STRYD Running Power Meter

The STRYD running power based training system for runners. 
Find out how much power in watts you are creating while running. The footpod easily charges with the charging station you place the pod onto. I have been told you should only need to charge the pod once a month. This can differ though. Synch it with your smartphone and the STRYD app.

The center of the pod turns orange as is sits on top of the charging device. 

  I have the app on my smartphone, synched with BLE, and there it tracks my watts, time, average mile pace, incline, distance and steps per minute. I also have the STRYD footpad synched with my Suunto Ambit 2S. The initial set up, I had to pair the ANT+ device to the watch. In the fields also I activated the FOOTPOD and POWERPOD.  One of the screens I have it rotate through, I have the power in watts show up, so I know up the the second the power I am putting out while running. The STRYD power pod attaches and is worn on the shoe laces. 

In my training I use the STRYD Power Pod to let me know the effort being applied to my running / workouts.  

When connected to the STRYD Power Center you can analyze numerous aspects of your run and the data the pod collected. 

Statistics that appear in the Power Center after a workout wearing the STRYD Running Power Meter.

Leg Spring and Form Power, both of these I need to work on to get more efficient. 

Connects with Garmin, Suunto, Training Peaks, Strava, and 2Peak programs. 

Showing it here connecting to my Suunto account. 

To help increase my running efficiency I am looking at improving my leg spring stiffness, less energy to propel me forward.  In the case of the STRYD Power Pod meter the higher the number the better. (Yes, I need to work on this a ton.)  Also form power goes hand in hand with this. Lowering my form power number is what I aim to do also. The lower the number the better. 

Power meters are used in and have been used cycling and they are too used in running with STRYD. 

I am looking to do the Critical Power Test from the www.stryd.com/powercenter in the next week. 

New Wave Swim Buoy -- Be Bright, Be Seen!

order your NEW WAVE SWIM BUOY here 

New Wave Swim Buoy

Have you ever wanted to improve your safety open water (lake) swimming either with yourself or with a group?

Let's face it, open water swimming is a great workout.  Swimming in open water is difficult to get comfortable with and still at any moment, one can get into a panic situation.  Some swimmers, while out in the water, might even get a cramp and need to rest. Knowing and using the New Wave Swim Buoy attached to you while open water swimming and close by will relieve some mental stress.

 This floating buoy has a chamber inside for your belongings as well as an air chamber you inflate before using. Stash your belongings inside the dry bag compartment, so your belongings won't be messed with, by leaving them on the shore. The New Wave Swim Buoy is not a substitute for having lifeguards or kayakers around while swimming in open water. Also having the brightly colored (this one is a neon green, but they also some in other bright colors) buoy nearby while swimming increasing the safety around boaters. 

The buoy is easy to inflate. Simply unscrew the valve, inflate by blowing into it, then tighten down the screw valve to keep the air inside. I store my belongings into the dry bag chamber before inflating. 

The New Wave Swim Buoy does not hinder your swimming stroke or kicking yet is nearby incase of emergency. The inflatable buoy simply attaches to a belt on your waist and is pulled along effortlessly behind you.  The waist belt is adjustable as so it the leash attached to the buoy. The New Wave Swim Buoy’s waist belt can even be worn over the top of your wetsuit. With wetsuits being black, in some cases depending upon the water conditions, it is very difficult to see a swimmer in the water. 

Inside the New Wave Swim Buoy dry bag chamber is big enough to take along your keys, nutrition, GPS and even a small towel for drying off with when you get out of the water.  Valuables you would not want to leave on the shore or in a car. The bright color attracts attention to you being in the water to boaters, jet skis, and other hazards. It is made of PVC and with care can last a long time. Rinse the New Wave Swim Buoy with clean water and store properly when your not using it. The New Wave Swim Buoy comes in two sizes. Either the 15 liter or 20 liter. The size depends on the weight of swimmer. They New Wave Swim Buoy also comes in TPU material, safe for use in swimming pools with chemicals. 

The New Wave Swim Buoy is not a life saving device. 

Wearing a bright swim cap while in the water can also draw attention and alert others where you are in the water.

