I have had my Garmin 610
since Xmas. In the last 2 weeks it would go completely dead within the first
1/2 mile of a run. It would just shut down. I updated with the latest
firmware. It shows 100% (fully charged) before each run. I also did a 'restore
defaults'. The issue still persisted. So, I reached out to Garmin via
email. I received the following response, and am happy to report it resolved
the issue. I’m posting in case you experience a similar issue:
Thank you for contacting Garmin International.
I am sorry about this trouble you are having with your Forerunner 610. You mentioned doing a 'restore to defaults', I would suggest trying a master reset. There are a few instances in which a master reset can be performed on the Forerunner 610, 210, or 110, such as:
Not functioning properly
Needing to be restored to factory default settings
Not receiving a satellite signal*
To bring up language selection prompt if incorrect language text is showing
Unable to pair up accessories, such as the heart rate monitor or foot pod
By doing this reset, all user information, workout history, and satellite data may be erased. Workouts can be backed up to training programs like Garmin Connect. Also, refer to FAQ article "How can I back up my personal settings and profiles on my Forerunner 110 or 210?" if using the Forerunner 210 or 110.
To perform the master reset:
1. Start with the device powered off
2. Press and hold Start/Stop and Lap/Reset
3. Press and hold Light (three buttons should now be pressed in)
4. After first beep, release Start/Stop
5. After second beep, release Lap/Reset
6. Release Light
The reset on the Forerunner is successful if the device finishes powering up and goes to the setup wizard. Try the steps again if the setup wizard does not appear.
If the reset fails to correct this the Forerunner would need to be sent to Garmin for exchange.
There is a one year warranty on all Garmin products and if you are able to provide a copy of the proof of purchase that shows the unit is within the warranty period there is no charge for the exchange. If the unit is beyond the warranty period the exchange charge for the Forerunner 610 is
$99.00 and the unit would be replaced with a newly overhauled Forerunner 610. We accept credit card or check payment methods and the turnaround time for repairs is 7-10 business days. Please provide a return address if you would like to set up an exchange order.
This past Saturday, October 6 2012, I finally had the nerve to try the water-proof case with the GoPro HD Camera. I took it to the pool at the Life Time Fitness complex in Plymouth, MN where Podium Boy and his fellow swimmers train on the Life Time Minnesota Bears Swim Team under the astute tutelage Tom Frank (aka Captain America).
Coach Tom Franke - Captain America to You!
Captain America is also U.S. Paralympic Swimming team coach. So, he knows what he is doing.....not that you would be sure of that by seeing photos of himself along with his very famous, and Olympic medaled athletes.
But let's get to the GoPro results. I was able to take enough footage to whittle down to four videos. I was very pleased by the results of the clarity. I had worried that the camera might fog over, or not be quite in focus, etc. Not to worry. It did a great job on a day that was cloudy outside which equated to little light inside.
Note - Podium Boy can be seen throughout in his hot pink trunks and bright neon green cap. One thing I immediately learned when viewing him from under the water.....he over rotates his hips. This camera could be very valuable by being able to identify, and correct, those little things you can't pick up from the surface.
First up, this video was all from the pool deck. I wanted to establish each swim stroke from the surface first:
In the second video, I jumped in and went to work. Little jumpy at first as I figured out how I would approach it. I had some fun by swimming under some people and just got use to trying to take video without seeing anything through a lens. I wish I would have set my camera angle a bit lower, but now I know what to do after seeing the footage.
At about the 6:00 minute mark you will hear Captain America give practice instructions. As the camera is in a water-proof housing, you will need to adjust your volume:
Recently I posted a photo of a bike I would consider purchasing if money were no object. Since then, I received a lot of additional suggestions and decided to do a quick summary of them for future reference sake.
