Benefits

The Marathon Stick really helps in getting rid of those annoying knots in your muscles that you sometimes get after a race or hard workout. It targets those trigger points in your muscles, removes excess lactic acid build-up and reduces pain all through this self-massage process. In addition, The Stick eliminates tightness, allows blood and nutrients to flow properly throughout your body and actually stretches and heals the muscles faster, increasing your overall performance by delaying the time needed to rest because of unwanted soreness.

Features

The Marathon Stick is very light and portable, allowing you to bring it with you while traveling for a race or business trip. This means that you can use it any moment it’s necessary. It is a very versatile tool, which can be worked on almost all muscle groups. Because of these features, the price makes The Stick worth it if you consider how much just one session with a masseuse will cost. And if The Stick really does last a lifetime, then it’s definitely worth it!

Where to Use

It worked out that when I first got the Marathon Stick in the mail, I had completed a nice little hill workout as well as another night of basketball, which always gets me sore. My favorite muscles to use it on have been my quads/hamstrings and glutes, but essentially, the Marathon Stick can be used on all parts of your body including:

• Feet
• Calves
• Quads
• Hamstrings
• Glutes
• Back
• Arms
• Neck

How to Use

In addition to using the Marathon Stick after a workout, it actually helps to use it before as well to help loosen up any tight muscles. A typical warm-up for healthy muscle tissue is about 20 progressively deeper passes over each muscle group (about 30 seconds per area). The website offers lots of tips and advice on where and how to use The Stick.

Alternatives

I have heard on more than one occasion how people just use a rolling pin to help alleviate sore muscles. I personally have not used it, but knowing how a rolling pin works, I can compare that with the Marathon Stick. The Stick actually bends and contorts to the shape of your body and muscles, helping really target those knots and sore sports. A rolling pin would have a lot harder time doing that in my opinion.

When I was asking runners about The Stick, a few mentioned that they prefer foam rollers instead. Like the rolling pin, I may not have tried this product, but there is one thing I can say about it. It probably isn’t as easy to use the foam roller as it is to use The Stick. I’ve seen pictures of people using the foam rollers and it looks like you always have to keep the foam roller on the floor and roll your body against it. With The Stick, you can be standing or sitting and use it wherever you feel comfortable. I’d definitely like to try out these other two products just to see for myself though.

Final Thought

The Stick has been used by professional athletes all around the world, been tested in many studies and written about in numerous publications. Phil Jackson, Head Coach for the Los Angeles Lakers has been quoted: “I would recommend The Stick to all athletes.” If the Zen Master himself endorses The Stick, then it must be worth trying, right?

I’ve only had the opportunity to use the Sof Sole Athlete™ Insoles, but have been very happy with it so far. When I first took out my old insoles, I was skeptical that it would even fit in the first place since the insoles were made to fit a range of shoe sizes. But once I removed the current insoles in my running shoes (which were very light because it was so worn out, and very beat up), I was able to slip the insoles in quite easily. The bottom of the Sof Sole insoles is made of this gel that (in addition to other features) keeps the insole from slipping around your shoe. With the first use, I definitely noticed a difference in comfort and support. Knowing that I had the protection I needed for my feet was very reassuring and allowed me to run worry-free and just enjoy the run.

I have never thought twice about how certain socks affects a runner, so I had always just worn the cheapest ones I could find at Walmart or Target. But after getting all of those blisters from my race, I felt that it was definitely time for a change. The Sof Sole performance socks that I received were the CoolMax Runner and Anti-Friction running socks. Both pairs were definitely more comfortable than the ones I had been running with before. The mesh venting at the top of the socks allows the feet to breathe and helps wick moisture as well. Washing the socks brings the sock back to the original shape that it was when I first wore them and still provides the same comfort and protection for me on my run. The pricing for these performance socks aren’t too bad and whatever extra I would have had to pay for these socks instead of the cheap ones are worth it if it will keep blisters off my feet!

The following is additional information about the Sof Sole insoles and performance socks found directly on the website.

