Your Local Source for Fitness Match-Making
Retail
Gear Review: Nathan VITAband
Aug 9th
MyFitList would like to welcome Eli Cohen as our contributing gear expert! He will be joining us periodically to review gear and share insight on the latest fitness products you can’t live without. And Eli certainly knows his stuff! He has years of experience with REI as the Austin Market Sales & Product Expert and tests it all out in the field as an endurance athlete and the Racing Team Director for Big Pistachio. Take it away, Eli!
I first learned about the Nathan VITAband at The Running Event Expo here in Austin last December while visiting with the folks at the Nathan Sports booth. Now, this might seem like a bold statement, but I think it’s one of the coolest products EVER! Yes, that is capital E-V-E-R.
Since activating the product, I’ve never taken it off and find that its contactless payment is extremely convenient. The concept is simple.
It’s a durable, waterproof band combining a medical ID chip with a pre-paid Visa debit chip. The medical ID chip contains only minimal information – your name and the name and phone number of your emergency contact. However, inscribed on the band itself is a VITAnumber identifier linking to an Emergency Response Profile (ERP) that you create upon activating a subscription. A 1- year subscription is $14.95 while the 2-year subscription is discounted at $19.95. In the event of an emergency, since first responders are trained to look for identifying information, they can use the VITAnumber to access your ERP that you populate with insurance information, medical history, allergies, emergency contacts, etc.
Now, I was skeptical at first about the debit chip because I thought it linked to my bank account. I later learned that it actually links to a separate and secure pre-paid Visa account. It seemed that having to continually remember to add funds would be a hassle, but one of the options you can setup is to automatically add funds if you fall below a designated threshold. The beauty of it is that I no longer carry cash or a credit card with me while I’m training since I can use the debit chip wherever the Visa payWave is accepted. In addition to most gas stations and quick shops, Whole Foods recently upgraded their point-of-sale terminals with contactless payment which made me one happy athlete!
Follow Vitaband on Twitter
Purchase your own Nathan VITAband ID Band at REI Online and in stores, as well as at running stores all over Austin.
***
Eli Cohen is the Austin Market Sales & Product Expert for REI and Racing Team Director of Big Pistachio.
Follow Eli on Twitter @AE_Cohen
Follow Eli’s Blog: aecohen.tumblr.com
***
MyFitList brings together the latest information on hundreds of local fitness businesses in Austin. We’re your resource for inspiration and information for getting and staying fit. Search hundreds of Austin fitness groups and services like running, triathlon, bootcamps, yoga studios, gyms and more all in one place! Check us out at www.myfitlist.com
Triathlon Gear for Beginners
Feb 9th
All of you experienced triathletes may laugh at this understatement… the sport of triathlon can get expensive. Training for a tri can add up quickly, but you can get to the start line without breaking the bank. We consulted the triathlon gear + service specialists at Jack & Adam’s Bicycles for their expert advice about the best gear for beginners. They know their stuff! Get to know them here.
First, a few things to consider.
1. Be honest about your level of commitment. Is triathlon something you see yourself doing for many years to come? Or is a triathlon race just something you’re crossing of your bucket list? Your level of commitment to the sport might be a good indicator as to how much you should invest in equipment and gear.
2. Work with what you have. No need to buy a new bike just because you’re riding it in a triathlon. For your first race, you can adapt your mountain bike to be more road-friendly by having the nubby tires replaced with slicks. Or ask a friend to borrow their road or tri bike and helmet.
3. Buy what you need now, reward yourself with upgrades later. Want a fancy tri bike or aero helmet? Set milestones and reward yourself with new gear when you reach those goals. In your first few seasons, you’ll quickly learn which brands and types of gear you like and dislike. Feel things out until you are really know what YOU need to perform well, be comfortable, and have a successful season. There are endless ways to spend money on gear, but just keep in mind… As awesome as it would be to race your first sprint distance triathlon in the TYR Hurricane Freak of Nature Wetsuit, it’s just not necessary.
4. Spend where it counts. Spending money on making sure your bike fits properly, bike maintenance and repairs, the correct running shoes for you — these purchases make a HUGE difference in your tri life. Costly upgrades (any thing with the word “aero” or “carbon fiber” as a descriptor) won’t help you much until you reach higher levels of racing and personal performance. The pros at Jack and Adam’s or your local tri shop are happy to give you honest advice to help you figure it all out.
