Category Archives: Gear + Gadgets

One of the best gifts of running to me is that it taught me how to adopt a healthy lifestyle for myself and my family. Through the years, I learned about the importance of exercise, but, beyond that, I also learned about eating well not just to improve my performance, but to take care of my body and the rest of the family’s.

So, when Dole invited me to the launch of a new product that could make healthy desserts, I was curious.  After all, isn’t “healthy dessert” an oxymoron?

As I entered the Dole kitchen, I spotted the sleek machine on their kitchen counter, but I had no clue what it was capable of. Was it a blender? A yogurt maker? Ice cream machine?  It was called Yonanas.  (I shall resist the urge to use the line “Yes Yes Yo!” Gawd, that is so 80s!)

WHAT IS YONANAS?

Dole Yonanas is a first-of-its-kind kitchen appliance that can transform frozen fruit into a dessert that looks and tastes like soft-serve ice cream.

With no addition of milk, cream, sugar, soy, yogurt or artificial sweeteners, yonanas can create healthy treats with zero fat and zero cholesterol and with lots of fiber, and minerals. It’s a great option for those who are lactose intolerant, diabetic, or those who are trying to lose weight or trying to eat healthy.

HOW DO I USE IT?

Dole Yonanas is easy to use. All you need are frozen overripe fruits (frozen for over 24 hours), turn on the yonanas maker, drop it into the machine, and you get a healthy indulgent dessert.  Seriously, that’s it!

As for the machine, it is as big as blender. The upper portion is removable so it can be stored easily. The components are easy to wash. And, best of all, it’s safe for even kids to use.

– Demo of how easy it was to use Yonanas to make healthy desserts –

Dole taught us how to use the machine and I can’t count how many times I exclaimed “I want one!”  After the quick demo, we donned our own aprons and created our own Yonanas desserts! I made Yonanas Cookies & Cream, Yonanas Choco Chip Ice Cream Sandwich, and more.

Yonanas was so simple and easy to use. Best of all, we used nothing but bananas as our base and other fruits or treats (for the more indulgent recipes) for variety. The consistency of the dessert was a pleasant surprise; it truly was like a creamy ice cream with a healthy twist.

– Looking like a real Yonanas expert! –

The machine comes with a recipe book. There’s so many desserts to try!  Here’s just some of them:

– L to R: Mixed Berries Martini, Yonanas Strawberry, and Yonanas Tiramisu –

Before we left, we were treated to a special surprise: our own Dole Yonanas!  Yes yes YO!  (Gaaah, sorry, I couldn’t help it. Too happy I guess)

– Thanks Dole! –

Nia and I spent almost every week of summer making desserts.  She was able to make her own desserts with little supervision.  That’s how safe it is for kids.  What I loved most about this? She got her dessert.  And, I got to give her healthy food that nourished her.  We both got to have our “cake” and eat it, too!

MY TIPS ON USING YONANAS

1. Use very ripe bananas.  I wait until they turn black, slice them into two, then store them in the freezer so the kids can just get them at their convenience.

2. Have other fruits like frozen strawberries, blueberries, pineapples, and mangoes on hand for variety.

3. Yes, Oreos and Chocolate Chip cookies come in handy too when the kids want some treats with their bananas.

4. Teach the kids once and allow them to do it on their own.  Get creative.

5.  Serve this for dessert or as a mid-day snack.  It’s very filling so it can spoil your or your kids’ appetite if you have it close to mealtime.

HOW MUCH IS IT?

Retail price: P 2,950. There’s a 1-year limited warranty from date of purchase. Call 810-2601.

WHERE IS IT AVAILABLE?

SM Supermarket
SM Hypermarket
Robinsons Supermarket
Robinsons Houseware
Handyman
True Value
Ansons
Landmark
Shopwise
Rustans
Cash & Carry
Makati Supermart
Unimart
Foodah (Cebu)
SM & Robinsons (Davao)
Rustans/Truevalue/Handyman (CDO)

FOR MORE INFO:

Website: www.yonanas..com.ph
Facebook page: www.facebook.com/DoleFreshPhilippines

I need my music when I run alone.  Occasionally, I enjoy slow solo runs as a “purist” (no iPod, no watch, nuthin!) but, for the most part, if I don’t have company or if  I’m on the treader at the gym, my iPod Nano and yurbuds Inspire for Women are my best run buddies. For workouts and even races, part of the preparation includes preparing my playlist.

