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Thursday, March 24, 2011

The Oscar Nominations for Best Motion Picture (The 83rd Academy Award Nominees 2011) (The Oscars 2011) (Kindle Edition) newly tagged "blu-ray"


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CW-X CW-X Ventilator Compression Support Socks (Apparel) recently tagged "running"

Any athlete can benefit from the added support and accelerated recovery benefits of CW-X's Compression Support socks. The patented, built-in Kinesio Support Web supports the calf and arch of the foot, and it stabilizes the ankle joint for reduced fatigue. Torex four-way stretch fabric provides variable compression to increase circulation in the feet and lower legs and reduce lactic acid buildup. This means you can recover faster after exercise, and your legs and feet will feel fresher the next day. These socks feature patented, built-in webbing to support the calf muscles, ankle joint, and arch. The cushioned sole and toe provide additional comfort. The socks also sport sanitized, antimicrobial, antibacterial properties.

Fabrics
These socks are made with seamless, variable compression 90 percent nylon, 10 percent polyurethane four-way stretch fabric to improve circulation.

About Kinesio Support Web Technology
The patented CW-X Kinesio Support Web technology mimics Kinesio taping techniques that trainers apply to injured muscles. When this technology is applied to muscles and joints, it creates an exoskeletal support system that improves biomechanics during motion. The Kinesio Support Web provides targeted support to key areas, decreasing muscle oscillation and focusing power so your muscles work more efficiently. Variable compression along the web facilitates circulation, minimizing lactic acid build-up and muscle soreness, so you can be active longer and recover faster.

About CW-X Gear Technology
For 40 years, scientists at Wacoal Human Science Research Center in Kyoto, Japan, have studied kinesiology, the science of human movement. They have tested over 35,000 people and analyzed injuries relative to warm-up and cool-down periods. They have come to understand the mechanics of joints and muscles in minute detail. This exhaustive study of body movement has culminated in over 50 patents worldwide.

Below are some further studies demonstrating the performance-enhancing qualities of CW-X Conditioning Wear.

Human Science Research Center, Kyoto, Japan: Study of electrical pulse activity in muscles
Muscles firing into motion were measured electromyographically for subjects wearing CW-X gear, subjects wearing competitor products, and subjects with bare legs. Electrical pulse activity decreased in unsupported and partly supported legs during exercise, indicative of fatigue. Legs supported by CW-X showed a negligible decrease in electrical pulse activity.

Human Science Research Center, Kyoto, Japan: Study of stability, impact, and motion
In this study, high-speed video analysis was used to compare stability, impact, and motion in CW-X products and regular compression gear. CW-X Support Web tights were 10 percent more stable and balanced and absorbed 12 percent more shock to the knee than regular compression tights. CW-X Support Web tops allowed 9 percent greater range of motion for the arm than regular compression tops.

University of Montpelier, France: Study of VO2 oxygen uptake levels
This study measured VO2 oxygen uptake levels over the course of 15 minutes of running in CW-X gear, regular compression tights, and running shorts. CW-X Support Web tights showed 26 percent less oxygen use than regular compression tights and 36 percent less oxygen use than traditional running shorts, indicating lower energy expenditure.

About CW-X
Japan's Wacoal Corporation, the world's largest manufacturer of intimate apparel, has spent half a century creating clothing born of a deep understanding of the body. Combining its scientific knowledge of the human anatomy with its experience in complex fabrications and apparel design, the company first entered the performance sports apparel market in Japan in 1991 with CW-X Performance Conditioning Wear. Recently the company launched the CW-X brand in the U.S. market through the newly formed Wacoal Sports Science Corporation.

Wacoal Sports Science, headquartered in New York City, is a wholly owned subsidiary of Wacoal International. The company's mission is to meet the sports performance needs of the active U.S. consumer through the CW-X brand, the world's first truly anatomically engineered high-performance sports apparel.

CW-X patented Ventilator Compression Support Socks work to increase circulation and offer targeted support for reduced fatigue and quicker recovery.

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Tuneband for iPhone 4, Grantwood Technology's Armband, Silicone Skin, and Front and Back Screen Protector, Black (Wireless Phone Accessory) recently tagged "running"

Wednesday, March 23, 2011

Garmin Forerunner 305 GPS Receiver With Heart Rate Monitor (Electronics) recently tagged "running"

Amazon.com ReviewJust when you thought Garmin had cornered the market on powerful, affordable, and effective wrist-mounted GPS devices, here comes the Forerunner 305. The release of this device is a major achievement from a design and technology perspective. This isn't just marketing-speak; the Forerunner 305 is the most accurate, most reliable wrist-mounted performance and GPS tracking tool we've ever tested. Yes, it's that good. While no device this compact can do everything (yet), the 305 pushes the boundaries of what is possible from something strapped around your wrist. The 305 model includes wireless heartrate monitoring and it can also be connected to Garmin's wireless bicycle speed and cadence sensor. If you don't need these features, consider the lower-priced Forerunner 205.

