Day 114 running update VLOG

Francois et Mimi 50oz glass French Press

I was sent the Francois et Mimi 50oz glass French Press for making coffee or tea to review. Although making coffee in a French press takes a little longer, the taste is worth it. During the week I don't have time to make coffee this way so it is used on the weekends. The dishwasher safe French press with micro-mesh filter captures all the grounds and presses them to the bottom of the pot.  It is recommended for a coarse ground coffee be used as not to clog the filter, but it still works great.  I have been trying out for a coffee craze for the past three weeks and am liking it. It goes by many names on the internet, but it mainly consists of added at least 1 to 2 tbs of unsalted butter (many prefer grass-fed butter). Then add 1 to 2 tbs of coconut oil to 2 cups of hot coffee.  I mixed it in the Ninja blender for about 30 seconds. 

Link Laces

Link Laces provided me with a pair of their easy to use elastic shoe laces to test out and review.  The shoe laces I typically wear in my running or triathlon shoes, I have used my homemade version of this type of product, but I was willing to try theirs and see what they were all about. Inside the package you will find two elastic, no tie shoe laces which are pre-measured.  Each piece of elastic lace measures 38 inches, or just over three feet in length. Also inside the package are the locking devices, a simple squeeze to release clip.  Lace your shoes like normal and attach the lock where you would normally tie the laces.  Allow three or four inches of lace to extend beyond the lock and attach the end clip to keep the end of the laces together.  They are comfortable in any type of shoe that require shoe laces. I like to use these types of shoe laces as they keep tension on my foot as it expands and contracts with my shoe as I am running or walking.  When it comes to a quick transition in a triathlon, shoe laces like this help save time. They are great for kids and those who have trouble tying shoes.  These are also a great idea for kids whose shoes are constantly coming untied. 

Link Laces would like to extend an offer with a coupon for 25% off a pair of laces for readers of my blog. You can purchase them directly off Amazon's site. 

Here is the directly URL for the offer:  http://bit.ly/locklaces
Coupon code: TRIHAK01

TOGS (Thumb Over Grip System)

TOGS come with their own 2.5mm hex wrench and are right and left specific. Easy to install and add comfort on long mountain bike rides. 

What are TOGS?  TOGS stands for Thumb Over Grip System. They are made of a hard thermoplastic.  They attach to your handlebar for your thumb to grip as you ride, resting your hand like playing a piano.  The grip is used for keeping your hands on the bar and not accidentally bumped off while riding. Why would a rider want to use these?  The grips offer a different positioning for your hands which is comfortable after riding for a long period of time.  You still have access to your brakes, yet downshifting gears is not accessible when your hand is in this position. They are easily installed with the 2.5mm hex key provided and snap over the handlebar before using the hex bolt to keep them in place. Adjustments need to be made for other accessories such as brakes and gear shifters, lights, bells, etc., near the handlebar grip to accommodate the TOGS. TOGS are right and left hand specific.  I like to vary my hand position while riding for long periods of time and using the TOGS keeps my hands from getting bumped off. On long climbs I find them very useful. I would recommend TOGS to fellow mountain bike riders. 

to find out more visit them at http://togs.com/

Sunsella Silicone Baking Cups

I received to test and review the Sunsella 12 pack of silicone baking cups. These high quality silicone, BPA free and phthalate and lead free cups meet FDA requirements.  I have used them for baking egg whites and freezing greens into small pucks to use in smoothies. They can handle temperatures ranging from -40' to 446' F (-40' to 230’ C).  The bright economical reusable cups are easy to clean and with their no stick properties eliminate having to use non stick cooking sprays or oils. They nest inside of each other, so they save space during storage. 

Syma X5C Quadcopter from Tomoson.com

I was sent the Syma X5C Quadcopter from Tomoson.com to review.  Take a look at the video which explains the flying machine.  It has a video camera on board, which can take photos also, all being controlled by a switch on the transmitter.  I have not had time yet to bring it out on one of the mountain bike trails I love to ride, as I would love to shoot some video of what it looks like from the air.  I am still perfecting my flying skills.  For someone just beginning to fly a quadcopter I highly recommend this Syma X5C Quadcopter. 

Thank you to Tomoson.com for giving me the opportunity to review this item.   

goPURE Peppermint Oil

The goPURE Peppermint oil can be used for many things from an ant-itch to allergy relief to a headache cure to reducing nausea.  Peppermint oil is useful in many ways. I primary use it if I have an upset stomach, by placing a couple drops in a glass of water.  I also love to use it when sleeping and helping my respiratory system either rubbed on my chest or using in vaporizer water. The quality of the oil is great and trusted. 

Celfie Stick

I received the Celfie Stick to test and review.  Sure you can trust someone with your cell phone or camera to take your picture while out and about, but with this Celfie Stick your able to do it yourself.  First off this Celfie Stick works great with any Bluetooth enabled smartphone. It can also be used with a GoPro camera. The stick has a 1/4 20 thread the smartphone holder attaches to.  Synching the Bluetooth in your smartphone with the “in handle” shutter button is easy and the handle is rechargeable and comes with a USB cord to do just so.  The mount can hold up to 500 grams in weight while it’s seven sections extend out from about 9 inches to 39.5 inches away. 

Elastolace

Elastolace’s provided me with a pair of their easy to use elastic shoe laces.  The shoe laces I typically wear in my running or triathlon shoes I have used my homemade version of this product. I was willing to try the Elastolaces and see what they were like. Inside the package you will find two elastic, no tie shoe laces are pre-measured.  They measure 42 inches in length. Also inside the package are the locking devices, a simple squeeze to release clip.  Lace your shoes like normal and attach the lock where you would normally tie the laces. Give the lace extra space before attaching the end clip to keep the end of the laces together.  They are comfortable in any type of shoe with laces. I like to use them, due to the tension on the elastic laces expand and contract with my foot as I am running, keeping the shoe tight on my foot. They are great for kids and those who have trouble tying shoes or kids who find their shoes coming untied all the time.  I like how they come with extra tips for the laces, if you should decide to switch shoes you are wearing them in. 