All Sof Sole performance insoles reduce foot pain with unsurpassed technical features including:

• Full-foot IMPLUS foam sock absorption
• Hydrologix™ moisture management system
• Anti-microbial odor protection
• One year warranty

Sof Sole Athlete™ Insoles

The Sof Sole Athlete™ Insoles is quite simply the finest cushioning insole available. The Athlete features a neutral foot position perfect for most foot types and adds additional gel cushioning in the heel and forefoot. Built with our exclusive IMPLUS® foam, the Athlete provides superior shock absorption without bulk.

• Gel heel and forefoot protection – parts of your feet absorbing the most impact do not get worn down.
• Hydrologix™ moisture management system – keeps athlete’s feet dry, preventing bacteria and blisters.
• Max cushioning – for longer lasting protection during high-impact activities.
• Medium arch

Sof Sole Airr® Insoles

The Sof Sole Airr® insole is the first insole to combine an air cushioning system with moisture control technology. The Airr features an encapsulated air chamber for maximum cushioning and Coolmax top cover to provide climate control for the surface of your foot. Simply put, the Sof Sole Airr is the best performance insole available.

• Air chambers in heel and arch provide exceptional comfort while maximizing shock absorption
• Coolmax® fabric cover absorbs moisture and provides breathability for climate control
• Polymer gel forefoot cushioning

Sof Sole Custom™ Insoles

Completely moldable performance insole that provides personalized fit for spectacular performance comfort. Orthotic wearers and foot pain suffers alike can benefit from the support and cushioning offered by a customized fit. You simply heat it in the oven for a few minutes, place it in your shoe, then step in your shoe. The result is a customized fit with cushioning and support right where you need it!

Sof Sole Coolmax Runner Socks

Fine-knit, medium weight performance socks with Coolmax to wick away moisture to keep feet dry.

• Deep heel pocket
• Seamless toe
• Banded instep
• Mesh venting for breathability

Sof Sole Anti-Friction Socks

The Anti-Friction sock is designed to inherently limit motion of the sock on the foot. Selective bottom cushioning feels like a cushion sock with the low profile design of a sock liner. Integrated arch support and seamless toes make the Anti-Friction the most comfortable sock ever.

Quick Facts:

• Moisture Wicking – Keeps you dry and comfortable
• Breathable – Regulates your core temperature
• Anti-Microbial – bamboo naturally resists odor
• UV Protection – UPF 50+ blocks 99% of sun’s rays

I haven’t had to wear many of my tech tees now that summer is over and I’m usually wearing long sleeve shirts during my runs. But when I do go for a later run in the afternoons, I do enjoy wearing the thriv for all of the reasons stated above.

And who wouldn’t want to wear an article of clothing with what looks like a panda as the logo?!

The first thing I noticed wrong was that the silicone skin had a bigger window, for the bigger screen in the new iPod. The click wheel still fit for my iPod and I was still able to scroll through my iPod fine. When I first got my Nike+, I got an armband that was made of the iPod and Nike+ attachment, but scrolling was impossible with that skin. So the iSkin DuoBand already won in that department. The silicone is pretty thick, so I’m assuming it would protect my iPod if it ever did fall (not going to test that, sorry..). What I also noticed is that the 5G Nano swapped the slot where you charge the iPod and the slot for the headphones for no apparent reason other than to make all older iPod cases and skins obsolete. My Nike+ has been out of commission recently, so it actually isn’t a big deal either. It fits very snug into the armband so I don’t have to be afraid of it slipping off while running. There is also some strange padding behind the armband called the “Comfort Zone” which helps avoid slipping and skin irritation, which was never a problem for me with my other armband, but still a plus to have. The band itself is adjustable, with patches of Velcro so that it fits arms of all sizes. There are also holes all around the band to make it breathable and porous, always nice to have.

iSkin is pretty well known for armbands, iPod cases and whatnot. This is just another one of their new armbands that is great for fitness enthusiasts who like to work out and run with their iPods. It’s nice if you have a Nike+, since there is an opening to put plug it in, just make sure you have an iPod Nano 5G!

