Category Archives: Gear

Hood to Coast prep: Packing for an overnight relay

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Let the countdown begin! Hood to Coast is coming up this weekend, so I made my list, checked it twice and started prepping early to avoid forgetting any last-minute items.

Because I’m an overnight relay newbie, my due diligence consisted of cross-checking a few different lists to see what people recommend. Here’s a peek at what I’m packing:

  1. Coeur Sports hat for sun protection (day) and warmth (night)
  2. Garmin Forerunner 910XT for tracking mileage during my legs
  3. TriSlide for keeping chafage at bay
  4. Flip flops for letting my feet breathe between legs
  5. A comfy outfit for down-time
  6. CEP compression calf sleeves if I decide I need support
  7. Four different running outfits (we’re down a runner, so I’m doing four legs)
  8. Petzl headlamp for nighttime running
  9. Sunglasses to shield eyes during the day
  10. Bonk Breaker bars to stay fueled
  11. Lacrosse ball to massage out any tight spots
  12. A towel for mopping sweat or drying off post-shower
  13. Lululemon waterproof hoodie, just in case it rains
  14. Bag to transport all my gear
  15. Travel pillow so I can try to catch a few winks
  16. Osmo Active Hydration for Women
  17. S! Caps for electrolytes and salt
  18. Antacid tablets to ward off tummy troubles
  19. Nuun for keeping electrolyte levels in check
  20. Deodorant to help keep me (and the van) from stinking
  21. Sunscreen for during my daytime legs
  22. Backpack to carry additional items
  23. Two pairs of running shoes to swap every leg
  24. Sigvaris performance socks for recovery between legs
  25. Napsack jacket/sleeping bag combo for staying warm while dozing

Not pictured:

  • Waterproof tarp for keeping my sleeping bag dry
  • Knuckle Lights for nighttime running
  • Socks & underwear — five pairs, one for each leg plus a spare set
  • Shower Pill body wipes to help clean up
  • Colgate Wisps disposable toothbrushes to freshen up
  • Misc food to stay fueled — PB&J sandwiches, potato chips, etc.
  • Misc. meds/first aid — Advil, pepto, chapstick, ear plugs, etc.
  • Cell phone and chargers to stay in touch
  • Gallon-sized Ziploc bags to sort outfits and gear

Let’s hope I’m not missing anything! What are your must-have items for overnight relays?

Reviewing the new Runtastic 24/7 fitness tracker

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Late last month Runtastic — an innovative suite of apps, products and services that track and manage health and fitness data — released their new Runtastic Orbit wearable, which is the latest and greatest in 24-hour tracking devices that allow users to monitor daily movements, fitness activities and sleep cycles.

In a nutshell, the Orbit’s similar to existing trackers such as FitBit and Jawbone Up, but it’s also got a few new bells and whistles I’m pretty excited to check out — namely that it’s waterproof (to an impressive 300 feet), syncs up with ANY of the Runtastic apps, has a proprietary sleep tracker (which I find fascinating), plus a battery life that can last up to a week.

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Specifically, the Orbit tracks Steps, Active Minutes, Calories Burned, Sleep Cycles, Goals and Ambient Lighting. Other features include an OLED Display, Time & Alarm and Bluetooth Smart Technology (which means it syncs to your phone automatically; yay for no cables!).

I’ll be testing it out over the course of the next few weeks, which coincides perfectly with training and racing so I can really put it through the paces. But after just a few days in, though, I can already say I’ve been pleasantly surprised with some of the features.

Stay tuned for my full review with photos; and if you’d like more information on the Orbit in the meantime, visit the website here. 

Feel the squeeze: 4 reasons to try compression gear (+ giveaway!)

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Once reserved for diabetics and frequent flyers, compression socks have gone mainstream, thanks to athletes who swear by their performance benefits in training, racing and recovery.

“I started wearing compression gear in 2007, and I sure got some funny looks as the first person in the USA to wear them [at Ironman Louisville that year],” said Chris McDonald, a professional triathlete and four-time Ironman champion. “I was chatting with a surgeon about post-op recovery, and he said to me, ‘I know nothing about sport, but I can’t tell you quality compression socks will help with return blood flow.’ So I just tried them!”

