Rundurance » Product Reviews

Garmin Forerunner 305 Review

rundurance — Thu, 23 Dec 2010 15:42:55 +0000

A few months ago we wrote one of our most popular reviews of all time, the Garmin 405 CX. Given what a great product it turned out to be, we were surprised to see that the Garmin 305 was still out selling the 405. After all, it lacks some of the features and is larger on the wrist. Still, in order to better understand the phenomenon, we decided to test out the Forerunner 305 to get a comparison.

Selling for just $125 at Amazon, this GPS watch appears to be a great deal if you don’t want to dish out almost twice that for the 405. But that’s assuming it’s a quality product, so let’s dive right in.

At first glance, the Forerunner 305 is clearly not as compact as the Forerunner 405. And, in fact, it really doesn’t look like a standard watch the way the 405 does. Still, it’s not overly bulky and so you don’t look like you’ve duct taped a gps device to your write (remember the Forerunner 201?). The size, however, does have it’s benefits. It allows increased room for the internal antenna, which means increased accuracy. In fact, wearing the 405 CX on one hand and the 305 on the other hand, we found that the 305 was significantly more accurate on tree covered trails. On roads, both were extremely accurate.

The heart and soul of the 305 is as a training device, and in that sense it hit a home run. It stores an incredible amount of data (more than just about any runner could possibly care to track). More importantly, it stores and tracks the data in an intuitive way, meaning you can actually use the data to help you train. Unlike the Forerunner 205 and 201 before that, you can actually access the data on the watch directly and use it to view your history of runs including pace, distance, and heart rate over time. While it’s easy to upload to your computer, it’s not necessary.

As an added bonus, you can also customize the view so you can see as much or as little data as you’d like. For example, I personally only care about pace, elevation, and heart rate. Others want much more data, while others want less (although if you want less, you might consider a smaller, cheaper, and less capable option).

The 305 does not have the wireless sync capabilities of the 405, but it does have a USB connection which is fast and easy to sync to Garmin’s Training Center software. This software lets you design courses and workouts on your computer, then upload it to your watch. This is an impressive feature which first came out with the 305 and is included in all future models. Until you’ve raced your Virtual Partner on a 5K around your neighborhood, you haven’t experienced the thrill of a GPS watch. OK, OK, maybe it’s not as good as a real training partner from a competitive standpoint, but it is more consistent!

Overall, I’d give the Garmin 305 a B- when compared to the Garmin 405. However, from the perspective of value for your dollar, I’d absolutely give the 305 an A, and put it above the 405. The only benefits of the 405 over the 305 is size, and wireless sync. If that’s not worth $100 to you, then I recommend the 305.

Buy the Forerunner 305 Here

Buy the Forerunner 405 Here

Running and Being : A Book Review

rundurance — Wed, 08 Dec 2010 14:32:02 +0000

I just finished reading my favorite running book of all time, Dr. George Sheehan’s masterpiece Running and Being. You can already see my bias coming into the review, but here goes…

This book was written in 1978, a time when running (or jogging as many referred to it back then) was starting to explode, but the book itself is timeless.

Dr. Sheehan was a philosopher, a doctor, and a runner. He was a track star in college, but got away from running in his adult life as he practiced cardiology. It wasn’t until he was 45 that he renewed his old love for running and began running in his yard (26 loops to a mile). At that time, he was overweight and out of shape. 5 years later, at the age of 50, he ran the worlds first sub-5 mile by a 50 year old.

But that’s not what this book is about. In Running & Being: The Total Experience Dr. Sheehan discusses and philosophizes the importance of play. In fact, most of the book isn’t about running at all, it’s about being and playing. Running wasn’t a means to an end (losing weight, staying in shape, living longer), it was a form of play in which all forms of life could participate.

When you read Running & Being, you’ll continually find yourself saying “My God, that’s exactly how I feel. We’re the same!” Well, the truth is that we runners are all the same. Dr. Sheehan just has the rare ability to put all of our thoughts into words on a page.

Everyone in my life knows I’m a runner, there’s really no hiding it. So when someone wants to try out this whole “running” thing, they usually ask me for my advice on how to get started. My first response is always the same, to read this book. It won’t teach you how to run, but it will teach you how to have fun doing it. And if you learn how to have fun with it, the rest will come.

And for those that already love running I also recommend it, but for a different reason. If you love running, at some point you’ve probably had difficulty understanding why. And you’ve probably had friends and family ask you hundreds of times why you run. Running and Being will answer that.

