Spring Training: The Beat 20 Heart Rate Monitor and 30 Days of Biking

YES! I signed up for 30 Days of Biking for the month of April. You can too so take the pledge!

NYC/Metro Area  Ah, spring is indeed in the air! I know because my sinuses are draining like crazy but not to be discouraged, I got on my bicycle for the first time this year. There was so much awe that it or I even moved as it's been bitterly cold of late. No matter. I got out there!  Surprisingly enough there were some things that were still functional after a long winter's deep freeze in the great North East.


Bicycle Electronics Check List:


Bicycle Headlight - My Cree 3K Lumen is a super bright rechargeable headlight and has a separate power source which is always disconnected when I finish riding. Bright as ever, it fired right up. A very good investment, I've had this light on my bicycle since 2013.

DiNotte Daytime Red Tail Light

Bicycle Tail Light - Once again, you get what you pay for. Behold The DiNotte Daytime Red. Although installed on my Terry Symmetry when I connected the light to the battery pack, BOOM, beautifully fired up lights. Rechargeable and extremely bright, it can be seen in broad daylight by over a mile. I've also had this light on one of my bikes sine 2013. 

Electric Horn - This extra loud, 105 decibel Megalert Megahorn Bicycle Horn uses one 9 volt battery...forever.  Another relic, I think I changed the battery twice since purchasing it back in 2011.  After a long deep freeze it still blew the doors off the bike garage! 



So having been pleasantly surprised at how well everything still worked, I only had one casualty. The Reflex Auto Tail Light was dead and new batteries couldn't revive it. The CatEye Commuter Wireless Bicycle Computer needed a new battery which I changed and so it is up an running again. Likewise the Planet Bike Blaze 45 battery powered headlight on the Terry Symmetry just needed a new battery. A very well made bicycle light, the PB still rocks. Not bad! After washing the frame, oiling the chain, polishing the saddle and cleaning the rims I was motivated to sign up for 30 Days of Biking this year for the month of April.  All the warmer days in March will be conditioning runs for the daily rides next month. Cycling is a fantastic way to ease your way back into condition after being somewhat sedentary over the winter. You don't have to ride long or far, just commit some portion of each day to a bicycle ride.  You can do this!  Go ahead, sign up and take the pledge to ride your bicycle everyday for the month of April here at 30 Days of Biking.  #30DaysofBiking!

My 30 Days of Biking ride equipemnt + a new cross training accessory

Spring Training with the Beat 20 ECG Heart Rate Monitor

This season I have the chance to try this new ECG Heart Rate Monitor to train with. Unlike other heart rate monitors (that I've attempted to use), this one is easy to set up and get working right out of the box. Comes fully charged with recharging ability via USB cable. It actually shows your real-time ECG wave as if you're in the doctor's office!  Pretty advanced.  Connects to your phone via Bluetooth and the sport app, it will store your training sessions which can be saved and uploaded elsewhere.

The Beat 20 sensor is waterproof, making it suitable for everything from sweaty weight lifting to swimming pool laps.  Also gives you: distance, speed, steps taken, cadence, data storage and analysis with a vibration warning when you are reaching your heart-rate threshold. Your personalized profile within the app shows YOUR maximum heart rate based on age and other individual factors. It can also be paired with your bicycle computer so you can have all that data in one place during your ride. This is a bit more complicated and you'll need to be sure that your bicycle electronics has either Bluetooth or ANT+ connection capabilities.  Perfect also for walking, running or weight lifting sessions at the gym. The chest strap itself is very comfortable and easily adjustable. Quite impressed so far with the Beat 20 and can't wait to start seriously training with it this spring.  Check it out at Shanren Tech

The Beat 20 ECG Heart Rate Monitor by Shanren Tech

Bells and Whistles - Safety Lights & Horns

All the Lights, Bells and Whistles to help keep you safe!

As we enter Marathon Season, many of us may be training before the sun comes up and even after it sets. While we are aware of the light restrictions, it does not keep us from running outdoors as opposed to using an indoor treadmill. Still there is a need to be both seen and heard while tripping the lights not so fantastic. I have a few suggestions for both runners, walkers and cyclists who want extra visibility and safety out there in the dark. Here is some new gear to consider this fall.

