tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25859775266094626732024-03-08T12:33:15.254-08:00Triathlon TipsProfessional triathlete & Ironman Champion Thomas Gerlach shares his simple tips about Ironman triathlon, swimming, biking, running, Air Relax, Normatec and other product reviewsUnknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger216125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2585977526609462673.post-20539380497406966382020-12-18T01:04:00.006-08:002024-02-01T22:38:06.418-08:00Speed Hound Recovery Boots Review vs Normatec Compression Boots <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzleY09gBsSdDIAqtyxhMvxQCwUxDMqoRGnszE47fSQLgurOUlI_ufH1XCrGh26r1XJNNKhfJ3Yg9_BIEL5sgq2Uot8IiiMbDnGBLRnhyXHEOx174DAQzIqfOcvnxRFFgj2brzShl-GfdA/s1600/Speed+Hound+vs+Normatec+Compression+Boots.jpg" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzleY09gBsSdDIAqtyxhMvxQCwUxDMqoRGnszE47fSQLgurOUlI_ufH1XCrGh26r1XJNNKhfJ3Yg9_BIEL5sgq2Uot8IiiMbDnGBLRnhyXHEOx174DAQzIqfOcvnxRFFgj2brzShl-GfdA/s320/Speed+Hound+vs+Normatec+Compression+Boots.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Speed Hound vs Normatec Compression Boots Review</td></tr>
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<b>Discount coupon codes for Speed Hound recovery boots</b><b> can be found at the bottom of this review. Any current Hyperice Normatec code will also be posted if available.</b><br />
<br />
It has been a few years since I did my initial review on <a href="http://www.thomasgerlach.com/2016/08/normatec-vs-air-relax-recovery-boots.html">Hyperice Normatec 3 vs Air Relax</a> and along the way I have continued to test new compression boot offerings. Speed Hound has been my favorite as of late. They offer a world-class device, with a super-slick user interface at a very attractive price point of $649 using the <b>RecoverFaster24</b> coupon code.<br />
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In short, Speed Hound does everything Normatec does but at a better price point and with a 60-day money-back guarantee and all the feels from supporting small businesses.<br />.<br />
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<span style="font-size: medium;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">Speed Hound ($649 w/ coupon RecoverFaster24</span></b></span><b style="font-size: x-large;">)</b><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhObzdMSABDgNkhY49vLfWVD-5deGmqlcW6nAHx8P82UsXR2RLPPRMhp-yUk9EfaqMUdoyo6yxCBzHgC6Av_YWuWEtCjvRjlCoimJwkzoYBNssVv30hYbAWEKzg6LDSIVOaH8MN0eVgAIqc/s1600/Compression+Boots+Review+-+Speed+Hound+vs+Normatec+.JPG" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1280" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhObzdMSABDgNkhY49vLfWVD-5deGmqlcW6nAHx8P82UsXR2RLPPRMhp-yUk9EfaqMUdoyo6yxCBzHgC6Av_YWuWEtCjvRjlCoimJwkzoYBNssVv30hYbAWEKzg6LDSIVOaH8MN0eVgAIqc/s320/Compression+Boots+Review+-+Speed+Hound+vs+Normatec+.JPG" width="256" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Normatec head unit is slightly <br />
smaller than Speed Hound</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
- Small, portable, compression unit. It is very sturdy with a sturdy handle that pops up out of the unit and collapses for storage. A little bit bigger than Normatec and weighs 8lbs 11oz for the system.<br />
<br />
- Best-in-class usability. The display is so clear and simple to use. I really love how easy it is to use.<br />
<br />
- 3 easy select time cycles of 10, 20, and 30 minutes. You can of course do more than one cycle.<br />
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- 10 easy select pressure levels ranging from 20-200mmHg. Normatec goes to 100mmHg over 7 levels. I really like the visual of the increasing pressure here for new users.<br />
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- 2 easy select modes (flush and massage)<br />
<br />
- 4 programmable zones with the ability to shut off or turn on the exact zones you want. For instance, if you just had a lower calf issue you could run just zone 1 and zone 2. <br />
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- Features hidden hoses sewn in the legs with dark fabric that won't show dirt.<br />
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- Whisper quiet<br />
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- Available in 110V (USA) and 230V (Non-USA)<br />
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- Comes in two sizes.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBhyphenhyphenHRtS4MQBHYhZJKOCvQh1yXMmKqRKWxrGp2sulimW3GJU9st09fVVj2StFBtSx2VklUeo8zuOEK_-eZI5AJSfUPPFBqgeQ2vf12_g0aGBnB42BArbZnugP8OBNUF26ypZbS8mu25gIn/s1600/Normatec+vs+Speed+Hound+Size+Leg+Length+Comparison.jpg" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="1600" height="256" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBhyphenhyphenHRtS4MQBHYhZJKOCvQh1yXMmKqRKWxrGp2sulimW3GJU9st09fVVj2StFBtSx2VklUeo8zuOEK_-eZI5AJSfUPPFBqgeQ2vf12_g0aGBnB42BArbZnugP8OBNUF26ypZbS8mu25gIn/s320/Normatec+vs+Speed+Hound+Size+Leg+Length+Comparison.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sizing comparison of leg sleeves</td></tr>
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<ul>
<li><b>Medium </b>(5' 5" and taller)</li>
<li><b>Long</b> (5' 4" and shorter)</li>
</ul>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br />
- <b>Sizing Hack</b> - because you can turn off zones on Speed Hound, you could always go with Long if you wanted to share a long pair of boots with someone who needed short. You would simply deactivate zone 4 for the shorter person. <br />
<br />
- Comes with width extenders for those needing more width. Speed Hound boots are slimmer than Normatec. While compared to most triathletes, I have pretty stocky calves and thighs and I fit comfortably, but if you have really large calves/thighs it is something to consider. They do have wider models as well so if you are a lymphedema patient reading you will probably need the included width extenders.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
- Carrying case is included so no need to buy an optional $150 carrying case.<br />
<br />
- <b>60 day "love them" guarantee</b> with a 2-year warranty.<br />
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- Optional attachments for hips and arms.<br />
<br />- Highly affordable direct from <a href="https://thespeedhound.com/collections/items-in-stock">Speed Hound</a> with an extra $50 discount when you enter discount coupon code <b>RecoverFaster24</b><b> </b>at checkout. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Speed Hound only sells direct to keep costs low so you will not find them on <a href="https://amzn.to/2I54hka">Amazon</a>. Nor will you find them spending money on flashy athlete sponsorships. Instead, they are a small business that focuses on supporting grass-roots athletes. </div>
<h3 style="text-align: left;">
<b><span style="font-size: large;"><br />Hyperice Normatec Pulse 2.0 ($1295)</span> </b></h3>
- This is a review against the Hyper Normatec Pulse 2.0. They have since updated it to the Hyperice Normatec 3<br /><br />
- Slim design that can be used and moved with one hand. Head unit is smaller than Speed Hound. Total system weight is 8lbs 7oz for the system.<br />
<br />
- Has a battery so it can be used without power. Note, past Normatec models had issues with the battery that seem to be fixed in this new model.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjp0s9W29KJPopkNkbhMdI4e0zqL3OJuOTZ50IEHbZUXrxNgUCszaYHgsFFt7mrUxCkMxZsuJ_ZcGHhCqlx13coJm1gxms7h7fTt9eQyxX1-LNKmyILSM2Nf6Og3BaRRkY11pU950GwhnlE/s1600/normatec-pulse-header.jpg" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjp0s9W29KJPopkNkbhMdI4e0zqL3OJuOTZ50IEHbZUXrxNgUCszaYHgsFFt7mrUxCkMxZsuJ_ZcGHhCqlx13coJm1gxms7h7fTt9eQyxX1-LNKmyILSM2Nf6Og3BaRRkY11pU950GwhnlE/s320/normatec-pulse-header.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Normatec Pulse System</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
- Comes in three sizes:<br />
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li><b>Short</b> (under 5' 3")</li>
<li><b>Regular </b>(5'4" to 6'3")</li>
<li><b>Tall</b> (over 6' 4") </li>
</ul>
- 7 pressure levels with a max of 100mmhg<br />
<br />
- 1 mode of squeezing known in the industry as sequential compression, tweaked with Normatec's patented "pulse" technology with the zone boost option.<br />
<br />
- Time increment is controllable in 5-minute increments from 5 minutes to 2 hours.<br />
<br />
- 5 zones with no ability to program them off or on.<br />
<br />
- Available in one "world voltage" model only<br />
<br />
- Features hidden hoses sewn in the legs with dark fabric that won't show dirt.<br />
<br />
- Optional attachments for hips and arms.<br />
<br />
- Optional travel case. $150 for a hard-shell case.<br />
<br />
- 2-year warranty for the Gen 2 Pulse. <br />
<br />
- $1295 direct from Hyperice Normatec or save $75 by using your Amazon Prime Visa (5% cash back) to purchase via <a href="https://amzn.to/2ErFcww">Amazon Prime</a>.<br />
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<h3 style="text-align: left;">
<b>Final thoughts</b></h3>
I continue to believe strongly in recovery compression boots as a must-own device for any serious athlete and I can't speak highly enough of Speed Hound. If you like supporting small businesses with great customer service then give them and their 60-day "love them" guarantee a try. <br />
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<h3 style="text-align: left;"><b>Coupon Codes & Discussed Product Links:</b></h3>
<b><br /></b>
- <a href="https://thespeedhound.com/collections/items-in-stock">Speed Hound Compression Boots</a> - <b>Save $50</b> with discount coupon code: <b>RecoverFaster24</b></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><b><br /></b></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><b>- </b><a href="https://amzn.to/3S4UMVx">Hyperice Normatec Pulse 3 Compression Boots on Amazon</a></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><br /><b>- </b><a href="https://amzn.to/2ErFcww">Hyperice Normatec Pulse 2.0 Compression Boots on Amazon</a> </div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><br /></div><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
- <a href="http://amzn.to/2EvyuXr">Amazon Basics Zero Gravity Chairs</a> - $39.99 perfect chairs for relaxing in your recovery compression boots either at outdoor events or on the patio<br />
<br />
- <a href="https://rover.ebay.com/rover/1/711-53200-19255-0/1?ff3=4&toolid=11800&pub=5575243163&campid=5337986440&mpre=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ebay.com%2Fsch%2Fi.html%3F_from%3DR40%26_trksid%3Dp2050601.m570.l1313.TR0.TRC0.H0.XNormatec.TRS0%26_nkw%3DNormatec%26_sacat%3D0" target="_blank">Normatec on eBay - Used and New</a> (Various prices, generally $500-$6000)<br />
- <a href="http://www.thomasgerlach.com/2018/07/Normatec-Pulse-Review-2018-2019-Updated.html">Normatec Gen 1 Pulse vs Normatec Gen 2 Pulse Review</a><br />
- <a href="http://www.thomasgerlach.com/2018/07/Normatec-Pulse-Review-2018-2019-Updated.html">Air Relax vs Normatec Review</a></div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com30tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2585977526609462673.post-84531750487268635842020-11-28T11:43:00.002-08:002024-02-01T22:39:10.460-08:00Black Friday Compression Boots Discount Coupon Code Sales - Normatec vs Speed Hound vs Air Relax<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvBH6ndRXZk75s3_RuhPbFN2WZLuL35HQIwWHMBOm60g3e0WGkWB4RSLv3DFjW8P7OFXduxognfgd5uWsEE42ktEY0kaKiZfJWSLoTf0wyDncat6XtxvNSzhcCM2nBxiZILRA4VHtzYCxA/s1600/Normatec+Speed+Hound+Air+Relax.JPG" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvBH6ndRXZk75s3_RuhPbFN2WZLuL35HQIwWHMBOm60g3e0WGkWB4RSLv3DFjW8P7OFXduxognfgd5uWsEE42ktEY0kaKiZfJWSLoTf0wyDncat6XtxvNSzhcCM2nBxiZILRA4VHtzYCxA/s200/Normatec+Speed+Hound+Air+Relax.JPG" width="200" /></a>The following <b>Black Friday / holiday discount coupon code sales exist</b> in the recovery compression boot space for Normatec (Save $210), Speed Hound (Save $100), and Air Relax (Save $45).<br />
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<a href="https://amzn.to/2ssQpdb">Normatec</a> - <b>Save</b> <b>$210 </b>on Normatec thru Black Friday weekend, no coupon necessary. This is an extra <b>$50 off</b> for the Black Friday weekend, then the promotion will revert back to <b>$100 off</b> for the rest of the holiday season up thru New Years. If you purchase <a href="https://amzn.to/2ssQpdb">via Amazon</a> and use their <a href="https://amzn.to/34wehdJ">Amazon Prime Visa</a> then you can save an additional 5% off for a total of $210 off and effectively makes them $1085. Purchasing via Amazon also offers Amazon's outstanding customer service, longer holiday return period (Jan 31st 2020), and potentially same-day delivery.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://thespeedhound.com/collections/items-in-stock/products/speed-hound-properformance-recovery-system">Speed Hound</a> - <b>Save $100</b> with Speedhound Black Friday coupon code for <b>$100 off is TG100</b>. <span style="color: red;"><b>Sale runs thru Dec 8th</b>.</span> Beyond those dates you can still use <b>RecoverFaster24 for $50 off</b> for the rest of the holiday season. Speed hound recovery boots can only be purchased from <a href="https://thespeedhound.com/collections/items-in-stock/products/speed-hound-properformance-recovery-system">Speed Hound's website</a>. Side note, I really like this brand of boots as they have a super slick user interface and the owner is actually a triathlete himself. He is really adamant that you love your boots even if that means you end up in a competitor. If you support small business Saturday then Speed Hound is a great option for this cause. I did a short <a href="http://www.thomasgerlach.com/2019/04/speed-hound-recovery-boots-review-vs.html">review against Normatec here</a>.<br />
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<a href="https://www.air-relax.com/#a_aid=thomas">Air Relax</a> - <b>Save 10% (~$45) </b>with Air Relax Black Friday coupon code<b> BMT87</b>. Starts 11/28 at 11:00pm EST and runs thru 12/02. After Black Friday, <a href="https://www.thomasgerlach.com/2016/08/air-relax-coupon-code-promo-discount.html"><span style="color: red;">monthly coupon for 5% saving - coupon changes monthly - can be found here</span></a>. Air Relax is much more affordable than Normatec ($400 vs $1085) and they have gotten tons of solid praise over the years. Purchasing Air Relax is also supporting small business Saturday. Although the owners are not triathletes, they have been a blessing to work with over the years and it has been a wonderful family run business. I'll add that for the skinny-lean triathlete the Speed Hound boots width can be more appropriately sized. Air Relax really started as a medical device for a typical larger body in my humble opinion and has a more relaxed fit. Air Relax can only be purchased at their website. I did a review of <a href="http://www.thomasgerlach.com/2016/08/normatec-vs-air-relax-recovery-boots.html">Air Relax and Normatec here</a>.<br />
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<b>Relevant Links</b><br />
<br />
- <a href="https://amzn.to/2ssQpdb">Normatec</a> - No code necessary<br />
- <a href="https://www.air-relax.com/#a_aid=thomas">Air Relax Website</a> - Use code <b>BMT87 </b>to save <b>10%</b><br />
- <a href="https://thespeedhound.com/collections/items-in-stock/products/speed-hound-properformance-recovery-system">Speed Hound Website</a> - Use code <b>RecoverFaster24 </b>to save <b>$100</b></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2585977526609462673.post-12367050154796496282020-03-01T11:17:00.000-08:002020-04-08T09:13:44.905-07:00N95 vs N100 Respirator Masks - Which One To Buy For Covid-19 Coronavirus Protection <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Know what you are buying <br />
N100 vs N95 Respiratory Masks</td></tr>
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With Coronavirus fears running rampant in the USA there is no shortage of disinformation regarding respiratory masks. Not an hour goes by when I don't read some headline from a major news outlet talking about N95 respirator masks and that they are either out of stock or ineffective. Ironically I am not even sure why news outlets are talking about N95 masks at all. People should be buying <a href="https://amzn.to/2vtyEfv">N100 / P100 masks</a> and passing on <a href="https://amzn.to/2viMaCJ">N95 / P95</a> ones.<br />
<br />
As an uber-geeky professional triathlete who has had respiratory issues since he was a young kid I find it bit a baffling. While every news outlet is talking about <a href="https://amzn.to/2viMaCJ">N95 masks</a> and their lack of availability, they are neglecting to mention that N95 masks, when properly fitted, <b>only capture 95% of the particles down to a size of 0.3 microns</b>. Which means that 5% of the particles are let thru.<br />
<br />
What these news organizations also fail to mention is that <b><a href="https://amzn.to/2vtyEfv">N100 masks</a> are a much better solution in the first place</b>.<b> <a href="https://amzn.to/2vtyEfv">N100 masks</a></b>, when there isn't mass hysteria clearing out all inventory, are <b>only ~10% more expensive than N95 masks and yet they filter out 99.97% of all particles down to a size of 0.3 microns</b>. Why on earth anyone would buy a N95 mask when you could buy a <a href="https://amzn.to/2vtyEfv">N100 mask</a> is beyond me.The <b>difference between 5% and .03% is huge</b>.<br />
<br />
When I first heard about a shortage of masks a month ago I was curious so I went online to try to find some masks, and sure enough, N95 masks were sold out. However I have been using a P100 mask for many years and that I replace about twice a year. I was delighted to find out that my <a href="https://amzn.to/2vtyEfv">3M P100 Respiratory Mask</a> was still in-stock and I got it shipped free from Amazon in a few days time.<br />
<br />
For those that are curious I get masks designated with "P" and not an "N". A P100 mask is essentially another step up and filters what an N100 masks filters + oil-based particulates.<br />
<br />
I bought one mask and only one as not to be greedy and leave plenty for other people. It is a mask I use on a regular basis while doing yard work, home improvement projects, painting and even regular cleaning and vacuuming. An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure and you only have one set of lungs. Unfortunately you probably aren't going to be able to find P100/N100 masks either at this point, but <a href="https://amzn.to/2TdKvrh">here is a link to the listing</a> of my favorite respirator mask.<br />
<span id="goog_1966716816"></span><br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><a href="https://www.blogger.com/goog_1966716815"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="1320" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9fAISvYkdHyZAu3g6QXpRMrtXtmK2FqenZGv-MbQSl1ePXG50PpkWwf8Tl1U15B1-VTsAXNEchcFYJQ24kddEB85KU-NJdugFAONnsE_TLkT3AmcO64hbOW082EV8NHQ87yee8XwPBw_3/s320/71LTqRA16HL._SL1500_.jpg" width="281" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.blogger.com/">Take this opportunity to change out your HVAC Filter<br />3M Filtrete 2800 are some of the best filters<br />for BASIC HVAC systems.</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span id="goog_1966716817"></span><b>Important, </b>also know that you have to have a good seal in order to make it truly effective. There are simple tests you can do with 3M respirator masks to make sure that seal is tight and that it is fitted properly to your face. Read the directions that come with your mask or search for Youtube videos. Yes masks are ineffective if worn incorrectly. The linked respirator masks are great at creating a tight seal and offer highly adjustable tension on your face. The disposable masks you buy at the store typically don't have a great seal in the first place and are meant to be disposable.<br />
<br />
I am sure in the coming days or hours you will read another article and it will mention N95 masks. Why these are of discussion is beyond me. N100 / P100 masks are really what people should be buying anyway. Share this and help others make a more informed buying decision for their health. You could save someone's life!<br />
<br />
Lastly use this opportunity to purchase a new home air filter for your HVAC systems as well. Indoor air is some of the dirtiest air most people breathe. While some top HVAC systems today use even higher quality HEPA filters. The best filter you can buy for most HVAC systems is going to be the<a href="https://amzn.to/2vtyEfv"> 3m Filtrete 2800 filter</a>. Just make sure you buy the right size. You can pull out your current HVAC filter to get the size info you need. They are only a few dollars more expensive than less expensive filters. How can you put a price on your lungs buy one today!!!<br />
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<b>Relevant Discussed Links</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
- <a href="https://amzn.to/2vtyEfv">3M Filtrete 2800 Air Filters on Amazon</a><br />
-<a href="https://amzn.to/2I9kV07"> 3M P100 Respiratory Masks on Amazon</a><br />
