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

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.

Daylights: Increasing Your Daytime Cycling Visibility

My Vespertine Vesp brightens these darker cycling pieces and can be used for walking and running.

Most of my cycling is done along the bucolic roads that wind past the horse farms and pastures of central New Jersey. There are times, however that I commute along busier highways where bike lanes and protected paths are virtually unknown. I do my best to make myself visible to traffic and since I mostly ride in the daytime hours, have gotten into the habit of wearing bright clothing (or my bright vest, the Vesp by Vespertine NYC) and using bright lights on my helmet and bicycle.

My Nishiki with Megalert Horn and 3W Headlight

Bicycle Headlights
The point is to remember to keep it bright during the daylight hours and especially on cloudy days. Lights that are bright enough to be seen in full sun are preferable as they can offer an extra layer of visibility in traffic. Different bicycles have different needs of course and the bicycle that I ride most for commuting is my Nishiki Sport Touring.

It's half road - half touring frame allows me to have a bit more speed and less weight than most commuters. I have enough space for an electronic horn, light and camera. My computer hitches a ride on my top bar. During the day I ride with a flashing 3W Rechargeable LED Headlight from Bright Ideas.
I have upgraded to another headlight Bright Ideas also carries which is even brighter, the 3,000

Cree 3,000 Lumen Headlight at night on my Nishiki

Lumen Cree LED.

Like the 3W I was using, it is rechargeable but lighter, brighter and more compact. I have moved the battery pack from the handlebars to the seat post which gives me better access to the brakes. The Cree 3K Lumen Bicycle Headlight has four modes: Low, Medium, High Beam and Strobe. It is insanely bright and now I'm not concerned about riding at night in the country where there are often no street lights.

While I'm talking about Bright Ideas LLC, this company is dedicated to providing bright lights and reflective wear for both pedestrians and cyclists at an affordable price. I've even given some of their blinkie lights away to neighbors.

Planet Bike's super powerful Blaze 2W Micro Headlight fits between my road bike's aero bars.

Planet Bike Blaze 2W Micro HeadLight
The bicycle that I ride most for sport is my Terry Symmetry road bike. With aero bars installed there is little room for much more than a thumb bell and a small headlight. I don't train at night so this light is specifically for daytime riding safety. The Blaze 2 Watt LED Micro is many times brighter than a standard LED. It has a high and low beam and a Superflash Mode I use during my ride. Very easy to mount with no tools needed and will run up to 64 hours on flashing. Batteries came with this light and it was ready to rock right out of the box with genuine Cree XRE Powered LEDs.

My Terry Symmetry Road Bicycle

Running headlights during the day either flashing or steady can help drivers be aware of your presence at intersections and when oncoming traffic turns into your lane. I've noticed drivers waiting and letting me go first when they are coming in the opposite direction at a cross street or light.

Bicycle Tail Lights - DiNotte Lighting's Daytime Red
Seriously, this is the business end of your bicycle. You might be able to avoid trouble with cars you can see approaching but what about those you can't? I do look over my left shoulder and even have a mirror mounted at the end of my drop bars but come on! I always ride with my red tail light flashing away but you never quite know what the driver sees (or doesn't) from behind.

Coach Russ, a California based athlete and running coach who was himself hit by a car while road training told me about DiNotte's Daytime Red. These lights are made in the USA and offer top quality LEDs and electronics. The light remembers your last setting so you don't have to cycle through each time to find your favorite mode. The only trade off is that since these lights run at such a high intensity, the charge doesn't last very long (even in the flashing mode). What's worse is there is no power indicator as is present on my 3W and 3K Lumen rechargeable headlights from Bright Ideas. You go to use the light and it's just drained with no heads up. Kind of a bummer since everything else about the Daytime Red is first rate.

DiNotte Daytime Red lashed onto the top of my DR2 Trunk Bag

I personally chose the Daytime Red because that's primarily when I ride. I left the other tail lights on my bag for night time use as the Daytime Red is much too bright. However for the purpose, it is amazing. As soon as took a spin with it, cars behind me began slowing down and then went around me when it was safe to pass. It was obvious that they SAW me and from quite a distance away. A car doing 40 mph needs more time to react in order to brake. If they can see you from further away, they are going to give themselves (and you) a better chance of avoiding collision. You can check all the technical details of the Daytime Red 400R at their link but this is the brightest tail light available and perfect for daytime rides where you need to be seen. I've just started using this light and can already see a HUGE difference in my daytime riding experience.