Vespertine NYC Vest

Vespertine Vests are made right in NYC and are extremely light and easy to incorporate with your current running gear. Folds into it's own little built in pouch so you can keep it with you in your bag. Easily fits over both fitness and outer-wear, i.e. bulkier coats and jackets. Gives you 360 degree reflectivity while walking, running or cycling. See them all at VespertineNYC.

Lights, Action!

Shoe Safety Clip Light - Power Spurs
Kick up and LIGHT UP your heels with these! These are very easy to use and clip securely to your running/walking or bicycle shoe heel. Choose steady green or flashing with just a press of a button.Weather resistant. I would not recommend these for use on leather running shoes as the little gripper could scratch the finish. Otherwise for most shoes these are a win. Cool runnings from www.4id.com

ABC's Good Morning America Meteorologist Ginger Zee to Run Again for Hunger Awareness

Ginger Zee and I are invited VIP runners again for NYC's Run10FEED10!

She's back! Chief Meteorologist Ginger Zee of TV's Good Morning America is at it again to run for Feed Projects in NYC on Sunday September 18th, 2016. Ginger and I are again VIP invited runners for this event hosted by Women's Health Magazine & Macy's to raise hunger awareness and money for Feed Projects.

Ginger Zee at the Empire State Building Lighting

You can see last year's RUN10FEED10 NYC full race coverage HERE.

Each runner gets a LTD Edition FEED Pouch with their race registration.

Each person who runs that day makes 10 meals possible for needy area children. Yes, hunger is a problem here in the United States and FEED Projects makes sure local children receive nutritious meals. As the brainchild of Lauren Bush Lauren, former President Bush's daughter, this charitable organization puts meals where they are needed...in front of little ones.

I'd especially like to acknowledge and thank my support team/sponsors for this race: 

Women's Health Magazine for my VIP Invitation & Race Sponsorship.

Hoka One One - Footwear Sponsorship

Rainbow Light Nutritional Systems - Official Corporate Sponsor

Five Easy Ways to Deodorize Your Athletic Wear Namely Those Yoga Pants

Those running shorts and tops need a deep-cleaning after a season of wear.

If no one else is going to tell you, I will. Those yoga pants you practically live in...they stink. It's not completely your fault but this is what random individuals polled are saying about how they smell. It makes perfect yet smelly "scents" as we get hot and sweaty working our butts off in athletic wear that often is NOT very breathable and made of synthetics. Nylon, Spandex are all polymers and like similar plastics, naturally hold odors.

The goal is to destroy these smells, not simply cover them up (which doesn't work for long anyway). As soon as the heat gets turned up, the odor causing bacteria in the garment gets reactivated. Yuck.
So here are some tried and true methods to blast your exercise clothes free of odors after a full, hot, humid summer:

My friend Mariel Heather, CEO of Think Always Apparel

Women's Health 2015 NYC Run 10 FEED 10 Recap

The 2015 Run10FEED10 race kicked off at Hudson River Park, NYC on September 20th

NYC, NY Now in its 4th year, Women's Health Magazine's sponsoring of the 2015 Run10FEED10 race in NYC had many new runners, both men and women, signing up from all over. I ran as an invited VIP Guest and got there well before sunrise as can be seen in the photo below. Yes, it was dark and the skies overcast.

Running for a Cause
This partnership between Women's Health Magazine and The FEED Projects (Lauren Bush Lauren's brainchild) allows these races to be hosted in major cities across the country. Each race provides meals for children of that particular community so my run purchased 10 meals for NYC's hungry children.
The race is for a very good cause indeed. We had a warm up exercise at the start line that got our blood pumping.

Pre-race warm up at the start line. I'm there in the middle of the crowd.
PHOTO: Courtesy of Women's Health.

Race Route: 44th Street to Tribeca
After our warm up and the singing of the National Anthem, the countdown began and the horn blew. We were off! We made a right onto West Side Hwy which was blocked off down to Tribeca for the race. 

Good Morning America Host Ginger Zee sending off us runners. PHOTO: Women's Health

Rising up in the distance we could see the Freedom Tower at 1 World Trade Center. Truly inspiring as we began to set into our paces.

