Run Run Away » running apparel

SportHill for warm weather

admin — Mon, 15 Mar 2004 00:00:00 +0000

Question:

Yeah, but I’m hooked on Sugoi after wearing their shorts for the past month. They must smell pretty bad by now. Maybe you should rotate two pairs ? Cheers,

Hmmm… is that what that smell was? Thanks for the tip. Phil M. — "Pain is temporary: the success it brings can be everlasting." -fortune cookie

Response:

I purchased 2 pairs of Sugoi shorts (42K and spearhead) from www.backcountrystore.com. But I’m having trouble locating the TehniFine mesh tank in medium. Any ideas where I can find this online? I’ve seen some of the sporthill mesh gear in the stores and it looks very good (especially the sensatech stuff). They’re still selling some of it cheap. Good mesh gear should be easy to pick up. Cheers,

I finally found the Sugoi tank at http://www.piermontbike.com. Also, if anyone likes Sugoi, they might want to check the 40% off sale at http://www.totaltri.com. Phil M. — "Pain is temporary: the success it brings can be everlasting." -fortune cookie

Response:

Yeah, but I’m hooked on Sugoi after wearing their shorts for the past month. I can’t locate the Sugoi singlet. Phil M. — "Pain is temporary: the success it brings can be everlasting." -fortune cookie

Response:

Yeah, but I’m hooked on Sugoi after wearing their shorts for the past month.

They must smell pretty bad by now. Maybe you should rotate two pairs ? Cheers, — Donovan Rebbechi http://pegasus.rutgers.edu/~elflord/

Response:

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Most of my runs these days are in the 55 – 70 deg F. range (Atlanta), so I’m looking for some appropriate warm weather clothing. From the January thread "reviews of winter running clothes" there were a few brands that stood out. One of those was SportHill. Although their web site is pretty poor (missing images, bad layout, etc.), some of the prices seem very reasonable. I guess they had the neighbor’s kid do the web design and passed the savings on to the customer . They also have some summer clothing on sale. They have some very good prices on some weird-colored items (lime green, burnt orange). Anyone have some experience with SportHill’s warm weather running apparel? Any other brands you could recommend? After that report from that poor guy who tried to order from SportHill’s website, I simply don’t trust their mail order business. They seem downright incompetent, at least in their mail order business. This is unfortunate, because they do make great clothing. As far as brands go, I’d recommend sugoi, but their shorts aren’t available discounted. I’d recommend moving comfort, but they only make womens clothes. On a more pragmatic note, I’d recommend insport because it’s easy to pick up their clothes at a discount, and I’m reasonably happy with what I’ve purchased from them (though I like Sugoi and Sporthill more). As for getting cheap summer clothing, the usual suspects (rei.com, rei-outlet.com, campmor.com, insport.com) still have some mens shorts, but a lot of the discount shorts are running out. It’s easier to buy discount winter clothes now — just picked up a Sugoi vest with a mesh back for half price. Also noticed that Sporthill Explorer tops are about 40% off at a lot of running stores these days (online and offline). insport.com still has several styles of discounted shorts available. As far as online stores go, I’ve ordered from them a few times now and have had no problems at all. So far, I’ve picked up 3 pairs of shorts: two pairs of moving comfort shorts for my fiancee ($8 at rei-outlet) and a pair of retail (ouch) Sugoi 42k shorts for me. Yep, they were expensive, but they were also exactly what I wanted (a split racing short with gel pockets, mesh lining and a front key pocket), so I’m not complaining.

I purchased 2 pairs of Sugoi shorts (42K and spearhead) from www.backcountrystore.com. But I’m having trouble locating the TehniFine mesh tank in medium. Any ideas where I can find this online? Phil M. — "Pain is temporary: the success it brings can be everlasting." -fortune cookie

Response:

I purchased 2 pairs of Sugoi shorts (42K and spearhead) from www.backcountrystore.com. But I’m having trouble locating the TehniFine mesh tank in medium. Any ideas where I can find this online?

I’ve seen some of the sporthill mesh gear in the stores and it looks very good (especially the sensatech stuff). They’re still selling some of it cheap. Good mesh gear should be easy to pick up. Cheers, — Donovan Rebbechi http://pegasus.rutgers.edu/~elflord/

Response:

That’s the same as my team singlet, so I’d recommend it as a racing outfit. Then all you’ll need is a pair of Asics Tiger Paws and you’ll look just like me (-; Anyway, the singlet is very light and dries fairly quickly (stayed dry in the race when I was slopping water all over it) Some of the slighty heavier fabrics have a softer texture, but I find the light one just fine to run in anyway. Cheers, — Donovan Rebbechi http://pegasus.rutgers.edu/~elflord/

Response:

The 42k shorts are very nice. I recently stopped by the local Fleet Feet store. They had a good selection of Sugoi clothing. However, they only had the women’s version of the 42K shorts. They looked pretty good. They offered to order the men’s version for me to try. I’d like like to get the Sugoi shorts and "TechniFine Mesh Tank" to use just for races. That’s the same as my team singlet, so I’d recommend it as a racing outfit. Then all you’ll need is a pair of Asics Tiger Paws and you’ll look just like me (-;

Oh? Well, then maybe I’ll forget about Sugoi. The 2 1/2" inseam is quite a bit shorter than what I’m used to. The new SportHill shorts have a 3 1/2" inseam. Even those felt a little short compared to the "baggies" I’ve been wearing. At any rate, I won’t feel out of place in a race. Phil M. — "Don’t tell your friends their social faults; they will cure the fault and never forgive you."

