Timex T5J031 Unisex Digital Fitness Heart Rate Monitor Watch review: Timex Can Do Better: Never Use at Night

I ask one thing of the Timex T5J031 Unisex Digital Fitness Heart Rate Monitor Watch, and it delivers: count my pulse. What I did not expect is that it would be as accurate as it is.

I compared to various treadmills I run on, including Life Fitness Club Series Treadmill and found the watch more accurate than the handlebar pulse monitors.

* The chest straps fits well enough for me.
* Modes are easy to switch.
* The watch fits fine, but can be a little difficult to take off.
* My average heart rate worked well.
* Easy to use lap function. As mostly a neighborhood street and dedicate running/biking path runner, I use this when I cross the street.
* The Indiglo light is difficult to see - not especially bright, and the button for it is in a difficult to reach spot while running (top left as opposed to front). After a few miles, when I just a quick look, it can be a nuisance while running through a shady area. In fact, while lit, unless in a pitch black environment, the numbers are actually more difficult to see.
* The description says, "The Night Mode feature allows you to illuminate the Indiglo night-light for 3 seconds with any button press, regardless of the mode or function." I was unable to get this to work with any other button.

For the price, I would like to see better engineering. While I understand this is an entry level pulse monitor, set-up is an unnecessary challenge.

Anthony Trendl
http://runnersdilemma.blogspot.com/

Life Fitness Club Series Treadmill: review - Good, But Overpriced Treadmill With Some Frustrations

The most important feature to me on a treadmill is footplant comfort. This nails it. If I run enough miles on a cheap treadmill, my Achilles and knees ache. However, there is more to a solid machine.

The Life Fitness Club Series Treadmill speed eases up smoothly and sensibly. It never jerks. Similarly, the incline is never abrupt. Very nice feature.

The heart rate monitor, the one on the handle bar, is sometimes inaccurate when compared to my Timex T5J031 Unisex Digital Fitness Heart Rate Monitor Watch. While it is only a few beats off, I expect a machine at this level to be better.

The buttons are an issue, reacting in a finicky, frustrating way. My make-do solution is, instead of fumbling with typing in numbers while running, I punch one of the walk-jog-run buttons, which takes me to a given speed. From there, I use the faster-slower button.

Entering my weight and speed and incline and it shows my calories burned. For me, this is just a curiosity, but it shows consistent data.

99% of the time, all I use it for is long long distance, up to 10 miles or so. For this, I am completely happy. There are plenty of other features I never use (the HeartSync workouts, for example). The buttons are a hassle, but once set, I'm good to run.

Anthony Trendl
http://runnersdilemma.blogspot.com/

Life Fitness Club Series Treadmill

Running Products for Cyber Monday

1. Nike Dri-Fit 2 Pack Running Socks - Large
2. Nike Dri-Fit Filament Running Tights - Medium
3. Runner's World Complete Book of Women's Running: The Best Advice to Get Started, Stay Motivated, Lose Weight, Run Injury-Free, Be Safe, and Train for Any Distance (Runner's World Complete Books)
4. Evolution Running: Run Faster with Fewer Injuries
5. Born to Run: A Hidden Tribe, Superathletes, and the Greatest Race the World Has Never Seen
6. Garmin Forerunner 305 GPS Receiver With Heart Rate Monitor
7. Nike Dri-Fit UV Long Sleeve Running Top - Medium
8. ChiRunning: A Revolutionary Approach to Effortless, Injury-Free Running
9. Nike Dri Fit Sleeveless Running Vest - Medium
10. Nike Sphere Short Sleeve Running T-Shirt - Medium
11. Lore of Running, 4th Edition
12. Nathan Clip-On Deluxe L.E.D. Safety Strobe
13. Nike Elite Cushioned Running Socks - Medium
14. Search Amazon.com for running shoes

Road Runner Sports

Runners, I just connected with Road Runner Sports, offering their ads. Essentially, they are a massive store for running-related products. They describe themselves as the "World's Largest Running Store." If you are looking to get some winter running clothes, shoes, racing flats, women's products, they have it all. You won't get the service you will find at your local running store (here are ones near me in Chicagoland), but if you know what you need, this can help keep costs down.