There were water stations along the way downtown and once we hit the 3 mile mark at North Moore St. in Tribeca, it was time to make the loop back to the finish/start line as they were one in the same.

The Freedom Tower in the distance on the West Side Hwy.

 Coming back, we took the scenic route along the pathway of Hudson River Park which offered a delicious breeze off the river. Although the temps were in the low 70's we still appreciated a little cooling off. A 10K is 6.2 miles or a quarter marathon so it is done with pretty fast. The fastest times were around 43 minutes for the top placers but this is not a do or die event. Many participants were doing a combination of walking and running. I myself did and took full advantage of the watering stations and fountains along the way. Just taking it all in folks.

Us Runners Crossing the Finish Line! PHOTO: Women's Health 

The scenic loop was well thought out and since I have been training in earnest after the Flex It Pink Summer Soulmate Fun Run, I think this was an easier race for me. I wore my Hoka One One Bondi 4's and was very comfortable. Definitely less is more as my clothing choice, (cycle wear actually!) kept me very cool. After I sprinted over the finish line, the board showed 492,832 meals served at that second. Just by signing up, each racers' registration fee purchased 10 meals for needy children. I have an additional goal of raising $1,000 more through Dr. Marie's Run 10 FEED 10 Challenge via Crowdrise so please contribute HERE.

After Race Festivities
The MC's Band were on hand to entertain us with lots of cool 80's covers. There were also booths for massages and other race swag provided by the event sponsors. The Geico Gecko was even there in costume!

The MC's on stage after the race.

Pier 84 at Hudson River Park. PHOTO: Women's Health

Hanging out after the race in the VIP Tent on the Hudson.

Run10FEED10 Race Wrap
While this race may only be in its 4th year, it has elements of a much more established event. First of all there was a 7 Minute Mile Pacer if you wanted to fall in with that group. The park itself was ultra clean with Porta Potties in close proximity to the start line. Security was excellent and New York's Finest, mostly on motorcycles, manned the route itself. While not as large (yet) as the More Fitness Women's Half Marathon I believe it offered more in the way of local community support. We ran for the city's children and that was a point not missed by the neighborhood.
I would definitely do this race again for that reason and the fact that is was super fun! Check out other Women's Health Magazine sponsored FEED Project races across the country HERE.

Woo hoo!  Me crossing the finish line with a personal best.

Doing a Virtual Race - FlexItPink's Summer SoulMate Fun Run

5K down, 5 to go!

COUNTING DOWN TO THE RUN 10 FEED 10 on September 20th.
On August 8th, I tried something new. My first virtual run was similar to the Rapha Women's 100 in that you choose the route in your area and do it with or without others. While I really love the "Girl Power" element of the organized races, sometimes getting to them can take longer than the run itself. So when I had the opportunity to run a 5K/10K in my own area, I jumped at the chance.

I'm blessed to live within cycling distance to a park which just put in a new fitness trail with mile markers. After first checking it out on my bicycle, I saw where to begin. I parked my bicycle so that I could run over to it for a quick drink of water. That way I didn't have to carry a bottle with me.

Oh so lucky 1313! Hoka One One Bondi 4 Road Shoes

I dressed really light but the day had low humidity in the mid 80's at 9 am. Perfect! This was my running outfit as can be seen above. A few pieces from my cycling wardrobe worked well for the ride over and the run itself. The Bondi 4 are Road Shoes with a bit of grip. This makes them just as nimble on a gravel trail. They performed amazingly. These are super cushioned so my ankles and knees felt fine after doing 10K + not including the 3.73 mileage I put on the bicycle getting to the race.

Start of the 5K Trail Head

Just to review a 5K is about 3.1 miles. So just double that by going around twice to get 6.2 miles for a 10K. The FlexitPink Summer SoulMate Fun Run was open for walking, running or cycling. The idea was to grab a partner and do the run together. Since I had never run this particular trail, I decided to do it alone but there were so many other people out there, I wasn't lonely! The mile markers really do help and I was enjoying being out with the other runners on the track.

3.73 miles on top of the 8 + miles logged today.