I was reluctant to write a review for this book, because I know it comes across as doting. But then I realized that a lot of people will read this, and a few might actually go buy it and read it. And that, to me, makes it worth it.

Salomon XA Pro 3D Ultra GTX Trail Running Shoe Review

rundurance — Tue, 07 Dec 2010 16:09:56 +0000

If you've never own or tried out a pair of Salomon trail running shoes before, the first thing you'll notice is the unique shoe lacing system. The tiny string lace connects to an adjustable latch, allowing you to quickly tighten and loosen your shoe. It's very convenient for taking your shoe on and off (say, for when you're running in rocky terrain and regularly cleaning out your shoes). It looks and feels insufficient for a hardcore trail run, but I can say that I have never broken a lace, nor have I known someone that has. With that said, I have read about people breaking them, but only in rare cases.

Nike Dri-Fit Filament Running Tights Review

rundurance — Mon, 06 Dec 2010 23:53:23 +0000

I've had mixed results with running tights before, so I purchased these Nike dri-fit running tights with some reluctance. My previous experince with running tights is that they do a great job keeping you warm and preventing injury, but they are hard to get on, itchy during the run, and extremely hard to get off. And in one case, the way it retained water caused me to get extremely cold during my warm-down.

Nathan HPL #020 Review

rundurance — Fri, 26 Nov 2010 18:33:29 +0000


If you're going longer than 5-10 miles, you're probably going to want more than 22oz's that the Nathan hand held water bottle carries. Â For this, you're going to need a hydration backpack. So when I got my Nathan HPL #020 and took it out for my first run, I immediately fell in love. Â Why? Â Let me count the ways.

Nathan HPL #020 Review

rundurance — Sat, 28 Aug 2010 20:22:19 +0000

Product Review of the Nathan Hydration Pack #020. When I got my Nathan HPL #020 and took it out for my first run, I immediately fell in love. Why? Let me count the ways. . . . → Read More: Nathan HPL #020 Review

Garmin Forerunner 405 CX Review

rundurance — Tue, 22 Jun 2010 01:19:23 +0000

The Garmin Forerunner 405CX is the latest released GPS watch in the long list of products Garmin has put out over the last 8 years. The sports watch keeps getting smaller and the features keep getting more abundant. When I saw the 405CX was being released, I wondered what it had over the Garmin Forerunner 405, and the Forerunner 305. As a running geek, I had to get one to find out. Keep reading to see my product review of the latest Garmin Forerunner.

Like the 405 and 305 models, the Forerunner 405CX was loaded with the basic features like time, distance, pace, and heart-rate while on the run. It also had a feature I’ve come to love, the Virtual Partner. For those new to Garmin sports watches, this is where you can race against yourself from a previous run, or set up a goal pace and be notified whether you are winning or losing against the Virtual Partner. I’m so competitive, I even get hyped up trying to beat this virtual runner.

The Forerunner 405CX also allows you to sync to your computer wirelessly using their technology called ANT+, meaning all you have to do is come within 20ft of your computer and you’re already uploading your latest run. That’s pretty great, I just take off my watch and set it on the counter near my laptop after a run. I hop in the shower, and when I come out my run is uploaded to my computer and stats of my run are pulled up. For some people, this might seem trivial, but like every other running gadget, you get used to it and can’t remember how you ever got by without it.

One of the most impressive things about the Forerunner 405CX is that you can also share your runs with friends wirelessly. After a great run, I shared my run with an occasional running partner who usually pushes the pace on me. He was then able to go repeat the course and try to beat my time. I thought I might have had him, but he still beat me. :(

All in all, I’d give the Forerunner 405CX an A-. It’s definitely a quality product, but it adds only a little above the Forerunner 405 but with a much steeper price. If I was to chose, I’d save the extra money and buy the Garmin Forerunner 405.

Buy the Forerunner 405CX here

Buy the Forerunner 405 here

If you have experience with either of these Garmin products, please leave your thoughts in the comments below.

Agion Active Odor Resistant Running Shirt

rundurance — Sun, 06 Jun 2010 20:15:04 +0000

A few weeks ago, I stumbled across a website that claimed it had created an “odor-eliminating technology.” Essentially it is a treatment for sports clothing that could make anyone stink-free. This company is Agion Active and my interest was high. Anyone that runs with me knows I sweat like a pig, and it’s not uncommon for my shirts to smell even before the run has started. Too much information?