Although experts are still debating whether the effects are more in your head than your legs, I’m a proponent of compression gear, based on experience. Not only do my legs feel fresher mid-run, but they’re also less sore the day after. Plus, blindingly-bright colors keep me happy during hard workouts 🙂

Personal opinions aside, though, there are a few reasons why it may be worth setting your gear budget back a few bucks (prices for these puppies are in the $45-70 range) to get ahead in your training:

1. Improve circulation. Ever get that “heavy legged” feeling while working out? Compression gear can help prevent blood from pooling in hard-working muscles to keep legs feeling peppy.

2. Stay comfortable. If you’re worried that wearing compression socks means you’ll have to give up your favorite cushy, anti-blister socks, think again. Many brands offer arch support and extra padding in the toe and heel.

3. Increase protection. Socks aren’t just for shielding feet against shoes. Much of today’s compression gear does double duty with special materials that provide a cooling effect and SPF sun protection.

4. Speed recovery. Bounce back faster with recovery-based styles, which are engineered to help get fresh blood into muscles and flush out byproducts, such as lactic acid.

All the brands and technology out there can get overwhelming, which is why I recommend starting at a site like BrightLifeGo. They’re an authority on the subject of compression, having tested and handpicked their entire collection of socks and stockings — both for athletic use and everyday wear. 

I even found a new favorite brand there — Sigvaris. Style-wise, they’re a departure from my usual obnoxiously-colored gear…but functionally, I just couldn’t pass up their graduated compression design, extra-cushy footbed and anti-blister toe fabric. 

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Factor in all the other bells and whistles, like high-tech fibers to regulate temperature (and odor), Achilles Tendon Protectors to reduce vibrations on ligaments, plus extra-wide top bands to keep everything in place…and, well, I pretty much live in these things when training, racing and traveling. 

Want to feel the squeeze yourself? Here are a few things to take into account when picking your perfect pair: 

  • Length: Do you want a knee-high sock or a full-length legging?
  • Use: Are you looking to use compression for work, play — or both?
  • Level: How tight do you want it — mild relief or moderate support? 
  • Design: Is form (aka style) just as important as function? 

“I definitely feel the benefits with both performance and recovery time,” said McDonald. “If you can recover quicker you can train harder. Put on compression for all travel (including drives over two hours), wear them during and post workout, and put a pair of compression socks on as you are sitting around at night. It’s not rocket science; it just takes routine.”

Is compression a part of your training and racing attire?

Enter my Rafflecopter giveaway to win two FREE pairs of Sigvaris compression socks or sleeves, courtesy of BrightLifeGo!

IRUNLIKEAGIRL…do you?

Images for IRUNLIKEAGIRL shoot of Jennifer Hellickson

What do you get when you mix a few friends with great active apparel, a camera, some flattering lighting and bit of running and biking around the most scenic spots in San Francisco?

Well, if you’re me (aka the one doing the running and biking; that Twin Peaks hill is no joke), the answer is ‘pretty sweaty’ — otherwise the result is a really fun and hopefully inspiring photo shoot for IRUNLIKEAGIRL women’s activewear.

Kelly McCloskey, a friend and creative director of the brand, teamed up with the fabulous duo of Cody and Natalie at C+N Creative to catch me in action while training for my first Olympic triathlon. Check out the write-up on it here.

Images for IRUNLIKEAGIRL shoot of Jennifer Hellickson

But I also decided to turn the tables on Kelly and interview her here so you can get to know her brand and the incredible dedication and passion she brings to every hand-picked piece in the line.

We caught up recently, and here are a few of her thoughts on the importance of friends, fitness and female empowerment when it comes to both getting active and getting down to business.

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KineticFix: Thanks so much for inviting me to be a part of your new campaign! So tell us about the inspiration behind IRUNLIKEAGIRL. What does it mean to you?

Kelly McCloskey: IRUNLIKEAGIRL is all about heart. It’s about going after something that makes you feel alive. And then being able to share that ‘moment’ with a friend. For me, IRUNLIKEAGIRL lives at the intersection of my love for running and dream to run my own business. We’re driven to create fun, flattering and functional active apparel that you can identify with; it’s like wearing a feeling. The ‘I’m going to make this happen’ feeling.

KF: You’re big on empowering and encouraging females to get active and involved in the running community. How does IRLAG facilitate this?

