Run Forrest Run!
October 22, 2009
Sure, running is great for the exercise and feel good endorphins…but how about the gadgets?! Thankfully with this sport, the overall cost of participating is much less expensive than being a ski bunny at Vail. However, there are definitely a few things worth splurging for - i.e. the Garmin Forerunner 405 watch ($349.99 with HR monitor).
The Forerunner 405 (there is a newer model that I haven’t tried yet) is a GPS enabled sport watch that tracks your training, wirelessly syncs data to your computer and lets you run with a virtual partner. This watch is a serious gadget…actually ‘gadget’ doesn’t begin to justify it…this watch is a serious piece of EQUIPMENT that monitors your time, distance, pace, calories as well as heart rate (when worn with the HR monitor). If you’re competitive, and most likely you are if you’re a runner, you can race against a virtual partner, your previous logged training runs or even another Garmin Forerunner user (I know, this last one is for the major geeks).
Compared to old school running watches, the Forerunner is sleek and much more manageable in size. My one complaint, and something I have heard from just about every user, is that when it gets really wet the watch starts to erradicly change screens and settings (be careful you heavy sweaters).
It’s definitely a lot of extra gear to tote around (HR strap, watch, power cord for charging), but it has made me a much more ‘conscious’ runner (read as ‘efficient’) Sometimes it’s great to just go out for a run and not think about splits and distance, but after a really hard run it’s helpful to look back at my performance stats plus what kinds of hills I tackled or where I slowed down. Expensive…yes. Worth it…hell yeah.
*also has bike mode if you are a triathlete or cycalist
The Ball’s In Your Court
October 15, 2009
When I go to the gym after work, I have to actively force myself to not run on autopilot. It’s so easy to fall into a routine and forget to be creative with new machines and equipment (not to mention I feel like an idiot when I’m using something completely wrong for the first time). However, there is a huge pay off to mixing things up and not letting your body be able to predict every next move.
The bosu ball is a great prop for the gym because it’s versatile enough for an all body workout plus portable (walk it to another part of the floor to get away from the crowds…or that heavily sweating guy who thinks its OK to workout in a crop top). I have a hard time building out my lower ab muscles and sculpting definition in my arms (which I’m paranoid look like limp string beans), but push ups and planks on the bosu (flipped with the bubble side down) really help to work my entire core and upper body at once.
Alternatively, you can work on your balance and stability while activating your quadriceps (think tight thighs) and glutes by doing squats on the platform of the flat side. This may sound nerdy, but go online to their website and look at different kinds of exercises for additional ideas.
Another Notch To Your Belt
October 12, 2009
I have never been known to be a light packer. Trips to Europe…weekends in Boston – whatever the occasion, IT ALL comes with me. I feel like I need to have options and variety (I would never have made a good Girl Scout). This of course creates a dilemma when I go running. Between my house keys, subway card, extra cash for a water, ipod, Gu-gel, chapstick, hair elastic…bobby pins (you never know who you’ll bump into!) there never seems to be enough pockets. SpiBelt ($19.95) - a gift from the running gods – finally helps to solve the problem by making an expandable pouch (think The Jetson’s re-take of the fanny pack) to stretch around whatever you’re carrying. Therefore, if you’re a minimalist and only have one or two things, it will maintain it’s small flat shape. If you’re like me and have the entire 3rd floor of Nike Town with you, then it will expand to a larger size. Best of all, the belt sits tightly on the hips and doesn’t bounce or move unlike the others I have tried that migrate to my armpits by mile 2.
High Five To The New V5′s
October 7, 2009
I believe that you need to look good to feel good/feel good to look good. That’s why, I surprised myself when I immediately gravitated towards the absolutely HIDEOUS, Vibram Five Fingers (I know what you’re going to say, the name sounds more like a sex toy than athletic shoe). Vibram (creater of high performance rubber soles) launched their Five Finger line of products which essentially are rubber soled gloves…for your feet. Initially intended for yacht racing, Barefoot Ted (google him to find more info) introduced this “shoe” as a way to simulate barefoot running in rough and unpredictable terrain (think urban streets and thorn covered mountain trails). Other Vibram members use their V5′s for pilates, swimming, hiking, rock climbing plus a slew of other fitness related activities. Now with a month under my belt in my new V5′s ($85/pair), I’m able to maintain greater speed over longer distances and have increased the strength of my lower calves and foot muscles. However, the sudden spike in speed and mileage has certainly caused some tendonitis in my achilles so be careful when first starting…slow and steady wins the race.
