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Winter Running Gear Guide

a runner — Tue, 29 Dec 2009 18:49:25 +0000

My most favourite piece of my running outfit is my balaclava. I got this a while ago from my brother to use when snowboarding but one winter blustery ice rainy day I realized that hat could be a great addition to my winter running gear. It’s stayed with me since. It is important to purchase a good balaclava for running to protect the face from the cold wind and maintain warmth. There is a lot of moisture that gets into the hat from the sweat you generate. Accumulation of your body heat plus your breathing mixed with the outside elements gets you one frozen mouth piece. So usually when I complete my runs, my balaclava would literally be a block of ice, well my Balaclava is a fleece one. SO in saying that, I would recommend if you live in a really cold climate to invest in a good balaclava. One that wicks away the moisture, warm but not too heavy, allows you to breathe freely and not fleece.

Dryline BalaClava is from the Running Room. It provides great protection against the elements. You can wear sunglasses or a visor underneath the balaclava. It also fits close to your skin, has mesh area for your mouth so you can breath and the hot air doesn’t get trapped in your hat. This will keep you warm when running in the winter.

Dryline Headband from the Running Room is if you’re not into the full head coverage. This headband will draw perspiration from your skin to the garment surface, keepingyou warm and dry while running. This covers your forehead, ears and back of your head.

I would get the Windpro Bandana to combine with the Dryline Headband to protect your neck, chin and from getting chapped lips.

Remember to take your balaclava off before you walk into any store, they might think you are there for other purposes besides getting a refreshing drink……Speaking from experience….

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More end of year sales…

a runner — Tue, 29 Dec 2009 04:55:07 +0000

Just wanted to mention I found more end of year sales for running apparel from RunWorldWide.com. They are offering free shipping if you choose 4-7 day shipping. If you want 3 day shipping it’s only $3.00. I assume it’s usually more expensive, but the free shipping with closeout running gear sale looks pretty appealing.

Couple of deals:

ASICS Womens Core Microfiber Running Shorts – $16
ASICS Womens Thermopolis Half Zip Run Top – $60
ASICS Aliso Hoody Jacket – $36

Most include free shipping.

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Garmin Forerunner 305 Review

a runner — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 14:13:27 +0000

review | specifications | shop


	Where to buy

	Price range: $154.99 – $200.99
	Authorized stores

	Store	Price
	Buy.com	$154.99
	BestBuy.com	$179.99
	TigerGPS	$189.99
	UnbeatableSale.com	$200.99
	Target.com	$159.99

Product Summary


The good: Great reception, compact, good battery life	Overall: Comfort: Style:
The bad: Takes a long time to acquire a signal.
The bottom line: This is the ultimate training watch for runners. Upload your run data and Garmin will show you a chart, graph, map, and elevation of your run.
Specifications: ;See full specs
Price range: $154.99 – $200.99 check prices

True Running Editors’ Review>

I lost my Garmin Forerunner!!! I’m so fustrated because I can’t find it. The Garmin was an important part of my workouts. I used it everywhere I went. I used it for spinning, hiking, swimming, ultimate, snowboarding and of course running. It stored 40 hours of full run history and data in my watch. I didn’t even get to upload my run data before I lost it! So, anyways, you should upload your data frequently. The old run data is automatically deleted when memory is needed to store data for new runs. The reception in the suburbs is great. I had no problems when running on trails. The only problem was when I was in the city and surrounded by a lot of buildings did I have problems catching a signal. It’s a great training tool. The Forerunner 305 shows pace, distance, calories, and heart rate all while running. It’s a definite buy for serious runners. So this post is for myself and for you if you are looking to buy the Garmin Forerunner 305. I did some research on prices and will keep the post updated if I find any great deals.

