Thursday, March 28, 2013

Mizuno Wave Evo Ferus and Ascend 8

Mizuno has lot of stuff going on this upcoming summer! As mentioned before they are releasing the brand new Sayonara with the new light compound UI4C.




Mizuno also follow up their 0mm drop EVO line with a Trail version called Ferus. A really smart move from  Mizuno. Lot of  trail runners dig the features of a  minimalistic drop shoe, and for those runners Ferus should be on the list. Earlier you have not seen Mizuno as much at the trail racers but I believe you will see the bright yellow one over the summer for sure!






Also to mention, if you are not into the lower drop shoe category......Mizuno is also releasing an update on the Ascend. Ascend is a light weight trail trainer, with some supportive features. Kind of close to the road version Elixir. On the 8 edition Mizuno has updated the traction and upper for better fit. Ascend 8 comes of course in nice colors (with some SWE colors)!

 http://blog.runningwarehouse.com/rs/mizuno-wave-ascend-8-sneak-peek/

Mizuno is stepping it up when it comes to trail running shoes. With Ferus and Ascend 8 they will cover most of the Trail runners needs this Summer!

Marathons selling out like Rock Concerts

Again we saw another Marathon selling out in record time, this time it was Marine Corp Marathon who was sold out in record time 2:27 hrs. Although MCM claims this is a record the trues story is different as Marines and other groups have access to a pre-sale. But the big question is how future bigger marathons should handle the registration. Chicago and MCM have been using Active.com as their registration partner and both time the registration and Active.com has not been up to task. Facing major server issues etc. The registration becomes more like a lottery!

So what is the best solution? NYC lottery style? Or maybe a form of Boston qualification system? Of course the best solution would be to solve the registration process itself and Active.com really has to look over its system and capacity.  Also when will marathon races reach their peak? More and more marathons pops up and the need should be meet by far, but of course the bigger marathons are tempting to run for all runners.

Marathons are selling out fast for sure and I'm not sure what the best solution is to the registration process is? What ever the solutions are I hope they are fare for all runners.
Of course its positive with all marathon runners but the the registration process should not have to be a nightmare! It kind of bring back memories when you had hang outside Arenas in order to get tickets to your favorite band!

Wednesday, March 27, 2013

Wurtsboro 30KM Race Report

Wurtsboro 30KM....Bloody Hell that was hilly. This race was my tune up for Boston Marathon. During the week my legs had been very sluggish so I didn't really know what to expect from this super hilly race.  First 5 miles apx are straight up with no break for your lungs and calves. I got in to a nice rhythm and it felt easy up. By nagging those hills for 3 months now I was actually #2 on the hill.  Really happy with pace and effort up hill....The next 7 miles was down hill and some flat sections. Really beautiful scenery up state NY. I was trying to keep decent pace sub marathon pace 6:30 ish. No problems. Breathing felt great and legs responded as they should.
 The down hill looks brutal on paper but it did not feel like it while running (my calves told me differently the day after) Had to stop 2 times to take a leak, not happy with that and one stop to adjust laces. Going in down hill I got a hot spot. So I kind of lost a minute going down.....Before the race they talked about the last 6 miles. Not so much the first hill or is it a Mt? :) And I can tell you the last 6 miles was a killer, rolling hills one after the other...never ending story. When you were done with one hill the next one smashed you right in the face. A little bit like the last 10 miles of Big Sur Marathon...the hills never stopped. At mile 13 my calves started to be a bit sore, but I manged to keep decent pace over the hill. I had to dig deep in the end to keep up with the pace over the hills. Last mile a spectator shouted out that #3 is dying on the hill, I tried to catch him but he put in an extra gear after begin dead on the last hill. Over all very happy with legs and how I ran today! Wurtsboro is a great tune up race for Boston Marathon for sure!


Tuesday, March 26, 2013

Sigvaris Performance Sleeves review

 Sigvaris is a medical compression company and have been in the compress business for more than 60 years. Sigvaris thought that they could bring their medical knowledge to help create truly superior sports products.
Sigvaris  socks and sleeves feature  True Graduated Compression. This means that they are tightest  at the ankle and less and less compression going up the leg. This design helps move the blood up to your calf, so you calf can do it's job of pumping the blood to your heart. When you do this new blood can circulate back down with oxygen and nutrients to muscles that are being deprived during a workout.  Some sports products that have "compression" are just a tight tube and this can trap blood regular than helping to circulate it.



