product review

CEP Compression Socks

Up until August I had been a nonbeliever when it came to compression socks. For me, the only purpose they served was to protect my shins from grasses which cut up my legs when out on the trails. Trust me when I tell you that I had given them a fair shake.

Over the past two years I tried several brands and used them for their prescribed purpose. I wore them after my tough speed sessions and long runs to help speed recovery and never noticed whether they actually worked or not. I wore them during my long runs and noticed nothing.

I gave up on thinking compression wear actually worked and decided that all of those runners who were jumping on the bandwagon, wearing their knee-highs in marathons, half marathons and 5ks were all just doing so because it was the new trend.

In July I was contacted by Erin Curley, a sales representative for an agency which reps for CEP. She offered to send me some CEP compression socks and leg sleeves to test out. There was something she said in her email which caught my eye.

I’m sure you are aware of compression, however did you know that not all compression socks are created equal?

The nonbeliever that I had become raised an eyebrow. Really? I had pretty much written them off, but I’ll give them a try.

CEP Compression Sock

To begin with, CEP socks are fitted by calf size, not foot size. There is also a specific process to putting the socks on. When you first open the package and pull them out they look pretty tiny. You need to first find either the Right sock or the Left sock, then pull them inside out, stick your foot in first, and then gradually pull the sock over your calf in sections. I know that sounds confusing but it really isn’t that hard. There is a nifty video to show you how to do this.

As soon as I put them on my legs felt incredible. The socks hugged my calves tighter than all of the other compression brands I had tried up until this point. I couldn’t wait to give these things a try on a run and for post-run recovery.

The idea behind compression socks is that they help expand the diameter of your arteries, resulting in better blood flow. According to CEP, “approximately 30% while at rest and by approximately 40% under physical strain.” The benefits would be a quicker and easier run, and improved post-run recovery.

Back in July and August my short runs lasted around an hour and my long runs were upwards of 3-5 hours long. I wore the CEP compression socks, as well as the CEP compression leg sleeves, on all of those long runs. After those runs I always felt great. Sure, a four hour run can tire you out and I’m not saying I wasn’t tired, but my legs never felt horrible. I was always ready the next day to head out for more. In fact, there were several times when I would head out for a 2-3 hour run the very next day.

Now, my ability to bounce back could very well have been due to my training, but I am not about to dismiss the idea behind compression wear and say that they had nothing to do with my recovery. They very well could have played a part in my ability to head back out the door the next day feeling good. In fact, I believe that it was a combination of training, nutrition, and recovery using my compression socks that enabled me to sustain such a demanding training schedule.

CEP Compression Sleeve

Have I become a compression sock convert? Absolutely.

Will I continue to use my compression socks to aid in recovery either by wearing them on my long runs or post-run? Indeed, I will.

Do I believe that all compression socks are created equal? Without a doubt, my answer is No!

But I do believe in CEP Compression Socks and Leg Sleeves. The dent it puts on my wallet (mind you, it’s not that bad) is certainly worth it in my mind. In fact, I will admit that the only reason why I never tried them prior to this was because of the cost. The eternal thrifty shopper that I am, all of the compression socks that I had tried previously were under $30. That could be why they never worked, it’s hard to say. However, after putting the CEP brand to the test, the quality and effectiveness of these socks is well worth the cost.

Product Reviews Posted by Jill 27 Oct 2011 / 1 comments

Olympus Stylus Tough Camera

Perfect for your next run

For years I have been on a perpetual quest for the perfect camera: a small, point and shoot camera that will take great photos, videos and will endure the inevitable bumps and knocks that I will eventually bestow upon it. I’ve not had much luck. The cameras I choose have a lifespan of around 2 years. Eventually the buttons stop working, the camera loses functionality and then it stops working altogether. I have struggled to find the brand and model camera that will work best for me … until now.

Earlier this Fall I borrowed two cameras from Olympus to test out and review. After hearing about the Tough Series cameras I could not wait to get my hands on one and it was a stroke of luck when I met Olympus sales rep, Eric Sives. I soon had two different Olympus Tough Series models in my hands and quickly set to work at testing out their functionality and features.

After years of having a camera attached to my hand at any given time of day I have four main criteria for rating point and shoot cameras:

- megapixels
- speed of pulling off a shot
- advanced features, including scenes
- ability to change ISO settings

The cameras I tested were the Olympus Stylus Tough 3000 and Olympus Stylus Tough 6020.

