Monthly Archives: December 2011

Drymax Socks Review

“Take good care of your feet.” – Lt. Dan

Running SocksI will always heed that advice from Lt. Dan in Forrest Gump…and I will do so while always wearing Drymax Socks.

When I first started running almost six years ago, I grabbed a pair of shoes off the shelf and a package of any old cheap pair of cotton socks. A year later as I prepared to run my first full marathon after suffering through minor foot injuries, fungus and numerous pairs of cheap cotton socks, I realized that I needed to take care of my feet. I got fitted for a pair of shoes and then as I walked through the Expo of the San Diego Rock ‘n’ Roll Marathon, I saw a demonstration of Drymax Sport Socks. My feet have been thanking me ever since.

Drymax talks a lot about “fiber technology” and a “dual layer sweat removal system.” Their socks have a “breathable mesh, vented arch bands and protective padding.” I’ll be honest, it all sounds way fancy to me and lies outside of my educational boundaries…BUT the socks truly are great. They are available in numerous sizes and styles for multiple sports

Over the past six years I have run for almost 5,000 miles and 4,500 of those have been while wearing Drymax socks.  My feet have avoided blisters and athletes foot which are both common side effects for regular socks. My favorite thing about Drymax is how well they fit my feet. Drymax shies away from one size fits all and uses “true fit sizing.” The additional sizes allow the user to find a sock that fits better with their size foot which reduces bunching. I never have to worry about the padding on the heel of the sock creeping out the backside of my shoe.

The socks are also extremely durable. I have continually rotated through a half-dozen pairs that have lasted longer than my shoes. The socks are a little more expensive than standard socks, but are well worth it.

The Bottom Line ~

I will repeat Lt. Dan one more time: “Take good care of your feet,” and do so by purchasing a pair of Drymax socks. Your feet are critical for endurance racing and this is one area where a modest amount of money can make a huge difference.

Do you have an experience or comment about this product?
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Halo II Headband Review

From The Sweat Of Your Brow

Halo II Headband ReviewTrainer season is officially open and in full-swing.  Nothing gets more annoying than the sweat that rolls down your face and gets all over the place – especially for guys with no hair like me.

There are many head bands and sweat bands out there, but the best I have found by far is the Halo II Headband.

The Halo II is comfortable to wear and made of a material pretty consistent with other headbands.  I do like the way it fits snugly on your head and I’ve never noticed it being too tight or uncomfortable while wearing it – even under a helmet.

As you probably know with many sweat bands, once they get full of sweat, they start to run down your face and then down onto your bike.

Sweat Block Technology on Halo II HeadbandNow this headband doesn’t have any rocket science or incredible technology behind it.  But the big difference is the inset yellow band that you can see in the photo.  This long rectangle of thick, almost plastic material effectively pushes sweat away from rolling down the front your face – but you better have water-proof earphones.

Halo has named this Sweat Block Technology which is a clever marketing idea.  Here’s how they explain it:

Our Simple Three Step Solution:

  1. Absorb Sweat
  2. Evaporate Moisture
  3. Upon Saturation, redirect sweat away from your eyes.

I have to say it really is that simple and it really is an exceptional headband.  Also, you should consider buying a bike thong to protect your bike from the sweat that will inevitably get on your bike.

The Bottom Line ~

You really can’t go wrong with the Halo II Headband.  It’s one of the best headbands I have tried and I think their Sweat Block technology is an effective solution.  It’s exceptionally affordable at $12.95.  I have only tried the Halo II to date, but will probably try other Halo products in the future.

 

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Tri-Checklist App Review

Check your list twice!

Triathlon appThe simplicity of Tri-Checklist makes it a winner, too bad it isn’t a free app anymore.

If you are anything like me (which I feel sorry for you if that is the case) you have awoken many times throughout the night with a fear you have forgotten a critical item for race day. It would be horrifying to realize that your wetsuit is still in your closet 300 miles away as you prepare to jump in Sand Hollow Reservoir that has been hovering around 62 degrees. Or what about the ibuprofen …yeah, you can go pick it up at the store, but that is one more thing you are worrying about rather than the adventure that you are getting ready to take.

triathlon checklist appMy lifesaver for the insanity of forgetfulness has been the Tri-Checklist app for my iPhone. It currently sells for 99 cents and there is also a pro version for $1.99. The main difference between the two versions is that the pro version allows the user to move items up and down on the list.

