GEAR REVIEW: Sporti Double Cross Workout Bikini

    I am always on the lookout for a solid workout bikini that I can use for my weekend aquabike workouts (where I bike to/from swim practice).  So, when SwimOutlet.com offered to send me a Sporti Bikini to try out, I immediately jumped at the chance.  It has been a few weeks since I first received and tried the bikini.  But, I wanted to really test it before I sat down and gave it a review.  So, here it goes...

The Item:
Sporti Double Cross Workout Bikini Top and Sporti Classic Workout Swim Bottom

The Claim:
A solid product without the high price tag

My Initial Reaction:  
    I ordered size small in both the top and bottom.  Upon first receiving the bikini, I noticed that the top looked a bit small and the bottoms looked a bit big.  The top, although slightly smaller cut than most people might prefer, was actually a perfect fit for my preference. I don't like too much extra material on top to create too much drag in the water.   The bottoms, however, seem to be cut a bit more generously than the top.  I personally like my bottoms to be cut a bit smaller for both tan-line and drag purposes.  So, in retrospect I probably would have ordered a size down.  However, if you're not into having as much butt-cheek showing, these bottoms are cut very true-to-size.

My Opinion Now:
    I have swam in this bikini several times and have biked in the top (as a sports bra) twice.  And, I have to say, this is a quality product that withstand just as much as a more expensive brand.  The pool where I train tends to have a VERY high chlorine concentration that usually results in a see-through lycra suit after only a few wears.  However, this suit has held up nicely over two weeks of swim practices both maintaining its shape and original color.  Oh, and I obviously have to mention the compliments I received on how cute the straps of this suit are!

rocking the suit at the beach

    As for the fit, the suit top fits snugly and the double-strap doesn't create any discomfort in the least. I'm normally very finicky with my attire but surprisingly, I rarely ever readjusted the straps.  The bottoms, although a bit bigger than I prefer, still doesn't create any drag due to the thick drawstring in the waist.  I actually think that I prefer the thick drawstring of these Sporti bottoms to the thin (or no) drawstring bottoms of other brands.
    Additionally, I would like to mention that I think this top could be a great alternative to a sports bra during those super-sweaty summer months.   After two, 50-plus mile bike rides, I never had any chafing or comfort problems.  However, just be careful how small you order this top if you plan on running it!

The Price Tag:
A STEAL at $12.95 for the Top and $15.95 for the Bottoms on the SwimOutlet.com website

GEAR REVIEW: Swim Spray

    There comes a time in ever swimmer's life when you just don't feel comfortable wreaking of chlorine anymore. I admit that I haven't always cared that I smell like chemicals. As a life-long competitive swimmer, I got very comfortable with my chlorine stench. While still in school, I remember that the smell used to keep me awake during boring lectures...one sniff of my arm and I was alert. And in College, I always figured that smelling like chlorine was better than what most kids smelled like in 8am lectures. But, I'm not in college anymore. And frankly, I'm sick of being able to smell myself after leaving a room, of suffocating my colleagues at firm meetings, and of experiencing a burning in my eyes as the chlorine smell emanates from my skin all day long.

So, I got referred to a product that is supposed to cure all these problems....Swim Spray.

The Item: 

    Swim Spray

The Claim:

    "SwimSpray immediately neutralizes chlorine. If you don't want to use shampoo or soap with SwimSpray, simply rinse off in the shower, spray SwimSpray on your hair and skin, and then rinse off the SwimSpray with water. That will eliminate the chlorine and you won't smell like chlorine." - From Swimspray.com

My Initial Reaction: 

    The first time I brought it to the pool I tried to use it after I got out of the shower.  Turns out, had I actually read the directions (aka Swim Spray's ONLY direction), I would've realized that you're supposed to use it IN the shower before you shampoo and soap. Oops. 

   So, the next day I went swimming, I actually followed the directions and used the Swim Spray while in the shower.  Then I changed and headed off to work as usual.  I admit, I was originally doubtful as to whether or not this stuff would actually work.  However, after trying it out  and sitting through meetings all day, I was convinced...Swim Spray ACTUALLY WORKS!

    For the first time my office didn't smell like chlorine after I had already left it.  For the first time, none of my colleagues commented on whether or not they could tell that I had been swimming that morning.  And, for the first time, when I went to do my afternoon bike trainer workout, I didn't sweat out the chlorine that had been trapped in my pores all day.