Specialized Shiv
Price - $12700
Former Texas training partner and now Texas race host Tim "Buckwheat" Carroll was the first to lead me to this bike. Apparently illegal in road racing (UCI) but still is USAT legal. Basically, they ignored UCI rules and designed the Shiv exclusively for triathlon: with unmatched aerodynamics, the Fuelselage integr...ated hydration system, and a huge range of fit adjustability. The S-Works FACT IS 11r carbon frame, Zipp 404 wheels, and Dura-Ace Di2 drivetrain make the S-Works an ultralight, crazy fast package.
This is the bike Craig Alexander rode for Ironman Kona 2011:
Here's what Alexander said about it afterwards..."It's a total rocketship that should be illegal."
Looks great, doesn't it? But I have concerns. First, the 22-24 ounce internal bladder. Most of us will not use straight water but some sort of electrolyte/protein replenishment so what happens when the bladder needs to be cleaned? Apparently, the bladder can be removed for cleaning but who wants to do that all the time?
Besides, I am a tri-geek who races sprint distance 90% of the time with the occassional Oly. I really have no need for an internal bladder to save me 0.025 seconds over 10 miles. A single water bottle will serve me just fine.
But the most important reason I would pass on the Shiv is USAT itself. A few years ago I purchased a De Soto Water Rover wetsuit. This suit has a distinct advantage by placing panels of 2mm, 5mm, 8mm, and 10mm thickness in specific locations to maximize speed and flexibility. When I bought it, it was legal. As of September 1, 2010, the Water Rover was banned in WTC Races. USAT was next. According to USAT regulations, there is no limitation as to the thickness of wetsuit rubber, and there will be no limitation until Jan, 2013. This means if you buy a Water Rover now, you can race in this almost unfair and perfectly legal advantage for the entire 2011 and 2012 triathlon seasons. After that, it becomes a nice training suit or for us in non-USAT races.
What is to prohibit USAT making the same determination with the Shiv and determining this bike to be illegal and one is stuck with a nice $12K training bike? I'm not going to take that chance.
Argon-18 E118
Price - One bike dealer listed for $7400 but unsure of the wheel set.
Reader Miguel Vieira lead me to this previusly unknown bike. I've not seen one locally but it sure is pretty, isn't it?
Out of the box, the E-118 is equally compatible with Di2 or mechanical components. Regardless of the group you choose, all cables and wiring are internally routed for enhanced aerodynamics.
Built in a new mold and certified UCI-legal, this triathlon frameset expands and refines the concepts first embodied in the spectacular E-114 that helped establish the company’s stellar reputation in this field. This new frameset was developed in close collaboration with triathlon champion Tim O’Donnell and the Team SpiderTech riders, including Svein Tuft and Hugo Houle, Canadian Pro and U-23 time-trial champions, respectively.
In the world of time trial events, much emphasis is placed on the aerodynamic properties of bikes. While this is an important factor, in reality the cyclist generates up to 70% of the aerodynamic drag. This fact is at the core of Argon 18’s design philosophy. Our approach is that the rider and bike must form an integrated unit in order to optimize efficiency and achieve the best results. CFD analysis clearly demonstrates that once the rider is not in proper position, drag increases dramatically. Optimal positioning through AFS gives the rider the ability to remain on the armrests in the proper aero tuck position longer.
AFS geometry built into the E-118 guarantees tremendously accurate steering and extremely stable handling. This allows the rider to remain on the armrests in circumstances where it has not always been possible. For example, riders can remain in the perfect aero tuck position on the armrests during descents, on uneven roads, while hydrating and even when reaching into jersey pockets for nutrition
The AFS approach ensures the rider can maintain a proper aero position longer through an easy, accurate fit therefore ensuring aerodynamic efficiency and the ultimate in performance.
Trek Project One Custom Speed Concept 9.9 Series Podium
Price as shown (with Aeolus 9.0 Clinchers): $10,184.97. With Dura Ace Di2 -$12468.72
This is the customized paint Trek that I posted earlier. I think it is the customized paint option that initially draws me to the bike. I don't have to look like all the others in the transition area. I can be 'different', which everyone already knows I am.