- <a href="https://amzn.to/2viMaCJ">N95 Respirator Masks on Amazon</a></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2585977526609462673.post-35621717270379098792019-12-23T21:14:00.005-08:002022-03-20T09:37:24.582-07:00Clermont Florida Triathlon Training - Guide To Swim, Bike, Run - Cycling Orlando, FL<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Strava Heatmap of Clermont FL<br />
Swim, Bike, Run</td></tr>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Clermont Florida</span></b> is a popular destination for active endurance athletes who like to participate in triathlon or swim, bike, and run. It is just 25 minutes from downtown Orlando and the Orlando International Airport (MCO). It is a popular training destination and camp for many professional athletes including track & field, rowing, wakeboarding, water skiing, golfing, fishing, motocross, and triathlon. Clermont isn't your typical pancake flat Florida and is quite rolling and it makes for some great riding. Beautiful spring-fed lakes make for great open-water swimming and the famous Clay Trail makes for great running.<br />
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Numerous athletes have made their homes in Clermont including track and field Olympians Tyson Gay and Justin Gatlin. Gwen Jorgensen, winner of the 2016 Rio Olympics Triathlon gold medal was a frequent visitor to Clermont along with permanent triathlon residents Sarah Haskins, Alicia Kaye, and Jarrod Shoemaker. Many other world champions including Richard Murray, Andreas and Michael Raelert, Mario Mola, and Katie Zaferes have all made Clermont a frequent training place. Many amateur triathlon teams and camps have also trained in Clermont including QT2, Base, and AJ Baucco Coaching.<br />
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This guide is primarily focused on those that are coming to Clermont for triathlon but is also applicable to anyone just swimming, biking, or running. If you have something to add or notice something that has changed then please leave a comment below.<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Swimming Resources & Pools </b></span><br />
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<b>Swim - NTC Pool</b><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgO50QHVEGMgsG6vW7vPxTFau2ZtYsLXLziWQqrz2HxO4HOVMQfgOXOfZTlY928K47J7nnC1NwbBd9gcL6OzJkMWtLDZ63R1BCXXayCRBtUEa6lczg6ITrx_QelD-mbJPBUlJpRXb_In9ia/s1600/NATIONAL-TRAINING-CENTER-POOL-1024x683.jpg" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="683" data-original-width="1024" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgO50QHVEGMgsG6vW7vPxTFau2ZtYsLXLziWQqrz2HxO4HOVMQfgOXOfZTlY928K47J7nnC1NwbBd9gcL6OzJkMWtLDZ63R1BCXXayCRBtUEa6lczg6ITrx_QelD-mbJPBUlJpRXb_In9ia/s200/NATIONAL-TRAINING-CENTER-POOL-1024x683.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">NTC Swimming Pool<br />
Long-Course Configuration (50M)</td></tr>
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Clermont is home to the <a href="https://www.usantc.com/">National Training Center</a> (NTC) which features an oversized outdoor Olympic Pool (50m). The pool is typically heated in the winter to 80-81 degrees and features the automated Thor-Guard Lightning Detection system in the summer to handle objective pool closures and reopenings. The NTC has a day pass at the cost of $15. Cheaper options may be available for longer stays.<br />
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The pool has great hours on weekdays and is open to 8pm. On weekends the pool is only open to 4pm. There is always a lane available except for rare regional swim meets. The pool switches between long-course (50M) and short-course (25Y) depending on the day and time of year. Long-course has typically been Thursday - Sunday during the past few years and primarily only in the winter.<br />
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<b>Swim - Open-Water - Lake Minneola</b><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEmQ8ZA7LJlBMe4KnmwoFPsci0JxTtMHCZgTwOdNwlMUXFF52WDoHdaDsWfstRF5mTiWiF7Reh-ceN7Ovp8LbN6aNzQazp2qP_Ctm8lbAKfaEHHwAriqkk9maalQ-57VoSUuhnb-UUUr9M/s1600/Lake+Minneola+Clermont+FL+Open+Water+Swimming.jpg" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="864" data-original-width="1080" height="159" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEmQ8ZA7LJlBMe4KnmwoFPsci0JxTtMHCZgTwOdNwlMUXFF52WDoHdaDsWfstRF5mTiWiF7Reh-ceN7Ovp8LbN6aNzQazp2qP_Ctm8lbAKfaEHHwAriqkk9maalQ-57VoSUuhnb-UUUr9M/s200/Lake+Minneola+Clermont+FL+Open+Water+Swimming.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Waterfront Park <br />
Open Water Swimming</td></tr>
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Clermont is home to super clean and beautiful spring-fed lakes. While many triathlons have taken place at Lake Louisa State Park, people generally prefer (myself included) to swim at Lake Minneola in Downtown Clermont. Specifically, people swim at Waterfront Park. There is a set of 11 poles that is roughly 200 meters long. The poles are an equal distance apart and allow for athletes to structure workouts in open water. Alternatively, you can just swim around the poles for a continuous swim. The water depth at the poles is generally 5-6 feet deep. The water is very clear for a Florida lake but has a strong orange tint to it.<br />
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Water temps in the winter can vary widely but usually range from 60-75 degrees. Water can get colder for a brief period in January but is usually fairly mild otherwise. In the late spring, summer, and fall, the water temp is between 78-88 degrees but the lake can get considerably hotter with no rain and plenty of sun.<br />
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You will find lots of kids and families swimming in early spring thru late fall. While the lake is not free of alligators, generally the city will remove any alligator once it reaches a certain size. With that being said, please swim at your own risk. Pros have generally worn wetsuits in Dec, Jan, and Feb. <a href="https://www.strava.com/activities/944959390">Here is a strava file of mine</a>.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvnq9gwz3hmwge7uzoeAZVaLJG8F7EQRWJk6lkuELW6jZb94hHNBs1b-SY6PuLZ2apuaoJ_v8YhXd4vohZbH4X6m5g7PfEdqdSDwg8YsU4QKRS3nuM0SjKAHL0Cn-IEGhGD4l6hOoZIkfH/s1600/Lake+Minneola+Open+Water+Swimming.png" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1089" data-original-width="1561" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvnq9gwz3hmwge7uzoeAZVaLJG8F7EQRWJk6lkuELW6jZb94hHNBs1b-SY6PuLZ2apuaoJ_v8YhXd4vohZbH4X6m5g7PfEdqdSDwg8YsU4QKRS3nuM0SjKAHL0Cn-IEGhGD4l6hOoZIkfH/s320/Lake+Minneola+Open+Water+Swimming.png" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Open Water Swimming @<br />
Waterfront Park, Clermont FL</td></tr>
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<b>Swim - Open Water - Lucky's Lake Swim</b><br />
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<a href="https://luckyslakeswim.com/">Lucky's Lake swim</a> is another popular option that has a daily swim that is attended by many people of many levels. A waiver is required to be signed but it is free to all. The swim is 1k and takes place in the morning.<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Running Resources </b></span><br />
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<b>Waterfront Park - Downtown Clermont - </b><b>330 3rd St, Clermont</b><br />
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The lakefront path stretches 5 miles west of downtown Clermont and you can run 14 miles east to Winter garden. Many athletes, do brick workouts and park at Waterfront Park. There are 4 sets of water and toilets in and around the Clermont section of the trail but outside of Clermont you are on your own. <a href="https://www.strava.com/activities/572231877">Here is a strava file of mine.</a><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_n3j7zu6oR5tpf7JBFQht_8HwFRvrcEybrwlLeOuJwm0JMMK-l2xVMhHIgg7l6o5Z9aufP8LDjHGA-RVVmkF7DvNo66dWqbbNpYrcVgnKTZsCETyF66BaGDS7eI5NobwkJhIjjVW37Lmw/s1600/AJ+Baucco+Clermont+Waterfront+Park.png" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1504" data-original-width="1551" height="310" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_n3j7zu6oR5tpf7JBFQht_8HwFRvrcEybrwlLeOuJwm0JMMK-l2xVMhHIgg7l6o5Z9aufP8LDjHGA-RVVmkF7DvNo66dWqbbNpYrcVgnKTZsCETyF66BaGDS7eI5NobwkJhIjjVW37Lmw/s320/AJ+Baucco+Clermont+Waterfront+Park.png" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Waterfront Park Run</td></tr>
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<b>Clay Trail Loop - 5 min south of Clermont - Intersection of 5 Mile Rd & N Bradshaw Rd</b><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWEI-GE98svoSTKHti4F72dF8xjoPV2ApdunXQ3oavXxkWFV6LvkVAkuo9R4K1SXxmwq5A501OJlgdk5qvN-uXD66bDRJYycYgSpgAAAK056-k0GlD9kf6l3V_WWwaKQMSB1Edq0VHSkVC/s1600/nl-clay-group.jpg" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="587" data-original-width="800" height="146" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWEI-GE98svoSTKHti4F72dF8xjoPV2ApdunXQ3oavXxkWFV6LvkVAkuo9R4K1SXxmwq5A501OJlgdk5qvN-uXD66bDRJYycYgSpgAAAK056-k0GlD9kf6l3V_WWwaKQMSB1Edq0VHSkVC/s200/nl-clay-group.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Runners at the Clermont Clay</td></tr>
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The famous Clay Trail is one of Clermont's best assets featuring a 9.3 mile loop on soft clay roads that were once all orange groves. The course is very rolling and challenging and can be a few degrees hotter than you expect on a sunny day.<br />
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The clay trail is frequented by many runners on Saturday and Sunday mornings if you are looking for company. Parking at the Clay trail is free but please be considerate of the land. There are no porta-potties or water.<br />
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The trail is easy to follow. Going in a clockwise direction (keep taking right turns) it is impossible to get lost. The loop is 9.3 miles in total but there is more soft clay out there if you want to explore and extend the run. <a href="https://www.strava.com/activities/1414910355">Here is a strava file of mine</a>.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjS7V7-6ZXWJ19G8x8G3NNuO89LBMGwMLvM7lMjA5h9F3oNmNG209d9UZ9saL8uip5P9cEWdZc0z0tFytS3aYfyNPwnYJatmivVmbAkRp6B_MlqvN8RwitmBs98mUxt9iYNx5-JVzP_U4Y5/s1600/Clay+Trail+Run+Loop.png" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1219" data-original-width="1572" height="248" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjS7V7-6ZXWJ19G8x8G3NNuO89LBMGwMLvM7lMjA5h9F3oNmNG209d9UZ9saL8uip5P9cEWdZc0z0tFytS3aYfyNPwnYJatmivVmbAkRp6B_MlqvN8RwitmBs98mUxt9iYNx5-JVzP_U4Y5/s320/Clay+Trail+Run+Loop.png" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Clay Trail Run Loop</td></tr>
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<b>Lake Louisa State Park - 5 min south of Clermont - 7305 US-27, Clermont</b><br />
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<a href="https://www.floridastateparks.org/parks-and-trails/lake-louisa-state-park">Lake Louisa State Park</a> offers a quiet peaceful place to run, either on the road or thru the trails. Open 8am to sundown, 365 days a year. $5 to enter whether on bike or by car. <a href="https://www.strava.com/activities/485886530">Here is a strava file from a runner.</a><br />
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<b>Green Mountain Scenic Overlook Trail - 15 minutes northeast of Clermont - 20700 County Road 455, Minneola</b><br />
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Green Mountain Overlook Trail is another soft-surface trail that is a popular spot for athletes in the area. Often times it is where people do their long runs. Expect to see Florida wildlife on this run. There is parking and facilities at the trailhead. <a href="https://www.strava.com/activities/548857456/overview">Here is a strava file from a runner.</a><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgc1zp2meug_mj8rWqLdKgLSbFDEQn5_hscCga5bKS_s6UFH5POi_a4CiHef3kn9jRQTd8ZXm1loXeCAVNturEtLn_xkIc1K-49oguiqwDTSvumLLP1rdMPe0zUre6MVU8oB72gJvvr4KGR/s1600/Green+Mountain+Overlook+Trail+-+Kirsty+Jahn+Run+Profile.png" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1085" data-original-width="1555" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgc1zp2meug_mj8rWqLdKgLSbFDEQn5_hscCga5bKS_s6UFH5POi_a4CiHef3kn9jRQTd8ZXm1loXeCAVNturEtLn_xkIc1K-49oguiqwDTSvumLLP1rdMPe0zUre6MVU8oB72gJvvr4KGR/s320/Green+Mountain+Overlook+Trail+-+Kirsty+Jahn+Run+Profile.png" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Green Mountain Trail</td></tr>
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<b>Clermont Park Run @ Lake Hiawatha Park - Downtown Clermont - 450 12th St, Clermont</b><br />
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<a href="https://www.parkrun.us/clermontwaterfront/">Clermont Park Run</a> is a weekly free 5k that is done every Saturday morning at 7:30am. You must register prior and complete a waiver and bring your barcode in order to race. Registration is handled online only. The course starts and finishes at <a href="https://www.parkrun.us/clermontwaterfront/">Lake Hiawatha Preserve,</a> 450 N. Lake Minneola Shores, Clermont, FL 34711.<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Cycling Resources</b></span><br />
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<b>Bike - Ferndale - Montverde Loop </b><br />
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The Ferndale loop is a popular loop for people all around the state to come ride. It is very rolling and is 12.5 miles around. In the dab smack middle is Sugar Loaf Mountain.<br />
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An easy way to access the Ferndale route is Waterfront Park. Take the trail east until you get to your first stop and go light (Hancock Road). The trail splits and goes in two different directions. Take a left on Hancock will take you north to the Ferndale loop. Take Hancock till it ends out in the country and take another left. You will now be on the Ferndale loop going in a clockwise motion. <a href="https://www.strava.com/activities/499903645">Here is a strava file with a Ferndale loop in it</a>. Alternatively, you can also ride and do all other rides from the NTC.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_k-0CdooiLecuRY-2ktRh9E1sn0jMVIs3CnryyCiVz_Ri5F-tGpEgtXVxBIHKhDW4l9xahnAMzPaD8yzgyps54vigAYPvlotM4t1yIqeFhK2BLPyBHLw8-cGHMbfROCzOLH59YFKL07HU/s1600/Clermont+Florida+Cycling+Biking+Ferndale+Loop.png" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1244" data-original-width="1571" height="253" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_k-0CdooiLecuRY-2ktRh9E1sn0jMVIs3CnryyCiVz_Ri5F-tGpEgtXVxBIHKhDW4l9xahnAMzPaD8yzgyps54vigAYPvlotM4t1yIqeFhK2BLPyBHLw8-cGHMbfROCzOLH59YFKL07HU/s320/Clermont+Florida+Cycling+Biking+Ferndale+Loop.png" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ferndale Loop</td></tr>
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<b>Bike - Centerhill </b><br />
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Centerhill is an easy add-on to the Ferndale loop ride and adds another 33 miles or so. You have a short ride on a busy SR-19 before turning on to a remote and rolling Dewey Robbins road. Then you have 1 mile stretch on US-27 before getting back on a nice quiet road and rolling into Centerhill where the is a Dollar General to refuel. A lot of people will ride intervals and park at the corner of Dewey Robbins and SR-19. There is also a church a few blocks away on SR-19. <a href="https://www.strava.com/activities/1189446635">Here is a truncated strava file of mine</a>.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaW357ebUt7lv9yBBY3vFFMfeMp_TsaNcv6wixWqJaueKR_0UNJVEFrUw7foNYD8I7fsy83-Oei3M6G0sze6MtF4v5B3K32knYyv6Obh1E7-2_0RS8N7-ujb1i1x4jTQ8g6ygpK91O8e42/s1600/Centerhill+Biking+Route+Clermont+Florida+Cycling.png" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1155" data-original-width="1567" height="235" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaW357ebUt7lv9yBBY3vFFMfeMp_TsaNcv6wixWqJaueKR_0UNJVEFrUw7foNYD8I7fsy83-Oei3M6G0sze6MtF4v5B3K32knYyv6Obh1E7-2_0RS8N7-ujb1i1x4jTQ8g6ygpK91O8e42/s320/Centerhill+Biking+Route+Clermont+Florida+Cycling.png" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Centerhill Ride</td></tr>
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<b>Bike - Van Fleet Trail - 72 miles round trip</b><br />
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The Van Fleet is a multi-use path that goes thru the heart of the green swamp and is pancake flat. You are likely to see plenty of wildlife on this ride including alligators, snakes, and many turtles. There is easy access to the start of the Van Fleet just 12 miles west of Clermont and right off Highway 50. The trail is heavily shaded in many parts and makes a great place to beat the summer heat.<br />
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There are bathrooms, water and parking at the trailhead start. Heading south, it is about 10 miles to the next bathroom and benches but there is no water there. It is another 10 miles south to the next bathroom, benches, and water. Then it is further 14 miles to the end where there is a bathroom, benches, and water. There is also a couple of convenience stores just another 1/2 mile away if you need something additional.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0WLN4sbooBs8WpLrxDeXPEa3fPfHfsGhRF1iwCgz4vBeycQUA430Wfo6_JTX2K35amybXU_dEC6IR4Xv1Im1gWhGWIVtuqH3hrsZGqU0rF0UzGlW_hPsBS3vDt2zrdsg-10llrndZ4tY8/s1600/Van+Fleet+Trailhead+Cycling+Biking.png" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1507" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0WLN4sbooBs8WpLrxDeXPEa3fPfHfsGhRF1iwCgz4vBeycQUA430Wfo6_JTX2K35amybXU_dEC6IR4Xv1Im1gWhGWIVtuqH3hrsZGqU0rF0UzGlW_hPsBS3vDt2zrdsg-10llrndZ4tY8/s320/Van+Fleet+Trailhead+Cycling+Biking.png" width="301" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Van Fleet Trail</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<b>Bike - Winter Garden Coffee Ride</b><br />
<br />
Park at Waterfront Park in downtown Clermont and ride to Winter Garden to enjoy some coffee at Axum Coffee. You can take a multi-use path trail the entire way. Route is about 26 miles. This ride does have quite a few stop signs but makes for a great recovery ride.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNprzITNO_HIu8rUgaFNkLpIwx-lPect-BfRIyYzMjYhMFr5X-z3LrAgtEOKCYPJFwNAoq0K3TBO0yykmRfMZlwOHzAsbPcgaXZH-ThYbihhyphenhyphenr1bZ9SYc_UEh-NdusPJgaCACys3v7XHP-/s1600/Clermont+Winter+Garden+Coffee+Bike+Ride+Cycling.png" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1138" data-original-width="1594" height="228" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNprzITNO_HIu8rUgaFNkLpIwx-lPect-BfRIyYzMjYhMFr5X-z3LrAgtEOKCYPJFwNAoq0K3TBO0yykmRfMZlwOHzAsbPcgaXZH-ThYbihhyphenhyphenr1bZ9SYc_UEh-NdusPJgaCACys3v7XHP-/s320/Clermont+Winter+Garden+Coffee+Bike+Ride+Cycling.png" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> Clermont - Winter Garden Coffee Ride</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<b>Bike - Sugarloaf Mountain</b><br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxts__J-WJy3nSZEbwSVTAuCi_QKltT5QfnNK2jy7BfHIYYk3Gm5-oMXByUCav-IR6NZwvYJHym6sVHV26gFPy7OTQOYdgu__rm0f9jvMKSj1I0CNCYxsNyPz6W9jr4dU8fCs3j6G89VjY/s1600/Sugar+Loaf+Mountain+Clermont+FL+Cycling+Biking.jpg" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="652" data-original-width="474" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxts__J-WJy3nSZEbwSVTAuCi_QKltT5QfnNK2jy7BfHIYYk3Gm5-oMXByUCav-IR6NZwvYJHym6sVHV26gFPy7OTQOYdgu__rm0f9jvMKSj1I0CNCYxsNyPz6W9jr4dU8fCs3j6G89VjY/s320/Sugar+Loaf+Mountain+Clermont+FL+Cycling+Biking.jpg" width="232" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Riders ride up Sugarloaf mountain</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Sugarloaf is the highest point in Florida and the closest thing we have to a mountain. A lot of athletes will do intervals out there. Like many Clermont rides, you can park at Waterfront park or the NTC and take the trail system out to the country or use the bike lanes too. People also park out at Sugarloaf but please be considerate of those who live out there. There is a family at the top of the hill that provides water to athletes via a small water station.<br />
<br />
The <a href="https://www.strava.com/activities/1427233087">following ride file is from some intervals</a> I did with the Base camp at Sugarloaf and leaving from the backside parking lot at the NTC.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7L1eTTEi25pzgY-KZu7447UCuz_2PcGhnY-n87fdkucvWBPqnCqZhrYgN845Wn67YcAbU6TYi945tkrK19J-gWTsjIDaqNPMuPX8Feafu6yCv0RD26WYo-NvNbvYC7ySTZ_Sf87fnhsbQ/s1600/Sugar+Loaf+Ride+From+NTC+Pool.png" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1380" data-original-width="1600" height="275" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7L1eTTEi25pzgY-KZu7447UCuz_2PcGhnY-n87fdkucvWBPqnCqZhrYgN845Wn67YcAbU6TYi945tkrK19J-gWTsjIDaqNPMuPX8Feafu6yCv0RD26WYo-NvNbvYC7ySTZ_Sf87fnhsbQ/s320/Sugar+Loaf+Ride+From+NTC+Pool.png" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Riding out to Sugarloaf<br />
from the NTC</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<b>Bike - Lake Louisa State Park</b><br />
<br />