My Opinion Now:

   I'm glad to have found a product that actually does what it says.  My only gripe, however, is that I find that I have to use a lot of sprays in order to cover my body.  This means that each bottle might not last as long.  However, considering the fact that I also like to splurge on expensive shampoos and $30 bottles of leave-in conditioners from Sephora, I think that paying the price for a product that actually works...is definitely worth it. 

Price Tag: 

$12.95 for a 4oz bottle from SwimSpray.com OR SwimOutlet.com

Baffled by Brakes

Joseph Gordon Levitt in the movie Premium Rush

    I saw the movie Premium Rush a few weeks ago. In the movie they made a pretty big deal about how Joseph Gordon Levitt’s character, a bike messenger, doesn’t have brakes on his bike. All the other characters think he’s crazy. So what’s his reasoning? Because the worst accidents happen when you use your brakes.

    On Monday I was out riding outdoors for the first time since Ironman NYC. I already resented my brakes a bit for malfunctioning during my race and causing my brake pads to get stuck on my back wheel (something in the brake disconnected and my brake doesn’t release without a little manual help). Anyways, I was out riding and all of a sudden I hit a rock-covered road adjacent to a construction area. I panicked. I hit my braked and, fortunately, slowed down enough to allow myself to unclip from my pedals and get my feet on the ground before toppling over. For the most part I escaped unscathed. But, the incident got me thinking…nothing good has ever happened to me from braking. So, why the hell do I even have them?

    I’ve had a couple other minor accidents before. But, each time I’ve toppled over from skidding on some dirt of rocks, I went over because I braked. It wasn’t really ever the sand beneath my wheel that caused me to fall. It was the fact that I clenched my brake, lost all momentum, and stopped dead in my tracks causing my own body weight to drag me over. I should also probably note that one time when I was little, I flipped over the handle bars of my little kid bike while braking to avoid hitting a rock. Clearly losing consciousness then did not make me reach this anti-brake mentality any sooner.

    In a way, you can compare the scenario to driving in the snow. Drivers Ed teachers always tell you that if you hit a patch of ice, the worst thing you could do is to slam on your brakes. Instead, you want to turn your wheel into the skid so that you don’t wind up flipping your car. We really need to apply the same principles while biking. You’re probably better off biking through the skid than stopping cold.

    So, maybe Joseph Gordon Levitt wasn’t as crazy as everyone in this movie thought. Now, even if just for the sole purpose of making my mother feel more at ease, I’ll let you know that I’m not about to go rip off my brakes and head out into the world like a crazy person. But, I’m definitely starting to think about using those brakes only as a very last resort. What do you think?

Triathlon Checklist

You’ve trained. You’ve spent A LOT of money trying to find the perfect gear. And now you’re packing your bag the night before your first race scared beyond belief and nervous that you will forget something. 

So, to alleviate some of your worries I’ve created a Triathlon Checklist from packing your gear to toeing the start line. Enjoy!

WHAT TO PACK THE NIGHT BEFORE:

1. Bike 
1. Lube your chain if it needs it.
2. Make sure all your seat bolts and bottle cage bolts are nice and tight. The last thing you need is for your seat to pop loose or for your bottle cages to be rattling around mid-race.
3. Check your brakes and make sure they’re secure and not rubbing against your tire. One time I actually lost one of my brake pads mid-race. Turns were a bit too scary for my liking. 
4. Bike Pump. Make sure to bring your own bike pump as lines to get tires pumped can be insanely long at the race site. 
5. Gear Bag. Get something brightly colored or distinct so you can locate your things in transition easily. I usually use this ugly, blue bag I have from when I swam in College. It might be ugly but there isn’t a single other person at the race who has it. And, when I’m running through transition, it’s very easy to spot. 