Product Info:

• Premium silicone protector + adjustable armband with Microban® protection
• Adjustable armband strap sports a breathable soft-silicone ComfortZone™ for comfort and anti-slip support
• The nano silicone protector guards against scratches, moisture and bumps
• Integrated click wheel protector keeps it safe and dry
• Made with Microban® antimicrobial protection, which inhibits the growth of odor and stain causing bacteria

Where to Buy:

The Invigorators compression socks are extra long to allow full compression starting at my foot to my calf and all the way up to my knee. There is extra padding around the toes and heels for people who need to stand a lot or are on their feet a lot during the day. Washing the compression socks always helped give a new tight/snug fit each time I wore them, which is nice. It was like wearing a new pair of socks each time. Another simple, but nice feature is the color. The solid black color, like the Zensah compression socks, made it very easy to wear at work without standing out too much. This allows me to get a full 9-5 recovery whenever it’s necessary. It’s not a big deal because it’s also possible to wear the compression socks at night while sleeping.

Compression socks, as well as other types of compression apparel seems to be a new fad for the running and athletic community. I’ve been lucky enough to be able to test and review different compression socks to know how well they work. Compression socks in particular help in recovery after long runs, interval workouts or doing anything that involves excessive walking or standing. I don’t travel very often, but I’ve heard that it takes its toll on people, specifically on their feet. Compression socks are supposed to help something called deep vein thrombosis (DVT). In addition, they help improve circulation around your feet and calves, pumping much needed blood into your legs from the rest of your body. They also help reduce soreness and tired legs after a long day or hard workout.

Where to Buy Invigorators Compression Socks

Additional Information on the Invigorators Compression Socks

Product Description
Take a stand! Medical grade, graduated compression socks for people on their feet. Provides all-day energizing support. Prevents tired, achy feet & legs. Improves circulation. Maximizes comfort level. Class 1 medical grade compression reduces the incidence and discomfort of varicose veins, spider veins, deep vein thrombosis and shin splints. Content: 66% nylon; 20% cotton; 14% spandex. Made in the USA. Patent pending. Need an extra wide cut? Try Size E Tall for individuals over a height of 5′8″– women’s shoe size 11-13; men’s shoe size 12-14.

The Invigorators Difference
Only Invigorators have a patented design and graduated compression that starts at the ankle and supports circulation progressively to the knee. The easy weave takes pressure off muscles of the foot and lower leg. The Y-heel construction provides the best heel fit. Light compression around the arch provides support and a secure fit.

Additional comfort is provided by:

* No-rub seam across toe
* Non-rolling edge at the top of sock
* Anchor weave prevents binding at the ankle
* Double knit cotton toe and heel for cushioned comfort

No other compression sock offers this quality. No other sock comes with the Fromm Lifetime Guarantee against manufacturer defects. No other medical grade compression sock is made in the USA.

How do compression socks work?
Your lower legs have special valves. Found nowhere else in the body, these valves help return blood to the upper portion of the body to be re-oxygenated and nourished in the lungs. With age, these valves naturally expand and loose their ability to effectively push blood up the leg. Other conditions, such as arthritis, pregnancy, varicose veins, and more, can diminish the ability of these valves to work effectively. Compressions socks support these valves to improve circulation.

What is Class 1 Medical Compression?
Medical compression is measured in millimeters of mercury (mmHg) in the same way that mercury is used in a thermometer to measure temperature. The higher the number of mmHg, the greater the amount of mercury is by the compression of the fabric. A higher number represents stronger compression.

Class 1 Medical Grade compression is recommended for active people who need extra support. Only medical grade compression socks maintain optimum circulation reducing the incidence of varicose veins, spider veins, deep vein thrombosis and shin splints.

Why is good circulation so important?
Poor circulation causes blood to pool in the legs, putting pressure on veins and sometimes causing varicose and spider veins.