DiNotte Daytime Red in flash-mode in broad sunlight.

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

X-Training Diary: Park Ride, My Menu and Kit of the Day

Kit of the Day: Lazer Helium in Flash Flouro, XX2i France1 Eye Wear, Gore Bike Wear Countdown Lady AS Vest, Victoria Thermal Jersey and Spinnaker Capris by Terry.

RAPHA WOMEN'S 100, NJ: What a beautiful weekend! I started with a bit of cross-training on Saturday by doing some curls and chest presses on my Nordic Flex machine. Many cyclists neglect the upper arms but you do need a certain level of strength and tone for steering and quick handling.

Sunday morning started off right with a new multi grain cereal. Hodgson Mill Multigrain with milled flaxseed & soy.  It is a hot cereal and takes a little less time to cook than my Irish oatmeal.  It contains oats, wheat bran, milled flaxseed, soy grits, untoasted wheat germ and cracked whole wheat. It is SO delicious and is rich in Omega 3 oils due to the flaxseed. Complex carbohydrates like these were just what I needed for my training ride. Today, I went to my local park to avoid weekend street traffic.

My training buddy. Fully loaded Nishiki Sport Touring

A Ride in the Park
I find riding to my local park to be a cross-training adventure in itself. Once I arrived, there is a fitness trail that you can either hike or bike. It's about a 7 mile loop around the park and past meadows and marshy areas. 
The bright sunshine and blooming flowers and trees we amazing. I stayed on the main road and pulled into this bike rack here to stretch and take a few sips of water. I would have stayed longer but the wind and low temps were making it difficult to extend my training session.

My Menu for the Day
I was glad to have had the multi-grain cereal under my belt. I also had a cup of Rainbow Light's Chocolate Protein Energizer with a shot of coffee added to it. This gave me a bit more alertness and energy. I only did about 5 miles but after bucking the wind most of the time, I was a bit hungry when I got home.  Here is my menu for the day, not including dinner which will most likely be rotisserie chicken and mixed vegetables:

Chocolate milk is a great recovery drink. This is even better!

Breakfast
1 Cup Multi Grain Hot Cereal
1 tsp Butter + Canola oil
Splash of Milk

1 Cup Rainbow Light's Chocolate Protein Energizer

Lunch
15 Small Shrimp fried in Coconut Oil
1 cup mixed organic spring greens
3 marinated mushrooms
1/2 fresh avocado
1 tsp lemon juice
1/3 cup ramen noodles 

I try to keep anti-inflammatory foods like avocado & shrimp high on my training table list.

Kit of the Day
It was only about 48 degrees when I went out just before noon. Add in the wind chill factor and it felt more like 42. I prefer it a little warmer if I can get it of course but it was dry and sunny so I took a chance.  Here is my "weekend kit" which has more visibility due to the flashy green Lazer Helium helmet and white vest. My jersey and knickers are mostly black so I wanted to be sure and stand out for those Sunday drivers.

This thermal kit is good for between 44-48 degrees.

Lazer Helium Lid in Flash Flouro Yellow and XX2i France1 Eye Wear.

Terry's Victoria Jersey had a mandarin collar and is soft brush lined. Terry's Spinnaker Tights have minimum padding as they are more suited for spinning class.
With the added Gore Bike Wear Vest, I was very comfortable despite the wind. That's due in part to the built in Windstopper fabric. You want to keep your core warm.

In the 40's, I prefer full fingered gloves. These soft, fitted Pittards by Pearl Izumi are perfect and I also have a fingerless pair.  That's how much I like them! So this kit offers adequate to good comfort for between 44-48 degrees outdoors.

Last but not least, I always wear my RoadID FIXX ID tags just in case of an emergency. These go on with every kit and I pray I'll never need them.

The FIXX Road ID

Wearing my Road ID is second nature, just like wearing my helmet.  Helmet & Eye wear: Rudy Project - Jersey: Rudy Project Team Racing, Road Bike: Terry Symmetry

We never really want to think about it but accidents do happen.  It seems for years I have attached a paper label inside my cycling helmet with my contact information.  Thank God I've never had to use it but in the event of an accident sometimes your helmet is removed or gets somehow separated along with your bicycle and other gear.  Well, I finally got serious and checked out Road ID.