KM: My favorite thing about running is racing. The training, the long runs with friends, the buildup, the having a goal that gets you out of bed to run when you just want to sleep– it never really gets old to me. I’ve met and continue to meet incredible people through running which is why I started Team IRUNLIKEAGIRL.

It’s an international program; our team of IRUNLIKEAGIRL ambassadors each select a goal race in their city and recruit local runners to train for the race together. I’ve experienced nothing quite like working towards a common goal with friends and teammates. When we get together and push each other forward we challenge the limits of our comfort zone and rise up to our best.

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KF: I love that! Can you tell us a little bit about your own running – what are you training for, current race goals, etc?

KM: I’ve been running since I was 12, and competed on the XC/track teams for the University of New Hampshire. I was always more of a hurdler and middle-distance runner but post-college I met my love for the marathon. Next goal: Boston, baby! And to break the 1:30 barrier in the half marathon. Right now I’m training for the Santa Rosa marathon in August in effort to run a new marathon PR/qualify for Boston 2015.

KF: What inspires the IRLAG line, and what’s your favorite piece at the moment?

KM: There are a few things about apparel features and fit that I’m fanatical about, and I focused on them while designing this line. Fun color, extra length, flattering fit and soft-yet-functional fabric. I’m all about the little things too, like adding thumbholes, playing around with where we feature the logo and adding an armsleeve pocket that can fit an iPhone.

My favorite piece in the line is the Racer Girl tank. I wanted to make something for race days that brought to life those special feelings of anticipation and excitement. Its bright colors are unique, and the supportive, soft and super quick-drying fabric all came together nicely. If you look good you feel good, and you need to feel good on race morning, right?!

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KF: Couldn’t agree more! So, where do you hope to take the company from here?

KM: My long term dream is to have an IRUNLIKEAGIRL truck that travels around the country to different races. We’d drive in and meet with our ambassadors and local runners. The pre-race energy would be high with music, laughter, friends and IRUNLIKEAGIRL active apparel, of course. It would be a ‘fitfashion’ truck. And this truck would also serve cupcakes. Because cupcakes and running are the perfect pair.

Kelly, I like where your head is at 🙂 Huge thanks for sitting down to chat!

KineticFix readers: Get a 20% discount on IRUNLIKEAGIRL apparel through 6/25/14 (valid site-wide) with the code “save20percentKF” 

Images for IRUNLIKEAGIRL shoot of Jennifer Hellickson

Celebrating SF: Getting a little “Dirty” at this year’s Bay to Breakers

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There was no better way to cap off a picture-perfect week of summer weather here in Northern California than with a race that’s so quintessentially San Francisco: Bay to Breakers.

If you’re not familiar with it, B2B is the oldest consecutively run annual footrace in the world (since May 1912). Quirky and boisterous, the event is quite literally interwoven into the fabric of the city as the course weaves through it — a true reflection and celebration of life between the breakers and the Bay.

Coming Full Circle

The first and only other time I ran B2B was a few months after I moved to San Francisco from Boston in 2005, so this year’s run was special for two reasons: First, Hubby and I got to run it together this time; and second, we figured it’d be a fitting way to celebrate as our time here comes to a close (more on that soon…stay tuned!).

As a total newbie almost a decade ago, I was expecting your usual footrace…but was instead greeted by flying tortillas at the start line and a crazy array of outfits — from elaborate team costumes to full nudity (rollerblades and top hat optional) — not to mention fun traditions like a group of runners dressed as salmon “swimming upstream” (against the flow of traffic).

This time around, I knew it’d be a tamer affair because there was a no-tolerance policy for alcohol or wheeled floats. But Hubby and I were still excited to partake in the festivities with a few of our friends and 40,000 other runners revelers.

The Race

Because the 12K race starts near the San Francisco Bay, a few blocks from The Embarcadero, and runs west through the city to finish at the Great Highway where breakers crash onto the Pacific Coast’s Ocean Beach, the logistics can take some work.

But with my 50K coming up in just a few weeks, we decided to kill two birds with one stone and jog from home to the start, do the race, then jog/walk home from the finish to make it our weekend long run.

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The race started about 25 minutes late, but — in true B2B fashion — did not disappoint.

From the costumes, the people-watching and the photo ops (see below; I’ll spare you the rest of the shot), we were three miles in before we knew it.

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By the time we were about halfway, the crowds started to thin out a bit — or rather, the runners separated from the rest of the pack.