View Garmin's Forerunner demonstration video.

Choose from 12 data fields to display on the 305's screen. View larger.

The design cleverly integrates the GPS antenna and aims it towards the sky when you're running or walking. View larger.

The Virtual Partner function makes your workouts more competitive. View larger.

Choose from three workout modes that help you target your training goals. View larger.

The 305 features rudimentary mapping and location marking functions. View larger.

Design
The 305's design is a radical departure from Garmin's previous generation of wrist mounted GPS devices, which reached a pinnacle with the Garmin Forerunner 301. While the 301 delivered accurate heart rate monitoring, good performance tracking, and decent GPS reception, it didn't quite deliver in the design department. The form factor was bulky and wearing it wasn't much different than duct taping a full-sized GPS device to your wrist.

Not so with the 305. Garmin's engineers obviously burned the midnight oil and have come up with a waterproof design that, while certainly not as small as a sports watch, feels just as comfortable. The curved casing allows the unit's antenna to face the sky when you're running, while the widescreen display is perfectly positioned for viewing when you need it. And the display certainly deserves a few kudos. While it's smaller than the display found on previous Forerunners, its resolution is far higher, offering incredible clarity and crispness.

Garmin has smartly given the 305 a simple button layout and the buttons have a nice tactile feel with good pressure response. The right side houses the menu selection and enter buttons, while the left houses a power/backlight button and a mode button. This simple and elegant solution is a big improvement over the sometimes confusing button functionality of previous Forerunners. View button layout.

The underside of the 305 is pretty nondescript, except for a row of contacts that interface with the included charging and data cradle. The cradle is small and unobtrusive and its single mini-USB port connects to either an included AC adapter, or a USB cable that connects to your PC. In addition to data transfer with the USB cable, you can also charge the 305's embedded lithium-ion battery via a powered USB connection from your computer.

GPS Performance
The big news about the Forerunner 305 is that it features an integrated, high-sensitivity SiRFstar III GPS receiver. What does this mean? It means that the 305's ability to both track, and maintain a lock on, your position is better than anything before it. After an intial battery charge, the tester had the 305 on his wrist and was tracking speed and distance with GPS satellites within 3 minutes. The next time we used the 305, satellite acquisition was nearly instantaneous. A run through dense trees didn't faze the unit either; tracking remained true and steady. Performance on a bike was equally impressive. Whatever witchcraft has been cooked up by the designers of the SiRF technology, we like it!

The simple docking cradle makes charging and data connectivity a snap.

While the Forerunner 305 isn't billed as a GPS navigation device, it does have some rudimentary mapping, waypoint marking, and routing capabilities. In addition to marking locations along your journey, you can zoom in or out of a simple map that displays your current direction and path. There's also a "go to location" feature that routes you back to your starting location, or to any location you have defined. Once you have defined several locations, you can save this information as a route, allowing you to travel the same path in the future. As you'll see below, the 305's new "Courses" feature gives you new levels of control over how you define your favorite runs and rides.

Training Functions
The 305 is first and foremost a training tool, and its ability to organize a ton of data types into a user experience that is intuitive and simple is no small feat. Whiz-bang technology aside, if you can't use it and make it a natural part of your exercise routine, it's worthless. When it comes to these factors -- and here's the take home message on the 305 -- this device is successful where many other devices fail.

The heart and soul of the 305 can be found on the data screens, which give you real-time information about all aspects of your workout. In fact, the 305 can display a dizzying array of data, such as calories burned, distance, elevation, grade, and heading, as well as multiple lap and pace modes. The 305 adds the ability to track heartrate, lap heartrate, average heartrate, and heartrate zones via the included coded heartrate chest strap. With the purchase of a separate wireless cadence and speed meter, you can also track bike performance data.

Thankfully, the device makes it easy to define how much or how little data you want to view during a workout. You can arrange the data that's most important to you and then make that data appear front and center on the device. Indeed, within a few minutes of skimming the manual and fiddling with the device setup, you'll have your most important data displaying just the way you like it. The ability to display heartrate is a big plus, too, as it's a fairly good indicator of excercise output, fatigue, and fitness level. The 305 has all the heartrate functions you'd expect from a full-function monitor, including the ability to set target zones and alerts to maximize the effectiveness of your workouts.

Garmin's Virtual Partner function was cool feature of previous Forerunners and they've decided to keep a good thing going with the 305. If you're the type that performs best when you've got a competitor egging you on, you'll love this function, as it allows you to set up virtual running or biking companions that compete against you.