Specifications>


Manufacturer: Garmin, Ltd
Details	Features and Benefits
Style Number: Forerunner 305 GPS: High-Sensitivity SiRFstarIII architecture Weight: 2.72 oz. (77 grams) Display (WxH): 1.3″ x 0.8″ (33mm x 20.3mm) Physical size (WxHxD): 2.1″ x .7″ x 2.7″ (53.3mm x 17.8mm x 68.6mm) Lap Memory: 1,000 laps Battery: Rechargeable internal lithium ion Battery Life: 10 hours (typical use) Waterproof: IEC 60529 IPX7 standards (submersible in one meter of water for up to 30 mins.) Alerts: Time, distance, pace and heart rate	Features Courses feature lets you download recorded courses and compete against previous workouts Auto Pause pauses and resumes training timer based on a specified speed so you never have to start or stop the timer Auto Lap records lap data when you reach a specified time, distance or position so you never have to punch the lap button Virtual Partner lets you train against a digital person at specified time, distance or pace goals AutoScroll cycles through data pages during a workout

Where To Buy>

Garmin Forerunner 305 GPS

$154.99 – $200.99

Store	Customer rating	Price	Coupons
Buy now Authorized store		$154.99 View Mens/Womens Free Shipping	$5 off $100 or more. Coupon Expires 11/30/09.

Buy now Authorized store		$179.99 View Mens/Womens

Buy now Authorized store		$189.99 View Mens/Womens	Free Shipping Coupon Code

Buy now Authorized store		$200.99 View Mens/Womens	$10 off $120 or more. Coupon expires 12/30/09

Buy now Authorized store		$159.99 ViewMens/Womens	Spend $50 and get Free Shipping

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Gifts Ideas For Runners – Women’s Edition

a runner — Sun, 13 Sep 2009 19:41:24 +0000

If you are having a hard time figuring out what to get your female runner friend for Christmas, Birthday or just feel like surprising her with a special gift, I’ve compiled a list of gift ideas you can get her. Surprisingly runners need a lot of gear but carry very little. Most of what I carry while running are gifts from my friends and I love them all. Feel free to add your suggestions!

1. Garmin GPS Forerunner 305 Heart Rate Monitor/ GPS – $299

This is a great Christmas gift for runners. The Garmin Forerunner 305 combines a heartrate monitor, memory chronograph and GPS so she can download her previous times for specific courses and compete against herself for a new personal best. Great for trail runs, adventure races and dedicated outdoor training routines.

Click here to get free shipping on orders $45 or more.

Buy this gift now

2. Fuel Belt Helium 2 Bottle Belt – $39.95

This is a great Birthday present for runners. It’s Lightweight helium 3-D ventilated foam pads that provide highest level of breathability, comfort knit elastic with velcro closure. She can carry two 8 oz. bottles, cellphone, money and any essentials in a detachable race pocket. Reflective piping keeps her safe and visible during her night runs.

Click here to get free shipping on orders $75 or more.

Buy this gift now.

3. Ipod Nano 4th Generation – $153.99

This is a great Christmas gift for runners. The iPod Nano (4th gen) is more attractive and colorful and includes Apple’s new Genius playlist tool. It adds video to your music with the new built-in video camera. She can also have fun with the new pedometer, FM tuner and Voiceover. VoiceOver speaks the names of songs and artists so she can navigate her music without looking at the screen.

Click here to get free shipping. She can also get 25 free downloads for her iPod or any MP3 player.

Buy this gift now.

4. Salomon Women’s Fast II Jacket – $74.95

This is a great Christmas gift for runners. Lightweight-windproof-breathable softshell with thumb loops to cover her wrists and block out the cold. It has a slim performance fit, a chest pocket keeps an energy gels ready with reflective piping to keep her safe during her night runs.

Click here to get 33% off and get it for only $49.99. Also get free shipping on orders over $45.

Get this gift now.

5. Subscription to Runner’s World Magazine – $54 for 12 issues

This is a great Birthday present for runners. Runner’s World magazine will inform, educate and inspire her. Each issue of Runner’s World contains profiles, race coverage, training advice, nutrition information and product reviews.

Get free shipping and Save 62% on her subscription. Get 12 issues for only $20.

Buy this gift now.

6. Enduring Edge Sunglass by Oakley – $175

This can be a great birthday or Christmas gift for runners. These Oakley sunglasses have high-definition optics for unbeatable clarity and peripheral vision, plus lenses that help her adapt to any light conditions. Hydrophobic lens coating eliminates water sheen and repels dust, skin oils and lotions.