The Necessities
- Swim suit
- Swim cap
- Goggles
- Wetsuit (optional, depends on water temperature)
- Bike
- Helmet
- Tri top
- Tri (cycling) shorts
- Cycling shoes (optional, but HIGHLY recommended for longer distances)
- Clipless Pedals (again optional, but HIGHLY recommended for longer distances)
- Race belt
- Running shoes (Easy Laces optional)
- Flat repair kit
- Water bottle(s)
Buying the gear is the easy part.
The pros at Jack and Adam’s make it especially easy. Walk into Jack and Adam’s Bicycles on Barton Springs Road, and walk out with literally everything you need to do your first triathlon. The complete Rookie Package starts at $1,080 (upgrades available) and includes free bike fit, 100 mile check up, and 2 free tune-ups. Plus, their knowledgeable staff can give you all sorts of advice and recommendations – they even offer 4 free workouts every week!
Now that you’re geared up, it’s time to start training! Be sure to visit MyFitList and stay tuned throughout Triathlon Month for information about different training groups, training tips, and gear favorites from triathlon experts in Austin.
***
Perk alert! MyFitCard holders get 10% off select purchases at Jack & Adam’s Bicycles! Must present MyFitCard at time of purchase. Excludes bikes, wheels and sale items & cannot be combined with other offers. MyFitCard gives you deals and discounts, like this, at fitness businesses all over town. Get your MyFitCard today!
***
MyFitList brings together the latest information on hundreds of local fitness businesses in Austin. We’re your resource for inspiration and information for getting and staying fit. Search hundreds of Austin fitness groups and services like running, triathlon, bootcamps, yoga studios, gyms and more all in one place! Check us out at www.myfitlist.com
Merry Fitness to You Giveaway!
Dec 7th
Here at MyFitList we’re getting into the spirit of the holidays and gearing up to give away over $500 worth of our favorite fitness products during the MyFitList 4-Day Merry Fitness to You Giveaway!
Win the products for yourself or pass them along as gifts to your friends and family. Either way, winning is fun, especially when the products are as cool as these.
It’s easy to enter. Any of these will get you entered – the more you enter, the better your chance of winning!
- “Like” us on Facebook and post the following to your status update: Merry Fitness to You! I just entered the gift giveaway from @MyFitList. You can too: http://bit.ly/uR5s7g
- Follow us on Twitter and tweet: Merry Fitness to You! I just entered the gift giveaway from @MyFitList. You can too: http://bit.ly/uR5s7g
- Signup for our e-newsletter: http://eepurl.com/eXQnw
- Tell us what gift you want to win! (be sure to tag @MyFitList and the business for the gift you want)
Remember, the more you enter, the better your chance of winning!
A total of 18 winners will be selected from December 13-16! Here’s a look at everything we’re giving away.
DAY 1: December 13th
SipECup
- Win one of THREE, 2-packs of the SipECup
The Austin Bodyworker
- Gift certificate for a 45-minute massage
MyFitCard
- Win a MyFitCard!
DAY 2: December 14th
Emi Jay Hair Ties
- Win one of TWO, 5-pack Hair Ties, Summer Collection
Blue Avocado
- Win a fit kit plus
- Win a (re) zip lunch 6-pack
(All MyFitList fans get the gift of a 20% discount off all Blue Avocado products! Just use this code: bafitlist20. The discount is good through December 31, 2011)
MyFitCard
- Win a MyFitCard!
DAY 3: December 15th
thinksport
- Win a thinksport bottle
- Win a thinksport yoga mat
Yurbuds
- Win a pair of Yurbuds Ironman Focus (in white)
- Win a pair of Yurbuds Ironman Inspire Pro – Dry Mic
MyFitCard
- Win a MyFitCard!
DAY 4: December 16th
TriggerPoint
- Win The Ultimate Grid Package, includes: orange Grid Foam Roller and SMRT-Core 3 DVD Bundle
Mosey
- Win a Mosey Weekender Bag in color Grape Jelly
MyFitCard
- Win a MyFitCard!
