Monthly Archives: November 2011

The Grid Foam Roller Review

Over two years ago, I was having pretty significant pain in my knee from my marathon training.  I went to my local running store, and an employee introduced me to a great product.  The Grid by Trigger Point Therapy takes the place of a traditional foam roller.  You can do all the stretches that you would normally do with a foam roller, but with the added benefit of various textures and patterns.  These different textures and patterns are designed to mimic various hand positions – as if you were getting a massage.

The Grid features very durable construction, and unlike a foam roller, won’t compress down and wear out with use.  It also packs, stores, and travels very easily as the length is only 13 inches.  Despite this smaller size, I haven’t experienced any issues performing specific stretches and exercises.

I have found The Grid exceptionally beneficial to use for massaging sore muscles and stretching out.  I love the textured surfaces, because it really allows you to work out knots and lactic acid from your muscles.  You can really get a deep massage for specific muscle groups that you wouldn’t even be able to touch with a foam roller.

The Grid comes in exceptionally useful for triathlon, running and cycling training.   I’ve used it between stages of a stage race and after hard workouts.  I personally benefited from The Grid through reduced knee pain.  I would use the grid to roll out after my longer runs while training for the Ogden Marathon.  It became a great tool – and you’ll always find it in my bag when I’m traveling to different races.

Finding videos for specific stretches and massage techniques proved quite difficult when I first purchased The Grid.  It came with a vague brochure that really was not helpful.  Trigger Point Therapy has put some videos on their website, but they don’t demonstrate a lot of technique.  They do have some DVDs for sale, but they are expensive and focus more on a core routine with self massage.  The best solution I’ve found is to simply get on the floor and experiment with various stretches.

The Bottom Line ~

If you are looking for a foam roller, consider buying The Grid.  This roller allows you to do all the stretches that you can do with a foam roller, but with the added benefit of massage.  While The Grid is more expensive than a foam roller, it lasts much longer and won’t wear out with use.  I have owned mine for two and half years and it’s still going strong.   The Grid also travels and packs much easier than your traditional foam roller.

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The Triathlete’s Training Bible Review

The Triathlete's Training BibleIt’s getting to be that time of year when serious triathletes start thinking about their next racing year.  The last season’s shortcomings are still top of mind, and the search for that competitive edge begins.  Some people turn to nutritional supplements and others look for better equipment.  The seasoned athlete knows that the only way to better performance is through proper training.  The word “proper” can be completely unique to every athlete, and leaves a lot of room for interpretation.

For the triathlete interested in an extremely thorough and very scientific approach, Joe Friel’s The Triathlete’s Training Bible is as good as it gets.  I don’t know if there is anybody as respected in exercise physiology as Friel.  In fact, I think there are many people who buy this book because of its authority.  But that authority is a two-edged sword. The word Bible in the title is very appropriate.  It’s a thoughtful, information-rich, slow read.  This is not the kind of book that you will finish in a week and start to implement.  In fact, like the Bible, it brings up conflicting arguments and debates and sometimes leaves the reader with more questions than answers.  The great part about this book, is that it gets better with every read.

I usually try to spend some time when making my annual training plan (ATP) to go back through and review key concepts from the book.  I especially like to hit areas that I feel were particular weaknesses in my previous racing year.  I did read this book once from cover to cover, but I feel like that is probably unrealistic for most athletes.  Also, many of the concepts would have been more confusing if I hadn’t already worked with a certified cycling coach who taught and used the same training methods as Friel.

I really think one must analyze their personality as to whether or not this book would be an effective resource.  If you are the kind of athlete that is methodical, thoughtful, and thorough – then this book will be helpful.  If you are bit more gregarious, random, and rushed in your training, you will most likely get frustrated.  In either case, know up front, that this book will present a serious commitment to both your time and attention, but that’s precisely why it’s worth it.

I really respect Friel’s expert knowledge and I agree with his core philosophy of training.  He also has a great blog that you should consider subscribing to and read for the most up to date training science.  I was blown away, when he personally responded to and followed-up about a training question I emailed him.  I wish his training camps were more affordable because I’m sure they would be very helpful.

The Bottom Line ~

This book presents a very thorough, analytic approach to training.  At over 300 pages, it’s not a quick and easy read.  For the triathlete that is dedicated and serious about training, this book can be immensely resourceful.  It has a great appendix with many ideas for various workouts and will help you plan an effective training year.   I would recommend that you carefully consider your personality, available time, and  dedication before buying this book.

But remember, “Great things are not done by impulse” – Van Gogh

 

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Clif Shot Roks Review

Protein is a critical component of all proper training plans.  Getting enough protein in your diet, however, can be a less than enjoyable experience.  Few protein shakes taste good, and they aren’t very convenient.  Protein bars are very convenient, but rarely taste good.  In addition, you may not want to eat a huge protein bar – especially in the middle of a long race.  What can an athlete do?