If you're looking for an complicated workout with a variety of intervals and intensity levels, or just a quick three-mile jog against your best time last week, the 305 has you covered. Navigating to the Workouts menu on the device yields three options: Quick Workouts, Interval, and Advanced Workout. A quick workout is just that; set the distance and time, distance and pace, or time and pace of your planned workout and off you go. Interval workouts are just the same, but they allow you to add repetitions and rest between them. When you really want to get fancy with your exercise, you can step up to advanced workouts, which include goals for each workout step, as well as varied distances, times, and rest periods. You can use the Garmin Training Center software to set up these workouts and then upload them to the device.

Computer Connectivity and Software
Garmin has been outfitting their devices with USB connectivity for some time now -- a welcome move for those who struggled with serial port connections in the days of yore. Thanks to USB, the 305 integrates seamlessly with the Training Center software and we quickly had workout history uploaded and stored on the computer. Not only does Training Center--which is compatible with both PC and Mac--make it easy to track your performance, you can graph data such as heartrate alongside your speed and distance. Over time, this is a great way to view your fitness levels increase, and it also helps you see what types of workouts are necessary to strengthen your weaknesses. For instance, if you see your heartrate begin to spike after a certain distance, you know you need to increase your endurance workouts to train that area of fitness.

In a first for the Forerunner series, the Training Center software also lets you define courses on your computer that you can upload to the device. When course information is combined with uploaded workout information, the Forerunner becomes a complete guide, telling you where to go, when to make a turn, and what kind of workout to do when you're on the road or path. Back on the computer, the software's ability to overlay workout data on maps of the course makes it easy to see where the course offers up the tough hills and the easy recovery spots. Plus, the ability to track historical performance on a given course is a great way to measure your improvement.

The 305 is also fully compatible with Garmin's MotionBased service, which takes your training to another level by connecting your data with the Internet. While we weren't able to use the service, the promise of sharing courses, maps, workouts, and performance data with other users is intriguing. And if you're a serious endurance athlete, you'll be glad to know that the 305 is also compatible with TrainingPeaks.com, an easy-to-use web based training system designed to help athletes train for any event.

Pros

Radically new design is better in every way Amazing accuracy and fast satellite acquisition time So simple to set up and use, you will actually use it Cons
Okay, it's bigger than a sport's watch -- but so much more powerful What's in the Box
Forerunner 305, Garmin Training Center CD-ROM, heart rate monitor, docking cradle, expander strap, A/C charger, USB cable, owner's manual, quick start guide. Package Includes: Forerunner 305, Heart rate monitor, docking cradle, expander strap, AC charger, PC/USB interface cable, Quick start guide, Garmin Training Center CD & owner's manual

The Garmin Forerunner 305 GPS System combines form and function. This combination running partner and personal trainer is designed for athletes of all levels. It features a high-sensitivity GPS receiver, new courses feature, and robust ANT wireless heart rate monitor for optimal performance. The super-sensitive GPS tracks your every move, even working on tree-covered trails and near tall buildings. The heart device monitors your heart rate, speed, distance, pace and calories burned so you can train smarter, more effectively. These taskmasters will continually push you to do your personal best. Courses feature lets you download recorded courses and compete against previous workouts Auto Pause pauses and resumes training timer GPS features - GPS with high-Sensitivity SiRFstarIII architecture Wireless communication between system devices via ANT protocol Display Size(WxH) - 1.3 x 0.8 (33 x 20.3 mm) Lap Memory - 1,000 laps Rechargeable internal lithium ion battery - lasts 10 hours (typical use) Waterproof - Submersible in one meter of water for up to 30 mins. Alerts - Time, distance, pace and heart rate Physical Size(WxHxD) - 2.1 x. 7 x 2.7 (53.3 x 17.8 x 68.6 mm) Weight - 2.72 oz. (77 g)

Heart rate monitor features - Transmission Range - approximately 3m (9.8ft) 3V CR2032 battery - lasts 3 years (1 hour per day) Physical size(WxHxD) - 13.7 x 1.4 x 0.5 (348 x 35.6 x 12.7 mm) Weight -. 74 oz (21 grams)


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Polar RS300X Heart Rate Monitor Watch (Sports) recently tagged "running"

57 of 60 people found the following review helpful: 3.0 out of 5 stars Overall a decent product with some minor drawbacks, August 28, 2009 This review is from: Polar RS300X Heart Rate Monitor Watch (Sports) For some reason, Polar requires that these units be sent back to replace the battery, which costs $25 + shipping. On top of the annual cost of maintenance, this ship to replace policy leaves you without a heart monitor for about 2 weeks once a year.

The other issue I found is that the reception range is not very good, so the unit won't work well mounted on a bicycle.

Finally, Polar has decided to arbitrarily remove the % fat burn function from some of its watches. This watch does not have it, so keep in mind you will not know what % of your calorie burn was fat.