Healthy Hydration with Nuun
Jul 13th
Don’t let summer and these 100+ temps get you down, athletes and weekend warriors. We know, it’s really hot. And you want to keep exercising, whether you’re swimming, cycling, running, or bootcamping outside OR even working out indoors – remember to stay hydrated with water PLUS an electrolyte enhanced drink.
Image courtesy nuun
You’re probably all familiar with at least a few electrolyte drinks (think Gatorade, Powerade). Now think of a healthier hydration product that isn’t loaded with sugar and won’t “undo” your hard work. Nuun is a great product to replenish electrolytes and minerals that you sweat out during your workout (or walking around town, let’s be honest). The best part: nuun has no sugar and each tablet contains less than 8 calories. Nuun comes in tablet form which means you can easily stash a few in your workout bag, jersey pocket or SPIbelt when you’re on the go!
Nuun recently released new flavors that are really light and refreshing – strawberry lemonade, grape, fruit punch, and tropical.
MyFitList has a stash of new flavors and classic flavors to giveaway! Enter by 1) Join the MyFitList mailing list or 2) Comment on our Facebook page to tell us what fitness activities you like to do that make you sweat!
You can also buy nuun at stores around Austin like: Mellow Johnny’s, Pure Austin, Mel’s Meals, Hill Country Running Company, Bettysport, Jack and Adams, REI and more!
For more information like nutrition and ingredients, be sure to check out nuun online here: www.nuun.com
**
MyFitList brings together the latest information on hundreds of local fitness businesses in Austin. We’re your resource for inspiration and information for getting and staying fit. Search hundreds of Austin fitness groups and services like running, triathlon, bootcamps, yoga studios, gyms and more all in one place and narrow them down based on location, time of day, and day of the week! Check us out at www.myfitlist.com
Triathlon Guide for Beginners: Gear Up!
Apr 28th
This is the 3rd article in our 4 part series on triathlon for beginners. If you missed the last two, the first article talked about reasons why you might want to give triathlon a try and how to pick your first race. In our second article, we looked at some training ideas and tips to help make your first triathlon a success. The next piece of important information in getting ready for your triathlon event is triathlon gear and equipment. Being prepared with the right stuff on race day will make a huge difference to your overall enjoyment of the event. We are going to break it down into two categories: Must Haves and The Extras.
image courtesy of TrekBikes.com
Must Haves include equipment and gear that we believe you must have in order to have a positive race-day experience. Here they are:
Swimming Goggles: based on when you will be starting your swim, assess if you will need tinted goggles or not. There are many options when it comes to goggles and some work better on different face shapes, so be sure to try them out to find the ones that fit you best.
Wetsuit (if the water is below 72 degrees, it is recommended you wear one): if wetsuits are allowed at your race, it would be a good idea to wear one. A wetsuit will make you faster as it gives you buoyancy!
Bike: lots of options here, from entry-level bikes to higher-end expensive ones. Go to a local bike shop and test ride some to figure out what you like (and what you can afford).
Cycling Shoes: if you can practice it and get comfortable with it, clipping into your bike pedals is the way to go. You will be able to generate more power and it will make a difference in your bike time.
Bike Helmet: required at all races…you’ve got to protect your head!
Running Shoes: hundreds of options here, just be sure to practice in them ahead of time and find shoes that fit you well. The main thing to consider is will you go with or without socks? Whatever you decide, test it out before the race. Blisters can be your worst enemy!
Triathlon Shorts: probably the most comfortable and worry-free thing you can wear are tri shorts. They look like bike shorts but have a thinner pad that works better for swimming and running.
Triathlon Top: wearing a top with a pocket(s) in the back can be helpful for carrying your nutrition/gels. You also want to find something that is form fitting so you don’t have too much drag on the swim and bike (especially if you aren’t wearing a wetsuit).
Race Belt: easiest way to wear your race bib number.
Water bottle(s) for your bike: stay hydrated!
Gels or some form of nutrition: for anything longer than a sprint distance triathlon you will need some calories. There are many ways to get these calories: gels, drinks, or bars. Ask your triathlon coach or the experts at the triathlon shops for advice on what you should use.
Sunglasses: not totally necessary, but definitely helpful on sunny days!