Improved circulation:

* Alleviates sore, tired and achy legs and feet
* Reduces swelling
* Ensures muscles and ligaments receive oxygen and nourishment
* Increases feeling of well-being and stamina
* Minimizes the incidence of varicose veins, spider veins, deep vein thrombosis & shin splints

As part of the Brooks I.D. (Inspire Daily) sponsored athlete program, I am required to race and train in Brooks gear and apparel. But I also enjoy a 40% discount on said products, so it’s a win-win situation for both sides. I was well overdue for a new pair of running shoes (over 500-600 miles on my New Balance 768), so I started to review and look at potential Brooks running shoes to choose next. I had my feet and running form analyzed courtesy of Road Runner Sports and found out I had normal pronation (but feels more like over pronation) and needed a pair of stability shoes. I was deciding between the Brooks Adrenaline GTS 10 and Trance 9, but when I tried on the Adrenaline 10, I knew I was sold. I didn’t know a pair of running shoes could feel so comfortable! On a side note, my brother had his feet looked at (on a different occasion) and was really interested in the Brooks Adrenaline GTS 10’s as well. What are the odds?

It’s funny because I ran in high school because my brother did it first, then we both stopped after high school. But since I started running again this year and telling my brother about it and some of the races I’ve ran, he seemed to want to try and get back into it too. I suppose I’m already doing my job as part of the Brooks I.D. program to ‘inspire’ my brother to start running again.

So I ordered two pairs of the Brooks Adrenaline GTS 10’s (a pair for my brother for Christmas!) and they were shipped and arrived in a very short time. To be honest, I have not been running as consistently since my half marathon back in mid November and hoping that these new shoes will help me kick start my training for my next half in January. I ran in the GTS 10’s a couple of times now (including a run with a 6:09 last half mile), and I have to say I am very pleased with how the Brooks Adrenaline GTS 10’s are treating my feet.

The Brook’s Adrenaline GTS 10 offers a better midfoot fit and a new, beveled heel for smoother landings. Deeper flex grooves conform to your foot’s every move. Weight: 11.1 ounces, category type: stability.

Brooks Adrenaline GTS 10 vs. GTS 9:

Improved:

• Enhanced upper materials and construction to provide maximum comfort and breathability, while maintaining a conforming fit.
• Asymmetrical upper overlays to create a more secure arch capture.
• Increased heel bevel to create a smoother transition, a softer lay down, and slower rate of pronation.
• Caterpillar heel pad;  A more segmented crash pad that customizes the individual’s lay down for the right amount of cushion and stabilization, resulting in a perfect ride for every stride.

Maintained:

• Signature PDRB® triple-density post on the medial side of the shoe for industry-leading stability.
• HydroFlow® cushioning in the forefoot and heel.
• Iconic Adrenaline™ last and shape.

Brooks Adrenaline GTS 10 Features:

Outsole
HPR Plus: A higher durability, abrasion-resistant rubber outsole compound that wears longer. (notice the 10 hash marks on the upper right? I thought that was interesting!)

Forefoot Stable Pod Construction: Midsole and outsole components are engineered to set the foot up in an efficient, balanced position from hell strike to toe-off, offering maximum stability and responsiveness.

Midsole
Hydroflow: Dynamic viscous fluid units for heel and forefoot enhance midsole cushioning-attenuating shock with industry-leading dampening and comfort.

BioMoGo: The long-lasting cushioning of the MoGo midsole is now environmentally friendly by adding a non-toxic, natural additive to the MoGo compound that encourages anaerobic microbes to munch away once it hits the landfill.

Diagnal Rollbar (DRB): A high-density post at the medial arch is engineered for pronation control and creates a smoother transition from the midstance phase into the propulsion phase.

Upper
Element: Upper technology featuring superior microfiber construction to provide weather protection in a light, supple, quiet fabric that doesn’t sacrifice breathability, durability, or comfort.

What I liked most about the Brooks Adrenaline GTS 10 after careful review is definitely the comfort, support and overall feel of the shoes. I really noticed the great toe-off I got just by walking in them when I was testing them out at the store. That seems to give a real big advantage when running, something I don’t notice in most running shoes. I have a feeling that pronation becomes a real big issue for me (and probably many other runners) when running longer distances. Because I didn’t have that many long runs while training for my first half, I didn’t notice it until I actually raced my half. I ended up with a huge blister around my left big toe, probably because a lot of weight was being pressured on it, for a grueling 13.1 miles!