Many people will bike at Lake Louisa state park. The cost is $5 to enter and there are a lot of other activities you can do as well. The park itself is quiet and the roads are in great shape. You will be limited to loops of about 10 miles.<br />
<br />
<br />
<b><span style="font-size: large;">Events - Triathlon, Running, and Endurance Events</span></b><br />
<br />
Clermont is home to quite a few triathlons, swims, bikes, runs, aquathlons including:<br />
<br />
- Florida Ultraman<br />
- The Great Floridian<br />
- Cool Summer Mornings Triathlon Series<br />
- Girlz on Fire Triathlon<br />
- Great Clermont Triathlon<br />
- Lake Minneola Sunset Triathlon<br />
- Clermont Splash n' Dash Aquathon Series<br />
- Clermont Clay - 15k & 5K<br />
<br />
<br />
<b><span style="font-size: large;">Triathlon Camps Clermont (Jan-March)</span></b><br />
<br />
- QT2<br />
- AJ Baucco Coaching<br />
- Base<br />
<br />
<br />
<b><span style="font-size: large;">Other Resources</span></b><br />
<br />
The following are some resources that you might enjoy while in the Clermont Area<br />
<br />
<b>Pool Swim - </b><a href="https://www.usantc.com/">NTC National Training Center</a> - Clermont FL right off 50<br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>Mobile Bike Shop</b> - <a href="http://jprmobile.com/">JPR Mobile Services</a> - He comes to you<br />
<br />
<b>Bike Shop</b> - <a href="https://www.wgwheelworks.com/">Winter Garden Wheel Works</a> - Downtown Winter Garden FL<br />
<br />
<b>Bike Shop</b> <b>& Coffee Bar </b>- <a href="http://www.epiccyclesworld.com/">Epic Cycles</a> - Downtown Clermont FL<br />
<br />
<b>Triathlon Run Shop</b> - <a href="http://www.godashsports.com/locations/clermont/">Dash Sports</a> - Downtown Clermont Fl<br />
<br />
<b>Chiropractic</b> - <a href="http://clermontlifecenter.com/">Dr. Sorchy</a> (works with a majority of the athletes in town) - Clermont FL right off 50<br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>Sports Massage</b> - <a href="https://www.facebook.com/maria.arredondo.9279">Maria Arrendondo</a> - Maria gives amazing sports massages and has travelled as a staff masseuse with team Australia and many other teams. Originally from Columbia, Maria has worked on many World Champions and Olympic Gold medalists.<br /><br />
<b><br /></b></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2585977526609462673.post-63793358069617025712019-12-17T08:18:00.000-08:002019-12-17T08:26:31.849-08:00Cortisone Shot for Runners with Plantar Fasciitis Heel Pain <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6zU5_m8S525z00AHUwFVnU3d8lpx-3SQnR0ZiufOFrd-EaaXI4BWJ1LrmVN4ObQ0iHRFjubg3Dm-lB5tJlHoi7GlK_JGDVCBSD81iZ3x0x-l6w1yEsbC0Jq4DHXxuwUOI08SnIIQRUdm8/s1600/Plantar+Fasciitis+Heel+Pain.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="520" data-original-width="723" height="143" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6zU5_m8S525z00AHUwFVnU3d8lpx-3SQnR0ZiufOFrd-EaaXI4BWJ1LrmVN4ObQ0iHRFjubg3Dm-lB5tJlHoi7GlK_JGDVCBSD81iZ3x0x-l6w1yEsbC0Jq4DHXxuwUOI08SnIIQRUdm8/s200/Plantar+Fasciitis+Heel+Pain.jpg" width="200" /></a><b>Should you get a cortisone shot for plantar fasciitis heel pain?</b> The short answer for most is no. While it is true that cortisone shots can temporarily remove inflammation and pain associated with an acute injury like plantar fasciitis, the reality is the <b>often times cortisone shots do more harm than good</b>. Research has been shown that cortisone shots can actually permanently weaken the tendon leading to reinjury and even worse, complete tearing.<br />
<br />
Often times people with plantar fasciitis are desperate to fix it. In my experience it is usually runners I hear from, whose only outlet is running, and they can't stand not being able to run. The reality is that plantar fasciitis is an injury and your body produces pain and inflammation to protect itself. Masking pain is rarely a good idea because it gives us a false sense that a hurt is now healed. Getting a cortisone shot is just ignoring what your body is telling you. You need to stop doing whatever you are doing that makes it hurt and focus on letting the body heal itself<br />
<br />
A better approach would be to stop worry about getting back to running and focus on what<b> you can do</b>. Find a pool and do some swimming or jump on spin bike / peloton. Find something that doesn't aggravate it as much as running. Plantar fasciitis can be a very nasty injury, especially if you have never had an injury before. Don't be surprised if it takes 3, 6, or even 12 months to heal. I will write a separate article about how I have healed from my own plantar fasciitis but in the meantime here are few things that may help:<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><a href="https://www.blogger.com/goog_1232228248"><img border="0" data-original-height="439" data-original-width="604" height="145" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQXeyDFIGf87zgRKJzu4WoHlzuvj0xSKzR0GL3pRZAJXmVUgLBesULy5jvbrZSJmHHMW3ehrCSd1a4Iu8mzeO3bnP2aoWH1_j52FI5HqpUHE3ZW6eeK2EoV1F56AwyNTsBJbSHaZB2L443/s200/61XzPNYX2qL._AC_SL1280_.jpg" width="200" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.blogger.com/">Foot exercises designed to strengthen your feet<br />to both heal and prevent reinjury of plantar<br />picking up stones with your foot </a><br />
<a href="https://www.blogger.com/">is a great exercise regardless <br />of whether you are injured or not</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<a href="https://amzn.to/36GJtb5">Heating pad</a> - I liked to use a heating pad to heat the area. This can be done in the morning before getting out of bed when your foot is extra stiff or at night as you are winding down and watching tv, reading etc. In my experience ice is not as effective. Part of the goal of plantar is keep it relaxed, loose, and supple.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://amzn.to/2RYWicu">Buy Irregular marbles / stones</a> - the best thing you can do is start to strengthen and rehabilitate your foot. Buy a set of marbles and stones, slightly irregular is better and dump them on the floor. One by one pick them up with your feet / toes and place them into a container. I like to do this twice a day for 5 minutes.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://amzn.to/2PSKIgx">Foot Log Massage Roller</a> - the following is a foot log backed by a simple money back guarantee. Buy two, carry it with you and put one under your bed. Before ever placing your foot on the ground from either sleeping or sitting, make sure you gently roll your plantar for a few minutes to warm it up and lighty break up any scar tissue without causing significant acute stress that you would get from getting up and standing on it. A soup can works too.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://amzn.to/36Ivy45">Plantar Fascitis Boot</a> - the boot can be a great device that keeps the calf /achilles / plantar slightly stretched at night. Don't be surprised if you wake up and you removed the boot in your sleep. This can be especially important device for anyone that sleeps on their stomach and keeps their toes essentially pointed<br />
<br />
<a href="https://amzn.to/38Rva5w">Strassburg sock</a> - same idea as the boot but in slightly less bulky design<br />
<br />
<br /></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2585977526609462673.post-72589241551661689792019-12-10T21:54:00.004-08:002019-12-10T22:00:24.431-08:00Best Iron Supplement for Anemia & Low Ferritin Levels<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
The best iron supplement for low ferritin levels is going depend on each specific athlete and their nutrition views. Many smart and experienced people would say that eating a diet rich in foods, that provide good sources of iron, is the <b>best </b>way to raise your iron and ferritin levels. Some of those foods include meat while other include nuts, seeds, legumes, and vegetables.<br />
<br />
Others might say that taking a heme form of iron is the quickest and most effective way of increasing your iron and ferritin levels. Keep in mind that heme iron supplements are derived from animals. Others that don't consume animals products might suggest a non-heme form of iron.<br />
<br />
What I can say is that as a professional athlete I have had my blood tested numerous times to optimize my blood and my body for athletic performance. I use a super simple service called <a href="http://www.thomasgerlach.com/search/label/Bloodwork">Athlete Blood Test </a>to do this and <a href="http://www.thomasgerlach.com/search/label/Bloodwork">here is a link to all my blood work posts</a> where I post my actual iron test results, ferritin test results, and all my other blood biomarkers (testosterone, thyroid, you name it).<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><a href="https://amzn.to/2Ea9F1i"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="864" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgijk3c4IazS2hVjMdKgUe5uSSp-vO3y1wZHS4CI3eMOwvnAROvzUBjjm01gSzYV8x4VuQxM0qltWPbYSKI0wQJJbz-xrYOvJIXKr6d_iDr3-vQucPFjkwlUioj5e3gBS9HpokUWm2D6s9B/s200/Heme+Iron+Recommednation+Ancestral+Grassfed+Beef+Liver.jpg" width="115" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://amzn.to/2Ea9F1i">Heme IronGrass Fed Beef Liver</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
As you can see from those tests, I have been low on iron a few times and have used various supplements to increase my iron, sometimes almost too well. Too high of iron level can be just as bad or worse than too low so make sure if you take a lot of supplements to get your blood checked periodically. Regardless here are a few of my favorite iron sources that have proven to raise my own iron and ferritin levels effectively.<br />
<br />
<b>Heme Iron Supplement Recommendations</b> - animal-based supplement, typically much more expensive but offers better bioavailability and is absorbed better to potentially raise levels faster.<br />
<br />
- <a href="https://amzn.to/2sfgWul">Proferrin ES Heme Iron Polypeptide</a><br />
- <a href="https://amzn.to/38s1vQ1">Ancestral Supplements Grass Fed Beef Liver</a><br />
<br />
<b>Non-Heme Iron Supplement Recommendations</b> - basic iron supplements not derived from animals. Less expensive but typically not absorbed as well heme iron.<br />
<br />
- <a href="https://amzn.to/36ikAlI">Amazon Elements Iron</a><br />
- <a href="https://amzn.to/36lIjS7">Nature's Made Iron</a><br />
<br />
<b>Iron Rich Foods</b><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjc_kgkr8b1lxnsCrLdOy3TgeruHapoP7mMeD6Ba5lLWSqt2MbrZf4Ak8RijC9hinj9IrwymYHcSsPXDmqvMTJ1Fi7MvoEVs39pmRqCeb9qPKL-zMZB1-k3ZqIVY6LEno-jopl7vg7Fnu0j/s1600/High-Iron-Foods-Chart-Thomas-Gerlach.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="612" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjc_kgkr8b1lxnsCrLdOy3TgeruHapoP7mMeD6Ba5lLWSqt2MbrZf4Ak8RijC9hinj9IrwymYHcSsPXDmqvMTJ1Fi7MvoEVs39pmRqCeb9qPKL-zMZB1-k3ZqIVY6LEno-jopl7vg7Fnu0j/s320/High-Iron-Foods-Chart-Thomas-Gerlach.jpg" width="195" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2585977526609462673.post-10926059458812472102019-12-05T13:57:00.002-08:002020-01-09T09:50:21.960-08:00Best Swim Goggles For Triathlon Swimming<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYfi0QS5GjoIdtPQgKMHcBAhBt2xYQVSEsClp06EBOqXi_2YY8jhyhsl-Wok4PEZI1VEOyKhvYAu7zH0h79-iiA0U2bkG_qa_o7Ut_I2vxkm9sh1aWMOXT7Jd80-hqWSyLKyCo6bjFI8Xv/s1600/File+Dec+05%252C+4+48+04+PM.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYfi0QS5GjoIdtPQgKMHcBAhBt2xYQVSEsClp06EBOqXi_2YY8jhyhsl-Wok4PEZI1VEOyKhvYAu7zH0h79-iiA0U2bkG_qa_o7Ut_I2vxkm9sh1aWMOXT7Jd80-hqWSyLKyCo6bjFI8Xv/s200/File+Dec+05%252C+4+48+04+PM.jpeg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Best Swim Goggles <br />
for Triathletes</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The <b>BEST</b> swim goggles for triathletes are going to depend on the specific athlete, their specific face and the specific swim venue that they will be swimming at. One best pair of goggles that works for one athlete may not work at all for another athlete as each goggle has a specific fit.<br />
<br />
As an uber-geeky and long-time professional athlete, that was also an adult onset swimmer, I have formed some strong opinions in terms of what you want in a goggles. These opinions have been formed using 40+ different pair of goggles from many different companies including: TYR, Speedo, Roka, BlueSeventy, Aquasphere, Swedes, and many more.<br />
<br />
If you know me, you know I am a huge fan of cheap things, but cheap goggles is not one of my things. You want goggles that make swimming as enjoyable as possible. Many triathletes struggle to swim enough and bad goggles are just one more road block to more swimming.<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Universal Basic Features I Require</b></span><br />
<br />
The following are basic featureas I require for all my goggles:<br />
<br />
- Soft gaskets that won't leave deep marks around your eyes and hurt<br />
- Slim profile with good suction that won't fall off your face with the push off the wall<br />
- Durable<br />
- Won't leak<br />
- Won't fog easily<br />
- Good and easy adjustability <br />
<br />
<b><span style="font-size: large;">Lens Options</span></b><br />
<br />
Then there are some basic features of swim goggles that are situational. Not every lens is the right lens for every particular situation. Each lens has a purpose.<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><a href="https://amzn.to/2YkXMyY"><img border="0" data-original-height="1116" data-original-width="1600" height="139" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDysL8M7h0-wjdHkjV3OX9ReJzUmPz8JlLdXA8-DviEy7pQZhPHsrNkjuXD9t7OM6YxBUUcEzzQi66wa971t4u1vZerFprLPMn9SSI1RMkxVwk1wXhgPm9ZdEiFsYBRverjbSovyVz9TFn/s200/Aquaspherre+Cayenne+Swim+Goggle.jpg" width="200" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://amzn.to/2YkXMyY">Mirror Lens of the Aquasphere Cayenne</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<b>Mirrored lenses</b> - Mirrored lens swim goggles are best for swimming outside at the pool or in a race when you are swimming into the sun. However, mirrored lenses tend to be the least durable lenses and often times require frequent replacing.<br />
<br />
<b>Clear lenses</b> - Clear lens swim goggles are best for low light visibility days, early morning racing, and night swims. Everyone needs a pair of clear googles.<br />
<br />
<b>Polarized lenses</b> - Polarized lenses offer some of the benefits of mirrored lens in helping cut glare from the sun. They also allow me to see buoys more clearly and have the benefit of being more durable than mirrored lenses. You won't have to replace polarized lenses as often as mirrored.<br />
<br />
<b>Tinted lenses</b> - I prefer to have polarized or mirrored glasses over tinted, but tinted work fine too. They are more affordable and still can meet all my other basic requirements. The idea is they bring down the level of light just like sunglasses.<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Goggle Recommendations</b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span>
Here are my top goggle recommendations. Keep in mind, I am actually sponsored by BlueSeventy. <b>You can save 20% off all BlueSeventy products with discount coupon code:</b> <b style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif;"><span style="color: red;">Gerlach2020</span></b>. In my experience both personally, and talking to others, these are the goggles that work for the most amount of people and is a good place to start your goggle search. Many people with smaller faces will benefit from the small-fit version of goggles. Personally, my preference is for small fit goggles but I am definitely a tweener.<br />
<br />
<b><a href="https://amzn.to/2YkXMyY">Aquasphere Cayenne Swim Goggles</a> </b>- This is hands down my all-time favorite goggle. First the field of vision is larger than most goggles but without being overly bulky. The field of vision is specifically helpful in open water when trying to site buoys. They come in mirrored, polarized, clear, and small-fit frames. Personally the small-fit frames are the perfect size for my face and is a big part of why this is my go to goggle.<br />
<br />
<br />
<b><a href="https://amzn.to/2PfZJZw">TYR Special Ops Swim Goggles</a></b> - Great goggles that come in variety of lenses and colors. Super soft gaskets that are durable. Come in a women's fit too.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><a href="https://amzn.to/2PfZJZw"><img border="0" data-original-height="676" data-original-width="1134" height="118" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjk4WRM4FqftjotpRBE6m-khCPP-hGrmU7GH7JgYlCPOnPNxnSrCPvUJsFHpih69u1TXdyT3d_VLLS4o52T1PWS7P0rU6frPJ7ZL0j5XQsREvwWVeMKLlNTfO7V528zRzNMZQdiVFsa2n-6/s200/Tyr+Special+Ops+Swim+Goggle.png" width="200" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://amzn.to/2PfZJZw">TYR Special Ops</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<b><a href="https://amzn.to/2OU3jJW">BlueSeventy HydroVision Swim Goggles</a></b> - Comes in polarized and mirrored lenses that offer crystal clear vision. Great durability and easy adjustability. My only wish is they made this in a small fit version.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><a href="https://amzn.to/2OU3jJW"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="600" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHR06fzVsza7krTKjgT9JhG9MJCT-SKtcWVLS6KH0eXDLMPGD9k2Hk75TnDMvfFJIJIMbi0wtI6nJGdWg2zG2aMeNb5Orbs70_ROAn7afGzk4DqwD0ZLBXNHi4znszJp3nGzGcqXIux4J5/s200/BlueSeventy+Hydra+Swim+Goggle.jpg" width="200" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://amzn.to/2OU3jJW">BlueSeventy Hydra Vision</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Summary</b></span><br />
<br />
Anyone that definitively says their goggle is the best is full of it. There is no one goggle that is best for everyone. Spend some time and money trying out different goggles and find what fits your face best. The best fitting goggle will often be the best goggle for you. Here are links to the following goggles that I recommend.<br />
<br />
- <a href="https://amzn.to/2OU3jJW">BlueSeventy Hydra - Clear</a><br />
- <a href="https://amzn.to/2OU3jJW">BlueSeventy Hydra - Smoke Tint</a><br />
- <a href="https://amzn.to/2OU3jJW">BlueSeventy Hydra - Mirrored</a><br />
- <a href="https://amzn.to/2OU3jJW">BlueSeventy Hydra - Polarized </a><br />
<br />
- <a href="https://amzn.to/2PfZJZw">TYR Special Ops - Polarized</a><br />
- <a href="https://amzn.to/2DQr92O">TYR Special Ops - Clear Transition</a><br />
- <a href="https://amzn.to/2RnVcXz">TYR Special Ops - Women's Fit Clear</a><br />
- <a href="https://amzn.to/2RmnDFd">TYR Special Ops - Women's Fit Polarized</a><br />
<br />
- <a href="https://amzn.to/2YkXMyY">Aquasphere Kayenne - Clear</a><br />
- <a href="https://amzn.to/2YkXMyY">Aquasphere Kayenne - Polarized</a><br />
- <a href="https://amzn.to/2YkXMyY">Aquasphere Kayenne - Mirrored</a><br />
- <a href="https://amzn.to/2YkXMyY">Aquasphere Kayenne - Smoke Tint</a><br />
<br />
- <a href="https://amzn.to/2qumD7a">Aquasphere Kayenne Small Fit - Clear</a><br />
- <a href="https://amzn.to/2qumD7a">Aquasphere Kayenne Small Fit - Polarized</a><br />
- <a href="https://amzn.to/2qumD7a">Aquasphere Kayenne Small Fit - Mirrored</a><br />
- <a href="https://amzn.to/2qumD7a">Aquasphere Kayenne Small Fit - Smoke Tint</a><br />
<br />
<br />
<br /></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2585977526609462673.post-23066380526307192212019-10-27T08:39:00.000-07:002019-10-27T09:10:13.063-07:0020% OFF at Competitive Cyclist Coupon Code - Discount Sale.<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2585977526609462673.post-54141764430017082812019-08-27T21:08:00.000-07:002021-01-07T09:49:22.361-08:00Apple Airpods Pro Coupon Code Discount Deal <p>The <b>best way</b> to save money and get the <b>best deal</b> on <a href="https://amzn.to/32zA1FU">Apple Airpods Pro</a> without scouring the Internet for a discount coupon code is simply to take advantage of Amazon Warehouse Returns. Like-new open-box Amazon returns of <b><a href="https://amzn.to/32zA1FU">Apple Airpods Pros are $208.99</a>,</b> which is over a <b>20% savings</b> based of the normal retail price. If <b>Amazon Warehouse Returns</b> does not have any in-stock then check back at a later date.</p><p><br /><br /></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://amzn.to/32zA1FU" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Save up to 20% on Airpods at Amazon" border="0" data-original-height="1746" data-original-width="1665" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgw5OVmspTKf9wVoiQMJIyfGC3j3vH15FsSd6QVFZ2tp1Cnyb9ybp02BgIT94hj6Y4GYPvhmwGq3gGFThRLMjSZJOES_y5lQTAekHC5oNycYLz8BmRDYlZIAjuxMnAmGfS6lBxKXD50BF__/w381-h400/Apple+Airpods+Pro+Discount+Code.png" title="Save up to 20% on Airpods at Amazon" width="381" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://amzn.to/32zA1FU">Save up to 20% on Airpods at Amazon</a></td></tr></tbody></table>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2585977526609462673.post-63563190952250066052019-07-06T19:34:00.001-07:002019-12-03T20:56:43.337-08:00Normatec Pulse 2.0 Review - Detailed Recovery Compression Boots <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiOxF0sdmNPfX7h90zzsixBUT3uS-tPR4rnRsBHZpw6VfOO7bGhYi0WFfDydKePNMLSvakYbcwggvWwpyVWwRKuquIEOnOijR2yzlMlqyCU2WvOD-RNpPPGQW_g3GJT1qi6c0ye-cRENDI/s1600/2019-07-06+21.44.30.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiOxF0sdmNPfX7h90zzsixBUT3uS-tPR4rnRsBHZpw6VfOO7bGhYi0WFfDydKePNMLSvakYbcwggvWwpyVWwRKuquIEOnOijR2yzlMlqyCU2WvOD-RNpPPGQW_g3GJT1qi6c0ye-cRENDI/s320/2019-07-06+21.44.30.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