The Sigvaris Performance Sleeve features 20-30mmHg of “true graduated compression” – compression that has 100 percent of the stated compression at the ankle and gradually diminishes as it goes up the leg. This construction helps fight the force of gravity and circulates blood back to the heart and lungs more efficiently, thus helping to improve athletic performance.





Fit: Sigvaris measures both the ankle and the calf unlike other compression companies for the exact graduate compression fit. The Sigvaris sleeve feature a nice thin sleeve that screams performance. The fit is expected, snug and firm. Its almost you can feel the graduated compression. The fit feels trusty and secure. During my runs I do not have to worry that this sleeve will slip down. Other compression brand tends to be to warm, but that is not the case with Sigvaris.
Fiber Content
• 64% Nylon
• 17% Polyester
• 19% Spandex

Compression: As mentioned above the sleeve features 20-30mmHg of “true graduated compression" I might be a marketing dream and believe that 60 years in the compression business make a difference, but with Sigvaris you can really feel the compression benefits. The fit around my ankle is secure and fit and you can feel the graduate compression thru the whole sleeve to the top of you calves.

Over all: I'm glad that Sigvaris decided to target the sports market because their knowledge and technology really shines on these sleeves. As with all the socks and sleeves I have tested, its really after a couple of rounds in the washer you can tell if its a great product. Sigvaris sleeves passed all the test with an A+.
You will get a nice graduated compression product that scream fast performance at the same time as it keeps you secure and its not to warm.  The Sigvaris sleeves come in seven different colors.

 About SIGVARIS Sports Products:

  • SIGVARIS is the global leader in graduated compression therapy and has been making medical compression products for more than 50 years. Based on this experience, the company knew it could make superior sports compression products.
  • SIGVARIS Sports products all feature graduated compression, which means the compression is tightest at the ankle and gradually diminishes up the leg. The compression socks act as a layer of muscle, gently squeezing stretched vein walls. This built-in feature helps fight the force of gravity and circulate blood back to the heart more efficiently. When blood is properly circulated, it restores much-needed oxygen and nutrients to tired muscles that have been deprived during a workout. SIGVARIS Sports products help muscles regenerate more efficiently and help to remove any lactic acid that has built up.
  • When shopping for athletic compression socks, keep in mind that many brands don’t actually offer the benefits of true graduated compression. With SIGVARIS Sports, you are getting a product created by a medical company with expertise in graduated compression.
SIGVARIS Sports has three products in the Sports Line: a Performance Sock, a Performance Sleeve and the Athletic Recovery Socks.

 Disclaimer: The product was given to me for free and I haven’t been compensated in any other way by the company. The review is straight up based on my opinions on the product and it has not been controlled or affected by the company mentioned in any way.

Monday, March 25, 2013

Mizuno Sayonara sneak peak

Runningwarehouse.com and Mizuno has posted this sneak peak. Mizuno Wave Sayonara



Sayonara looks really promising and fast. Should be a great replacement for Precision.
Release date July 2013!

520097_MizunoUSA.com! Shop Mizuno Running! Never Settle!

Friday, March 22, 2013

Pro Compression Review

Marathon Sock Review

When reading about Pro Compression they really high light their Golf socks rather then their running socks. I'm not a Golfer so I can not really say how compression will help you putting but I do like to wear compression during my races and harder work outs.  Pro Compression offers the marathon sock for running.

Fit: The PRO Compression Marathon Socks are rated at gradient 22-26mmHg compression. The sock is the thinnest of all compression socks I will review. With some added padding for chafing protection and cushion. The sock fit really snug and fits very well in all kind of shoes including my racing flat. Marathon Sock does come in Right/Left specific sock which could have approved fit and compression, although as mentioned above the sock part fit really great. The sock has stayed up during all my runs including endurance, tempo and intervals.



Compression: As mentioned above the Marathon Socks are rated at gradient 22-26mmHg compression, however, Pro Compression can only be ordered by shoe size and not the size of your calves. I do believe that all compression socks should be measured by the calves for better reliable fit. My socks came in size S/M and they are fitting me well with a nice not to firm compression. The compression gives me extra support during my work outs with a secure fit as mentioned above. Pro Compression does not target any specific parts of you under feet/legs , its a straight up compression sock.