Unhappy Small-Store Experience

admin — Mon, 27 Jan 2003 00:00:00 +0000

Question:

I’m trying to support the small local running store. I went there today to buy new shoes (replacing the stolen ones!) – knowing exactly what I wanted – but none of the shoes had any prices marked on them. The clerk asked her co-worker, "How much are these? $85? $90? I think they’re $90." Clerk didn’t know. Person in shoe department didn’t know. So she just rings them up at $90 (would be $97 with tax). Since they were also a color I didn’t really want, I said, um, no thanks. Just ordered them online (in the color I wanted) from RoadRunner Sports for $68 with tax and shipping (on sale; MSRP was $85, BTW). (Also the clerk was licking Doritos cheese off her fingers as she was lacing up the shoes – yuck!) I dunno. I’d like to support the small store, but if they’re just going to pull numbers out of the air, I think I’ll stick with bigger companies.

Response:

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -I’m trying to support the small local running store. I went there today to buy new shoes (replacing the stolen ones!) – knowing exactly what I wanted – but none of the shoes had any prices marked on them. The clerk asked her co-worker, "How much are these? $85? $90? I think they’re $90." Clerk didn’t know. Person in shoe department didn’t know. So she just rings them up at $90 (would be $97 with tax). Since they were also a color I didn’t really want, I said, um, no thanks. Just ordered them online (in the color I wanted) from RoadRunner Sports for $68 with tax and shipping (on sale; MSRP was $85, BTW). (Also the clerk was licking Doritos cheese off her fingers as she was lacing up the shoes – yuck!) I dunno. I’d like to support the small store, but if they’re just going to pull numbers out of the air, I think I’ll stick with bigger companies.

Wow. That’s horrible. Rest assured they won’t be open long with service like that. Ruger9

Response:

That gives the rest of us small local running stores who are trying very diligently to provide the best of service a bad name. There’s no excuse for that. Randy

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I’m trying to support the small local running store. I went there today to buy new shoes (replacing the stolen ones!) – knowing exactly what I wanted – but none of the shoes had any prices marked on them. The clerk asked her co-worker, "How much are these? $85? $90? I think they’re $90." Clerk didn’t know. Person in shoe department didn’t know. So she just rings them up at $90 (would be $97 with tax). Since they were also a color I didn’t really want, I said, um, no thanks. Just ordered them online (in the color I wanted) from RoadRunner Sports for $68 with tax and shipping (on sale; MSRP was $85, BTW). (Also the clerk was licking Doritos cheese off her fingers as she was lacing up the shoes – yuck!) I dunno. I’d like to support the small store, but if they’re just going to pull numbers out of the air, I think I’ll stick with bigger companies.

Response:

troll Bill R.

Response:

Wow. That’s horrible. Rest assured they won’t be open long with service like that.

HA! The fat people who walk fast will flock to that store once it gets out they’re giving away cheese flavored shoe laces with each pair of Nikes. Bill R.

Response:

That gives the rest of us small local running stores who are trying very diligently to provide the best of service a bad name. There’s no excuse for that.

Actually we plan on serving warm Velveeta on our shoe laces, so I think we’ll beat them just on flavor alone. Sorry for the ID switch, this is fun! Handy-Randy (future Al Bundy)

Response:

I think in smaller rural areas that is more the norm than the exception. I would suspect in larger cities you can find serious running supply stores, of course I’m sure the duds are still there too. Check with the clerk in the sporting goods section at Wal-Mart, duh, yeah this here is a good running shoe, comes with laces and everything.

Response:

Go ahead. Keep ordering your goods online, and before long, you’ll have to order everything that way. But don’t worry, I’m sure that ordering milk, toilet paper, and cigarettes, won’t be too big of a hassle…….as long as you order 2-3 weeks before you run out. And make sure you report all your online purchases on your income tax returns. Your state is going to want their sales tax…….and I’m sure that a fine, upstanding, jogger such as yourself, wouldn’t try to cheat your state out of tax revenue that was due them. Would you? After all, your state needs to use this revenue to try to convince it’s small business owners to stay in business, in spite of internet sales, and Walmart trying to kill them. Enjoy those shoes.

Response:

Sounds like they are trying to go out of business. No price tags are a pet peeve of mine. A sales person who does not know prices should be taught a lesson by the store owner. A sales person who asks another for a price in the middle of the store should be fired. Just ordered them online (in the color I wanted) from RoadRunner Sports for $68 with tax and shipping (on sale; MSRP was $85, BTW). (Also the clerk was licking Doritos cheese off her fingers as she was lacing up the shoes – yuck!) I dunno. I’d like to support the small store, but if they’re just going to pull numbers out of the air, I think I’ll stick with bigger companies.

It is always best to comparison shop so you know if a price os good or not. You were right to decline the sale and order from where you could get them cheaper. "An educated consumer is our best customer." -Sy Symms Andy

Response:

Maybe talk to the manager or owner rather than here since none of us can do anything about it. Bad experience.

Response:

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I’m trying to support the small local running store. I went there today to buy new shoes (replacing the stolen ones!) – knowing exactly what I wanted – but none of the shoes had any prices marked on them. The clerk asked her co-worker, "How much are these? $85? $90? I think they’re $90." Clerk didn’t know. Person in shoe department didn’t know. So she just rings them up at $90 (would be $97 with tax). Since they were also a color I didn’t really want, I said, um, no thanks. Sounds like they are trying to go out of business. No price tags are a pet peeve of mine. A sales person who does not know prices should be taught a lesson by the store owner. A sales person who asks another for a price in the middle of the store should be fired.