The Normatec Pulse 2.0 recovery compression boot system is here and today I'll review it and see how it stacks up against its predecessor, the Normatec Pulse.<br />
<br />
<b>The Skinny</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
I'm just going to come out and say it, I have always been a fan of the Normatec Pulse system. However, as the highest price unit on the market I am like a tough-love parent and expect nothing but the best. I am hard on it because I want to see them produce the best product they can and at the best price for consumers.<br />
<br />
To watch the Normatec MVP shrink in size and price to the Normatec Pulse has been amazing. To see it shrink in price and size again for the Pulse 2.0 is truly impressive in a day of age where many companies are pushing back and increasing prices. In addition, they have included new features like Bluetooth connectivity which some will highly value.<br />
<br />
However, the pressure has never been higher for Normatec. Rapid expansion by less expensive brands like <a href="http://www.thomasgerlach.com/2019/04/speed-hound-recovery-boots-review-vs.html">Speed Hound</a> and <a href="http://www.thomasgerlach.com/2016/08/normatec-vs-air-relax-recovery-boots.html">Air Relax</a> have now forced Normatec to get more lean and efficient. Simply put, competition is good for consumers and while I do appreciate the lower price point and smaller size, it is still hard for me to ignore less expensive brands. Ultimately access to recovery shouldn't be afforded to the super rich and Air Relax and Speed Hound make a great affordable alternative. With that being said, Normatec claims that 97% of all professional sport teams are using Normatec.<br />
<br />
As for the Normatec Pulse 2.0 system, my recommendation is on hold for now. While the Normatec Pulse 2.0 system is a very nice device with some nice features and upgrades that I will go over, I did have some problems with the legs. I am not sure if this issue is unique to me, or maybe it was the first couple of batches and it is now corrected, but my legs consistently had the zippers jamming making for late night frustrations as I tried to clear the jam.<br />
<br />
With that being said, I will update this review when I get confirmation the issue has been either fixed or was an isolated incident. I have reached out for comment but have received none. In the meantime, I highly suggest making your purchase thru <a href="https://amzn.to/2S5GjaQ">Amazon</a> if you want to purchase the Pulse 2.0 system. This way you have <b>30 full days to use the system</b> and make sure you aren't having the same zipper problems before your Amazon return window closes. In addition, you <b>save 5% if you are an <a href="https://amzn.to/2LDR7M0">Amazon Prime Visa card holder</a></b>. Normatec offers a 14-day return window (restocking fee applies) thru their own website and I did not test the generosity of their direct return process. Note, if the regular leg system is out of stock consider the <a href="https://amzn.to/2LEIIYJ">hips + legs</a>,<br />
<br />
With that being said, let's compare the two units.<br />
<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJ5cjgyPskaRtAigMDPwhiIEDdiSQbl8kZZZwSbg0uVCFf4DVE5R3kUGyAnVgqu0lyRxO2WwPiXPm64i4l0y6CqQoZ6uUObw0E07ia3yaLTE_h7e5q5NHsGAnwOMXCOGznQX5H-lMGkDq3/s1600/Normatec+Size+Comparison.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1130" data-original-width="703" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJ5cjgyPskaRtAigMDPwhiIEDdiSQbl8kZZZwSbg0uVCFf4DVE5R3kUGyAnVgqu0lyRxO2WwPiXPm64i4l0y6CqQoZ6uUObw0E07ia3yaLTE_h7e5q5NHsGAnwOMXCOGznQX5H-lMGkDq3/s320/Normatec+Size+Comparison.png" width="199" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Little Bit of an exaggeration on size between <br />
Normatec (see above)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<b>Size & Weight - The Pulse 2.0 is 27% smaller and 6oz lighter</b><br />
<br />
It is hard to argue with a device that is claimed to be 27% smaller (not verified) and 6oz lighter (I verified this) than its predecessor. Although the original Pulse can be operated with one hand, a smaller and lighter device always makes it even easier to handle and that is a nice feature.<br />
<br />
The smaller size is also nice for traveling. However, I must admit it is hard to tell from a direct photo comparison (see above) and Normatec's own illustration greatly exaggerates the size difference.<br />
<br />
<b>Price - The Pulse 2.0 is $200 less </b><br />
<b><br /></b>
<span style="font-family: "arial";"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 13.2px; white-space: pre-wrap;">While the original Pulse debuted at $1695, the price was more recently lowered to $1495. Normatec has moved the price down even further with the Pulse 2.0 all the way to $1295. In addition, you can save $65 with your 5% off <a href="https://amzn.to/2LDR7M0">Amazon Prime Visa card</a>.</span></span><br />
<br />
<br />
<b>Useability - The Pulse 2.0 has a new LCD touchscreen </b><br />
<br />
The Normatec Pulse 2.0 maintains the exact same user interface as the original Pulse except the Pulse 2.0 has smaller buttons that are inline with the smaller device size. The buttons are no longer tactile buttons but are faux tactile buttons that use a touchscreen. In addition, you can also control the device via Bluetooth and an app that is available for Android and iOS devices. The touchscreen does not provide any additional functionality and I actually preferred the larger tactile buttons of the original Pulse.<br />
<br />
<br />
<b>Battery Life</b> - <b>Battery life has decreased from about 3 hours down to 2 hours</b><br />
<br />
I put the battery under the same testing that I did for the original Pulse which consists of continuous run at pressure level 5. The Pulse 2.0 was tested with the Bluetooth on and I received 2 hours of continuous battery as opposed to ~3 hours with the original Pulse. I suspect both the Bluetooth and the LCD touchscreen consume more power and it is possible the battery is smaller too although I didn't confirm this with Normatec.<br />
<br />
<b>Connectivity</b> - <b>The Pulse 2.0 has added Bluetooth connectivity</b><br />
<br />
At first I balked at the idea of Bluetooth, but I must admit it is strangely convenient to use once setup. For younger generations that are glued to their phones while in the boots, well, it is simply natural to have the ability to control the unit with your phone.<br />
<br />
Even though the device is right next to my bed and easy to adjust I did find the phone app to be much more pleasing than expected. The phone app also has a lot of additional functionality that you don't get with the original Pulse. I'll talk more about those features below but in it is a nice upgrade to have the Bluetooth.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnk4M8ajsCVuTKsDxTVXE8YD3WpKcE0vW8jHNzs0WBxY6C44oqIMHmg3GYZP0X_OtldZL0-rYmSaQW6BAw7rSTFCVMl9ymj2xVKvMxJaGaO6Ud2vc8Vr8YzSMFapZttK2MluUYaHu7OxM0/s1600/2019-07-06+00.28.07.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="739" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnk4M8ajsCVuTKsDxTVXE8YD3WpKcE0vW8jHNzs0WBxY6C44oqIMHmg3GYZP0X_OtldZL0-rYmSaQW6BAw7rSTFCVMl9ymj2xVKvMxJaGaO6Ud2vc8Vr8YzSMFapZttK2MluUYaHu7OxM0/s320/2019-07-06+00.28.07.png" width="147" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pairing the Pulse 2.0<br />
was pretty straightforward</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<b></b><br />
<b></b>
<b>Massage Pattern - The Pulse 2.0 has one additional massage pattern</b><br />
<br />
The new Pulse 2.0 gives you the ability to use either Normatec's patented Pulse mode or Sequential. The original Pulse only has Pulse mode. Sequential mode is slightly different in that it squeezes each leg zone one by one, from bottom to top. and holds the pressures of all zones. The pressure only releases after the cycle is complete. Pulse mode inflates essentially one bag, then another, and then release that first bag, while moving on to third bag. It repeats this all the way to the top.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpKKaSXuNYAFE7q_b9qxpOZA2jCOZldO1BZdtI0Lszi6WhdyYzmKpCba6ibh-Sc9eMUUTyRPvqL7AnwpCNXSQe6AWWPFkcBpyxeFIH5LtlfpF4dIelAtlinAA_6VpwTDzHTCEDsqdYtVlA/s1600/2019-07-06+00.30.34.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="739" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpKKaSXuNYAFE7q_b9qxpOZA2jCOZldO1BZdtI0Lszi6WhdyYzmKpCba6ibh-Sc9eMUUTyRPvqL7AnwpCNXSQe6AWWPFkcBpyxeFIH5LtlfpF4dIelAtlinAA_6VpwTDzHTCEDsqdYtVlA/s320/2019-07-06+00.30.34.png" width="147" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pulse 2.0 offers two <br />
different massage patterns</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<b>Zone Control - The Pulse 2.0 allows you to deactivates zones.</b><br />
<br />
The new Pulse 2.0 allows you to disable as many <b>top</b> zones as you would like. Previously this feature was only available on the Pulse Pro. Note the operative word "<b>top</b>". For example, you couldn't have say zones 1, 2, 4, 5 operating, while skipping 3. But you could set it up to do zones (1 only) / (1, 2) / (1, 2, 3) / (1, 2, 3, 4). This is useful if you share a pair of longer boots with someone who is too short for them. Also you could use it for say an ankle injury and only focus on zone 1 and 2.<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieV1PamC2ZJq9HMOuRTaDa_PLJvbrPc0zQoIMPYueB7-FlrIkHYa_hK-AgGpJ5dF_pPknlrkt2i9mxRkDRuN9Cq2mhcH6Cz9vQJPEBPoB4le9Kd-ViMVNpf7sXN2ppYcUoI56DbFhYjUpG/s1600/Normatec+Zone+Control.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="739" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieV1PamC2ZJq9HMOuRTaDa_PLJvbrPc0zQoIMPYueB7-FlrIkHYa_hK-AgGpJ5dF_pPknlrkt2i9mxRkDRuN9Cq2mhcH6Cz9vQJPEBPoB4le9Kd-ViMVNpf7sXN2ppYcUoI56DbFhYjUpG/s320/Normatec+Zone+Control.png" width="147" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Setting the legs zones</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<b>Rest Time - The Pulse 2.0 allows control of the rest time</b></div>
<div>
<b><br /></b></div>
<div>
This isn't a super big feature in my opinion, but the Pulse 2.0 allows control of the rest time between one cycle finishing and the next cycle starting. By default it is 30 seconds but can be adjusted from 15 seconds all the way up to 90 seconds. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<b>Reporting - The Pulse 2.0 adds reporting</b></div>
<div>
<b><br /></b></div>
<div>
The Pulse 2.0 allows you to record your session activity and automatically submit it Strava or Training Peaks. Now coaches can call out athletes for not doing their recovery as prescribed. It is a small feature, but I am sure the data geeks will rejoice.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Please note, you must be connected thru Bluetooth in order for the data to be logged. This also goes for all the other software features listed above. There is no way to customize these features or get the reporting on the actual device, you must use the app.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgulCeRsZR55AOI32kSltyVZLwYMi3C7_AXfT6aS3GoguWfUzCeexYG8ogew8NYQYlqOHTJrWkNSF-kPVGeA3BDoQrwO7HA_3HOjsNqQWhA0x8AlmQxfPA4qDJzRP7yrvwKuY6zt05CwYRZ/s1600/2019-07-06+21.19.25.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="739" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgulCeRsZR55AOI32kSltyVZLwYMi3C7_AXfT6aS3GoguWfUzCeexYG8ogew8NYQYlqOHTJrWkNSF-kPVGeA3BDoQrwO7HA_3HOjsNqQWhA0x8AlmQxfPA4qDJzRP7yrvwKuY6zt05CwYRZ/s320/2019-07-06+21.19.25.png" width="147" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<b>Compatibility</b> - all the hoses and attachments are compatible with the the previous Pulse system.<br />
<br />
<b>Pressure</b> - there have been no pressure changes. The max pressure is still 100mmHg plus 10mmHg boost to 1 zone of your choosing<br />
<br />
<b>Summary</b><br />
<b><br /></b>While the Normatec Pulse 2.0 has some notable improvements including the smaller size and weight, added Bluetooth connectivity, and features that were previously only found on the much more expensive Pulse Pro, I would still like more feedback from others and Normatec regarding my boot issue. While I suspect this could have been an isolated issue with early manufacturer runs, I can't recommend a pair of boots that is constantly jamming at the zipper. The last thing I want to do after coming home from a 20 mile run is fight a zipper.<br />
<br />
However, I know that Normatec will fix this issue if it truly is an issue. I will update the review if I hear back and can confirm. In the meantime I really suggest making the purchase via <a href="https://amzn.to/2S5GjaQ">Amazon</a> so you can return it if need be. If $1300+ is too much for you, know that Speed Hound makes a really amazing system for $650 that goes to higher pressures (250mmHg vs 100mmHG) and has a super-slick user interface.<br />
<br />
<h3 style="text-align: left;">
Discussed Links</h3>
-<a href="https://amzn.to/2S5GjaQ"> Normatec Pulse 2.0 Leg System</a> - $1295 on Amazon<br />
- <a href="https://www.amazon.com/NormaTec-Recovery-Standard-Compression-Technology/dp/B07RD7L4G1/ref=as_li_ss_tl?keywords=normatec+pulse+2.0&qid=1558644306&s=gateway&sr=8-2-fkmrnull&linkCode=sl1&tag=slowamzn-20&linkId=a3de4c41324ef434758c52237a50c93d&language=en_US">Normatec Pulse 2.0 Legs + Hips</a> - $1695 on Amazon<br />
- <a href="https://amzn.to/2XzUWV2">Normatec Pulse 2.0 Legs + Hips + Arms</a> - $2295 on Amazon<br />
- <a href="https://rover.ebay.com/rover/1/711-53200-19255-0/1?ff3=4&toolid=11800&pub=5575243163&campid=5337986440&mpre=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ebay.com%2Fsch%2Fi.html%3F_from%3DR40%26_trksid%3Dp2050601.m570.l1313.TR0.TRC0.H0.XNormatec.TRS0%26_nkw%3DNormatec%26_sacat%3D0" target="_blank">Normatec on eBay - Used and New</a> (Various prices, generally $700-$1200)<br />
<br />
- <a href="http://amzn.to/2EvyuXr">Amazon Basics Zero Gravity Chairs</a> - $39.99 - perfect chairs for compression boots recovery if you are on the go or even at home on the patio.<br />
<br />
- <a href="http://www.thomasgerlach.com/2016/08/normatec-vs-air-relax-recovery-boots.html">Speed Hound vs Normatec Review</a><br />
- <a href="http://www.thomasgerlach.com/2016/08/normatec-vs-air-relax-recovery-boots.html">Air Relax vs Normatec Review</a><br />
- <a href="http://www.thomasgerlach.com/2019/06/normatec-pulse-vs-normatec-pulse-pro.html">Normatec Pulse vs Pulse Pro Review</a><br />
- <a href="http://www.thomasgerlach.com/2018/07/Normatec-Pulse-Review-2018-2019-Updated.html">Normatec Pulse vs Normatec Pulse Gen 2 Review</a> - quiet upgrade to original Pulse that was never heavily advertised and pushed by Normatec but fixed a few issues with the Pulse<br />
<br /></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2585977526609462673.post-64427427654254923262019-07-04T21:40:00.003-07:002020-03-07T06:33:26.587-08:00Theragun G3 Review vs Tim Tam Trigger Point Percussive Recovery Massager <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6f0rlXD6Em0BjYGBV-D9R2dqLVcRApSDMMeTXaTvy6GK6Q18ujU_yuFXXMSeKnkuEJooEP4L9qN58cOiLv11xjAYLmS1l6EeFtX_4mT3jKaRTWFMNXR6dEdC9BTTOfTRH-645Aq3sgGhk/s1600/Theragun+vs+Tim+Tam+Bivy+Percussion+Devices.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="1600" height="256" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6f0rlXD6Em0BjYGBV-D9R2dqLVcRApSDMMeTXaTvy6GK6Q18ujU_yuFXXMSeKnkuEJooEP4L9qN58cOiLv11xjAYLmS1l6EeFtX_4mT3jKaRTWFMNXR6dEdC9BTTOfTRH-645Aq3sgGhk/s320/Theragun+vs+Tim+Tam+Bivy+Percussion+Devices.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bivi (Tim-Tam Style) vs Theragun G3<br />
Percussive Recovery Devices </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Theragun is one of the leading percussive recovery massagers on the market, but how does it stack up against more affordable options like the Tim-Tam style of massagers? This percussive review shootout will hopefully answer that and help you make a more informed buying decision.<br />
<br />
<h3 style="text-align: left;">
<b>The Skinny</b></h3>
Recovery devices continue to be all the rage among athletes and non-athletes alike. Everyone is looking to recover faster, feel better, and the lack of time (and cost) for regular massage is being replaced by recovery compression boots, foam rollers, and percussive devices like the <a href="https://amzn.to/2Fuhss9">Theragun</a>, <a href="https://amzn.to/329hb7E">Hypervolt</a>, and <a href="https://amzn.to/2JdVWKv">Tim-Tam.</a><br />
<br />
After extensive testing I found generic Tim-Tam style massagers (I tested the Bivi) performed better in many categories than the Theragun G3 at nearly 1/3 the price. In short, the <a href="https://amzn.to/2LaEvfd">Bivi massager</a> is faster (when turned all the way up), lighter, more adjustable (1-6 speeds), comes with two 2 batteries (you will always have a fresh battery), and a head that adjusts 90 degrees so you can target every last place on your body.<br />
<br />
However, it was louder than the Theragun and the Theragun wins with being able to change tips faster. Both devices are good devices and either one should be in your recover toolbox.<br />
<br />
If you want the quieter device go with the <a href="https://amzn.to/2Fuhss9">Theragun</a>. Otherwise the <a href="https://amzn.to/2LaEvfd">Bivi</a> gets the job done.<br />
<br />
Here is how the two devices stack up in their respective categories:<br />
<br />
<br />
<h3 style="text-align: left;">
<b>Price - Advantage Bivi</b></h3>
<br />
One of the clear advantages of the generic percussive devices is they are much more affordable than more name-brand products. I purchased the <a href="https://amzn.to/2Fuhss9">Theragun G3</a> off Amazon for <b>$399</b> and with tax it came out to <b>$426</b>. The <a href="https://amzn.to/2LaEvfd">Bivi massage gun</a> was <b>$145</b> to my door.<br />
<br />
<br />
<h3 style="text-align: left;">
<b>Noise - Advantage Theragun</b></h3>
<br />
On the surface the Theragun is definitely the quieter device, but it is still loud. And keep in mind that it isn't a true apples-to-apples comparison either as the Bivi has a higher maximum speed and more speed produces more noise.<br />
<br />
Bivi does advertise the device as being loud and powerful in their description and that is partially why I went with it. I wanted a powerful device. However, at the end of the day I did some basic sound tests with a decibel meter and the results are as follows:<br />
<br />
<b>Noise test</b> - tested approximately 1 foot from the decibel meter at full speed<br />
- <span style="color: red;"><b>Theragun</b></span> 85 dB at speed 2<br />
- <b><span style="color: blue;">Bivi</span></b> 95 dB at speed 6 (87 dB at speed 1)<br />
<br />
Regardless of which device you go with, I would still recommend getting some sound protection. The following are <a href="https://amzn.to/30bXyd7">inexpensive and effective noise reduction safety ear muffs</a> that can reduce the dB level by 28dB.<br />
<br />
<br />
<h3 style="text-align: left;">
<b>Batteries - Advantage Bivi</b></h3>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgxOehbqw8yuHkFn5qRlJVZpIBFl588NqVQiA8ZrP8j-S9xJU5od3Xh0oy_ufWT7VcixyzktcnlIsCTpJh1Bfhw-CaqIRS7UR5VzjhQckoZ5gwBN2-ufjCs0w4qfGBWbbaABJU5ZeT83CY/s1600/2019-07-04+23.01.57.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgxOehbqw8yuHkFn5qRlJVZpIBFl588NqVQiA8ZrP8j-S9xJU5od3Xh0oy_ufWT7VcixyzktcnlIsCTpJh1Bfhw-CaqIRS7UR5VzjhQckoZ5gwBN2-ufjCs0w4qfGBWbbaABJU5ZeT83CY/s320/2019-07-04+23.01.57.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bivi - 2x Batteries + charger</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
The Theragun G3 has one built in battery that is not replaceable. Theragun claims that it lasts 60 minutes, but in my testing I found that it only lasted for about 50 minutes at level 2 (highest level) and that was without any resistance being applied to the unit. In addition, just like your phone, that battery is going to continue to degrade with each charge cycle until it will barely hold a charge.<br />
<br />
From a workflow perspective this makes it a little tricky because if you always charge the device after use then you are going to shorten the lifecycle, but you also don't want to pick up a dead Theragun or one the dies half way into your recovery session either. Their Pro model does include replaceable batteries but it is $200 more.<br />
<br />
Bivi comes with two batteries and a separate charger unit. In my tests it lasted for 56 minutes on level 6 (highest level) but again without any resistance being applied.<br />
<br />
From a workflow perspective you can easily forget about charging after each session knowing you have a fresh battery always ready to go. This will effectively lengthen the life of the batteries.<br />
<br />
<br />
<h3 style="text-align: left;">
Ease of use - Advantage Bivi</h3>
<br />