After reading some reviews, there seemed to be a lot of talk about how runners really didn’t like the Brooks Adrenaline GTS 9, but loved the GTS 7 and for the most part the GTS 8 as well. So runners who have ran in the GTS 10 love how they have went back to the GTS 7 & 8 status and are really in love with these shoes. I’m very happy with these shoes as well and advocating and evangelizing shoes like these will not be very hard on my part.

Cool Logos found on the Brooks Adrenaline GTS 10:

Where to Buy:

lululemon athletica has been around for over 10 years, mainly selling technical yoga clothes and apparel, but also clothes for running, dancing, and other sports. There are a few locations around my area, and I’ve seen a couple of people using the very brightly colored durable tote bags.

lululemon Metal Vent Tech SS – Running Shirt

Why We Made This:

• Performance top with integrated mesh venting for high breathability and heat management
• Anti-stink Silverescent™ using X-Static, the silver fiber
• Seamless body construction and flat seamed for chafe resistant wearing experiences
• Preshrunk for sizing confidence
• Wicking/quick dry

Unlike my cotton tee, this tech tee is made of: 44% polyester, 46% nylon, 7% x-static silver nylon and 3% spandex. It’s longer than shirts I usually wear, but it’s still fairly light. There are tiny ventilation holes around the armpit; upper and lower back areas to help sweat escape the shirt easier, I could only assume since there is where I do sweat most. I have noticed that my cotton tee would be very heavy after a run, but the tech tee would be significantly lighter, probably because of all that wicking action going on, which is nice. Overall, it’s a nice tech tee for my longer runs.

On a side note, I noticed some random quotes on the inner part of the bottom of the shirt. So if you’re wiping your face with the inside of the bottom of the tee, you’ll see the quotes.

• “Visualize your victory”
• “Realize your goals”
• “Believe in yourself”
• “And make sure to drink a beer or two along the way”

Pretty funny if you ask me

RUN:Response Short – Running Shorts

Why We Made This:

• All-sport short built to fit hockey butt
• Don’t worry about wearing underwear — we built it in for you!
• Non-chafing flat-seamed liner keeps the family jewels in place
• Secure zip pocket for your valuables
• Elastic waistband with drawstring that won’t pull out
• Mesh paneling for added ventilation
• Moisture wicking

The very first thing I noticed when I got these shorts was that there was a secure zipper pocket! It’s one of the most important things I look for in running shorts, just because I never liked hiding my key under my welcome mat or under my car tire. This also allows me to carry other important things like my ID or money. You’d think the ‘built in’ underwear would be a very convenient feature, but for someone who has been used to wearing boxers trying to switch to running in what I would call boxer-briefs, it’s quite a transition. I’ve never ran in tights before, but I think that’s how they would feel and they sort of rode up while running so at the end of the run, I could actually have to adjust it by pulling the leg part down. But that is something that I just have to get used to. The actual fabric of the shorts is nice: 86% recycled polyester and 14% spandex. There are vents along the leg of the shorts as well as around the butt area behind. The two additional pockets in the front are just an added feature.

The combination of the tech tee and running shorts are really nice to have: I don’t have to worry about chaffing or being soaked in sweat and I could actually store valuables in the secure zippered pocket.

I was sent an awesome care package from POM Wonderful to try out and review some (a lot actually) of their POM products. I’ve actually never tried anything from POM before, probably because it’s more of a luxury item and a little too expensive for me, even though I have always loved pomegrantes. But who is going to give up the chance for complementary POM products, so here goes. Before I get into the review, here is an interesting quote I found from their website. “In China, a picture of a ripe, open pomegranate is a popular wedding present, expressing the wish ‘May you have as many children as there are seeds!’”

