me running…
about gear and gadgets
Oh my… Today was really bad day. Haven’t finished my training which wasn’t super hard really. Did similar, or maybe even harder, exercise a week ago and in warmer weather and all was good. But today it was a disaster. It supposed to be 8 km @ 5.15 pace followed 6 km @ 4.50. Run not too long, not too fast all the time…
Already wrote before that I have upgraded my external heart rate monitor to Polar one. And I would treat the as kind of moving away form Suunto towards another bigger player on running devices market. Previous monitor was from Scotsche. Independent company which producing almost just heart monitors. So, moving to Polar was a big deal already. And now that… Fenix 6 Pro from Garmin. This is a big change. For me and for my pocket š Actually for my Wife’s pocket as this was very early Christmas present.
The new – Polar Verity Sense, heart monitor. The old – Suunto Ambit Peak 3, multisport watch. I have this watch for ages now. Even when I wasn’t running it was on my wrist. Like it so much cause battery lasts for days. Few years back, running Connemara 100, and still battery level was there on 40% and that was over 18 hours. So, haven’t changed this watch. Disadvantage of this is: there is no webapp to access your runs (Suunto discontinued Movescount), mobile app is not easy and you can’t get all needed details. Yes, you can sync this with Strava but need premium to get all stats… So, maybe time for new watch? Neh, not now. But most annoying thing about this watch, one which I had to address from the beginning was lack of build in heart rate monitor…
I think running break was too longā¦ if Hoka shoes now have narrow front. I had (still have one pair) 3 pairs Hokas before I bought Carbon X2 model. As per usual size is big considering other marathon shoes. Checked those in France in shop… all good – New ones again.
It is huge. It is ugly. So heavy that we needed neighbor to help us to bringing into the house… But, men, I love it.
Some years ago, I really enjoyed running on the treadmill. Getting up in the morning and being in gym before 6 AM when they were opening door. Then morning run for an hour. Maybe little bit longer. And then work. I always was choosing same treadmill. Setting speed and watching netflix on my mobile. I could just go… I really enjoyed it. Couldn’t understand how running on the treadmill could be boring for anyone. I know that you were running in the same spot for long but it was running. Then you could always watch movies, listen to music and don’t stop for traffic. What was really great, at least, for me was that control which you had when was running on treadmill. You were setting running speed as you wanted. So easy to train intervals, uphills, sprints. When doing recovery run there was no chance that on some point you will start to run faster and completely waste recovery session. I think that for me treadmill is a tool to get you better at running. And I like it when gym staff was referring to me as ‘our gym hamster’ š
So running shoes, the never ending topic. A river of optionsā¦ there is something for
everyone out there you just need what is it that you want, your goals,
preferences,etc.
When it was time for my first ever pair few years back I had an experienced runner to
guide me. He recommended a specialist store and they got me sorted. And that was
it. That simple.
Last week my Wife went to ‘Amphibian King’ to buy running shoes. She loved hers New Balances 1080 (she bought those about 7 years ago – version 4) and guess what she bought another pair of NW 1080, just version 11 this time. I was with her in the shop and I was remembering times when I was going to similar shops to look for shoes or any other running gear…
Maybe I will be lucky… Love their gear. It is not cheap unfortunately. That is the only reason why I have just two singlets made by them. And those two singlets I have from my first marathon in Cork in 2014. Both have my logo on it. And even if these will be worn I will probably put them in the frame and hang it besides my medals and bibs…
I started to talk to NewLine via Facebook. And was lucky that they have actually wanted to talk to me and told me how I can apply. Now, I’ just waiting for the results. End of January hopefully will get the ‘proper’ answer. Now just waiting…
I know that whole idea of my blog was to write about my runs, training, IT gadgets and gear. But I think I got lost in Ā the writing about running, occasionally adding post or two about shoes, heart rate monitor, GPS watches. But still wanted to write more. And recently, thanks to Instagram, I can do that. How you ask? I have started to follow some companies who are supplying running, gym gear and asked them if I can review their products. One company was really interested –Ā UndergroundĀ Elite. They have agreed to let me review their products and put that on my blog. Win – win, review and my getting back to reviewing gear and gadgets.Ā I’m doing that for the first time, so please be understanding š
First things first. I have decided that I will do the ‘try-out’ for new product – black running singlet/vest. I was informed about arrival of these. Order done as soon as I could. I was informed that order has been processed straight away. Delivery from UK to Ireland was really fast. Wasn’t expecting to receive my package just 3 days after placing order (was done in the afternoon). So, was quite excited when saw package in the mailbox…