So I would highly recommend trying a virtual run this summer. It helped me find a new spot to train for the upcoming Women's Health Magazine's  Run10 Feed10 at Hudson River Park in NYC. This should help me to improve my time/speed prior to the NY race. Right now I am doing intervals of walking/ running and trying to lengthen out the sprints. I do think it's working as I've gotten much stronger since April's More Fitness Half Marathon.

My Finisher's Medal from this day's run.

So definitely check out  Run10Feed10.com to sign up for this race to run 10K to FEED 10 people here in the United States. I've followed and supported The FEED Projects for years and think they are a worthwhile organization. My elite XTreme XTraining readers will get $5 off the $55 registration fee by entering promo code: R10F10PR!

Heat & Sun Awareness: Upgrade Your Sunscreen

Springtime & sunnier days are just around the corner!

While we need sun protection all year round, now is the time to upgrade your solar guard.  Why? Well, the days are getting longer and brighter. That plus the warmer temps means we will be spending more time outdoors and exposing more skin to the harmful rays of the sun. While I'm not a fan of looking like a ghost, I know from walking, running and cycling that burned skin looks even worse! Still, I'm a fan of tinted moisturizers and airbrushed tans for a Victoria's Secret model glow and NO they don't tan either..

Sunscreen Issues
One of the problems I've had with sunscreens is that even the ones for the face are often greasy and cause your makeup to slide off or pill up. I hate that! I've purchased Bobbi Brown's Brightening SPF 50 UV Protective Face Base and found it to be good but at less than 2 oz in a tube, (1.7 to be exact), you'd go through it very quickly. What I like even better is G.M. Collin's High Protection Cream SPF 30.

Favorites for the road: SPF Tinted Moisturizer, Lip Moisturizer and Sunblock

High Protection Cream from G.M. Collin - Paris
This sunscreen comes in a convenient 4 oz twist dispenser topped bottle. Using natural sunscreens like Zinc Oxide and Titanium Dioxide, it uniformly blocks both UVA & UVB rays by creating a gentle, transparent physical barrier. It is SO light that it doesn't mess with my makeup application. It leaves behind no white film and does not block pores. This super SPF 30 sunscreen also contains botanicals like Cassia Alata Leaf Extract to protect DNA from UV damage and antioxidants like vitamins E and C.

I wore it under my makeup while marching in the Saint Patrick's Day Parade this year and was very comfortable. My skin didn't get burned even though it was quite sunny along the parade route. High Protection Cream can be used on both the face and body. So rather than just settling for a high SPF, get sun protection that is more complete and actually good for your skin.

Get a jump on this season's best bets for solar protection and avoiding heat exhaustion at the Heat & Sun Awareness Project on Pinterest.

WildSkins Arm Warmers with a Wild Side

WildSkins Arm Warmers in Hey Hawaii add a splash of color to your darker kits.

The New York City Marathon kicks off TODAY!
Fall is here and while I do have a few long sleeved cycling jerseys, I'm not quite ready to put up the short sleeved ones yet. To extend the wear and visibility of your short sleeved cycling jerseys and running tops, consider WildSkins. Take a look at some of the stylish arm warmers worn by runners in the NYC Marathon today and you can be just as cool or actually warm!

Why WildSkins?
I consider WildSkins to be the Dior of Arm Warmers due to their beautiful design, fit and function. Each WildSkins pair has a little pocket on the wrist to store a little cash or a note for your run or ride. They effectively knock off the wind and offer solar protection as well.

Look to the left by the WildSkins logo and you'll see the hidden sleeve pocket! Spandex fabric stretches every which way.

Rev Up Your Kit
As the days are getting darker and more dreary, having arm warmers like these can give your spirits a super lift. Not only that, bright, bold colors like these help make you more visible to drivers too. If you have a dark or black top, why not add a burst of color with these crazy things? 

Be Visible
I took these Hey Hawaii Design Arm Warmers out for a test drive the over the weekend. Not only did they LOOK fantastic, people actually saw me and did not cut me off. This was despite the fact that I had no flashing headlight as it was left home on the charger.

