Category Archives: Product Reviews

Ryder Shot Eyewear Review

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I was a lucky girl and put in some nice miles this weekend while still managing to have lots of fun!  The weekend kicked off mid afternoon Friday with a 29 mile bike ride.  This was an important ride because I just had my bike readjusted and needed the miles was testing a new pair of sunglasses, the Ryder Shot Photochromic, which had already passed the run test x10.  I’ve been running in these glasses for almost a month and we all know from the I Wear My Sunglasses Almost Never post, sunglasses and I normally do not get along.  I want to wear them, need them to protect my eyes but usually pitch them due to poor fit, lighting, or the irritation factor.

I have quite the collection of those which remain but never get worn:

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Therefore, I didn’t want to be hasty on writing up a review on the Ryder Shot’s prior to really wearing them, thinking about the fit, coverage, functionality, and using them on both the run and the bike.  As a triathlete, the sunglasses are one of the most important pieces of gear on the transition mat.  They can make or break the bike/run legs if you don’t own a good pair that fit, perform well and protect your eyes.

First, how do they look?  The most important aspect, right?  Okay, not really but….

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The above photo is not the best, it’s a direct result of Aby’s photo session at the bike shop on Thursday night, but it gave me giggles after a quick WTF moment of seeing the color “splashes”.  The before/after photos below are a bit better.  I’m a “little” disheveled “after” but still smiling!  Yes, that is the Team Tough Chik bike jersey if you were wondering.

Ryder glasses-Team Tough Chik bike jersey  Ryder glasses-Team Tough Chik bike jersey2

The Ryder Shot’s that I received are the photochromic type which retail for $69.  I’m wearing the silver frame with light grey lenses.  I probably wouldn’t have picked a silver frame myself, not that I don’t like it, I’m just very boring and tend to stick in the black/brown family.  However, these look good and more importantly fit really well.  They are not tight on my face but they hug and do NOT move. 

The Ryder Shot Photochromic incorporates the photochromic technology that automatically lightens and darkens the tint of the lenses according to the weather and lighting conditions.  For somebody like me, who is blind doesn’t see well, this is a huge selling factor because I can’t change my lenses while I’m on the road.  I need the glasses to accommodate whatever the weather throws at me.

Ryder Shots

The Shot’s come in various colors and styles.  The non-photochromic & non-polarized models start at $39, that’s a steal!

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I also love the nose piece which is soft and rubbery but doesn’t get stuck in my hair.  If I’m talking with someone or taking a photo, I tend to put the glasses in my hair.  The nose piece can be a big issue if the rubber piece get stuck in my hair.  That’s an immediate fail in my opinion but not an issue with the Ryder Shot’s.   You can see in these photos from yesterday’s run at Schubert Woods with Cindy & the Pancakers that I have my glasses in my hair and it’s a win.  It’s a win that they fit nicely on my face when I run, and a win that they don’t stick to my hair when they are resting for a photo op.  🙂

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Initially, upon receipt of these glasses, I was planning to do a list of pros & cons.  However, I have put this review off for this long because I can’t find any cons.  I wanted to make sure that I was really behind these glasses for the long term before I actually recommend something.  I didn’t buy these, that’s a first, so didn’t want to just get all crazy excited over some freebies before I really knew what I thought.  I actually like them, really like them, and you will see me wearing them exclusively on the bike and run this season and for many more to come.  Thanks, Ryder!

According to the Ryder website, these are one of our smallest, most lightweight models. A favorite amongst runners for its minimalist design.  I absolutely agree that they are light and certainly not only “a” favorite of mine but the only pair I have used for the last month.  They offer UV protection and are shatter proof.  As a triathlete and cyclist, the shatter proof quality is a necessity because things happen and we crash.  Although I have never crashed badly enough to crack my glasses, I have seen others who weren’t as lucky.  Protective eyewear is not a luxury but a necessity.

Please find something to protect your eyes from the UV rays, rain/sleet, bugs and debris.  I was wearing these on the bike on Friday and was amazed at the clarity.  It was absolutely crystal clear that a yellow jacket would have flown into my right eye had it not bounced off my right lens instead.  Scary.  Protect your eyes!