“POM Wonderful 100% Pomegranate Juice is a little bit sweet, a little bit tart and a whole lotta healthy.” I think this is the most well known POM product that I know of, I actually thought this was the only thing that they made. I have always been a fan of pomegranates ever since I was a kid, definitely more than anyone else that I knew. It was a pain, however, to have to pick each individual kernel to enjoy that wonderful pomegranate juice. Sometimes, if I was really patient, I would pick them all into a bowl and eat them with a spoon! You’d think that when they came out with this juice, I would have been the first to get a bottle. I suppose there was also that sense of accomplishment when eating something that you ‘worked’ to earn that you don’t get when you drink it straight from the bottle. Anyways, when I first tried the pomegranate juice, I noticed that it was a lot stronger than I had remembered it to be. There was this kick right at the end of each sip. I suppose drinking it in such a concentrated form is a lot different than eating a couple of kernels at a time, which is probably just a few sips in comparison. I think this taste is something that needs to get used to, like more than one bottle.

Pomegranate Lychee Green Tea

Drinking the Pomegranate Lychee Green Tea compared to the Pomegranate Juice was completely different. The flavor was not nearly as strong as the pomegranate juice and the very first taste that you get when drinking this is the Lychee, which I am also a huge fan of. I hardly tasted any pomegranate which, I suppose, is a good and bad thing. Either way, this drink is highly recommended because of the health benefits of drinking: pomegranate, lychee and green tea!

POMx Iced Coffee: Café au Lait & Chocolate Flavors

A couple of things surprised me before I even took a sip of these drinks: POM Wonderful made coffee drinks and they were in little grenade shaped containers! This drink actually contains pomegranate, POMx: POM Wonderful Pomegranate Antioxidant Extract – patent pending. This reminds me of a scene from friends when Rachel ruins the trifle by putting meat (among other things) into the recipe. Here is Joey’s response after eating it: “What’s not to like? Custard, good. Jam, good. Beef, GOOD!” From then on, whenever I would see two random ingredients that I like, I would think to myself, or out loud, ’since they both taste good separately, they must be good together!’ Of course, that’s not always true. However, I have to admit mixing the POMx with coffee does seem to work very well. It must be said that when I tried both coffee drinks, I did not taste any hint of pomegranate in it, even though it clearly states that there is in the ingredients. They must put a very small amount in it then because all I tasted was coffee goodness. I really enjoyed both flavors equally, but I would have to give the regular coffee flavor a slight edge since the chocolate one was a little thicker than I’d like.

POMx Bars

These POMx Bars are just more products that I did not know POM sold. The product description tells it all, “Unwrap the power of antioxidants. Made with real fruit and nuts, this all-natural bar is wrapped in dark chocolate. Plus, it’s powered by POMx, an ultra-potent natural antioxidant.” The POMx bars come in two flavors: pomegranate and peanut butter. I have had peanut butter sandwiches for breakfast, lunch, dinner and as a random snack before, so guess which bar I liked more? The peanut butter flavored POMx bar was pretty good, I could barely tell that there was any pomegranate in it, but of course, the ingredients said there was. The pomegranate flavor wasn’t bad, but by comparison, I enjoyed the peanut butter more, hands down. What was also cool about these bars was that they were covered in dark chocolate, which I am not a fan of, despite the fact that it’s better for you than regular chocolate. These are really nice snacks to just have whenever, or before or after a run. Best of all, they’re healthy!

POMx Pill & POMx Shots

If you need a quick and easy pick me up, you should definitely consider a POMx Pill or POMx Shot. These two are natural pomegranate polyphenol and antioxidant supplements, respectively. Whenever I think of supplements, I think of getting a boost at Jamba Juice, you don’t really taste it (unless you get the protein powder one) and it’s supposed to work its magic behind the scenes. The POMx Pill has the antioxidant power of an 8oz glass of POM Wonderful 100% Pomegranate Juice, so if you are like me the first time I had the juice and can’t take the strong flavor, you can swallow one of these pills and you’ll be good to go. The POMx Shot is not like one of those 8 hour energy shots that you see floating around convenience stores these days. Like I said earlier, it’s a super-concentrated 1300mg punch of POMx, which I’m sure is more than enough for your daily intake. These two products are good for someone who needs a quick pick-me-up but rather not have to down a full bottle of POM Wonderful 100% Pomegranate Juice.

