Tech4o Watch Review

Thanks Tech4o for sending me a running watch to review. Unfortunately, this review might be a tad biased as I already have an ongoing addiction with a Garmin Forerunner 305.

Product:
Tech 4 O Acelerator Pulse Womens Watch
with heart rate monitor chest strap.

Test:
Took it out on a 2 mile walk after I calibrated my walking and running strides. [This took a considerable amount of concentration - as I kept losing count of my steps and had to start over!]

Pro:

• It looks nice!
• Has a big number display.
• Comes with a 34 page manual.
• Has a power saving mode - you can actual put the watch to sleep when not using it.
• Chronograph mode saves up to 50 laps.
• Has a calories burned display.
• They have an online manual.

Cons:

• Difficultly setting it up. (And I’m very savvy with these kinds of things ; )
• Never did figure out Exercise History mode.
• It has 11 menus to scroll through.
• Heart rate monitor did not pick up until I returned home.
• The normal sensitivity did not work for me. I guess I don’t swing my arms enough. So took about a half mile to re-calibrate this setting.

Summing up:
I guess I'm totally spoiled with my Garmin Forerunner. I can glance down and see distance and speed at one glance. And best of all; I can come home - upload the data and goggle over my run in Google Earth.
*
Now if NIKE needs a shoe tested, send me an email. I just noticed I have 386 miles on my current shoes.
PS. I have a HM race coming up in 3 months!

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False Start

Laughter is a good thing - especially nowadays when everything we listen to is doom and gloom.
This post at Jeff Galloway’s blog made me laugh. Apparently, at one of his lectures he had an incident with one of the guest speakers. It was some muscle guy promoting weight training. Prompted by an audience question, the guest blurted out, "Quite honestly, I don't want to look like Jeff Galloway." Read the full post and see a picture of Jeff here -> What is the funniest running story that's happened to you?

One of my stories:
I was a participant at a large race in Davis, California. There were many 5k and 10k participants. A few of us had no idea it was a staggered start with the 5ks starting first. As the crowd started running, I joined in. This was in the pre iPod days so people were actually chatting with each other... Someone said, "Is this the 10k group?" I looked around - about 10 people yelled out, "The 10K runners start after us!" A couple of us looked around sheepishly and then turned around - running back to the start line. As we neared the line - we pretended we were just warming up... :D

What's one of your funniest running stories? Post in the comments or link to your blog post.

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My Running Attitude

Steps to Building Attitude:

• Make a list of your running achievements – things you are proud off.
• Keep a diary and write down only positive things about your run. Look at it frequently!
• Pay compliments to other runners. And when it’s your turn to receive one - accept it as genuine.

Conversely, don’t let this all go to your head. You don’t want to end up thinking you’re the best runner in town.

Ref: Managing Your Mind: The Mental Fitness Guide

Have a great Monday.

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TIaRT Half-Marathons

This week’s theme at Runner's Lounge TIaRT is… Share your best tip on how you and others can run their best half marathon.
This May I will be running my 3rd half marathon.
I don’t have a lot of experience with long races – like the half, but I do have many many miles behind me.
My best tip for long distant runs/races is to not focus on how far you have to go. Use any diversion technique available - music, singing, dreaming about your next PR, identifying shoe brands etc...
When it comes to long races, it’s the mental component of the run that can really slay you.

KEEP ON RUNNING

Previous Post:
Running a Half Marathon

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Cell Phone Hell

I sometimes run with my eyes downward - nose to the grindstone. Along the roadway I spot a busted cell phone. Sadly, as an icon of todays throw-away society, it is left for dead.
Of course, I brought this little treasure home. (Along with other litter.) But this phone was beyond repair - a cell phone in Hell.

"Only 3% of the population recycles their cell phone." [Source:nokia]

So only 3% go to Heaven - the rest end up like this. A picture of some 426,000 of them. (Click on image for the zoom.)
And this problem is not just here in the USA but world wide.

"Some 15 million old telephones are tucked away in drawers somewhere in Sweden."

There are plenty of organizations who will put your phone to good use. Let’s change these numbers.

50 Ways to Leave Your Cell Phone

"One ton of cell phones contain a kilogram (2.2 pounds) of silver and some 300 grams of gold."

A better approach - keep using your old cell phone until it dies. The fact that most cell phones are replaced every 18 months is absurd!

Where is your old cell phone?

Collective Good

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Keep Your Metabolism Stoked

As we age our metabolism slows down. But can this process be changed?
"Metabolic rate is the number of calories our body requires to keep going."
When measuring our Basal metabolic rate (BMR) - the energy your body requires at rest, scientists found that it decreases with age and with loss of muscle.
As you can see by this Wiki entry the metabolism system in the body is a very complex process. (Remember the Krebs’s cycle?)

Two facts about slowing metabolism are clear.

1. Many older people are less active. When people retire – they begin a more a sedentary lifestyle.
2. It appears older people eat less - hard to believe but true. "When younger men and older men were doing the same amount of exercise and eating the same amount of calories, the basal metabolic rate remained unaltered.”