If you are interested in Ryder products, check out the website HERE. The prices are very reasonable in comparison to other sport brands so enjoy the savings!

Happy Running, Riding and TRIing!  ** Amanda – TooTallFritz  ** 

Deal Days….

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I think it’s safe to assume that everyone loves a good deal.   I recently snagged some good ones and wanted share with you savvy shoppers.  Please note that if you purchase anything that I like, I don’t get compensated, I just tell you about them so that you can be as informed as possible when you are shopping around.

First, due to my schedule with the kids, work and running life, I don’t have a lot of time to shop.  So I rely heavily on the net for most of my shopping.  If I stumble onto a deal at a store, it’s mostly likely because I had to stop in for something for one of the kids.  I got lucky on Friday when I had to hit Old Navy for Michael.  I have tried several of the Old Navy active wear pieces and really like them for running and lounging.  On Friday, they had a deal on their sport bras and GoDry shirts for $10.  I have a couple of an older model, panel sport bra from Old Navy and I love those but have resisted purchasing the new model due to adjustable straps which have plastic pieces.  I was concerned the adjustable pieces would chafe. However between the $10 price tag and the GREEN color, which is my favorite, I couldn’t resist.  Huge thumbs up for this product.  It didn’t chafe with the adjustable pieces or anywhere else.  It fit like a glove but wasn’t too tight.  It also separates “the girls”, which isn’t an issue for me but I know that others have problems with their “girls” when they aren’t separated.  Win!  I even wore it to bed one night and still loved it in the morning.

The GoDry Tee was also a win in my opinion.  It fit well, runs true to size, is seemless, soft and comfortable.  Although, I normally don’t run in tees, this will be a good lounge top for me.  In fact, I wore it most of the weekend when I wasn’t running.

I also recently picked up a bargain thru the  Active Swaggle.  If you aren’t familiar with Active Swaggle and are an athlete, go to that link above in green and sign up NOW!  The Active Swaggle is a deal system which emails you a group of deals on almost a daily basis.  This includes everything from VERY discounted races, to super sales on sport/running/TRI clothes and gear.  This is the “Groupon” for active people.  Join.  There is currently an active deal for the Wisconsin Dells Half Marathon for $40.  A couple weeks ago, I took advantage of the deal on Pro Compression socks for $25 a pair (50% discount – now expired).  I have tried a couple of brands of compression socks, the CEP Sleeves, which I love for running, the RunLove RunningSkirts.com socks which I bought off a Swaggle around Christmas and now these. 

These socks work really well for me.  They are unisex so come in different sizes but I followed the size chart and ordered accordingly.  They are longer than the other compression socks that I have and come all the way up to my knees, plus they have a roomier foot bed so my toes don’t get crunched.  LOVE these!  I purchased the yellow above so I could possibly wear them with my RMHC (Ronald McDonald House Charity still has a marathon spot available for YOU) shirt & red Aspaeris Pivot Shorts (use my 25% discount code:  PC2012)  for the 2012 Chicago Marathon.  I also purchased…..wait for it…..the GREEN!  I ran in these yesterday and they are really nice compression socks.  They are not too tight, I never even notice them while running or lounging.  I am hoping they will put them on the Swaggle again!

I have picked up RunningSkirts.com merchandise on super discount off the Swaggle, Mission Skin Care products, and various race entries. The Swaggle sign-up is free and definitley one of the best deals around to be “in the know” in regards to deals across the country. 

I still think the best deal on the web is the Tough Chik irun tank.  All Tough Chik products are handmade by a local seamstress in California.  The fit is perfect for those of us who have a six-pack UNDER the layer of mommy flab and it is soft, silky and super cute. For $30, you don’t need a sale to grab one of these.  In fact, you can grab the green and the pink and still be under what you would pay for a normal performance top.  And don’t worry, if you have a real six-pack, you’ll still look like a goddess in this top!

Last but not least, if you are a chick, you should also sign up for the email updates from  SkirtSports.com.  They have killer deals that they only publicize thru Facebook and those email updates.  I normally don’t order anything unless it hits the sale rack and I have gotten several shirts on temporary discount for $12-$15.  I have also picked up some of the pricier items for 50% off, like the Happy Hour V-Neck tops that I have worn all winter.   I grabbed a pink & black for $26 each off of one of those email specials around Thanksgiving, see pic below.