Purchase with your GAP card and get free shipping. Use coupon code: MYCARD

Buy this gift now.

7. Nike + iPod Sport Kit – $29

This will make a nice little gift for her. Nike+ lets her listen to tunes while she tracks her progress on her iPod nano, fully compatible with all nano generations. She just simply slips the Nike+ sensor into a shoe pocket or any other Nike+ Ready shoe, and head out for her run. She can pick her mix and motivate her runs.

Get free shipping on orders $48.95 and over.

Buy this gift now.

8. Spa GIft Certificates – Depends on the Package

This is a great Christmas gift for her. Running is really hard on the body and the best thing after a marathon is a spa and massage. It will let her unwind, be pampered and cared for from head to toe. This gift certificate does not expire and has thousands of spas locations worldwide. You can send her an instant email delivery.

Save 10% on WaySpa Gift Certificates

Get this gift now.

9. Winter Running Essentials

Nike Women’s Lightweight Running Gloves – $17.95

The cool weather glove is designed specifically for women and has thicker fabric over fingers, but cool mesh palms for maximum ventilation. Get this gift now.

Nike Lightweight Running Skull Cap – $14.95

A sure cure for her cold weather runs. This skull cap insulates her cranium while it wicks moisture away from her skin. Reflective elements improve her visibility to passing motorists during those early morning and evening runs. Get this gift now.

Get free shipping on orders $45 or more.

10. HotMedics Ultra Foot Massager – $49.99

This is a great Christmas gift for runners. It offers counter-rotational massage action to help her relieve worn muscles with true, “Thumb Pressure.” Soothing infrared heat provide relaxing heat therapy for her weary feet.

Get this for only $42.79 (16% off) with free shipping.

Buy this gift now.

11. Bliss Ultimate Foot Duo – $74

Makes a great gift Christmas gift for runners. The cream creates an instant moisture barrier to help alleviate her dryness and battle the buildup of corns and calluses. Also included is the Bliss Softening Sock Salve, 4.2ozA treatment balm that tenderizes her tough heels and toes. It soothes, smoothes, and softens the skin, leaving with insufferably soft soles.

Get free U.S. shipping on orders over $49 with free samples included with every order.

Buy this gift now.

12. adiStar Sunglasses – $150

This is a great Christmas or Birthday gift for runners. ClimaCool ventilation for unprecedented levels of anti-fog control and is completely adjustable including 7.5-base wrap around Vision AdvantageTM polycarbonate lenses. Ultra-lightweight and screwless SPXTM material for superior comfort, Traction GripTM for a secure fit. 100% UVA, B, and C protection.

Get free shipping on orders more than $149.

Buy this gift now.

13. Highland Jacket – $108

This is a great Christmas gift for runners. Give her the warmth of a jacket with the light weight for her next run. This semi-fitted jacket features full core protection from the wind with strategically-placed panels, while the breathable, wicking construction allows total mobility. Two-way front zip with locking slider, 360° reflectivity, two front zip pockets, and one left sleeve zip pocket.

Purchase with your GAP card and get free shipping. Use coupon code: MYCARD

Buy this gift now.

14. Polar F4 Heart Rate Monitor Watch – $99.95

This is a great Christmas gift for runners. This light weight and trim model is designed for the active lifestyle and is ideal for her. It is easy to use and provides all important data regarding her current, average and maximum heart rate. Its adjustable target zone and practical ZonePointer function make sure that her workout stays at the right level of intensity.

Purchase now for only $71.96, save $27.99 (28% Off).

Buy this gift now.

15. Nike Featherweight Cap – $20

This is a great little gift for runners. If features the Nike logo on the front and a velcro closure at the back. It’s adjustable and dri-fit.

Get free shipping on orders over $50.

Buy this gift now.

16. Sugoi Invertor Jacket – $149.99

This is a great Christmas gift for runners. Superb cold weather running performance with stretch fit and added ventilation. Has a sleek invisible zip pocket with glo reflective for her safe running at nights. This jacket has a breathable 3 layer 4-way stretch barrier that protects her from the wind, rain and cold Fast Fit means comfortable stretch with a next-to-body friction free fit for less drag.