The above list will get you to the starting line prepared for the race. But, now it is time to look at The Extras. Triathlon is one of those sports where the gear and equipment options become endless. There are so many little things you could add to your race-day list, none of them are necessary, but most are really cool!
Upgraded wetsuit: there are decent wetsuits around $100-200, but you can go for an upgraded suit somewhere in the $400-600 range. These suits are typically made out of a more flexible/thinner material that helps with overall comfort and range of motion for the arms.
Upgraded bike: you can find used bikes and entry-level bikes in the $1,000 range, but if you are looking for something lighter, “faster” and with that cool-factor, there are a slew of options when it comes to bikes. It’s pretty common to see price tags of $3-10K.
Helmets: the standard helmet works great, but if you are looking for “less drag”, check out the aero helmet.
Speed laces: replace your standard shoelaces with these for a faster transition time.
This is just a sampling of some of the extras you could get. Again, none of these things are necessary for finishing a triathlon race, but if they don’t make you faster you will at least feel pretty cool! For getting all the above gear and equipment, check out these local triathlon shops:
Austin Tri-Cyclist
Bicycle Sport Shop
Jack & Adam’s Bicycles
Mellow Johnny’s
The folks at these shops will be able to help you figure out what you will need. You could also get the guidance and support of a triathlon-specific coach who will not only be able to help you select the best gear and equipment for you, but they’ll be able to coach you as to how to use it!. Check out all of these great triathlon training programs and coaches: http://www.myfitlist.com/find/activity/triathlon
Finding the Best Gear for You
Dec 29th
Feeling good while you are working out has a lot to do with how well your gear “functions” and how good you feel while using it. Each sport has its own unique needs as far as gear and equipment. I sat down with Andrea Fisher, co-owner of Hill Country Running Company, to chat about what makes some workout gear better than others and how to shop for gear that will work best for you.
Andrea says when shopping for training equipment, clothing, and shoes it is all about quality. She suggests spending a few extra dollars on a quality brand because you end up “getting more life out of the product, and ultimately better bang for your buck”. She notes that this is especially true when buying higher dollar items like wetsuits, wheels, performance clothing, and specialty running/racing shoes.
If you are in need of running apparel, look for brands such as Sugoi, Brooks, Asics, and CW-X. Andrea carries all of these brands in their stores because she says, “top-of-the-line apparel brands give you the confidence in knowing your shorts or top are going to perform as well as last!”. Need some more specific advice? Andrea’s personal favorites in the running category are the Sugoi Piston Compression Capris (also great for recovery!) and the Brooks HVAC line of running apparel for it’s amazing wicking features.
The importance of quality holds doubly true when shopping for shoes. Andrea recommends steering away from buying your shoes from big box stores, because although it might be the same brand name found in a specialty store, it is important to know that those brand names make cheaper and lower quality shoes specifically to sell at the big box stores at discount prices. Andrea says that the best way to know that you are getting a quality shoe is by shopping at your local running specialty store. She notes that buying a running shoe of higher quality will get you “a better fit and response to your running gait, and ultimately a longer lasting shoe”.
HCRC New North Location on Parmer!
Andrea’s Top Gear Picks:
Not only does Andrea own and operate a local running store and a multisport training company, she is an accomplished, world-class triathlete who has had more than her fair share of experience in training and racing. Here are some of her top gear picks for feeling great while doing what she loves:
Shoes: LUV Brooks for road shoes. La Sportiva and Pearl Izumi for trail shoes.
Clothing: On my bottom Sugoi Piston 200 Capris. Bra – Moving Comfort and Zensah. Top – Brooks HVAC and Asics Favorite Tees.
Bike: I’m old school in that my true heart still beats for my old Le Monde Zurich road bike. Not in production anymore, but still makes me shiver with love everytime I step on to it. Tri bike – Felt and have a thing for an Orbea now.
Wetsuit: Blueseventy
Nutrition: Once a Clif girl, always a Clif girl! I heart everything that Clif puts out, so I can’t even narrow it down to one specific item here!
To find some of the products listed above, be sure to visit Andrea and her highly trained staff at Hill Country Running Company!
Oh, and on top of giving out lots of great advice on training and racing gear, HCRC offers FREE run training groups. See their events calendar for more details on their Weekly Thursday Morning Store Run and the “Learn to run – Love to run” free running programs.