Road ID is a family run company that specializes in safety-identification wear for cross trainers and athletes.  Really anyone who spends time outdoors such as runners, cyclists, backpackers etc. can benefit from having a Road ID on board.  The Road ID comes as a wrist, ankle band or shoe pouch but

I chose The FIXX (named in honor of Jim Fixx) which are the "dog tags" you see here.  There is plenty of room for your immediate contact and medical information.  If you choose the Road ID Interactive Version, you can add an online database of accessible information.  This is a subscription service and will cost about $10 a year to maintain but might be worth it if you have severe medical conditions or drug protocols/allergies first responders and paramedics should know about.
Whichever model you choose, you are able to have all of your data right there to contact loved ones and/or inform others of specific medical issues such as being diabetic.

Always bring along water as dehydration can cause fainting

Road ID Speaks for You
We may think of awful traumatic accidents but heat stroke, dehydration, low blood sugar or even exhaustion can cause you to temporarily pass out.  Then what?  Road ID speaks for you when you can't speak for yourself.  I have my name, hometown, 3 contact numbers, my medical insurance company and ID number all on one side.  On the reverse I have a scripture, Hebrews 12:1-2, or you can add a graphic from their database.
I ordered the additional Silencer which is a rubber ring that goes around The FIXX to keep it from clanging against other jewelry when running or jogging. You can order The Silencer in various colors but I picked clear.  The FIXX itself is made of stainless steel and cleans up easily.  Sweat and oil won't effect it.  There really is NO reason to be on the road without one.  The cost?  Between $25-$28 dollars depending on the accessories you may want.  That's quite a deal for peace of mind on the road.  Buy a Road ID gift card and give it to your favorite cross trainer.

My Road ID's reverse side has one of my favorite scriptures inscribed.  It's who I am.

Rain Solutions

Lazer's NEW CITYZEN Cycling Helmet is cloth covered but waterproof & ExOfficio's Rain Logic Jacket

One of the most constant things about weather is change!  We predicted a very rainy spring and were right.  Now we're moving into fall with similar expectations.  Rainy weather can often sideline your outdoor workout plans but this needn't be the case.


Gore Bike Wear's Signature Cycle Cap & Lazer's CITYZEN
Invest in a few essential pieces and you can walk, run or even ride in the rain with the utmost comfort.  Start with your head and get this sporty GORE BIKE WEAR Signature Cycling Cap.  It's made of breatheable fabric so you won't sweat but it repels rain like a duck.  This cap can fit under a vented helmet and has road reflective stripping.  Likewise this new CITYZEN Cycle Helmet from Lazer in the lead photo does not have large vents so is perfect for rainy, cooler weather.  Skateboarding or inline skating?  Yeah, that too.

ExOfficio's Rain Logic Jacket

ExOfficio's Rain Logic Jacket with hood & pit zips

Smartwool's Zip-T Baselayer

The next thing you should have is a well made hooded rain jacket.  We especially like ExOfficio's Rain Logic for its sealed zippers, armpit zips and hand/security zippered pockets.  The Rain Logic shell is so well thought out from it's quick drying, moisture wicking membrane to how the adjustable hood forms a little visor in case you forgot your cap.  Very lightweight and packable, it is easy to stow along for trips and days out.  You can extend the seasons by adding baselayers under it such as those made by Smartwool for extra warmth, water resistance and wicking.  Has a 1.5 inch tail drop to help keep you dry and covered which is really key especially if you're on a bike.  It really handles the rain for you so you can stay focused on what you're out there doing.

