Tag Archive for "apparel" -

Protect your Investment

If you’re buying any of these wonderful products for me or your loved ones, it makes sense to help care for them. Runnergirl has be singing the praises of SportWash to everyone ever since she bought her Metropolis jacket. If you’re not familiar with this jacket by The North Face, it is a 600-fill down coat that is long, warm, and beautiful. Runnergirl is in love with it, and she even called The North Face to ask how to care about it. They talked about the need to wash and care for the coat in order to keep it looking and performing well.

SportWash provides a lot of benefit to performance fabrics. It can keep the pores from becoming clogged (traditional detergents clog the pores). This helps the fabric to breathe better and also improves the water resistance.For your outer layer, both of these are vital benefits to enjoying your run.

SportWash also helps your interior layers; it cleans out the oils and sweat. This means that SportWash will help prevent your performance fabrics from stinking at the end of the season. $12! For all that performance? Definitely a bargain! Buy one for all the runners on your list.

14th December 2010

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Looking good, running comfortably

Today’s item for the runners’ wishlists: The Nike Therma Lite Long Sleeve Crew. I love this shirt even if I’m opposed to the silly spelling of “lite.” Most winter days call for a long sleeve base layer and a jacket. Maybe a thermal layer in between on days (like today) featuring an arctic wind. This top can function either as the base layer or the thermal layer. Also nice, it looks sweet. I really like the ribbed texture: I think it makes it look classier than most running shirts. It’s a nice deal at $45, too.

These have been going out of the store pretty quickly, so I wouldn’t wait on it. Saturday, December 18, is the Shopping Jam in Holland. We usually have quite a crowd waiting to get into the store. From 8-9 am, you can take 20% one item (non-Garmin). It drops to 15% at 9:00. The sale ends at 10:00, so set your alarm. Feel free to come in with bed head like the model to the right.

13th December 2010

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Jackets Part II

I’m not always running. Sometimes I am shopping downtown or playing in the snow with my two boys. When I’m not running, the Windwall by The North Face is awesome. It isn’t really waterproof, but it is nearly impervious to wind. Most fleeces are soft but are only good as a thermal layer because the wind cuts through them with virtually no resistance. Not true with the Windwall. It is rated at 14 CFM. That means that the wind is not coming through this jacket. I don’t like to wear a big, bulky jacket, so this is enough for most days. Plus, it looks good. Help your runner looks good; buy this jacket. Shoot, for only $99, buy one for yourself, too.

12th December 2010

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Jackets Part I

A good running jacket is a must for year-round runners. It doesn’t take much warmth to run all winter, but your runner needs something to cut the wind and repel a little of the soft, wintery snow. If you get a good one, it will last you several seasons, too. I’ve been using the same jacket for seven winters now. When it is time to replace my jacket, I want the Nike Shifter Jacket.

The Nike Shifter Jacket is available at Gazelle for only $100.

I like this jacket because of its versatility. The sleeves easily zip off to use as a vest. This makes it more of a three-season coat. It also has extra large zippers on the pockets that act as vents. I wouldn’t use the media pocket because I rarely run with an Ipod, but I could. Finally, you can tell this jacket was designed by runners. The Gu pocket on the back is angled. If you’ve ever tried to get something out of a pocket on your back, then you know the ones that go straight across are extremely awkward to use. Nike placed the pocket at an angle to make it more ergonomical.

12th December 2010

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Dear Santa,

From now until Christmas, I’ve decided to add a post everyday. Each post will be a new gift idea for the runner in your life. You may also feel free to buy any of these as a gift for your dedicated blogger.

As I looked around Gazelle Sports, I debated where to start. Running is a simple sport. We don’t need much. That doesn’t mean that we lack wants. Gazelle Sports is full of gear that I want because good gear makes running more comfortable. The cold magnifies the comfort derived from good gear. I decided to start at the top.

Being follically challenged, I need a hat to keep my head warm. The SmartWool Cuffed Beanie is great. Of course you’re familiar with the wonderful SmartWool socks. They keep you cool in the summer and warm in the winter. They do this because they (like this hat) are so fantastic at wicking moisture away from your skin. The soft Merino wool will wick the sweat away when it is still in the vapor state. Dry is more comfortable than damp, so go with the SmartWool. The hat fits snug against your dome and looks good enough to wear around town, too. The Cuffed Beanie is also available in several great colors. Best of all, it retails for a mere $25.

10th December 2010

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More compression

I’ve done a little more research on compression this week. All the staff was treated to a training session with representatives of CW-X and Saucony regarding the benefits of compression technology. Both of these reps referred to the improved oxygen flow provided by compression. Saucony also told us about a new product they are releasing that takes compression one step farther.

Saucony is weaving Celliant fibers into their compression gear. Celliant is a special fiber that recycles the energy emitted by our bodies. The Saucony studies (done be independent doctors) show that this fiber is even more effective that traditional or targeted compression alone. That’s even their slogan, “Everything else is just compression.” In fact, the Saucony studies seem to show that weaving Celliant into their compression line improves oxygen delivery by 32%.