Get this jacket for only $114.95 (23% Off) with free shipping.

Buy this gift now.

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Running Gear In the Fall

a runner — Tue, 01 Sep 2009 04:23:04 +0000

Now that Summer is gone and Fall is around the corner, runners must change running gear and apparel accordingly. Fall is considered the best time to run with moderate temperatures and cool weather conditions. It is a great opportunity for you to get out there for some running which is why most runners choose Fall marathons over any other season. What should you wear for a cool Autumn run? Find details below what running gear and apparel that you should have to stay comfortable, protected and safe through the Fall season.

Wear Layers

With the changing temperatures during the Fall season it’s hard to figure out what to wear. In the morning and evenings it’s cool. During the day it’s sunny, warm and with the occasional rain storms it makes it increasingly difficult to figure out what to wear. I recommend wearing light layers. It allows the body to adjust to the cool temperatures and you can start to remove pieces of clothing when you start to get warmed up. I’ve gone out many times in the past with a warm wicking or sweatshirt only to regret 15 minutes later that I can’t take it off!

I recommend wearing at most 3 layers of wicking fabrics like CoolMax. The innermost layer should be moisture-wicking for the purpose of keeping your skin dry. The second layer is a warmer long sleeve shirt or light jacket for the purpose of keeping you warm. Finally the third layer should be a windbreaker and worn depending on the weather. This layer is optional as you can use it to protect you from rain or really windy conditions.

I would still wear shorts to run during the Fall. If the weather is really bad then you can wear wicking shorts.

Wear Reflective Clothing

In the Autumn it gets dark faster which is why there is a big chance you will be running in the dark. Wear reflective clothing or flashing LED lights to ensure cars, bikers or other runners can see you.

Here are some stylish women’s running outfits I found…

Get This Running Outfit

Headwear:Athleta Base Miles Headband

Top: Saucony Ignite Shimmel

Jacket: Athleta Brisa Jacket

Pants: Nike Perfect Fit Capri

Get This Running Outfit

Headwear: Nike 6 Panel Tailwind 09

Top: Under Armour UA Proxima Shortsleeve Tee

Jacket: Athleta Highlands Jacket

Pants: Under Armour Steadfast Pants

Get This Running Outfit

Headwear: Adidas Teknik A-Flex

Top: Athleta Sleeveless Twist Top

Jacket: Pearl Izumi Elite Barrier Jacket

Pants: Saucony Boston Running Pant

Alternate Option: Printed Chase Skort

Get This Running Outfit

Headwear: Nike 6 Panel Tailwind 09

Top: Athleta Sleeveless Twist Top

Jacket: Pearl Izumi Whisper Vest

Bottom: Saucony Ignite Tight Running Short

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Buy the new Nike+ Sportsband

a runner — Fri, 17 Jul 2009 12:16:45 +0000

Wow, there’s such a craze about the new Nike+ Sportsband. The new and improved runners toy looks really sweet. For $59, the nike+ sportsband can tell you your pace, distance, and calories burned. I found the downfeature is that you can’t control your ipod from it. Why can’t they come up with these features so I wouldn’t have to attach another remote to it, would eliminate all these extra accessories. It does store 30 hours of workout information and then you can just connect it to your computer and upload your information to your computer or to the nike online community. Oh, and there are only 2 colors available – Grey Yellow and Grey Pink. Some slight corrections to make from my previous post when Nike+ Sportsband first came out 2 days ago.

nike+ Sportsband 2nd generation pink

You can buy the nike+ sportsband from:
the NikeRunning .com store.

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New Nike Sportsband

a runner — Wed, 15 Jul 2009 18:51:03 +0000

You can run faster with Nike’s new second generation Nike+ Sports band. They just unveiled this new toy today. Garmin has some serious competition since this device looks very chic with it’s two toned sleek design – Grey Pink, Grey Yellow and Grey Red sports bands. It shows calories burned, distance, pace, time and allows you to control your iPod Nano/Touch/iphone from your wrist with voice feedback on all your vitals. I’m trying to look everywhere to find where they sell it but it’s no where to be found yet.

