Tired of hot spots, blisters, and sweat-drenched toes when you’re running? Perhaps you could tuck a pair of Drymax socks over your feet.
Made using a “Blister Guard” system, the running socks are designed to keep feet dry, not just by “wicking away sweat” (how many times have you heard that description?) but through science: “This system incorporates Friction Free Profilen® fibers (PTFE) throughout the entire foot area of the sock. PTFE has the lowest Coefficient of Friction of any solid material. This scientific approach keeps feet dry and the friction between the skin and sock low. Runners wearing the Hot Weather Running socks will have cooler, drier, more comfortable feet with far less chance of getting blisters.”
In addition to the snazzy science, the running socks also feature top mesh panels and bottom air vents to work with your breathable running shoes to keep your feet cooler, even in hot weather.
Pick them up for $16 from Sock Geek.
If your current ear buds or headphones aren’t cutting it for jogging, or other active sports where there’s a lot of jumping and jostling, you might have better luck with sport headphones. For example, the Sennheiser PMX80 Sport Series Behind-the-Head Earphones are specifically designed for runners.
Their technical features include:
- a special neckband with “vertical transducers” for proper fit
- powerful magnets for improved sound
- reflective strip to help motorists see you at night
- sweat/water resistance (no short-circuiting yourself if you sweat too much!)
- 2-year warranty
The Sennheiser earphones cost about $50 and can work with your iPod or other mp3 player:
A water bottle belt is some must-have hydration gear, whether you’re a long distance runner or someone who just likes jogging around with block without clutching a clunky bottle in one hand.
The FuelBelt Helium Water Bottle Belt allows you to carry four 8 oz ergonomic, leakproof, and dishwasher safe water bottles on your runs. By spreading the weight out through four different bottles, you don’t get that lopsided feel you would if you had just one bottle hanging on your side.
The belt itself features a “control-stretch waistband” and a Velcro closure so you can get a secure and comfortable fit. In addition, breathable therma-foam is supposed to keep it from feeling too hot. The water bottle belt also comes with a removable race pocket, useful for stashing keys, salt tabs, money, etc.
The FuelBelt is available in a number of different colors with prices ranging from $30 to $50 or so at Amazon (depending on the bells and whistles you choose).
I like snowshoeing, since I can tromp through the back country and let my dogs run up and down the trail, but it never occurred to me to try running on my clunky bought-on-sale REI snowshoes. I’m sure if I tried I’d end up face-planting into a snow drift. But apparently the folks at Atlas have designed some snowshoes with running in mind.
Check out these Atlas Race Snowshoes.
“Why run on icy, slushy pavement in the winter? Our Race and Run snowshoes are the perfect tools for running enthusiasts to stay fit and active when the trails are covered in snow. Driven by Spring-Loaded Suspension, the Race and Run stay close underfoot and allow a natural stride over uneven terrain, with frames optimized to maintain flotation while reducing contact. Lightweight Strapp bindings cinch tight with one pull, and flexible Nytex decking has the durability that winter demands. The Run uses strong, lightweight aluminum for the Twin-Trac toe crampon and heel cleat, and we pared down the ounces on the Race with titanium toe and heel traction to give fitness enthusiasts and our own experts on the Atlas Racing Team a competitive edge.”
And, hey, that spring-loaded suspension might be handy for when the dogs race down the trail, knock you aside, and you have to react quickly. Not that I ever have that problem. Nope, not me.
The Atlas snowshoes are $310 at Amazon:
When I was in the army, I used to tie my room key to my shoelaces because our shorts didn’t have any good pockets. I guess what I really needed was the RackTrap.
This “personal bra pocket” is kind of like a mini purse you can stick to your bra. It’s just big enough to hold a key, credit card, and a few dollars, so you don’t have to worry about valuables flying out of your pockets (or your shoes) while you jog, walk the dog, dash down to the teriyaki hut, etc.
Made of hypo-allergenic poly material, the RackTrap is designed to fit comfortably in any size or style bra. It even comes in multiple colors, so you can get a few and swap them out to feel fashionable. $8 gets you one or pick up a four-pack (in different colors) for $20.
If you’re a walker or a runner and you like to head outside even in the winter (after all, those treadmills at the gym aren’t very exciting, are they?), then you have to worry about snowy and frozen sidewalks and streets. I’m not sure how well these “STABILicers” work, but it looks like a pretty smart concept.
They attach to the bottom of your shoes and the “18 replaceable steel cleats in a rugged Vibram™ sole greatly reduce the risk of dangerous slips and falls.” The product description promises they’re lightweight and rugged (I guess that’s code for they won’t break the first time you go running) and great for hiking, running, shoveling the driveway, or walking the dog in winter conditions. The “snow tires for your shoes” cost $40 from Brookstone.
I love my iPod, but I hate those stupid wires attaching it to my head when I’m at the gym. I have to be careful around the weight equipment or I end up getting them caught and having the headphones yanked out of my ears. That’s why I would love to have something like the Plantronics Pulsar 590A wireless headset.
According to the manufacturer’s site, the headphones work with cell phones (I could care less about that aspect… I don’t call people in the middle of my bench press routine) and mp3 players (now that’s what I’m talking about). For those who want to know where else they can use the wireless headset, it also works with laptops, tvs, DVD players, etc. so you wouldn’t need to dedicate them to gym use.
I think something like this would be good for runners, walkers, and anyone who works out with their iPods or other mp3 players as well as body builders (I just know that the weight room is the only place those wires have really bugged me). Unfortunately, the price for the Pulsar 590a is $250, which means I probably won’t be getting a pair. That’s a little too much for something I might break at the gym. It might be worth the investment if you like to roam around the house while you talk and listen though.