Olympus Stylus Tough 3000

One of the main differences at first glance between the two cameras were that the 3000 model had black plastic buttons and the 6020 model had a more rugged look with metal screws showing and metal buttons. Functionality of both cameras was very similar as far as basic features though the 6020 definitely out-shined the 3000, for me at least, because of the ability to adjust ISO settings. This more advanced feature is a definite selling point for me.

Olympus Stylus Tough 6020

Some of the features that I loved which both cameras have were the creative art filters: Pop Art, Fish Eye, Drawing and Pin Hole. I often found myself using the Pin Hole and Fish Eye settings to create some very fun images. Two other settings which I loved having available to use were the Panorama setting and the Beauty Mode, which would smooth out images by softening shadows and removing blemishes and/or wrinkles on subject’s faces.

Olympus Tough 6020 – Pinhole setting

The video functionality in both these cameras was one of the best I have used yet. The fact that the video is recorded in HD is a definite bonus for me, and uploading the video to the computer and online web spaces was painless and easy.

As a runner, the ultimate test for me was to see how the camera would hold up on a run. When I received these cameras from Olympus, Eric was kind enough to include a neoprene arm band case in which I could carry the camera while out running. A camera accompanied me on many runs on the roads and the trails. I was able to whip out the camera quickly and grab many great shots without much fiddling. The images which I captured were crisp and clear, the image stabilization which is built into both cameras definitely helped create steady photos.

Olympus Tough 6020 – group run at Trexler Nature Preserve

One more important feature – and the reason why these are called Tough cameras – is the fact that the camera is shockproof to 5 feet. Yes! If you accidentally drop this camera it will not destroy it or ruin the integrity of the camera. You can search for plenty of video footage online of people testing out the Tough Series cameras by dropping them and using them underwater. Yes, the cameras can be used underwater as well without needing to place them in special underwater housing.

I would also like to note that besides being able to fully function after being dropped from a height of 5 feet and/or underwater, the Tough series cameras can also perform at below freezing temperatures.

The three major differences between the 3000 and the 6020 models are megapixels, waterproofness and price.

Olympus Stylus Tough 3000 (Specs)
$199.99
12 megapixel
waterproof to 10 ft

Olympus Stylus Tough 6020 (Specs)
$279.99
14 megapixels
waterproof to 16 ft

It is holiday shopping time and some of you out there may be looking to buy your special someone a camera. I would highly suggest looking into the Olympus Tough Series cameras. And while you’re at it, could someone please tell my husband that I still need a point and shoot? Hint hint. I give the Olympus Tough cameras two thumbs up.

Two more shots from the Tough 3000 camera:

Panarama setting – click to enlarge

Product Reviews Posted by Jill 26 Nov 2010 / 0 comments

Swiftwick Socks

Several weeks ago I received three pair of Swiftwick socks to put through my running test. I have professed my love (fetish?) for running socks on here in the past and shared with you that I feel they are an important component of my running ensemble. Why are they important?

Socks:
- keep our feet warm
- keep our feet dry
- help prevent blisters
- can cushion our feet, or
- can help our feet to breathe

The wicking abilities of socks are very important to me. I prefer breathable socks that help wick sweat away from my foot and allow my feet to stay dry and cooled off. In the summer my sock motto would be “the thinner the better” – if there is such a thing as a sock motto.

When I saw a Facebook message posted by Aardvark Sports Shop a couple of months ago touting a new sock line at the store, my first reaction was I have to go try these. I received two pair of Olefin socks and one pair of Merino wool socks from Swiftwick.

Zero Olefin sock
Swiftwick - zero olefin

The Zero Olefin is a below the ankle sock that has about a half-inch cuff. I am beginning to prefer this length over the tab socks because it helps protect the back of my heel better from rubbing against the shoe, and it also helps keeps little stones and gravel out of my sock. (This is a big problem when running on gravel paths.) The fabric has an interesting “feel” to it. Sort of a smooth, glidy texture. It is really hard to explain, you’d have to feel it yourself, but this is the olefin fiber. The fiber make-up of this sock is 80% nylon, 15% olefin, and 5% lycra. Olefin has very low moisture absorption which means it wicks extremely well. As someone who cannot stand having sweaty feet, I can attest to the fact that this sock does an outstanding job at wicking away sweat. It is also one of the thinner socks out on the market and extremely comfortable to wear. It is not too thin that it doesn’t keep it’s shape and begins move around and rub at certain spots. The olefin fiber is very strong as well, and this thin sock retains it’s shape and hugs your foot for the entire length of your run, no matter how long you are out there running. The compression properties of this sock helped keep my feet very happy, even after running 20 miles in them. This sock retails for $10.95.

