Monday, December 7th, 2009
Since Oprah has announced that she is leaving her show, a la Conan O’Brien, I’ve decided to step in and tell all you people about the (triathlon) stuff that you need to love.
My Christmas list is the shortest is has ever been, and I like it that way. I’ve got a great family, girlfriend and a job that keep challenging me, so I can’t ask for too much more. A lot of these are things I’ve already got, but in case you need some late additions to your list to Santa, I thought I’d offer my words of wisdom. None of them will break the bank either (I purposefully left off the deep dish dimpled carbon wheels and the power meters…)
In no particular order….
Zensah arm sleeves
I love these things, especially in the spring/fall. I have a pair of white ones, so they are extra cool in the summer too. If I’m out on the bike in the summer for a long ride, I tend to burn on my arms really easily. These are the best SPF, and they easily tuck away into my jersey pocket or just roll down to my wrists. The material is really soft and comfortable too, but don’t slide down my arm.
I doubt they have as much compression/blood circulation benefit as the calf compression sleeves, but I still like ‘em a lot.
CW-X Insulator Tights
These things are golden. I got them last year when I signed up for the Hyannis half marathon in February earlier this year and needed to get some cold weather running gear. These did NOT disappoint. I think I wore them fore almost every single run last winter. Not only are they warm and comfortable, but they block the wind really well, perfect for running along the Charles River. They are great for snowboarding and other outdoor winter fun too.
I’ve run through a few blizzards in them and have been really happy. There is more wind protection in the front (to protect the boys from excessive shrinkage) than there is in the back so you may have to worry about it getting a little “drafty” back there, but that is only if the wind is really kicking. Think +30 mph.
Still, they are probably more breathable, but still wind resistant, than any other running tight I’ve seen.
Head lamp/blinker
I think this is the best, and most under rated, $10 gift out there. They probably have simple ones at any Target or Wal Mart, or you can go get a fancy one at your local camping store. Its simplicity is perfect. Really bright and red (for when I want others to see me, like cars) and white (when I want to make sure I don’t trip over roots while running down a dark path at sunrise).
Winter running sucks because of the cold, but people forget about the lack of daylight. Having a tiny light to strap on your head makes things a lot easier.
Vibram Five Fingers
Okay, so I’ve never actually run in these (more than 200 feet). I only tried them on and did a quick little jaunt around the show floor at the Boston Marathon Expo and loved how the felt. Super comfortable! Trakkers teammate Kelly just got a pair and is testing them out. Check out her blog for her initial reactions from the treadmill.
The idea is to run the way that your body is built to, landing on your forefoot, not on your heel. Hopefully some VFF running will help strengthen my feet/ankle/calf and boost my running for next season. That is the goal at least. Psst. Santa. Are you listening?
Blue camo? Ya know… for all those times you are hiding in a crowd of smurfs and really don’t want anyone to see your feet. They still look crazy/cool in my book though.
Okay, now I’m imagining how funny it would (will) be to walk around in blue Vibrams, calf sleeves, arm sleeves and aquaman and laughing to myself. A-mazing! I guess I’m also lucky to have a girlfriend that puts up with my shenanigans.
So what is on your list of tri gear you are hoping to tear open under the tree on Christmas morning? Let me hear ‘em.
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