Showing posts with label Gear. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Gear. Show all posts
Saturday, April 9, 2011
New Balance Minimus Trail Shoe
Today I picked up a pair of the New Balance Minimus Trail Running Shoe. I'm pretty excited to test them out. More to come after a few runs.
Wednesday, March 30, 2011
Garmin Forerunner 305
I have been meaning to review the Garmin Forerunner 305 watch. I've been using the watch for about one year, and I must say I can't imagine running without it. It is by far my favorite running gadget.
About:
(From Garmin) Form meets function with Garmin's next-generation, sleek and stylish line of personal trainers - the Forerunner 305. Don't let its good look fool you. This taskmaster will continually push you to do your personal best. The Forerunner 305 combines all of the popular features found in the 301 along with a high-sensitivity GPS receiver, new courses feature, and robust wireless heart rate monitor for optimal performance. Designed for athletes of all levels, this running partner and personal trainer has one goal in mind - a better you. It continuously monitors your heart rate, speed, distance, pace and calories burned so you can train smarter, more effectively. It tracks your every move with a super-sensitive GPS that even works on tree-covered trails
and near tall buildings
Pros:
I highly recommend this watch to any serious or casual runner. Next time your at a race look around you and see how many people have this watch. I swear I've been at races where almost 50% of the people have this watch. Garmin must be doing something right. You can purchase the watch for around $125 on Amazon, which is definitely worth it. It is a great way to track your pace, do speed, interval and track work, and measure long distance runs. It also tracks stats such as heart rate and calories burned. There are a ton of features that I haven't even tapped in to as well. As mentioned above, the only bad thing I can say about the watch is its size, which isn't a problem for me. I actually like the large screen. If you think size might be an issue, and money is not an issue for you, you may want to consider the Garmin Forerunner 405, which is much smaller. Overall grade would be an A.
About:
(From Garmin) Form meets function with Garmin's next-generation, sleek and stylish line of personal trainers - the Forerunner 305. Don't let its good look fool you. This taskmaster will continually push you to do your personal best. The Forerunner 305 combines all of the popular features found in the 301 along with a high-sensitivity GPS receiver, new courses feature, and robust wireless heart rate monitor for optimal performance. Designed for athletes of all levels, this running partner and personal trainer has one goal in mind - a better you. It continuously monitors your heart rate, speed, distance, pace and calories burned so you can train smarter, more effectively. It tracks your every move with a super-sensitive GPS that even works on tree-covered trails
and near tall buildings
Pros:
- Easy to use
- Large display
- Easy integration with a PC
- Can sync to running sites like Daily Mile or Map My Run
- Accurate distance measuring, altitude and pace calculation
- Measures heart rate and calories burned
- Ability to use while running, biking or swimming
- User customizable display
- Automatic training logs
- Ability to set up training programs
- Can charge over USB or outlet
- Tons of options
- Large and bulky on wrist
- Sometimes a bit slow picking up a satellite connection
I highly recommend this watch to any serious or casual runner. Next time your at a race look around you and see how many people have this watch. I swear I've been at races where almost 50% of the people have this watch. Garmin must be doing something right. You can purchase the watch for around $125 on Amazon, which is definitely worth it. It is a great way to track your pace, do speed, interval and track work, and measure long distance runs. It also tracks stats such as heart rate and calories burned. There are a ton of features that I haven't even tapped in to as well. As mentioned above, the only bad thing I can say about the watch is its size, which isn't a problem for me. I actually like the large screen. If you think size might be an issue, and money is not an issue for you, you may want to consider the Garmin Forerunner 405, which is much smaller. Overall grade would be an A.
Monday, March 7, 2011
Nike Thermal Running Gloves
Another purchase I made this winter were the Nike Thermal Running Gloves for $20 from my local Nike Store. These gloves were phenomenal for the first 2 months I had them. They insulated my hands very well and are made with reflective graphics to enhance visibility. They fit perfectly and are very stylish. The gloves also contained a small key pocket for storage. They breathe well but also did a good job holding in body heat. I have worn them in freezing cold weather to moderate weather. Another big plus is the fit. They are not bulky at all and I am easily able to tie my shoes, change my ipod, etc. with the gloves on.
These are definitely one of the best pairs of running gloves I have owned. However, after 2 months of wear, the seams on both gloves started to unravel. I now have large holes in both gloves and they are unwearable.
Overall grade: C (due to durability issues)
These are definitely one of the best pairs of running gloves I have owned. However, after 2 months of wear, the seams on both gloves started to unravel. I now have large holes in both gloves and they are unwearable.