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31 of 32 people found the following review helpful: 2.0 out of 5 stars Electronics OK, crappy display, September 6, 2009 This review is from: Polar RS300X Heart Rate Monitor Watch (Sports) ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
UPDATE: Tuesday, September 8, 2009 1:36PM

After a couple more workouts and a few hours of trying to figure out this product... well, their user documentation is horrible, which means you must spend hours discovering almost everything on your own.

I like the RS300X for its ability to track and store training data. (But, finding the data is a hassle thanks to poor documentation with no examples. Ultimately, I will have to spend time creating a navigation chart myself.)

I like the chest band with its detachable transmitter and easy-to-replace battery.

I don't like the molded one-piece watch-band that forces you to wear the watch atop the wrist. I prefer to wear the watch on the side of my wrist where I can glance down to read, rather than having to raise my entire arm to read.

I still don't like the display because of its obnoxious glare and requirement of perfect up-close vision to read it.

Based on my experience with the RS300X and other Polar products, I would now raise my 2-star rating to 4-stars (if I could). Without excellent and useful documentation - that SAVES MY TIME & FRUSTRATION - I can't give it 5-stars.

All my other Polar products have been reliable and of high quality construction. I assume the RS300X will be the same or better.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Sunday, September 6, 2009 11:25AM

I received my new Polar RS300X a couple days ago. I shoulda shopped around...

I've been using Polar Heart Rate monitors since 1986. and have been pleased with them all... Until now.

I bought this RS300X because I loathe the hassle of sending the equipment in for new batteries.

While the RS300X electronics seem to offer many features, the smaller display is utterly crappy - a significant obstruction to my workouts!

You must try to read the tiny display info through TWO glaring reflections off the clear plastic lens (glare NOT SHOWN in the photos). What good is the real-time feedback info if you can't read it while running?!?!

I assumed I would love this new product.

Unfortunately, after only two uses, I hate this RS300X. If I change my mind after more usage, I'll change this review.

Mike

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Chia Seeds 3 Pound (Chemical Free) (Health and Beauty) recently tagged "running"


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Natural Running: The Simple Path to Stronger, Healthier Running (Paperback) recently tagged "running"

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

13 of 17 people found the following review helpful: 5.0 out of 5 stars Learn how to stop hurting yourself., December 17, 2010 This review is from: Natural Running: The Simple Path to Stronger, Healthier Running (Paperback) I am not a runner. I chose this book to improve my WALKING and stair climbing. I am about half way through and immediately began applying the suggested form changes and immediately my knees stopped hurting.

I have just bought 4 more copies to give as Christmas presents.

I am 63 years old and not an athlete.

If you are able to run, you should read this book.

If you are able to walk, you should read this book,

Learn how to stop hurting yourself.

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2 of 2 people found the following review helpful: 5.0 out of 5 stars A must for all runners, March 5, 2011 This review is from: Natural Running: The Simple Path to Stronger, Healthier Running (Paperback) Insightful, well researched, and will change everything you thought you knew about running, and running naturally...100% recommended, and hope the author will write a follow up... Help other customers find the most helpful reviews Was this review helpful to you? 

5.0 out of 5 stars Detailed, solid advice, March 14, 2011 This review is from: Natural Running: The Simple Path to Stronger, Healthier Running (Paperback) This book really explains what happens with your body when you walk and run. It goes into different gait types, different types of feet, common foot irregularities, and running form drills, then sets out a sample training plan.

Thus far, I've only read this book, ChiRunning, and Born to Run. The last really isn't a "How-To" book, but it still contains quite a bit of information. ChiRunning has a pretty cover, but you really have to sift through all the explanations of "Chi" to get to the running bit, and even then, it describes a running motion that seems unnatural. From page 1, Natural Running gives sound science-based explanations for how to run. Succinct, to the point.

Disclaimer: Natural Running is written by the founder of Newton Shoes, but there are very few references to it here. Abshire doesn't suggest that his shoes are the only, or even the best way to run with a natural gait. He mentions the Nike Free somewhat disparagingly, saying that it still has a rather raised heel, but mentions that nearly every other company is developing shoes aimed at a more barefoot feel.

The book does argue against completely barefoot running as a main training method, especially on pavement and trails, saying that the risk of cuts and stress fractures is too high. It does, however, suggest running barefoot on grass and other natural surfaces. Here in the Boston area, where pretty much every block has broken glass, I want _some_ protection, darnit.

Nice to know those form exercises I learned back in high school track really do work!