Twelve Olefin sock
Swiftwick - twelve olefin

The Twelve Olefin is an over-the-calf sock with all of the above properties. I have been wearing this sock as a compression sock since it hugs my calf very well. I wear this most often after my long runs and speed sessions for the remainder of the day. Again, two thumbs up as far as sock comfort, satisfaction and wear. Swiftwick markets all of their olefin socks as compression socks. This sock retails for $24.95.

Zero Merino sock
Swiftwick - zero merino

The third sock which I tested was the Zero Merino. As you know, merino wool comes from sheep and is considered to be some of the finest and softest wool. I have been walking around and running in merino wool socks ever since I discovered the SmartWool brand. The Swiftwick Zero Merino is extremely comfortable and warm. It is made of 60% merino, 30% nylon and 10% lycra. I tried running in these in September and had to push them to the back of my sock drawer for cooler weather, they were a tad too warm for my comfort on September’s warm days. Now that the weather is turning cooler it is time to bring these socks out for some runs. This is a sock of medium thickness and perfect for the sub-40° morning temperatures. If you like socks that act as padding as well as wick exceptionally well, this is a great sock. They retail for $14.95 which might hurt a bit. This is very comparable to other merino socks in this category currently on the market.

Final Assessment:
In June I stated that Balega Hidden Dry and Feetures Light were my two all-time favorite summer socks. The Swiftwick Zero Olefin socks have easily edged out the Balega’s and Feetures (although those still remain in the top 3) as my absolute favorite sock for running.

The Swiftwick Zero Merino sock is a great sock but I cannot say that it is either better or worse than the Smartwool socks. I would rate it about the same.

You can find Swiftwick socks at Aardvark Sports Shop in Bethlehem.

Product Reviews Posted by Jill 01 Nov 2010 / 0 comments

Honey Stinger Energy Bars

Along with the gels that Honey Stinger sent to me I also received a sampling of their energy bars. I have always liked having energy bars in my stash as a grab and go snack between meals and since I had never tried this particular brand of energy bars I was anxious to put them to the test. Unlike my gel preferences of which I do have a definite favorite, I am less picky when it comes to energy bars.

There are a couple of things, however, that I do look for in an energy bar: calories, protein and total carb. My recent pick has been the Clif Mojo Peanut Butter Pretzel bar which has 200 calories, 21g carb and 10g protein, and what a great mix of saltiness and sweetness. I was really excited to try out the Honey Stinger energy bars to see how they compared to this and others that I regularly enjoy.

The four flavors of energy bar that I tested were: Peanut Butter ‘n Honey, Rocket Chocolate, Apple Cinnamon and Berry Banana Buzz. Each bar is made of their unique Honey Stinger blend of honey, sea salt and water, 18-22 vitamins and minerals and the unique ingredients and flavorings that go in to each indivual bar.

Peanut Butter ‘n Honey energy bar
190 calories, 27g carb, 10g protein
You can’t go wrong with peanut butter and honey mixed together. I often use this combination when I’m making a quick sandwich (add bananas to that and yumm!) or on toast in the morning before a run. When I saw that this flavor arrived in the box I was pretty certain that it would be a hit and it was. The peanut butter flavor is the first thing you notice when you take a bite and the texture is light with a slight crunch. There is a chocolate soy coating on the bottom of the bar for a little extra chocolate flavor.

Rocket Chocolate energy bar
190 calories, 28g carb, 10g protein
I do not consider myself to be a lover of chocolate. Give me vanilla anything and I’m happy. Chocolate, on the other hand, I usually pass. This particular chocolate energy bar, however, was actually quite good despite my original misgivings regarding the flavor. The chocolate is not overwhelming and there is even a chocolate soy coating on the bottom of this bar as well. I could easily detect the crunchy soy nuggets as well as the almonds. Yum.