Word to the wise: This isn’t a PR-friendly race! Expect to do a lot of bobbing and weaving, but that’s the whole point — to go slow and savor every moment.

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I’m not even sure what our finish time was (update – 1:37:45), and guess what? I don’t care!

It was such a blast to do a race like this for a change, complete with stops to say hi to friends, bathroom breaks, scenic detours and picture taking.

Speaking of…this was one of my favorite scenes of the day. This family’s costumes were a fan-favorite, and the kid up front was just hamming it up!

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The Attire

Although there’s a whole contingent of racers for whom it’s customary NOT to wear pants for B2B, that was one tradition I was ok ignoring. Instead, I wanted to take the opportunity to support a local brand: DDCC (aka “Dirty Diana’s Clean Clothes).

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I first spoke to owner/designer Diana Mitchell last fall when she was in the midst of her Kickstarter campaign. Since then, her business has been going like gangbusters, so I thought it’d be fun to create a B2B outfit around one of Mitchell’s most popular styles — the Fly Girl Capris — and check in with her to see how things are going.

Not only did the capris perform beautifully (and that’s not always an easy task when you throw in a tutu and lots of miles), but they were comfortable, breathable and — best of all — flattering. On a side note, Mitchell also ran in today’s race, so it was the perfect time to catch up!

Kinetic Fix: Last time we chatted, you were raising funds on Kickstarter to launch the line. You reached your goal (congrats!), but can you give us an update on where you’re at & what you’re doing with DDCC now?

Diana Mitchell: Thanks, Jen! The post-Kickstarter production was a success with most of our rewards shipped on time. We’ve been receiving awesome feedback and requests for new products, which I was able to incorporate into the Fall 2014 collection. While the spring line was launching, I was designing and fitting fall, and shot the sample line for our lookbooks.

I’ve also been working on growing the wholesale side of the business in order to expand the customer base and get the product in more cities. We were picked up by several Dailey Method locations, who like to feature women-owned and -made in USA lines. It’s been great to see people reacting to and loving the products, and it’s exciting to see the business continue to grow.

KF: So feedback has been good? I know you’ve been hard at work, testing the line on the streets & studios of San Francisco.

DM: Everyone loves the V Capris. Customers constantly tell me they can no longer buy pants without a zipper pocket, either because they store their phone in it while lifting weights, or their keys/id while out running.

They also go crazy for the V wasitband and love that it’s anti-muffin top. The Bustier Bra is a big hit for yoga and for wearing every day, and our Obi Cover-Ups have been flying off of the shelves due to the cute design and crazy softness!

KF: I don’t doubt it! So let’s talk design because you’ve nailed it – I’m particularly loving the anti-muffin top waistband and slimming seams on my capris. What was the inspiration there?

DM: I’m 50% Greek, and I like to say that it shows 100% in my love handles. Normal waistbands with elastic often pinch and create an unflattering, spill-over-the-sides appearance, which you can see even on skinny models. I regularly struggle with finding the motivation to work out, and if I put on something that makes me feel ugly that’s it!

As soon as I experienced a crossover waistband, I felt more confident and inspired to work out, and knew all of my future pants would have to incorporate that design. There are so many obstacles for women when it comes to fitness, and I truly believe that feeling and looking good in what you’re wearing shouldn’t be one of them!

KF: I completely agree. Switching gears…time to pay it forward: Where are your favorite places to work out in SF & why?

DM: For me nothing quite beats running outside. I love seeing what’s going on near my house and beyond and keeping in touch with the seasons while getting some fresh air. Glen Canyon Park near my home was recently made over, and I love doing my short runs on the trails there and then adding in some hill running through Diamond Heights.

For Yoga I follow my favorite teachers, Ana-Mari Hamada and Cynthia Bates, who teach at the Abode of Iyengar, the Iyengar Institute and the Yoga Tree Potrero, respectively. Ana-Mari was my first yoga teacher, and her warmth and intuitiveness cannot be matched. Cynthia has has a no-nonsense teaching style while still being playful and fun. I love going to both of their classes.

I’m always on the hunt for new workouts, though, and I’m hoping to try out the Dailey Method soon, as I hear great things about their classes!

KF: So one final question: What’s next in terms of both your work and workout plans?

