Sports Laboratory On Your Wrist

It’s like running with an army of scientists on your wrist    [click to enlarge image]

The Suunto t6c is a Gear Patrol editor’s wet dream. The t6c features a plethora (yes El Guapo, a plethora) of technology that Suunto somehow managed to cram into a sporty watch. This may not be Michael Knight’s wrist watch, but it’s for the better. Let me explain why: long story short, the Suunto t6c is essentially a sports lab ready to go on your next run or gym session. Find out why and how after the jump.

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It’s a cool 60 degrees out with bright blue skies and a gentle breeze at your back. Perfect running weather… that is, 3 months ago. With 90+ degree temps, soaking wet humidity and the blaring sun, you’re probably dreading those morning runs. While we can’t do much about the weather you’re experiencing, we can help you keep cool while you’re out there.

For this we bring you the Patagonia Runshade Top. This isn’t just your average moisture wicking poly-blend top. Patagonia went the extra step with four-way stretch shoulder panels to keep you mobile, and a deep center front zipper for venting, not to mention 30 UPF sun protection. A shirt that’s highly breathable, flexes with your body, and provides UV protection? It’s not hard to see why this isn’t one of our new favorite pieces of summer gear.

Cost: $45 @ Patagonia

We’ve reviewed a couple of running shoes at Gear Patrol; mostly trail runners, but like many guys I live in a concrete jungle. The closest I’ll get to trail running is a dirt path in Central Park. That’s one reason I run in a pair of mi adidas shoes. The other reasons are even better, but I’ll get to that in a second.

First lets go down the running credentials to lend some credibility. I ran my first 5k at age 15 and the rest is history. I’ve run on three different continents in climates that range from hot and steamy to dry and bitter cold. Seemingly impossible hills motivate me, not deter. Sounds of the ten thousandth stride exhilarate. I love running.

That said, let me tell you why mi adidas are the only running shoes I’ll ever recommend. Read why after the jump.

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The Rucky Chucky is a high-perforance long-distance mountain/trail running shoe that excels in all the areas most important to a trail running shoe. Support, traction, and stability. Not unlike a good set of off road tires (Ed: Full disclosure: Brian’s SUV wears BFGoodrich AllTerrain T/A’s)

The Rucky Chucky’s uppers are made of abriasion-resistant bomber synthetic nubuck, a highly breathable sandwich mesh and supported via North Face’s X-Frame. Your contact with the ground is through a dual-density lightweight midsole and North Face’s thrust chassis and X-Dome, all of which sound a but sexual, but result in fantastic foot support on rough terrain. North Face also includes the forefoot Snake Plate that protect your feet from stone bruises and Tenacious Grip outsole outer sole traction.

Cost: $110 @ Altrec

Also See: Salomon XA Pro 3D SCR ($112) three-season trail running shoe.

[ Week 1: High Intensity Interval Training | Week 2: The Truth About Cardio ]

I’m going to let you in on a little secret. Not all cardio is created equal or should I say not all calories burned are from the same source. I know it’s hard to hear, but it’s true. Don’t panic; knowing this will actually help you target specific cardio routines to better achieve your workout objectives. You don’t have workout objectives do you? Ok no biggie, read this post and something will come to you. Depending on your heart rates during a cardio session your body will burn a different ratio of fat & muscle to meet the necessary caloric demand. This is how the percentage of maximum heart rate breaksdown:

• Under 70%: Calories burned from fat 85%
• 70 - 80%: Calories burned from fat 50%
• 80 - 90%: Calories burned from fat 15%

What’s my maximum heart rate? Find out after the jump.
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If you’re a runner or biker than you probably relate to the frustration of having things in your pocket. Strapping an iPod to your bicep works but what about keys, cash and other things you might need on a long run? Well, the SPIbelt (small personal items) is designed for you. It’s svelte, early invisible profile will hold fast without bouncing or shifting and hold all your necessary gear. Take my advice and get it for your next run.

Cost: $20 @ Overton Fitness

You’re looking at the Porsche Design P’5510 Running Shoe. It’s a shoe developed and designed exclusively for the Porsche Design Sport range alongside Adidas using the Bounce:S cushioning system. Bounce:S uses metallic springs to increase the energy return in your bounce impact providing you a more efficient ride. Not unlike a sports car suspension system, the lever arms transfer the vertical impact of your stride into forward propulsion through the expansion of these coils. Traditional sneakers which work to absorb your impact through foam or air.

What this means to you: Why auto suspension technologies weren’t integrated better with shoes sooner is beyond us, but this shoe demonstrates a good reason why it should happen.

Cost: Varies By Local Retailer @ Porsche Design

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If you’re outdoors or involved with sports at all then you know that there isn’t always a need for bulky, heavy outerwear and gear. The Salomon Fast and Lite II is perfect for running, hiking, biking and other endurance sports being built for lightweight, windproof, breathable weather protection.

Features:

• ActiLITE™ polyester fabric wicks moisture from the body and dries quickly as you perspire
• ClimaWIND™ fabric with Teflon®-coated microfibers ensure high water repellency without a heavy coating
• Smart Skin™ component fabrics serve specific functions during exercise
• Stretch fabric at upper back enhances comfort by keeping up with fast-paced movement
• Wicking mesh collar prevents skin abrasion
• Elastic cuffs with thumb loops ensure sleeves do not ride up during a hard run
• Vented taffeta regulates temperature along underside of arms
• Adjustable waistcord snugs up the fit
• Zip chest pocket with stretchy liner stores essentials; jacket packs into chest pocket for convenient transport
• Reflective trim increases visibility in low light

What this means to you: Stop weighing yourself down, hit the road running.

Cost: $70 @ REI

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The groundhog may have said we still have six more weeks of winter but Spring is still nearing and that means wet weather. Time to gear up.

The Salomon XA Pro 3D XCR is the Salomon’s marquee shot for wet weather conditions. It’s built for agility, stability, protection, traction with Gore-Tex and XCR product technology. The upper is made of water resistant textile, Gore-Tex membrane, and water proof lining. It uses Salomon’s Quicklace and Sensifit which add up to quick-as-hell wear and comfortable-as-hell fit. But this shoe isn’t just for your wet weather runs. It’s an entirely three-season capable trail runner.

What this means to you: Suddenly rain isn’t an excuse but a reason.

Cost: $112 @ Zappos

How do you know when your vacation’s going to be interesting? Well, a good start is when they say it takes the first two days to become acclimated to the height of, oh, 13,000 feet above sea level. Then when you’re on to four days and three nights exploring the 28 mile Inca Trail running/hiking (or walking if you so feel inclined) to your final destination of Machu Picchu. The best part of all this is that you’re only tasked with carring your drinking water and a snack. The rest is handled by the provisioners. We might suggest wearing a pair of these Salomon XA Pro running shoes if you are. Broken in of course.

We won’t waste your time with details, check out their site for the full details.

What this means to you: Stop sitting around letting life pass you buy. Use your next vacation and do something guaranteed no one else in the room will ever trump. Ever.

Cost: $495 (all inclusive) + Airfare to Lima, Peru @ Run The Inca Trail

More crazy photos of the trail itself after the jump.

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