Shop the Road Runner Sports Outlet Store - Save up to 75% on running shoes and apparel!

Two For Runners: Headphone Review and Facebook Down To-Do Tips

What do you do when Facebook is down?

Facebook Down? What to Do: Ten Tips

10 Silly Tips About How to Handle a Facebook Stall.

Includes a running idea for all you other well-intentioned folks



Altec Lansing MZX206W MUZX Headphones with Mic and call function (WHITE)

Altec Lansing MZX206 MUZX Headphones (review)

Nice sound, but they don't stay in the ears.

T-shirt Tales: How I Received My Runner's World T-shirt

Yesterday, I received an envelope with November's Runner's World and an RW t-shirt. As it happens, my subscription has lapsed, and they have been chasing me with e-mails and letters. All this for a twenty buck subscription? No worries. The Ryan Hall cover story was interesting, and I'd get to the rest next week.

My name was spelled correctly on the package. How odd, and amazing, I thought. For every subscription, I use codes so I can follow the direct mail path. Runners World is Anthony R Trendt. 'r' = runners world. For Poets & Writers Magazine, I use 'Anthony P Trendl' and so on. My real middle initial is neither, so I know who each sells my name too. (For curious minds: Poets and Writers sold mine to the most, and as a result, I get lots of mail from environmental groups.)

This morning, I grabbed the October issue with the the very cool Zola Budd profile, and realized I had only received that a week or two ago. Wow. I have November's already? Weird.

Then I remembered. It all made sense.

See the letters to the editor section for a brilliantly written comment on the Andrew Wheating profile. I thought the article neglected mentioning Jim, one of running's more consistent milers of the 1980s and 90s, and whose 1500 time in the 1984 Olympics remains the best run by an American in an Olympic final. Couldn't let this error continue. I didn't get to mention that's he's a fine coach too.

and

I'M A RUNNER: SARAH PALIN - Runner's World Interview

Runner's World this month landed a great interview. She knows running. Sub-4 marathoner.

Stories From Real Runners
I'M A RUNNER: SARAH PALIN
The former Vice Presidential candidate opens up about her running life and explains why she's still on the trail.

Runner's World (1-year)

Mix of Oprah, "Sports Illustrated" and "Running Times" - review "Runner's World

Runner's World [1-year]
Hardcore runners will read "Runner's World" because they have to. It popularizes the sport, and brings newcomers 'up to speed' about issues and techniques important to them, as well as clues them in on who is who out on the road. a great magazine, except I simply prefer the depth of training and racing issues Running Times provides a bit more. Really. I wish I could've given this magazine a 3.9.

Running is a funky subculture, and Runner's World defines and educates that culture.

Since the late George Sheehan wrote his famous column that emphasized running as a spiritual endeavor, Runner's World has taken on an Oprah Winfrey/Deepak Chopra sort of generalist running philosophy. That's not all bad, as I think the magazine thoroughly encourages fitness through running.

It isn't all fluff. There is plenty for the more avid runner to soak up. The avid runner will find their marathon coverage, especially Boston and New York, impressive.

Their running shoes review is what any runner will benefit from. It details every aspect of what makes a great shoe, almost to the point of parody. However, parody or not, their analysis will help you buy the shoe you need for your foot for your distance in your environment.

Buy a subscription to Runner's World, lace up, and get out on a run!

I fully recommend Runner's World.

Anthony Trendl
http://runnersdilemma.blogspot.com/

Rocky Balboa: Movie About a Boxer, Could Have Been a Runner (review)

Worthy Addition to Sports Movie Pantheon, Jan 31 2007
"Rocky Balboa" AKA, "Rocky VI" will not be the greatest inspirational sports movie you see. Its grandfather, the original "Rocky" could argue for that spot. In fact, it might own it. However, no one should compare this to the first Rocky. It is a fun, inspiring movie for 2006, and will be a worthy addition to the sports movie pantheon.