DM: For workout plans, I plan on running the City Beer Runs 5k’s monthly, and will be doing the Rock and Roll Half Marathon in October. My goal is to get under 2:00, so I’ve got my work cut out for me since I have trouble running for long periods without hills.

In terms of DDCC, we’re just starting to order fabric and gear up for our fall production. You can look forward to our popular items offered in fall/winter colors, along with new products based off of customer requests.

I’m also producing a new zip-up hoodie, which is a big deal since that is the first product that DDCC launched. You can expect that line to arrive in August/September this year, and we’ll be planning some fun events, trunk shows and giveaways!

Want to see more of Diana’s designs — and read all about her running adventures? Check out the DDCC site here. 

Perky no more? Your sports bra may be to blame

Ladies, did you know that eight out of 10 of us are wearing the wrong bra size, and 56 percent of us experience pain when working out, as a result?

The lesson: Mid-workout discomfort is easily preventable — if you take the time to find a well-designed, properly-fitting sports bra.

Source: Well&Good NYC

Source: Well&Good NYC

That’s because there’s no internal structure for supporting the “twins” against gravity and excessive movement beyond a band of fibrous tissue called Cooper’s ligaments. And once stretched, it can cause both discomfort and permanent damage.

The good news is that you can provide a “little help for your friends” and find a good sports bra in just three simple steps:

1. Pick a Style: Consider the degree of support you’ll need, which will vary by both activity and body type.

2. Find Your Size: After selecting the appropriate style, use your measurements to determine size.

3. Test the Fit: Jump around! A snug fit is ideal, but focus on the bottom band, which provides 70 percent of the bra’s support.

One of my favorite brands when it comes to bras is Moving Comfort. They’ve got boobs down to a science (literally), thanks to a dedicated in-house sports bra biomechanics lab in the company’s Seattle headquarters.

I was on the hunt for something for yoga and bootcamp — supportive but not restrictive — and their suggestion was the Hot Shot ($38), a sweetheart of a sports bra with minimal back coverage that allows for enhanced range of motion.

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I paired it with the matching Metro Tank ($48), a fun racerback style that transitions well from class to running around town on errands. It’s loose enough for a forgiving feel without excessive fabric.

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Moving Comfort’s team of experts also offer a few pointers to help prolong the, ahem, “shelf” life of your bra:

– Keep it fresh. Wash a sports bra after every 1-3 wears to remove the build-up of sweat, dirt and bacteria, which break down the fabric.

– Keep it safe. Good option: Fasten the hooks, and throw it in the washing machine. Better option: Toss it in a lingerie bag first. Best option: Hand wash to give it extra special care.

– Keep it cool. Hang dry or tumble dry low, since dryers wear down the fabric and moisture management properties.

– Keep it breathing. If it does get thrown in the dryer, never use dryer sheets or fabric softeners which “coat” the fabric and keep it from breathing.

– Keep it new. Depending on how often a sports bra is worn, it should be replaced every 6-12 months.

In need of a new buddy for those bosoms? Visit MovingComfort.com and check out their handy sports bra finder to locate a style that suits your needs.

Disclosure: I was given Moving Comfort items to review. All opinions are my own.

Fave Fix: My must-have gear for trail running

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If there’s one thing I’ve learned from the past few months on the trails, it’s that running off the roads is a whole different beast than running on ’em. Aside from the obvious terrain and elevation challenges, it requires a new approach — from gear to strategy to fueling — to get from Point A to Point B, especially when we’re talking ultra-distances.

Because of that, I wanted to share an inside look at how I’m planning for my first ultra marathon — the Canyon Meadow 50K — at the end of the month. See below for what I’ll be wearing, eating, drinking and using to help me recover when all is said and done…and (fingers-crossed) run 🙂

– Feet First: The Brooks Cascadia 8 came highly recommended from several trail runner friends due to its traction and responsiveness, plus it was my favorite of all the brands and styles I tested at San Francisco Running Company. I like to buy my running shoes a half size up to allow for feet to swell, and I may add a Superfeet orthotic insole for a little extra support.

– Keeping Cool (& Chafe-Free): I love a trucker-type hat with breathable mesh and a wide brim to block the sun. And under my technical, sweat-wicking t-shirt, I’ll be wearing a Coeur Sports Checkmate Sports Bra, which has anti-chafe seams that are perfect for long race days. On the bottom, I’ll pair the Lululemon Groovy Run Short with CEP Progressive+ Calf Sleeves to promote circulation and protect lower legs, plus Balega Blister-Resist Trail Socks to try to keep my feet from getting too torn up.

