The adidas Energy Boost 2 is a lightweight neutral running shoe for long distance running. While I would’ve loved to test this shoe for longer runs, I must confess that I couldn’t test it for runs above 10k because I’m a flat-footed overpronator who uses stability shoes. I will tell you that I was very pleased with it during my runs and, to be quite honest with you, it’s the best pair of adidas running shoes I’ve ever owned. (more…)
We all know how crucial it is for runners to choose and use the proper running shoe for our foot type. But, a large number of runners fail to give importance to the shoe they use when they’re NOT running. Believe it or not, your favorite office shoe, heels, or flipflops, can make (or break you) at your next race.
A few months back, I was lucky enough to learn about Telic. Telic is a new sports recovery sandal which aims to provide comfort and maximum energy absorption to ease joint pain after strenuous activities. It doesn’t only absorb shock, but it actually has a “bounce back” effect. It also has a light heel rock which reduces the pressure on the foot and provides good arch support. (more…)
Zoggs’ Predator Flex Reactor Swimming Goggles are the world’s first swimming goggles that automatically adjusts to changing sunlight.
After using the Predator Flex Reactor, I found myself using it for the next 3 weeks in every swim. Needless to say, I was quite happy with its performance.
THUMBS UP
The best thing about these goggles is, as mentioned, the photochromatic sunlight changing lenses for high level light, especially direct sunshine, as well as low level light. It’s the first swimming goggles to use the same technology that is used in shades.
Prior to using Predator Flex Reactor, I used to choose between two goggles: one tinted and the other clear. I was never quite happy with any of the two as one was too dark and the other too bright. I needed something in between.
With the Predator Flex Reactors changing lenses, I didn’t even have to worry about this even as the weather changed from sunny to cloudy to even stormy (such is life nowadays with climate change!) These goggles adjusted its tint on its own and allowed me to swim with perfectly clear vision.
The Predator Flex Reactors also has Curved Lens Technology which provided 180 degree undistorted peripheral vision. It took me a couple of workouts to get used to the curved lens, but once I got the hang of it, the lenses provided better vision.
In terms of comfort and fit, I couldn’t complain. The Predator Flex Reactor has a 4 Flexpoint™ technology for enhanced frame flexibility that provides a comfortable fit. It has a super soft silicone seal that molds to the countour of my face.
Its frame was bigger than I usually wear but this kept the goggles secure along with the silicone straps. Perfect for racing where there’s greater chances of the goggles getting kicked and displaced.
Lastly, the goggles came with their own goggles case. Hey, these little things count!
THUMBS DOWN
The goggles’ lenses are impregnated with Fogbuster™ for fog free swimming. But, based on my experience, the goggles fogged up almost every single time I used it. No worries though as fog can be easily solved by you-know-what.
The silicone straps could’ve been more secure as these hung loosely on both sides. I also wish they came in another color; I’m just not into green.
These goggles are quite pricey at P3,500, but, for those who have no concerns over budget, then it is actually worth it.
THE VERDICT: THUMBS UP
In summary, I highly recommend the Zoggs Predator Flex Reactor because of its unique photochromatic sunlight changing lenses, curved lens technology, and its superior comfort and fit. Fog and strap issues were minor problems. I can’t wait to test these goggles in an open water swim race!
PRODUCT DETAILS
– Zoggs’ Predator Flex Reactor Swimming Goggles are currently available in one color (as seen in photos above)
– Price: P3,500
– Available in Chris Sports (Glorietta, SM Mall of Asia, SM North Edsa, SM Megamall, Robinson’s Ermita and Ayala Cebu), Toby’s Sports (Alabang Town Center, Glorietta, SM Megamall and SM Mall of Asia), Planet Sports Rockwell, The Brick Multisport Store, and Sprint Multisport Shop.
The product was given to me for product review. My opinion and views on the product were not, in any way, influenced by any one.
Garmin sent over the Garmin Forerunner 10 for road testing.
Last Sunday, I took this pretty baby (no exaggeration!) out for a spin on a 14k easy run with friends. Without reading the manual, I wore it that morning and took off. Good thing it didn’t rain despite the expected storm because I wasn’t even sure if it was water resistant!