The Trek seems to be a super-fast aerodynamic machine - it could be the most aero bike out there; if not, it's certainly right up there - with excellent adjustability and a top spec sheet. My research shows that riders who have this machine indicate the Trek absolutely flies on the flat and on shallow gradients, both up and down, and one gets a ton of stability which helps keep things steady even in a slight crosswind.
Downsides? Current owners indicate that adjusting the brakes could be easier… a whole lot easier, in fact, particularly the back one. But that’s the price you pay for the aerodynamic benefit, I guess. If brakes are tucked away from the wind, they’re tucked away from fingers and Allen keys too.
It’s a similar deal with the gears. You don’t get any external cable stops or in-line barrel adjusters so you can’t adjust them on the fly. If you ever found the chain struggling to go up a sprocket, you’d couldn’t do anything about it from the saddle, so you have to make sure everything is bang on before you set off.
Felt is a bike that we see a lot here in the Tundra. Mainly due to the fact that local tri-shop Gear West carries Felts and most of its top athletes from the GW team ride them.
Years of research, engineering and wind-tunnel development went into the DA1. Already ridden to major triathon wins by Felt athletes Terenzo Bozzone, and Andi Boecherer, this is the bike that left the competition in the dust. With UHC Ultimate+Nano carbon fiber material—shaped through extensive Computational Fluid Dynamics engineering and real-world testing—it’s 14% more aerodynamic and 13% stiffer than the last-generation DA. It’s also optimized for Shimano Di2 electronic shifting, with internal cable routing and an integrated battery mount.
I've not really had the chance to speak to anyone who is riding this machine so I can't add that much more to it. But it certainly has to be a great bike. All the Felt riders I know, whether using this model or one of the cheaper frames, always finish ahead of me.
Giant Trinity Advanced SL 0
Price - $13,500
Coming in highest of the bunch (component selective, mind) is this offering from Giant. Giant was a big brand when I lived on the East coast in the late 1980's. They've been around for a long time and have a good rep. I just don't know of any tri-geek riding it nor can I find any reviews on the bike. If you have it, or can provide a review please post within the comments field.
The manufacturer states: Designed by Giant's top engineers, this road rocket boasts the most advanced wind-cheating technology you could dream of. Starting with an aerodynamic Advanced SL Composite frame and fork, Giant then adds an aerodynamic carbon seatpost and integrated handlebar system for the ultimate in stiffness, light weight and efficiency that's sure to have you breaking PR's in no time. You'll love the wide range of adjustability for the perfect fit in any position, and with top-of-the-line components like Shimano's electronic Dura-Ace Di2 group, amazing Zipp 808 tubular wheels and a sleek Fizik saddle with carbon rails, you've got one stellar machine that's ready to dismantle the competition!
The tri-specific version will be more aerodynamic with a taller down tube, a more aggressive seat tube profile around the rear wheel cutout, and a conventional single-crown fork – albeit, one with an additional bolt-on nosecone to increase the effective aspect ratio. The UCI-legal version, on the other hand, sticks to more P4-like tube dimensions and a standard front end without the add-on nosecone.
Also the P5 will forego a dramatically sleek proprietary cockpit for a standard setup that will be easier to fit and allow more choice in components – a move retailers and fitters will undoubtedly support. Even better, retail pricing is rumored to be lower than that of the P4 – people are guessing around $4,000 for the frameset with brakes and seatpost.
This bike has a 650cc wheel set, so I've been wondering if a move to a 700cc wheel set would be faster. Not to mention the lighter and more aero frame.
So, I went to Kevin O'Connor. Kevin is the owner of the aforementioned Gear West tri store. Kevin was the 2009 USAT Duathlete of the year. And he is someone I have trusted to go to for triathlon advice and bike service. Basically, Kevin made the following points to me about a possible move to a super bike:
It is a loaded question but the short answer is that the new bikes are faster.