– Accessories & Extras: Because I’ll be in and out of the sun, I’m slathering on Banana Boat Sport sunscreen and wearing Tifosi sunglasses, which adjust automatically when exposed to UV rays. Electronics-wise, I’m taking my Jaybird Bluebuds bluetooth headphones and am hoping for an early birthday present (hint hint, Hubby) — the Garmin Forerunner 910XT — to help me track mileage and stay on pace. I’ll also use the easy-on, easy-off Fuel Belt Race Number Belt and apply ample amounts of TriSlide to avoid hot spots.

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One of the most essential items on the trails, though? A good hydration pack, which not only allows you to carry and consume water between aid stations, but also makes it easier to have other essentials — such as fuel, extra clothing, first aid items, etc. — at your fingertips throughout the race.

Focus on fit and function; you want something that’s comfortable, compact and efficient so you have everything you need without extra bulk. My favorite is the 2013 Trail Runner Magazine Gear of the Year Award-winning Ultimate Direction Jenny Women’s Ultra Vesta, which is made specifically for women with an adjustable fit.

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No more water bladder slapping against your back here; the Ultra Vesta’s front strap-mounted holsters offer quick, immediate access to twin 10-ounce water bottles, which are concave against the body and positioned higher on the chest to keep from bouncing against…well, you know.

Besides all the pockets for my cell phone, gels, keys, etc. there’s also a main rear compartment that will accommodate a 70 oz. reservoir (sold separately) for longer treks. And, believe it or not, there’s even an ice axe loop, two trekking pole loops, plus reflective accents for low-light visibility, making this a virtual Swiss Army Knife of packs for all kinds of outings and conditions.

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So what am I planning on putting in the pack while running? Well, hopefully not too much…I’m aiming for that delicate balance of being prepared between aid stations (which are usually very well-stocked) and not over-packing, which will fatigue me more quickly.

– Ward Off Hanger: What’s been working well in training runs is a mixture of PocketFuel for sustained energy, Salted Caramel Gu Energy Gel for a quick hit of sugar and Bonk Breaker energy bars for something more “food”-like. And, of course, Gin Gins Candies from The Ginger People and good ‘ole TUMS to help keep my stomach settled.

– Quench Thirst: I’ll fill my water bottles with Osmo Nutrition Active Hydration for the first leg, and I’m aiming to drink every 10 minutes or so throughout the day. Ideally, I’ll refill the bottles at each aid station, most likely with a mix with water and whatever electrolyte drink they’re providing on the course.

50KRecovery

And although the first goal of the day is to cross that finish line in one piece, setting myself up to recover well comes in a close second. The body takes quite a beating over the course of 30-plus miles, so it’s key to remember a few things to aid with muscle repair and regeneration.

– Refuel and Rebuild: Immediately after finishing (while hitting up the post-race buffet!), I like to mix a packet of Vega Recovery Accelerator in a bottle of water. It’s an all-natural, plant-based recovery drink mix specifically developed to replenish energy and electrolytes, reduce inflammation, muscle and joint pain, support immune system and protein synthesis, and reduce recovery time. Then when I get home, I mix up a recovery smoothie made with Osmo Acute Recovery for Women, a banana, almond milk and ice for an extra boost of nutrition.

– Relax and Recover: Finally, one of my favorite post-race treats is a hot shower followed by an afternoon nap in compression gear, which helps reduce swelling and just plain feels good on tired legs. I’ll usually layer Coeur Zipper Tights with Vim & Vigr socks and elevate my legs to start the healing process and make it easier to get out of bed and maneuver around the next day.

What’s your favorite gear to get you through those long trail runs? 

Happy Earth Day! 5 ways to “green” your exercise routine

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Most people equate Earth Day with reduction, whether it’s waste, electricity or water, but you can also celebrate the holiday by doing something positive – both for the planet and your health.

One idea? Escape the confines of your gym with an outdoor workout. Not only do jungle gyms and park benches double as fun ways for sneaking in strength training, but a recent study from the journal of Environmental Science and Technology also found that there are actual benefits to your mental and physical well-being by exercising outside.

Now that’s the gift that keeps on giving long after the holiday.