Well, that seems extreme. Let me give you an example, at the store I worked at we were marking down prices and had moved some shoes to the sales bin. We took the price tags off since we were going to put new ones on. If someone had come in, the clerk should have asked. Also, price tags fall off. How do you expect the person to memorize. I knew the prices of the most popular items, but did not take the time to commit every shoe to memory (they change too often). Now, not having the prices on all the shoes is strange. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Just ordered them online (in the color I wanted) from RoadRunner Sports for $68 with tax and shipping (on sale; MSRP was $85, BTW). (Also the clerk was licking Doritos cheese off her fingers as she was lacing up the shoes – yuck!) I dunno. I’d like to support the small store, but if they’re just going to pull numbers out of the air, I think I’ll stick with bigger companies. It is always best to comparison shop so you know if a price os good or not. You were right to decline the sale and order from where you could get them cheaper. "An educated consumer is our best customer." -Sy Symms Andy

Response:

I can understand someone not knowing the price but if they make no attempt to find out the correct information, then I walk. Talk to the owner. There is a major difference between someone who works a "job" and someone whos name is the business. If only a manager, store people act the way management allows. Probably reflects on bad management.

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Maybe talk to the manager or owner rather than here since none of us can do anything about it. Bad experience. I’m trying to support the small local running store. I went there today to buy new shoes (replacing the stolen ones!) – knowing exactly what I wanted – but none of the shoes had any prices marked on them. The clerk asked her co-worker, "How much are these? $85? $90? I think they’re $90." Clerk didn’t know. Person in shoe department didn’t know. So she just rings them up at $90 (would be $97 with tax). Since they were also a color I didn’t really want, I said, um, no thanks. Just ordered them online (in the color I wanted) from RoadRunner Sports for $68 with tax and shipping (on sale; MSRP was $85, BTW). (Also the clerk was licking Doritos cheese off her fingers as she was lacing up the shoes – yuck!) I dunno. I’d like to support the small store, but if they’re just going to pull numbers out of the air, I think I’ll stick with bigger companies.

Response:

It isn’t a matter of ordering on-line, its a matter of quality service. You give me quality service and I’ll buy from you, if you are incompetent then I won’t. One thing that I see in some places is you pay some kid minimum wage, well what do you expect. If you want to give quality service then you have to be there from opening to closing yourelf or hire competent people and pay them enough to motivate them and deliver a quality product at a competitive price. A big order but if you want to succeed you have to bite the bullet.

Response:

The consumer must be armed with information on a product before walking into any store. Obviously experienced runners are going to know a lot more about running shoes then the high school children working in these places. My local mall has five athletic stores all selling running shoes. It usually takes me a good part of an afternoon to walk from one end of the mall to the other comparing prices and availability. What is great is that these stores are competing and we are getting outstanding discounts here in central Massachusetts.

Response:

"Sam" wrote … Maybe talk to the manager or owner rather than here since none of us can do anything about it.

That may not help. The last time (and I mean very last, as in "I’ll never be back") I was in one of the local running shops, three staffers and the owner were in the store, and I was still virtually ignored. Worse than that, I was the only customer in the store at the time! I now buy my running shoes from a small independent family run shoe store and although they are not a specialty running shoe store, I get far more shoe selection assistance from the staffers (and even the owner) than I EVER did in any of the local "running stores". I buy all my ‘running’ apparel from a local bike shop, and the owner of that shop has to order most of it in as a special order since he doesn’t stock much apparel, yet I still pay considerably less than the "running store" equivalents (plus I can use them for riding as well). Regards, Perdy… still looking for a decent running store in London, Ontario.

Response:

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – "Sam" wrote … Maybe talk to the manager or owner rather than here since none of us can do anything about it. That may not help. The last time (and I mean very last, as in "I’ll never be back") I was in one of the local running shops, three staffers and the owner were in the store, and I was still virtually ignored. Worse than that, I was the only customer in the store at the time! I now buy my running shoes from a small independent family run shoe store and although they are not a specialty running shoe store, I get far more shoe selection assistance from the staffers (and even the owner) than I EVER did in any of the local "running stores". I buy all my ‘running’ apparel from a local bike shop, and the owner of that shop has to order most of it in as a special order since he doesn’t stock much apparel, yet I still pay considerably less than the "running store" equivalents (plus I can use them for riding as well).

Based on the first paragraph, I would say you did the right thing. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Regards, Perdy… still looking for a decent running store in London, Ontario.

Response:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – No price tags are a pet peeve of mine. A sales person who does not know prices should be taught a lesson by the store owner. A sales person who asks another for a price in the middle of the store should be fired. Well, that seems extreme. Let me give you an example, at the store I worked at we were marking down prices and had moved some shoes to the sales bin. We took the price tags off since we were going to put new ones on. If someone had come in, the clerk should have asked. Also, price tags fall off. How do you expect the person to memorize. I knew the prices of the most popular items, but did not take the time to commit every shoe to memory (they change too often). Now, not having the prices on all the shoes is strange.

OK good point about the sales bin thing. But would you yell across the sales floor to a fellow salesman "Are these $85 or $90?" To me that translates to "What do you think we should charge this guy?" and comes off to me as rude. Easiest solution make sure the prices are on the shoes on display. There has to be some time where the store isn’t that busy that the prices couldn’t be updated. Sales bin items are a different story. Andy

Response:

But would you yell across the sales floor to a fellow salesman "Are these $85 or $90?" To me that translates to "What do you think we should charge this guy?" and comes off to me as rude.