There are some example of guys in the same situation as you. Brooks Grossinger and Chad Millner. I don't know if you know these guys but they are both fast and prior to 2010 season they were still on their 6-8 yr old 650c bikes with 9 speed drivetrains. And they raced very fast on those. Few things worse than having them pull up next to you in a race on their 7 yr old bike. But they have both stated that the new bike is significantly better. I don't know that they are riding any faster but they certainly are not slowing down.
Here is the real answer to biking faster. Training with Power. [Such as training with] a Powertap wheel or Quarq crankset. You would be able to quantify your cycling power.
Do not ever accept that your pace is just the current pace. I just don't believe that.
So for the curious, a Quarq crankset looks like this:
Priced at $1795, it is a bicycle powermeter that is integrated into the crankset of the bicycle. Specifically, the CinQo is a instrumented crank "spider" that mounts on specific production cranksets. The ANT+ radio transmits the CinQo's power measurement digitally to other ANT+ compatible bicycle computers. (Think of ANT+ as "Bluetooth" for bicycles.) ANT+ computers include the Garmin Edge 705 and the iBike iAero. The ANT standard is available to all bike computer manufactures, so look for more ANT+ compatible bike computers in the future.
The CinQo powermeter measures power by measuring the torque (pedal force) and the angular velocity (cadence). When you press on the pedals, all parts of the bikes drivetrain displace (flex) slightly under the load. The CinQo spider is carefully designed using Finite Element Analysis to displace in a very controlled manner in specific locations in response to applied load. Strain gages are used to measure the displacement and thus calculate the applied torque.
For powertaps, there is the $1600 top-of-the-line Powertap SL+ Hub, Wheel, or Wheelset with Joule 2.0. Also there is a SL+ Hub built into Rear Wheel and Joule 2.0 for $1749.99.
I know some tri-geeks who train with power in mind and seem to do well. If someone were to go this route, they would need to understand the power concept and be able to set their training by it.
What about you? Would you opt for a new super bike? Or simply stay with the date you brought to the dance and incorporate a new training strategy?
Let me know. Leave a comment below, especially if you own any of the bikes covered above or use power in your training.
I recently did some shopping at Running Warehouse. Not for shoes this time but for apparel. I had heard good things about the Mizuno Competition Apparel line. I was in need of a new running outfit for road racing and needed a lightweight singlet and lightweight racing short with a 1" to 1 1/2" inseam with split leg.
For the top, I chose the Mizuno Men's Aero Singlet (Model Number: 420878) as pictured below. It is super thin. When it arrived I knew I had a terrific upper. The back and side areas have large mesh so I know without wearing the product it will breath like a dream. The design of the back is very cool looking. Again, I have not yet worn it but I just know this will be terrific. It retails at MSRP: $45.00 RW Price: $36.95.
Front
Side
Rear
For the bottom I chose the Mizuno Men's Aero Split Short (Model Number: 420881). It has a laser cut design and sheen material, and a super-fly half-split. I prefer a full split but this will do just fine. The material is sort of like, well, the best way I can describe it is the same lightweight material that tents are made out of. I'll be curious as to how it breathes and how it carries once it is soaked mid-way through a half-marathon. But it is cut well and fits me well. It has some mesh holes in the rear split which can be seen in the photos below. The short retails at MSRP: $48.00 RW Price: $38.95.
Front
Side
Rear
Both products are true to size. Best of all Running Warehouse offers free 2-day shipping. Can't beat that.
Yup, had to go shoe shopping. The Mizuno Wave Universe 3 are great shoes. Very light. 2mm heel drop. But absolutely suck for sockless wearing. The material has a fish net meshy quality to it. As result, I have seven blisters on the feet after wearing in a tri for the first time. Two blisters are very bad and I will have to spend extra seconds in transition this coming weekend to put on socks. Lets look at this shoe again.
Since lighter weight equals faster running times, then the Wave Universe 3 might be considered an unfair advantage. If your are a serious road racer then you must ask yourself if you are serious enough to don the high performance Wave Universe 3. Model Number: 410375.0010. Weight: 3.6 oz (size 9). Stack Height: Heel (18mm), Forefoot (16mm); non-removable insole.