Below are four more ways to show your appreciation for Mother Nature while breaking a sweat today:

  • Use equipment that doesn’t require electricity. Try a manual treadmill, such as the TrimWalk, which requires no power (unless you count sheer willpower, of course). Simply set the pace and go, and when you’re finished, it folds and stores conveniently under a bed. If you’re up for a bigger challenge, try a bike generator, which allows athletes to translate their exertion into energy, in the form of a 12-Volt battery.
  • Practice eco-running. The mission? Simply lace up your running shoes, grab a garbage bag and jog around town, filling it with trash. Sure, in the grand scheme of things it’s a small step, but it’s more about raising awareness for personal responsibility and creating momentum for a more positive impact on the planet. Visit EcologyRunner for more information on this movement, a brainchild of Samuel Huber, who created it to merge his two passions.
  • Participate in a local Earth Day event. Get involved, and help rally your community to make a difference! Visit EarthDay.org to view a list of events happening around the world, including celebrations, beach clean-ups, conservation talks, conferences, festivals and more.
  • Get some eco-friendly fitness gear. Enhance your workout with equipment that works well and does some good. For example:
      • Amplify your ability to give back with LSTN Troubadors headphones. Not only are they made of reclaimed beech wood, ebony wood or cherry wood casing, but for every purchase, the company will also help restore hearing to a person in need through the Starkey Hearing Foundation.
      • Close the gap between your active lifestyle and others’ needs with the MiiR Growler water bottle. For each bottle purchased, one person in need is supplied with water for a year.
      • Finally, hydrate responsibly with Treeson spring water. For every bottle sold, a tree is planted — and each bottle comes with a mailing label so it can be returned via USPS to be put through a special process that turns it into clean energy used to make more bottles.

How are you honoring Earth Day this year? 

Fave Fix: My must-have run gear for triathlon training

RunGear

If you’ve read my posts on favorite picks for the swim and bike legs of triathlon training, you know that today’s topic is one that’s near and dear to my heart: the run portion!

While the gear may seem like a no-brainer (just shoes, right?) compared to the other disciplines, this is the one I tend to geek out over…so expect a few more bells and whistles.

Again, I’ve broken it down into ‘essentials’ and ‘extras’ according to what’s been working well for me; I like to think of training days as dress rehearsals for races, so I can work out most of the kinks beforehand.

Run Essentials:

– Shoes: I haven’t found a shoe yet that can top the trusty Asics Gel Kayano. Although I throw other brands into the mix on occasion, I keep coming back to this brand and style. Lesson learned: If you’ve got a good thing going, stick with it!

– Shirt: I sweat. A lot. Like wring-your-clothes-out-after-a-run kinda stuff. So I like shirts like this Nike Dri-FIT Knit Short Sleeve that are light and moisture-wicking. Because there’s nothing worse than the chafage that happens from clingy, wet run clothing.

– Shorts: Another longtime favorite is the Lululemon Groovy Run Short. No, I don’t have the controversial ‘thigh gap’ that this particular brand celebrates…but for some reason the length and fit just work for my body type, so I use ’em anyway.

– Sports Bra: Ladies, if you’re like me and have a bad habit of carrying too much crap in your hands when running (gels, phone, keys, etc.), the Coeur Sports Checkmate Sports Bra might be up your alley. It’s cute, yeah, but it’s also got a handy between-the-boobs pocket where you stash small items.

Run Extras:

– Compression: Whether or not they’re performance-enhancing is debatable, but I love the feel of CEP Progressive+ Calf Sleeves. Like a hug for lower legs, they dampen some of the effects of high-mileage pounding.

– Race Belt: I used the safety-pin method for years before buying a Fuel Belt Race Number Belt. Sure, it’s for easy-on-easy-off of the race number, but I also use it to remind myself to put my chip on my shoe (long story short, I forgot once – never again!). And in longer races, I use a larger Nike waistpack like this one for carrying a few essentials, such as cell, gel, keys and cash.

– Race Socks: Step one: Spray feet with anti-chafing TriSlide. Step two: Pull on a nice thick pair of Drymax Maximum Protection Running Socks to keep feet happy and blister-free. ‘Nuff said.

