Archive | Review

Review: Horse Capital Marathon

4065870663_872e599455_zWhen a marathon race website indicates “rolling hills” for the course, participants should be prepared for hills, hills and more hills.

That was the lesson I learned at the inaugural Horse Capital Marathon and Half Marathon, held May 16 in Lexington, Kentucky.

The Boston Marathon qualifier was the first race held in the area in 35 years. I wonder if Lexington was any flatter back in 1980. Continue Reading →

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Which Gel is Best for Runners?

IMG_3257Each long-distance athlete will have his or her own personal preference of the gel that works best when they need a boost of carbs and energy. Here’s a comparison of three of the more common ones.

By Henry Howard

Look around you at your next long-distance race. Runners come in all shapes, sizes and outfits. Runners who are tall. Runners who are small. Runners wearing bright hues. Runners wearing dark blues.

It’s like a Dr. Seuss collection of characters. And, oh, the places they’ll go. Continue Reading →

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Review: Scott Trail Running Shoes

IMG_2169The emerging company’s trail shoes are durable and comfortable. They perform well for the weekend warrior and elite mountain running champion Joe Gray.

By Henry Howard

I didn’t see the stick hidden in the dirt of the shady trail during the early second half of a 16-mile training run. But I felt it lodge into the top of my sneaker between my toes and top of my foot.

The stick knocked me off balance so much that all four limbs were flailing wildly about, although my right hand instinctively reached over to pause my Garmin. (First things first, right runners?) Continue Reading →

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Phoenix Marathon Offers Elevation Loss, Heartfelt Gains

PhoenixDowntown

Perspective is a wonderful thing. Sometimes when we fall short of our major goals, we have to keep in mind that we run because others cannot.

By Henry Howard

I am fortunate to have a job in which I travel and interview some amazing people. I’m even more fortunate that I get to combine the travel with visiting some really cool places and collecting new experiences. Continue Reading →

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Review: Swiftwick Socks Help Runners Recover

aspire-zero-black-compression-socks-9652larCompany’s compression socks and sleeves offer athletes comfort during activity and recovery afterward, in many styles and colors.

By Henry Howard

I’m a guy so it’s no surprise that I lack the shopping gene.

When I became a runner, I had no idea there were so many options for shoes, socks, shirts, shorts, headwear, gloves and the list goes on. I knew I wanted a good pair of running sneakers and running clothes that wouldn’t chafe me. And I knew better than to wear a cotton T-shirt while running. Continue Reading →

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My Running Skirt Reviews

Angie_Garmin_MarathonDuring my 14th marathon I started to get annoyed with my running shorts. In the warm weather they kept riding up in the middle and I was focusing undue attention on yanking them into place. These Race Ready shorts have been my go-to shorts for races because of their unparalleled ability to hold fuel and accessories. However the time had come to try something new.

I know I’m way behind the running skirt bandwagon but I have been admiring how cute they are and have been influenced by women who say they’ll never go back to shorts. After my recent shorts angst I decided to test out some running skirts.

Late one night I sat at my computer reading reviews of dozens of running skirts. I knew the “perfect” skirt would have to be one to accommodate my large thighs and be on the longer side of the spectrum so that my confidence level didn’t take a total nose dive.

I ended up ordering four running skirts and evaluated them on fit, appearance, undershorts, storage (pockets), and price on a scale of 0-5 (zero being horrible and five being excellent). Continue Reading →

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