Over All: Pro Compression is a strong competitor in the compression market. Pro Compression offers a wide variety of colors and patterns and they are also priced right. And with the promotion code BLG13 you get 40% off! Marathon socks has past all test I have done, including a few turns in the laundry. Marathon socks keeps it shape and form. Marathon sock is a true racing sock as it is a bit thinner and has a fast feel. If you wanna look fast, feel fast and pretty for an unbeatable price tag, Marathon sock should be on top of your compression list! 

 http://www.procompression.com/marathon-socks/


Disclaimer: The product was given to me for free and I haven’t been compensated in any other way by the company. The review is straight up based on my opinions on the product and it has not been controlled or affected by the company mentioned in any way.

Thursday, March 21, 2013

SLS3® FXC Compression Socks Review

SLS3 is a company who is focusing mostly at Triathlon. Their product catalog is packed with gear aimed for the serous triathlete. Triathletes has been using compression gear for years so its not surprising that SLS3 are carrying a wide variety of compression gear. RunningSwede has reviewed the updated compression sock  FXS.



Fit: The FSX come in Left/Right specific socks, for improved fit. The socks are easy to slip on and adjust. Normally compression gear are a bit tricky to put on and get them to fit right but FSX is pretty easy to get right. The sock part is light and and has added target compression in the arch area, which I like. The fit feels secured and the impression is a breathable sock with moister control due to the added air channels . FSX can definitely be used on race day as the sock is thin,  light with some extra padding under the ball (not bulky). The sock is also seamless for chafing protection. The compression part feels secure and they have stayed up during tempo, endurance and Interval runs.

Compression: FSX offer a gradient compression at 20-30 mgHG wich is pretty standard measurement for today's compression socks. What I like is that you can order these sock by your calf size or shoe size, which gives you more of a reliable compression option. By extra padding in target areas such as Achilles, tendons, calves etc,  FSX offers you a nice secure fit during your run that you can trust. The compression is firm and you can feel the extra padding as it add that extra compression fit. I feel I can trust the compression and I don't have to worry about my socks.

Overall: FSX is a great option for not just triathletes. FSX offers a great sock with a nice compression part that targets important areas. FSX has past all the test I have done including the quality test. FSX shape and form stays the same and they stays up even after a few rounds in my laundry machine. FSX is a sock that I highly recommend. FSX is easy to slip on and they dont need much adjustments like other brands and you are ready to go. Maybe that this a feature from being a Triathlon brand whit quick changes? Im sure we will see more runners with SLS3 on their legs this year and not just triathletes!

SLS3 Website:  http://www.slstri.com/home.html


Give Away: We have one pair of sock to give away. Simply send your sock size and calf size and answer the question: Name one of SLS3 Athletes?
Winner will be randomly selected and notified by email.
Send answer to: runningswede71 at gmail dot com

Disclaimer: The product was given to me for free and I haven’t been compensated in any other way by the company. The review is straight up based on my opinions on the product and it has not been controlled or affected by the company mentioned in any way.

Tuesday, March 19, 2013

Smartwool Compression Review

Smartwool Compression Review

PhD Run Graduated Compression Light
Smartwool has been a favourite brand for a long time but their new Phd sock I reviewed a while ago was a bit disappointing, review here: http://runningswede.blogspot.com/2013/02/smartwool-phd-run-ultra-light-mini.html
I do believe Smartwool is getting there thing right with the new compression sock....

Fit: I had some issues with the ultra light version of the running sock. The compression sock has the same sock, but with the compression version I get a much improved fit! The sock part has the nice Smartwool feel I'm used to and I do not get the sloppy impression I got with the sock. Although the fit is great I still believe Smartwool can approve it with a Left/Right version of the sock. The wool mix does not itch and they offers you a "comfy" feel. The sock itself has Smartwools new :4 Degree Elite Fit System that uses two elastics for greater stretch and recovery to keep the sock in place" The sock really stays in place and as mentioned above I feel that the Compression sock fit better then the sock I reviewed. The socks has passed all the tests i ve done. Tempo runs, Intervals and long endurance runs. he socks has stayed up at all the times.
The socks offer " Strategically placed mesh ventilation zones provide ventilation for temperature and moisture management" I have logged many miles with Smartwool and they work great in all conditions, 365 days of the year.



Compression: Smartwool uses a 20-30 mmHg graduated compressio, but for what size of the calfs? This is where most sock companies goes wrong. My calf measures 13 inches, does the sock offer the same compression for a guy with measurement 10? Probably not. Lucky enough the compression feels just right for me. I feel a snug fit and a "comfy" compression with these socks.

Durablity: As with all compression socks the big test comes after a few washes. Smartwool pass the test, although the wool tends to look a bit "scruffy". The compression and form stays the same and the socks continues to preform well during my runs.

