Category Archives: Gear + Gadgets

I don’t exactly know when Garmin made additions to their Dashboard (so forgive me if I’m a little late to the party), but may I say I’m loving it!

I rarely ever visit the Garmin Connect Center to upload all my data from my watches.  I use a Garmin Forerunner 910XT for running and triathlon, while I’ve got a Garmin Forerunner 310XT attached to my Specialized Shiv.  Um, yes, I’m a gadget freak, but I’m not very technical nor analytical when it comes to my running data.  Sure I monitor my pace, time, and distance during each workout, but I don’t like poring over the numbers, determining how I can improve next race, or noting my PRs (this blog keeps track of it for me.)  I have this inane fear that if I did, I’d suddenly get freakishly obsessed with numbers more than the pleasure of running itself.

Anyway, back to the Garmin Connect Center.  I was bored to death today, so I decided to finally upload the ton of data on my Garmin Forerunner 910XT.  I visited the new Dashboard to find this: a window of your Personal Records!  (Now we don’t have to even track it ourselves anymore!  How cool is this?)

First I was ecstatic to see my times.  Then, upon seeing the dates, I realized I slowed down immensely this year.  (What?! No PR for 2012?!)  Well, it wasn’t a year where I focused on speed as I got my feet wet with triathlon and managed my Morton’s Neuroma.  But, I tell you, this motivated me to rediscover that speed again.  Thanks for the help, Garmin!

We are happy to announce an exclusive sale from Chris Sports for registered participants of TBR Dream Team Run!

[ITEMS ON SALE]

ON RUNNING:

• Buy 1 pair, take 40% Off the price
• Buy 2 pairs or more, take 50% Off the price

ULTIMATE DIRECTION:

• 20% Discount on all collections

TIGER TAIL:

• 20% Discount

• This special sale may be redeemed only by registered participants of TBR Dream Team Run.
• Runners may redeem the sale by presenting the following to store staff:

The Great PHITEN Sale is on with guaranteed minimum of 50% OFF on ALL items in ALL PHITEN SHOPS.
This promo is valid until November 30, 2012. For more information, like www.facebook.com/phitenphilippines or visit www.phitenphil.com.

BRANCHES
· Shangri-La Plaza Mall
· SM Mall of Asia
· SM Center Pasig
· Robinsons Manila
· The Podium
· SM Masinag
· Robinsons Magnolia
· Phiten Shop Kalayaan Ave.
· Robinsons Galleria
· Ayala Center Cebu
· SM Megamall
· SM The Block
· TriNoma Mall
· SM Taytay

Phiten is a Japanese brand that aims to help maintain the body’s natural state on balance. Its benefits are:
1. Improves blood circulation
2. Prevents fatigue and injury by relaxing the muscles
3. Enhance physical abilities like muscle strength and flexibility

I’m a huge fan of the Phiten discs!  I hope they’re on sale too!

For months now, I’ve been using the Sensacare Universal Pack regularly for icing my ice or knees when I feel the need. Turns out, they have another product especially for the foot: Sensacare Thermo-Shoes.

Sensacare Thermo-Shoes provide hot or cold therapy to temporarily ease discomfort or pain on the foot.  The Thermo-Shoes look like real shoes (hence the name!) and are completely reusable.

– Sensacare Thermo-Shoes P3,499-

The Thermo shoes have removable inserts made of 100% natural ingredients such as chamomile, cinnamon, lemongrass, peppermint, rosemary, spearmint, white willow which give out a wonderful aroma while using.  (I can’t get enough of it!) All you have to do is remove the inserts from the shoe by unzipping the bottom, heat or freeze the herbal packs and flexible soles, slip them back into their compartments in the shoe and, voila, you’ve got yourself convenient and mess-free hot or cold therapy packs or, in this case, shoes.

– Unzip the bottom compartment to pull out the herbal packs and flexible soles –

– Heat these in the microwave for 40 seconds or seal in a plastic bag and throw in the freezer for 1 to 2 hours before using –

– Zip them back into the shoe –

– Tada! The coolest (or hottest) therapy packs ever –

The Thermo-Shoes are oh-so comfortable to wear. I use them while watching TV or even working after a long run, half or full marathon, or anytime I feel some discomfort in my feet. The aroma from the herbal packs add a sense of calmness in the air. My feet and I are happy campers when we’re wearing them!

As I’ve noted in my past review of Sensacare products, my only concern is that the herbal packs don’t get as cold as ice. The product is a bit pricey too at P3,499. Still, for those with bottomless pockets, this would be a nifty product to have. Take it from me…and Li’l Miss Bull Runner who found another use for it…

For inquiries, call Salie Guarin

• Mobile: 09228770218/09278379440
• Landline: 636-2847

Website: http://sensacare.net/

I can almost visualize Hector Yuzon of Secondwind shedding a tear.  I can hear my good friend Alvin yelling: “Why the hell did you do that?!”  Worse, I can imagine a hundred other running shoe addicts slamming their laptops shut after reading this post.

After running 35km last Sunday, our last long run before Berlin Marathon, I knew I had to find a solution before I injured myself.  My left bunion caused a lot of discomfort during the latter part of the run.  With each step, I felt as if my foot was being squeezed tight and I worried that this tightness would only awaken my currently dormant injury, Morton’s Neuroma, on the same foot.

So, here’s what I did to my favorite marathon shoe, the KSwiss Kwicky Blade Light…

– Peekaboo! –

Yup, I sliced it up!

Sure, it looks awful. And, Planet Sports may never ever sponsor another one of my marathon shoes again. And, um, seeing my bunion protruding like that may be minus points to the boys out there (as if I care! hah!) But, man oh man, this “Bunion Butas” (should I copyright that name already?) offers great relief and I’m just happy that I can actually use my favorite shoe without pain anymore!

Here are 3 easy steps to creating your own “Bunion Butas”:

1. Wear the shoe.
2. With a pencil, mark the portion where your bunion protrudes out of the shoe.
3. Using a cutter, create an X along the area you marked.  (The X will keep the thread from running vs just a slit.)
4. Sew up the edges.

Good luck!  And, to all of us who have Bunion Butas, let’s all say a prayer that whenever we use the shoe, it doesn’t rain! Haha

Note: The Bunion Butas was inspired by Ani de Leon’s slit on her adidas seen on Facebook a few months back.