If it were my store, in a case like this, I would think the best option would be to give the customer the benefit of the doubt, and charge $85. At the local bike shop where I purchase my running gear, the owner automatically takes 25% off any MSRP. Perdy.

Response:

A small local running store with a shoe department? What other departments did it have? Ben

Response:

I use the term "department" loosely – should have said "floor area." They also carry clothing and accessories. It’s a small store located in a strip mall.

Do they have a BDS&M department? My new store will. We will cater to all fetishes, even people who wear Nikes, as strange as that maybe. Like farm animals? Visit our "farmland department" where we have tons of life sized blow-up dolls of all your favorite barnyard animals, and we will stock lower priced lines for the cheapskate in you, and the top-of-the-line models as well, like the sheep with a vibrating vagina and lips (batteries included), and with all the extras. Just think, while the wife and kids are in "sneakerland" (our exstensive shoe dept) you can be enjoying "Jeffrey Dahmer, the early years" on VHS in one of our "viewing" booths (fresh tissues added daily) or be frolicking with "Bessie the vinyl lovecow" in one of our private rooms, rented by the half hour of course! For the lonely, bored housewife on a solo shopping spree we have the "Ride ‘em hard buckin’ Bronco" bull ride. Of course we’ve ‘modified’ the saddle a bit by relocating the sadles horn to about midway in the seat for a females ultimate comfort while riding, plus she gets the remote to control her own speed. Now I ask any of you, have I thought of everything or what? How could this store POSSIBLY fail? Handy Randy who’ll give you candy. Randy

Response:

Where’s this going to be? I just had to cancel my vacation to Times Square, and I’m in the market for a new fun spot. Bill R.

Response:

Bill, You can poke all the fun you want and yes, sometimes you are pretty funny but please don’t sign my name to anything you post. Thank you. Randy

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I use the term "department" loosely – should have said "floor area." They also carry clothing and accessories. It’s a small store located in a strip mall. Do they have a BDS&M department? My new store will. We will cater to all fetishes, even people who wear Nikes, as strange as that maybe. Like farm animals? Visit our "farmland department" where we have tons of life sized blow-up dolls of all your favorite barnyard animals, and we will stock lower priced lines for the cheapskate in you, and the top-of-the-line models as well, like the sheep with a vibrating vagina and lips (batteries included), and with all the extras. Just think, while the wife and kids are in "sneakerland" (our exstensive shoe dept) you can be enjoying "Jeffrey Dahmer, the early years" on VHS in one of our "viewing" booths (fresh tissues added daily) or be frolicking with "Bessie the vinyl lovecow" in one of our private rooms, rented by the half hour of course! For the lonely, bored housewife on a solo shopping spree we have the "Ride ‘em hard buckin’ Bronco" bull ride. Of course we’ve ‘modified’ the saddle a bit by relocating the sadles horn to about midway in the seat for a females ultimate comfort while riding, plus she gets the remote to control her own speed. Now I ask any of you, have I thought of everything or what? How could this store POSSIBLY fail? Handy Randy who’ll give you candy. Randy

Response:

Hey Randy, order to make them look bad is, at least, unethical, as he continues to prove day after day. They will respond.

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Bill, You can poke all the fun you want and yes, sometimes you are pretty funny but please don’t sign my name to anything you post. Thank you. Randy I use the term "department" loosely – should have said "floor area." They also carry clothing and accessories. It’s a small store located in a strip mall. Do they have a BDS&M department? My new store will. We will cater to all fetishes, even people who wear Nikes, as strange as that maybe. Like farm animals? Visit our "farmland department" where we have tons of life sized blow-up dolls of all your favorite barnyard animals, and we will stock lower priced lines for the cheapskate in you, and the top-of-the-line models as well, like the sheep with a vibrating vagina and lips (batteries included), and with all the extras. Just think, while the wife and kids are in "sneakerland" (our exstensive shoe dept) you can be enjoying "Jeffrey Dahmer, the early years" on VHS in one of our "viewing" booths (fresh tissues added daily) or be frolicking with "Bessie the vinyl lovecow" in one of our private rooms, rented by the half hour of course! For the lonely, bored housewife on a solo shopping spree we have the "Ride ‘em hard buckin’ Bronco" bull ride. Of course we’ve ‘modified’ the saddle a bit by relocating the sadles horn to about midway in the seat for a females ultimate comfort while riding, plus she gets the remote to control her own speed. Now I ask any of you, have I thought of everything or what? How could this store POSSIBLY fail? Handy Randy who’ll give you candy. Randy

Response:

HELP:Where can I buy decent running wear?

admin — Fri, 27 Dec 2002 00:00:00 +0000

Question:

I did the foot scan in Greaves. Both times done by the same guy who definitely knew his stuff and then skinned me for

Frogg Toggs

admin — Tue, 25 Dec 2001 00:00:00 +0000

Question:

It’s a Christmas tradition that (non-running) family and friends get you well intentioned gifts(running apparel or equipment), which are all but useless to the serious runner. I’ve had my share of such gifts, and allthough exceedingly grateful, many of these items remain in the dark reaches of my closets and drawers. This year was no exception, but one item really interests me. My Mom got me this warm-up looking thingee that looks and feels like paper(polypropylene fabric). The brand is "Frogg Toggs". They are touted to be waterproof & windproof while still being porous enough to be breathable. They are light as a feather and full enough to fit over clothing without restriction. Temperatures here are starting to dip into the teens. I plan to try them out one these cold mornings. I’ll report back my findings. Would welcome any comments from anyone familiar with this product.

