geaR
I literally started this page on the 9th of May, 2009 and I’ve been editing it ever since. So, to finally get it up and running, I’m just going to list the gear that I currently have and whether I still use it or if it’s been retired. You’ll soon realise how much I love gadgets and I can’t do away with them, especially when running (or biking or swimming!)
Oh, if I don’t have a full-review for a product (you can mouse-over the product title for a mini-review!) that I haven’t retired, feel free to ask me questions about it. You can also ask me for more details about a retired product, but my memory’s kinda fuzzy for stuff that’s like, older than a year. >_<
Last updated: 28 April 2010
Shoes
Insoles
- Sof Sole Stability Insole-
The one and only insole I would use, until early to mid 2008 when it was failing me. I suspect poor subsequent quality control methods -- it wasn't the same, anymore, when I began using it in 2002 (circa 2002 thru 200 
- ALINE Foot Suspension System- Rather pricey but customised to your foot/legs. I got these at the San Diego Marathon Expo and have been using them ever since. I like it because once my legs become stronger, and perhaps I correct my slight over-pronation, I can use the same insoles but for a few parts I need to replace to make it a neutral insole. Their website is www.aline.com (circa 200
Laces
- EZ Laces Stretch Lace- I couldn't find Yankz! back then at my local running store so I settled for these. They're not bad and now that I think of it, I sort of like how they're flat stretchy laces, rather than Yankz!' rounded ones. I may actually return to these because of the ease of attaching my Garmin Footpod. (circa 2006, retired)
- Yankz! Sure Lace System- When my sisters and I found this at a race expo on sale, we jumped on the deal. I've since laced two pairs of shoes with Yankz! and I like their hold and elasticity. However, because the laces are rounded, I had trouble clipping my Garmin Footpod onto it. It's somewhat of a challenge to slide D-Tag racing chips onto them, too. Now I'm considering if I should go back to the EZ Laces or find another brand of elastic yet flat, laces. Until then, I find my stretchy laces to be invaluable. (circa 200
Socks
- Nike Dri-Fit No Show- I have small feet and it was rare if I found socks on the market that could fit my feet snugly (cos not-snug socks = blisters). I also did not like too much cushioning in my socks and the Nike Dri-Fit pairs met my needs (circa 2002 thru 2008, retired)
- Wigwam Ultimax X-Static Silver- I thought these were a great concept: silver-infused socks -- silver having natural anti-microbial properties. If the sock had smaller sizes, I would've stuck with them. I got blisters, though so I stopped using them (circa 2007, retired)
- 2XU Compression Race Socks- I did quite a bit of research (i.e., it wasn't just an impulse buy) before I got my first pair of compression socks. Actually, because of their cost, I did NOT buy this pair -- it was a gift from my sis, Minel. They worked great for literally a year, when they began to break down -- as in, the elastic of the sock degraded that it was slipping down my calf! Hahaha. So much for compression. (circa 2008, retired)
- WrightSock Lite Double Layer Coolmesh Low Cut Tab Sock- Now wasn't that a mouthful? LOL. I love this sock. I like how it's double-layer and thus works to protecting your feet from blisters. What I don't like about it, though, is how quickly it degrades --- again, because I have small feet, I need socks that fit snugly. After a few washes, the sock stretches out a bit. I've gone as far as washing them in a lingerie net, so that they don't get too stretched. Eventually, though, they stretch out and I have to get a new set. (circa 200
- CEP Running O2 Compression Socks (circa 2009)
Compression
- Nike Short Sleeve Compression Shirt- I honestly began wearing compression shirts because I wanted to keep my now-growing Buddha belly in. It was only a few years ago when I read about how compression therapy actually help speed with recovery, so that's a plus on top of my vanity (circa 2003, semi-retired)
- Nike Sleeveless Compression Shirt- Again, initially used as a pseudo-girdle for my belly. LOL (circa 2003, semi-retired)
- Under Armour Short Sleeve Compression Shirt- My two Nike compression shirts were getting worn out so I decided to get fresh pairs. I lucked out with these as they were on clearance. You get what you pay for, though, because the compression on this shirt was not as tight as I wanted them to be, especially compared to the Nike brand. (circa 2007, semi-retired)
- Under Armour HeatGear Long Sleeve Compression Shirt- Going off on the research I found out about how compression helps with recovery, I found this product called SKINS (from Australia). It's got graduated compression technology and UPF (sun) protection. Unfortunately, a long-sleeve compression shirt was over $100! Eek. Enter UA's Compression shirt -- has UPF, too and though not as tight as I want it to be, it still does its job with protecting my arms from the summer heat and sun. Tip: If you're petite, go for the boys' compression shirts in white. They're cheaper and have shorter sleeves, albeit it's not V-neck(circa 200
- Foot Smart Graduated Support Calf Stocking- I bought these to help recover my left calf sprain sustained in March of '09, yes, a mere month before my Camp Pendleton Hard Corps marathon! I remember doing more mid-week training runs than I've ever done because I did not want a repeat of my marathon failures ('07 and '0 . Freaking out, I got this support stocking and laid off running for two weeks. I was able to rehabilitate myself (through swimming and walking) and ended up getting a personal best at the Hard Corps marathon! I still use this medical-grade compression calf support stocking for my barefoot runs and whenever I'm not wearing my compression socks. (circa 2009)
Monitors & Watches
- Garmin Forerunner 201 (circa 2004)
- Nike + iPod (circa 2007, semi-retired)
- Garmin Forerunner 50 with Heart rate monitor and foot pod (circa 2009)
Hydration Packs, Bottles and Holders
- Amphipod Full Tilt Velocity Waist Pack (circa 200
- SPIbelt (circa 200
Physio Gear
- The Stick – Marathon model (circa 2007)
- Foam roller – size: 6″ x 36″ (circa 200
Therapeutic Stuff
- Kool ‘N Fit – Sport Conditioning Fluid (circa 2005)
- Kool ‘N Fit – Pain Relieving Liquid (circa 2006)
- Sheila Moon DryFit Arm Warmers (circa 2009, semi-retired)
- KT Tape (circa 2009)
- Skin-On-Skin Blister Kit Blister Prevention (circa 2009)
- Phiten Star Titanium Necklace (circa 2009)
- Phiten Air Titanium Necklace (circa 2009)
- Phiten Titanium Discs (circa 2009)
Nutrition
Bars
|
Drinks
|
Gels
|
…to be continued. I can’t believe there’s so much crap that I use/have used! Ahhhhhh.
Jo Nisha on 