Apple Cinnamon energy bar
180 calories, 28g carb, 10g protein
The apple and cinnamon flavoring in this little bar packs quite a punch. I was pleasantly surprised at how much I really enjoyed eating this bar. It actually has little bits of cranberries and apples. A definite favorite!

Berry Banana Buzz energy bar
130 calories, 28g carb, 10g protein
I had no idea what to expect with this bar and no opinions pre-formulated in my mind. The fruit bits (apple, banana, cranberry, strawberry) and almonds are visible which is always a good sign that natural ingredients have been used. The bottom of the bar is coated with yogurt soy which definitely adds to the flavor as a whole. Quite surprisingly, I do believe this is my favorite out of all four flavors. The nuts are large enough to provide a good crunch and the flavors complement each other well without being overpowering. Added bonus: This one also has the lowest calories in the bunch.

Product Reviews Posted by Jill 31 Aug 2010 / 0 comments

Sportique Get Going Cream

I received a sample of Sportique’s Get Going Cream a while back in a race swag bag. I decided to finally test it out this past weekend on my long run. According to the packaging this was the ultimate pre-workout warming up cream. It’s meant to “invigorate your muscles, increase blood circulation and prep your body for the strain to come.” According to the Sportique website this product will “produce long lasting warmth and stimulation of any muscle group.”

The product wasn’t excessively thick and the .01 fl oz packet was enough to cover both legs. I had to wash my hands immediately afterward because it felt a little greasy and the last thing I wanted was that greasy, sticky feeling, especially once I hit the streets and the sweat started dripping. No noticeable warmth at first from the lotion but that would soon change.

As my run continued I noticed that my skin began to feel warm, as if someone had a heat lamp an inch or two from my legs. It was not a good feeling. In fact, it became extremely annoying and I began cursing myself for even applying the lotion in the first place. I tried wiping it off but it was too late, the damage was done. My legs were on fire. When I finished my run the skies opened up and it began to rain. I sat down in the rain so that my legs could cool off with the rain drops but no, it got worse as the rain hit my legs. They started to burn even more. At that point all I could think of was a shower and washing the lotion off permanently. After that I felt much better.

A big two thumbs down to Sportique Get Going Cream from me. However, I would not be opposed to trying the Sportique Cooling Cream for a post-workout rub down.

Product Reviews Posted by Jill 23 Aug 2010 / 0 comments

Ortholite Performance Insoles

I have been testing out the OrthoLite Fusion insole for the past month and wanted to share my thoughts about these performance insoles with you. The first thing I did was take my old insoles out of my shoes and compare them side-by-side with the Ortholite insoles. I run in the New Balance 769 model and the insoles which came in these shoes have stood up pretty well to the 390 miles which I had run in them. (I put 23 additional miles on my shoes wearing the OrthoLite insoles.)

When I removed the NB insoles there were definite wear patterns, especially in the forefoot area. The New Balance insole is 4 millimeters thick and not quite as spongey as the OrthoLite insole which is 6 mm thick. OrthoLite’s insole has two layers: a red bottom layer which is more firm and a yellow upper layer which is porous and spongey, allowing for some give and cushioning.

The insoles themselves are comfortable enough and go unnoticed when I’m using them which to me says a lot. The last thing I want is to “feel” the insole when I’m running. There should be no rubbing, no pain, no anything. They should do their job down there below my feet and I should be focused on more important things such as avoiding cars and dogs and potholes.

The second thing about the Fusion which stood out to me was the arch area. The arch support on the New Balance insole was extremely flimsy and didn’t really do too much as far as support is concerned. The OrthoLite’s arch support, on the other hand, was much more rigid but not in a bad way. The firmer, red foam allows the arch of my foot to rest against it. What I don’t want is for an insole to be too rigid and unforgiving so as not to allow my foot to do what it naturally wants to do as it flexes through each stride. I feel the OrthoLite Fusion insole offers just the right amount of support for my foot without compromising my natural stride.

One of the things I like best about this insole is not the price point ($19.99 retail – a good deal in fact) but the fact that it is made from recycled tire rubber. I have been an avid recycler since the late 1980′s and am even more fanatical about now in the 21st century. I fully support companies which use recycled materials in their products.

OrthoLite claims these insoles can be tossed in the laundry for easy cleaning. I have yet to test this out but definitely plan to do so in order to see if the claim holds true. I promise to report back and let you know the results.

Product Reviews Posted by Jill 15 Jul 2010 / 0 comments