4.5 stars for this one.

"Rocky Balboa" is, itself, the great underdog. Critics see it as another installment in the descending and embarrassing series, or, are calling it the best 'Rocky' sequel. Because of the two extremes Stallone has presented us, from one of the best movies ever to some of the dogs of cinema, expectations are low. With expectations across the board, I saw this and was pleasantly surprised.

Rocky Balboa, circa 2006, is a retired boxer approaching 60. People in town generally give him respect, and space. He is no longer hounded by the media, and no longer chased by his fans. Philadelphia has moved. They even took down his statue.

Now, he runs a midlevel Italian restaurant, and wanders from table to table telling about the good old days. Customers get a meal and a story, and Rocky gets his mortgage paid.

His son begrudges his dad for the big shadow. Imagine being Michael Jordan's kid? Such is what Rocky, Jr. must endure, and he wants to be his man. He pushes his dad away in the process. Rocky's conversation with his son outside the restaurant will be ranked among the great movie speeches, and will be quoted everywhere from church sermons to business books to locker rooms.

Meanwhile, Rocky is looking for meaning. Like Willy Loman, he wants the older years of his life to matter, and like Loman, he keeps looking to the past to find that meaning. Regular visits to Adrian's grave, autographs in his restaurant, and walks through his old neighborhood remind him of who he used to be. Who is he now?

He feeds a needy old opponent of his, helps a single woman and her son with friendship and jobs. He recognizes that life should be lived on his terms, just as he always has. But what are his terms?

When reigning champ Mason Dixon, a mix of rap star arrogance and Mike Tyson dominance, wants to fight, Rocky sees it as similar to the opportunity Apollo Creed gave him decades earlier. He's a fool, naturally. The match "will against skill" is respectful that Rocky's will power is bar none, but he isn't 25.

Like the other Rocky movies, good and bad, this is a family film. No profanity, sex, or the usual Hollywood movie gimmicks to kick it into PG-13 or up rating. It's clean, hard-charging, and packed with the message the other movies carried: "All about: pride, reputation, and not being another bum in the neighborhood."

The movie needs another 10-15 minutes to wrap up some storylines, and some of the lines are cheesy. Dixon's desire to be tested, Spider's reasons for being out of work, and Rocky's friendship to Steps need clearing up. The movie hangs on, but viewers might be left unsatisfied. Rocky makes one monologue too many about continuing to fight and never be beaten, but not so much that it becomes polemic.

I fully recommend "Rocky Balboa."

Chicagoland Running Specialty Stores

Shopping for running clothing or shoes? Try these specialty shops. These are listed from closest to Glen Ellyn to farthest. I can personally recommend Glen Ellyn Running Company, Dick Pond, Naperville Running Company, the Competitive Foot, Fleet Feet and Running for Kicks.

Glen Ellyn Running
528 Duane St.
Glen Ellyn, IL 60137
630-793-4786

Dick Pond Athletics
26 W. 321 St Charles Road
Carol Stream, IL 60188
630-665-3316

Dick Pond Athletics
2783 Maple
Lisle, IL 60532
630-357-6884

Dick Pond Athletics
124 N. York St.
Elmhurst, IL 60126
630-832-7685

Naperville Running Co.
20 West Jefferson Avenue
Naperville, IL 60540
630-357-1900

The Competitive Foot
814 Hillgrove
Western Springs, IL 60558
708-246-5520

Dick Pond Athletics
927 South Roselle Road
Schaumburg, IL 60193
847-985-9720

Run Chicago
7239 W. Madison St.
Forest Park, IL 60130
708-771-7866

Dick Pond Athletics
303 North 2nd St. (Route 31)
St. Charles, IL 60174
630-587-0745

