The race is on this time of year in Colorado. Try out these über-athletic accessories today in the Colfax Marathon, or on Memorial Day at the Bolder Boulder. – Vicky Uhland, Special to The Denver Post
This monitor measures up
For those who think pedometers are for wimps, try the Nike Triax Elite HRM/SDM running monitor. It has special software that lets you wirelessly upload your real-time distance, speed and ECG-accurate heat rate and then measure how long and hard you’ve been working out.
$369. NIKETOWN
Comfort? It’s skin deep
You don’t really hear finely trained athletes talk about chafing, rashes or blisters, probably because they have good manners, or maybe because they use Bodyglide, an all-natural skin lubricant that prevents these types of embarrassing and painful conditions.
$6.99. THE SPORTING WOMAN, EMS
These sunglasses are fit to be tried
Exercising can be hard on your eyewear. That’s why we like Rudy Project’s Jekyll sunglasses, which not only come with two sets of different-colored lenses but also a warranty that allows you to replace those lenses for $14.95 a pair, no matter how you break them.
$105-$164. DENVER SPOKE, REI
Water system goes to waist
Carrying water on a marathon or even a 5K can be a daunting prospect. The bottles slosh and shift, and do you really want the extra weight of a backpack? Try FuelBelt instead. It sits comfortably on your waist and has balanced slots for mini water bottles that can be refilled during a race.
$21.95-$39.95. BOULDER RUNNING CO., FLEET FEET SPORTS
Pull the wool over your feet
Most runners and walkers will tell you that foot gear is their most important purchase, and a decent sock is the most difficult to find. SmartWool socks are made of a soft, itch-free wool that naturally wicks away moisture and cools your feet. Try the Adrenaline LT Micro model, which is outfitted with a pad to cushion your Achilles tendon. $13.95. GRAND WEST OUTFITTERS, SMARTWOOL.COM