The Bivi massager features a <b>pivoting head</b> that allows you to adjust the head to better target certain areas of of your body with maximum leverage. The Theragun G3 <b>only</b> has a <b>fixed head position</b>. In addition the Bivi goes to much higher speeds which I really enjoy. From an ease of use perspective I found the Bivi head moved more smoothly across my skin than Theragun G3. It was a subtle difference but nonetheless positive.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6ju2Idqe5Gmii1zpUhpANgypPHza_TkridEUtMyUMskbVx5rQtXJkS_qdMoHrjjwOXBKd6GUNla-HDIRJVGfJNVChJP_a9oAqW6r931BFTtAMNxHCumDaQdCIA4S1yyvDiwL5Iqj2LI_D/s1600/2019-07-04+23.06.38.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6ju2Idqe5Gmii1zpUhpANgypPHza_TkridEUtMyUMskbVx5rQtXJkS_qdMoHrjjwOXBKd6GUNla-HDIRJVGfJNVChJP_a9oAqW6r931BFTtAMNxHCumDaQdCIA4S1yyvDiwL5Iqj2LI_D/s320/2019-07-04+23.06.38.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bivi - 3 different head positions</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<h3 style="text-align: left;">
<b>Tip Heads - Theragun</b></h3>
<br />
The Bivi has a standard threaded tip design with screw on tips. It comes with 3 different tips with 1 additional standard tip for a total of 4. Specifically they include two different round balls and a triangle tip for more specific and aggressive targeting.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGeu0bXDqpa-7vLIKAIs3OxQCyNMYI7oARW7C2lp7X-TX4Q_tUTyJkPsc_2gxeP_kFth5vfQxCURfXQ5bk_vQfGlTF0DY02fYMFP4EEvn4H0jKmS-F9mUlrkQSXEwR1NfHhk2DITOwUsuV/s1600/Bivi+Tips.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1548" data-original-width="1600" height="309" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGeu0bXDqpa-7vLIKAIs3OxQCyNMYI7oARW7C2lp7X-TX4Q_tUTyJkPsc_2gxeP_kFth5vfQxCURfXQ5bk_vQfGlTF0DY02fYMFP4EEvn4H0jKmS-F9mUlrkQSXEwR1NfHhk2DITOwUsuV/s320/Bivi+Tips.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The 4 included Bivi Tips</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<br />
The Theragun G3 comes with a pop-and-lock sort of design and 4 different tips.<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkjagKo6upfPva1z8oWirRapuzOFZcfIrz4-NF2oYqjz35QN3Jmfgc7yU1rZx8ruUZ1Mwek8gWcyTY8PNh93CYh4LaPu5IrP94jQJzhScOUFobyYXPp1LuFh8Uw67cBPOJaqCfzbdjUgQc/s1600/Theragun+Tips.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="1600" height="299" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkjagKo6upfPva1z8oWirRapuzOFZcfIrz4-NF2oYqjz35QN3Jmfgc7yU1rZx8ruUZ1Mwek8gWcyTY8PNh93CYh4LaPu5IrP94jQJzhScOUFobyYXPp1LuFh8Uw67cBPOJaqCfzbdjUgQc/s320/Theragun+Tips.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The 4 included Theragun Tips</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
In my experience I prefer the pop-and-lock sort of design as it is a few seconds quicker to change tips than unscrewing and screwing on another tip.<br />
<br />
I could see the Theragun tips breaking as there is a specific track which allows the tip to come on and off quickly but remain secure while in use. Those tracks are made of plastic. However, the Bivi threaded design also could lead to some occasional loosing during use which requires a quick re-tightening as well.<br />
<br />
<h3 style="text-align: left;">
<b><br />Durability / Warranty - Advantage Bivi</b></h3>
<br />
I experienced no durability concerns after six weeks of solid testing with an estimated 30 hours into the units. I do have to occasionally screw back on a tip with the Bivi but given the massive vibration I am not shocked by that. Given the non-replaceable battery we know the Theragun is going to die, or at least become functionally unusable at some point down the road. How long it takes will depend on your usage, number of charge cycles, etc. When the batteries dies on the Bivi you can buy new ones or just buy a whole new unit for a fraction of Theragun's price. Regardless both companies have 1-year warranties on their products.<br />
<br />
<br />
<h3 style="text-align: left;">
<b>Weight - Advantage Bivi</b></h3>
<br />
Both devices are reasonably heavy and it may not be an issue for some, but holding a vibrating weight for 15-20 minutes could make the lighter Bivi a more desirable unit to some.<br />
<br />
Bivi - 2 lbs 5 oz<br />
Theragun - 2lbs 10oz<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivxwdt1TbUBnpB4QZR2IKwvkT5KItAKAWvTfTx0jL8oZKYlrxcyyI377dpITu75cT7ypyNm45CJRxL9ZZI7O-mo3Nb5HAMue0ih609nrNW107KlXUnqr96hcaidiu0tE71bC5WkgK43pOd/s1600/2019-07-04+23.10.35.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivxwdt1TbUBnpB4QZR2IKwvkT5KItAKAWvTfTx0jL8oZKYlrxcyyI377dpITu75cT7ypyNm45CJRxL9ZZI7O-mo3Nb5HAMue0ih609nrNW107KlXUnqr96hcaidiu0tE71bC5WkgK43pOd/s320/2019-07-04+23.10.35.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Theragun weight vs Bivi </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<h3 style="text-align: left;">
<b>Speed / Power / Force Mode - Advantage Bivi</b></h3>
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfTENh2pH-ymai6EhrLtqhhbSkDl6B7ZPgm6zX-mr3mAJDHpZU-_MLM0ueqjZvEoqF6fp27QLbeoIZho__KyKq1IaD9YHNEpUOrXR92-4Vn1BevW4jAIlXTFhdc5AAiqVhrd3aEfg5W-R3/s1600/2019-07-04+23.13.17.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfTENh2pH-ymai6EhrLtqhhbSkDl6B7ZPgm6zX-mr3mAJDHpZU-_MLM0ueqjZvEoqF6fp27QLbeoIZho__KyKq1IaD9YHNEpUOrXR92-4Vn1BevW4jAIlXTFhdc5AAiqVhrd3aEfg5W-R3/s320/2019-07-04+23.13.17.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Six power levels</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Speed is not the same thing as power and force but I am lumping these in together for simplicity. Without expensive equipment I can't adequately test these aspects but what I can say is that anecdotally I prefer the speed and power of the Bivi when it is at its highest setting. I do feel that on the lowest settings the Bivi lacks power when applying the gun with firm pressure to a spot but I did this just for testing. In true use application I find I use both devices at their fastest settings.<br />
<br />
Bivi has an adjustable speed level from 1-6 on a dial, while the Theragun G3 has two levels of speed (high / low). Theragun claims that it is 40 pulse per second or 2400 RPM on high (1740 RPM on low), while the Bivi claims 2600 RPM. Again I didn't objectively verify this but I feel like the Bivi is noticeably faster than the Theragun when at their max.<br />
<br />
<br />
<h3 style="text-align: left;">
<b>Summary</b></h3>
<br />
The Bivi is an extremely powerful and much more affordable alternative than the Theragun. It has a larger feature set including more speed levels, replaceable batteries, and a pivoting head. The Bivi is also built much more like an actual industrial tool such as a jigsaw while the Theragun is a more refined consumer product.<br />
<br />
The one defining feature the Theragun has is in the noise department. Again they are both still loud, but if you have pets, family members, and neighbors, then it might just be worth the additional cost for the Theragun. The faster tip exchange is a nice feature as well that I routinely benefit from on a daily basis. Not earth-shattering but nice nonetheless as I do routinely switch up the tips.<br />
<br />
Regardless I believe the percussive devices are a versatile tool in the recovery toolbox and you can benefit from either one of these devices. I have links to these products below and more recovery reviews you might like like as well.<br />
<br />
<h3 style="text-align: left;">
<b>Discussed Product Links </b></h3>
<br />
- <a href="https://amzn.to/2Fuhss9">Theragun G3</a> - $399 on Amazon<br />
- <a href="https://amzn.to/2LaEvfd">Bivi Percussive Gun Massager</a> - $145 on Amazon<br />
- <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=77ldB_HXPcQ">Mpow Noise Reduction Ear Muffs</a> - $11.99 on Amazon<br />
-<a href="https://amzn.to/2MQyJQa"> 3m Worktunes Noise Reduction Ear Muffs w/Bluetooth</a> - $46.97 on Amazon<br />
<br />
- <a href="https://amzn.to/2LDA5O7">Theragun G3Pro</a> - $599 on Amazon<br />
- <a href="https://amzn.to/2JdVWKv">Tim-Tam Recovery Massager</a> - $150 on Amazon<br />
- <a href="https://amzn.to/3auWJkS">Hypervolt Recovery Massager</a> - $370 on Amazon<br />
- <a href="https://amzn.to/2XpjjEz">Generic Hypervolt</a> - $230 on Amazon<br />
<br />
<h3 style="text-align: left;">
<b>Other Recovery Reviews You Might Like</b></h3>
<br />
<a href="http://www.thomasgerlach.com/2019/06/rapid-reboot-vs-normatec-pulse-2.0-review-compression-boots-recovery-system.html">Rapid Reboot vs Normatec</a><br />
<a href="http://www.thomasgerlach.com/2019/04/speed-hound-recovery-boots-review-vs.html">Speed Hound vs Normatec</a><br />
<a href="http://www.thomasgerlach.com/2016/08/normatec-vs-air-relax-recovery-boots.html">Air Relax vs Normatec</a></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2585977526609462673.post-48864808534172893902019-07-04T21:40:00.001-07:002020-03-07T06:32:55.512-08:00$50 Off - 2020 Hyperice Hypervolt Percussion Massage Gun Discount Coupon Code <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: center;"><tbody>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://amzn.to/35Cxp9E">Click to purchase</a><br />
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- <a href="http://www.thomasgerlach.com/2019/07/theragun-g3-review-vs-tim-tam-bivi-percussive-recovery-device.html">Theragun G3 vs TimTam Style Massager Detailed Review - Complete with loudness ratings</a> - $145</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2585977526609462673.post-64540537784388383432019-07-04T21:40:00.000-07:002019-07-04T21:40:01.341-07:00$10 Off - Vybe Percussion Massage Gun Discount Coupon Code<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2585977526609462673.post-47411682514059717262019-07-04T21:39:00.002-07:002019-07-04T21:39:56.560-07:00$10 Off - Tim Tam Massage Gun Discount Coupon Code <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2585977526609462673.post-31033612088623394422019-06-17T22:49:00.003-07:002024-02-01T22:39:42.140-08:00Rapid Reboot Review vs Normatec Pulse 2.0 Compression Recovery Boots<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMV_rbnWZLlfoSOKaDkuXUQpD8jjiooeCCf-JDCZMGU7Y9wOsnkrtgYtZ-yW4PrMTOMZF_ADqIaCitJga5x7WEdw31Pv-x6Mo0zwnrRZwmkSE9Xhidf4t16phouMw_moePo5xEEVTPu-Lw/s1600/D53E791D-FF3C-4FD1-B621-24F6778A65C0.JPG" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMV_rbnWZLlfoSOKaDkuXUQpD8jjiooeCCf-JDCZMGU7Y9wOsnkrtgYtZ-yW4PrMTOMZF_ADqIaCitJga5x7WEdw31Pv-x6Mo0zwnrRZwmkSE9Xhidf4t16phouMw_moePo5xEEVTPu-Lw/s320/D53E791D-FF3C-4FD1-B621-24F6778A65C0.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rapid Reboot vs Normatec Pulse 2.0<br />
Recovery Compression System Shootout</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
In this comparison review I will review the Rapid Reboot recovery compression boots system vs the Normatec Pulse 2.0 recovery compression boots system. <b><span style="color: red;">Any current promo discount coupon codes can be found at the bottom of this review.</span></b><br />
<h3 style="text-align: left;">
<b><span style="font-size: large;">The Skinny</span></b></h3>
<b><br /></b>
I first noticed the Rapid Reboot recovery system shortly after writing my original <a href="http://www.thomasgerlach.com/2016/08/normatec-vs-air-relax-recovery-boots.html">Normatec vs Air Relax</a> review and I quickly became familiar with them as they attended all the Ironman Triathlon expos around North America. At their current price of $995 they fall into an awkward category of being more expensive than other brands that I prefer, including Air Relax ($444+) and Speed Hound ($695), but less expensive than Normatec ($1195).<br />
<br />
They are a particularly tough sell against <a href="http://www.thomasgerlach.com/2019/04/speed-hound-recovery-boots-review-vs.html">Speed Hound</a> because they are $300 more expensive but are made by the exact same manufacturer. <a href="http://www.thomasgerlach.com/2019/04/speed-hound-recovery-boots-review-vs.html">Speed Hound</a> actually has a couple of nice features that I prefer too. In short, those features include a quieter unit, cables that come out the top of the legs instead of the bottom, and the unit is smaller.<br />
<br />
However, Rapid Reboot still makes a good unit that is $300 cheaper than Normatec. They also have a hip short that I much prefer over Normatec's hip system. Here are some more specifics on each system in comparison to one another.<br />
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<div style="text-align: right;">
</div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Rapid Reboot ($995)</b></span><br />
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<div style="text-align: right;">
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg821I-283c2TgCDqu9cqEMGW5UvaFOmXxi3NdlFu42yUDbK7ohYAORgw6CACyD0eYwDl7mD41-06xf8QJZv4huFPP7IQokCdhNHWMMLvbADypecwmPbo3xTVth50giZX8j4gSEngAH7zN_/s1600/IMG_5012.JPG" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1277" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg821I-283c2TgCDqu9cqEMGW5UvaFOmXxi3NdlFu42yUDbK7ohYAORgw6CACyD0eYwDl7mD41-06xf8QJZv4huFPP7IQokCdhNHWMMLvbADypecwmPbo3xTVth50giZX8j4gSEngAH7zN_/s320/IMG_5012.JPG" width="255" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Normatec Pulse 2.0 (bottom) vs <br />
Rapid Reboot (top)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
- Larger footprint - Of all the units I have reviewed Rapid Reboot is the largest unit by volume and it is considerably larger than Normatec. The unit weighs 5lbs 8oz and complete with large legs it is 9lbs 8oz. This can be an important feature for people who travel with the unit.<br />
<br />
- Best in class user-interface. Rapid Reboot has in my opinion the best and easiest to use user-interface panel and should look nearly identical to Speed Hound. Regardless I really like the pressure graph compared to Normatec as it helps new users visualize it better. Note, more pressure is not necessarily better. However I have heard at least a few people who prefer to see the actual time tick down which only the Normatec features. Regardless, you can always end your treatment session at anytime even if not complete.<br />
<br />
- 3 easy select time cycles of 10, 20, and 30 minutes. You can of course do more than one cycle. Normatec adjusts in 5 min increments from 5 minutes to 2 hours.<br />
<br />
- 10 easy select pressure levels ranging from 20-200mmHg. Normatec goes to 100mmHg over 7 levels. Again, I really like the visual of the increasing pressure here for new users.<br />
<br />
- 2 easy select modes including: Flush (A) and Massage (B) while Normatec has their single proprietary Pulse mode.<br />
<br />
- 4 programmable zones with the ability to shut off zones. For instance if you had just a lower calf issue you could run just zone 1 and zone 2. You only get this feature in Normatec's Pulse Pro model which is insanely expensive at $2500.<br />
<br />
- Features hidden hoses sewn in the legs with dark fabric. Their Gen 2 legs have a very similar "diamond" pattern/texture to Normatec, while the Gen 1 legs have a smooth finish. However, the hoses come out the bottom of the legs on Rapid Reboot. This leaves the cords very long and I find myself getting tangled in them as I get into and out of the boots. I much prefer Normatec's top hoses over Rapid Reboot in terms of ease of use.<br />
<br />
- Volume: I found that my Rapid Reboot unit was the loudest of all the units I have reviewed. I am not sure if it is just my particular unit, but once I get above 80mmHg the loudness really kicks up. It is fine at 80 and below, but above that it is louder than Normatec.<br />
<br />
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<div style="text-align: right;">
</div>
- Comes in 5 sizes (versus Normatec's 3) and each set of boots has two separate zippers so that one set of legs can accommodate different width legs. Those sizes include:<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLzSsuGvQCbI5hLbVUURbJb3EGB73tWd3EUVnRNli4jSNrkt3jQoemiSvuGZoCvtfRaFpsjhyCRzW37vUGP5TackxJOwgq79DTSbu2o2tg4XdU2fjY0dSwS1uKCK-eTXOTjKuMdO8XX5gQ/s1600/Rapid+Reboot+vs+Normatec+Compression+Boots+Sizing.JPG" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1363" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLzSsuGvQCbI5hLbVUURbJb3EGB73tWd3EUVnRNli4jSNrkt3jQoemiSvuGZoCvtfRaFpsjhyCRzW37vUGP5TackxJOwgq79DTSbu2o2tg4XdU2fjY0dSwS1uKCK-eTXOTjKuMdO8XX5gQ/s320/Rapid+Reboot+vs+Normatec+Compression+Boots+Sizing.JPG" width="272" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Leg Sizing Comparison</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<ul>
<li><b>XS </b>(5' and under)</li>
<li><b>S</b> (5' 1" - 5' 3")</li>
<li><b>M</b> (5' 3" - 5' 10")</li>
<li><b>L</b> (5' 10 - 6' 3")</li>
<li><b>XL</b> (6' 3" and above)</li>
</ul>
<div style="text-align: left;">
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- <b>Sizing Note</b> <b>Hack</b> - because you can turn off zones on Rapid Reboot, you can actually use a longer set of boots with a shorter person by deactivating the top zone. You can do this as well on Normatec's more expensive Pulse Pro model ($2500). You can always buy a second set of legs too instead of an entire second unit. Legs are $295.<br />
<br />
- Carrying case is included so no need to buy an optional $150 carrying case like Normatec.<br />
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- 2-year warranty. 30-day return policy with Amazon. Rapid Reboot boots don't use YKK zippers. Normatec does use YKK. YKK is the gold standard in durability.<br />
<br />
- Optional attachments for hips and arms. Rapid Reboot has a vastly superior hip system than Normatec. If I were targeting the hips, I wouldn't even consider getting into my Normatec hip system.<br />
<br />
- Available direct from <a href="https://amzn.to/2WLcTiL">Rapid Reboot on Amazon for $995</a>, but if you are an Amazon Prime Member you save 5% ($50) which brings the total to $945. Amazon offers their outstanding return process giving you comfort, safety, and convenience on this big purchase.<br />
<br /></div>
<h3 style="text-align: left;">
<b><span style="font-size: large;">Normatec Pulse 2.0 ($1195)</span></b></h3>
<br />
- Slim design that can be used and moved with one hand versus two hands for Rapid Reboot. Total system weight is 4lbs 10oz for the system with ac/adapter and hose, and 8lbs 10oz complete with the standard legs.<br />
<br />
- Has a battery for use when power is not available. Only Normatec features a battery.<br />
<br />
- Has Bluetooth connectivity - you can control the unit with Bluetooth connectivity and the downloaded iPhone/Android app. I don't use this feature at all and prefer to use the display to adjust the time and pressure levels. It also tracks your usage stats which I think could be beneficial for coached athletes. I have talked to people that use the Bluetooth and like it, but for me it isn't a huge selling point.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: right;">
</div>
- Comes in three sizes:<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCPiCwXwYuH0NIH02v5JdFpxYCAiszg7F691y5a9pSBLoazOej7xNtDoM7JgwPyZEgjDO26BG-4TQj0gp4bZv8OGGC_Cn6mL4OQJ8Vxx1_WROL6MhJuO4o4653AxAmiwlcGf09ferpLPmc/s1600/Normatec+Pulse+2.0+System.jpg" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1429" data-original-width="1429" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCPiCwXwYuH0NIH02v5JdFpxYCAiszg7F691y5a9pSBLoazOej7xNtDoM7JgwPyZEgjDO26BG-4TQj0gp4bZv8OGGC_Cn6mL4OQJ8Vxx1_WROL6MhJuO4o4653AxAmiwlcGf09ferpLPmc/s320/Normatec+Pulse+2.0+System.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Normatec Pulse 2.0 System includes:<br />
Pulse Head Unit, 2 legs, hose, AC Adapter</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li><b>Short</b> (under 5' 3")</li>
<li><b>Regular / Standard </b>(5'4" to 6'3")</li>
<li><b>Tall</b> (over 6' 4") </li>
</ul>
<br />
- 7 pressure levels with a max of 100mmHg. One zone can be boosted with the ZoneBoost feature to 110mmHg.<br />
<br />
- 1 mode of squeezing that Normatec calls Pulse, hence the name.<br />
<br />
- Time increment is controllable in 5-minute increments from 5 minutes to 2 hours.<br />
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- 5 zones with no ability to program them off or on.<br />
<br />
- Features hidden hoses sewn in the legs with dark fabric that won't show dirt. Hoses come out the top of the legs which I prefer. This is the biggest selling point feature for me in choosing Normatec over Rapid Reboot. It is hard to explain until you get into and out of the boots.<br />
<br />
- Optional attachments for hips and arms.<br />
<br />
- Optional travel case. $150 for a hard-shell case.<br />
<br />
- 2-year warranty for the Pulse 2.0 and includes durable YKK zippers.<br />
<br />
- Available direct from <a href="https://www.amazon.com/NormaTec-Recovery-Standard-Compression-Technology/dp/B07RF7YRKC/ref=as_li_ss_tl?keywords=normatec+pulse+2.0&qid=1559513944&s=gateway&sr=8-1-spons&psc=1&linkCode=sl1&tag=slowamzn-20&linkId=80b8d61df1ce19ee389a58d06d4b6b71&language=en_US">Normatec via Amazon for $1195</a>, but if you are an Amazon Prime Visa Member you save 5% ($60) bringing the effective total down to $1135. Amazon offers their outstanding return process giving you comfort, safety, and convenience on this big purchase.<br />
<br />
<h3 style="text-align: left;">
<b><span style="font-size: large;">Final thoughts</span></b></h3>
<br />