So:

1. Keep active - forever!
2. Build muscle as it requires more energy to maintain. Try adding some kettlebell swings which workout those big core muscles.
3. Don’t skip breakfast - Ever! "Your metabolism slows while you sleep, and it doesn't rev back up until you eat again."
4. Get enough sleep.
5. And keep on running!

What’s your BMR? ( I need around 2000 calories a day!)

REF. Metabolism-metabolic-rate

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The Dreary Fog

Continues...

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The Deltoideus

I did not run on all fours today but with every step I could feel my shoulders. (No, I wasn't joggling either.)
The result of too many pull-overs and floor presses with the Kettlebell yesterday.
After checking with Wiki, I discovered that the size of the deltoid muscle is massive!

"The Deltoideus (Deltoid muscle) is a large, thick, triangular muscle, which covers the shoulder-joint in front, behind, and laterally. - Henry Gray"

I had no idea that it encompassed the top, back and front of the shoulder. Or that it is divided into anterior, posterior and lateral zones. Will someone please massage my posterior deltoid now?

I have to admit the shoulder discomfort and Colleen Patrick-Goudreau’s podcast took my mind off all the miles passing by...
Colleen’s podcast was on animals testing. I had to fast forward some parts as images of tortured animals stay with me.
BTW - I’ve been checking my cosmetics, shampoos and lotions for this bunny symbol.

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Lance Continues to Inspire

It seems lately Lance Armstrong’s face is everywhere.
[My latest issue of Outside.]


Last September, he confirmed he was going to re-enter the racing circuit which included the 2009 Tour de France !
He’s battled with cancer – now he’s taking on the aging process. At 37 he’s heading back into completion with an attitude I just love .

“For me, at my age, athletics is more metaphysical than physical. I’m 37. I prove to myself and others that I can still compete and I hope I can inspire others along the way.” - Lance

He states his main reason for his comeback is to promote his cancer charity organization LiveStrong. I know one thing - he’s an inspiration for cancer victims!

Thanks Lance for giving us all hope.
PS.
Good Luck in the Tour Down Under – next week.

Lance Spotting:

Vanity Fair
Outside
Mens Health
NY Daily News

Related Links:

The Metaphysics of Athletes and Age
Why Old Athletes Come Back

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Week 2 Training Complete

“It’s only 13.1 miles.”
These words transmit a Morse code message to my very core. “I can do it – I’ve done it before.” But I still struggle with the Me in that equation. Dash Dash Dot
The training began in earnest this week.
A race pace workout, a magic mile TT and some fast 3x800s. Outside the schedule I went to the gym, and did the kettlebell swing. (And had time to do the wash!)
Next week - the Long Runs begin.
+
I finally listened to one of the Runner’s Lounge podcasts. Check out this weeks for the inside scoop on race selection. (And yes - post race grub does factor in : )

Graphics by Wordle - Beautiful Word Clouds

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Serious Suds

I’ve been asked, by Ryan, to review a new cleaning product he is promoting. After washing clothes for eons – I figure I have a pretty good handle on what does the job.

Product: ProWash “An innovative new laundry solution for activewear clothing.”

Test Load: Husband's sweaty running clothes.

Pro:

• I like the container – environmentally savvy.
• You can use any water temperature.
• There is no perfume masking scent. The washed items have a pleasant clean smell to them. (No stale sweat :)
• It saves water as there is no need for two rinses.
• The polyester and technical shirts dried nice and soft.

Cons:

• It has a very small resealable cap. I know this will vanish one day and I will be left with an open container.
• Container pouch itself can get slippery.
• The measurements were confusing. Was the cap one or two units?
• Cost! It sells for $9.99 (24 ounces) at Drugstore.com. This is about twice as much as I pay for my concentrated – no scented product.

Summing up:
I like the product! The clothes were clean and I did not have to double rinse. (I usually add vinegar to the second rinse.) But because of the cost – I would only use ProWash on the really stinky loads.
Thanks Ryan for sending me a free sample.

Addendum
Somewhat related, I would like to share this article. “What’s Inside – Downy® Coats Briefs with Horse Fat” from WIRED’s Nov issue. After reading this I no longer use softener or fabric sheets. I sort my synthetics out and hang them to dry – avoiding the dryer and static cling.

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Half-Marathon Hardcopy

Key:

• Jeff Galloway
• TT
• Past race
• Long Run
• Tricked-out

Have a great Monday!

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First Race of the Year

Notes:

• Found a quarter in the parking lot.
• Spotted a runner eating a donut before the race.
• Two guys sporting Portland Marathon shirts.
• Runners from Chicago, Pasadena, and St Cloud? Florida.
• Ran 2 minutes slower than last year Hey it was windy out.

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Running Links

Athlinks
Alltop - Running
100 Running Tips
Breaking The Tape
Cool Running
CRN
Eclectic Racing
Eugene Marathon
Map My Run
Podrunner
Outside
Race Center
Running in the USA
Runners' Lounge
RUNNING PODCASTS
Road Runners Club
Runner's World
Sports Medicine
The Final Sprint
USA Track&Field