Try hard not to impulse buy but instead make good choices for good products based upon the price.  There are deals to be had but not if you want them now at whichever store your shopping.  You have to wait for the deals to come to you then spread the word and share with the rest of us!!

Happy Running,                                                                                                            Amanda – TooTallFritz

Team Tough Chik – The Kit Arrived!!!

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This week has been hellish busy but good because my Team Tough Chik kit arrived!  If you have familiar with our “Toughies” you have probably seen pics blasted all over the net over the last couple weeks of Tough Chiks in their new team wear.  Opening the kit was a nice surprise as it not only included our team apparel but also a Tough Chik sticker!! goodies from our sponsors, which ranged from a vacation resort, swim shampoo, bike lube,  Anti Chafing Cream, snack bars, hydration, and a lot of other fun things, some of which I never knew existed! 

Although free stuff is beyond awesome, what we were all awaiting was the team apparel!    I purchased running singlets for both Aby and I.  On occasion, when I beg, she will actually run or race with me in a matching outfit.  This is super fun for me, somewhat embarrassing for her, but always GOOD because as I am running back to find her in a race, people identify me as “THE” mom and tell me how cute she is or that she is running really well, or that she is right behind them.  It works great on many levels.

Here we are below, preparing for a photo after a long, hot run for me.  I wasn’t feeling great, the heat is bad for me and I was drained!  I certainly wasn’t feeling a photo but we were dressed for it, if I could just get her to hold still long enough to get those blonde locks in place!  And what is she doing?  Is that an adapted “SuperStar” pose?  She is always a clown just like her father.

I know I look like hell and that’s how I felt too but let’s focus on the Team Tough Chik apparel. 

This is a large running singlet for me (xs for Aby) and fits perfectly.  Bonus that it feels and looks great too!  this singlet is very similar to the green & pink “i run” tanks from Tough Chik and as you may already know, I REALLY love the style and fit of these tanks.

Here is the green i run tank on South Beach when I was there to run 13.1 Miami Beach!  If you would like to run 13.1 Chicago for FREE, don’t forget to enter my giveaway HERE.

Pink i run tank:

Don’t be shocked but I also ordered a TRI tank.  I can easily say that I have never owned a more attractive TRI top. 

You can possibly see that there is a large pocket (the graphic with the chik) on the back for your gels, phone, etc.  This is huge if you have a TRI bike because once you transition from road to TRI bike, say goodbye to that nifty little under the seat bag that keeps all of your belongings.  Not that you would stop to access it during a TRI anyhow so this large pocket is both handy and very necessary! 

This is a large top and I should have gone XL.  Half of my TRI tops are L and the other half are XL.  TRI tops tend to run small, I should have known better.   When they reopen registration in May, I will order an XL.  That’s right you heard me, they are reopening registration for Team Tough Chik!  If you would like to be notified when they reopen, please click HERE and fill out the form. 

While we are talking about TRIs.  I have gotten a lot of questions as of late on TRI apparel.  Specifically TRI Suit vs TRI kit.  As always, this is really about personal opinion.  I am so tall that I wouldn’t even think to do a TRI Suit.  I also like to mix up my “outfits” so the thought of wearing one suit for every race doesn’t make me think happy thoughts.  However, they are convenient and do well for many people. 

In the past, I have had the best success with SkirtSports for TRI tops.  I wear a large in this brand, the tops are not skin-tight and I am comfortable racing in this top without worry that my mommy tummy is hanging out.  It’s long enough but not too long.  However, since it isn’t skin-tight, if you swim in the pool or have an open water swim which is not wetsuit legal then know that your top will be “floating” when you stop or are turning. 

I’ve also had success with TYR and Speedo (in large).  However, it seems that Craft has made its way onto the TRI scene in a big way while I was on Mr. Michael baby hiatus.  I have heard very good things about Craft but have not yet owned any of their apparel. And I’m currently coveting this Sugoi top but have never owned any of their products either.

I personally have not had good luck with 2XU tops.  I have an XL that is so tight that I can’t even wear it.  If you are tiny, then you will be fine but it you are a bigger lady then I wouldn’t recommend it. 