Response:

If I’m understanding your post correctly you got a tyvec (sp?) outfit. Tyvec is also used as house insulation because it breathes well and is waterproof. Some folks have raved about tyvec here. But years ago I remember it as being very hot and not breathable. I haven’t used it since but times have changed. They are kind of niosy to run around in. Andy – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – It’s a Christmas tradition that (non-running) family and friends get you well intentioned gifts(running apparel or equipment), which are all but useless to the serious runner. I’ve had my share of such gifts, and allthough exceedingly grateful, many of these items remain in the dark reaches of my closets and drawers. This year was no exception, but one item really interests me. My Mom got me this warm-up looking thingee that looks and feels like paper(polypropylene fabric). The brand is "Frogg Toggs". They are touted to be waterproof & windproof while still being porous enough to be breathable. They are light as a feather and full enough to fit over clothing without restriction. Temperatures here are starting to dip into the teens. I plan to try them out one these cold mornings. I’ll report back my findings. Would welcome any comments from anyone familiar with this product.

Response:

Hello All I would tend to agree with the hot and not very breathable opinion for Tyvek. I work in the Environmental, Health & Safety industry, and Tyvek garments are used to give splash protection in manufacturing or spill cleanup. Different levels of splash protection are given by adding layers of more chemically resistant coatings to the base Tyvek layer. Having worn Tyvek suits when responding to spills, I remember the insides of the suit getting very wet, like the inside of an old style nylon jacket if worn on a run. I’m not sure if the Frogg Toggs are the same stuff, though. Checking the prices on their web site, they are very expensive compared to Tyvek. I can buy a full Tyvek suit here in Toronto for about $8.00 Canadian (ummm…. really, really cheap in US$) I remember looking at Frogg Toggs a while back for one of our customers and came across this review: http://www.backpacking.net/frogtogg.html Let us know how it works Peter Skov Oakville, ON PS – I’m not endorsing the product, and am in no way connected to the company.

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – It’s a Christmas tradition that (non-running) family and friends get you well intentioned gifts(running apparel or equipment), which are all but useless to the serious runner. I’ve had my share of such gifts, and allthough exceedingly grateful, many of these items remain in the dark reaches of my closets and drawers. This year was no exception, but one item really interests me. My Mom got me this warm-up looking thingee that looks and feels like paper(polypropylene fabric). The brand is "Frogg Toggs". They are touted to be waterproof & windproof while still being porous enough to be breathable. They are light as a feather and full enough to fit over clothing without restriction. Temperatures here are starting to dip into the teens. I plan to try them out one these cold mornings. I’ll report back my findings. Would welcome any comments from anyone familiar with this product.

Response:

minus 30 degrees celcius (~-10F) – RUN?

admin — Wed, 06 Dec 2000 00:00:00 +0000

Question:

oh man, i’ve run pretty much every day i’ve wanted to this past year, but today has got me thinking. it is minus 15 degrees celcius…. minus 30 with the windchill….. YOUCH! damn this city of Ottawa! i want to fly out to Vancouver to continue running now :-) any fellow Ottawa runners hitting the roads today? if you are, you may motivate me to get out there too, otherwise i’ll have to start making arrangements for indoor running soon. i’ve got the balaclava, the turtleneck, the windbreaker, tights, running pants….. not sure about the thin (dollar store) gloves….. will i freeze my digits off in those? i have the Thinsulate kind as well, but i’ve found them too hot before (in milder temperatures, mind you). would another layer over my top be a good idea? i guess i just need to feel more confidant about my running apparel before i go out there. any reassurance or suggestions? thanks a mil…. Cam

Response:

Hi Cam, Try a pair of socks over the cheap gloves…they have worked for me so far! Of course I have only run when it is 25F with no windchill, so I don’t know if it would work in the much much much lower temps that you are running in! Martha – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – oh man, i’ve run pretty much every day i’ve wanted to this past year, but today has got me thinking. it is minus 15 degrees celcius…. minus 30 with the windchill….. YOUCH! damn this city of Ottawa! i want to fly out to Vancouver to continue running now :-) any fellow Ottawa runners hitting the roads today? if you are, you may motivate me to get out there too, otherwise i’ll have to start making arrangements for indoor running soon. i’ve got the balaclava, the turtleneck, the windbreaker, tights, running pants….. not sure about the thin (dollar store) gloves….. will i freeze my digits off in those? i have the Thinsulate kind as well, but i’ve found them too hot before (in milder temperatures, mind you). would another layer over my top be a good idea? i guess i just need to feel more confidant about my running apparel before i go out there. any reassurance or suggestions? thanks a mil…. Cam

Response:

- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – oh man, i’ve run pretty much every day i’ve wanted to this past year, but today has got me thinking. it is minus 15 degrees celcius…. minus 30 with the windchill….. YOUCH! damn this city of Ottawa! i want to fly out to Vancouver to continue running now :-) any fellow Ottawa runners hitting the roads today? if you are, you may motivate me to get out there too, otherwise i’ll have to start making arrangements for indoor running soon. i’ve got the balaclava, the turtleneck, the windbreaker, tights, running pants….. not sure about the thin (dollar store) gloves….. will i freeze my digits off in those? i have the Thinsulate kind as well, but i’ve found them too hot before (in milder temperatures, mind you). would another layer over my top be a good idea? i guess i just need to feel more confidant about my running apparel before i go out there. any reassurance or suggestions? thanks a mil…. Cam

Response:

