Product Review: Xterra Vector Pro Fullsuit wetsuit

The Xterra Vector Pro Fullsuit

is designed for optimum speed and flexibility:

FLEXIBLE
• 5mm front and 3mm back of neoprene
• Fully coated with the slickest Super Composite Skin coating
• Maintains a 0.03 drag coefficient

BUOYANT
• Maximum legal thickness for increased buoyancy

CUTTING-EDGE DESIGN
• Anatomically correct arms— each arm and shoulder is made up of 6 individually cut panels of 1.5 mm thick neoprene
• Panels follow the natural curve of the swim stroke, allowing faster and smoother swimming with less effort
• Seam-seal technology uses a triple layer of glue and double-blind stitching to ensure waterproof and long-lasting seams

*Vector Pro Fullsuits are entirely legal under the new USAT rules and are WTC legal.

I recently became a sponsored Age Group Athlete for Xterra Wetsuits and purchased the Vector Pro Fullsuit.  So far I've only tried it on, it's pretty tight but I know once I hit the water it'll fit quite differently and feel different than the Full John wetsuit I've been using up till now which is sleeveless. I enjoy the freedom the full john provides my shoulders so I'll be waiting to see how the Vector Pro feels in the water. The material is thinner / lighter so I think I will enjoy a speedier swim. Unfortunately becuase the material used on the arms is pretty thin I already created two small tears in the left arm with my wedding ring. NOTE TO SELF, REMOVE WEDDING RING WHEN PUTTING ON! My wife will love that...

I'll post again once I"ve given it a trial run (my next race is August 25th at the Maple Grove Olympic distance Triathlon. Should be fun and I'll be shooting a GoPro video of the event so stay tuned to http://www.youtube.com/user/activedesigns

~Ananda

If you'd like to purchase a product from Xterra use my friend/family/follower code to receive a discount: SA-ABATES 
Their site: http://www.xterrawetsuits.com/

Product Review: Camelbak Fourteener backpack

Camelbak Fourteener - 25lb - 100oz

• N.V.I.S. back panel provides excellent venting and convenient access to the Antidote reservoir compartment.
• Dynamic Suspension Shoulder Harness.
• Semi-Load bearing waist belt
• Organizer pocket for hike essentials
• Fleece lined sunglass/MP3pocket

After Biking to work (5 mile ride) for the last 10 months I've finally started running in again, now that I don't have to bring my laptop to and fro. So just stopped in at REI after doing some research on running backpacks and found this Camelbak. I have not used it yet but I can say from the in store trials (filling it with a bunch of clothes and a pair of shoes as well as weights) this bag fit me like a glove.

The semi-load bearing waist belt and dynamic suspension shoulder harness (FIT) was the major factor in my decision making. I tried 4 different backpacks including an REI made model, the Ospray Metron, and one other Camelbak series. Of the 5, this and the Ospray Metron were the finalists. 

What I liked about the Ospray is the main storage area. Was HUGE! and I could have fit my laptop in it which was a bonus...but as I began to simulate running with it full the waist band began riding up onto my stomach (ultimately, didn't fit my torso). That was the only deal breaker.

Where as filling the camelback with weights and running around the store, the waist belt stayed in place comfortably and the shoulder straps kept the objects firmly in place (no shifting around) and felt VERY comfortable.

While I was not ulitmately looking for a hydration system for my commute I do anticipate using it on my hikes with the family and what not.

I look forward to my commute even more...Thank you Camelbak for having a product that fit me and my needs.

Here's a link to the camelbak page to learn more about this backpack. I highly recommend giving it a test run!

~Ananda 

River Road Running In Winter

West River Parkway, a geological wonder: the Mississippi River Gorge along the West and East River Parkways where you can view dramatic Autumn colors, vistas from bluff tops and river flats. Search for the Winchell Trail, an ancient Native American path. All this right out my back door.

Now that Minneapolis was voted the Best Bike City in 2010 by Bicycling magazine the paved trail along West River Road is immaculate, though I still search for any stretch of dirt I can find to save the legs.

My commute to work as of December brings me from my home near the Lake Street Bridge along the river past the UofM, Mill City Museum and Stone Arch Bridge. Turning at the 3rd Ave bridge I head to the tallest building in Mpls - the Capella Tower. The 4.5 mile run can take between 30 and 34 minutes dep on winter vs summer conditions, fitness level and load (I typically carry my backpack filled with lunch, clothes and a towel.)

footin it to work day 1

Ok, to be honest today is not my 1st day running in to work. More like week number two...or three?! And if I'm being completely honest I'm not running in today at all.I'm sitting on the train cause its raining (better than snow at this point - for some). But the last few weeks here in mnsnowta have been both beautiful and trechurous (slippery)