For the bottom, I always use the Skirt Sports Race Belt Skirt to slide up over my briefs after the swim.  I normally don’t use TRI shorts.  If I do opt for shorts, then I use Peal Izumi TRI shorts.  Since length is always an issue for me, most TRI shorts are too short so I favor the skirt. 

Do you have a favorite TRI brand?  Tri Suit or TRI Kit?  Or more importantly, are you doing to sign up to be notified when Team Tough Chik reopens registration? 

Get out and enjoy this beautiful weather, it’s amazing!

Cheers,                                                                                                                        Amanda – TooTallFritz

I Won & Here’s a Giveaway – Aspaeris Pivot Shorts

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Last night I went to the Running For Kicks Shamrock Fun Run in Palos.  I am coming off some higher miles, at least for me, so it probably wasn’t the smartest move but I wanted to go so that I could wear my green Team Sparkle skirt again!   However, knowing that my legs were extra fatigued, I was smart and grabbed my Aspaeris Pivot Shorts (APS). 

These are the only compression shorts I own and I really like them.  They have two layers, which I initially thought would be awkward but they go on easier than most compression wear, plus they stay in place and don’t move even during hard speed workouts on the treadmill.   I really love the way the compression feels on my hips and legs when I run.  Even though my legs were very fatigued last night, the compression adds just enough pressure to keep the blood flowing and help ease the soreness.  I actually feel pretty decent today.  Now if the shorts could just push me up those Ishnala hills! 

Here is the official description from Aspaeris:

Aspaeris Pivot Short™

Aspaeris Pivot Shorts™ are actually two pairs of shorts bonded together. The Outer Short is a high performance compression short designed to support your muscles. The Inner Short features our breakthrough, Dual Sensory Compression Bands™.

These cross-knit bands guide your muscles into the proper position, thereby improving your pivot performance, which helps prevent ACL and hip injuries.

The Aspaeris Pivot Short™ is not an ordinary compression short. Athletes who try the APS™ report feeling more confident in their ‘pivot moves’ and almost all feel more in control without being restricted.

 I ordered a pair of the APS at the beginning of the year and liked them so much that when we were gathering sponsors for our Chicago Ragnar Relay Team (You Just Got) Chicked, I contacted them to see if they would be interested in sponsoring our team.  I got lucky and they said yes!  So this added a few more pair of these babies to my collection.  My first purchase was practical and black in color, then I was a bit more adventurous with the sponsorship and added a pair of red and white.    The white worked out well for the Shamrock Fun Run because I won 2nd in the Most Festive Dressed contest!  Yay!  So nice to look good and feel good!  Thanks Aspaeris!

Through the Aspaeris Sponsorship for the Ragnar Relays, I agreed to tell YOU about these shorts and provide my honest opinion regarding my thoughts on the design and performance, which was easy for me because I already owned a pair and knew what I “thought” about them.  In return for my sharing this information (and YOU reading it), they agreed to give one follower a free pair of shorts in their preferred size and color.  So if you would like a chance to win a free pair of shorts, a $60 value, here are the hoops through which you will need to jump:

  • Become a follower of this blog  (click on the +Follower button at the bottom) – 1 entry
  • Become a Facebook fan of TooTallFritz – 1 entry
  • Become a Facebook fan of Aspaeris Pivot Shorts – 1 entry
  • Link this post up to your Facebook page and announce the giveaway to your friends – 3 entries
  • Link up this post up to your blog and announce the giveaway to your followers – 5 entries

After you have done some/all of the above, please leave a comment in the comments section below and tell me what you have done and how many entries to assign you (max of 11).   If you are already a follower and a TooTallFritz Facebook fan, that is 2 free entries for you, just let me know that you would like to be entered in the drawing!  I will randomly generate a winner via a Random Number Generator on Monday, March 19th at 9 am.

If you don’t win, or can’t wait to try a pair of these out, then please feel free to use the 25% off coupon code:  PC2012 to get a discount on the Aspaeirs Pivot Shorts now. 