Overall grade: C (due to durability issues)
Nike Element Men's Running Shirt/Jacket
This past winner I purchased the Nike Element Men's Running Shirt. I purchased the shirt directly from Nike for $75.00, as I was looking for a reflective shirt/jacket to wear during the winter. Overall I am very happy with the purchase. It is a great top for winter running and is very stylish.
First, although Nike calls it a shirt, I think of it as more of a jacket. The jacket is made of Dri-Fit fabric and polyester. It provides pretty decent warmth. I've worn the jacket in 20 degree temperature with a long-sleeved t-shirt underneath and it kept me warm enough. I've also worn it in 55 degree temperatures with a t-shirt underneath and it minimized sweating.
The jacket doesn't have any pockets or pouches which is the only negative. It does feature hand warmers integrated into the sleeves which are a nice touch. The fit is also great. The jacket is semi-fitted so it fits tighter than your normal jacket. The reflective logo and stripes also creates great visibility for those late night runs.
Overall, you will not be disappointed with this jacket. It is a perfect Fall/Winter/Spring jacket in moderate temperatures that provides great visibility while still being stylish. Just be aware that the jacket is fitted so for those bigger runners out there you might want to size up.
Overall grade: A - (with the addition of a pocket/pouch I would give it an A)
First, although Nike calls it a shirt, I think of it as more of a jacket. The jacket is made of Dri-Fit fabric and polyester. It provides pretty decent warmth. I've worn the jacket in 20 degree temperature with a long-sleeved t-shirt underneath and it kept me warm enough. I've also worn it in 55 degree temperatures with a t-shirt underneath and it minimized sweating.
The jacket doesn't have any pockets or pouches which is the only negative. It does feature hand warmers integrated into the sleeves which are a nice touch. The fit is also great. The jacket is semi-fitted so it fits tighter than your normal jacket. The reflective logo and stripes also creates great visibility for those late night runs.
Overall, you will not be disappointed with this jacket. It is a perfect Fall/Winter/Spring jacket in moderate temperatures that provides great visibility while still being stylish. Just be aware that the jacket is fitted so for those bigger runners out there you might want to size up. Overall grade: A - (with the addition of a pocket/pouch I would give it an A)
Welcome to My Blog!
So this will officially mark my first of many posts.
A bit about me: I have lived in Connecticut most of my life. I will soon be graduating law school and begin working as an attorney (hopefully) in Bridgeport, CT. I played pretty much every sport you can imagine growing up. But as I got older, my skills started to decline and I didn't have the time to play as much as I would like. I therefore took up running to fill my competitive drive and to stay in shape. I still do not consider myself a runner. I consider myself an athlete that runs. If that makes any sense?
So why am I starting this blog? I started this blog for a few reasons. First, I often run to clear my head. I like being out in nature and simply listening/observing my surroundings. I often see many interesting things while out on my runs, so I will try to capture them in this blog (not sure how it is going to work out taking pics on the run, but we will soon find out). Second, when I first started running, many cites/blogs I read fell into one of two groups: either people that have been runners for most of their lives, or people who have never ran or done anything athletic in their lives. I fall somewhere in the middle, I am an athlete but new to the sport of running. I thought this blog would be a good way to provide my insight about how to get into the sport of running. Finally, I am a gadget/clothing junkie. I will use this blog to provide reviews of running gear. So that is about it for now, I am actually about to go out for a run. Cheers!
A bit about me: I have lived in Connecticut most of my life. I will soon be graduating law school and begin working as an attorney (hopefully) in Bridgeport, CT. I played pretty much every sport you can imagine growing up. But as I got older, my skills started to decline and I didn't have the time to play as much as I would like. I therefore took up running to fill my competitive drive and to stay in shape. I still do not consider myself a runner. I consider myself an athlete that runs. If that makes any sense?
So why am I starting this blog? I started this blog for a few reasons. First, I often run to clear my head. I like being out in nature and simply listening/observing my surroundings. I often see many interesting things while out on my runs, so I will try to capture them in this blog (not sure how it is going to work out taking pics on the run, but we will soon find out). Second, when I first started running, many cites/blogs I read fell into one of two groups: either people that have been runners for most of their lives, or people who have never ran or done anything athletic in their lives. I fall somewhere in the middle, I am an athlete but new to the sport of running. I thought this blog would be a good way to provide my insight about how to get into the sport of running. Finally, I am a gadget/clothing junkie. I will use this blog to provide reviews of running gear. So that is about it for now, I am actually about to go out for a run. Cheers!
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