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RUN: The Mind-Body Method of Running by Feel (Paperback) recently tagged "running"

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful: 5.0 out of 5 stars Probably the last book you need to read, September 11, 2010 This review is from: RUN: The Mind-Body Method of Running by Feel (Paperback) I am a 150 lbs, 58 year old, 5K runner. I changed my running by reading Danny Dreyer's Chi Running, found my training method by David Holt's 10K & 5K Running, Training & Racing. These helped me a lot, but still I was not able to get the pleasure and comfort in my 4 weekly runs. Matt's book RUN gave me what I needed most; the real insight in running. It is definitely the last book I needed to read.
I recommend RUN for anybody running, she or he will attain the best understanding how to gain from pleasure, I did! My Long Slow Distance running is now taking significant less effort at the last 20% of it. The day after I do twice the normal distance of my hilltraining, I NEVER felt better! Thank you Matt for writing RUN.

Sean, "there is no run without a purpose"

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12 of 13 people found the following review helpful: 5.0 out of 5 stars philosophy meets physiology meets neurophysiology, July 26, 2010 This review is from: RUN: The Mind-Body Method of Running by Feel (Paperback) I enjoy Matt's writing and his insights into different approaches to running. 'Run' looks at running as a brain driven and controlled activity. Matt combines the latest research in brain development with the 'coal face' action of coaches and elite athletes to provide a new approach to training. You essentially teach your brain that it's ok to run fast and to run far. Matt shows that it's brain activity that governs endurance and speed limits. He then takes you through the key research findings from the lab and also the training track to explain how and when the brain controls your running limits. But best of all, Matt provides the insights to enable you to find the best methods that work for you, to raise your performance - by working with the brain's physiology and how it likes to work best.

You won't find prescriptive training schedules but you will be able to develop, through your own intuition, the best training approach for you. Matt's book helps you do this.

Great book and an excellent read after Brain Training for Runners

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8 of 9 people found the following review helpful: 5.0 out of 5 stars A new approach that makes good sense, September 19, 2010 This review is from: RUN: The Mind-Body Method of Running by Feel (Paperback) I've been running off and on since high school but only within the last 5 years started to run long distances(marathon). Now in my 5th decade, and having completed 5 marathons in the last four years, I've been searching and experimenting with different approaches to "training up". Most of the books I've read have strict training programs that seem to just wear me out. So I find this book to be refreshingly different. Wow, I can actually go by how I feel rather than "got to get in that 20 miler today" or "got to meet my target of 55 miles this week". I now refer to my "adaptive" running schedule rather than "training" schedule. That's what it's really all about, adapting the body to new levels of running performance & not beating it up. I will use this approach in my quest to BQ this coming year.
Great insightful book with a lot of common sense once you understand the mind/body connection to running. Thanks Matt! Will buy two more copies for my running friends. Help other customers find the most helpful reviews Was this review helpful to you? 
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Nathan Clip-On Deluxe L.E.D. Safety Strobe (Sports) recently tagged "running"

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15 of 15 people found the following review helpful: 5.0 out of 5 stars Great Visibility, Small size, "Clippability", October 7, 2009 This review is from: Nathan Clip-On Deluxe L.E.D. Safety Strobe (Sports) The Nathan 5-LED safety light has bright LEDs. It has good visibility on the road, and all the different modes enables use in different scenarios.
You can have all LEDs ON or all LEDs blinking or One-at-a-time blinking (energy saving mode). With only one LED,s its still bright and visible, and the small time interval between blinking means that it would not be a risk to leave on this mode.
Runs on 2-AAA's included with the product, which is not mentioned in the product description. So no hassle trying to find the correct button cell.
It has a strong clip, which can be tagged to clothing, belt, bag, etc. But no attachment for seat-post. Help other customers find the most helpful reviews Was this review helpful to you? 

16 of 17 people found the following review helpful: 4.0 out of 5 stars Various strobe options, and it works, February 26, 2009 This review is from: Nathan Clip-On Deluxe L.E.D. Safety Strobe (Sports) Has various strobe options from which to pick, and it seems quite bright. I would say this makes it very effective. Gave it to my brother as a gift, who runs at night, and he hasn't been killed yet, so it must be working. Help other customers find the most helpful reviews Was this review helpful to you? 

16 of 17 people found the following review helpful: 4.0 out of 5 stars Nathan LED Light, July 12, 2008 This review is from: Nathan Clip-On Deluxe L.E.D. Safety Strobe (Sports) Great light with many strobing variations. Not as bright as some but bright enough for visibility at a great distance. Small and sturdy. I clip it to my bike or backpack when riding at night. I also keep it with me when going camping. Will buy a few more for an emergency travel kit. Help other customers find the most helpful reviews Was this review helpful to you? 
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Tuesday, March 22, 2011

Timex Ironman Race Trainer Heart Rate Monitor Watch, Black/Grey (Sports) recently tagged "running"

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful: 4.0 out of 5 stars Great watch/HR monitor, January 21, 2010 I did some research prior to purchasing this HR monitor/watch. I have to say I am very pleased with it. I actually wanted one that measured distance, also, but they all seem to be too large for my wrist. This watch is fine and I honestly have a very small wrist. I like the features and especially the ability to review all of the info from each workout. Help other customers find the most helpful reviews Was this review helpful to you? 

