Product Reviews PUTTING IT TO THE TEST By Tom Barry W


ith the peak summer racing months upon us where countless hours of training will be put to the test, there are a lot of variables that can affect whether you are at your best on race day. Some will be out of your control — a flat on the road, perhaps, or a bottleneck entering the water. But some depend as much on your equipment as on your preparation. Here are a few products that will help maximize your performance — and your enjoyment — on race day.


SKRATCH LABS EXERCISE HYDRATION MIX


($19 for 1-pound; skratchlabs.com) PREMISE:


Skratch


Labs’ “Secret Drink Mix” is made special for what the company does not include as much


ZENSAH COMPRESSION SOCKS ($50; zensah.com) PREMISE: The graduated compression of Zensah’s compression sock enhances blood circulation and oxygen flow before, during, and after training or races. The seamless construction is designed to avoid chafing and skin irritation, while the incorporated arch support provides stability on long runs. Available in a variety of sizes and colors. TESTERS SAY: Ellen found the arch support to be an important innovation in Zensah’s compression sock, and described the feeling as “cushy, but still thin enough to feel connected to my shoes and the pavement.” Shane found that wearing the socks for his post-workout stretches went a long way in alleviating soreness the next day, and particularly appreciated the support and overall reduction in muscle vibration during his CrossFit training. Both testers found them


to be pretty stylish, but Shane commented that the cotton-based material slowed down the drying time after washing or after a workout. Ellen pointed to the high price tag as a bit of a limitation, “if you can afford them, they work and feel great.” RATING: 4.25


as for what they do. Holding true to the mantra of “No Artificial Anything,” the hydration mix is a natural, low-sugar vehicle for the electrolytes lost during training and races without the syrupy weight that sometimes comes with artificial drink mixes. Skratch hydration is also available in individual serving packets for replenishment during workouts. TESTERS SAY: Testers were pleased with the light taste of the Exercise Hydration Mix, particularly in the hot summer sun. Evan was a big fan of the lemons and limes flavor, while Becky described the orange as being “like a less syrupy, less intense OJ. It’s light but not watered-down.” Given the lower sugar content, our testers didn’t notice anything like the quick jolt of energy that comes from a gel or thicker drink mix, but the light flavor and constant stream of electrolytes were great for long rides and endurance training. “It’s definitely a slow-and-steady workout and endurance race drink,” said Elizabeth. “I’ll stick with my gels for the sprint workouts and short- distance races, but the ‘secret drink mix’ will be a great compliment on 3+ hour rides.” RATING: 4.75


BODYGLIDE WARMFX ANTI-PAIN BALM ($10; bodyglide.com) PREMISE: Avoiding the waste and residue left from applying some petroleum-based balms, BodyGlide’s WarmFX is applied like a stick of deodorant to provide relief to sore muscles or sprained joints. It is self- actuating, meaning the more you put on, the warmer it gets and the longer it lasts. The invisible solid can be applied directly to skin either to soothe tired muscles after or to stimulate circulation before a workout. TESTERS SAY: The easy applicability was a big plus for BodyGlide’s anti-pain balm, but the thicker consistency necessitated a few extra applications before achieving the desired effects. “I was cautious with the first application because I didn’t want to overdo it” said Michael, “but once I had enough on, it felt great and the mild menthol aroma was very pleasant.” While Michael only tried out the WarmFX to as a soothing antidote after working out, Ben preferred to use it as a way to jump-start muscle circulation before training and appreciated that “my hands didn’t smell like breath mints for the whole run like after rubbing in most muscle creams.” While several of our testers noted that the WarmFX is a bit more expensive than some other balms, the effectiveness and cleanliness were well appreciated, and most thought it was worth the slightly higher price tag. RATING: 4.5


106 USA TRIATHLON SUMMER 2012


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