Fashion Points
As some of you may know, I'm also a contributing editor for Lucky Magazine's Community section. I love fashion and design so I see no reason to stop when it comes to my fitness gear. It may sound a bit shallow to say but it's true that if you are dressed beautifully on your bicycle, people tend to give you more space and respect on the road. Here are some styles I've put together with some of my favorite cycling and running kits from Rudy Project, Gore Bike Wear and Bluey Australia who makes the softest Merino wool outdoor wear around.

WildSkins Orange Burst has beautiful yellow - metallic details in a swirling pattern with Rudy Project's Team Jersey. Perfect for an autumn ride!

 

WildSkins in Indie Gold. These are so beautiful and completely set off the red flatlock stitching this Outdoor 160 Merino Wool top by Bluey Australia.

 

WildSkins Hey Hawaii is paired with this Gore Bike Wear Women's Oxygen Kit featuring their amazing WindStopper fabric.

Lots of Uses
I think you get the idea! Mix or match, break up a black kit with a roaring cascade of color and metallic hues. These are also just practical to have in your backpack for hiking when the temperatures drop. Use them for mountain biking to keep your arms from getting thrashed by foliage. Runners will love how these can be peeled off once you warm up. Early morning walkers too. So many uses! Ultra lightweight and packable, there's no reason not to carry a pair or two. Visit WildSkins online to see more styles & colors.

NEW for 2014! Sketchers Nite-Owl Go-Run-Ride2 Athletic Shoes that Glow in the Dark
In addition to our all things bright and beautiful theme for fall, check out these new multi - sport athletic shoes from Sketchers. They absorb light during the day to release glow in the dark visibility for your night run, walk or bicycle ride. Full review coming up!

 

Arm Warmers c/o WildSkins Co.

Hytail Ponytail Hat & Klean Kanteen: Breast Cancer Awareness Month

Just in time for Breast Cancer Awareness Month: Hytail Ponytail hat for fitness. Klean Kanteen for prevention.

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month! This is an important issue for women and the lives we touch. However I believe also in prevention. That's why I was so pleased to find two great companies with products and support of causes which do just that. Hytail and Klean Kanteen:


Hytail: Getting Out There & Being Active
Having a lower percentage of body fat and keeping yourself in shape has been found to ward off many types of cancers, not just breast. That is why I was so happy to find the Hytail Ponytail Hat. I have long hair and usually put it up in a ponytail before I go out for a run or hike. All the same, my hair usually ends up sweaty and sticking to my back and shoulders.

Hytail Ribbon Caps: 20% of proceeds support the cause.

The unique design of the Hytail means that even if you forget to bring an elastic, the hat has a comfortable one built in for you. This is NOT a guys baseball cap refitted for a woman. The idea was hatched by Tess Rogers on a family vacation with a cut up baseball hat!

Easy Fit
The Hytail offers an easy, secure fit. I wore mine for a brisk scooter ride and it stayed on while keeping my hair up and off my neck. Freedom! I can see running, playing tennis and all other types of intense activities in my Hytail. Here's the 411 from the Hytail website:

Why Hytail™ Hats

We designed the Hytail™ hat for a sleek look, comfort, ease-of-wearing and protection from the sun. The Hytail™ hat is shaped to easily fit your head and the wide band on the back literally lifts your hair off of your neck to help keep you cool and comfortable. The hat is also great for wearing large, stylish sunglasses with no hassles. The days of Velcro, buckles, and awkward fit are now behind us thanks to the unique design of the Hytail™. Women, who have both long and short hair, appreciate the Hytail™ because it is easy to put on, hassle free and most importantly fits comfortably. Conveniently, the Hytail™ will easily fit in your purse, workout bag, glove compartment, and even your pocket.

Hytail's inventor, Tess Rogers

Anything that helps you to be more active and fit is a worthwhile purchase. The Hytail Ponytail Hat is something simple but can make a big difference in how intensely and often you work out. Besides. You'll look fantastic!

 
Klean Kanteen: Breast Cancer Prevention
I use my BPA-Free Klean Kanteens just about everyday. I take it to the coffee shop and save a paper cup by using it as a refillable.
It makes a difference!