1. Goggles. Considering bringing a back-up pair just in case your goggles break. Yes, it does happen on occasion. 
2. Tri Suit. I like to put my suit with my gear bag the night before just so I’m not scrambling early in the morning to find it.
3. Swim suit or back-up tri suit. Zippers could get jammed. Suits can rip. It’s better to have a sub-par back-up outfit than to be naked.
4. Helmet. 
5. Bike Shoes. Check the cleat bolts to make sure they’re nice and tight. 
6. CO2 cartridge and replacement tube and lever. Even if you don’t know how to fix a flat, it’s better to have the tools so somebody else can help.
7. Sunglasses, cleaning cloth, and case. If the glasses aren’t on your face or safely stashed in your helmet ready for the transition to bike, put them in the case or they’ll probably get stepped on. Transition is a total free-for-all. 
8. Hat, Visor, or Headband. I personally like running in a visor or headband but beware if you do. You might walk away with a slightly burnt scalp and be cringing each time you brush your hair the rest of the week.
9. Race number belt.
10. Sneakers.
11. Towel or Mat to wipe your feet on and to put all your gear on in transition. Some people use vats of water to clean their feet but a towel will usually do just fine.
12. Back-up towel. If it rains you might want to have a second towel to put on top of all of your gear when waiting for the race to start. There is nothing like having soaked shoes BEFORE you even put them on.
13. Water Bottles. 
14. Necessary Nutritional Items. Always bring extra just in case you drop some accidentally or can’t get a bag open.
15. 2 Zip Lock Bags. Most people like to have immediate post-race cell phone access. However, be sure to put your phone in two tightly sealed Zip Lock bags even if it’s hot and sunny out. When a rain storm comes out of nowhere and everyone else’s cell phones get ruined in transition, you’ll be very appreciative.
16. A handful of Toilet Paper or Tissues. Try imagining 2500 nervous triathletes all slamming the porta-pottys just before the race. Do you really think they supply the bathrooms with enough TP for all those people? 
17. Advil. Yes, I know it’s not suggested to take Advil while racing. But, it’s nice to have it when absolutely necessary. If you strain a muscle mid-race or have a sudden headache, it’s better to have some emergency Advil on hand than to not finish.
18. Immodium and Zantac. We all get nervous but some of us get far more nervous than others. I suggest having both just in case your tummy isn’t too thrilled with you at 4am while gearing up for the race.  
19. Black Permanent Marker. Depending on the race and when you arrive, the body marking lines can be quite long. To avoid them, just bring your own marker and do it yourself.
20. All-Purpose Bike Tool. Bring it just in case something needs to be screwed in or tightened very last minute.
2. Have any pre-race water bottles in the fridge and ready to go. Have your breakfast prepared as well. 

RACE MORNING BEFORE LEAVING THE HOUSE:

1. Put on your tri suit.
2. Do a last minute bathroom run.
3. Grab your breakfast and make sure all your water bottles are filled. Make sure to have an extra water bottle for the ride to the race site. A lot of times, water isn’t easily accessible before the race. The race managers need to save it for later.
4. Bring a change of clothes to leave in the car for after the race. 

RACE MORNING AT THE RACE SITE:

1. Pick up your registration packet and timing chip if you haven’t already done so. 
2. Get your body marked or mark it yourself.
3. Go to the “bike out” area. Do a quick test ride if possible to configure your bike to the proper gear for getting out of transition and onto the bike course.
4. Run into transition and rack your bike (unless you already had to rack it the day before). A lot of times the early bird gets the best rack position.
5. Check tire pressure. 
6. Check all bolts and brake pads to make sure nothing needs to be altered or tightened.
7. Set your watch or bike computer back to Zero. 
8. Set up all your gear.
9. Undo your shoe laces.
10. Try on your race number belt to make sure it’s tight enough.
11. Clean your sunglasses.
12. Put your timing chip on your left ankle so that it won’t get caught in the bike gears. 
13. Look for a nearby sign, tree, or patch of grass that will help you identify where in transition is your bike rack.
14. Put your empty gear bag somewhere in sight so you can easily spot it as you run from either side of transition. Remember: transition won’t be as full during the race so you’ll probably be able to spot your bag from pretty far away.
15. Do one last check of all your things. Take you goggles, cap, wad of TP, and a small water bottle with you as you leave transition. Even if you don’t use the TP before the race, you can hand it off to some other very grateful person.
16. You’re all set! Have a great race!

GEAR REVIEW: W Series Sony Walkman

My well-used Sony Walkman

    First off, I'll flat out admit that last year I was sponsored by Sony Walkman and through my sponsorship received 2 MP3 players and some clothing swag.  That being said, I want you to disregard the fact that I was previously sponsored by Sony.  It doesn't really matter HOW I was introduced to the new Sony Walkman...it only matters that even after my sponsorship ended, it's still one of my favorite pieces of training equipment.