Agion’s customized antimicrobial solutions incorporate silver ions in a zeolite carrier. The silver ions exchange with other positive ions (often sodium) from the moisture in the environment, effecting a release of silver “on demand”.

The patented multi-faceted zeolite crystal carrier provides a three dimensional release mechanism (Figure 1) that provides efficient release of silver ions independent of particle orientation in the substrate.

Anyways, I’ve tried every type of detergent and sometimes I just can’t get the smell out. I’ve tried special detergents that were designed specifically for runners and bikers, and even those have not successfully removed my sweaty stench. Heck, I’ve even tried washing with vinegar and baking soda (I saw that on Runner’s World once). I don’t recommend you bother with that.

So I contacted Stink At Nothing and asked for a free sample shirt to test out their product. I promised an honest review on this site, and they were more than happy to oblige. About a week later, I got my shirt in the mail.

I decided I would give this shirt the ultimate test. I would wear it for 50 miles running without washing it. I live in Texas and it’s already above 90 degrees everyday, so this was a tall order. I also decided to wear it in the sauna at my gym a few times, for extra measures.

The first thing I noticed when I recieved the shirt was the strange texture. It wasn’t like most wicking shirts I’ve worn, or any running shirts in general. It was smoother, and felt a little plastic. I immediately had my doubts. Had I seen this in the store, I wouldn’t have purchased it. But here it was, and I made a commitment to test it, so I went ahead with it.

My first run went well, about 10 miles of hills in some intense heat. I went through about 40 oz. of water, and I sweated profusely the entire time. To my amazement, the shirt did not smell bad at all. I mean, if you stuck it up to your nose it didn’t smell like roses, but there was no noticeable stench that carried more than an inch or two. I left the shirt in my car until the next day, where I put in another 10 miles – this time on a treadmill. I followed that up with 20 minutes in the sauna, where I really put this shirt to the test. After that day, it smelled a little more. But nothing like what most shirts would smell like at that point.

Over the next week, I continued to put the shirt to the test. One thing I noticed was that the strange texture I noticed in the beginning was not bothersome at all. There was no chafing, and the shirt stayed fairly cool in the heat. I can’t say I loved the way the shirt felt, but it also caused no problems. After 50 miles of running over the next week, it was time for the final test. I left the shirt in my car overnight, with the windows up. The next morning I got inside and the car was surprisingly OK. It did smell a bit, but nothing compared to when I’ve accidentally left gym clothes or running shoes in the car before. The shirt smelled, but not overly bad. I took it and washed it with regular detergent and it was as good as new. My experience with most shirts is that once you let it get bad, washing never returns it to a fresh smell – but this time it did!

Overall, I give the shirt two thumbs up. It did what they said it would, it eliminated odors. It also held up to some intense heat, carried a lot of sweat on a couple of long runs, and gave me no chafing.

Review: Vivvos Brazilian Inspired Under?wear

rundurance — Sun, 14 Feb 2010 19:20:47 +0000

Vivvos Brazilian Inspired Underwear

Editor’s Note: We have accepted no money for this review, nor will we ever let any financial gain influence our product reviews.

I have to admit that when I first saw the Vivvos Boy Short underwear, I was not expecting them to be comfortable for my workout. They were definitely a cute pair of boyshorts but i was not convinced that they’d be functional for running or strength training. They aren’t thongs, but they aren’t that far off either. They seemed slim enough in the back that they’d probably be riding up my crack in no time. But I was told that won’t happen, so I gave it a whirl. For this review, I did an easy paced 10 mile run in the Vivvos Dark and Stormy Boyshorts.

They slid onto my body and really did fit like a glove. Of course it goes without saying that this is the cutest (and sexiest) pair of underwear I’d ever worn to the gym. I was amazed that they didn’t ride up in the back when I walked and ran. At first I thought they might be a little too small, but then I realized that’s how they were meant to fit. They were very snug and form fitting, which kept them from moving at all when I was running. I was seriously shocked that they didn’t creep up my butt cheeks while I ran. I actually forgot about them for awhile, even though I was trying to review them during the run.

When I recieved the shorts, I wanted to test them against some very high praise from the designer and owner of Vivvos. So I’m going to speak to her statements directly:

The microfibre fabric makes them fine and light

No question about it. It was almost as if I had on no underwear at all (like I’d do that!). This was an easy call, they are definitely fine and light.