POM Wonderful

I have to thank the people of POM Wonderful for sending all of these cool POM products. If I ever see any of these products on sale, I will definitely giving them a second go, if not, try some of the other flavors of POM I did not get to try out yet. The ones I got were shipped with such care, take a look at the packaging below. They were shipped very fast with what looked like ice packs to keep them cold and packaged very securely. Thanks again POM Wonderful!

Who wouldn’t want to open a package full of these wonderful POM products?!

First image courtesy of POM Wonderful

I was recently asked to test out and review a pair of Saucony ProGrid Xodus Trail Running Shoes with Vibram outsoles. These trail shoes were picked as Runner’s World Editor’s choice award back in October 2008, quite an accomplishment if you ask me. I’ve been hearing a lot of talk about Vibram lately, but mostly about their very odd looking, but supposedly very comfortable Vibram Five Fingers, but that’s an entirely different conversation. I got back into running consistently for about half a year and when I first started running, I made a wise decision to avoid getting bored from running by participating in my first race since high school. It felt really good (although nerve-racking) to compete once again. After that race, I was able to keep my motivation up to continue running and even tried a 10K and am now training for my first half marathon. But that very first race that I ran was actually a trail course with a good amount of hills, which my New Balance 768 running shoes could not really handle. Also at that race, I ran ahead/behind a barefoot runner, which must have been really hard considering the terrain. I have wanted to do some additional runs and workouts on hills and trails recently and testing out the Saucony Progrid Xodus trail shoes with Vibram outsoles was the perfect opportunity to do so.

Saucony ProGrid Xodus Trail Running Shoes with Vibram Outsoles

First off, here are some technical details of the Saucony ProGrid Xodus Trail Shoes with Vibram Outsoles taken directly from Saucony.com:

• Heel ProGrid with Respon-Tek – Saucony’s latest impact deflection technology, ProGrid, absorbs impact, dissipates shock and sets the foot up for a smooth transition
• SSL EVA – An advanced EVA blend that maximizes rebound and durability while minimizing weight
• HRC Strobel Board – Increases cushioning and comfort
• Arch-Lock – Provides snug midfoot fit
• Premium Sockliner – Breathable, moisture wicking, anti-odor and antimicrobial Ortholite insole provides improved step-in comfort with rebound properties
• SRC Impact Zone – Provides shock attenuation and sets the foot up for a smooth transition
• EBO - Protects the foot from rocks
• Vibram Trek Outsole – Lightweight outsole compound with uncompromising grip, traction, and durability

When I first got the Saucony’s in the mail, I wanted to try them out right away. So I actually did my first test run with them on my regular running route, which is an all road path, which is not what the shoes were really made for. Right when I started running, it felt as if the shoes were heavy. But the thing is, my New Balances (12.5 oz) actually weigh more than the Saucony’s (12.3 oz). I’m thinking what happened was when I first got the New Balances, I never noticed the weight of the shoes and I had just started running again. But since I was used to my New Balances and had worn them out quite a bit, switching to the Saucony’s made the shoes feel a lot heavier by comparison. The weight of the shoes weren’t really an issue though since I was still able to run a very fast time in the Saucony’s that day: 5 mi / 33:30, 6:42 min/mile. But I had not really loosened the laces when I got them, so I had started to develop a blister on one of my toes, but when I ran on an actual trail, I didn’t have that issue, which is good.

I have read about a few trails around my area that would have been pretty fun to try these shoes on, but it wouldn’t have been the best idea to go there for the first time, not knowing what I would get myself into. Instead, I went back to where I ran my first race and try out the shoes there. The UCSD campus is filled with very forest-like areas and home to a lot of fun trails to run on too. The cross country team and other local high schools host meets on that trail, which is pretty cool. When I got to the trail, there were chalk marks on certain paths on the trail, so I decided to just follow that so that I wouldn’t get lost in that forest.