    I didn't always do run workouts with music for a variety of reasons.  Since I can't use headphones in a triathlon, I like to get myself used to running without them.  Also, I sometimes find that music makes even the shortest runs feel lengthy.  Since each song is about 3mins long, it's depressing when I have to go through a whole album just to complete a 5 miler.  If I'm out on a long run, it's extremely hard to mentally handle the fact that I've listened to an entire album and still have about 2hrs of running left.

    With the added pain of having to either carry an MP3 player or strap one to my body somehow, I used to favor not bringing one out with me.  Not to mention the fact that I have a complete inability to remember to charge the player the night before.

    But, the new Sony Walkman completely changed my view on running with music.  The player is completely hands free, nearly water-proof, quick-charging, and the ear buds never get painful.  That's why, for those who love to run with music (and even for those who just want it sometimes) the Sony Walkman should be the next workout item you purchase.

The Item:

Simple to use system

Sony's W Series Walkman MP3 Player

The Claim: 
The perfect workout partner- quick-charging, water resistant, and wire-free.

My Initial Reaction:
    I was nervous at first that the player would fall off my head once I started to sweat...NOT TRUE.  The player is extremely comfortable and, since it comes with different sized ear-buds, the ear pieces almost never fall out no matter how much you sweat.  I've had them fall out only a handful of times in the middle of summer towards the end of a workout when I'm sweating profusely.  But, as compared with all other ear-buds I've previously used, these stay in far longer.
    Sony claims that the Walkman is quick-charging. Because I'm somebody who ALWAYS forgets to charge my player, this quality is extremely important. And their claim is accurate. You get about an hour-and-a-half of batter life after just THREE MINUTES of charging! Yes, you heard that right! So, if I forget to charge the Walkman prior to my run, I just plug it in while I put on my sneakers or hit the bathroom one last time.  Additionally, I find that the battery life is so long that you can get in several workouts before you need to re-charge the device.  The only down side? I go so long between charges that my player sometimes dies mid-run because I hadn't charged it in WEEKS and forgot about it.
   The company also states that the device is water-resistant and not water-proof.  Although let me tell you, this is about as close to water-proof as you can get.  I wouldn't suggest that you jump in the pool with it, but I HAVE taken many a shower with the device (usually when there was a good song coming on right at the end of my run).  If the device can withstand heavy shower water and shampoo, I'd personally call it water-proof.

My Opinion Now:
I still love the device and it's the only MP3 player I will probably ever use now.  The buttons are relatively easy to hit while running and once you learn where all the buttons are (don't worry there is only a handful of them) you can switch between songs and volume without much thought.
Also, since there is no player for you to have to carry and no wires to get in your way, you can maintain your running form without anything getting in the way. And if it rains? Well then I'm the only person out there not scrambling for cover in fear that my MP3 player or phone will be ruined.

The Price Tag: 
A great bargain at between $59 and $79 depending on the amount of memory you want

GEAR REVIEW: Garmin Forerunner 310XT

Because I knew that training for an Ironman race was going to take some serious workout awareness, I decided that I needed to join in the Garmin craze and buy myself a super fancy, crazy expensive, GPS running device.  Since I had the money at the time, about a month before the new version really became publicly available, I went out and bought the Garmin Forerunner 310XT GPS watch.  And let me tell you...I ABSOLUTELY LOVE IT!

Looking at a training log stored on the watch 

 I normally HATE running with a watch on. For starters, I'm a nervous person already and I found that when I wear a watch I can't help but stare at it ALL THE TIME which greatly affects my training. For example, if I wear a watch and find out that I'm running super fast, I get mentally destroyed because I know I'm going to 'hit the wall' at some point. Or, if I wear a watch and find out that I'm running too slow, I get mentally depressed which causes me to run even slower. I've tried running/racing with a standard watch only a handful of times before and found that I prefer just running based on how my body feels. However, this wasn't going to cut it for the amount of focused training needed for an Ironman. So, I gave in and went and got one of the most expensive watches on the market.

The Item: 

    Garmin Forerunner 310XT (pictured above)

My Initial Reaction: 

    I immediately feared that this watch was just too bulky (especially for a person who doesn't normally wear a watch).  The first time that I went running with it, I hated it.  