Good Luck,                                                                                                                   Amanda – TooTallFritz                                                                               Amanda@tootallfritz.com

Fun in the Sun – Miami – Part II

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Yesterday was a huge day and I feel like we fit in as much R&R and fun as possible. The first thing on my list was a run so that I could attempt to acclimate my body to this climate a bit for the race. I know I don’t have enough time to acclimate properly but I at least wanted to know how I was going to feel. So I went out about the time the sun came up and it was just a beautiful day.

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I just ran/walked took some photos and just enjoyed the sights. I LOVED the performance of the Tough Chik tank in the heat. I never even noticed it was there which was a huge win. I also tested out a new (to me) product in the Mission Skincare line. They had a 5 hour anti-chafe cream that I compared to body glide. I am a body glide lover so was wondering how this would compare.

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I used it the day before while walking around town and didn’t love it. So thought I better give it a try on a low intensity run. It goes on like paste, and it’s sticky. The stickiness doesn’t really go away. I didn’t chafe but just felt sticky. So I guess it “works” but I prefer the feel and texture of the body glide.

After the run, mom & I had a light breakfast and then spent several hours under an umbrella on the beach.

<img src="https://tootallfritz.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/20120303-092829.jpg"

Then shopping, lunch and general sightseeing fun.

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Now off to pick up my packet for tomorrow’s race.

I’m a Tough Chi(c)k

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I’m a tough chick.  I’ve known that for a long time.  As with all bitches ladies, some days are better than others but overall, I’m up there on the tough scale.  Over the last couple years, I became aware of a clothing company appropriately named, Tough Chik.  How fun is that?  I had browsed their website multiple times but their products just weren’t exactly what I wanted at the time.  They had lots of cute running tees but I don’t wear tees while running, or otherwise, and the performance line was small so I have been patiently waiting for them to expand the line.    I don’t mind spending money on performance clothing even though I have a ton but I don’t spend it on stuff that I don’t love. 

Towards the end of last year, my beloved Tough Chiks, who I been stalking but had yet to make a single purchase, announced they would be organizing a team for 2012.  Anyone who joined the team, by purchasing from the Team apparel line, would not only be part of the inaugural Team Tough Chik but also have a year’s worth of discounts for all Tough Chik apparel, get discounts for numberous yet to be named sponsors, and possibly get a ton of random freebies in our team package.  So basically we were purchasing a mystery package and well, I’m all about surprises and taking a chance, especially when the Team Tough Chik package looked to be just my style in regards to performance, function and fashion.

The team packages will be mailed sometime in March so I have been anticipating the delivery for several months.  Then I saw that the TC performance line started to expand and I was intrigued.  I’ve had my eye on this:

But I didn’t buy it.  I thought it was cute but I didn’t know how the sizing would work, I have this team package coming and the contents might not fit and since it’s custom I was sure that returns/exchanges wouldn’t be an option, so I was waiting to see how the sizing of the team gear would work for my body.  I have an odd body shape.  I’m long and lean but have a very poochy belly cuz I like to eat and drink instead of doing core work.  As a result, I have to be careful with my clothing not being too tight thru the belly or I look ridiculous.  I know you will be shocked but I also have an issue with my height and some of the TRI and running tops are too short and I certainly won’t wear anything that doesn’t have proper coverage so I was still waiting.  I figured that after the team package arrived and I had a better idea on sizing that I would try a few other things, like the pink tank above.

However, Tough Chik pulled a fast one and put something out that I COULD.NOT.RESIST.  Many of you know that my favorite race is the Shamrock Shuffle in Chicago.  Each year, I try to harass encourage as many of my friends as possible to run.  This year I even strong-armed pursuaded a large group of ladies to run with me in green Team Sparkle skirts.  And since the occasion will be so festive, I have also purchased shamrock socks, white leggings for under the skirt and a green pullover.  But this green “i run” tank will hopefully match the Shamrock outfit perfectly: 

Yep, I couldn’t resist but took the plunge and purchased my first TC product.  It was relatively cheap at $30, plus there was an option of matching arm sleeves which I will probably need at the Shamrock Shuffle.  And most importantly, it fit PERFECTLY.   The tank is designed to be form-fitting thru the chest and then has a drop to a looser fit thru the mommy tummy.  YAY!  WIN!  I was so excited last night when I tried it on that I couldn’t even contain my excitement but took some pics, posted them on Facebook, tried to get 3 of these in the PINK (above) for me and my girls running 13.1 Miami on Sunday….. but shocker……. they are sold out of the pink in some sizes…..more to come soon!

