Camelbak produces hands-free hydration systems for numerous sports including running, biking, hiking, snowboarding and skiing. Further information on all their products can be found on their website http://www.camelbak.com

 

Capacity: 1.3L (45 oz)

Cargo: 3.25L (190 cu)

Dimensions: 205mm x 240mm x 115mm (8in x 9.5in x 4.5in)

Weight: Empty – .43kg (.96lbs)  Filled – 1.71kg (3.76lbs)

Features:

• 1.3L OMEGA HydroTanium Reservoir with lifetime warranty
• zip pocket for keys and essentials
• secure outer pocket fits MP3 player
• front and back reflectivity improves low-lights visibility

Cost: TechnoTrotter paid £35

Review of Camelbak Flashflo

Posted under gadgets and gear

As part of my post-Lochaber training strategy I am adding some strengthening and balance exercises to my routine every evening. I am using a wobble board to help strengthen my ankles – we’ve had this one for a while but I’d never really used it before.

This particular wobble board (or balance board) is made by Balanco – (www.jakobs.de). Yes – it’s great fun but does work too. It comes with different inserts that provide a range of different exercises and levels of difficulty for different requirements and different target groups. Here is the science bit….. it is designed to improve psychomotor/sensorimotor control and coordination and to enhance balance and general fitness.

Out of interest I looked it up on the internet and found it available on www.landofnod.com and described as recommended for age 3 or upwards!! (Did say it was great for parents too – I haven’t broken it yet so it’s okay I think).

It reminds me of the little games you used to get (like in Christmas crackers) where you had to get all the little balls into notches or little grooves.  Anyway, hopefully it’s doing some good while being fun (alright I’m really a big kid at heart).

Wobble boards of all types are available from numerous suppliers – (put wobble board or balance board into a search engine and you’ll get a long list of results)  including Amazon.com / Amazon.co.uk.

Related:

Runners World article on ankle sprain

Runners World article on building stronger feet and ankles

 

Posted under diary, gadgets and gear

The Garmin 50 watch is suitable for running, cycling and other fitness activities. Unlike some of the other Garmin models is does not work on GPS but works with a wireless footpod and heart rate monitor (optional).

• The footpod lets you track running pace, distance, calories burned, cadence.
• The heart rate monitor tracks your heart rate and allows you train in a certain heart rate zone.
• The USB ANT stick allows for all the data to be automatically transmitted to your computer when the device is within range. You can then analyse and share it using Garmin Training Center software.

The Forerunner 50 website on the Garmin website demonstrates how it all works

Further general info on the Forerunner 50 on the Garmin website

Cost: TechnoTrotter paid approx £105 for the watch, footpod and HRM

TechnoTrotter is currently testing the Forerunner 50 and will post a review in due course.

Posted under gadgets and gear