Now, Celliant has been around for a while. They’ve actually been using it since the 1990′s. I remember hearing about it a couple years ago when a special Iron Man mattress was released. Celliant claims (and provides studies to support) that it improves blood flow and regulates body temperture more effectively than other products. This leads to better recovery, better sleep, and better training. They incorporate this product into mattresses, pillows, sheet sets, and now clothing.

Saucony deeply believes in this technology. They have incorporated it into both training and recovery gear; the line is called Amp Pro 2. The recovery gear is designed to wear for extended periods of time. It is not quite as tight and is seemed so as to be comfortable for lounging around and even sleeping. Todd Dalhausser, general manager of Saucony apparel says, “Athletes who recover by sleeping in AMP PRO2 wake up feeling refreshed and ready to work out that much harder the next day.” You can even buy a full body suit to help you recover. I don’t think RunnerGirl would be crazy about me wearing that around town, though.

These are the recovery tights. No, it's not me in them.

The performance tights are a little tighter and contain a higher concentration of Celliant fiber. The performance tights are supposed to make the muscles more efficient not only be improving oxygen transportation but also by controlling muscle vibration and movement. This allows athletes to work out harder and longer before fatigue sets in. This is true not only for running but also for lifting and other activities.

They are just releasing this product this week, so I’m super excited to try it out. They’ll be selling shorts, tops, arm warmers, calf sleeves, and socks. Come in and check them out in person.

16th July 2010

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Run Safely

I’ve been running a lot at oh-dark-thirty and have noticed a disturbing thing about my fellow runners. There are a lot of folks dedicated (addicted) enough to run at this time, but many of them seem to be living dangerously. I’m not some SUV driving nut who swerves and screams at runners to get on the sidewalk, but runners need to protect themselves. A runner vs. two tons of steel is not a fair fight. Please wear reflective/illuminated gear and run safely.

Saucony Vizi PRO

The most common life endangering activity is running in dark clothing. Companies like Saucony and Brooks have been creating wonderfully bright running gear. Check out the Saucony ViZi-PRO. Not only is it obnoxiously orange, but it also has a blinking LED light on the sleeve. Every morning I run by people wearing the ubiquitous black running tights and a dark jacket. Often, I don’t see them until they are within 30 feet. Do you know how long it takes a car to travel 30 feet? If you don’t want to totally update your wardrobe, at least add couple of lights to your clothing. Gazelle sells plenty of options for lights, headlamps, and reflective bands: BE SEEN.

Now, dressing like a ninja would be okay if everyone was on the sidewalk, but hard core runners at 5:30 a.m. don’t like the sidewalk. They’re in the street. Not only are they in the street, but they are two or three abreast in the street. Often they’re on the wrong side of the street (runners/pedestrians should ALWAYS face traffic). Now, I know, sometimes there isn’t a sidewalk. Even if there is a sidewalk, concrete is a lot tougher on the legs and can contribute to stress fractures. I’m pretty sure that a giant pile of metal driving 45 m.p.h. will cause more than a stress fracture, though. If you must run on the road, have the decency to run single file on the left-hand shoulder.

An even better idea would be to find a traffic-free zone. I’ve seen a lot of runners lately at Windmill Island in Holland, MI. As I ran there yesterday afternoon, I realized that this is Holland’s version of Central Park. Once you get onto the island, there is a paved path that is somewhere around half a mile. No cars. Do as many laps as you want wearing your black, non-reflective running gear while listening to your Ipod.

Whatever you do, please be safe out there. Be reflective. Alertly run on the left-hand shoulder. Don’t assume drivers see you. Don’t stake your legal claim to the road because a half-awake driver may not see you. They may not know the law or they may not care. Every runner is an ambassador for the sport. If we’re antagonizing drivers and endangering our lives, we’re not representing the sport we love very well.

Monday: 9 @ race pace or faster
Tuesday: 6
Wednesday: 6
Thursday: 6
Friday: 6
Saturday:18
Sunday: rest

Totals for the Week: 51
Totals for the Year: 524

Mark Remy brought up several similar points in his blog on runnersworld.com (Remy, Mark. “RW Daily.” Runnersworld.com. 8 Jan 2009. Web. 18 March 2010)

18th March 2010

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People’s Choice Awards

What makes a race good? I wondered this as I watched a recent race finish. I’ve run the race before, and it is a fun race. As I watched runners finish with cars buzzing by them on the busy street (the roads were not closed), I wondered why people run this race, though. There’s no clock, only one aid station, roads are open and busy. It is less supported than the training group’s long runs, but it is still wildly popular.

On January 20, the Runners’ World Daily awarded their “people’s choice” awards. They named things like most popular article and most popular video. I liked the idea so much that I decided to ask you all to vote for your favorites in a variety of categories.

Of course, no one shoe is perfect for everyone. Many people are intensely loyal to their brand, though. What works for you?