I agree with KK's philosophy of Breast Cancer Prevention over treatment. Now while both are important, I think they are on to something.  Here's what they have to say:

Focusing on Cancer Prevention

Pink is often the color associated with the fight against breast cancer and finding a cure. But for our partner, the Breast Cancer Fund, the color is purple and the focus is prevention. No more than one in ten women with breast cancer has a genetic history of the disease, and growing scientific evidence points to toxic chemicals and radiation that we’re exposed to in our everyday lives as contributing factors for the high rates of breast cancer. For this reason, the Breast Cancer Fund works to identify and eliminate the environmental causes of the disease.

Heat & Sun Awareness: Chill Your Workout

Heat & Sun Busters: Enduracool Towel, Sunblocks & Hydration Day Pack.

Now that the heat is officially on, it's time to prepare your strategy on how to keep cool while working out this summer. There are a few things I keep with me for running, hiking or bicycling that help me to be free from overheating and suffering sunburn. I LOVE a golden tan but I know too much unprotected exposure can ruin your skin. Check out my Heat & Sun Awareness Project on Pinterest for the best sunblocks, clothing and accessories to beat the blistering days to come. So before you head out, here are a few sun & heat survival items to pack for the road.

Running, Walking or Short Hikes

The Dart Lumbar Pack by Mountainsmith

If you are going for a 45 minute run or hike, you can get away with a minimal amount of water, 16ozs at least and pack a water filtration system in your car for refills. This is easy to do at state and national parks and resorts with a clean water supply (fountains). Otherwise, just take a small water bottle with you in lumbar pack like this Mountainsmith Dart TLS Lumbar Pack. It even has a zippered pocket for energy gels and lip / skin sunblock. I use Mission Athletecare's Ultra Hydrating Lip Protector with an SPF of 20. Moisturizing and paraben free, it offers both UVA/UVB protection. The Dart comes with its own little water bottle or you can pop in a Purificup in the holder and filter water on the fly if you know there are going to be clean water sources on your trek.

Day Hikes or Backpacking

CamelBak Antidote 100 oz Reservoir is easy to clean.

Front country hikes that are going to require walks or runs for over 60 minutes should have you taking more water or at least a water filtration system with a refillable bladder. I like the CamelBak Antidote as it fits in most any day-pack or you can get their Mule for minimum bulk & weight.  This is a 100 oz reservoir hydration system and has a very large fill port which allows for easy, thorough cleaning. 

My Rudy Project Hydration II Day Pack accommodates this reservoir with even more room for snacks, sunblock, extra socks and a light jacket. Look for fabrics with built in SPF which can help you stay cooler and burn-free.  I have quite a few new pieces at my Heat & Sun Awareness Project

Bicycle Commutes
Packing for a short ride from point A to point B should not be a problem in the summertime. You may need a little extra water but you can top off before you leave by drinking a extra water and then fill up again when you arrive at your destination. If it's under 4 miles or a short commute, a 24 oz bottle of chilled ice water should be fine. I take a thermal Polar Bottle and fill it 1/3 of the way with ice. It's stays incredibly chilly for the whole ride even on very hot days of 85-90 degrees.

This Detours D2R Trunk Bag accommodates extra water for your ride.

Bicycle Touring
What's good about the Detours D2R Trunk Bag is that you can also use it for longer distance commutes or touring.  The water bottle holder in the rear of the bag allows you to double your amount of water if you also have a bottle cage on your bike. The D2R expands to hold a First Aid Kit, sunblock and extra sun protective clothing.  Add a set of panniers for extra storage and you are really ready for a day on the road.

The Wrap 
The summer heat can be brutal and heat exhaustion and stoke can sneak up on you in short order. Check out the new cooling technology built into clothing, towels and now arm sleeves which also block the sun. If you are running or cycling, wet them, snap them and pull them on. As your blood flows past them at your pulse points, you will immediately feel refreshed thanks to the temperature lowering polymers built into the fabric. You also might want to check the conditions before and while you are out.  Kestrel has come out with a Heat Stress Tracker which measures heat index, wet bulb readings and other important parameters to tell you when heat exhaustion is imminent. A weather meter with this sort of capability allows you to check the weather in your immediate area and alerts you to take the proper precautions to guard against heat stroke.

EnduraCool Cooling Arm Sleeves by Mission