Hi Cam, Yes, it’s -11 here in Hamilton, which isn’t as cold but we are experiencing high winds, too – last night was horrible…. horizontal snow, the whole deal. Wear the heavier gloves for sure. Use today as a tempo day or something, instead of a slow run. Also, it’s better to wear a combination of Coolmax-type midweight longjohns with the tights, rather than wearing windbreaker-type non breathing material over the tights. David (in Hamilton, Ont) -I’m still running today, though – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – oh man, i’ve run pretty much every day i’ve wanted to this past year, but today has got me thinking. it is minus 15 degrees celcius…. minus 30 with the windchill….. YOUCH! damn this city of Ottawa! i want to fly out to Vancouver to continue running now :-) any fellow Ottawa runners hitting the roads today? if you are, you may motivate me to get out there too, otherwise i’ll have to start making arrangements for indoor running soon. i’ve got the balaclava, the turtleneck, the windbreaker, tights, running pants….. not sure about the thin (dollar store) gloves….. will i freeze my digits off in those? i have the Thinsulate kind as well, but i’ve found them too hot before (in milder temperatures, mind you). would another layer over my top be a good idea? i guess i just need to feel more confidant about my running apparel before i go out there. any reassurance or suggestions? thanks a mil…. Cam

Response:

Go with the heavy gloves, skip the extra head layer. I’ve gone with the pants over tights on windy days, two pairs of tights and no running pants on days that are merely cold (merely!). Maybe it’s just me, but in weather like that, my hands never get too warm. Rob in Albany NY Cold and getting colder – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – i’ve got the balaclava, the turtleneck, the windbreaker, tights, running pants….. not sure about the thin (dollar store) gloves….. will i freeze my digits off in those? i have the Thinsulate kind as well, but i’ve found them too hot before (in milder temperatures, mind you). would another layer over my top be a good idea? i guess i just need to feel more confidant about my running apparel before i go out there. any reassurance or suggestions? thanks a mil…. Cam

Response:

Well, your messages must have rolled in while I was out running. Yes, I got off my tush and Just Did It! Felt comfy and great. Did a fartlek-type workout…. would have been repeats today, but the icy roads dictated that I would only speed up for the stretches of bare road and slow down for the scary stuff. Martha, I didn’t do the socks on the hands…. my co-workers think I’m nuts enough as it is, running in temp’s like this. The heavier gloves did the trick. But thanks. Also, it’s better to wear a combination of Coolmax-type midweight longjohns with the tights, rather than wearing windbreaker-type non breathing material over the tights.

Hmmm, I wore my tights with lined pants over top. I didn’t detect any heat/moisture problems while running. Think this is OK then? Go with the heavy gloves, skip the extra head layer. I’ve gone with the pants over tights on windy days, two pairs of tights and no running pants on days that are merely cold (merely!).

sorry, I didn’t mean extra layer on the head… i meant the upper body. I put on a loose-fitting sweatshirt over my close-fitting thin turtleneck, then the shell over that. Felt fine…. warm and dry. Wore the balaclava…. it was perfect… i could either wear it with just my eyes exposed (wearing sunglasses), or pull the opening wider to expose my nose, mouth and/or chin. My first time doing this icy/freezing running and I think I’ve struck upon the right clothing combo…. with help from reading this ng, of course. BTW, a winter runner has been born! My only concern now is the icy conditions….. i nearly slowed to a stop a few times, out of concern for flipping and crackin’ me noggin’. Thanks, all! Cam

Response:

Martha, I didn’t do the socks on the hands…. my co-workers think I’m nuts enough as it is, running in temp’s like this. The heavier gloves did the trick. But thanks.

Then they would think I’m even more nuts…when I ran on Monday, I wore cow-print socks on my hands! Glad to see you got out there today…I am starting to like winter running too! Martha

Response:

Cam and David, I am so glad to have read your posts. I have been sorta whining

Response:

Hi Cam. I’m supposed to run tonight (Dec 6th). I just decided to get back into running 2 weeks ago but got sick just as I got started. This will be my 3rd run … I hope. As I’ve never run in the winter before I’m a bit concerned as to whether my cloths I run in will be enough protection. The stuff listed below was plenty good enough for my last run when it was -11

running stores around Roanoke?

admin — Sat, 30 Sep 2000 00:00:00 +0000

Question:

Tell her to go to JumpNJax near New Fitness on Main Street in Salem. It’s the ONLY true running store in the valley. The owner is VERY knowledgeable and has a great selection. Shoes are even listed by overpronater, under…, etc. If she needs help finding it, give her my email address. Hope this helps, Brian

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hello– My cousin lives near Roanoke, VA, and is haphazardly trying to get in better shape. I say haphazardly, because once she feels much pain or discomfort in her feet and legs, she gets discouraged and stops. Of course, she’s been trying to run in Wal-Mart shoes. I told her earlier this week that she really needed to get some *real* running shoes, and more importantly, be willing to spend $80 to $100 for a decent pair (she is also *real* tight with a buck!). She’s 5′5" tall and probably around 160 lbs–bigger than she should be, but not obese. She is simply out of shape. Do any of your know of a decent running apparel/shoe store in the Roanoke area? I told her that what she needed to do is to call them *first*, and make sure she went to see them at a less busy time, so that she could be waited on well. And, to take her present *running* shoes with her so that the folks at the store could see her wear pattern. Hope some here can suggest some places she should check out. Of course, once she gets the shoes, it’s up to her (I live on the other end of the state, and see her once a year at Turkey Day), but I’m sure her initial running experiences will be better with the proper shoes! Thanks– Jean Barto Newport News, VA

Response:

Hello– My cousin lives near Roanoke, VA, and is haphazardly trying to get in better shape. I say haphazardly, because once she feels much pain or discomfort in her feet and legs, she gets discouraged and stops. Of course, she’s been trying to run in Wal-Mart shoes. I told her earlier this week that she really needed to get some *real* running shoes, and more importantly, be willing to spend $80 to $100 for a decent pair (she is also *real* tight with a buck!). She’s 5′5" tall and probably around 160 lbs–bigger than she should be, but not obese. She is simply out of shape. Do any of your know of a decent running apparel/shoe store in the Roanoke area? I told her that what she needed to do is to call them *first*, and make sure she went to see them at a less busy time, so that she could be waited on well. And, to take her present *running* shoes with her so that the folks at the store could see her wear pattern. Hope some here can suggest some places she should check out. Of course, once she gets the shoes, it’s up to her (I live on the other end of the state, and see her once a year at Turkey Day), but I’m sure her initial running experiences will be better with the proper shoes! Thanks– Jean Barto Newport News, VA

Response:

HRM users….HELP!!?

admin — Sun, 12 Dec 1999 00:00:00 +0000

Question:

I bought a close out, discontinued heart rate monitor with great features at an unbelievable price. It has worked for the last year almost flawless. However every now and then it would track my heart rate incorrectly. It jumps from 160 to 117 and stays there, espesially when I’m killing myself (sorry, I’m just not that fit yet!). And it tends to say that my total time out is 55:02 minutes, but my time in zone and out of zone do not add up to 55… they add up to 68. (that could be warmup time.. while the stop watch feature isn’t runing,, but that is bad programing.) I know when the mis-reading of the HR happens, I am in the middle of my run, sweating like a pig, and the transmitter is very tight to my chest. I shaved my chest and my clothing isn’t static. Also the battery has exactly 22hrs of use on it. And my volt meter says its fully charged and capable… if voltmeters work with these little lithium batteries. QUESTION:_______ All of you with HRM,, do you have similiar problems or did I get what I paid for??? Please tell me…… 1.) what is the battery life you get? 2.) Does the transmitter signal ever seem to "drop to halve a signal" ie.- go from 160 to 117. 3. ) Have you noticed any special effects of things I am not seeing, like polartec interfereing with the signal?? or Signal interference from wrist pulse?? Or maybe a badly erratic heart rate.. Fibrillation?? Anyone who can answer these question… a lifetime supple of running apparel to you…. if you also win the lottery!! Thanks for any input.. I love this newsgroup!! Rick

Response:

I have a Polar Coach and have been using it for about 6 months now. I saw an article in Trathlete Magazine about conductivity gel. This was in the gift section and had a company marketing it in small tubes. I went to my local pharmacy and asked for Conductivity Gel and bought a 3 oz. tube for $4.00. This will be enough to last a long time! This gives a more positive reading than using spit or sweet. I had previously had a few occasions of the dreaded 225 false heartrate, but none since. PdxRunner * Sent from RemarQ http://www.remarq.com The Internet’s Discussion Network * The fastest and easiest way to search and participate in Usenet – Free!

Response:

If you’re still using the factory supplied battery, Go purchase a new one, they are not expensive. Reading a battery voltage can be misleading, because you aren’t reading active voltage you’re reading a "resting" voltage Tom " Had similar trouble but lightened my wallet"

Response:

I had similar problems when I first started using a HRM. I contributed mine to external interference and sweat, making for a poor conduction for the chest strap. Mine did it so infrequently that I did not think much of it. I know a couple of times I got the chest strap moistened again with some pool water on a run and it corrected it immed. When I looked down and my HRM said "CALL 911" I knew I had a heck of a gadget I also remember the very first time I looked at my pulse monitor and there was none. I went straight for the carotid to check.:) Ahhh the good ol days!! Good luck! Laurie" I owe my life to my HRM"

Response:

schrijft: [...]. However every now and then it would track my heart rate incorrectly. It jumps from 160 to 117 and stays there[...]

Are you sure you’ve eliminated all possible sources of interference (like cellular phones, wrist watch, etc)? Also, you could try to use the HRM of a fellow runner for once or a couple of times. If the results are the same, you’re sure the HRM is OK (although you might not be of course). Good luck Fedor

Response:

HRM users….HELP!!?

admin — Sun, 12 Dec 1999 00:00:00 +0000

Question:

schrijft: [...]. However every now and then it would track my heart rate incorrectly. It jumps from 160 to 117 and stays there[...]

Response:

Dare to Go Bare 5K (long)

admin — Sat, 24 Apr 1999 00:00:00 +0000

Question:

You’re nuts! (pardon the pun)

Response:

Dare to Bare

LOL… Thanks for the laugh. Mike Tennent "IronPenguin" ‘98 Ironman Canada, 16:17:03

Response:

Dare to Bare As a runner, I have always trained to the specific task. When I am running marathons, I train by running longer distances. When I am running Peachtree, a July 4th race in Atlanta, I train in the heat. If my goal is to lower my 5K time, I run intervals on the track to increase speed. The bottom line is, my training is specific to my goals. I’m not alone in my philosophies. Elite runners train at altitude to prepare for high attitude races. Most runners do hill workouts to help prepare for rolling courses. So, what is my dilemma, you may ask? I recently registered for a race called "Dare to Bare 5K." It is run, how shall we say? Well, let’s put it this way. I would be very surprised to see any running apparel companies sponsoring this one, but suntan lotion companies may have a vested interest in it, and I may have a mutual interest in loading up on the stuff. I have some sensitive parts I would like not to see burned. So, I figured, train how you plan to race, right? Well, I tried, and immediately received a stern warning from my neighborhood’s homeowner’s association. Strange, I thought. They never minded me doing speedwork or long distance. Even my fartlek barely raised an eyebrow. But THIS race specific training, somehow, offended enough people that I had to take my training indoors, to a treadmill. So I did, and you’ll never guess what happened. They revoked my membership at the club whose treadmill I used. They said my exposure was indecent, which was in direct conflict with my assumption that I was getting in pretty good shape. I don’t understand. They promote these places as a safe haven to sculpt your body, and then, when you show it off, they get all huffy about it. While I was doing my wash that evening, I was still so upset about the eviction I had experienced earlier in the day, that I accidentally threw a pair of my running shorts in the wash with the sturdy cottons, and then threw them in the dryer under high heat. Usually, I wash them on a delicate setting, and then hang them up to dry, to save their elasticity. These shorts were ruined. There was no stretch in them at all, and they could no longer give me any support at all. And I thought I could trust all my athletic supporters. Now I had none. First the neighborhood, then my health club, and finally, even my own shorts stopped supporting me. Then it hit me! Wasn’t this the goal of this event specific training from the start? To train with as little support as possible, while still staying within the guidelines of good taste and applicable law? Now, I had my answer. I quickly pinned the waistband of my shorts together with a couple of safety pins, so I wouldn’t be wearing them around my ankles. The parts of my shorts that used to carry me through my long runs where down to about my knees now, and certainly no longer functional for that purpose, but that was exactly what I wanted. So now, with my newly designed shorts, with everything hanging a little lower than before, I can once again train around the neighborhood without stares of horror coming my way. They have welcomed me back at my health club with open arms. And I am preparing well for my special race too, with a freedom the likes of which I have never known before. And I take special satisfaction in knowing something that nobody else realizes. Under my running shorts, I am actually naked. Don’t tell anybody. Michael Selman Roads Scholar Atlanta GA

Response:

Exercise Distress

admin — Thu, 04 Mar 1999 00:00:00 +0000

Question:

Hi Stephanie, If I may suggest a couple of things a) the threadmill and the staimaster train rather close groups of muscles, you may want to dedicate some time to upper body strength. This has several advantages 1) adds variety, 2) exercises additional muscles so your whole body is well toned. This is good for general health, and if you are like me, it helps keep body fat low by adding more "burning machines" to the body’s repertoire. 3) it is good for you to have a balanced muscle mass.. b) as they told you in the other answers running outside is better for the spirit and the lungs. At 30-35 minutes at let’s say 8 min/mile you got some 4 miles there. Remember THIS: a threadmill does the pushing for you, so you only have to lift your legs. In the real road you have to do the pushing, so don’t be discouraged of you run less distance or time. c) running outside has other advantages. If you feel funky you can dress in some of that cool running apparel and just show off, or shop for guys (here is mi matchmaking part : ) ) Sometimes a run is just for fun, and with the nice weather coming soon (I am in MD so we have similar weather) you can just go out and enjoy a nice run in a nice cool Spring day, ignore the watch and the distance. It can’t really get much better than that for excersing the body and cleansig the soul. Sometimes I just go searching for "that perfect run" it is kinda like Zen, you basically let the body run and let your mind enjo the scenere. Funnily enough, you an have some of the best workouts that way. Enjoy the road :) Daniel – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hello! I am currently attending college in Fredericksburg, Va., and I exercise about 5 days a week. Usually, I run on a treadmill for 30-35 minutes at a pretty fast pace or do the stairmaster for 30-35 minutes. However, most of the time I do both along with my abdominal exercises. I wanted to know if anyone could suggest a good program that will vary my workout some so it is not so tedious. Please send any information that may be helpful. Thank You, Stephanie A. Whichard

Response:

try to run on a track or outdoors for 30 to 35 minutes three times a week or join a aerobic class or power racing great fun and tremendous workout!! Alternating days with weight training adds variety and will enhance your present cardio work. good luck

Response:

Hello! I am currently attending college in Fredericksburg, Va., and I exercise about 5 days a week. Usually, I run on a treadmill for 30-35 minutes at a pretty fast pace or do the stairmaster for 30-35 minutes. However, most of the time I do both along with my abdominal exercises. I wanted to know if anyone could suggest a good program that will vary my workout some so it is not so tedious. Please send any information that may be helpful. Thank You, Stephanie A. Whichard

Response:

If I had to run on a treadmill I would have given up running 20 years ago. I would much rather run in snow, rain, heat and even at night, if I have to. Give me fresh air! Mind you I live on the west coast. What is snow anyway? A little harder if you live in other parts of North America but people do it. Terminate tedious treadmill training! Bernie – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hello! I am currently attending college in Fredericksburg, Va., and I exercise about 5 days a week. Usually, I run on a treadmill for 30-35 minutes at a pretty fast pace or do the stairmaster for 30-35 minutes. However, most of the time I do both along with my abdominal exercises. I wanted to know if anyone could suggest a good program that will vary my workout some so it is not so tedious. Please send any information that may be helpful. Thank You, Stephanie A. Whichard

Response:

Get outside and run. The scenery changes a lot more than on the treadmill. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -Hello! I am currently attending college in Fredericksburg, Va., and I exercise about 5 days a week. Usually, I run on a treadmill for 30-35 minutes at a pretty fast pace or do the stairmaster for 30-35 minutes. However, most of the time I do both along with my abdominal exercises. I wanted to know if anyone could suggest a good program that will vary my workout some so it is not so tedious. Please send any information that may be helpful. Thank You, Stephanie A. Whichard