What’s on my playlist?  I need music that makes me feel alive and happy.  Nothing too heavy so I feel light on my feet when I run.  Call me weird but what I listen to when I’m at rest and when I’m working out is pretty much the same. Some of you may fall asleep with my Acid Jazz playlist, but, hey, it gets me going!

MY PLAYLIST FOR RUNNING

Brand New Heavies, Midnight at the Oasis
Incognito, Everyday
Brand New Heavies, Feels Like Right
Galliano, Prince of Peace
Incognito, Deep Waters
M People, Just for You
Des’ree, Feel So High
Incognito, Beneath the Surface
Michael Franti, People in the Middle
Freak Power, Turn On, Tune In, Cop Out
Brand New Heavies, Never Stop
Urban Species, Spiritual Love

Now I asked my Coach, Andy Leuterio, what gets him race ready and he sent me some his favorite songs for a killer race simulation workout. (So different from mine! Hah!):

ANDY LEUTERIO’S PLAYLIST FOR A BRICK WORKOUT
2.5 Hour Ride, Main Set 4 x 30” Tempo building to Threshold Effort/Power, 5” easy spin Rest Interval.
10k Run off the bike, negative split

Sarah McLachlan, World on Fire
Isaac Hayes, Theme from SHAFT
Black Strobe, I’m a Man
The Doors, L.A. Woman
Rolling Stones, Sympathy for the Devil
AC-DC, Highway to Hell
AC-DC, War Machine
AC-DC, Thunderstruck
Rage Against The Machine, Bulls on Parade
Rage Against the Machine, Guerilla Radio
Rage Against The Machine, Vietnow

MY WORKOUT, MY MUSIC YURBUDS SELFIE CONTEST

Yurbuds wants to know what gets you pumped up! Post a picture of yourself on Facebook and Instagram with your yurbuds during, before, or after a workout and you could win an exclusive yurbuds shirt, a pair of yurbuds Duro, Ladies line, or the Grand Prize of the yurbuds Limited Edition! From June 3 to 15, 2013, Cascos Inc, the exclusive Philippine distributor of yurbuds, will be looking for the most interesting photos of yurbuds athletes.

To qualify:

1. “LIKE” the Facebook Page of Cascos Inc.
2. Use the hashtags #BEYONDTHEWALL and #YURBUDS
3. Put a caption of your workout and music to qualify for the contest!
4. Users may post as many entries as they want for the duration of the contest.

SAMPLE ENTRY:

CAPTION:
10km Tempo Run, Freak Power, “Turn On, Tune In, Cop Out”
#BEYONDTHEWALL
#YURBUDS

Last year, everyone was raving about Yurbuds.  I wondered what the fuss was about.  I was given a pair of Yurbuds and, despite my twisting and poking, they would not—for the life of me—enter my ears! Turns out, it wasn’t Yurbuds’ fault, but mine.  My ear canals are just abnormally small. Whoops.

Fast forward to this year and I was given fantastic news.  They released Yurbuds for Small Ears!  (They must’ve heard my whining on the other end of the globe.)

YURBUDS FOR SMALL EARS

I used the Yurbuds several occasions in the gym on the treadmill and on the road. Upon my first try, I finally realized why it was so different from other earphones. The fit was so much more comfortable than my old pair of earphones. The wire was also much longer and allowed for me to tuck my ipod nano in my back pocket or in a hydration belt for convenience. It is sweatproof and water resistant. And, last but not the least, the music sounded so much sharper than my old pair of earphones! I seriously thought it helped to make me run faster during workouts! Even better news when I heard that Yurbuds allows for ambient noise. This means that even if I run with Yurbuds on, I’ll still be able to hear oncoming cars on the road to ensure my safety.

– Yurbuds for Small Ears. Almost like they had my name on it! –


– My Yurbuds for Small Ears with extra buds –

I found that for longer runs, above 15k, when I started to sweat profusely, one earbud would slowly slip out of my tiny ear. But, after talking to so many friends who use them, I believed this was a problem only I had (again because of my abnormally small ear canals).  I prayed that Yurbuds would make a version for super tiny ears like mine.

Within a couple of weeks, before my Yurbuds and I even had the chance to become, er, best buds (corny, I know, but humor me please), I was given a new pair for testing: Yurbuds Inspire for Women.

Oh yes, God answered my prayer.

YURBUDS INSPIRE FOR WOMEN

Yurbuds Inspire for Women was designed by Annie Karayiannis, yurbuds Creative Director. Karayiannis spent time researching female athletes to gain a better understanding of the earphone size, shape and colors that would best serve their unique needs.

