Friday, July 13, 2018

6 Ways to Carry Water on Runs

There’s no way around it. On runs lasting more than an hour, you’re going to need to drink up. Though some runners stay hydrated by plotting a route with public water fountains along the way (or stashing bottles in the bushes along the route), most opt to stow their agua on their person during a run. The simplest and cheapest way to do so is by simply holding a water bottle in one hand, but sweat and large bottles can make it hard to get a good grip, distracting you from more important things like form and pace. Luckily, multiple options exist for runners to carry hydration in practical and convenient ways. Here are six ways to carry water on your runs:

Handheld Bottle

Nathan Sports Speedshot Plus Insulated Flask — $30
For shorter runs, a handheld bottle can do the trick. Rather than a round one that is tough to grip, many athlete handhelds are molded to fit the curve of the hand. A strap keeps the bottle secure, while an optional pocket allows a small spot to stash a car key or a gel.
Pros:
  • A step up from simply holding a bottle since the strap does the work of keeping the bottle to your hand.
  • Many bottles come in insulated versions, which is handy on hot days.
  • Little risk of chafing from hand strap.
Cons:
  • Can affect upper body movement while running, especially if one hand is unweighted with a bottle.
  • Sound and feel of sloshing can be distracting for some runners.
  • Smaller size may not be enough for runs over one hour.
  • Some valve styles leak while being jostled on runs.

Handheld Soft Flask

Osprey Duro Hand — $30
Instead of a molded plastic bottle, the handheld soft flask uses a flexible polyurethane to contain fluids. As the runner sips from the bottle, the polyurethane compresses. Like its hard-molded cousin, this option comes with a strap to secure the flask to the hand as well as a small pocket.
Pros:
  • Compression eliminates sloshing present in hard-molded bottles.
  • When the bottle is empty, it can be rolled up and stashed in a pocket.
  • Some trail-specific bottles come with a built-in water filter for filling up from natural water sources on trail runs.
  • Equipped with bite valves, which do not leak.
Cons:
  • Flexible bottles are cumbersome to fill up, especially on the fly.
  • Smaller size may not be enough for runs over one hour.

 Waist Belt

Fitletic Hydra 12 Hydration Belt — $26.95
Waist belts come equipped with holsters to carry bottles. Some are located on the lower back to carry a single, larger bottle, while others hold multiple smaller bottles (often the same ones used in handheld hydration setups) around the waist.
Pros:
  • Hands are free to swing.
  • Can be adjusted to fit individual body type.
  • More capacity than handheld bottles.
  • In setups with multiple bottles, runner can carry multiple hydration options (one bottle with water, one with electrolyte beverage).
  • Most waist belts come with pockets large enough for gels, keys, ID and cell phone.
Cons:
  • Can bounce while running, causing distraction, discomfort and/or chafing.
  • If belt is too low, it can interfere with hip movements.
  • Sound and feel of sloshing can be distracting for some runners.
  • Retrieving and returning water bottles while running can be cumbersome.

Backpack

Cotopaxi Veloz 3L Hydration Pack — $119.95
For very long runs, especially those without easy access to water sources, a hydration backpack is an excellent option. These packs come equipped with a water bladder made of flexible polyurethane that can carry one to three liters of water.
Pros:
  • Distributes the weight across the surface of your back, allowing you to carry more water.
  • A hose with a bite valve makes this option the simplest one to use – no fumbling with bottles.
  • Large water capacity means no need to refill on most runs.
  • Multiple pockets to stash snacks, trail maps and other essentials.
Cons:
  • Water bladders can be difficult to clean.
  • Only one vessel limits options more than waist belt.
  • Multiple contact points increase potential for chafing.
  • Not all backpacks are built to fit the female physique, causing discomfort on the chest.

Sports Bra

Hydro Pocket Sports Bra — $29.99
Pockets in sports bras are becoming a trend, thanks to companies who recognize the natural opportunity to stash more stuff. In a sports bra, a water bottle fits comfortably between the shoulder blades, allowing women to carry their bottle without the extra hassle of a backpack or waist belt.
Pros:
  • Can be used with most standard water bottles.
  • Location of the water bottle is unlikely to affect gait in the same way as a handheld might.
  • No extra contact points beyond a standard sports bra, reducing the potential for chafing.
Cons:
  • Bra may not provide enough support, especially for large-chested women.
  • Smaller size of bottle may not be enough for runs over one hour.
  • No extra pockets for carrying other run essentials.
  • Retrieving and returning bottle while running can be cumbersome.

Vest

Camelbak Nano Vest — $100
Like a backpack, a hydration vest allows a runner to carry more water than a handheld. However, a vest is more likely to carry the weight on the front of the body, in soft flasks held on the chest (though some vests use a water bladder on the back, like a backpack).
Pros:
  • Weight of is evenly distributed on front and back.
  • Runner can carry multiple hydration options (one bottle with water, one with electrolyte beverage).
  • Multiple pockets to stash snacks, trail maps, and other essentials.
  • Easier to adjust to individual body than a backpack.
  • Bottles are easier to wash than a hydration bladder.
Cons:
  • Cannot carry as much water as most hydration backpacks.
  • Retrieving and returning bottle while running can be cumbersome.

Best Running Sunglasses for Summer



Everyone knows that running shoes are personal, but guess what? Running sunglasses are too. Finding a pair that perfectly fits your face, doesn’t slide down your sweaty nose, and still offers up the protection—and visibility—that you need while traversing trail or road can be difficult. But we’re here to make the hunt a little easier. Here are seven of the best running sunglasses currently on the market. And the best part: They look good, too.