Note - The Universe 3 is no longer made as the Universe 4 is due out in July.
So, I went shopping at Running Warehouse (thanks Mario for the suggestion) and ordered two flats.
I loved-loved-loved my old Luna's. They eventually blew out, literally, and the new generation of LunaRacer had a very narrow toe box and didn't feel good to me. Imagine my delight (insert girlish squeal here) when I read that due to popular demand, Nike brought back the original Lunaracer+ as the update to the Lunaracer+2. The LunaRacer+ delivers more cushioning than should be possible in this light a shoe. This is a great shoe for marathons and tempo days. Model Number: 324909-047. Weight: 6.6 oz (size 9). Stack Height: Heel (27mm), Forefoot (21mm). So a 6mm drop.
What caught my attention was the shoe was on sale for $67.88 (reg. $85). Designed and developed by the best marathoners in the world, the Streak 3 is a versatile 5k to marathon road racing shoe. The Cushlon LT midsole and Zoom Air unit in the heel gives ample support and cushioning. Ounce for ounce, the one piece upper reduces significant weight and also allows for rapid water drainage. Model Number: 375386-800. Weight: 6.7 oz (size 9). Stack Height: Heel (28mm), Forefoot (18mm). So a 10mm drop which will give more cushion over the LunaRacers and might be my shoe of choice for half-marathons and over. Like I said, on sale so if nothing else, they will be good tempo day trainers.
Both shoes arrived in the promised 2-day free shipping. Both feel good. The Luna's are the original. Like Classic Coke, not New Coke. The toe box is just fine and the seem to have improved the tongue a bit so it is a tad longer and will be easier to slip on quickly.
The Streak's seem like a very nice shoe as well. A bit roomier, actually, in the box than the Luna's. I'll have to experiment with both and see how they feel when in action. I will provide updates on both shoes as I break them in. I would hazard a guess that the Luna's will be on my feet this coming Sunday at the Waconia Tri.
My old cycling shoes have been bugging my feet a bit lately. I get off the bike, and the outside of my foot is sore/numb and I can barely walk for a few minutes after dismounting. I account for this, I believe, due to the shoe having stretched over nearly 5 1/2 years of steady service and thousands of miles of riding. I figured it was time to invest in a new pair of cycling shoes.
I headed out to Gear West to pick up my racing bike, which had just been shipped back from wintering in Texas. There I met with Drew Frakes and we started to look at shoe possibilities. I finally settled on the Shimano TR70's.
In the triathlon market, this shoe was used by Craig Alexander on his way to his 2008 victory in Kona.
However, it was not as easy as simply selecting my size and then whipping out the credit card. Oh, no. For these are heat moldable shoes. Some of the key features include:
•Heat-moldable, Custom-Fit technology: a Shimano innovation
•Ultra-light uni-directional carbon sole for the perfect balance of strength, rigidity and maximum power transfer
•Structural, vented synthetic micro-fiber leather adds upper support
•Composite temperature control honey comb mesh
•Reinforced heel cup and outsole pads for added protection
•Addtional top-strap closure for added support and stability
•Oversize entry target strap design for fast transitions
•Seamless, quick-dry interior for comfort without socks
Shimano actually calls their technology "Heat Moldable Custom Fit" and makes it available in several high end shoes. By fully moldable I mean that the upper of the shoe as well as the insole is moldable. Moldable insoles (or foot beds) have been around for quite some time with reasonable success. I personally find that custom orthotics, moldable insoles (made for cycling) or even some standard aftermarket insoles can significantly improve rider comfort, by providing additional arch contour to mostly flat soles. Nevertheless, Shimano's molding of the upper part of the shoe is an industry first, and this is done at the retail environment with minimum wait.