Over All: Smartwool really gets it right here. The fit is improved compare to the Smartwool sock I have reviewed earlier. If you're looking for a comfy compression sock that works great in all weather conditions you don't have to look any further then Smartwool. The sock comes in many different colors, wool socks does not have to be boring! Room for improvements are Right/Left specific sock although the fit is great. Also the measurement system should be shoe size and calf size for a more reliable fit for all.
  
Disclaimer: The product was given to me for free and I haven’t been compensated in any other way by the company. The review is straight up based on my opinions on the product and it has not been controlled or affected by the company mentioned in any way.

Monday, March 18, 2013

EC 3D Compression Sock Review

Performance Compression Sock

EC3D is a Canadian  and Montreal based compression company who has been in the compression medical field for a bout 15 years. 

EC3D has few different options when it comes to compression socks. The Performance option was sent to me for review. Other options can be seen at EC3D website:   http://ec3dsports.com/products/



Fit: The socks was easy to slip on and the sock part was easy adjust. The sock has some added padding for extra cushioning but it does not feel bulky. The socks comes in Right/left specific socks to approve fit. I really feel the softness of these socks, it kind of feel like an extra skin. In the past I have had issues with compression socks not staying up for my longer runs. EC3D feels safe and they stay up. I have not experienced any chafing with EC3D socks. The socks are light woven and the socks have been keeping my feet and legs dry. The running I've been doing has been during NJ winter months and I can not comment on the breath ability but I feel that it should not be an issues to use these socks during hot summer months.

Compression
The compression part have EC3D Seamless Zoned Compression. Its medical gradient and have different zones and pads. The compression is firm and have kind of a soft touch to it. You can feel the different zones of Compression, specially over you front shins and Achilles. With these socks you have a nice soft firm compression that feels secure. The compressions has been tested during long runs up 20 miles, Intervals and tempo runs. During all runs they have stayed up and offered a nice compression.

Durability:
When it comes to durability, the big test comes to if they stay up during long runs after a few times in the washer. Ec3d pass this test great. i feel the same comfort and compression after a few washes. The sock keeps the same fit and form. 

Over All
EC3D is a new brand to me. The company has a wide variety of compression gear to offer for you, including shorts and arm sleeves. As compression I feel the company is up at the top, offering great quality and a nice secure fit. my biggest issues with compression sock is that they don't stay up. With EC3D this is not an issues and I don't have to worry about the them dropping down. 

Give Away: We have one pair of sock to give away. Simply send your sock size and calf size and answer the question: Who is the ambassador of EC3D?
Winner will be randomly selected and notified by email.
Send answer to: runningswede71 at gmail dot com

Disclaimer: The product was given to me for free and I haven’t been compensated in any other way by the company. The review is straight up based on my opinions on the product and it has not been controlled or affected by the company mentioned in any way.

Wednesday, March 13, 2013

Skechers GoRun Speed has arrived.....

At my place......Review as soon as I have pot some miles in these shoes.
Thanks to Kurt and Kathie at Skechers! Great support!









Tuesday, March 12, 2013

Skechers GoRun Speed Released

Finally the Skechers GoRun Speed has been released. At this point only the women's edition. The women editions come in two colors; Green and Pink/Green. At this point the men edition is still not in production according to Skechers. Buy your GoRun Speeds here:
http://www.skechers.com/style/13568/skechers-gorun-speed/grlm


Competitors got the opportunity to check out the Skechers GoRun Speed:


Here is Peter at runbloggers take and review:
http://www.runblogger.com/2013/02/skechers-gorun-speed-aka-gomeb-review.html

Monday, March 11, 2013

Pearl Izumi Trail EM N1

My take on the trail version: Published on Runningshoeguru Pearl Izumi EM N1 Trail

Friday, March 8, 2013

Pearl Izumi EM N1 Road review

I have posted several of post here on my blog about the upcoming Pearl Izumi  E:Motion project. Now some of the shoes has been released and I was quick to order a pair of EM N1 Road. Pearl Izumi has been researching and testing these shoes for over three years now and promotion videos and Timothy Olsen record breaking Western State 100 last summer caught my attention. I really liked the idea of the new dynamic off set and a smooth ride. In the past I have really like the Pearl Izumi Streak for its light weight and really nice road feeling. So when I got the shoes I was eager to test them. It was like Christmas eve here in NJ!