Pedallon's USB Rechargeable 100 Lumens Bike Light

I was sent the Pedallon bike lights to use, test and review.  These LED lights come in at full power brightness of 100 Lumens.  The internal battery, which is a Lithium polymer 3.7V 500mAh, takes about two hours to fully charge. The life of the battery depends upon one of the six modes. The modes are standard, with a brightness of 20 Lumens in which the battery will last about seven hours, with the light on high it comes in at a brightness of 50 Lumens and will last about three hours and finally with the light on super high it comes in at a brightness of the full 100 Lumens and the battery in this mode will last about two hours.  So those are the first three modes in which the lights is on constantly. The other three modes the lights have are a flashing or strobe mode.  With the light flashing at 50 percent power the light will last about six hours and flashing at 100 percent power the battery will last about three hours. With the strobe mode the light will last about four hours.  The lights are rechargeable with a simple USB cord, so they can be charged in a USB outlet in a wall or attached to a computer. The light has an orange lighting bolt near the on/off switch.  When the light is plugged into the USB cord charging, the orange lightning bolt symbol will indicate by flickering on and off that the battery is charging.  If the orange light is on solid it indicates the battery is fully charged. The light weighs 35.5 grams and are easily mounted or removed with a quick release rubber strap. The strap can mount to any bar or seat post measuring 22mm to 31.8mm.  The bracket on the bottom of the light can be mounted in the rubber strap either vertically or horizontally. When attached to the bracket on the rubber strap, you are able to pivot the mount also, allowing for more precise angles if needed. The lights are very secure once mounted on their rubber straps and are not going anywhere, if you should hit a pot hole or be bounced around. The rubber strap won’t scratch your handlebars or seat tube, but can be mounted really across any tube on your bike. 

Pedallon makes the light in both a white front light or a red tail light and are sold individually.  The light with it’s rating of 100 Lumens is perfect for being seen out on the road amongst traffic or other riders. As for a light to shine out and project a beam to light the way along a path this light will do no good.  

Pedalllon would like to extend a discount of 35 percent off for readers of my blog. Simply use the coupon code for the front light: QLZZU7EJ and/or for the rear light: WFQI3VEL. The coupon codes until midnight on 28 February (PST) so you must act quick. 

Here is a link to the products on Amazon  http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00MOWQRCC

**** The manufacture of the Pedallon Bike Lights has a contest in which he would like to award a $50 Amazon gift voucher for the best Youtube video with a link to the product along with a review of the product.  Also a $50 gift voucher for the best Pinterest post for the light / lights is available as long as they've also done a review. (Closing date for both entries will be March 15, 2015). 

Run Streak Day 100!

I will let the video speak for this entry.




Check back as I upload more videos and reviews.

Thank you! 

Coosh CBS002A Bath Scale

I was sent the Coosh CBS002A Bath Scale to review and test.  The tempered glass scale is more than just a scale. The scale also reads your body fat, muscle mass, body water (hydration) and bone mass. 

The scale is set to go right out of the box with just removing the tab covering the battery. Also on the back of the scale is a tab for switching from kg to lbs.  However, if you want to use the advanced features a little more set up required and simple.  It can track up to twelve users.  Input the gender, height and age in one of the twelve profiles. Use the scale with bare feet and to get a more accurate reading the feet should be a little moist. 

When first stepping on the scale it calculates your weight.  Stay on the scale, as it will cycle through reading your body fat, percentage of water in your body, your muscle mass and bone mass.  There is a warning on the scale as it should be avoided by pregnant women and children under ten or anyone with an implanted medical device.  There is a small electrical current, that may or may not be felt. This is used in the calculation along with reading the amount of water as well as the muscle and bone mass. For anyone trying to get on the right track and make a positive change in your body for 2015 this is the scale you need. 

Crash Pads

To add that little bit of confidence on a mountain bike trail I have not ridden or still trying to master I wear Crash Pads Mountain Bike Shorts and Pants.  The pants provide protection of the shin and knee but both the pants and shorts provide great hip protection. The padding in the hip is made from thermal formed, high density foam.  The great quality made in the USA, Crash Pads keep me from getting too banged up and able to keep up my training in the pool and out running.  When the weather or I plan on riding a more difficult trail for me, I tend to wear the pants. 

Pure Whey Protein Isolate

I was sent to try and review Pure Whey Protein Isolate Dutch Chocolate flavor from Summit Nutritions. I typically use a whey to help recover after a hard workout. The dietary supplement was easy to mix in an 8 oz of my favorite drink.  I chose skim milk.  The directions say to shake in a shaker but I placed it all in a blender to speed up the mixing. The supplement contained NO whey concentrate, dextrose, maltodextrin or acid treated whey.  The gluten / soy free was also lactose free, until I added it to the skim milk.  The pure whey is a great way to build or repair muscles. 

Up to day 93!

Just finished off my day 93 tonight of running daily, at least a mile in distance. Crazy!  I have to admit there have been a few days or evenings and nights when I was feeling a little run down or tired and want to skip the run. Then I started to think of keeping the streak going.  Last week, after a mountain bike ride or weight workout my legs felt a little heavy.  I try at least once a week to set a person record time. Others, I just listen to what my Suunto Ambit2S tells me about my heart rate and relax.