Sperry Topsiders SB-1070 Performance Shoes 

If you're even thinking about running in the rain, you'll need to have the right footwear for the job.  I've worn these athletic shoes off the blustery coast of Maine during a whale watching expedition.  Even with ocean water making the decks extremely slippery, these shoes held their grip.  That's because Sperry is known the world over for making some of the best boating shoes available.  Still these are incredibly supportive running shoes, especially effective on slippery, wet pavements and paths.  Here are some of the SB-1070 features:

Sperry Topsiders - SB1070 Athletic Shoes

Low Water Absorption Materials are Quick Drying

Dual-Density Compression Molded EVA Midsole Offers Shock Absorbtion & Stability

AEGIS™ Microbe Shield Protects Against Bacteria that Cause Odor

Removable Full-Length Molded Footbed Offers All Day, Underfoot Comfort

HRC® Forefoot Cushioning Through EVA Compound Provides Additional Cushioning

GRID® Patented Technology Provides Superior Cushioning and Stability

Arch Lock Offers Increased Stability and Arch Support

New Hydro-Grip™ Rubber Traction Compound is the Ultimate Performance Traction Outsole Compound

Non-marking Rubber Outsole with Quadro-Grip Wave-Siping™ for Ultimate Dry / Wet Traction & Added Stability

Rain or shine, know your conditions!  Keep track with changes in the weather by taking along a Kestrel Weather Tracker

Summer Survival Kit

Beach scene on Nantucket Island, Massachusetts

There are just a few essentials every athlete needs to survive the summer, even when on vacation. The heat and humidity has its own challenges but you can pack a few items in your gym tote or backpack to make sure you stay ahead of the game.  Starting with sun protection:  

Mission Skincare's Organic Strawberry Lip Balmer

  

A la Olympic Medalist - Amanda Beard this lip treatment offers a SPF of 15.  Keep one of these on hand and reapply especially after swimming.  The flavor is delicious so you'll have no excuse not to use it.

 

Rudy Project Ability Sunglasses in Raspberry / Multilaser Red Lenses

We now know that excessive exposure to UV rays can damage our eyes leading to cataracts.  Rudy Project makes a full line of athletic sunglasses for cycling, running and much, much more.  The Ability model is woman specific with a great wrap around design but fitted for a smaller head size.  Fit is important and you'll find out your Ray Bans won't cut it leaning over your Aero Bars or jogging uphill.  Regular sunglasses are just too heavy and bounce around when you trying to be active.  Not these and with the wrap around lens, they thwart rain, (rolls right off), road glare and debris with ease.

Spray On Sunblock

You'll want at least a SPF of 30 and the ease of a spray means I can spritz and go.  Avon's Skin So Soft or the CVS Pharmacy knock-off, Soft Skin Spray are perfect.  This type also offers a bit of moisture (something we all need), and has mild insect repellant properties.  I believe in combining as many tasks as possible so this type of sunblock works for me.

 

Trek's Trunk detaches & has a carry strap

Medical / First-Aid Kit

These are important to keep in the car or on your bike in case of a situation on the road.  You could easily go down with your bike, miles away from home and help.  I keep an Adventure Medical Kit in my rear trunk for just such emergencies.  You can also make your own and include:

Adhesive bandages
Triple Antibiotic Ointment
Sterile Gauze
Baby Wipes
Aspirin (can be crushed in H2O & applied to stings & bruises)



The idea is to have some emergency care items on board so you can get home.  For longer trips or tours, I carry a full on Medical / Survival Kit that not only has a very inclusive first aid kit but has equipment for on the road repairs of your gear and items to help you weather an unexpected night out.  Just like the Boy Scouts, be prepared.

Topricin and Mission Athlete Care take the pain out of your summer workouts.

Pain Relief

One thing that doesn't seem to let up even during summer sessions is sore muscles and joints.  Making things worse, lactic acid build up is even worse because after a sweaty workout, you may find yourself dehydrated.  When that happens expect the night time Charlie Horse or cramp to visit.  Inflammation is an athlete's worse enemy so using a product that regularly combats this will help tremendously.

Topricin Topical Pain Cream: Based on a Homeopathic formula and including anti bruise botanicals such as Arnica, Topricin belongs in every locker room and sag wagon. Odorless and oil free, Topricin disappears into your skin, providing relief from stiff joints, pulled muscles and bruises.  You can also use it before your workout to avoid muscle strain and pain ahead of time.  Used along with Topricin's Healthy Joint Function supplements, you'll find a unique synergy between the two products.

Mission Athlete Care Maximum Strength Muscle Rub and Foot Rehab Cream are both amazing for acute and severe muscle pain as well as sore feet.  Formulated with a plethora of botanicals and nutrients, it helps you relax shortly after application.  It has a vanishing scent which is good and the Maximum Strength Muscle Rub rolls on which helps to eliminate waste.