– Train in color. Nice tagline! –


– Take your pick, girls! –

The Inspire for Women line was designed specifically to fit smaller ears and features all of the classic yurbuds qualities including sweat and water resistant design, FlexSoft™ comfort fit, TwistLock™ Technology and ambient noise awareness. Women can train in color with the new Inspire for Women, choosing from six options – aqua, pink, yellow, green, purple and orange.

I chose purple and I completely fell in love with it! I’ve used it twice now and while I still haven’t used it for a longer run, I do feel it’s slightly smaller size will stay in place for my tiny ears. This is definitely one of my fave products of the month. Highly recommend it.

– My purple Yurbuds. Love it! –

The yurbuds Inspire for Women retails for P1,500.00 at Planet Sports, The Athlete’s Foot, and RUNNR. It will also be available soon at Urban Athletics, MOVE, Brooks, and PowerMac Center.

YURBUDS INSPIRE LIMITED EDITION

Only recently, Yurbuds released a new product: Yurbuds Inspire Limited Edition sport earphones. It’s got Triple Magnet Sound Technology which provides an exceptional listening experience with exceptionally deep bass in a 3D soundscape. It is compatible with Apple® devices and includes a 3-button microphone on the tangle-free Kevlar® cord. It retails for P4,800 at Planet Sports, The Athlete’s Foot, RUNNR, Urban Athletics, MOVE, and Brooks.

For more information on yurbuds:
Website: www.yurbuds.com.
Facebook: facebook.com/yurbuds | facebook.com/CascosInc

Happy Mother’s Day! Below are some of my favorite running products which make great gifts for your running mommy:

1. NIKE FREE – The Nike Free 5.0 offers runners increased foot strength and a barefoot-like feel.  Key features of this shoe include Nike Flywire technology which delivers a dynamic, glove-like fit, and lightweight mesh providing optimal ventilation, articulated flex grooves along the length and width of the midsole to enhance flexibility and help maintain stability and 8mm midsole offset. This shoe is perfect for running and walking! Available at Nike stores. Php 5,295. www.nike.com

2. SKORA – Recognized as the crème de la crème of running shoes with its use of premium leather materials and unparalleled fit which created a new category of the ‘luxury’ running shoe. Skora running shoes are meant for both the serious athlete looking for a shoe that provides the closest experience to running barefoot, and for the novice looking to get re-acquainted with the natural running style uninhibited by excess material. Available at Runnr stores. Prices vary depending on model from P4,500 to P7,500. www.skorarunning.com

3. OTTERBOX ARMOR SERIES – The OtterBox Armor Series case brings protection against water, drops, dust and crushing force. Metal latches, o-ring seal, port covers and mesh coverings keep water out and allow the Armor Series case to be completely waterproof. Available at Otterbox kiosks. P4,900. www.tenkiebox.ph

4. YURBUDS INPSIRE FOR WOMEN – Designed as true sport equipment, yurbuds are sweat proof, water resistant and allow ambient noise, such as passing cars, to be heard. Inspire for Women is the newest addition to the growing yurbuds collection. It is designed specifically to fit smaller ears and features all of the classic yurbuds qualities including sweat and water resistant design, FlexSoft™ comfort fit, TwistLock™ Technology and ambient noise awareness. Women can train in color with the new Inspire for Women, choosing from six options – aqua, pink, yellow, green, purple and orange. Available at Planet Sports, The Athlete’s Foot, RUNNR, Urban Athletics, MOVE, Brooks, and PowerMac Center. P1,500. www.yurbuds.com

5. SPIBELT – Original SPIbelt is sleek, expandable, secure and does not bounce. Hold an iPhone tm, Droid tm, keys, energy gels, and other small personal items. Spi Belt does not bounce, ride or shift while on the go, and is the perfect running companion. Fits waist sizes 24”to 40”. Splash Underwater Imaging, Inc
Level B, Store # 2003 Shoppesville Arcade. P990 to P1,450. www.spibeltph.com

6. BOBBLE – Combining elegance with health-giving benefits, bobble is a chic, reusable drinking bottle, designed by renowned industrial artist Karim Rashid. It is eco-friendly with unique, replaceable carbon filter which purifies potable water even further by eliminating chlorine and organic contaminants for a fresher and crisper clean drinking water. P695 (1000ml), P595 (550ml), and P495 (375ml). Filters – P345. www.waterbobble.com or www.facebook.com/bobble.ph

7. HALO HEADBAND – Halo Headbands are made from a lightweight, comfortable Dryline fabric and a Sweat Block Seal to direct sweat away from the front of your face and off to the side of your head.  Available at Runnr.  Currently at 15% off at Runnr for Mom’s Day.