Arm Sleeves ($25) with little Tough Chiks:

Back:

I can not wait to run in this top.  The fit is so nice, it was hard to take it off.  The seams are flat and the arm holes go up high enough that I don’t anticipate any chafing in the underarm flab department, this really seems like the perfect top and let’s say that I have been thru a “few” brands to know a lot by just the initial try-on.  Most tops I order never make it to a trial run but just get sent back immediately.  I have never found any running tops that I really love but am very hopeful with this one.  And quite honestly, the price point is so low compared to other technical brands, that I’m hoping this top performs half as good as I expect.  You may only see me on the trail in Tough Chik i run tanks this summer.  I’ll take this tank to Miami for a test drive this weekend and let you know how it performs.  More later.

Do you have any running tops/tanks that you absolutely love?  What is the price range?  Let’s find some good stuff at a good price for a change!  Tell us what you like!

Happy Running,                                                                                                              Amanda – TooTallFritz

 

 

Saucony Guide – 4 vs 5 – 8mm Drop

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After running a full cycle in the “new” Saucony Guide 5‘s with the 8 mm heel to toe drop, I feel like I can give an accurate and honest review of the changes of this shoe.  First off, the new Guide’s LOOK really cool, although this is the last thing we are supposed to consider when buying a shoe, let’s be honest, it kinda matters.

I have been running in Saucony exclusively other than short 5K type races since 2006/2007.  Due to my size and forefoot strike, I have to change out my shoes approximately every 300 miles or 3 months.  I really like to get 3 months out of a pair of shoes if possible but that is usually pushing past the 300 mile mark.  So let it suffice to say that I am familiar with the Saucony line, particularly the Ride (Pre-Michael) and the Guide (Post-Michael – Don’t ask how my foot changed so much from having a baby but that’s not the only thing that changed so C’est la vie).

The Guide 5 is by far the most attractive pair of Saucony’s I have ever owned.  It’s actually nice to be sporting a pair of “cool” shoes for once.  🙂  This new version with the 8 mm heel to toe drop is also 1.5 oz lighter.  I know that doesn’t sound like a lot but it is a noticeable difference.  I notice it when they are on my feet and I had both pair in my hands last night and the Guide 5s were considerably lighter than the 4s.

The Guide 5s also fit like a glove.  It was love at first fit for me when I slipped these on my feet.  They are soft, much softer than the previous versions and they feel more airy like the Nike’s that I just love.  Great fit in the store, great fit on the run!

Although I was initially impressed with all the new changes, these shoes broke down quickly.  And I mean very quickly.  I ran the bottom off these shoes by the time I broke 200 miles and that’s just not cool.  I ordered a new pair from Running For Kicks once I hit 220 miles because my body was telling me it was time to switch them out; however, since the shoe has won so many awards and has a massive ad campaign in progress, it seems the shoe’s popularity has soared!  Therefore, I had to wait 3 weeks for these shoes to come off the backorder and be delivered to the store.  In the interim, I panicked ordered a limited edition of the Guide 5 from another source but have yet to receive those either.  However, here is a peek at these beauty’s which I will be sporting with my girls at 13.1 Miami Beach!  We decided to coordinate with pink & black and these babies will look pretty cool with our color scheme. 

So just this week my ankle, feet and hips started aching backordered Guide 5’s arrived at Running For Kicks.  I immediately picked them up and got to hit the trail with them last night.  I certainly didn’t go far as I have some nagging aches that I need to kick in the ass evict before the Miami race; however, I was able to catch up with my F’N Runners for a bit.  Good looking group showed up in the rain, if I do say so myself!    From Left Back:  Susan, Cathie, Wayne (newbie!!), Dawn, Kathy, & April.  Left Bottom:  Nicole C, Jeni – Sparkalish Roar, Meg & Nicole W (April’s Daughter!).  Not pictured:  MagMileRunner, Diane & myself.