Oakley Outpace — $173

These sunglasses held up to a myriad of sunny speed workouts, and the no-slip ear- and nose-pads help them truly stand up to the product name once the miles got super-sweaty. Yes, they’re equipped with Oakley’s famous Prizm technology to enhance details on the road, but the  extended field of view and side shields also work to combat glare. Plus, the ventilated lens allows for plenty of airflow that prevents fogging. But the best part is, hands down, the fact that the frame and temple design are hat-compatible—meaning there’s no need to choose between your preferred form of sun protection. Now you can have both.

Zeal Incline — $149

Inspired by those looking to clock speedy times on downhill adventures, the Zeal Optics team designed these Incline sunglasses so that nothing would weigh you down. They house their famous Z-lite frames that weigh less than an ounce, so you’ll pretty much forget that they’re on your face. Plus, they have polarized lenses that help blues and greens really pop, and a bio-plastic frame that won’t harm the environment.

Adidas Tempest — $120

With a sporty take on the trendy cat-eye lens, these frames are both functional and fashionable so you can wear them straight from your long run to those afternoon plans (though maybe give them a wipe-down first so they’re not so sweaty). The polycarbonate lenses weigh a mere half-ounce, are scratch-resistant and are even compatible with RX prescription lenses (order via SportRx) so you can skip the contacts and head straight for the door.

Smith Lowdown Focus Slim — $349

These sunglasses are definitely a splurge, but the built-in technology is worth it: the frames connect to the brand’s Smith Focus App and, using brain-sensing technology, measures how focused you are on your workout. It then dishes out real-time feedback that helps you stay in the zone. The shades also house the brand’s proprietary ChromaPop technology, providing more clarity so you can better differentiate colors often found in nature while you’re on the move.

Roka Phantom TI — $260

Everyone loves the look of a classic aviator frame, and these lightweight specs hold up to brutal sweat-tests, too. The titanium frames come in a variety of colors, weigh less than an ounce and are of course polarized for optimal visibility. And with fingerprint- and scratch-resistant lenses—along with multidirectional, no-slip ear and nose grips—they’re perfect for both long runs and fast laps around the track.

 District Vision Nako — $199

With advanced sports lenses that are engineered for trail running, these sunglasses provide better visibility during changing light conditions, are shatter- and scratch-proof, and have a hypoallergenic nosepad to all but guarantee a comfortable run. They’re also water and oil repellent as well. To make you feel even more confident in your purchase, District Vision put these sunglasses through a two-year testing period with various athletes, meaning they’re truly ready to be put through your paces.

Native Sixty-Six — $149

For those who want sunglasses that can perform without the super-technical look, these sunglasses can easily transition between short runs and social plans. Native’s N3 polarized lens technology claims to block up to four times more infrared light than regular polarized lenses, offer up UV protection, and filter rays so you have clear sight of your surroundings. The frames also have a lifetime warranty, so there’s no chance of these breaking on you before you’ve really put them to good use.

All-New Norco Threshold

Norco Bicycles is thrilled to introduce the all-new 2018 Threshold cyclocross platform. With updated geometry, a redesigned frame, and an arsenal of features to combat the muddy mayhem of cyclocross racing, the Threshold delivers on performance and durability.

A compact top tube and short chainstays make the Threshold ultra-maneuverable on tight courses. Increased fork offset helps the Threshold steer more predictably, especially in deep mud, while a slightly slacker head tube angle and lower bottom bracket increase stability when the terrain gets steep. The seat angle has been made steeper than previous generations to help riders with quick accelerations. The overall ride is quick and nimble, yet stable and confidence inspiring, so that you can make the most of every ride.

The redesigned frame on the Threshold uses the same ARC Race technology found on Norco road race bikes, reducing rider fatigue and allowing the bike to roll more predictably off-road, while the Power Chassis design’s oversized head tube junction, down tube, BB shell and chainstays deliver optimal lateral stiffness to maximize pedaling efficiency and power transfer. Size-Scaled Tubing on the Threshold means that all riders will experience the same positive ride characteristics, regardless of frame size.

Cyclocross races don’t get cancelled for inclement weather, and mud baths are inevitable. Front and rear 12mm thru axles on the Threshold deliver maximum stiffness for enhanced responsiveness and control through rough, rutted terrain, while flat mount disc brakes offer incredible modulation, stopping power and control through mud, sand, snow, grass and gravel.

To further help combat severe weather, the Threshold now has huge clearance front and rear to support the use of wider tires, and stealth mounting points so that riders can install fenders. The ingenious SASSY (Secret Attachable Seat Stay Yoke) clips on to the seat stay bridge and along with NINJA and BOiL threaded inserts allow conventional fenders to be fit to the Threshold, while remaining inconspicuous. The Threshold comes equipped with GIZMO internal cable routing and a seat clamp cover to prevent water and mud from entering the frame.

Shimano XTR M9100 Series

Shimano released their new XTR M9100-series today at the World Cup in Nove Mesto na Morave. Technical details are nice but what does it mean for you? Key points include:
  • 12 Speed 10-51 cassette with a range of 510% – 1x drivetrains are functional when you have this much range.
  • Weight reductions – a trimmed down 1×11 system is available for additional lightweight setup
  • Multi Q-factor options in cranks – a better fit for those correcting for Q-angle.
  • Updated shift levers – lots of slide and rotation range to get the shifters matched to your fingers. Additionally 35% less shift force required.
  • Braking with 2 and 4 post designs for light weight and extra stopping power. As always efficient braking for smaller hands and lots of lever adjustment.
  • Pedals with two axle lengths for Q-factor adjustments. Also matching Q-factor between road and gravel.
XTR is first focused on the race crowd, but for the performance rider, the quality and finish,and durability is often well worth the investment.