The app is basic and puts little energy into “fancy” design. “Simple” is the ideal way to describe not only the design but also use. The app allows you to build multiple checklists, so if you can have a different checklist for your marathon next weekend and your Ironman two weeks later…or even a 5K.

The app provides basic suggestions for your list and also allows you to enter your own items and categories. As you start packing for your event you check off the items on your list. When the red checkmarks appear, you should be ready to go and your mind will be put at ease.

The Bottom Line ~

If you are looking for a Tri-Checklist app, this should fulfill your needs. If you are fortunate to find the app when it is free, it will save you a dollar, but for 99 cents it is still worth it. There are plenty of checklist apps out there that you could find for free, but the simplicity of this one and also being triathlon specific makes it nice.

Do you have an experience or comment about this product?
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Clif Shot Electrolyte Replacement Drink Review

I’d Rather Drink My Own Sweat

Clif Shot Electrolyte Drink ReviewI’ll be the first to admit that I love just about every product that Clif Bar creates.  The original Clif Bars can’t be beat, and for performance Clif Shot Bloks are perfect.  One product, however, where they really miss the mark is Clif Shot Electrolyte Replacement Drink.

Now this product gets some bonus points because of the all-natural ingredients, and that it’s sourced 92% organic.  But on taste this drink fails with flying colors.  Be warned, when you try this product it packs quite a kick.  If you’re use to sweet electrolyte replacement drinks, then it will come as even more of a shock.

Now perhaps Clif would say that they have excluded unnecessary sweeteners.  They also claim that the tart and salty taste counteract sweetness – which you can easily overdose on with energy gels.  I think all these are great excuses, but at the end of day it’s hard to stay hydrated.  I don’t want a drink that is hard to stomach and gives me bitter beer face – then I will have even less motivation to keep drinking.

If you use this product long enough, you will get use to the tart flavor.  But I don’t enjoy using something that is an acquired taste.  Also,  if you need to share a bottle with a riding buddy, they may not be so grateful for your generosity.

The Bottom Line ~

While Clif Bar makes great products, I think this one fails to stand up to their usual strengths of both great taste and being good for you.  It does get bonus points for being all-natural and 92% organic, but I don’t feel like those two factors make up for the salty and bitter taste.  Also, the cost makes it a bit more expensive then similar electrolyte replacement drinks. Hydration is hard enough, you don’t need an unpleasant drink to make it that much harder for you to keep drinking.

 

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GU Peanut Butter Energy Gel

I  ♥  Peanut Butter

GU Peantu Butter Energy Gel Review One of the most effective ways to get necessary calories during activity is through energy gels.  Most athletes have a love-hate relationship with energy gels.

On the one hand they are a quick, efficient way to get the calories you need.  On the other hand you get tired of gulping liquid nutrition, and between the flavors and consistency it can get old – really fast.

One big complaint I have is that almost every energy gel is sweet.  You go to your local store and find sweet after sweet flavor.  Finally, GU delivered a great new flavor that tastes awesome – Peanut Butter.

I was a little skeptical at first because I thought, it’s either gonna be a phony peanut buttery flavor or it will be really thick.  All I can say, is that GU hit this product out of the park.  Not only is the Peanut Butter GU an almost perfect consistency, but the taste is spot-on.  It provides a salty relief from the overly saturated market of sweet energy gels.

I tried this gel out during my most recent bike trainer session, and I got a little too distracted because the flavor was so good.  The GU digested quickly and got into my system fast.

Gu Energy gels all have about 100 calories which is pretty typical.  Though it varies by the individual, you should try to consume 2-3 gels an hour during activity.  GU’s feature a simple and complex carbohydrate blend along with amino acids and electrolytes for better performance and muscle preservation.

This was my first experience with GU products, and I have to say that I’m excited to try and review more.  Remember to always test new nutrition products out during training to see how your body will react.  You don’t want to lose a race because you get sick from a product you’re not used to.

The Bottom Line ~

If you are looking for an energy gel that breaks away from the peloton of overly sweet, then go get a GU Peanut Butter Energy Gel today.  The consistency is perfect, and the flavor is even better.  The price is $1.35 but you can find them on sale in various places.  Get some fast, because this Peanut Butter flavor is running off the shelves.

Do you have an experience or comment about this product?
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