I ran 4 miles with this crew before bowing out to go home to Amstel Light Motrin & the last remaining sample of the Arctic Ease wrap.  Although the Arctic Ease is not as cold as ice, it is certainly more convenient than icing when you have a toddler don’t have time to sit down.  They are temporary though, I had a larger covering that I had purchased at the Chicago Marathon expo and when I went to pull it out, it was moldy.  This has happened with other wraps I have had too.  They don’t last real long but are certainly handy. 

As I was self medicating making dinner, I started to think about the difference between the Guide 4’s and 5’s, knowing darn well that the fact that I ran too long in the current pair of Guide 5’s was the reason for my new aches/pains.  This prompted me to dig out my old shoes which I have been using to commute back and forth to work.  Since the Plantar Fasciitis issue, I haven’t worn a real pair of non-running shoes for quite some time, so I live in my Saucony’s.    The Guide 5’s are on the left, the Guide 4’s on the right.  You can see the wear is so much worse on the 5’s with 285 miles verses the 4’s with 330 miles.

Forefoot of the Guide 5’s:

Forefoot of Guide 4’s: 

In my opinion, it is conclusive that the Guide 4 wore much better than the Guide 5.  That being said, I still think the Guide 5 is a better shoe in all aspects but I find it unfortunate that I will be getting even less wear out of the new version that I did previously.  Is it worth it, probably yes but still not good for my bank account. 

Do you buy the same shoe each time and know exactly how the updates affect your body? Any shoe you can tell us about that specifically made noticable changes to the good or bad?

Happy Running,                                                                                                             Amanda – TooTallFritz

 

Reset on Speed…….

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This week should be my 3rd week of speed sessions.  The goal is to get back to running 22 minute, or faster, 5Ks.  After the long miserable stint with Plantar Fasciitis, I lost a lot of speed.  The initial plan was to do 2 speed sessions per week in an attempt to boost performance for the Warm Your Heart Indoor 5K at McCormick Place at the end of the month.  However, it hasn’t worked out that way.

  • Week 1, 10x200m – CHECK
  • Week 2 – Session 1 – Sick baby – Didn’t happen
  • Week 2 – Session 2 – Should have been 6x800m but I couldn’t hang so I limped thru greatly modified the session to a sub par workout.
  • Week 3 – Session 1 – Didn’t happen – Late/Hard run night before and I wasn’t recovered.

So today was Week 3 – Session 2 and as I looked back over the folly I called “speed” work, I decided that I need to push the reset button and start over. 

At the beginning.  Fresh.  At a point where I had the confidence I could nail the workout and move forward. 

So back to the 10×200 I went.  I’m a sprinter at heart and that works well for me and fits well into the middle of my workday.  I can hang, no matter what.  And I did.  Great workout.  Not easy but I made it.  Success!  Now let’s see what next week will bring.

I also managed to grab a half hour on the bike today.  Not exactly what most people would call a “brick” but it’s about a close as my schedule will allow.  I also need time in the saddle to get used to riding again since I don’t ride with a chamois before spring comes and I roll her out for some real miles.  I know it’s as exciting to see me on my bike, on the trainer, in the same spot in my dining room gym as it is for me to ride there but alas, here I am:  I was very excited that my new Athleta Relay Capris came today!

I had ordered these in the fall and they were back ordered til December 15th so I canceled the order but I recently caved ordered them again, in the only color that was available for immediate shipment…..blue.  They are awesome!  They fit perfectly, are long enough (I did order the long), have a small zip pocket in the back, don’t move and feel like butter.  Nice!  I find myself with very few capri tights and will definitely order these in the other colors and wait for the backorder to ship.  Aby wants a pair too.  I can’t even tell which are my running clothes/shoes/socks/sunglasses, etc. now because she is creeping up on me in size and then she wants the same things I have so we have doubles of everything.  And it all looks the same.  And it’s not cheap buying my 10 year old clothes from Athleta & RunningSkirts.com, they should have a half price racks for kids.

“Run”Way Fashion:  The Athleta Relay Capris (above), and both workouts were in Tek Gear performance tops.  I purchased the Tek Gear at Kohl’s on a super sale, last season.  The shirts are cute, have nice material, have a small pocket in the back and I think worth the money, especially on sale.  I bought the white (above) and this green one: 

Do you buy any technical gear at bargain prices?  Any good bargain brands you can share with us?