Check them out and order yours.  Increase your safety in the open water. 

order your NEW WAVE SWIM BUOY here

New Wave Swim Buoy 

New Wave Swim Buoy is sold on eight Amazon Markets 

•  Amazon US: amzn.to/2g83c9q 

•  Amazon Germany: amzn.to/2eVmIty

•  Amazon UK: amzn.to/2gbHKli

•  Amazon Canada: amzn.to/2frQaEz 

•  Amazon Spain: amzn.to/1Svv8o1

•  Amazon France: amzn.to/1Svviff

•  Amazon Italy: amzn.to/1SvvOda

•  Amazon Japan: amzn.to/2afmEDF 

If you are looking to purchase for a group, ordering 10 buoys in any color combination, email Sales@NewWaveGear.com to get 30% to 40% off at NewWaveSwimBuoy.com

Ameo PowerBreather

Ameo PowerBreather

The Ameo PowerBreather, a type of snorkel/breathing device that allows you to keep your head down while swimming laps. No need to tilt your head to the side to take a breathe. My first go at wearing the Ameo PowerBreather, swimming snorkel, I was totally blown away at how easy it was to learn and use. The first couple breathes I was bringing in a little water in through my mouth.  After a quick adjustment to the two up tubes, it was working just fine. It might take awhile to get used to breathing in just the mouth and not wanting to bring air in your through your nose. For myself, my normal swimming breathing is, in through the mouth and out the nose as I am under water. The two snorkel tubes run up long each side of the head. It also took a little bit of time to assemble from the case it came it and fit correctly over the head. From the mouthpiece, the side tubes pivot from there. There is an adjustment dial on the back of the unit so it fits perfectly.  

Using this snorkel will allow for time to focus on good stroke and body alignment in the water. It comes disassembled in a carrying case. I had a little bit of the difficult time attaching the pieces together with the vents. I probably will end up just leaving it assembled as it was time consuming to put it together and take it apart after each use. I wish the case would have been bigger then to carry it fully put together. Other traditional snorkels on the market mix Co2, what you are expelling, with fresh air trying to make it down the same tube, allowing you to get oxygen. 

With the Ameo PowerBreather is designed to pull in fresh air w/oxygen, not mixed with exhaling Co2, to enter from the top tubes and the air you expel leaves through a vent on the bottom, close to your mouth. The air is expelled underwater, of course creating bubbles. I have yet to try using it to perform flip turns, but I am super impressed with its design and function.  In my Twitter feed and blog you will see more of this device as I begin to incorporate this to improve me swimming. 

Check it out at

Ameo PowerBreather

2016 Holiday Gift Giving Guide

Holiday Gift Giving GUIDE
If you have an athlete, cyclist, triathlete or mountain bike rider on your holiday list and you are having a hard time finding the right gift to give. You have come to the right place. Any or all of these items the person you are shopping for would be excited to get any of these gifts this year. Each item has a direct link to their website for ordering online as well as some have discount coupon codes.  

The Orange Mud Hydra Quiver is perfect for keeping anyone hydrated out hiking or running. This great hydration pack can hold more than just a bottle. It can hold numerous items including gels, nutrition, cellphone, keys and much more. 

Or maybe Orange Mud's transition wrap!

Check them out at 

Orange Mud

Cat-Ears will keep your cyclist safe by letting them hear others around them while riding. These simply strap onto any helmet's straps, placing them in front of the ear.  These are not only proven but lab tested and the end result is they are very effective. 

Check them out at 

Cat-Ears

Udderly Smooth body and foot cream will keep your runners feet and skin smooth. For the cyclists or mountain biker on your list buy them a jar of Udderly Smooth's Chamois cream to keep them chafe free on long training rides and races.  Believe me they will appreciate this more than you think they would. 

Check them out here

Udderly Smooth

Give them a little squeeze. RecoFit's calf compression sleeves. These are great for runner or cyclists. Recovery has never been so easy.  These calf compression sleeves can even be worn during a training workout or anytime the calf and leg muscles need help in recovering. 

Check them out here

RecoFit Leg and Calf Compression Sleeves

Fuel your athlete with a variety of Amrita plant based nutrition energy bars! If you don't buy them a whole box of 12, you can always mix and match and even use them as a stocking stuffer.  In the past year Amrita has unveiled three new protein packed flavor combinations. 

Use the code "timhacker16" and receive 15 percent off your purchase!

Check them out here 

Amrita Health Foods

Carb BOOM energy gels are a great stocking stuffer.  Numerous flavors to choose from or order them a variety pack. 

Check them out here

Carb BOOM energy Gels

How about the very innovative See.Sense ICON head and/or tail lights or See.Sense 2.0, intelligent sense technology, motion gesture control smart tail light with CREE LED’s provides a 180 degree light pattern. 

See.Sense ICON with BlueTooth Technology

See.Sense 2.0 

Check them out here

See.Sense

And last but not least, maybe for the runner your shopping for that suffers from plantar fasciitis 

and help their joints recover fast with Frozen Peaz!  These can be used for either hot or cold therapy. Simply keep them in your freezer and apply after a tough workout. 

These also work great for treating migraine headaches. 

Use the code "TimHakr" (not case sensitive) for a discount on Frozen Peaz

Check them out at 

Frozen Peaz

The Spruzza Mist System

It may be cold outside now, but believe me the summer heat will be back.  Check out the Spruzza Mist system and keep cool while cycling. This simple and innovative device will do just that. 

SPRUZZA MIST