Compression boots are an absolute must for any serious athletes and are even becoming mainstream among non-athletes as well. Rapid Reboot is a more affordable alternative than Normatec. They have a nicer hip system and go to higher pressures with a better boot size selection than Normatec. However the system is much larger and louder than Normatec and doesn't feature a battery for on-the-go convenience. Most disappointing is the fact that the compression hoses exit out of the bottom of the boots which can make for harder entry and exit - think USB cable tangles.<br />
<br />
It gets really hard to recommend to Rapid Reboot to anyone when Speed Hound has a very similar device (made by the same manufacturer) that is smaller, quieter, and has more user-friendly hoses that come out the top of the boots and are $300 cheaper. So if you are thinking about Rapid Reboot to save money then I really think you should be looking at Speed Hound instead. The only downside to Speed Hound is they are NOT available on Amazon for one-click purchase and have to be purchased direct from Speed Hound.<br />
<br />
<h3 style="text-align: left;">
<b><span style="font-size: large;">Discussed Product Links:</span></b></h3>
<b><br />- </b><a href="https://amzn.to/2WLcTiL">Rapid Reboot Legs on Amazon</a> - $995 - Save $50 w/<a href="https://amzn.to/2YJVZT2">Amazon Prime visa card</a>.<br />
- <a href="https://amzn.to/2ImRhp7">Rapid Reboot Legs + Hips on Amazon</a> - $1290 - Save $65 w/<a href="https://amzn.to/2YJVZT2">Amazon Prime visa card</a><br />
- <a href="https://amzn.to/2XidvRp">Rapid Reboots Legs + Hips + Arms on Amazon</a> - $1495 - Save $75 w/<a href="https://amzn.to/2YJVZT2">Amazon Prime visa card</a><br />
<br />
-<a href="https://www.amazon.com/NormaTec-Recovery-Standard-Compression-Technology/dp/B07RF7YRKC/ref=as_li_ss_tl?keywords=normatec+pulse+2.0&qid=1559513944&s=gateway&sr=8-1-spons&psc=1&linkCode=sl1&tag=slowamzn-20&linkId=80b8d61df1ce19ee389a58d06d4b6b71&language=en_US"> Normatec Pulse 2.0 Leg System on Amazon</a> - $1195 - Save $60 w/<a href="https://amzn.to/2YJVZT2">Amazon Prime visa card</a><br />
- <a href="https://www.amazon.com/NormaTec-Recovery-Standard-Compression-Technology/dp/B07RD7L4G1/ref=as_li_ss_tl?keywords=normatec+pulse+2.0&qid=1558644306&s=gateway&sr=8-2-fkmrnull&linkCode=sl1&tag=slowamzn-20&linkId=a3de4c41324ef434758c52237a50c93d&language=en_US">Normatec Pulse 2.0 Leg System + Hips on Amazon</a> - $1595 - Save $80 w/<a href="https://amzn.to/2YJVZT2">Amazon Prime visa card</a><br />
<br />
- <a href="https://thespeedhound.com/collections/items-in-stock">Speed Hound Compression Boot</a>s - Save $50 with discount coupon code: <b>RecoverFaster24. </b><br />
<br />
- <a href="http://amzn.to/2EvyuXr">Amazon Basics Zero Gravity Chairs</a> - $39.99 perfect chairs for relaxing in your recovery compression boots either at outdoor events or on the patio<br />
<br />
- <a href="https://rover.ebay.com/rover/1/711-53200-19255-0/1?ff3=4&toolid=11800&pub=5575243163&campid=5337986440&mpre=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ebay.com%2Fsch%2Fi.html%3F_from%3DR40%26_trksid%3Dp2050601.m570.l1313.TR0.TRC0.H0.XNormatec.TRS0%26_nkw%3DNormatec%26_sacat%3D0" target="_blank">Normatec on eBay - Used and New</a> (Various prices, generally $700-$1000)<br />
<br />
<h3 style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Other Related reviews of mine</span></h3>
<br />
- <a href="http://www.thomasgerlach.com/2019/04/speed-hound-recovery-boots-review-vs.html">Speedhound vs Normatec Review</a><br />
- <a href="http://www.thomasgerlach.com/2016/08/normatec-vs-air-relax-recovery-boots.html">Air Relax vs Normatec Review</a><br />
- <a href="http://www.thomasgerlach.com/2019/07/normatec-pulse-2.0-review.html">Normatec Pulse 2.0 Detailed Review</a><br />
<br /></div>
</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2585977526609462673.post-24074390369520977622019-06-17T22:00:00.000-07:002019-06-17T23:55:59.282-07:0020% Jaybird Discount Coupon Code for Wireless Bluetooth Run XT Headphones<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicL_Dy2rmpFBkPguaEE8JubCQ8sr46BcmWIooaBrwFrwX4f9VWgJyCWGirJVsN6RLnKhdj38ZMxLXQZPRQsSvVVkOhe6V35T1MF2An0E8V_cQjRMoeHYoYwFD9oNMiNP8JTK9VhZwrrShx/s1600/Jaybird+Discount+Coupon+Code+-+20%2525+Off.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="220" data-original-width="220" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicL_Dy2rmpFBkPguaEE8JubCQ8sr46BcmWIooaBrwFrwX4f9VWgJyCWGirJVsN6RLnKhdj38ZMxLXQZPRQsSvVVkOhe6V35T1MF2An0E8V_cQjRMoeHYoYwFD9oNMiNP8JTK9VhZwrrShx/s1600/Jaybird+Discount+Coupon+Code+-+20%2525+Off.png" /></a></div>
Save $20% on Jaybird Run XT Bluetooth wireless headphones with coupon code: <b><span style="color: red;">workplaylove</span></b> <br />
(Expires 12/31/2019) </div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2585977526609462673.post-67959343654012635952019-06-17T21:20:00.000-07:002019-06-17T23:40:21.368-07:00Rapid Reboot Coupon Code - 10% Off Recovery Compression Boot System<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6dNp2EzzMDMqeFzbXH53RZ-qJ_MZQiaMCGQINFw3SPActIa5KVQPePlxdh3uhNcbbAP9kqc1MFeUw2M-JYaQpF5W9S_pJBOrjI-gjioJP-dk-HTlF5gt_NBtFiXYtfsLBo_KXWnuO_Arz/s1600/Rapid+Reboot+Discount+Coupon+Code.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="250" data-original-width="250" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6dNp2EzzMDMqeFzbXH53RZ-qJ_MZQiaMCGQINFw3SPActIa5KVQPePlxdh3uhNcbbAP9kqc1MFeUw2M-JYaQpF5W9S_pJBOrjI-gjioJP-dk-HTlF5gt_NBtFiXYtfsLBo_KXWnuO_Arz/s1600/Rapid+Reboot+Discount+Coupon+Code.jpg" /></a></div>
Save $10% on a Rapid Reboot recovery boot compression system with promo discount coupon code <b>Recover10</b> (Expires 12/31/2019) .<br />
<br />
Note, this discount code does not work with <a href="https://amzn.to/2IlhcgY">Rapid Reboot on Amazon</a> but if you have an <a href="https://amzn.to/2Ilhlkw">Amazon Prime Visa card</a> you will save 5% automatically which is $50.<br />
<br />
Also, have you considered Speed Hound recovery boots ($650)? Speed Hound is made by the same manufacturer that makes Rapid Reboot however Speed Hound is: quieter, smaller, has larger buttons, hoses that come out of the top instead of the bottom, and come with a "45-day love them guarantee". I did a full review comparing <a href="http://www.thomasgerlach.com/2019/04/speed-hound-recovery-boots-review-vs.html">Speed Hound to Normatec</a> here if you are interested.<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2585977526609462673.post-46752489059787786592019-06-16T11:09:00.001-07:002019-11-11T09:25:11.574-08:00Endurance athlete sleep formula - How much sleep do endurance athletes need?<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisuHDn5MjMstbi7LIwGtnZcb_O2bk7QbM4-cgDs32PW483oEXbNOsKPUTp5A0PnLM-UtwF7I9z3j2jQiGGoIGedVN1lYyxLKP7R1tmXU3DMx0GoyK6Nq0VXE6IH_v2_Ag-rTkZJ6LYJlEP/s1600/Average+Nightly+Hours+of+Sleep.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="318" data-original-width="465" height="218" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisuHDn5MjMstbi7LIwGtnZcb_O2bk7QbM4-cgDs32PW483oEXbNOsKPUTp5A0PnLM-UtwF7I9z3j2jQiGGoIGedVN1lYyxLKP7R1tmXU3DMx0GoyK6Nq0VXE6IH_v2_Ag-rTkZJ6LYJlEP/s320/Average+Nightly+Hours+of+Sleep.png" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Average Nightly Sleep Time for Americans </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Over the years I have engaged in many conversations regarding sleep and specifically how much sleep various professional athletes get. While the results have varied from person to person and what period of life they are in, I have found that most athletes who don't have time restrictions sleep quite a bit.<br />
<br />
Every single professional athlete I have surveyed across running, cycling, swimming, basketball, volleyball, golf, football, cross-fit, triathlon, and baseball gets at least 8 hours of sleep on a regular basis. Many more get 9, 10, even 12 hours of sleep. Ironically one of the most interesting things about motivational speakers is they are always talking about how one is "sleeping their life away" but high-level athletes know you can't "out hustle" sleep and that it is an incredibly important part of the process.<br />
<br />
Regardless, in my career as a professional triathlete I came up with my own Endurance Athlete Sleep Formula that was pretty spot on without using an alarm clock and to wake up naturally. This basic formula is as follows:<br />
<br />
<b>Endurance Athlete Sleep Formula:</b><br />
<br />
8 hours of sleep + 30 mins of sleep for each hour of exercise.<br />
<br />
Thus if you exercise 2 hours a day you get to sleep for 9 hours. Exercise 4 hours and you get 10 hours of sleep. Simple as that. Now all exercise isn't created equal and intensity matters just as much as duration but to keep it simple this is what I have allowed myself to sleep.</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2585977526609462673.post-52043157471752821252019-06-08T19:35:00.001-07:002020-02-15T20:24:05.688-08:00Normatec Pulse Pro vs Normatec Pulse - Recovery Compression Boots Comparison <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqdpRSL00GtWWAkyOxfJog85Tto0MxzbCiQshER2kVHOUWdcI3OSV3rzAY2Q7q82jEYcjvGFi9d8bN1tGtgU8qEOa_lRzBcA4ravJjkAYg1PiawrGO8xdqhuPuvShTqGmGlUcM07NI5_x8/s1600/Normatec+Pulse+Pro+vs+Normatec+Pulse.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqdpRSL00GtWWAkyOxfJog85Tto0MxzbCiQshER2kVHOUWdcI3OSV3rzAY2Q7q82jEYcjvGFi9d8bN1tGtgU8qEOa_lRzBcA4ravJjkAYg1PiawrGO8xdqhuPuvShTqGmGlUcM07NI5_x8/s320/Normatec+Pulse+Pro+vs+Normatec+Pulse.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Normatec Pulse Pro vs. Normatec Pulse</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Normatec Pulse Pro vs Normatec Pulse - what is the difference? This is a question I have received many times and today I will discuss some of the differences between between the Normatec Pulse and the Normatec Pulse Pro.<br />
<br />
Normatec makes a more expensive version of the Normatec Pulse recovery compression boot system and calls it the Normatec Pulse Pro.<br />
<br />
This comparison review will highlight some of the features and benefits of the Normatec Pulse Pro over the standard Normatec Pulse and why some people may want to purchase a Normatech Pulse Pro over the standard Normatech Pulse system.<br />
<br />
<div>
<h3 style="text-align: left;">
<b>Executive Summary</b></h3>
</div>
<br />
<div>
I spent 88 device hours and came to the conclusion that the Normatec Pulse Pro is really designed to be used in rehabilitation facilities and won't benefit most athletes. It has <b>some</b> features that <b>could</b> be beneficial in very specific uses-cases, but the majority of regular Normatec users using recovery boots for general recovery would never even notice them.<br />
<br />
The additional Pulse Pro features are mostly software based features that I will discus in more detail below. Ironically most of the <b>useful</b> software based features are already in less expensive recovery compression boots by default. Systems like SpeedHound ($650), which I reviewed directly <a href="http://www.thomasgerlach.com/2016/08/normatec-vs-air-relax-recovery-boots.html">against Normatec here</a>, have the ability to turn off specific zones & feature different modes just like the Pulse Pro but they go to much higher pressures (250mmHg). You are much better off getting a Normatec Pulse unless you need one of the specific features of the Normatec Pulse Pro.</div>
<div>
<h3 style="text-align: left;">
<b><br /></b><b>Normatec Pulse Pro vs Normatec Pulse </b></h3>
</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
- <b>Price - </b>The Normatec Pulse Pro is <b>$2495 </b>while the standard Normatec Pulse is <b>$1295.</b></div>
<div>
<b><br /></b></div>
<div>
<b>- User Interface - </b>The Normatec Pulse Pro features a touchscreen panel while the regular Normatec Pulse uses tactile buttons with a non-touch panel. I actually prefer the tactile buttons of the regular Pulse and find it to be quicker and much more precise than "hunting" and "pecking" on the Pulse Pro touchscreen. I did notice some lag at times on the touchscreen as well. It is a small difference but I really prefer buttons. However, I can see why Normatec put a touchscreen in the Pulse Pro. Simply put, the touchscreen is a necessary upgrade for the Pulse Pro as the additional features would be far too complex to setup using tactile buttons.<br />
<br /></div>
<div>
- <b>Modes</b> - The Normatec Pulse Pro features four distinct modes including: <b>Recovery</b>, <b>Rehab</b>, <b>Custom</b> and <b>Sequential. </b>The Normatec Pulse only includes the <b>Recovery</b> mode.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTDttpI8dbAuiYnKPicr3BPAW_aG176XnvU7xGE1o9yM7Lg33mwG91Uw-LCEhxKWv3SMLbU5VfJ_KxgeMAi-8SufBfELFrHlNzTya9fj0bZOBg2rMXf2oaBw4UR6NH5TNrhUraUcWxkVrO/s1600/Normatec+Mode+Selection+Compression+Boots.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="926" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTDttpI8dbAuiYnKPicr3BPAW_aG176XnvU7xGE1o9yM7Lg33mwG91Uw-LCEhxKWv3SMLbU5VfJ_KxgeMAi-8SufBfELFrHlNzTya9fj0bZOBg2rMXf2oaBw4UR6NH5TNrhUraUcWxkVrO/s320/Normatec+Mode+Selection+Compression+Boots.jpg" width="185" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br />
Mode selection screen. Sequential mode is chosen<br />
from a different setup menu of the system</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
</div>
<div>
- <b>Customization</b> - The Normatec Pulse Pro allows users to customize their treatment. This means users can change how long each zone inflates, how much pressure is in each zone and the pause time between one complete cycle ending and the next cycle starting.<br />
<br />
- <b>Zone Control</b> - The Normatec Pulse Pro allows users to disable as many top zones as they would like. For example, you can't have say zones 1, 2, 4, 5 operating while skipping 3. But you could set it up to do zones (1 only) / (1, 2) / (1, 2, 3) / (1, 2, 3, 4). This is really only useful if you are sharing a pair of longer boots with someone who is too short for them.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQdnF2IIzZEph-0EBmkvYYoD_pOyq_B5wGgcfbj63wKTm5hKMaxHxjabnMTE7zLlHDBnRsswGMv1gbWdvUXzfR8ge6q2v9E7PIkmVXPENvLgvKTe5Pyvazvqv-JOnZ_qMVGdWj_jYnudGu/s1600/Normatec+Zone+Customization.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQdnF2IIzZEph-0EBmkvYYoD_pOyq_B5wGgcfbj63wKTm5hKMaxHxjabnMTE7zLlHDBnRsswGMv1gbWdvUXzfR8ge6q2v9E7PIkmVXPENvLgvKTe5Pyvazvqv-JOnZ_qMVGdWj_jYnudGu/s320/Normatec+Zone+Customization.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Setting the Pro system to only inflate <br />
3 of the 5 zones.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
- <b>Precision Controls</b> - The Normatec Pulse Pro has more precise control of pressure thru the use of 10 levels of compression as opposed to 7 for the standard Normatec Pulse. This allows further fine-tuning of the pressure, but both systems go to the same max pressure of 110mmHg with the Zone Boost feature. However, to change the pressure intensity on the Pulse Pro you have to walk down into the UI a screen and click a tiny button instead of having a tactile button right at your immediate finger tips on the display of the standard Pulse. For someone who moves from intensity 5, 6, 7 in a single session it is annoyance on the Pulse Pro.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjK1CKb0inWravkHssoOsGWmmkYTi-yPzqRahK6m4IpLKRgw519A6FVyRgwKhsxziUKVJa1sE-dgUFatJ1O1SjbijIpj61auK6ZNfXENosmddd7KsLI0UZ_uFnjExIHYCpFrTCtejFsDow_/s1600/Normatec+Intensity+Compression+Level.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjK1CKb0inWravkHssoOsGWmmkYTi-yPzqRahK6m4IpLKRgw519A6FVyRgwKhsxziUKVJa1sE-dgUFatJ1O1SjbijIpj61auK6ZNfXENosmddd7KsLI0UZ_uFnjExIHYCpFrTCtejFsDow_/s320/Normatec+Intensity+Compression+Level.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The "Intensity" screen of the Pulse Pro</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
- <b>LCD Brightness</b> - The Pulse Pro has a dimmable display. As a sleep guru, I can't stand bright devices especially when I use them right before bed. The standard Pulse has one illumination level and it can be quite bright in a dark room. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
- The rest of the unit is identical. You get the same battery, the units are the same size, the hoses are the same, and attachments (hips, arms, legs) are the same. You get the same 2 year warranty too.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<h3 style="text-align: left;">
<b>Using the different modes of the Normatec Pulse Pro</b></h3>
</div>
<div>
<br />
The Normatec Pulse Pro has four modes including: <b>Recovery</b>, <b>Rehab</b>, and <b>Custom</b> modes that all use Normatec's patent "Pulse" sequence. The fourth mode, <b>Sequential</b> is an entirely different sequence pattern.<br />
<br />
<b>Recovery Flush Mode -</b> operates in an identical manner as the one and only mode on the standard Normatec Pulse model.<br />
<br />
<b>Rehab Mode - </b>is designed to target various areas with customized programs for Foot/Ankle, Calf, Knee, Lower Quad, and Upper Quad. Each targeted area has its own specific time and pressures setting for each zone based on what Normatec believes to be the optimal treatment.<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidLcZ1-X1v5H68nMEWCHBsxJvfSO20gnug4H6wa9BBguaR-7KwyAHOtspT__xN1F7fsTj_voXEYlyvy1rcT9KfsvBu9byjnAQ66GIZutidafeWhsPIaEHGpzsNHJ94fm9NEcPGzSW-VZo5/s1600/2019-06-08+22.28.33.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidLcZ1-X1v5H68nMEWCHBsxJvfSO20gnug4H6wa9BBguaR-7KwyAHOtspT__xN1F7fsTj_voXEYlyvy1rcT9KfsvBu9byjnAQ66GIZutidafeWhsPIaEHGpzsNHJ94fm9NEcPGzSW-VZo5/s320/2019-06-08+22.28.33.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rehab Mode</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<b>Custom Mode - </b>allows users to specifically set the pressure level for each zone individually from 30mmHg to 100mmHg in 10mmHg increments. For instance, you could set the first zone of the system to have a higher pressure say 100mmHg and then work down as you get further and further up the leg, say 80mmHg for zone 2, 70mmHg zone 3, 60mmHg zone 4, and 50mmHg zone 5. You can also set the length of time the unit spends in each zone in 15 seconds increments from 15 seconds to 4 minutes.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVKRvPOFPtBXpKN5pqQc0LZjU_Rh2ctlZslmHgfDdwGTQUC0Z2EGKlIpyW99yrYc1ZeCC2vfwmSpAdzqMpm3z6w2VOzimclrUYCNelniBnxX5TGXRldz3qWULfSBn2KgC27nEC01_CygLO/s1600/2019-06-08+22.10.13.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVKRvPOFPtBXpKN5pqQc0LZjU_Rh2ctlZslmHgfDdwGTQUC0Z2EGKlIpyW99yrYc1ZeCC2vfwmSpAdzqMpm3z6w2VOzimclrUYCNelniBnxX5TGXRldz3qWULfSBn2KgC27nEC01_CygLO/s320/2019-06-08+22.10.13.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">You can customize each zone with the<br />
"Custom" mode</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<b>Sequential Mode</b> - This mode is unlike the other three modes in that it doesn't use Normatec's patented "Pulse" compression sequence. Instead it uses a recovery compression boot industry standard known as "Sequential". In this mode the zones inflate one at a time and none of the zones are released until the 5th zone is complete and then all zones release. This is slightly different than the proprietary "Pulse" mode.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpPAYv8Oq4HIeLWzNqFbcWxWtSjtB8YiuRtamJsaUcfjHRkMvLV8px21vkuJ6vxd9-LRa1ygJa1LO-fRDB1xXZNW_4emwSlpR3Y9RmtMTPeiCTgwJqSeR_sm1pCJbiM-1r1a8S82lV_X0q/s1600/Normatec+Sequential+Mode.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpPAYv8Oq4HIeLWzNqFbcWxWtSjtB8YiuRtamJsaUcfjHRkMvLV8px21vkuJ6vxd9-LRa1ygJa1LO-fRDB1xXZNW_4emwSlpR3Y9RmtMTPeiCTgwJqSeR_sm1pCJbiM-1r1a8S82lV_X0q/s320/Normatec+Sequential+Mode.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br />
Sequential Mode showing all five zones inflated<br />
They will all be deflated in a second <br />
and a new cycle will start</td></tr>
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<h3 style="text-align: left;">
<b>Summary </b></h3>
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<div>
The Normatec Pulse Pro and Normatec Pulse system area great systems that anyone can benefit from. However, unless you have a specific need to customize your program the standard Normatec Pulse is a far more affordable system and easier to use.<br />
<br />
If you are looking for some of the Pulse Pro features I would highly suggest taking a look at the $650 Speed Hound system. Many of the "Pro" features are already in the Speed Hound system. In addition, Speed Hound boots can go as high as 250mmHg max vs Normatec's 100mmHg. They also allow you to turn off zones as well to customize your rehab should you need it. They feature "Recovery Flush" and "Massage" Modes and have super slick UI that is easy to use. At $650 they are hard to beat. Here is a link to the review I did of <a href="http://www.thomasgerlach.com/2019/04/speed-hound-recovery-boots-review-vs.html">Speed Hound vs Normatec</a>.<br />
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<h3 style="text-align: left;">
Discussed Links</h3>
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-<a href="https://www.amazon.com/NormaTec-Recovery-Standard-Compression-Technology/dp/B07RF7YRKC/ref=as_li_ss_tl?keywords=normatec+pulse+2.0&qid=1559513944&s=gateway&sr=8-1-spons&psc=1&linkCode=sl1&tag=slowamzn-20&linkId=80b8d61df1ce19ee389a58d06d4b6b71&language=en_US"> Normatec Pulse 2.0 Leg System</a> - $1295 on Amazon<br />