Happy Running!                                                                                                                   Amanda – TooTallFritz

The Art of Customer Service….

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As technology changes and advances daily, I sometimes think the internet rules the world.   In this new technological age, it is harder and harder to get good customer service.  Any information we can find on a company is provided thru the internet and there aren’t readily available phone numbers in the “contact us” section.  Most of the time, if I have an issue, I resort to emailing customer service and/or doing live chats with a representative.  The results tend to be mixed and I honestly, do not have high expectations that “issues” will be resolved in a positive manner. 

However, I was more than pleasantly surprised with the customer service I recently received from Under Armour.  For the record, they are not one of my sponsors but I would certainly be open to a proposal!  I contacted Under Armour because I had purchased a heavy-duty 3.0 Base Layer exactly 1 year ago.  Although, I have had the product for quite some time, I only pull this bad boy out when it’s REALLY cold.  I believe I wore it 2x last winter and it’s been sitting and waiting since.  I have only had to pull it out for one run this year.  Here is the photo of Joe, Julie & I in the freezing temps on Jan 2nd.  I believe we also had a little rain & snow, and the wind was atrocious but I was warm! 

However, upon my return home and washing my beautiful 3.0, things went bad.  I’m not really sure what happened as this was the 3rd wash for it and I didn’t have problems before but it came out of the washer like this: 

Absolutely Ruined.

I admit, I was upset.  I decided to contact Under Armour, not because I thought they would do anything but because I wanted them to know.  I sent an email to customer service and attached these two pictures (above).  Within 2 or 3 days, I had a response and an apology with instructions on how to return the merchandise for a refund/exchange.  I opted for an exchange and it has arrived!  I noticed immediately that the product has changed over the last year.   The material is thinner and less plush.  I anticipate it will be just as warm as the other but probably less issues with machine washing and pilling.  In fact, I have noticed all brands of technical, cold weather gear within the last couple years to have become thinner and less bulky.  They still provide the same warmth but we have less to haul around while running, jumping & playing in the cold.  Three layers now, isn’t what three layers was 2 years ago.  As with everything, gear technology is also moving forward at an amazing rate.  As a result, my outer layers are becoming baggy cuz trust me, I’m not losing any weight, so I will need to start buying a size smaller.  Win!

Thank you,  Under Armour!  You have certainly made a lifetime customer out of me.  I had even been considering trying one of your running shoes for my triathlon adventures this year and think I’m going to place that order very soon.  Look for Ms. TooTall “TRI”ing in these UA Charge RCs……

Have you had any positive customer service interactions where you felt they just went above and beyond to help you out? 

Happy Running,                                                                                                               Amanda – TooTallFritz                                                                               amanda@tootallfritz.com

A Picture’s Worth….

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They always say that a picture is worth a thousand words and since we did about a thousand things today, this is the cliff note version in pictorial form.  The morning started with a quick run with the F’N Running Club.  After 7 to 9 inches of snow falling across the south suburbs, we were pretty light on bodies this morning.  Joe, Susan, Brian & Nicole showed up to run.  A a subdivision route was chosen in order to stay off the snowy, slippery trail.

I even busted my YakTrax out of the box.  They have been sitting new and unused for several years.  I really liked them in the snowy/slushy areas but they really hurt my feet when the streets were clear.  I could feel those springs up in my arch and it didn’t feel good on the Plantar Fasciitis.  I will try them out again tomorrow for a second chance but they may be banished back the to box sooner rather than later.

F’N Runners showing they are multi-talented and can run with their eyes closed.  Joe & Susan:Nicole:

Then straight home to the kiddos to play in the snow!  Aby on the snowmobile:

Daddy & Michael:

Michael and Aby on the swing….exactly what ALL kids do when there is 7″ of snow on the ground, right?

Dakota loves the snow!Libby hates the snow!

Then off to a car show.  The kiddos loved the Joker car.Then a few more errands and over to Grandpa C’s for Happy Birthday Cake.  Michael likes birthdays almost as much as he likes Santa. 

Then a “nutritious” take-out dinner:

Wow, busy day!  What did you do today?

Amanda – TooTallFritz