The Competitive Foot
102 N. Marion
Oak Park, IL 60301
708-524-0030

Running For Kicks
7158 W 127th Street
Palos Heights, IL 60463
708-448-9200

Fleet Feet Sports
4555 N. Lincoln Avenue
Chicago, IL 60625
773-271-3338

Running Away
1634 W. North Ave.
Chicago, IL 60622
773-395-2929

Dick Pond Athletics
2164 Randal Rd.
Carpentersville, IL 60110
847-783-0701

Dick Pond Athletics
203 W. Northwest Highway
Barrington, IL 60010
847-842-1753

Momentum
2001 N. Clybourn Ave.
Chicago, IL 60614
773-525-7866

Fleet Feet Sports
210 West North Avenue
Chicago, IL 60610
312-587-3338

Dick Pond Athletics
16115 Weber Rd.
Crest Hill, IL 60435
815-588-0908

The Runners Edge
335 Ridge Road
Wilmette, IL 60091
847-853-8531

Murphys Fit
513 Dempster St
Evanston, IL 60201
847-869-4101

Running Depot
30-E North Williams St.
Crystal Lake, IL 60014
815-788-9755

Sick as a Sick Dog

Monday Check-in

133.2 lbs. (same)
54 - Pulse (up)

Status

Feeling under the weather. A cold has dropped me from running for a few days. Hopefully, the rest is a good thing as far as shins, muscles and joints are concerned, but with a race coming Saturday, I am concerned. All out of my hands. I'm sick, and need to attend to the repair and restoration of whatever ails me.

Yesterday was spent at church, then a picnic, then a two-hour nap. That is not the 8.5 mile run I had planned, but God was unwilling to negotiate.

My weight and pulse are filtered through being sick, and so knowing what progress is being made is too hard to say.

Chariots of Fire: Inspiring Story of Commitment, Faith and Glory

Chariots of Fire (Two-Disc Special Edition)

Many great sports movies are about self-sacrifice for the sake of selfish goals. Rocky Balboa (Rocky Balboa: Movie About a Boxer, Could Have Been a Runner (review)) fought to prove something. Lou Gehrig wanted to persevere. Rudy Ruettiger just wanted to play for Notre Dame. They have obstacles, and by sheer will, overcome them.

Not Eric Liddell. Liddell wanted to glorify God. When he ran, he felt closer to God. When it came to winning, he wanted it to point toward God, not himself.

When questioned about his commitment as a Christian, and to his intention to return as a missionary to China, he replied, "I believe that God made me for a purpose. But He also made me fast, and when I run, I feel His pleasure." "Chariots of Fire" shows him as a man who never compromised, and followed through as an athlete who happened to be a Christian.

The movie contrasts Liddell against the various concerns of others. Some ran for country, others ran for their king. Some ran for the good name of their school. Others ran so that they themselves would receive honor.

Parallel to Liddell's Olympic chase is the story of Harold Abrahams, another English runner who faces quiet prejudice as a Jew from a blue color background. Abrahams worked as hard as Liddell, but his commitment was for himself. This distinction flowed in and out of various scenes.

In a time when devotion to God is not considered fashionable, Liddell refused to change his position. His faith is not made an issue -- it is nice to see a movie that does not rest in snarkish cynicism, but tolerates Liddell's faith without whitewashing it.

Aspects of the movie are fictionalized, but the essence is accurate. The filming is beautiful, and the acting solid. The music is well known, and strong throughout.

The title refers to a line in William Blake's poem, "And Did Those Feet in Ancient Time," which, itself refers to Elijah's chariot as mentioned in 2 Kings 2:11.

I fully recommend "Chariots of Fire."

Anthony Trendl
editor, HungarianBookstore.com

Chariots of Fire Movie Soundtrack: Moving, From Start to Finish

Chariots Of Fire
Moving, From Start to Finish

There is no wondering why Vangelis received an Oscar for his soundtrack to "Chariots Of Fire." It is infinitely superb, perfect for the movie, and perfect away from the movie. When I was road racing, I would listen to cut seven, also called "Chariots Of Fire," to prepare my mind for competition.