The process is simple and from start to finish takes about 30 minutes. After determining the correct size, the insole is removed and "baked" in a Shimano specific oven for a couple of minutes. Then, it is inserted back in the shoes and worn by the customer for a few minutes to allow the mold to settle. The same process is done for the other foot. Next, it's time for the shoes themselves to be "baked" for 2-3 minutes each. Once removed from the oven, the customer puts the shoe on (with the insole inside) and foot and shoe are fitted into a boot- shaped plastic bag.
A hose is then inserted in the bag and the plastic boot is sealed at the calf with a tight Velcro strap. A machine then sucks all the air out of the bag, creating a vacuum and ensuring a really snug fit. It helps to smooth out air pockets in the process and to use the hands to completely mold the shoe to the foot. After a minute or two, the machine is turned off, the strap is released and the bag is removed. The result is custom, uniform, snug fit. The process is then repeated with the other shoe. Note that the shoe can be molded up to three times in the life of the shoe, which should be enough to get the desired fit.
Gimmick or good process? I think if it was just heating up the insole I would classify as gimmick. But with the vacuum process, you could feel the shoe adapting to your foot. And the shoe felt instantly comfortable like a old pair of jeans.
If you want to see what this process looks like, here is a video:
I have had a few rides in the shoes and they feel great. Stiff and responsive. The only bitch I would have is that one of the straps kept hitting a crank and coming undone. What I have done for now is add an extra layer of Velcro to make sure the strap stays in place. This is discussed in the early minutes of the following video. This person actually cut one of the tabs from his strap.
Price - $349.95. A bit high, but then bike shoes last for a long, long time. So, a good overall investment.
I recently purchased a pair of TYR Fusion 2™ Jammers. After having worn them in a swim workout, I can now give my assessment.
Overall, I really like the product. If you are going from a brief or a regular jammer you can get 1-3 second per 50 increase in speed. That is significant. The design doesn't absorb water so I suspect you get a little boost just from buoyancy. The rest is the slick nature of the fabric. Its almost like a swim skin. Very cool to touch.
I will caution that although it fits true to size on the waist the bottom of the leg opening, near the knee, is tight to the point of being irritating. When I first tried to put on the suit I was thinking, "you have to be kidding me" as it was so tight getting over the knee. But the upper is true to size at the waist.
The technology uses some of the most advanced aquatic engineering to ever enter a pool. First, Tyr took existing, proven and patented technologies like Turbulence Control and TYR's unique water-repellent coating in order to reduce drag. Then they married it to their tried-and-true innovations such as Fabrication Logic and Fluid Channel Dynamics for superior flow. Add in their unique, calenderized Isolated Compression technology for more glide efficiency and less drag, and you have the new TYR Fusion 2™. It's what happens when the past and the future meet at the swim lab.
Price: $72.00, unless you have a Lifetime Member Advantage 40% discount!
This is not a every day suit. It is built for racing. It has a short lifespan. But for the occasional speed workout or if the race water temperature negates the use of a wetsuit (78F or above), you could do much worse than swim in this jammer.
It has been just a mere eight days since our return from a fabulous London trip. This was my ninth trip there, the eighth as husband-wife and second with the Boy® in tow. And this might have been the best Brit Trip yet. Here are a few select photos (click on thumbnail for larger view):
Beautiful gardens and estate of Hever Castle
At Stonehenge. A trip everyone should make.
Visiting Carephilly Castle in south Wales
At Kew Gardens
On the London Eye
Football with the Boy® at St. James Park.
The stress fracture didn't bother me much during the tons of walking while there. It did bother me during the football (OK, soccer) match with the Boy. So I know there is still some healing that needs to take place.
This has not held me back from swimming and biking, however. So after six weeks of no activity, I have returned to those two disciplines. I'm slow, no doubt. But the confidence is slowly returning. I estimate at least another seven to fourteen days before I even attempt running. So any time between May 1-15, I hope to be back hitting the running trails.
What this means in terms of events is TDB. Out for sure is the planned Arkansas Double Weekend (tri on Sat; du on Sunday) to celebrate the 50th birthday. The race director did let me know that he is doing the same concept again on June 11-12. Perhaps I can target that to participate in as I certainly would not be in compete mode by then.