The Vivvos underwear is made of warp fabrics, which means they have four way stretch making them extra comfortable (which means you don’t know they are on, and it keeps them staying in place).

I don’t know what warp fabric means, or even four way stretch. I know I want comfortable underwear when I’m going out for a 2+ hour run, and the Vivvos boyshorts did just that. As for staying in place, this was probably the most surprising accomplishment of these garments. These things are thin, and don’t cover much on the backside. I’ve worn way wider pants that ride up my butt, but these did not.

The Vivvos underwear are very soft again making them extremely non irritating and cause no chafing

A 10 mile run isn’t the best to test for chafing, but I certainly didn’t have any. I didn’t even feel any friction, so it’s safe to say they would be good even for a marathon.

They are breathable and they have moisture management meaning they dry very quickly and are sweat absorbent

Yep, I did my run in a warm gym (hey, it was COLD outside) where I tend to sweat a lot. Much like my fancy wicking Patagonia shirt, it absorbed the sweat nicely and kept me dry. This is critical in a long run to reduce friction.

While I’ve never put a lot of thought into my running underwear before, I’m a changed gal. The problem was, I just didn’t know what I was missing. Like before I ran in my favorite par of Brooks shoes and Injinji socks, I thought what I had was fine. Now I realize what comfort really is.

I see only 1 con to Vivvos Boyshorts, they are a little pricey selling for $34 online. For this reason, my plan is to wear them on long runs only, not on short 3 mile runs. But that’s only because I’m on a budget. In a world of $120 shoes and $40 shirts, it’s really not unreasonable at all if you want the best. Overall, I think any chick runners out there ought to seriously consider purchasing a pair for their half and full marathon training.

Let me know what you think in the comments…

Visit Vivvos.com to buy it now.

Vibram Five Fingers (VFF) KSO Trek

rundurance — Tue, 26 Jan 2010 22:45:07 +0000

Vibram FiveFingers Black KSO Trek's

Editor’s Note: We have accepted no money for this review, nor will we ever let any financial gain influence our product reviews.

I want to reiterate the editor’s note, we don’t accept any pay for our product reviews, they are 100% honest. But it’s going to look like we accepted a huge bribe when you see how madly in love I am with the Vibram KSO Trek’s.

I got my first pair of KSO’s (original, not Trek’s) about a year ago, and I heeded the advice of some of the minimalist runner guru’s around town to take it easy and ramp up slowly. That’s not easy for someone that runs 50 mile training runs, and 100 mile races. But I did, and I’m grateful for it. Save your energy and wild enthusiasm for work, or partying at the casino or nightclub, boys and girls. Go all out the first time you wear these things and you just might regret it. Here’s my Public Service Announcement, if you buy some Vibram’s, make sure you ramp slowly. They are an injury waiting to happen if you don’t take it slow.

While trying out the KSO’s at my local REI, I was fascinated by the sensations as I walked around the store. Being REI, they let me go outside for a short jog. I could feel everything on the ground, even a small pebble. I could wrap by feet and toes around the corner of the curb, and it felt amazing. I bought them immediately.

When I got home, I went for a short walk with my son to wear them in. Despite the crazy looks from my neighbors, I was on top of the world. I felt closer to nature, which is what I love about running in the first place. When we got home, my feet were tired. My achilles felt exhausted and a little sore after only a mile. This was the same soreness I felt in my Achilles after 50 mile runs. I learned over the next few weeks that my achilles and calves were weak, despite my extreme running endurance. And I have become a totally different runner since starting to train in KSO’s for 25% of my weekly miles.

So this is a review of the KSO Trek’s, which are very similar to my classic VFF KSO’s, except with new and hugely improved traction on the sole. The original KSO’s were very smooth, and so any sharp turns on a wet road or wet trail tended to get very slippery. I even found myself slowing down on tight turns out of fear for sliding off the trail (which did happen more than once). With the new Trek’s, that problem is solved completely. I have run on wet roads, wet trails, and packed snow without problems.

Final Verdict: These minimalist shoes are totally worth the price, and the funny looks. They are a good conversation starter, great for your form, and it’s fun to feel so free!

These shoes also go great with a free pair of Injinji socks!

If you’re sold on this review, the best price you’ll find on the VFF’s is at Amazon (with freeshipping). Click here!