You’re a well-balanced athlete, so you do all of these workouts sometimes. Which one do you love most, though.

Back to where we started, what’s your favorite race?

Weekly Training Log
Monday: 6 easy (nasty cold/congestion)
Tuesday:6 easy (nasty cold/congestion)
Wednesday: 5 easy (nasty cold/congestion)
Thursday: 8.5
Friday: 8 w/ 3 X (2X 1200 @ 5:52 with 2:00 recovery) and 4:00 recovery between sets
Saturday: 5 plus core workout
Sunday: 15 with significant hills
Totals for the Week: 53.5 + 1 core workout
Totals for the year: 193 + 4 core workouts

1st February 2010

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Running Secret:

I’m going to let you in on a little secret. The secret to the best running outfit ever. No, it’s not a matchy-matchy Nike outfit of the newest color theme, it’s not the hottest compression tights (though they are great,) it’s not a new hat or gloves or neck warmer. It’s what my Dad and I have named MOINKA (Moy-n-ka)

Moinka: To wear shorts and a long sleeved top for any outdoor activity. Beneficial and enjoyable to both men and women. (Running, hiking, BBQ-ing, etc…)

Moinka is a term that my Dad and I came up with when we were working out in the yard one early Fall day and we both realized how much we love wearing shorts and a long sleeved top–so from that moment on we named it and for the past ten years have continued to call it MOINKA… help me start a revolution. MOINKA, it’s a silly word that only has meaning once you start using it in the context of my definition. So start, not only wearing it, but saying it. Lets make this word known and see if we can be like Rachel Ray and EVOO and get it in the dictionary!

Example of Moinka

Back to running:

When the weather in late summer starts to get chillier in the evening this is when Moinka season really kicks off. Today I’m writing about Moinka Running. My FAVORITE kind of running. The weather is brisk, the leaves have begun to turn to firery oranges and angry reds, there are crunchy leaves to stomp on on the sidewalk, the air smells clean with a hint of apples… it’s Autumn and it’s beautiful.
I debated this morning pulling out my tights and wearing a light, long sleeved top. But before I changed from my pj’s to my running gear I stepped outside and knew instantly that it was the perfect morning for Moinka.

Some MOINKA Benefits:
~You get to show off that summer tan just a little bit longer.
~You still get to wear your long sleeves that you miss from last winter
~Temperature control is a snap…
-Long sleeves
-Short sleeves with arm warmers/gloves
-Short sleeves UNDER long sleeves with the option to take off said long sleeves.
-Long sleeves with vest (if it’s really getting chilly, you must keep your core warm!)
~Smaller loads of laundry for just a bit longer.

So with all of this said about MOINKA I’m asking you to give it a try, tell me what you think, spread the word and USE the word!… I know you’ll love it.

14th October 2009

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Wear what you want, just run!

One would think that a Gazelle Sports employee would have a million pairs of shorts, tons of tech tops, of course in every color and of the most up to date season. In reality, well, my poor college students reality at least: I have a few pairs of the sale shorts and any tech top I own has either been given to me through a hand-me down or I’ve gotten in a race packet. The majority of my purchases at Gazelle consist of Mojo Clif Bars, Luna Bars and maybe a really cute top that I just couldn’t not have.

So on my run this morning 3 of my 3 running shorts were dirty. I mean really dirty, I’ll run in a pair two or three times before they get washed to save on water—or I’m just lazy and don’t like to do laundry, but pretty much all my running apparel was due for washing. But still had to get a run in before I headed to the store to sell shoes for the day.

In the bottom of my drawer I found an old pair of soccer shorts, (I think I bought a kids large at side walk sales last year) and a race T-shirt I had yet to sport and I hit the road. Running my usual quick out and back I felt good, slight wedgie from the different shorts—nothing major. Late morning heat had set in and I broke into a great sweat. I got home faster than I felt I was running. Good start to a Friday!

My point of this little story is that you don’t need anything to run but a good pair of shoes, two legs, two feet and some pavement to pound. No one passed by me and snickered at my sorta-running sorta-soccer outfit. I was running for me. I wasn’t running for my neighbor, or my boss, or my grandma (who tells me to be careful every time I leave the house for a run).

I’m not trying to tell you to stop buying running apparel. The running clothes lines out are really cute and fun. But I know that breaking into a new sport can be intimidating if you don’t’ have the right stuff. Because really soccer shorts aren’t great to any kind of distance in, like I said: I got a wedgie. Now running shorts have a liner so the need for wedgie causing underwear is eliminated. Cotton shirts are not the best option but under that cotton race shirt I had a moisture wicking bra and I wasn’t really out that long to feel the effects of chaffing I would have if I’d been out a bit longer. Or thrown some Body Glide around my arms pits.
So I guess my message of this blog post is to tell new runners that they really have no excuse to not be running. No one cares what you’re wearing (and if they do ditch that running group and find a cooler one.), group runs are to have fun, get some exercise in and enjoy the day and company of fellow runners.