Product Review: Altra "The Instinct" Zero Drop.

Now, this review may be a bit different experience than some as I have been running in minimalist shoes for a while.  Max over at "Back of the Pack Max,"  told me that she loved hers from the first time she had put them on.  I get this thought - as I felt that way about the Vibram Five Fingers.  Like the Altra running shoes, they two are zero drop.  Since I am coming from the VFFs, it seems that a comparison is inevitable.

Product Review: Runtastic (comparison to Cardiotrainer)

When I realized there had to be an easier way to track my mileage than doing it manually, I looked for apps on the Android Market (this was before it was "Google Play")  I tried several, and ended up using Cardiotrainer as it did everything I was looking for.  As time passed, they even added a heart rate monitor, which I as a good consumer went out and bought it.

Falling for an age-old weakness- When I saw Runtastic for sale on the Google Play store for .25 for the pro version (there is a free version,) I bought it.  Then I felt I had to try it (I spent a whole quarter on it after all!)

Product Review - The Stick

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So I got one of the "Stiff" sticks for Christmas from my darling wife and have mentioned it in many posts - yet I have never done a "formal" product review.  In case you are not a daily reader of my Blog  and found this site through googling "the stick product review,"  let me start out by saying - I LOVE THE STICK!!!  It is one of the greatest inventions in my humble opinion. (By the way, if you are not a daily reader of my blog, this is easy to remedy, just click the "Sign me up! button over there --->  )

I was first introduced to it at the Marine Corps Marathon Expo.  My family and I were walking around like tourists in NY city for the first time, when we went by the booth for "the stick."  The clever salesman asked me if I had any muscle issues - which those who have read my blog know my trouble spots are my calves. - and had me sit down.  He started on my hamstring, as the muscle groups AROUND the trouble spot all contribute - since muscles work together.  He then hit my calves.

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It. Was. Heaven.

The only way I can describe it, is that it was like a personal masseuse had appeared out of nowhere and decided to massage my tight, sore, and all-too-often-pulled calf muscles.  The video below shows how to use this wonderful item.  I have one that is longer and stiffer than the one in the video (no sexual innuendo intended,) as I ordered the one used on me at the expo.  He demonstrates wonderfully how to use it on your calf muscles - but doesn't show the hamstrings.  Luckily it is pretty much the same thing - just higher up your leg!

Product Review: ifitness belt and hydration add-on.

[caption id="attachment_1431" align="alignleft" width="300"] Obviously not me wearing it. Picture is from ifitnessinc.com[/caption]

So last August, Detroit Runner did a giveaway for an ifitness belt (edited on 8/15/2013 - the company name has changed to fitletic) which I was fortunate enough to win.  I have worn it several times on runs and in races, although I haven't said much about it. Well, today - that changes!

This is a running item I didn't even know that I needed.  I always found a place to stash my car-keys at races, and then just hoped they would still be there.  Now I was fortunate and they always were, but it never stopped crossing my mind that it might not remain that way.  I was able to pick from any of the colors of the single pouch neoprene running belts, and went with black/grey (it goes with anything after all.)  I have found it to be

It's a GREAT day!!!!!!

ok, So lots of fantastic things happening in the last 24 hours.  First one was ---- I WON!!!!  I am one of those people with abysmal luck.. I enter contests but never expect to win. I pay for a raffle ticket because I like the cause, not because I hope to win. I sign up for a few contests online here and there - mostly so that  the bloggers know they have one more reader.. But this morning? I WON!!!!

Over on Detroit Runner's blog (you should stop by and read - he is training for the detroit marathon)- he had a contest for an ifitness belt for free (donated by ifitness.)  It helps you carry your phone, wallet, fuel, what ever else you stick on it to keep with you in a non-chafing way.  I am a big fan of not chaffng.

[caption id="attachment_808" align="aligncenter" width="640" caption="Screen Shot of the ifitness website product page. (http://www.ifitnessinc.com/products.htm)"][/caption]

I have fired off an email to Jeff over at Detroit Runner - After it arrives and I get to test it out - I will post a review here!

Another great thing? THE KIDS STARTED SCHOOL AGAIN!!!  I don't think I need to elaborate on THAT one...

Product Review: CardioTrainer

I think all runners (and I imagine bike-riders as well) eventually start getting really obsessed curious about tracking their mileage.  One solution that seems pretty popular is to get a Garmin - a great option if you have some extra cash around.  But what about those of us that only have extra money around tax time?  Well many of us have so-called "SmartPhones" which often include built-in GPS.  This can be a fantastic feature while trying to drive from point A to point B, but has it occurred to you that there are other uses for a gps-imbued phone as well?

Product Review: "Men's Starter Compression Shorts" from Walmart.

So, this review is going to be a no brainer for long-time runners.  I suggest skipping right over it.  However, for newer runners it might be helpful!

I have read about "compression shorts" - and thought to myself that I needed a pair for my longer runs.  I don't have skinny thighs and in my longer runs - I would end up with some chaffing.  Nothing to major, but it was uncomfortable.

This concerned me a bit - especially as I am training for a run that was about 3-4 times as long as my longest runs at the time.  If 6-7 miles left me slightly chafed, what was 26 miles 385 yards going to do to me???

My buddy Dustin (he is training to run the Marine Corps Marathon with me) has used compression shorts all along on his long runs. (I guess in addition to being stronger than I am - he may be smarter too!)  Well I finally broke down and bought a pair. I'm cheap - so I got them from Wal-Mart for $10. 

I think compressions shorts may be one of the greatest things ever created for runners.  Seriously.  These things rank right up there with Vibram Five Fingers in my opinion.  But, I do want to stress one thing. NO ONE should EVER wear compression shorts without other shorts over them unless they are on a bike.  I mean literally ON a bike. If you are going to get off a bike and walk around in them - PUT SHORTS ON OVER THEM!!!  (No one wants to see your junk.)  There are very few people who can wander around in these things and not make other people feel slightly ill. One of the easy ways to know if this applies to you - is do you question if it might apply to you? If so, don't do it.

I mention this so that you realize I run with compression shorts - but with other shorts on over them.   This allows me the benefit without making everyone else pay for it.

I haven't ever tried a pair of "good" compression shorts - only cheapies from Wal-Mart.  I may pick up a good pair to see if there is any difference - but I don't suspect that they are 4 times as good as the Wal-Mart ones (since the price is four times as much.)

To any new runners out there that don't own a pair? GO GET THEM FOR YOUR LONG RUNS!!!! You will thank me for it after your next 10 miler.

Injinji Performance Toe Sock Review

Good Morning out there!  Today is an interesting post - but then aren't all product reviews interesting? I love to try new things!  Today you get to hear about my first run in my Injinji Performance Mini-crew Toe Socks!

One of the things I have been asked over and over in wearing my Vibram Five Fingers, is "Doesn't having things between your toes drive you nuts?"  Well, with the VFFs alone? No.  The Injinji socks are a bit thicker than the VFFs and I DEFINITELY feel them compared to just the VFFs.  This was to be expected, though it annoyed me as I walked around in them.    I was not going to let this get me down, as running in something is very different from just wearing them. The VFFs were very noticeable when I first started wearing them, but now I don't notice them.