- <a href="https://www.amazon.com/NormaTec-Recovery-Standard-Compression-Technology/dp/B07RD7L4G1/ref=as_li_ss_tl?keywords=normatec+pulse+2.0&qid=1558644306&s=gateway&sr=8-2-fkmrnull&linkCode=sl1&tag=slowamzn-20&linkId=a3de4c41324ef434758c52237a50c93d&language=en_US">Normatec Pulse 2.0 Leg System + Hips</a> - $1695 on Amazon<br />
- <a href="https://rover.ebay.com/rover/1/711-53200-19255-0/1?ff3=4&toolid=11800&pub=5575243163&campid=5337986440&mpre=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ebay.com%2Fsch%2Fi.html%3F_from%3DR40%26_trksid%3Dp2050601.m570.l1313.TR0.TRC0.H0.XNormatec.TRS0%26_nkw%3DNormatec%26_sacat%3D0" target="_blank">Normatec on eBay - Used and New</a> (Various prices, generally $700-$1200)<br />
<br />
- <a href="http://amzn.to/2EvyuXr">Amazon Basics Zero Gravity Chairs</a> - $39.99 - perfect chairs for compression boots recovery if you are on the go or even at home on the patio.<br />
<br />
- <a href="http://www.thomasgerlach.com/2016/08/normatec-vs-air-relax-recovery-boots.html">Speed Hound vs Normatec Review</a><br />
- <a href="http://www.thomasgerlach.com/2016/08/normatec-vs-air-relax-recovery-boots.html">Air Relax vs Normatec Review</a><br />
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</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2585977526609462673.post-14832328403135975132019-04-07T23:31:00.000-07:002019-12-03T21:47:21.322-08:0015% OFF Running Warehouse Coupon Code *** 100% Working 2019 2020***<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Running Warehouse discontinued <b>most </b>of their commonly available coupon code as of Jan 1st, 2019. As a result many loyal shoppers were disappointed by this change. Those common codes were:<br />
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<div>
<b>RUNBLOG10</b> - 10% off</div>
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<b>FB15D</b> - Facebook 15% off sale item sonly</div>
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<b>CP10</b> - 10% off</div>
<div>
<b>CP15</b> - 15% off </div>
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<br /></div>
<div>
However. There are some new codes like<br />
<br />
<b>Global20IG - </b>20% off<br />
<b>ShopLocal2019 </b><br />
<b>SupportYourLocalRunningStore2019 </b><br />
<br />
I was able to secure a <b>15% off coupon</b> that I used to make my last shoe purchase on 4/10/2019 that saved me $100 including nearly $50 on Nike Vaporfly 4%. For now, I am making it available to <b>active</b> members of the <a href="https://forum.slowtwitch.com/">Slowtwitch Triathlon Community</a>.<br />
<br />
I will not make the code public as Running Warehouse will be sure to kill it. To receive your code please DM me on SLOWTWITCH and I'll send the code back. If you don't hear from me in 24 hours try again.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidpEnnuHGyI1vfhBPll80CWHVu4fOT1oIjpA6m5YmwybfYtPMYmpRMkP1XUkkLgf3_K69A03XAtZx4EP7XAC3jJuFtEyriiJtyaTVlsUm8XEpWp_vmo1fA513AwD6PnSaoCf_vhVIv4GFe/s1600/RUNNING+WAREHOUSE.+Discount+Coupon+Code+15%2525+Off.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="642" data-original-width="1225" height="167" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidpEnnuHGyI1vfhBPll80CWHVu4fOT1oIjpA6m5YmwybfYtPMYmpRMkP1XUkkLgf3_K69A03XAtZx4EP7XAC3jJuFtEyriiJtyaTVlsUm8XEpWp_vmo1fA513AwD6PnSaoCf_vhVIv4GFe/s320/RUNNING+WAREHOUSE.+Discount+Coupon+Code+15%2525+Off.png" width="320" /></a></div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2585977526609462673.post-39413189931072138282019-04-07T23:06:00.004-07:002024-02-01T22:40:02.441-08:00Speed Hound Coupon Code - $100 Discount Off Recovery Compression Boots<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAJLB-ATQxaZAsbrNES68HT5P55W5igWl8Fbo1zvqYEBf0BV-LnW8hU5Re5rWtfGFobcCH4UwWiZMW6EF6TwLWoZj3-mLsgWH2s12fJI1KTRy59eqSRQSQeAuSmvcfQQyfUMqA6Ojv4YcE/s1600/51jK6WfMD2L.jpg" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="328" data-original-width="500" height="209" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAJLB-ATQxaZAsbrNES68HT5P55W5igWl8Fbo1zvqYEBf0BV-LnW8hU5Re5rWtfGFobcCH4UwWiZMW6EF6TwLWoZj3-mLsgWH2s12fJI1KTRy59eqSRQSQeAuSmvcfQQyfUMqA6Ojv4YcE/s320/51jK6WfMD2L.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Save $50 with coupon code - RecoverFaster24</b></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Black Friday Speed Hound coupon code discount sale - <b>Save $100</b> on Speed Hound Recovery Compression Boots with Thanksgiving <b>Black Friday</b> coupon promo discount coupon code <b>RecoverFaster24</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
Use <b>RecoverFaster24</b> to save $50 during the rest of the year. (Expires 12/31/2024).<br />
<br />
Note, this discount code does not work with <a href="https://amzn.to/2D6xwzc">Speed Hound on Amazon</a>. The coupon code is only valid at <a href="http://thespeedhound.com/">TheSpeedhound.com</a>.<br />
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2585977526609462673.post-68564708034599790792018-09-14T20:09:00.000-07:002020-01-24T23:09:14.021-08:00Schiff Melatonin Ultra - Discontinued at Costco<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><a href="https://amzn.to/2xiLV7H"><img border="0" data-original-height="1016" data-original-width="892" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC5L6kuN5SYMSNY6ADLx0Kq15uy8BWBVcnXCZ423hyphenhyphenwSpKC-K8Hx_JZrisynRSPUStkpBTeUJ7rQ-Ow9F_OAhfR1DptZJ_mLP6s5ycWAXkPSGI8tfIi-wApDoGHu9pwgJt3dEHPpsefU9E/s320/Costco+Melatonin+Ultra+Discontinued.jpg" width="280" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://amzn.to/2xiLV7H">Schiff Melatonin Ultra</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<b>Schiff Melatonin Ultra was </b>a popular melatonin supplement sold by Costco that was discontinued in 2018. In addition to melatonin, Schiff Melatonin Ultra featured a few additional ingredients to help people get to sleep and stay asleep. It was a phenomenal product at a great price that I used as a professional triathlete and Ironman Champion.<br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>What happened to Schiff Melatonin Ultra? Why is Schiff Melatonin Ultra Unavailable? </b><br />
<b><br /></b>
In short, it was discontinued. I do not know why.<br />
<br />
<b>Looking for a Schiff Melatonin Ultra alternative replacement? </b><br />
<br />
I have switched back to <a href="https://amzn.to/380wiDg">Nature's Made Melatonin</a> - 3mg. It is inexpensive and convenient to purchase via <a href="https://amzn.to/380wiDg">Amazon here</a>.<br />
<br />
Another product I have had success with is <a href="https://amzn.to/2JvGRm3">Vicks ZzzQuil</a>.<br />
<br />
<b>Interested in getting Schiff Melatonin Ultra back on the market?</b> <a href="https://www.change.org/p/schiff-vitamins-bring-back-schiff-melatonin-ultra?recruiter=1019485788&recruited_by_id=c2513630-094f-11ea-b78b-cdb0d54cc562&utm_source=share_petition&utm_medium=copylink&utm_campaign=petition_dashboard">Sign this petition</a> to make your voice heard. Share it with others to get them to sign it as well. Maybe if enough people sign it then Schiff will bring it back.<br />
<br />
<br />
<b>Original backstory on discovering that it was discontinued:</b> Today I was at my local Costco and I was looking for my all-time favorite sleep aid, a specific version of Melatonin made by Schiff called <a href="https://amzn.to/2xiLV7H">Melatonin Ultra</a>. This product was made exclusively for Costco and sold over the past several years. The proprietary blend of Melatonin featured not only 3mg of Melatonin, but also 25mg of L-Theanine, 25mg of Gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), and a blend of Chamomile and Valerian Extract totaling 8.5mg. The product really does work wonders and other Melatonin just isn't the same. </div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<br />
Anyway, after coming up empty-handed at Costco I figured I would just order it from Amazon as I have ordered it this way before. For those that are not aware, there is an entire cottage industry of people who purchase products in bulk from their local Costco and then resell them on Amazon. This appeals to both people that don't have a Costco membership or simply don't want to visit the store for a single item. Tonight I went to <a href="https://amzn.to/2xiLV7H">Amazon</a> and was astounded that<b> </b>the price, almost like the infamous pharma-bro Martin Skirelli's Daraprim, <b>had risen over 2000% to $149.95</b>. My last purchase which from <a href="https://amzn.to/2xiLV7H">Amazon</a> was $9.99 shipped via 2-day prime, and I have purchased it at a Costco store for $7.99 from Costco. It was even $4.99 when it was on a Costco coupon promotion. Given the discontinuation, I wasn't exactly surprised that it had increased but I was shocked by how large the increase was in a short period of time. </div>
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<br /></div>
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For those that doubt that this is selling or is just a temporary pricing error think again. According to eBay completed sales, which is public knowledge, it shows that these bottles are selling for north of $200. It is safe to say that I will be looking for a new brand but it goes to show how much we as a society value our drugs, products, and our brands and at any cost. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibn8xjjW7Hg-5f_NBWTVwBKBkBCYTpARW1l1SI9URn_E85A0gteAuAmyZTkRhyphenhyphenrRtv8CrvATdLzJFde2E84EWTD_Rw2VHLQf1WsDntoCAzUPidVtezklnupAnvrHyr4pVOJquc5wRX72Yx/s1600/Schiff+Melatonin+Ultra.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="962" data-original-width="1011" height="304" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibn8xjjW7Hg-5f_NBWTVwBKBkBCYTpARW1l1SI9URn_E85A0gteAuAmyZTkRhyphenhyphenrRtv8CrvATdLzJFde2E84EWTD_Rw2VHLQf1WsDntoCAzUPidVtezklnupAnvrHyr4pVOJquc5wRX72Yx/s320/Schiff+Melatonin+Ultra.png" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Completed eBay Sales of Schiff Melatonin Ultra </td></tr>
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<br /></div>
<div>
I have to imagine that Schiff will make this product again if there is enough interest, but I have switched to Vicks ZzzQuil for now. Because supplements are unregulated I prefer to go with big, stable, and trusted brands. With ZzzQuil you get 2mg of melatonin + the valerian & chamomile. You also get some lemon balm and lavender which was not in Melatonin Ultra.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><a href="https://amzn.to/2JvGRm3"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="1500" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7pDpy8eVUO_EQIDxejf3THlS46KoC6_dSChotlxxee7HjujIKkEL2-mtWz6w5eDCiNyqGjoy_6S9WsePO6__ijKiYu1FUcM8c0s3m25EYje3iytWFw1KwsdoZ1h5kEY-E3sKTc4ziLHZc/s200/Vicks+ZzzQuil+Melatonin.jpg" width="200" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://amzn.to/2JvGRm3">Vicks ZzzQuil <br />My replacement for <br />Schiff Melatonin Ultra</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
For those that are unfamiliar with melatonin. Melatonin is what your body produces in the Pineal gland to put itself to bed naturally. I have used a 3mg tablet 30-60 minutes before bed as an effective way to help set the bedtime process in motion. </div>
<div>
<br />
<h3 style="text-align: left;">
<b>Relevant Links</b></h3>
</div>
<div>
<b>- </b><a href="https://www.change.org/p/schiff-vitamins-bring-back-schiff-melatonin-ultra?recruiter=1019485788&recruited_by_id=c2513630-094f-11ea-b78b-cdb0d54cc562&utm_source=share_petition&utm_medium=copylink&utm_campaign=petition_dashboard">Bring Back Schiff Melatonin Ultra Petition</a> - via Petition.com </div>
<div>
- <a href="https://amzn.to/380wiDg">Nature's Made Melatonin on Amazon</a><br />
<b>- </b><a href="https://amzn.to/2JvGRm3">Vicks ZzzQuil Pure Zzzs on Amazon</a></div>
<div>
- <a href="https://amzn.to/2xiLV7H">Schiff Melatonin Ultra on Amazon</a></div>
<div>
- <a href="https://amzn.to/2QCsYpk">Melatonin on Amazon</a></div>
<div>
- <a href="https://amzn.to/2xiLV7H">Sleepytime Tea on Amazon</a></div>
<div>
- <a href="https://amzn.to/2Qxkcsv">Chamomile on Amazon</a></div>
<div>
- <a href="https://www.blogger.com/"><span id="goog_1493844947"></span>Schiff Melatonin Ultra completed ebay sales<span id="goog_1493844948"></span></a></div>
<div>
- <a href="https://rover.ebay.com/rover/1/711-53200-19255-0/1?ff3=4&toolid=11800&pub=5575243163&campid=5337986440&mpre=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.ebay.com%2Fsch%2Fi.html%3F_from%3DR40%26_trksid%3Dp2380057.m570.l1313.TR3.TRC2.A0.H0.Xschiff%2Bmelatonin%2Bultra.TRS0%26_nkw%3Dschiff%2Bmelatonin%2Bultra%26_sacat%3D0">Schiff Melatoinin Ultra on eBay</a></div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2585977526609462673.post-28722262588310337122018-08-08T16:50:00.000-07:002018-08-23T13:09:11.717-07:00Pedal the Perimeter - Matt "BikerBroshat" EPIC USA Cycling Trip<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgngJUTRffB6ZaEufjz18d_59zn6mjBL0OkcdgEZXWASiNZ35WCiJ3-3laNcZaTHfn2jfVNKnFiiuPXrWBz-Zo6s75ciIz8Ai0Z0mB07WLc22U_FYIMtwoMSBBRDuL078HtsOK59ox4-ARH/s1600/Pedal+the+Perimeter+Cycling+Trip.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgngJUTRffB6ZaEufjz18d_59zn6mjBL0OkcdgEZXWASiNZ35WCiJ3-3laNcZaTHfn2jfVNKnFiiuPXrWBz-Zo6s75ciIz8Ai0Z0mB07WLc22U_FYIMtwoMSBBRDuL078HtsOK59ox4-ARH/s200/Pedal+the+Perimeter+Cycling+Trip.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pedal the Perimeter Bike Trip</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
For readers who may be interested, my cousin, Matt "BikerBroshat" Broshat, is attempting to bike the Perimeter of the USA #PedalThePerimeter. His trip is starting today, August 8th, 2018, and he is planning on taking about 6 months to complete his journey. This will be a <b>self-supported ride</b> with a bike that is built to carry all his gear and camping equipment - it is not a fast bike but he hopes to ride 60 miles a day.<br />
<br />
I am sure he will need plenty of help, a wash of clothes, and a place to stay on his route. Being the athlete myself, I know what this is going to take logistically, solo, so there are no hard dates about where he will be, and when, but follow his Instagram account for updates. I am sure he would be appreciative of any support. Matt is a very religious person and kind person who has committed, even in cold and blustery Minnesota winters, to commuting and traveling by bike. His goal is to raise $25,000 for a youth group for special needs kids. Matt has been involved in helping these kids live a better lives through his own donation of time. Stay safe Matt!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRpCHu7ipibYizTg5OblsFsXbT_ZqK9VtfGQ9cE0K48OCpx0WkOuax8anBg16531J41EgrRHC_YhemQn0laqz5iT2VOt35nToFkjM-PKi30pcIwL8UzfQZ7nQO5obcKkKp_wrXoXVi7cH6/s1600/37077293_275008806384400_2658237765816156160_n%25281%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="608" data-original-width="1080" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRpCHu7ipibYizTg5OblsFsXbT_ZqK9VtfGQ9cE0K48OCpx0WkOuax8anBg16531J41EgrRHC_YhemQn0laqz5iT2VOt35nToFkjM-PKi30pcIwL8UzfQZ7nQO5obcKkKp_wrXoXVi7cH6/s320/37077293_275008806384400_2658237765816156160_n%25281%2529.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<b>Links:</b></div>
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- <a href="https://www.bikerbroshat.com/">Matt's website</a>: </div>
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- <a href="https://www.instagram.com/bikerbroshat/">Matt's Instagram</a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
- <a href="https://forum.slowtwitch.com/forum/Slowtwitch_Forums_C1/Triathlon_Forum_F1/Shameless_plug%3A_My_cousin_is_attempting_to_ride_the_perimeter_of_the_USA_P6700621/?search_string=shameless#p6700621">Slowtwitch thread I started</a></div>
- <a href="https://www.bikerbroshat.com/donate">Donate to Matt's choice of charity</a></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2585977526609462673.post-82269748038159422932018-07-22T18:39:00.002-07:002020-01-02T17:06:40.055-08:002018-2019 Normatec Pulse Gen 2 Review - Gen 2 Pulse vs Gen 1 Pulse (2015-2017)<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnNOvxzMIEbu3wN5vdLopk-fVCMhKMnKUfUr8mllBpqpsaMwkOOjsaFegkDLvzd5FOBi9qEoJ0jNq2uOpSdza3-2oRIrrgq8mCEnKXxTb6DhVypH0sTDlyPgHg1Ig4usL7NUzI_yos5skN/s1600/IMG_8336.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnNOvxzMIEbu3wN5vdLopk-fVCMhKMnKUfUr8mllBpqpsaMwkOOjsaFegkDLvzd5FOBi9qEoJ0jNq2uOpSdza3-2oRIrrgq8mCEnKXxTb6DhVypH0sTDlyPgHg1Ig4usL7NUzI_yos5skN/s320/IMG_8336.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Enjoying the new 2018<br />
Gen 2 Normatec Pulse System</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Although on the surface the <a href="https://amzn.to/2QSo1Zy">2018 Normatec Pulse </a>looks and functions just like the original Normatec Pulse (2015-2017), there are some nice upgrades to the new unit that are not clearly visible and marketed, but nonetheless are beneficial to the customer. Normatec has been shipping what I am calling the "Gen 2" 2018 Pulse since at least November 2017 so if you bought one after this date then you probably have it, but I thought I would take the opportunity to highlight a few key benefits of the new 2018 system.<br />
<br />
My thoughts on this 2018 unit are my thoughts after 6+ months of use with 80+ hours of runtime. I can definitely say that this is the best Normatec Pulse unit yet and fixes the battery issue which was the one gripe I had with my original Pulse. It is worth mentioning that while I discussed the battery limitation in my original review of <a href="http://www.thomasgerlach.com/2016/08/normatec-vs-air-relax-recovery-boots.html">Normatec vs Air Relax</a>, I have since updated that article to reflect the improved battery. This isn't a complete detailed review of the Normatec system akin to the likes of DCRainmaker's Garmin reviews, but I am happy to answer any questions you have.<br />
<br />
<b>2018 Normatec Pulse Gen 2 vs 2015-2017 Normatec Pulse</b><br />
<br />
While the changes to the 2018 Pulse may not seem obvious, there are some significant changes in the 2018 model. The biggest include:<br />
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li><b>Improved Battery</b> - The old Normatec Pulse had a battery that was always in a "low-power" mode even when off. This led to situations where you might charge the unit but it was dead when you went to use it. This was highly annoying if you were traveling and didn't have access to power outlets such as in an airport, in the car, or on a soccer field. This issue has been fixed in the 2018 Pulse.</li>
<li><b>Enhanced Durability</b> - The legs have been reinforced further making them stronger to handle the continuous cycle of expanding, holding pressure, and decompressing, and then doing it over and over, for weeks, month, and years. This may not seem like much, but every pro athlete I know depends on their recovery compression boots to get them thru their biggest training blocks. Failures do happen and it is nice to know that Normatec has worked on increasing durability.</li>
<li><b>Increased Warranty</b> - With the durability enhanced, Normatec was able to extend the warranty from 1 year to 2 years. However, if you have an AMEX card then I highly recommend using it for this purchase. AMEX will double your warranty for free which increases the warranty to 4 years. I have gone thru their claim process a couple of times (usually with Garmins) and it is a great benefit to cardholders.</li>
<li><b>Decreased Price - </b>Despite the improvements, the new 2018 Normatec Pulse is more affordable than ever. Normatec has been reducing the price of the Normatec Pulse over the past few years. While originally it was priced at $1695, it is now $1495. </li>
</ul>
<div>
<b>Battery Testing - 2 hours 51 minutes at level 5 with standard size leg boots</b></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Along with testing the battery to make sure it held a charge over extended periods of time, I also wanted to test battery life. This test was conducted after many months of use and charge/discharge cycles. Battery life will vary on boot size, pressure level, and your own leg size. Personally, I got 2 hours and 51 minutes at level 5 (max is level 7) from a standard set of legs. Normatec claims 2 hours of battery life. </div>
<div>
<br />
<br /></div>
<div>
<b>Leg Fluid Edema Testing - 90 minutes in the boots at level 5, 6, and 7 reduced my calf diameter from 41mm to 39mm</b></div>
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<br /></div>
<div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLKZDn8rBirl1Y-nTA9OayfKXJBsegr46AFSQ4gWStueyP9ITnJj2hhiBtWKrUxtmR9r8s55EGV8OJtpRFgv9idXHxOYTOQMrBoqmDr-JSXc9H3z_XsjnMXz64ZD7D7gDRpqJuB1ValyVO/s1600/6E160E3F-99DD-477A-9A7F-BBADBA5E9A1B.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLKZDn8rBirl1Y-nTA9OayfKXJBsegr46AFSQ4gWStueyP9ITnJj2hhiBtWKrUxtmR9r8s55EGV8OJtpRFgv9idXHxOYTOQMrBoqmDr-JSXc9H3z_XsjnMXz64ZD7D7gDRpqJuB1ValyVO/s320/6E160E3F-99DD-477A-9A7F-BBADBA5E9A1B.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Baseline (top) / After 90 mins (bottom)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Normatec was originally designed for patients with leg edema (swelling). I don't suffer from edema, but I figured I would test how much difference it made on otherwise healthy legs.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