– Nutrition: Over the years, I’ve tried all sorts of things on the run because I am usually managing some kind of GI issue, but right now I use a combination of Salted Caramel Gu Energy Gel for a quick burst of energy, PocketFuel for sustained energy and Gin Gins Candies from The Ginger People to settle my stomach. When it comes to drinking, I pre-load with Osmo Nutrition and use it mid-run with some Nuun and Ignite Naturals thrown in for good measure. Because I tend to have a tender tummy, I like to rotate products to keep from developing an aversion to any one taste.

– Hydration: My major find most recently? The Ultimate Direction Jenny Women’s Ultra Vesta hydration pack. It’s a lifesaver on long training runs, and a must-have for the trails as I prep for my first ultramarathon in May. Made specifically for women — from the comfy cut to the light weight — you can cram so much in this thing, yet still run comfortably for hours.

– Accessories: Sometimes it takes tunes to get into the zone, so I use my Jaybird Bluebuds bluetooth headphones to run without having to worry about getting tangled in a cord, and many times I’ll run without sunglasses but still want to keep the sun out of my eyes, so I’ll throw on the light-as-air Nike Feather Light Visor for some shade.

– Recovery: Once viewed as a necessary evil, I now look forward to some quality time with The GRID foam roller from Trigger Point Performance Therapy and my M80 roller to roll out the kinks. And another great find? Vim & Vigr Compression Socks for travel to and from races — not only do they come in adorable patterns and designs, but they also help keep legs fresh beforehand and bounce back more quickly after.

– Watch: Notice anything missing here? I used to have Nike+ Sport Watch GPS, which I used religiously…until it died (RIP, old friend). So now I’m searching — and saving up! — for a more swim/bike/run-friendly model. Any suggestions?

Next up…Hubby and I are hitting Napa for the HITS Olympic-distance triathlon tomorrow. Stay tuned to social media for updates, and I’ll be doing a quick recap and full race report next week. Wish us luck!

Fave Fix: My must-have cycle gear for triathlon training

CycleGear

Last week I talked about my favorite swim gear for triathlon training, and now it’s time to move on to the second leg: Cycling!

It’s arguably the most expensive discipline, but that does NOT mean you have to empty your bank account in order to be competitive.

Again, I’ve broken it down into ‘essentials’ and ‘extras’ according to what I personally use, but you can stay as conservative or get as crazy as you’d like!

Cycle Essentials: 

– Bike: Duh. But while the whole ‘two wheels’ part is non-negotiable, the price you pay can vary greatly. I did my first few sprint-distance races on an older Cannondale commuter bike I bought off of Craigslist, for example, before moving up to my current Giant Avail Composite 3 (aka “Winnie”).

– Pedals: I also biked my sprint tris in running shoes (shhh!), but figured it was about time to get serious — and get clipped in — for longer distances. Enter the easy-in, easy-out Shimano Click’r pedals, which are technically more for mountain biking than road, but they still count. It’s all about baby steps!

– Shoes: Since I invested in my bike this season, I decided not to go all out on the footwear. Sure, a fancy carbon-fiber sole is stiffer and gives better transfer of power, but my standard Shimano cycling shoes do the trick just fine for now.

– Helmet: Eventually, I’d also like to upgrade my helmet to make sure my noggin’s better protected from concussions, but right now I have a basic Giro helmet that’s worked well for the past few years.

Cycle Extras: 

– Tools: While technically not essential to the actual riding part, having some tools to to a quick tire change will definitely help get you back up and running in the event of a flat. I have a spare tube, tire levers, bike-specific multi-tool wrench, CO2 cartridges and an inflator or pump. You can cobble this all together or buy the whole kit ‘n’ kaboodle here.

– Kit: The more I ride, the more I appreciate a really good race kit. Case in point: Coeur Sports’ tri tank and tri shorts, which have a women’s-specific fit, plus other extras like anti-friction seams, antimicrobial fabric, seam-free chamois, plenty of pockets and more…all in super-flattering, fun designs.

– Accessories: This is mostly based on personal preference — and how fancy you want to get — but I have two favorites here: Tifosi eyewear and Ibex arm warmers to keep the sun (and bugs) out of your eyes and to take the edge off when it’s chilly out, respectively.

– Nutrition: I’m still practicing that whole multitasking (eating and drinking while riding) thing on the bike, but what’s been working well during brick workouts is Osmo Active Hydration and Bonk Breaker Energy Bars, so I’m planning on sticking with the same during Sunday’s race, as well.

What are your must-have items for cycling?