In the package, besides new singlet, I have found invoice, brochure, discount code and one extra item (about that later). Last two were unexpected addition. Straight away I have opened posted bag to check my new piece of gear. First surprise, the look of it. It’s plain, black. No markings besides Underground Elite logo just above the chest. I know that such simple design maybe is not to everyone likings but I just love it. And besides simplicity I love black. First impressions really nice looking piece of gear. Now was time to try it. Size I have ordered was medium. I’m little bit wider in the chest but size M is actually good even for me. And definitely would suit regular size runners. If you are skinny, not to tall I think S would be OK for you. But you will know yourself the size. All I wanted to say was that sizes of the singlet are regular. Not smaller, not bigger, you are getting size marked on the gear. What I could say just after first 15 minutes? Love the design and it was comfortable on the first try…
Now was time for running test. Unfortunately winter time is very unpredictable in Ireland. Wind and rain make impossible to guaranty that you will get proper mileage during you training. So, next day was a treadmill day. 6:30 AM I was standing on the treadmill wearing singlet. Of course had to take selfie before the workout as well as after. Comfortable before run and during. Run 12 km in it and must say that it hasn’t hampered arm moves. Could easily continue my strides, either short or long. During my sweaty morning exercise I haven’t noticed irritation on the skin where it was touching material. Crucial during long runs, especially marathons. Forgot to mention on the beginning that singlet is very light. Another plus. 12 km and heavy sweat added some weight to gear of course. You cannot expect that with all that any gear won’t change it’s weight. Overall I was very impressed with the singlet but… still wanted to test it during 26.2 miles run this weekend in Clonakilty. Packed my gear, ignored weather warning and headed down to West Cork. Woke up to sound of heavy rain and hauling wind… 6 AM and not even 1.5 hour later marathon was cancelled cause of storm Desmond. And that was it for marathon testing… but I will definitely re-do that test.
Practical test has finished for the moment but there is still more to write about the singlet. If you are supporting local business you would be happy to here that label is showing AWDis (All We Do is), UK company which is a supplier of great sport gear…Ā To finish off. Great, comfortable, with nice design singled from local supplier…
Ohhh… I have promised to mention about the extra item which was in the package. And that was fleece head band. Band hasĀ Underground Elite logo on the front and it is very warm. This time Irish winter was really ‘helpful’. I could try band straight away. And there is no better way to hide your ears from high winds when it is still not too cold than fleece band. It will be nice for wandering around in the mountains definitely.
And I think that’s it. My first proper review. Underground Elite thanks for opportunity. And for all who are interested in purchasing singlet here is the link http://www.undergroundea.co.uk/shop/mens-sports-clothing/mens-underground-track-club-vest-black/
When I was using TomTom GPS watch I had HRM chest strap. But that wasn’t best solution for me. Never liked anything on me which could in any way interfere with my movement. And when next TomTom arrived, cardio one, I was very happy. It was using optical sensor to read heartĀ rate from wrist. That was great solution for me. But there was small flaw with TomTom watches – battery life. Watch is ok for activities up to 8 hours, so any longer ultras that wasn’t good enought. TomTom had to go giving room to badass Suunto Ambit 2. Long lasting battery with more functions but no HRM again. Cause it is supporting ANT+ just and I don’t like chest straps my options were really reduced. Option 1 – Mio (two models from which one was old and confirmed to be not accurate), option 2 – Scosche rythem+ (first model wasn’t great this one apparently not so bad). Mio you are wearing on the wrist where as Scosche on the forearm or arm…
Now I’m in the phase of testing it and it is looking very promising. Used it already with watch and mobile. With watch it is working via ANT+ and to sync ok it should be on the same hand. When used on the treadmill with Endomondo on mobile device there was no problem at all either via ANT+ or bluetooth. During couple days of testing I learned a little bit about myself. What is that new info? It looks like I’m almost whole the time working in the high level of heart rate. When checking graphs for my runs I could notice that almost 95% of length of my run my heart rate is above 155 bits per minute with average of 150 – 151. Even when running about 8 minutes mile.
Looks like I will need to learn how to relax more during running and to get my heart rate down. That should allow me to be faster in the long run. Now I have the tool to do that. Thanks God for Canada and US. You can get here equipment for resonable price.