For this test, I took a baseline measurement and photo and then sat in the boots for 60 minutes at level 5. I photographed and measured them again and then I got back in the boots for 30 more minutes with 18 mins at level 6 and 12 mins at level 7. I used a Sharpie on the front of my legs to draw support lines to make sure the tape measure was being placed in the same spot for consistent measurement. The results are as follows:<br />
<br /></div>
<div>
<span style="background-color: yellow;">Baseline: <b>41cm </b> (left) / <b>40.6cm</b> (right)</span></div>
<div>
60 minutes at level 5: <b>39.5cm</b> (left) / <b>39.6cm</b> (right)</div>
<div>
30 additional minutes - 18 mins @ level 6 & 12 @ level 7: <b>39.0cm</b> (left) / <b>39.1cm</b> (right)<br />
<br />
<br />
<b>Normatec Leg Sizing</b><br />
<b><br /></b> As a reminder, Normatec leg sleeves come in three sizes. Keep in mind it is not only the leg length but also the width that is affected.<br />
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li><b>Short</b> for under 5' 3"</li>
<li><b>Regular </b>5'4" to 6'3"</li>
<li><b>Tall</b> for people over 6' 4" </li>
</ul>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNSjDnK1R3rYETsjcTYZwnlgmhUHMiybh0FfYDe_NBBfVtgdm0Xp74GTtYmqzPGavUoPyFC-im5wl-ZuLS-HeYVIpdDSrRuJYYgRCT5SA1wnBxbbofvGNRyPazbD1RVwzpZ5P0850D7vMe/s1600/IMG_8385.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1421" data-original-width="1600" height="284" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNSjDnK1R3rYETsjcTYZwnlgmhUHMiybh0FfYDe_NBBfVtgdm0Xp74GTtYmqzPGavUoPyFC-im5wl-ZuLS-HeYVIpdDSrRuJYYgRCT5SA1wnBxbbofvGNRyPazbD1RVwzpZ5P0850D7vMe/s320/IMG_8385.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tall / Regular / Short</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<b>Identify the 2018 Normatec Pulse (Gen 2) vs the 2015-2017 Normatec Pulse</b><br />
<b><br /></b>One can easily determine which Pulse they are getting via a sticker on the back of the unit. You want to see a manufactured date of 2017 or later, plus a sticker at the bottom, with a "Rev 2".<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbi0v1oI2P-_EKlZz1vVX9cVhr38JpDax91B_dbTTPHWbQhli4E2M3w_ngCWwbi6j0rk1qYvqQXgLoA0miHiVG8bobFT1t8bqOvVWDJv-grnsxq0r6blv3o8jle7q8WgZE0Kl2Ov18aPop/s1600/2018+Normatec+Pulse.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1552" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbi0v1oI2P-_EKlZz1vVX9cVhr38JpDax91B_dbTTPHWbQhli4E2M3w_ngCWwbi6j0rk1qYvqQXgLoA0miHiVG8bobFT1t8bqOvVWDJv-grnsxq0r6blv3o8jle7q8WgZE0Kl2Ov18aPop/s320/2018+Normatec+Pulse.png" width="310" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">2015-2017 Normatec Pulse vs 2018 Normatec Pulse</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br /></div>
<div>
<b><br /></b></div>
<div>
<b></b><br />
<b></b></div>
<div>
<b>Final Thoughts</b><br />
<b></b><br />
<b></b></div>
<div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9U6RqdfNAdIrsg69GvuzuDp0Bx_sHBIzs9ncPvynGn17uNzQ77pA1PnAE5yiL3LJliFGWh1fivnBBCFDQPaYxjs9XA21Vp5nKFqQcKuuHWcbC2OAJKnBNx8Z1OIgy4tSQUddM8r4xRcIZ/s1600/IMG_8386.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="998" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9U6RqdfNAdIrsg69GvuzuDp0Bx_sHBIzs9ncPvynGn17uNzQ77pA1PnAE5yiL3LJliFGWh1fivnBBCFDQPaYxjs9XA21Vp5nKFqQcKuuHWcbC2OAJKnBNx8Z1OIgy4tSQUddM8r4xRcIZ/s320/IMG_8386.JPG" width="199" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lebron James in his Normatec MVP<br />
<br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The 2018 Normatec Pulse is a nice upgrade to a system that was already very nice. Never in my life has a product category been embraced by so many professional athletes in so many sports, including triathletes, marathoners, cyclists, cross-fitters, NBA, NFL, NHL, golf, tennis, soccer, lacrosse, track and field, and even Hollywood celebrities (Snoop Dogg included). The overwhelming majority of these athletes aren't being paid for their endorsement. Lebron James is probably the biggest sports name and it was reported he spent $3 million dollars in 2017 on his recovery.<br />
<br />
Personally, as a tinker but minimalist, I have been surprised by how often I am willing to travel with recovery compression boots. They simply go everywhere with me and I write this as I am in them. While there is still a place for many other recovery modalities in the athlete toolbox, no tool is as convenient and relaxing as recovery compression boots. They are just too easy to get into and I really do believe they help athletes recover faster and feel fresher. I believe the best recovery tools are the ones that don't seem like a chore and recovery compression boots are definitely not a chore to me.<br />
<br />
For those that are looking for a more affordable set of boots please take a look at my original <a href="http://www.thomasgerlach.com/2016/08/normatec-vs-air-relax-recovery-boots.html">Air Relax vs Normatec review</a>. Air Relax is a competitively priced system that has also become the choice of many champions and in many sports. Some triathletes using Air Relax include Ironman Champions Romain Guillaume, Jozef Major, Guy Crawford, Kate Bevilaqua, and Susie Cheetham (6th at 2017 Ironman World Championship).<br />
<br />
When companies have competition the consumer wins. Normatec, Air Relax, and Rapid Reboot will all help push the boundaries of what the human body can accomplish.<br />
<br />
<br />
<b>Relevant Links</b><br />
- <a href="https://amzn.to/2QSo1Zy">Normatec on Amazon</a> - $1495 and ships via Amazon Prime<br />
- <a href="http://www.thomasgerlach.com/2016/08/normatec-vs-air-relax-recovery-boots.html">Normatec ($1495) vs Air Relax ($370)</a> - original review<br />
- <a href="https://www.normatecrecovery.com/shop/pulse-system/?utm_campaign=RecoverFaster17">Normatec.com</a><br />
- <a href="http://amzn.to/2EvyuXr">Amazon Basics Zero Gravity Chairs</a> - $39.99 - great chairs for lounging in Normatecs<br />
- <a href="https://rover.ebay.com/rover/1/711-53200-19255-0/1?ff3=4&toolid=11800&pub=5575243163&campid=5337986440&mpre=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ebay.com%2Fsch%2Fi.html%3F_from%3DR40%26_trksid%3Dp2050601.m570.l1313.TR0.TRC0.H0.XNormatec.TRS0%26_nkw%3DNormatec%26_sacat%3D0" target="_blank">Normatec on eBay - Used and New</a> (Various prices generally $700-$1200)<br />
<br />
<b>Competitors</b><br />
- <a href="https://amzn.to/2BaZoUe">Air Relax</a> - <b>$400</b><br />
- <a href="https://amzn.to/2vJo7JT">Rapid Reboot</a> - <b>$995</b><br />
<br /></div>
</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2585977526609462673.post-44627173882776680192018-02-28T15:26:00.001-08:002019-11-02T19:35:37.284-07:00Athlete Blood Test - Q1 2018 Blood Biomarkers For Professional Triathlete Thomas Gerlach <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKw2_JyRSVEXYKpwRNZorMizRSLZHAypTUQpRhfPRlsg3NJ9wgMqhOO_C4kQTnS6B_gpwKSf-2biIxKWVBBH_q1oHibmmaTK5ZyEu4R9i5wXhGiosoyEQPx-6M0UT_3ekO98tz_Kf8wOX0/s1600/90974F31-F228-497C-B25E-B77F9990135D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKw2_JyRSVEXYKpwRNZorMizRSLZHAypTUQpRhfPRlsg3NJ9wgMqhOO_C4kQTnS6B_gpwKSf-2biIxKWVBBH_q1oHibmmaTK5ZyEu4R9i5wXhGiosoyEQPx-6M0UT_3ekO98tz_Kf8wOX0/s200/90974F31-F228-497C-B25E-B77F9990135D.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My body / my blood on January 11, 2018</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;">This post discusses my <b>Q1 2018</b> </span><b style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;">Athlete Blood Test</b><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;">. I have links to all my previous posts/tests below. You can save 10% on your own <a href="http://www.athletebloodtest.com/">Athlete Blood Test</a> with </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;">coupon code:</span><b style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;"> bloodtest10</b><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;">.</span><br />
<br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;" />
<b style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;">Athlete Blood Test</b><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;"> (ABT) specializes in blood work for endurance athletes. They have worked exclusively with endurance athletes to understand the specific blood biomarkers that affect performance. They then apply that learning to help athletes proactively manage levels before it can negatively affect training.</span><br />
<br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;" />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;">Their process is simple:</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;"><b>(1)</b> Order a test <a href="http://www.athletebloodtest.com/">online</a> (mine was the Gold panel + add-ons)</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;"><b>(2)</b> Go to a LabCorp facility (at your convenience).</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;"><b>(3)</b> Get the results and analysis via email.</span><br />
<br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;" />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;">With that I present my Q1 2018 blood report: </span><a href="https://drive.google.com/open?id=1CafT9Exqm42HQMPu9BIjcDXhV-I7JzCA">Thomas Gerlach Q1 2018 ABT Report.pdf</a><br />
<br />
<h3 style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; margin: 0px; position: relative;">
<b>Analysis - My take on MY blood work</b></h3>
<br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 13.2px;">As endurance athletes, we push our bodies beyond what they are designed to do and it is important to be proactive and identify deficiencies. Too often as athletes, we are reactionary and dig ourselves into holes before we finally capitulate and seek answers. The reality is that it can take weeks, months, or even years to fix those issues. The goal of my blood testing is to stay proactive and identify minor cracks before they become holes. Hopefully, by reading this, you are also taking the first step in being more proactive. With that being said here is my analysis:</span></span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 13.2px;"><br /></span></span></span>
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 13.2px;">By and large, everything looks good. It should be noted that I took this test after a solid afternoon swim. Hydration is supercritical and anyone that knows anything about kidneys will see the BUN is a little high. I will keep an eye on this for sure, but it is a reminder that although I usually don't drink during swims, maybe it isn't a bad idea. </span></span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 13.2px;"><br /></span></span></span><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 13.2px;">I want to briefly touch on a chronic health issue. Many people don't know this but I was diagnosed with ETD (Eustachian Tube Dysfunction) this past summer via a Type C Tympanogram. This means I have negative ear pressure in my right ear. It is a modern miracle that I was even able to compete last year but that is a story for another post. However, I mention this because I started a few different OTC allergy meds to reduce symptoms of the ETD. T</span></span></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;">his <b>may</b> play a role in some biomarkers.</span><br />
<br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;" />
<b style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;">- Testosterone</b><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;"> - this number is going to be affected by the midday test as T is highest in the morning. <b>Total Testosterone</b> was slightly lower than the last test. <b>Free T</b> is quite low and is the important T number as it represents the bioavailable T that can be used by the body. Unfortunately, <b>Sex Hormone Binding Globulin</b> is there in excess which literally binds to Free T and inactivates it. </span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 13.2px;">Last test I indicated I reduced both a calcium supplement and Benadryl (at night) which can have a negative effect on this area. Unfortunately, I went back on both of these due to the ETD. </span></span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;">I also continued </span><b style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;">three</b><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;">s</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;">upplements recommended by another triathlete who has chronicled his story with low-T. They are supposed to help with natural testosterone production in the body and include:</span><br />
<ul style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px; line-height: 1.4; margin: 0.5em 0px; padding: 0px 2.5em;">
<li style="margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;"><a href="http://amzn.to/2eWhTRy" style="color: #888888; text-decoration-line: none;">Pregnenolone</a>, a naturally occurring building block needed by the body to create testosterone. It is legal today. <a href="https://www.usada.org/pregnenolone/" style="color: #888888; text-decoration-line: none;">Here is the current USADA status</a>.</li>
<li style="margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;"><a href="http://amzn.to/2uMcGzw" style="color: #888888; text-decoration-line: none;">Gaia HPA Axis</a> - various natural herbs & plants that are known to help support adrenal health and natural testosterone production, including Ashwagandha Root</li>
<li style="margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;"><a href="http://amzn.to/2v7Ju8C" style="color: #888888; text-decoration-line: none;">Zinc</a> - I switched from MgSport's Magnesium to their new product <a href="http://amzn.to/2uNqR92" style="color: #888888; text-decoration-line: none;">ZMG</a> which has a very bioavailable form of zinc included in it. </li>
</ul>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;">I will continue to supplement with three above, along with working to increase my Vitamin D levels and Magnesium levels. Both of these can help reduce the amount of Sex Hormone Binding Globulin (SHBG) which binds all that Free T. If I can reduce SHBG then I should have more Free T circulating.</span><br />
<br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;" />
<b style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;">- B12 back down</b><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;"> - I was low in Q1 2017 so I started supplementing with a specific B12 pill. Then I was high on my next report (Q2/Q3 2017) and I went to a standard B pill with a lower total B12. I am lower in B12 again and I will go back to a normal B12 pill in a reduced quantity.</span><br />
<br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;" />
<b style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;">- Iron levels back up but Ferritin high</b><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 13.2px;">. On the previous test this was low, but with Iron supplementation, reduced workload, and an increased meat intake, I was able to significantly raise it. However, my Ferritin is a little high. This can be dangerous, hence why you have to be careful with Iron supplements and should only take them if you are deficient. This is a great example of how being proactive allows me to readjust my Iron levels to better levels. Although my numbers are still in the <b>optimal range</b>, long-term high levels could lead to liver damage. </span></span></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><a href="http://amzn.to/2uQMymZ" style="color: #888888; text-decoration-line: none;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="859" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZzJq0u50OmhdHPu5IH2mPkKaCVpvLOMhPnILw7OPb5k5o5cpKDicKXnLwsttEiEaunPF75I_qG9dQ85EAeIPvrv0FHCTpeKb_4f1h7SGmcIXRjPNJSj783lvPhMr__M98ESEZFv-srYyU/s320/ZMG+Zinc+Coupon+Code+Amazon.jpg" style="background: transparent; border: none; box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.1) 0px 0px 0px; padding: 0px; position: relative;" width="182" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 10.56px; text-align: center;"><a href="http://amzn.to/2uQMymZ" style="color: #888888; text-decoration-line: none;">MgSport's new ZMG<br />Magnesium + Zinc</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<b style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;">- White Blood Count back to normal.</b><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;"> For the prior test, I was on the tail end of Amoxcillian for 10-days for a middle ear infection. I assume that was the reason for the low WBC and it is nice to see my WBC is back in my normal range as a chronically low number could be an ominous sign.</span><br />
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<b style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;">Magnesium Low!!!</b><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;"> - this was my first year training in a southern climate in summer. I have warned people about losing Magnesium stores training in tough conditions and there is no tougher place than Central Florida in the dead of summer. While my Magnesium is still in the normal range, this number fell outside of the optimal range. It takes a long time to build stores so it pays to stay on top of your Magnesium levels before they are a problem.</span><br />
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<b>Vitamin D Low</b> - Within the normal range but not optimal for an endurance athlete. I spent an inordinate amount of time this off-season working on home-improvement projects and staying indoors. This could explain the Vitamin D level being a little low despite living in sunny Florida.<br />
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<b>Folate</b> <b>Low </b>- Within the normal range but not optimal for an endurance athlete. Again home-improvement projects may have played a role as I would assess my quality of diet as being sub-par given the lack of availability of a kitchen for proper food prep. This should get fixed naturally with more vegetables in the diet.<br />
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<h3 style="text-align: left;">
<b>Action Plan / Changes:</b></h3>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li><b>Athlete Blood Testing - </b>Continue quarterly tests.</li>
<li><b>Iron</b> - Switch to every other day iron supplementation.</li>
<li><b>B12</b> - Switch back to straight B12 pill and consider every other day usage.</li>
<li><b>Vitamin D</b> - Add a 2000IU capsule to midday supplements for a total of 6000IU a day. Consume with fat.</li>
<li><b>Magnesium</b> - Ensure I am taking two capsules every night.</li>
<li><b>Folate</b> - Should be an easy fix without the need for supplementation. I simply need to eat more vegetables.</li>
</ul>
That is it for Q1 2018. I look forward to seeing progress on my biomarkers and revisiting the BUN in my next test.<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<b>Athlete Blood Test Report History:</b></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
- January 2018 - Blog Post - <a href="https://drive.google.com/open?id=1CafT9Exqm42HQMPu9BIjcDXhV-I7JzCA">Test Results</a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
- June 2017 - <a href="http://www.thomasgerlach.com/2017/07/Blood-work-testing-labcorp-athlete-runner-triathlete-cyclist-endurance-biomarkers.html">Blog Post</a> - <a href="https://drive.google.com/open?id=0B-r5d4_Hxr4JeUpza0o2allBaU0">Test Results</a> </div>
<div>
- January 2017 - <a href="http://www.thomasgerlach.com/2017/01/athlete-blood-testing-blood-work-test-results-insidetracker-blueprint.html">Blog Post </a>- <a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B-r5d4_Hxr4JaV9Iekt0MnZZams/view">Test Results </a></div>
<div>
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<div>
<b>Links:</b><br />
- <a href="http://www.athletebloodtest.com/">Athlete Blood Test</a> - use code <b>bloodtest10 </b>to save 10%.<br />
- <a href="http://www.thomasgerlach.com/2016/05/mgsport-best-magnesium-supplement-for.html">Why MgSport Magnesium by Thomas Gerlach</a><br />
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<b>Supplement Links:</b><br />
- <a href="http://amzn.to/2hbVfFF">MgSport Magnesium on Amazon</a> - use code <span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: inherit; font-size: 10.56px; text-align: center;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px; text-align: center;"><b>TGMS2017 </b>to save 20%</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px; text-align: center;">- <a href="http://amzn.to/2uNqR92">MgSport ZMG on Amazon</a> - use code </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #111111; font-family: "amazon ember" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 10.56px; text-align: center;"> </span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px; text-align: center;"><b>TGMS2017</b></span> to save 20%</span><br />
- <a href="http://amzn.to/2v6Rw1G">Heme Iron on Amazon</a><br />
- <a href="http://amzn.to/2hbO3ct">B12 on Amazon</a><br />
- <a href="http://amzn.to/2eWhTRy">Life Extension <span style="color: #888888; font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 13.2px;">Pregnenolone</span></span> on Amazon</a><br />
- <a href="http://amzn.to/2uMcGzw" style="background-color: white; color: #888888; font-family: arial, tahoma, helvetica, freesans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;">Gaia HPA Axis</a></div>
</div>
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