Pearl Izumi would like to describe the Dynamic offset like this:



Pearl Izumi Info
Our lightest road style, the Road N1 is designed for the runner seeking a light-as-a-feather, ultra-smooth running experience. Perfect for race day, our E:MOTION midsole promotes a smooth and quick running sensation with the liveliness you need for maximum speed.
 Dynamic Offset
1mm at initial contact to 4.5 mm at mid-stance.
Ride 
 Lightest weight dynamic offset-shaped E:MOTION midsole delivers a responsive, smooth ride with an ideal balance of cushioning and support.
Fit
 Seamless Upper creates a supple, glove-like fit.
Comfort
Moisture management spacer mesh keeps feet cool and dry.
Weight
8.2 oz / 232 g

 My Take:

First Impression
The N1 Road is a very good looking shoe for sure. I'm not sure about the neon green color option but the black and blue is very eye catching to me. when putting them on, I start to worry, the heel feels very insecure. I'm trying to adjust the laces but the secure feel is not there. Other things that catches my eyes is the waffled laces, these guys usually helps to secure the fir but not in this case. I was a bit worried.



 Upper
Pearl Izumi continues  to improve its seemless upper with a great result in the front part, how ever I find hard to secure the heel cup. The Heel cup is semi firm and its very thick pattered. Im trying to secure the heal by adjusting laces but the feeling over all is sloppy. I do not  get a secure snug fit around the heel. The mesh is very nice and soft the front of the shoe impresses me, snug but still gets the toes a chance to spread out. As mentioned above the shoes are equipped with waffled laces which improves the fit over all. In short: Nice upper but the heel slippage worries.
Midsole and Ouotsole
So Pearl Izumi is not talking about heel drop or stack heights, instead they are focusing on the Dynamic offset. But off course the heel drop has an impact, Runningwarehouse has measured the stack height and drop to: Stack Height: Heel (22mm), Forefoot (15mm), so a drop of 7mm. The ride promotes a nice midfoot strike but I do not experience any "game changing revolution" dynamic offset feeling......
The midsole EVA is very firm and offers surprisingly  flat affect to me. I'm used to PI Streak which have a nice energy return but I do not feel the same energy return using the N1. I had hopes for a nice smooth ride but the feeling is not there, its kind of feel dead! The outsole has blown rubber and has a full contact to the ground. When looking at the outsole it does not look like it would provide a good grip, but it actually does a nice job. In short: N1 offers a ride that is firm and flat, the energy return is missing. Outsole offers a nice grip and seems to be durable.
Summary
The N1 is suppose to be Pearl Izumi E:Motions racing option. When other brands releasing racing flats that come in under 7 oz, the N1 comes in over 8oz. The N1 has a thick EVA midsole that offers a flat affect ride with minimal road feeling to it and it does not gives you a "race day feeling" when putting them on. I like to feel fast on the race day and N1 does not offer that feeling. Pearl Izumi continues to offer a nice seamless upper but the heelcup could offer more. I experienced a none secure fit in the N1. Dynamic Offset is to me just a marketing campaign and  a way to catch runners attention. Stack Height and Heel drop is still there and that is what the most runners are looking for. I hope Pearl Izumi continues to improve their "other" shoes like Streak, as I feel the Streak is a much better option for the race day with a nice road feeling.

After I been experienced Pearl Izumis E:Motion Project it was like the Christmas Eve that never came. Maybe I had to high expectations? I realize its hard to design a whole new shoe line and it took Pearl Izumi over three years to design the E:Motion shoes. In my opinion E:Motion need further tweaks to get the nice smooth and road feeling right.







Thursday, March 7, 2013

Polar RC3 GPS V.2

One of the reason why I got rid of my Polar RC3 GPS was because of the lack of reading altitude, a big no go in my opinion. Polar has now realized its mistake and released a new color with this update:

"Polar RC3 GPS shows altitude data it receives from the Global Positioning System (GPS). To show altitude at the beginning of a training session, the monitor needs to be connected to a minimum of 6 satellites. During training, the number of connected satellites can be fewer but if the number goes down to 0, RC3 GPS will again need the minimum of 6 satellites to re-establish altitude."

For those who bought the first edition an update is possible....For a Fee!!!! Come on Polar, face your mistake and do it right! Offer the update for free!!!

You can upgrade your RC3 GPS with the altitude feature for a fee. Please contact Polar Central Service in your country for details."

 RC3 GPS

Wednesday, March 6, 2013

Compression review and give aways....

RunningSwede is currently working on a compression sock/sleeve review. Several of brands has chose to participate in this really exciting test. Some of the brands has also sent me socks for give away, Stay tuned for more information and updates......Pheew it takes time to test apx ten pairs ........