The TriathleteNut

Brooks: Adrenaline GTS6
Wear-testers say: “Excellent in terms of support, breathability, and durability.” The Durability part I’m not sure yet. Support and breathability - it has. And I put it to the test on a hot day along the Rose Bowl.

I couldn’t wait to take this pair out for a run. So I did a “BRick” and used these shoes for the Run portion. 3.0 miles of running after a 6 mile ride I needed something comfortable and easy to get into without giving up stability. Not that you would give up stability because of wearing something comfortable, but my UK PT-03 have been quite soft and not as stable. The Adrenaline GTS6 was firm and comfortable and on a hot day like last Sunday, its breathability was welcome. I had to buy an extra ½ size larger than normal and at 8 ½ it was more comfortable than the snug size 8. I was told Brooks runs a little small anyway so I was right to get a ½ size larger. ($90)

Saucony: Grid Omni 5
Runner’s World recently named the Grid Omni 5 “Editor’s Choice” in their Fall 2005 Shoe Review. The reviews were simple: “The Moderate is best for runners with normal arches who need some support.” And “WEAR TESTERS SAY: “A stable, comfortable shoe.” … “Nicely snug in the arch and very good fit.” I didn’t take their word for it. I tried it.

And yes, these shoes are comfortable and stable. I took it out on a 5 mile treadmill run right off the bat and felt comfortable all the way through. My foot pains were still there but once I warmed up, the run felt great and the shoes were stable and comfortable. I felt guilty about not wearing my UK PT-03 and think I still need to use them for my next tri on June 10th as this pair (Omni 5) still has a breaking in period to go through. I highly recommend it for those runners who need support! ($90)

Another one of those training devices. You have to watch yourself when using these things because you can hurt your shoulder.

I used these a couple of times but they were a little uncomfortable and I opted for Tyr Catalyst Brites Swim Paddles .

I’d recommend the Tyr Brites versus the Speedos Paddle.

Do you want a good workout with your arms AND find flaws in your stroke?

These paddles will give you both…

I can only afford a couple of laps with these paddles when I train. You do have to be careful because these can really screw your shoulder up. Hence, only one or two laps for me. Now if you’re an experienced swimmer with a great stroke, maybe you can go all day with these paddles.

The paddles can point out those odd swim techniques that might be a problem but hard to find. Through your hand entry to the pull, you can find where your entry might not be smooth and your pull might slip. So it is a great traning utility.

I think they are a little too big, but are pretty good at what they do.

I don’t recommend it to anyone. Just those who know and are practicing technique, those who are experienced and want a good workout, and those who aren’t prone to shoulder injuries.

I just did it! I finally ordered my wetsuit and I went with the top of the line because being a member at www.beginnertriathlete.com gives me 15% off at Promotion Wetsuit!!! What a deal! I can’t wait.

But it makes me nervous just thinking about that open water swim in May. YIKES.

There’s no turning back now. (Or my wife will kill me for spending $270 on a triathlon specific wetsuit)!

Whew. I’m sweating just thinking about it.

Whew… what a workout. I used Speedo Aqua Gloves tonight for the first time. I wasn’t going to do that many laps because I was a little tired. I just wanted to do some drills. And these gloves really gave me a workout.

I wanted to really focus on my stroke and see some flaws - I believe Training Paddles are better for that. The Aqua Gloves made my arms work harder. I felt like I had lifted weights after I got out of the pool. It felt great.

But it took its toll and I only did 8 laps - 400 meters.

If you want to get more of a workout in the pool, use these Aqua Gloves by speedo. They are comfortable and really give you a workout. They also have a very sleek look and are cool to wear!

Want to swim real fast? So fast that your legs start to lift your head out of the water like a Dolphin does when it pushes it's trainer as it gets ready to launch him?

That's not the purpose of these Training Fins by Hydro... but it can do it.

I used these training fins a couple of times. It really gives you the feel of how you should kick. It's good for form and you can really focus on your stroke without having to worry about a weak kick. That way you don't have too much to think about. Just work on your drills and get your muscles to retain the stroke. And the fins take care of the kick part.

The only reason why I don't like training fins is because it gives you a false sense of power in your kick. Use it to really focus on stroke, use it to really get the feel of how a good kick should be, and use it to improve your technique and swim - not to make your lap times faster and just to get more laps in.

This pair of Training Fins by Hydro are comfortable and shouldn't be a problem for your ankle. Just get one that fits.

Garmin Forerunner 101

Donna got me the Garmin Forerunner 101 Wrist-Mounted GPS Personal Training Device for Valentine’s Day this year. It was a great present and a big surprise.

I’ve used it three times. Twice on a run and once on a bike. It makes training just a little bit more fun. But what’s next to wear as I train? I have a Timex HRM, an iPod on occasion, and now a Garmin GPS!

The Garmin Forerunner 101 is the entry level of Garmin Fitness GPS products and it lists at $114 but Target had it for $100 with a personal Garmin Mug. Not bad.

For $60 more you can get the Garmin Forerunner 201 which runs on rechargeable batteries and links to your PC. But as an entry level GPS for walkers and runners (like myself) its perfect. I use EXCEL to log my swim, bike and run data anyway and its easy to just enter the data by lap, time and speed. I use forumals to calculate anything else I need.

This model runs on 2AAA batteries which is fine. It can store lap histories for up to two years. There’s also a track back feature to get back to your start point by following the little digital display map. Virtual Trainer helps you achieve certain goals, it can let you know if you’re hitting a certain speed slow or fast, it’ll pause if you are at a stop light if you want, and it fits comfortably on your wrist. You can also get a handlebar mount so you can attach it to your bike.

A great toy for the Beginner Triathlete or exercise walker and occasional runner! I highly recommend it!

I hate tying my shoe laces! You can never get it the same way every time. And a concern during Transition stages of a triathlon is tying your shoes. It’d easier to slip them on and run.

That’s when I found… “Yankz”.

www.yankz.com

I tested these out on one pair of shoes but haven’t raced in them yet. I have trained a couple of miles on them and really like them. I especially like them for every day use as I slip my shoes on when leaving the house and easily slip them off as I enter the house. And the tension on the laces are perfect. They aren’t too tight nor are they lose - and it didn’t take a long time to fine tune them.

I’m definately going to use them for my next race.

The only thing I don’t like is that the ends of the laces fray after you cut the excess off. There’s got to be a way to keep it together but I haven’t found out yet.

Another one I’d like to try are: Lock Laces.

But until then, Yankz are doing their job! Try em!

CatEye Micro Wireless

Need a bike computer that doesn’t have wires? This is the one for you. Bike computers range from $20 to $200. This one is a great computer that runs around $45. I got it at Velo Pasadena during their yearly sale for around $25! It was a serious bargain and an toy for every cyclist. If you’re a Moutain Biker its perfect because there are no wires to deal with.

Here’s a list of functions:
- Current Speed
- Maximum Speed
- Average Speed 1
- Elapsed Time 1
- Trip Distance 1
- Average Speed 2
- Elapsed Time 2
- Trip distance 2
- Odometer
- Odometer reset
- Clock

This is another product I’ve been very happy with. Especially because I got it for such a great deal!