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful: 5.0 out of 5 stars Great HRM!, February 15, 2010 I both agree and disagree with some of the reviews for this product. Granted, I have only had it a week, so I can't speak about durability/quality. I also haven't used the interval or recovery modes (and may never).

First, it is comfortable! I forget that I am even wearing the chest strap and my wrist is light as air. I am a large framed female with a normal BMI and as another reviewer stated, I can wear it under my sports bra. It is also a nice looking watch. The HRM seems very accurate and that part wasn't difficult to set up if you know your numbers. Although I have to say, plan to spend a little time with the manual. While somewhat intuitive, you still need to familiarize yourself with the functions of the buttons in each mode. The only down side is the calorie counter. I don't know how these devices usually calculate this, but this one, as well the rest, always give reading higher than what is actual. But that is not a flaw of this HRM, but of all of them in general.

This is a great product! The only way they could make it better is to design it to be as accurate without needing the chest strap. Then I would wear it all the time!

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2 of 2 people found the following review helpful: 4.0 out of 5 stars Does exactly what it says it will do!, January 24, 2010 I went through 2 other watches, having to return them because of size issues (too big), and this watch does what the review in Runner's World says it will do. I am a 6 ft 150 thin runner who got this size and it does not overwhelm my arm. The digits present well and the HRM feature works perfectly with a good connection. I don't even notice wearing the strap and the readings are pretty precise/clear, once you figure out how to click through the various reviews, recovery, etc features. It was a very nice Xmas gift from my wife and I can already see a few benefits or maybe just placebo benefits to how I am putting in the mileage now. Help other customers find the most helpful reviews Was this review helpful to you? 
2115|R1SD4DDMBIH5G1;2115|R2N9BJGF4ACFR5;2115|R3C2O8T47TYCLV;Share your thoughts with other customers:    AdMost Recent Customer Reviews









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Sennheiser Adidas CX 680 Sports Earbuds with Volume Control and Earfin Holding System (Electronics) recently tagged "running"

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

42 of 42 people found the following review helpful: 4.0 out of 5 stars Finally, a good earphone for sweaty runners, June 13, 2010 This review is from: Sennheiser Adidas CX 680 Sports Earbuds with Volume Control and Earfin Holding System (Electronics) I have been on a quest for a new pair of earphones for weeks. I have spent countless hours reading hundreds of reviews on various models. My main criteria (in order of importance) were: 1) Don't fall out when doing strenuous exercise like running, 2) Won't cease functioning or experience a decrease in functionality due to sweating (I sweat profusely when exercising, e.g., my clothes are normally drenched after an hour of cardio), 3) Comfort, 4) Price, 5) Sound quality, and 6) Appearance/Style.

Based on all that I read, I decided that the new Adidas-branded Sports line from Sennheiser might be the best option for me, so I splurged, got the CX680 at a big box store, and decided to test them since I knew I could return them for a full refund within 30 days if not satisfied. If I liked them I knew I could purchase online for 25-30% less. Note that I prefer the in-ear design, but was also considering the neckband design of the PMX680 as an alternate. However, I was hoping to find one pair that I could use for cardio, weightlifting, leisure, and travel.

First, I will explain what comes in the package. You get:

(1) SYMMETRICAL earphones with a 30" cord and a straight jack
(2) a 24" extender with a volume control on one end and an "L" jack on the other
(3) a Velcro carrying pouch
(4) 3 sets (S,M,L) of earfins, 1 set of M covers w/o fins, and 3 sets (S,M,L) of earbud covers
(5) a clip
(6) a cleaning tool

My assessment of each of these components:

(1) Short Cord: Used w/o the extender, the earphones are best worn using an armband (either arm is fine due to the symmetrical cord) with the cord clipped to the shirt on whatever side the armband is to reduce tension on the opposite side earbud. I ran for 1.5 hours last night with the cord clipped this way to the collar of a T-shirt. It stayed in place the entire time and was completely unobtrusive.

(2) Extender: The volume control is very light and can be clipped to the band of your shorts w/o adding noticeable weight. With my iPod Nano clipped to one side, the volume control on the other, and the cord beneath my shirt, there was some cord slack (I'm 5'8"), but the movement was not excessive and not disruptive. The wheel of the volume control has a slight resistance to it so that you won't mistakenly blast out your eardrums while adjusting it.

(3) Pouch: The pouch is good quality and roomy enough to hold the earbuds and a small music player. However, the cords do tend to become entangled easily.