In the opening cut, "Titles," you can hear the tension of the sprint. Muscles flex with each note, and you'll feel the drive to finish first, to win. This is the song you heard in the early 80s, and, if you are lucky, still hear on soft jazz and easy listening stations.

"Five Circles" is misty-dewed mystical piece. Slowly paced synthesized winds will draw you into contemplation. Aptly named for the Olympic symbol, it has a power of lifelong dreams mixed with the imminence of the moment.

"Abraham's Theme" is a boldly sentimental, but not maudlin piece. The bells chime almost mournfully, with whale sounds piercing and overlaying through this achingly beautiful composition.

"Eric's Theme" is often played on the radio, but it never loses its message of grace. It preludes "Chariots of Fire"'s sheer intensity with its own persuasive pulse, with bass drums and cymbals beating, but not overwhelming.

"100 Meters" begins in a spacelike mysterium. It is filled with questions, and asks them as well as invites the listener to ask them. "For whom do I run?" the movie's theme, is musically weaved throughout.

Smoothly transitioning is the choral orchestration of "Jerusalem," answering the questions of "100 Meters." The sole work with words, it begins:

"And did those feet in ancient time/ Walk upon England's mountains green?/ And was the holy Lamb of God/ On England's pleasant pastures seen?"

This mighty songs brings a mighty decision:

"Bring me my spear: O clouds unfold!/ Bring me my chariot of fire!"

Finally is the majestic "Chariots of Fire," a 20:41 epic of undulated, unmatched passion for truth and God. A carefully fingered piano melody peacefully prepares the listener for the growing strength of this magnificent piece. Like Ravel's "Bolero," Vangelis increases the tempo, empowers the theme to be greater than the score. The piano notes dance, bringing in elements from the other cuts, until we go from a walk to a run.

For the runners who've been there, it is much akin to an early morning autumn long run, when you feel great, and in that groove. The pace drops mildly as you relax and enjoy the freshness of the run, but the final few miles are ahead. Like the speed-playing fartlek, it never monotonous.

Quickening, we can feel the runner sweat, excited about the last 50 meters. In a glorious finish, we are given an enthusiastic, marvelous crossing of the last step in a rested, satisfied way.

I fully recommend "Chariots Of Fire" by Vangelis.

Anthony Trendl
-------------

Amazon.com essential recording
Most everyone is familiar with the romantic piano-and-synthesizer washes of the surprise instrumental hit "Titles (Main Theme)" from this 1981 film soundtrack. What is surprising is there's a lot more going on with this score. Greek keyboardist/composer had been recording albums for years before this soundtrack catapulted him into fame. He'd even been asked to join the prog rock band Yes at one point. He was wise to pass on the offer. Here you can hear the breadth of his talent at creating dreamy moods with synthesizers and classically inspired backdrops. Some of this music, however, doesn't quite hold its own without the visuals. Anyone looking for a stronger, more rock-like record by Vangelis should pick up Albedo 0.39. --Larry Crane

Amazon.com
One of the most memorable soundtracks of all time, Vangelis's Academy Award-winning Chariots of Fire is such a landmark, it's become the stuff of parody whenever someone wants to punch a hole through sloppy sentimentality. But just go back to this 1981 film to relive a perfect marriage of image and music. Vangelis captures the heroism, grandeur, and pain of this racing drama, from the opulent main "Titles" theme with its echoing snare drum and piano cadences to the electronically abstract setting of Sir Charles H.H. Parry's choral work, "Jerusalem." Vangelis's score hangs suspended between orchestral lushness and electronic mood, sweetness tempered by the underlying psychological themes of the film. Often forgotten on this album is the extemporaneous title suite that, in the days of LPs, took up the second side of the album. Here, Vangelis explores some of the film's music cues at length, weaving them into a minor keyboard symphony. --John Diliberto

Chariots Of Fire

Get a Marathon T-Shirt or Mug

We love a good laugh, but so do the good and crazy people at CafePress. You can make just about any kind product to wear. Even dog clothing. Whatever your inclination, they got the T-shirt, hat or mug for you. Politics, hobbies, smarmy statements about life - all here. Even runners. Click through, and look up various running terms (5K, marathon, etc.).

