BONDIBAND
This summer has been brutal. With real feel temperatures over 100 degrees, running in this weather is rough and I sweat like crazy. I wear a New Balance, sun reflecting dry fit hat which is great at keeping the sun off of my face, but it doesn’t do a good job of keeping the sweat out of my eyes.
While at the San Francisco Marathon Expo., I purchased a bandana by Bondiband. It’s made to prevent the sweat from dripping down into your face and eyes so you can focus on the task at hand. I wore it during the San Francisco Half Marathon and it worked great, but then again, it wasn’t sweltering hot, so I Road Tested it here at home in the Sunshine state.
The first thing I noticed about the Bondiband was how easy it was to put on. There is no tying or wrapping necessary. It’s ready to wear. Just throw it over your noggin and you’re ready to go. When I tested it out, I also wore my New Balance hat and they got along just fine.
I’ve worn the Bondiband out on runs plenty of times now, with and without a hat and it has prevented the sweat from getting into my eyes. I prefer using it without the hat because in this heat, it’s better to let your head breathe which helps cool you better.
Running is hard enough without sweat burning your eyes and with Bondiband, you'll keep the sweat out of your eyes so you can look ahead and see the finish line.
2Tom's BLISTER SHIELD AND SPORT SHIELD
This summer has been brutal. With real feel temperatures over 100 degrees, running in this weather is rough and I sweat like crazy. I wear a New Balance, sun reflecting dry fit hat which is great at keeping the sun off of my face, but it doesn’t do a good job of keeping the sweat out of my eyes.
While at the San Francisco Marathon Expo., I purchased a bandana by Bondiband. It’s made to prevent the sweat from dripping down into your face and eyes so you can focus on the task at hand. I wore it during the San Francisco Half Marathon and it worked great, but then again, it wasn’t sweltering hot, so I Road Tested it here at home in the Sunshine state.
The first thing I noticed about the Bondiband was how easy it was to put on. There is no tying or wrapping necessary. It’s ready to wear. Just throw it over your noggin and you’re ready to go. When I tested it out, I also wore my New Balance hat and they got along just fine.
I’ve worn the Bondiband out on runs plenty of times now, with and without a hat and it has prevented the sweat from getting into my eyes. I prefer using it without the hat because in this heat, it’s better to let your head breathe which helps cool you better.
Running is hard enough without sweat burning your eyes and with Bondiband, you'll keep the sweat out of your eyes so you can look ahead and see the finish line.
2Tom's BLISTER SHIELD AND SPORT SHIELD
I recently Road Tested 2Tom’s Blister Shield and Sport Shield on an 8 mile run to see if I would finally find something to prevent blisters forming on my toes. My dad (convinced that everything is made in China) would be happy to know that it’s made in the USA and the Sport Shield contains no animal products. Boasting itself as “#1 Performing Blister Protection” and after trying Glide and different shoe and sock combinations to no avail, I had to Road Test it.
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| My Dad |
I’ve suffered from blisters ever since I started running about two years ago and when I saw 2Toms featured in a recent issue of Runner’s World, I decided I needed to try it because what I was using at the time – Glide and Injinji toe socks, was still not preventing blisters.
2Toms was nice enough to send me some samples of Blister Shield and their version of Glide – Sport Shield. I used it on a shorter run and I thought it was good enough to test it out on a longer run so I placed my order for both and crossed my fingers while I waited for my goodies.
My package arrived just in time for my 8 mile run and I was anxious to see if this stuff would really do the trick. I was hoping it would because my next option was going to be Petroleum Jelly. Yuck! I started with the Sport Shield which unlike Glide is a towelette. I rubbed it all over my feet and in between my toes and I was generous with it.
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| 2Tom's Sports Shield |
Next, I used the Blister Shield. It’s a white chalky like powder reminiscent of foot powder or flour. You simply put one teaspoon of it in each of your socks, shake it up, insert your feet and you’re done. It even comes with a spoon for easy measuring.
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| 2Tom's Blister Shield |
During my run I did not feel my toes getting chafed and I felt no discomfort, but I wasn’t going to be convinced until I took my shoes and socks off. When I did, I was blister free. The tri-fecta combination of 2Tom’s Blister Shield, Sport Shield and Injinji’s toe socks did the trick. I was shocked and relieved because nothing had ever worked this well for me before.
I recently used these two products at the San Francisco Half Marathon and I did not develop any blisters. If I wasn’t a believer after my 8 mile run when I first tested it out, using it in San Francisco definitely erased any and all doubts I may have had.
I highly recommend giving these products a try if you’re a blister sufferer like me. I live in Miami, FL where blisters thrive in hot and humid conditions, so I believe 2Tom’s products gets the job done.
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| Proof is in the pudding |
Lately, I've had trouble securing the bottles onto my Amphipod water belt (especially the ones in the back) and on numerous occasions they have popped off. (Non-Elite experience or just a bad design?) So I decided to test the Trail Mix Energy Belt by Nathan.
WATER BOTTLES
Removing and inserting its two 10 ounce bottles was easier to do so than on my Amphipod fuel belt. The bottles do not have to snap or lock into place to be secured, you just pull them out and place them back in for a confident grasp and this can all be done with one hand.Easy and no fuss.The bottles themselves felt very ergonomic in my hands and a simple pull on the spout is all that's needed to get your drink on.
STORAGE
I found the pocket of the Trail Mix Energy Belt to be quite ample, easily fitting an entire package of my Shot Bloks inside. There is a mesh pocket in the front where you can put your gels, a map of your route, trash, lip balm and other smaller items. Behind this main pocket (where my Shot Bloks were) is another pocket which contains what I would describe as a key hook lanyard for your house or car key.The pocket is secured by Velcro and is just as deep and large as the main pocket. It is not removable so you have to decide if you want it in front of you or behind you.
DESIGN
The Titanium Belt itself is designed to dissipate heat and reduce chafing and once I was able to tighten it around my waist enough so it wasn't spinning around me like a hula hoop, it felt snug and comfortable. The locking mechanism is released by pinching the two ends together and it has an adjustable cord that is meant to fit 26 to 42 inch waists. I always struggle finding the right fit and over time, it becomes loose again. I would have preferred it to be made of Velcro for an easier fitting. I wore my belt with the pocket and bottles behind me, although it may be better suited to be worn in the front.
This belt also contains two Shock Cords which was new to me.According to Nathan, these are meant to hold your gloves or jacket. Unfortunately, I didn't get to test this feature.
OVERALL
I enjoyed running with this belt better than my Amphipod, but since it only holds 20 ounces of fluid, it may not be enough for some who are running half and full marathons. Nathan does offer similar belts that hold four 8 ounce bottles.
If you're like me and don't want your fuel belt to be a distraction during your runs, I think the Nathan Trail Mix Energy Belt is a good option. Just make sure to fit it onto yourself nice and tight before your run so you won't have to stop and readjust.