Clif Shot Roks - Chocolate Chip Cookie DoughEnter Clif Shot Roks.  These delicious little balls, or Roks, are specifically designed to give you protein on-the-go.  Each ball contains 2 grams of protein, so you can quickly and easily figure out and consume as much protein as you’d like.  Each package contains 10 balls so if you eat a whole package that means you’ll get 20 grams of protein.  5 balls would be 10 grams, and on and on.  This is the perfect solution for individuals looking to exactly measure and time their protein intake during a long event.  They are also perfect for the casual post-workout snack, because they really taste and eat like a snack.

Another great feature of the Roks is the special, all-natural coating that they put on the balls.  They won’t melt in the heat and they don’t freeze in the cold.  You can leave them in the package or put them loose in your jersey pocket and eat them as you go, regardless of how hot the day is – you won’t have a sticky mess on your hands.

The Roks protein is primarily from whey – which is the type of protein that research has shown to be quickly absorbed by the body and easy to digest.  In other words, perfect for recovery and performance.  The Roks come in 3 delicious flavors:

  • Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough (my personal favorite)
  • Peanut Butter
  • Chocolate

You can’t go wrong with any of the 3 flavors.  I have tried them all and they taste great.  Also, the texture is light and easy to eat – again, unlike most other protein bars.  As with all of Clif products, these are all-natural.

Shot Roks Review

The Bottom Line ~

If you are looking for an easy-to-eat, easy-to-carry protein source look no further than Clif Shot Roks.  These delicious protein balls are easy to consume at the office, the gym or at mile 87 of an Ironman.  You’ll be delighted by the taste, and you’ll love that they won’t melt, making a sticky mess in your favorite jersey.  They can be a little more tricky to find, so look for it in retailers like REI, running stores, and bike shops.

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DZ Nuts InHeat Medium Embrocation Review

DZ Nuts has done it again. They manage to create great products, charge you an arm and leg for them, make you laugh with their brilliant marketing, and keep you coming back for more.  I must admit that I was a bit skeptical about Embrocation.  Let’s be honest, it’s a hilarious word that invokes imagery of painful procedures at a beauty salon.  But, the initiated know better.  For newbies, the official definition, according to Dictionary.com:

em•bro•ca•tion /embrəˈkāSHən/

Noun:  A liquid rubbed on the body to relieve pain from sprains and strains.

Now in actuality that definition should read, “a liquid or cream you rub on your legs before you get sprains, strains, bruises and cuts during a crazy ass event called cyclocross.”  Usually embrocation creams are applied to your legs before an athletic event when it’s cold outside.  The cream warms up your legs before the event, may help reduce injuries, and can let you play without leggings or knee warmers.

As with all DZ Nuts products, the InHeat embrocation has a great, all-natural smell to it.  It has a nice menthol quality about it, kind of like Icy Hot, but not as artificial or strong smelling.  It’s really quite subtle and nice.  It boasts plant derived and natural ingredients, and admonishes you to, “Feel the heat. Elements be damned. Ride like a champion.”

The cream applies very easily to your legs and it takes a few minutes before it begins to warm you up.  I must admit that I was a little nervous about the medium heat, because I didn’t want an uncomfortable warming feeling. However, I think the medium is a great way to go.  The low heat would probably not be enough, and while I’m willing to give the High heat a try, I think it may be just a bit too much.

DZ Nuts InHeat Embrocation Cream ReviewThe great thing about the embrocation cream is that you really don’t notice the fact that it’s heating up your legs until you step inside or put something warm over them.  When you have your legs exposed to the cold, they just feel like you’re wearing a pair of leggings and don’t get cold.  Once you step inside you notice a great warming feeling.  I must admit, this feels great, especially after you have really pushed yourself hard during a bike race or run.

Although embrocation is usually used for bike races, I’ve found it works great in running, road biking, playing football or ultimate frisbee, etc.  Whatever activity you’re doing in the cold, feel free to apply  a little embrocation cream, and then expose your legs.  People will think you are tough.

A few warnings:  You’ll feel the warming in the shower, when you go to rinse the cream off.  Again, I personally like the feeling, but some might find it a bit intense.  Also, if you are going to use this with the DZ Nuts Chamois Cream, make sure to apply the Chamois Cream FIRST.  I made the mistake of applying the chamois cream after applying the embrocation cream, and let’s just say that you get a very uncomfortable warming feeling where you don’t want it.

The Bottom Line ~

Another great product from the DZ Nuts folks.  You’ll love the instructions on the back, but you’ll love the warming sensation more.  You can use this for cyclocross, road biking, running, and more.  Use it liberally for any activity on those cold, miserable days.  I would highly recommend this product.  It’s expensive, but let’s be honest, what are you doing buying embrocation cream if you are trying to save money?

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