Nike Free recently launched its Nike Free 5.0 in an intimate gathering at Planet Sports.

– with Vimz (Kulitrunner), Bards (Banana Running), Sandra (Runner’s World), and Lara (Women’s Health) –

Nike peeps introduced to us the features of the new Nike Free 5.0 plus their new apparel, Nike Dri-Fit Touch, Nike’s dry fit material in a lighter, more breathable material, which is just perfect for summer!  We were lent a pair of Nike Free 5.0 to road test around Bonifacio High Street.

– The new Nike Free 5.0 for women –

When we returned, we were introduced to this woman: Madelle Enriquez.

Turns out that Madelle was a member of the famous hiphop dance group Philippine All Stars. She was there to teach us a few dance moves and allow us to feel just how flexible the Nike Free 5.0s are.  Wait a minute, how did Nike know that it’s been my secret dream to take hiphop lessons?!

So, this runner with two left feet danced—or at least attempted to—and enjoyed every minute!  The Nike Free 5.0 were flexible all right as it moved and bended along with my feet, but, um, I think my body was quite the opposite!

ABOUT NIKE FREE 5.0

– Nike Free 5.0 for Men –

– Nike Free 5.0 for Women –

And this, my friends, is the Nike Free 5.0 for Women all scrunched up. Just shows you how pliable this shoe is!

The Nike Free 5.0 offers runners increased foot strength and a barefoot-like feel.  Key features of this shoe?

• Nike Flywire technology which delivers a dynamic, glove-like fit, and lightweight mesh providing optimal ventilation
• Articulated flex grooves along the length and width of the midsole to enhance flexibility and help maintain stability.
• 8mm midsole offset, lies in the middle of the Nike Free spectrum between a barefoot-like feel and a traditional athletic shoe

Download the Technical Sheet for:

Nike Free 5.0 Mens Tech Sheet PDF
Nike Free 5.0 Women’s Tech Sheet PDF

MY THOUGHTS ON THE NIKE FREE 5.0

I’m not a big barefoot running fan (It works for some but not for me and my flat feet!), but I’m a believer in using minimalist shoes at least once or twice a week to help strengthen all the tiny muscles in our feet that have been spoiled by overly cushioned shoes.  That’s where the Nike Frees come in for me.

In the Nike Free line, I was a loyal user of the Nike Free 7.0 until my dog Cosmo mistook it for food and chewed it up and I currently use the Nike Free Run 3.0 which I run with twice a week on the treadmill in the gym.  While I could use the Nike Free 7.0 on the road up to 21km (I used it at Tri United 2 last year), I can never use the Nike Free Run 3.0 outdoors because it lacks cushioning for me.

As for the Nike Free 5.0, I can’t give you a detailed shoe review because we only used it during the event.  But, during the brief time I wore it, I was happy to note that it didn’t veer away from the usual feel of a Nike Free.  In fact, since I’ve used the 7.0 and the 3.0, I do think that the 5.0, being midway, will be a great running buddy for me.  I’m guessing it will have minimalist features with enough cushioning to protect my feet.

ABOUT NIKE FREES

Aside from the Nike Free 5.0, Nike Free presents five new styles across running and training – the Nike Free 5.0+ and 4.0 in running; the Nike Free TR Breathe for women’s training; and the Nike Free Trainer 5.0 for men’s training.

The idea for Nike Free emerged in 2001, launching years of study, testing and design to make a shoe that delivered the benefits of natural motion while protecting the foot. More than a decade later, the 2013 running shoes retain the well-known flexibility of Nike Free’s articulated outsole, and introduce three new upper designs for enhanced natural motion:

• Nike Free 5.0+: Dynamic Nike Flywire technology provides secure support without added weight.
• Nike Free 4.0: Utilizes no-sew overlays and a tongue-wrap fit for stitch-free comfort.
• Nike Free 3.0: Nike engineered mesh improves fit and breathability with looser patterns where ventilation and stretch are needed and tighter patterns in areas where support is key.

I used to be confused about the various products within the Nike Free range.  But, Nike released the NIKE FREE A-Z to  take us on the journey of how a coach’s insight about natural motion led to a new performance language with the Nike Free.

• Click on this link to watch the video: Nike Free A-Z Video
• Click on this to download: Nike Free A-Z

Nike Frees are available in Nike stores.  SRP: Php 5,295 (for Free 5.0, 4.0 and 3.0, Men’s and Women’s)