Some of the other early season events and my chance of attending:
I rate my chances at 20%. The race director & I exchanged emails this past weekend since I have yet to sign up. I've done this great event every year since inception so they were wondering where I was. Even though registration closes on 5/9, the race director said I could show up the day of the race and he would still get me in. How nice is that? And I might have to show up so I can talk with least years winner, Mike Fretland of Bismarck, about his great 3:11 showing in the Boston Marathon.
May 28 (signed up) - Apple Duathlon; Sartell, MN (USAT) - 5k run, 33k bike, 5k run
Again, I rate my chances at 20%. Of course, it all depends on if I can run or not. I was really tagging this one as one of my key USAT du's for the year. Now it would simply be to get in a good workout as I continue to recover. I would certainly not be running with the Big Boys of the 50-54 AG.
Jun 5 (signed up) - Pigman Sprint Triathlon; Cedar Rapids, IA (USAT) - Swim .5K, Bike 25K, Run 5K
I rate my chances at 30% here as I should be running by then. This one would also fall into the participating rather than competing category, however. And it would give me a chance to connect with my Iowa tri-geek friends.
The Time Trial bike will be back in Minnesota any week now. It has been down in Texas since last November when I sent her down to live with my friend, Tim "Buckwheat" Carroll as I raced in Fort Worth to end the season last year and then opened up the 2011 season outside of Houston. The plan had been to meet up in Arkansas at the end of April and I would just take her back with me, but best laid plans and all that. Thanks stress fracture! It will be good to have the speed bike back in the corral so I can take that out and start to get in some harder speed workouts. That is, if spring ever comes!
Here is a handy discount if you have been thinking about ordering one of the Revenge Series fuel belts from FuelBelt. Use code USAT when placing your order and you will receive a 15% discount. I ordered a custom fit 2-bottle model this past week. Why? Even though I'm not sure when I can start to run & compete again, I'm in need of a carrot at the end of the stick to stay motivated. To that end I am thinking of:
Entering the Virgin Marathon (London) lottery on April 26 (my birthday) to see if I can be lucky enough to grab a spot in the 2012 London marathon. I said I would never run another marathon again, but that was back in 1989 and the body has just now forgotten how painful it can be.
A half IM. Not sure when, this year is probably out. But enter into a half-IM and see how I can do. Could I go under five hours? I think with the right training, I could. Won't know until I try. Realistically, we're probably talking 2012 here.
Finally, I leave you with two key photos. If you know the importance and relevance....leave a comment. Especially if you are a fellow supporter!
For winning the Male 45-49 Age Group for the Fargo MiniMarathon 10K, I received a $20 gift certificate to GoFarSports in Fargo. I browsed around the store. They had a very nice collection of XC spikes and flats making me wish I was still in high school running cross-country and track & field. For the first time, I saw the Nike Free shoes. Wow. I might have to grab some of those.
But with winter approaching here in The Tundra, I opted for a new pair of gloves. Made by Saucony, these gloves are high visibility and for a light-weight glove are supposed to offer maximum protection against the cold. Features are:
• SonicLite exterior fabric keeps out rain and cold
• DryLete liner and cuffs provide comfort and protection
• USB-LED light and slot pocket on right hand
• Plush cloth wipe on thumb exterior
• Magnets fasten gloves together
Yeah, one needs the cloth wipe to brush away snot. The orange does make one look like the dude on the sideline at NFL games, but safety first!
And it is the LED light that really caught my eye. The light will be good for up to 100,000 hours. How will it last that long? A brilliant idea in which you can charge the light via any USB port. You get 1+ hour of light from just 20-minutes of charge time. The light is visible from up to 100 yards away. Take a look gander at the gloves and light in my homemade video:
QR Code to direct ordering - A QR Code is a matrix barcode which is readable by mobile phones that have a camera and all smartphones such a iPhone and Droid enabled phones. Those who use will know what to do.
