One of the first things I tell new runners to do, is to have a gait analysis done. I’ve had several done before, but I couldn’t pass up the chance to have a specialized gait analysis done by Brooks at REI‘s SoHo store. (p.s. As your body and feet change, it’s not a bad idea to have a gait analysis done every time you’re ready to purchase a new pair of wheels. That way you know you’re ALWAYS getting the best shoe for you).
What is a gait analysis? This is the first step in getting properly fitted. A gait analysis determines how you run – whether you overpronate, underpronate, or are neutral. To see exactly how my feet land, the Brooks shoe expert had me remove my shoes and run barefoot. This allowed him to get the perfect view of my foot striking the treadmill. For an even better view, he video taped me running.
If you know anything about me, you know I’m a huge fan of Brooks. I’ve tried other brands and they just never seemed to stand up to my beloved Brooks Ghosts. Trying new shoes is scary. No one wants to drop $100 on shoes for them to ultimately fail the test. But when the folks at Mizuno insisted I try their new Wave Rider 15, I was up for the challenge. While Ashley consistently raved about the awesomeness of Mizuno, I was still apprehensive.
I prefer to run solo most days and I actually like running before the sun comes up…and after a long day at work. But I’m always afraid that something could happen (like being attacked by a mob of squirrels) and no one would have a way to contact my husband. Yes, these are things I think about.
NATHAN Sports recently released its newest product, the VITAband. For a while I couldn’t stop myself from thinking it was some type of VITAmin, but then one day I finally got it….Vitals….VITAband. (Sorry. Some days I’m slower than others.). I’d been promising myself and my husband that we’d get two Road IDs, but once I checked out the vitals of the VITAband (pun totally intended), I knew I’d found our solution.
I received my NATHAN’s VITAband and was eager to set it up. But before we go into that, let me share the specs. According to NATHAN,
It’s durable, waterproof, and hypo-allergenic
It links to an online emergency response profile via 1-800 emergency number
It holds a printed, personal ID chip with your name, and the name and number of an emergency contact
I immediately went to the online portal to create my profile. I simply entered the unique identification number printed on the back of the band and entered my personal medical information (name, gender), emergency contacts, allergies, medications and medical conditions. Done! It took about 10 minutes to set up my profile, but it took about three weeks for my personal ID chip to arrive. I actually thought I had somehow fudged and contacted NATHAN to make sure it was on it’s way.
Oh, but it gets better. The BEST part about the VITAband is that it can also contain a chip that acts like a debit card. Sounds like something from the rapture, huh? Honestly, it’s not that serious. You basically set up a pre-paid debit account (You only need $20 to start an account) and that account is linked to a chip that provides secure access to cash. The chip hides underneath your personal ID chip. So need a bottle of water or a new outfit while you’re out on your run? Covered. No more carrying wadded up sweaty cash. But if you don’t need anything that fancy, not to worry, it’s totally optional. Information can be accessed and updated 24-hours a day, 365-days a year. The catch? The profile is maintained through an annual subscription.
It will also be offered in kid-friendly sizes in early 2012. I can’t wait to buy my niece and nephew one!
The VITAband can be found at Dick’s Sporting Goods, The Sports Authority, City Sports and independent retailers. It retails for $20, come in two sizes with five color options. A one-year subscription costs $19.95 and a two-year subscription costs $34.95.
Although I wasn’t thrilled about the subscription, I waste more money on Starbucks coffee in one. I’ll gladly trade in my daily fix for knowing that I’ll be safe while running the streets.
Hi Toni,
How many times have you had to nag your boyfriend or husband about
eating or drinking better? Whether it’s because you don’t want him to
end up a schlub or just that you’re concerned for his health, it’s time
for him to listen up. Luckily for both of you, healthy options aren’t as
bad as they once were. Take HINT Water for example. This all natural
essence water contains no calories, no sugar and no artificial flavors
or preservatives and comes in great flavors like BlackBerry, Watermelon,
Pomegranate-Tangerine, Mango-Grapefruit, Strawberry-Kiwi and
Raspberry-Lime. So the next time you’re tempted to say something,
instead just drop a delicious ‘HINT’…guarantee neither of you will be
disappointed!
With such a large order to fill, I had to try it for myself. The folks at hint, were gracious enough to send us a couple of cases to sample. Let me preface this by saying I really am a purest when it comes to water. Some would even call me a water snob. I prefer Fiji and Voss water, or Evian if I have to air on the low side of the water budget. Will I drink tap water? Yes, but it has to be the last resort.
My husband actually tried the hint water before I did, and he absolutely loved it. I literally had to set aside bottles for me to try. When I tried it, I thought for sure it would have some type of artificial sweeter, but the email I received stayed true to it’s word. No sweetener at all. It really was just a hint of flavor. But, in my opinion, it was more of an after-taste than actually getting the full effect of the flavors while drinking the water. I’d rather add lemon or lime to the water. At least it would have a little more flavor.
The bottled water comes in 10 different flavors, including:
Cucumber
Raspberry-Lime
Blackberry
Honeydew-Hibiscus
Mango-Grapefruit
Pomegranate-Tangerine
Watermelon
Lime
Strawberry-Kiwi
Pear
Am I sold? Not really, but if it helps get my husband to drink more water, then I’m in. It’s about $1.79 a bottle and can be purchased at Starbucks, Whole Foods, Harris Teeter, among another retailers. Check out a full list here.