Let 'em know what you do, and help pay for my races.

Galloway's Book on Running - Jeff Galloway

Galloway's Book on Running 2 Ed

"Galloway's Book on Running" by Jeff Galloway has become a running classic, providing the basics about running, training, and racing for years.

Galloway does not presume the runner is a casual "New Year's Resolution" jogger who will likely quit in a month. Instead, he looks to build a foundation of sensible workouts, leading to genuine fitness, endurance and speed.

He gives instruction of every detail important to new and intermediate runners, from stretching to hydration, from injury management to weight loss, from running for kids to running after age 40.

Especially useful for runners looking to transition from running occasionally, to running as a lifestyle. Whether for fitness or for racing, there is enough here to progress through to the next stage. Galloway presents training charts, for example, for those looking to run a 5K. If your goal is to finish the 3.1 mile race, or to run about 17:00, there is a chart customizing the necessary training -- four charts per distance (5K, 10K and half-marathon).

Shoes are a key part of a runner's uniform, and there's a chapter on that. There are also sections focused on women's running, the mental aspects of running, and proper form.

Jeff Galloway's credentials as a runner are topnotch, but he has years of experience training runners at all levels. I am convinced this book will provide all a runner needs at those crucial early levels and beyond. I fully recommend "Galloway's Book on Running," and gave it as a gift to a friend this Christmas.

Anthony Trendl
editor, HungarianBookstore.com

Runners Run, So I Run T-shirts and More

Get this groovy long-sleeved t-shirt. Many sizes, short-sleeve, baby doll, even maternity style. Bags, mugs, hats too. The one shown here is $18.99 from CafePress.

See http://www.cafepress.com/runninggear

According to the manufacturer:
The most comfortable t-shirt ever! Our 100% cotton, Hanes Beefy-T is preshrunk, durable and guaranteed.
6.1 oz. 100% luxuriously soft ring spun cotton
Standard fit
Ribbed sleeve cuffs

Rocky Balboa, the Desire to Compete & the Point of It All

Recently, I let a few friends know I started running again, and that I decided to blog about it. A few questions came about from runners and nonrunners alike.

Why blog?
That's partly due to article in the May 2007 issue of Runner's World. It was #1 in their 101 ideas for motivation. It is also a comfortable medium for me. I had been keeping an Excel spreadsheet of stats, but that's not what is happening.

Running is not the accumulation of sheer numbers, but the living of stories. The stories are about the color of the leaves, the conversations along the run, the look shared just before friendship takes a break and competition begins. It is the pain of a pulled calf muscle, the salty dried sweat, and the tired stumble back to the car. There might be ribbons, medals or trophies, and a cheer to celebrate it all. No spreadsheet can capture that.

So I blog.

Why train, as opposed to just putting in the miles and letting the calories burn?
That's difficult to explain. To a degree, I have tried that. I love long runs, but I need something making it matter more than just doing time on the road. Racing comes into play.

I could just run, get in shape, and try my hand at a few 5Ks. Not for me. I might never meet my sub-20:00 goal, but that's not the issue. Racing involves a race, and the starting gun is long before anyone clips on their number.

Did you see Rocky Balboa? The character is 20 years older than me, and his victories were more glorious, but I get it. Replicating the hard won victory against some young buck isn't what's going on. It is about racing, and being in front of the guy running in my shoes.

Rocky Balboa: Movie About a Boxer, Could Have Been a Runner (review)