Right when I started running on the trail, I noticed what my non-trail-running shoes were missing. The grip and comfort in the Saucony’s were very nice. I remember when I was running the race on that trail, I had to constantly be aware of my surroundings and at the little holes, cracks and branches on the ground. But this time, I didn’t have to worry about that and was actually able to enjoy the run and the view. The Vibram outsoles were really doing a great job on these hills (although my breathing and performance not too much..). According to Vibram, “the lugs on the outsoles give you uphill thrust and downhill braking” which is great because I knew many runners, including myself, that have had knee injuries from not running down hills properly, most likely because the shoes or the outsoles of those shoes just didn’t have the support needed to handle those hills.

What I’ve been reading online about Vibram outsoles is that they are “the most durable outsoles in the business, hands down.” But they’re very heavy, so what Vibram did was work with Saucony to provide the durability and protection people are used to with Vibram outsoles but at a much lighter weight. Together, what they came out with was the Saucony ProGrid Xodus Trail Running Shoes with Vibram Outsoles. And I do have to say, that was a very wise partnership and Runners World agreed as well.

Here are some additional pictures of the Saucony ProGrid Xodus Trail Shoes with Vibram Outsoles:

Where to Buy:

I was contacted on behalf of Zensah (@zensah) to review a pair of Prograde Compression Socks, which I gladly obliged to do. I have never had special socks specifically designed for running. I usually just wore regular low-cut cotton ankle socks during my runs. Because of the crazy tan lines that we would get while running after school, I would sometimes pull mid-ankle cut socks down to low-ankle level and fold the excess sock under my foot. Sometimes it would be pulled too low and the whole sock would ride below the heal of my foot, which was very annoying. My coach would sometimes run in dress socks because he said that they were softer and felt more comfortable. I’ve tried that a couple of times, but because they’re so smooth, my feet didn’t really have any grip on the actual shoe (unless I tied my shoelaces very tight). I never thought that running socks would make that much of a difference in performance. I know from experience that shoes do because I raced for half of a cross country season with running shoes that made my feet burn within the first mile! The next race I ran with different racing flats and I didn’t have any issues with my feet burning.

Zensah Compression Socks

Since I have never owned compression socks before, I really didn’t have anything to compare them to. However, after reading what others think of the Zensah compression socks, I have to agree with what most of them have to say about the socks. First off, I’ll point out some of the features that the compression socks state they do:

• Increase Circulation
• Arch Support
• Recovery & Travel
• Improve Performance

Active Ingredients & Benefits

• Zensah Fabric: ultra comfortable
• Silver Ions: thermal regulating
• Pin-Point Compression: promotes oxygen blood flow
• Moisture Wicking Properties: ultra breatable
• Seamless Construction: anti-chafing
• Non-elastic Band: no cut-off of circulation

It actually says this on the packaging:
Warnings: May lead to ultra comfort and improved performace.

The thing I noticed when I was looking at the socks on the website was how it is thicker around the arch and foot area. When I actually got the socks, I thought that a size small would be too tight for me, but since they are compression socks, they seem to be the perfect fit. The seamless technology is cool and I never have to worry about it bothering my feet while I run. When I first ran with these socks, I did feel like there was a difference on my feet. It may have just been a psychological thing, but on that very first run, I ran the fastest time I had on that route and about a week later with the same socks, I ran even faster on that route! The socks provide padded arch support, but I also notice that my feet never burn while running longer distances or in the heat (thermal regulating). I had a long run yesterday and my calves felt kind of sore so I decided to try and wear them after the run to help improve recovery. We’ll see how much the compression socks play an effect.

When I ran back in high school, the only running gear I had were running shoes, regular socks, shorts and a t-shirt (I didn’t get a running watch until my last year of cross country that I bought for $10 at Target or Walmart). Now, I have running shoes, special compression socks, shorts, a t-shirt, a heart rate monitor, 100-lap stopwatch, an iPod Nano & Nike+iPod Sports Kit. At this moment, my times in high school were a lot faster than they are right now. So it looks like all of that extra gear that I have now is not helping me run any faster. But I am still only about 6 months into training and at 6 months into running in high school, I was not as fast as I am now. So maybe all of this gear is helping me run faster, but I know there are more than enough runners out there that feel the need some days to just run without all this technology. I have yet to do that, but will definitely try it out one day.