   When I came home, I threw it down on the kitchen table and began to pack the box back up. "I'm returning this thing tomorrow!" I screamed at my boyfriend. "Just try it one more time" he begged me. So I did. And the next time I tried it, I fell in love. Honestly, it just takes a while to get used to the size.

NOTE: I run with the watch strapped to the inside or my wrist in order to keep my weight centered. I move the watch to the outside when I bike in order to avoid having it interfere with my aerobars.

My Opinion Now: 

    I've now been training with the 310XT for a few months.  It's GPS and pace clock is incredibly accurate and the watch syncs to my computer and free Garmin Connect account with complete ease. 

   As to the bulkiness of the watch, it took a little while for me to get used to running with something so large on my wrist.  But, now that I've gotten used to it, I hardly know it's even there. 

    However, swim training in a pool is a totally different story (although, I'm admittedly VERY PICKY about what I wear when I swim).  I tried training in the pool with it a handful of times and find that (1) it messes up my streamline position off the wall because I can't get my hands tight together, (2) Sometimes the watch scrapes the lane line and the buttons get hit which messes up the clock, and (3) my arm gets tired by the end of a workout from the extra weight on my arm. 

Should You Buy the New Version (Garmin Forerunner 910XT) Instead?

   Possibly. But it really depends on how much money you want to spend and what exactly you need the watch for. It seems to me that only two things have been improved in the new version. Garmin claims that the new version is more accurate in open water swimming and can count your stokes in order to measure stroke efficiency. Also, the watch is slightly lighter and doesn't have as bulky of a watch face.

    With a price difference of about $100, the newer version might just not be worth it. Yes it's not as bulky. But, it's not "tiny" either. And for such a large price difference, is slightly smaller worth it? Probably not.

   Also, as to the improved swimming functions, they are functions that can easily be kept track of manually. Let me tell you how to keep track of your own stoke efficiency...In a pool, count the amount of strokes you take from one wall to the other. Then, while you're swimming to decrease that number. And, that's it! You just saved yourself $100! 

   Now, if Garmin develops a watch with the capabilities of the Pool Mate (counts laps, time, speed, and distance)...then I'd say the price difference it well worth it. 

NOTE: Since I haven't tried the new version myself, I'd love to hear your opinions on the watch. 

How is the Garmin Connect Application?

   I think the Garmin Connect training log application is excellent and just as good, if not better, than other similar training log sites. My only complaint is that when I manually enter the yardage of a swim workout, the program automatically changes the distance to "Miles" on my training log.  I have to go back into the entry later in order to change it back which gets VERY annoying after a while. Garmin, you definitely need to change this automatic conversion feature.

The Price Tag: 

    Presently $250 (without HR monitor) and $300 (with HR monitor) on the Garmin Website

The Freak...

Photo from the TYR website

As a swimmer, I am naturally more intrigued by new developments in swim gear than the average triathlete. And, with the Olympics just around the corner, there is no doubt that developers at the many swim companies have been working tirelessly to create a new batch of 'Super-Suits.'  One most recent development is TYR's new luxury speed suit, the Hurricane Freak of Nature, which is designed specifically for Triathletes (the suit was created in 2010 but has only recently been made publicly available.)

Imagining what I would look like wearing  it

I admit, I have never raced in a wetsuit myself. Why? Because (1) I have never raced in waters so cold that I needed to have one (Well, I couldn't feel my arms during the freezing swim at the March 2010 Miami International Triathlon, but I still finished) and (2) because I'm a snobby "swimmer" that is mentally convinced that a wetsuit is going to mess with my stroke.

But, if I WAS in need of a wetsuit, one could only dream that I would be able to get my hands on TYR's new wetsuit of perfection. If only I could afford it....


The Item:    
TYR Hurricane Freak of Nature Wetsuit

The Claim:
"The entire wetsuit is built with Yamamoto #40 neoprene—the most flexible wetsuit rubber—and, as expected, the arms are extremely mobile. While it isn’t the only high-end suit with flexible arms, the Freak of Nature’s ability to flex and move with the entire body (not just with the shoulders) is completely unique."

The Pro Opinion:
Lance Armstrong said it “felt the most natural” of the suits he had tried.

The Down Side:
Swimming in this suit is likely to give you such an advantage that it might as well be tantamount to cheating.

The Price Tag:
At $1200 it's by FAR the most expensive wetsuit on the market