pants (a little overkill, except in torrential rain!)
Plastic rain jacket - these are clear and available at all bike shops
Gore-Tex gloves - it's great if you can find these in a shell to wear over your regular gloves.
Gore-Tex oversocks - these go over socks, but inside shoes. Can be a little overkill on anything but torrential rains.
Bike hat with small bill - you've seen people on the street wear these, but they're great for keeping the rain out of your face.
Wool socks - keep you feet warm(er) and retain heat when wet.
Bike
Fenders over front and back wheel with a mud flap in back!
Puncture resistant tires
Flashing red light for back of bike
Light for front - if you're doing a lot of riding in the dark (esp. commuting), investing in a rechargeable battery headlight, like Night Rider or Light 'N Motion is key.
*** Be sure and take care of your bike when you're riding in the rain. Nothing wears the parts out faster than the grit on the road. If your bike gets wet on a ride, it's best to gently hose it off after the ride. Wipe off the chain as well, and remember it will need to be re-lubed after it gets wet. Always plan on lubing it after every 3 - 5 rides regardless.
Good luck! I'll also post a list of my favorite on-line shopping places later, to help you get ready.
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