(4) Earbuds/Earfins: With some trial and error I was able to find the right combination of fin and earbud that fit comfortably and didn't fall out with movement or sweat. I've had more difficulty finding the correct fit for my L ear, but even during a 1.5 hour run I only had to adjust the bud once b/c the fin had moved (Note that the earbud itself was still firmly sealed).

(5) Clip: As mentioned above, the clip work great when attached to a collar and probably would also with a hem. I tried to use it in the middle of my shirt and it simply fell off. There's a groove on the top that seemingly is supposed to hold the wire but it does not; you simply have to clip the wire along with the clothing.

(6) I have yet to use the cleaning tool.

Now on to how the CX680 ranks using my criteria.

(1) Fit & Staying Power, 5/5: These things stay put. I've had the stock earbuds which do not fit my ears well, fall out with movement or sweat, and sound crappy. I would imagine that most people should be able to find an earfin/earbud combination that fits them well. I like that this product is customizable rather than one-size-fits-all.

(2) Sweat Resistance, 5/5: More than any other pair of earbuds I've owned, these seem to be unaffected by sweating. They do not loosen when sweat is in the ears and their rubberized materials seem especially sweat "proof". I have not yet tried to put them in water. I would hope that these do not as easily succumb to the issues common with other earphones that seem less sturdy/durable. Even if they do fail at some point, at least with Sennheiser you have their 2 year warranty (another reason I chose these over something with only a 90 day warranty).

(3) Comfort, 5/5: I don't even notice I've wearing them.

(4) Price, 3/5: These certainly are not the cheapest earphones on the market, but they are new and will likely come down in price. The cheapest I've found is $70 online with free shipping. I would highly recommend buying them locally, seeing if they work for you, and then returning them and buying them for cheaper online. If you've got something that works for you now, I'd say wait for the price to drop on these. If money is no concern, just buy them!

(5) Sound quality, 3/5: I'm not an audiophile and I didn't get these b/c I wanted the best sounding buds, and they're not. I listen exclusively to electronic music and they're OK, but slightly lacking in bass. Not sure if "tinny" or "muddy" are the correct terms, but I've thought that my music sounded better with JBuds J2s (but they would fall out when I'd sweat and shorted out after a year), with Acoustibuds attached to stock earbuds (these sound great and actually stay pretty well during movement and sweating but they're bulky, have to be twisted into the ear canal, and it's challenging to find the sweet spot as far as the "best" position for maximum effect), or with over-the-head models (these offend my sense of fashion). The CX680s are not bad, just not the greatest sounding, but I'm willing to sacrifice on music quality to eliminate them moving around, falling out, or breaking b/c of sweat damage.

(6) Appearance, 4/5: I don't know why Sennheiser thinks it necessary to make their Sports lines in bright, obnoxious colors (neon green, orange, and now yellow), instead of more muted grays, blacks, or whites, but these are OK. I'm not using them to win any fashion contests, and they're more appealing, IMO, than the neckband, over-the-ears, or over-the-head models.

In summary, I give the CX680s a 4/5: They're great for what they're intended (i.e., reduction of slippage due to movement and/or sweat), but could sound better, be less expensive, and reduce the flashy factor. I would also have preferred an asymmetrical cord design so that the earphones could be used w/o the clip when using an armband. Before my 30 day "trial" period is over, I will be returning these to Big Box Store and purchasing them online. Hopefully they will prove to be a good investment and a solution to the annoyance of finding the best earphones for sweaty cardio freaks like me.

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36 of 40 people found the following review helpful: 2.0 out of 5 stars Fixes one issue but causes another, March 9, 2010 This review is from: Sennheiser Adidas CX 680 Sports Earbuds with Volume Control and Earfin Holding System (Electronics) I decided to upgrade to the CX680s after using a pair of CX380s for the last 6 months. The 380s were pretty good but didn't always stay in place during my workouts.

The good news with the CX680s is the ear fin technology works really well. They stay in place the whole time I'm at the gym. The bad news is Adidas/Sennheiser should have given more thought to the cord length. The standard cord is too short unless you're using an armband for your music player. Then it's too long so you have to wrap it around or have it move the whole time you're working out.

If you don't have an armband, then you have to use the extender with the inline volume control. When you do this the cord is way too long and it and the volume control bounce all over the place. You can use the included clip to keep one from moving but you can't stop both from moving. The moving is super distracting because you can hear it through the headphones and you don't know what the cord is going to get snagged on.

Having said all this, I guess these could work for you if you're the right height (I'm 5'10''). Height is important because the volume control also has a clip on it that you can use to keep it from flopping around. In my case, the clip didn't reach my waist so I couldn't clip it so it just dangled.

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10 of 11 people found the following review helpful: 5.0 out of 5 stars workout headphones, March 20, 2010 This review is from: Sennheiser Adidas CX 680 Sports Earbuds with Volume Control and Earfin Holding System (Electronics) PROS: moisture resistant, excellent sound (after 'treble reducer' eq and removing earfins so they would fit correctly in my ear), great stability.