I saw the old model and there were many complaints of water seeping into the display and condensation from sweat and then needed the product replaced. Nike eventually had to recall the first generation Nike+ Sports Watch. We’ll see how well they improved their product.

This new watch is very tempting as it only costs $59. It looks perfect for beginners or entry level runners looking for a pace and distance watch which is simple and easy to use. I think it still has a long way to go to compare with Garmin Forerunners, but if you listen to music while you run, this could be a selling feature.

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Tracking your running performance

a runner — Sun, 12 Jul 2009 03:03:04 +0000

When I started out running, I wondered why so many runners had these huge Garmin watches on. They covered more than half their wrist and looked like a huge weight to carry on your arm for running long distances. Why would you need to track your running performance? Simple, the answer was because I was a beginner. As a novice runner, I did not realize the importance of keeping track of your Heart Rate, pace, distance, elevation while I was running. After becoming a more intermediate runner, I got the Garmin Forerunner 305 and I love it! I never run or swim without it. Garmin watches are a lot more sophisticated these days and is more than just a Heart rate monitor. If you plan to spend more time running and improving your race times, you should definitely invest into one of these top performance tracking watches.

These are the top 4 running performance tracking gear for advanced, intermediate, and entry level runners.

1. Garmin Forerunner® 310 XT Multisport with Heart Rate Monitor

Cost: $449.99 $399.99
Lap Memory: 1,000 laps
Battery: Rechargeable lithium ion – 20 hours
Weight: 2.5 oz (72 g)
Best Feature: GPS satellite data and records distance, pace, heart rate. GPS and HotFix satellite prediction tracks movement near tall buildings or under tree cover. This waterproof and GPS-enabled, trainer tracks swim, bike and run data and sends it wirelessly to your computer. More info…

2. Garmin Forerunner® 305 with HR monitor

Cost: $324.60 $196.29
Lap Memory: 1,000 laps
Battery: Rechargeable internal lithium ion – 10 hours
Weight: 2.72 oz (77 g)
Best Feature: Affordable price for Garmin’s high performance line of waterproof personal trainers. Transition seamlessly between sports without resetting. Continuously monitors speed, distance, pace and calories burned. Easy upload to your computer. More info…

3. Garmin Forerunner® 201

Cost: $149.99 $126.93
Lap Memory: 5,000 laps
Battery: Rechargeable lithium ion – 15 hours
Weight: 2.75 oz (78 g)
Best Feature: For those who are beginners, Garmin provides this entry level watch for you. Garmin’s waterproof GPS easy-to-read display, ergonomic wristband, provides precise speed, distance, and pace data. This is not a heart rate monitor. More info…

4. Garmin Forerunner® 50 Bundle with Heart Rate Monitor & Foot Pod

Cost: $199.99 $179.99
Lap Memory: 1,000 laps
Battery: Coin cell battery – 1 year
Weight: 1.5 oz (42.5 g)
Best Feature: Garmin waterproof watch for running, cycling (with speed/cadence sensor), swimming with a wireless heart rate monitor and foot pod. Transmits workouts to your computer. More info…

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Nice to haves running gear

a runner — Wed, 24 Jun 2009 17:05:23 +0000

Runners carry around a lot of little gadgets. They help evaluate the performance of our runs and although not necessary it’s nice to have. These are my little gadgets that I used to or do carry around now when I head out for a run.

Water fuel belt – I use mainly in the summer or during winter long runs.
Nike running gloves in the winter
Nano ipod – they are small and easy to carry in my pocket
Nike Running adapter
Garmin Forerunner Heart Rate Monitor watch
Nike hat
Oakley sunglasses
Running drifit shirt with a pocket in the back where I can store the little stuff.

I’m a minimalist and strive to carry as little as possible when running. I don’t usually run with an ipod or my nike running adapter anymore. I find running without an ipod is more fun because I get to pay more attention to the people or scenery around me. The garmin watch is useful. It shows pace, distance, Heart rate, and when you hook it up to your computer it shows the trail ran, elevation, date, and keeps a track of them. Garmin Forerunner watch is highly recommended for serious runners.

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