– Garmin Forerunner 10 comes in various colors for Men and Women –
Here’s my review on the Garmin Forerunner 10.
[ LIKES ]
+ Provides Essential Running Info. The Garmin Forerunner 10 provides the basic and most important information a runner needs from a workout: Pace, Distance, Time, and Calories. With the Garmin’s dependable GPS-based system, distance and pace are pretty accurate.
– Screen after the run. Hey, don’t judge my pace! It was an easy run! –
+ User friendly. To start running, just press the right top button to grab a satellite signal and within a few minutes, you’re good to go. As with all Garmin watches, all you need is common sense to get started. I never ever had to read through their product manual. We all have time for long runs, but we don’t want to waste 5 minutes figuring out how to start a running watch, right? To add, all functions can be easily accessed using the two right buttons.
– Just click on the right top button and you’re off! –
– Click on the right top button again to pause or end a run –
+ Backlight. If you start running before dawn or at night, the backlight is definitely a must.
+ Virtual Pacer. The virtual pacer is available in most, if not all, Garmin running watches. It allows you to set a target pace and you can race against a virtual runner. The watch will alert you when you are on pace or if you go too fast or slow.
+ Counts laps. The watch can monitor your pace and time for laps. I usually have my laps set per kilometer and this helps to track your average pace per lap for a long run.
+ Run-Walk Intervals. For runners who practice run-walk technique, this is a God-send. You can input number of minutes running and walking and the watch will alert. No need to add/subtract while on the run.
+ Easy to charge and upload. Just attach the charger to the watch and plug it in like a cellphone. This is also the way to upload data to Garmin Center.
– The charger attaches to the back of the watch –
+ Comfortable, Good size, Lightweight. This watch is as light as a feather, it’s comfortable, and it fits on the wrist quite nicely.
– The Garmin Forerunner 10 with its siblings the Garmin Forerunner 310XT (strapless because I use this for the bike) and Garmin Forerunner 910XT –
+ Comes in various colors. Black/Red & Orange/Black and Pink/White for men and Green/White, Violet/White & Black/Silver for women. All colors are available locally.
+ Water resistant. Up to 50m. (Great to know I can run under the rain with the watch again in the future!)
+ Functions as a watch. This is a big deal for me: You can use it as a regular watch! Battery life on watch mode lasts up to 5 weeks. That’s fantastic.
+ Affordable. The watch costs P8,990. Not bad compared to other pricey Garmin models.
– Limited to 2 Data Fields. While running, the interface provides two data fields at a time: one screen provides time and distance and the other calories and pace. While I appreciate the simple and clear interface, I count this is a negative for one, like me, who is used to the Garmin Forerunner 310XT or 910XT which can provide 4 data fields at once. But, for the first time Garmin user, this won’t be a problem at all. One can easily switch screens by pressing the down arrow. Data is large enough to read while running. Data can be customized as well.
– Short battery life for training. According to the Garmin website, “for typical use (with GPS on 30 minutes per day), battery life is 10 days. If used continuously with GPS on, battery life is 5 hours.” For runners who run above 5 hours for a marathon or an ultramarathon, this is a serious issue.
– Limited archives. History can store only up to 7 past runs. If you’re OC over your training, make sure to upload your data regularly to Garmin Center.
[ TBR VERDICT ]
I highly recommend the Garmin Forerunner 10 as an entry level running watch. It provides the basic and essential info needed by a runner along with additional features. Garmin pretty much took the key features in their top of the line running watch and packed into this the Garmin Forerunner 10. No frills, all function.
My only concern with this watch would be its short battery life on GPS mode. I’m assuming they designed this truly for beginner runners running short distances.
So, who is it for? I would say it’s for the beginner runner, the experienced runner (who runs half marathons or shorter) who is on a budget, the triathlete who wishes to have an extra running watch on top of his/her triathlon watch on casual days or running days. The latter is actually me. I’m pining for the purple one! Sigh.
[ PRODUCT DETAILS ]
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
Website: http://sensacare.net/