CONS: awkward cord lengths (comes w/ very long ext. cord, short primary cord), awkward earfins, initial sound quality presents with a bit much treble, tips slightly uncomfortable after a while in ear canals.

CONCLUSION: As workout headphones are concerned, compared to the Bose In-ear 'phones, Apple In-ears, my prev. fav. Sony MDR-EX85s, and even other Sennheisers I've tried, these offer far superior sound and functionality within the scope of exercise-specific headphones. I workout a lot (sweating substantially when doing so) and prefer clear bass; now that I have figured out not to use the earfin feature or bass boost (iPhone 3GS, iTouch 2G: these sound really BAD with boost on, the noise is amplified terribly) I wouldn't hesitate for a second to replace this pair with another of the same, were they to break.

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Fixing Your Feet: Prevention and Treatments for Athletes (Paperback) recently tagged "running"

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25 of 27 people found the following review helpful: 5.0 out of 5 stars Fixing Your Feet is a must Read, October 8, 2001 Fixing Your Feet is a must for any long or ultra-distance runner, hiker, triathlete or adventure racer. Your chances of successful training and racing will be greatly improved after having read Fixing your Feet.

John Vonhof's experience, research and work on preventive maintenance and treatment for foot problems has been a real gift for athletes and others who are on their feet for long periods of time in adverse conditions. In ultra distance running and adventure racing, it is often the feet that are the first to break down. John's work has provided us with a complete manual on proper foot care. This book has made it possible for so many long and ultra-distance athletes to be able to put in the high mileage needed to be able to complete long races without being disabled due to foot problems. So many an athlete can give credit to their training and racing successes to John for his work.

John discusses in detail, the steps needed to prevent foot problems and describes in laymen's terms how to treat foot problems that do occur. His explanation on the biomechanics of the foot is very easy to understand and clearly shows how your feet are prone to certain problems. He talks of hot spots, blisters, plantar fascitis, tendonitis and other common foot problems associated with shoe, boot and sock selection and proper fitting.

With ultra-endurance sports becoming so popular, John's work filled a huge void. I highly recommend this book to any athlete who spends much time on their feet.

Don Mann
Race Director for
The BEAST of the EAST
The Mega Dose
The Odyssey Double and Triple Iron
The Expedition British Virgin Island Adventure Race
and "Race to the Pole" (9000-mile race, Ecuador to the North Pole)

Don is a retired Navy SEAL and has competed in well over 1000 endurance competitions over the past 25 years.

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19 of 20 people found the following review helpful: 5.0 out of 5 stars Fixing Your Feet by John Vonhof, August 6, 2004 No matter what your sport, if you use your feet for it, this is the book for you! John Vonhof's 3rd edition of "Fixing Your Feet" is the most comprehensive yet. All one has to do is look at the contents in the outline to know how well organized and informational it is. It's easy to find the supplies for foot care too because he has already done the research and lists the contact information.
It covers every aspect for foot care including blister prevention and treatment, types of types of socks, lubricants, shoe fit, biomechanics that can contribute to problems, foot injuries and so much more. Whether you are a runner, backpacker, adventure racer or weekend walker, this book covers it all.

Denise Jones
The Badwater Blister Queen

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19 of 20 people found the following review helpful: 5.0 out of 5 stars Must have for people who are on their feet., February 11, 2005 I heartily recommend you go to the library or a bookstore and find a copy of John Vonhof's fantastic book, "Fixing Your Feet." Anyone who hikes would find this book helpful. He talks about every product known to footcare, as well as techniques used by ultra trail runners, and eco-race runners, etc.
Try putting contractor grade (the cloth kind) duct tape on your heels before you hike. Other people have really good luck with vaseline on their feet before hiking or trail running. I use some stuff called Hydropel which works wonders. I bought four tubes for my PCT thruhike this year. I've had good success on my training hikes with it.

The bottom line is to remove the friction. Spenco Second Skin is another good product for this, but duct tape is a whole lot cheaper, if it works for you. Just like vaseline is a lot cheaper than Hydropel.

In "Fixing Your Feet" Vonhof talks about a gazillion different ways to tape up your feet as preventitive measures.

Also, tincture of Benzoin is used as a skin toughener. Some just use alcohol. At any rate there are two pages of products listed as skin tougheners in "Fixing Your Feet."

One last thing. Vonhof, who seems like a really nice guy based on e-mail contact I've had with him, publishes a free footcare e-zine each month. Anyone can subscribe to it, and past issues are archived. Go to;

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/FixingYourFeetEzine/

I hope this helps, and that you get the problems taken care of so you can enjoy your trips. And if you really want to help your feet forget the 65 pound pack!

Happy Trails!

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