Many runners feel that an MP3 player detracts from the experience of running outdoors. That not being in tune to your breathing, or hearing the birds chirping is cheating yourself. I, on the other hand, prefer Black Sabbath screaming in my head and yes, the occasional Dane Cook comedy break.

The more obvious argument is that running with headphones is unsafe; you can’t hear cars, bikes, or pedestrians. I say that only adds to the experience, but I run mainly on trail.

I love to swim, snorkel and even Scuba and being underwater is a peaceful place. It’s here I like to be on alert, listen to my breathing and absorb myself in all that surrounds me. A company called H20 Audio thinks you should listen to music underwater too, and sells a number of waterproof cases (depending on your player) and waterproof headphones.

There are many models to choose from, the iS2 is used with the newer Shuffle, is submersible up to 10 feet and can be worn with the included armband. You can also adjust all the controls even while it’s enclosed.

If diving with sharks is your thing (props to Eli and Karen) and you think it would be more exciting to do so with a soundtrack, visit H20 Audio and get immersed…

Posted by: Lawrence

Like most people I have a lot of stress in my life. Exercise is a great relief from that stress but we can’t exercise all the time. Yoga, meditation and even breathing a certain way, usually from your gut, can be relaxing. Another cool way to relax is floating, it helped Daredevil and it can help you.

Float tanks, or sensory deprivation chambers, are typically fully enclosed ‘pods’ molded from fiberglass. The idea is to immerse yourself in total tranquility; no light and no sound for 1-3 hours. This site has a list of manufacturers to get you on your way.

The tanks themselves usually have a cool Sci-Fi vibe going, like something out of Woody Allen’s ‘Sleeper. A good tank will include a ventilation system, temperature control, ultraviolet lighting for purification and in some cases a sound system (not really denying your sense of hearing, but listening to white noise, a babbling brook or crashing waves can have it’s own positive effect). A good tank will also run you about $10,000.

Note: The tanks are filled with water and an enormous amount of Epsom salts. The salts keep you floating (even those of you who typically don’t float well) but can also irritate eyes, open wounds and the recently shaved. Those afraid of enclosed spaces can increase floating times until they are comfortable. Please be sure to consult a physician before floating.

Posted by: Dean

Lately I’ve become the neighborhood bicycle mechanic. I was sitting on the front lawn replacing the brakes on my wife’s bike, changing the skins and adjusting the derailleurs. Soon a few kids came by with their bikes in disrepair and I was turning my Park tools just fast enough to put up with demand. It would have been a lot faster and less frustrating with a work stand, especially when testing the shifting with derailleur adjustments.

I started looking at work stands recently and especially liked the Spin Doctor Pro G3 Work Stand. I checked it out in a local bike shop and was impressed with the construction. It has a tripod-base, clever quick release clamp and best of all it’s portable, But I don’t have $150 for a workstand, so I’m going to MacGyver one I found on a site called Instructables.

Instructables provides instructions on how to build just about anything yourself using commonly found parts. They feature many homemade bicycle work stands. I like this one, but the best has to be this bench model (and the added variations).

Strap on your mullet, get out the Swiss Army Knife and check out the Instructable site and build something. I’ll be posting pictures of the bench top model after I hit the Depot tomorrow and have a chance to slap it together.

Posted by: Lawrence

This one falls into the “dammit, why didn’t I think of that” category. Unlike rigid pole tents, AirZone Recreation‘s durable and easy-to-inflate tents are easy to stuff into any available space. When it’s dark, raining, snowing or cold you will appreciate how much quicker and less frustrating pitching an AirZone tent can be.

On cycling trips, use a hand pump to inflate the AirZone tent in less than a few minutes. I don’t recommend you go trekking with an air-compressor and generator, the AirZone can also be inflated a CO2 dispenser and will have you spreading-out the sleeping bag in just 10 seconds.

These rigid tents are as tough as any traditional tent available. Tested under load and in wind speeds in excess of 40 MPH, the AirZone has quickly gained a dedicated following over the past 6 years. In the rare event one of the poles is punctured, you can unzip and install a spare. If you don’t have a spare AirZone claims that one inflated pole will get you through the night.

You don’t have to be a Boy Scout to pitch one of AirZone’s 4 tent models…

• Goldfinch 2 person $299
• Ptarmigan 3 person $399
• Osprey 4 person $499
• Condor 6-7 person $599

Posted by: Frank

I like to run with an iPod so I don’t have to hear the labored breathing of a man killing himself. I prepare song lists for different distances that are based on song type and length. The song lists appear as ‘Running Man 6’ for a six miler, ‘Running Man 8,’ etc and always start mellow with a good beat. I use comedy clips for mundane parts of the run and hardcore or metal for hills and to finish the run. Setting up these song lists requires a lot of thought and examination of previous runs I store on MotionBased.

Like any good technology should, I can perhaps stop thinking so hard. A new product from Yamaha called BODiBEAT will be available this Fall that synchronizes the music I enjoy to my workout. Both an MP3 Player and a heart rate monitor, BODiBEAT changes songs on the fly to match your workout.

The BODiBEAT has four modes; Free, Fitness, Training and Music…

• Free Mode – You control the music: Music playback stays in sync with your movement
• Fitness Mode – The music controls you: Match your pace to the tempo of the music playing
• Training Mode – Create custom programs: Similar to my current method (explained above)
• Music playback – Simply use the BODiBEAT as a music player

For my taste, the look of the BODiBEAT leaves something to be desired. Perhaps I’m just spoiled by the incredible industrial design by Apple, but the BODiBEAT looks like a small brick. Also, instead of a chest strap, the BODiBEAT pulse sensor clips on your ear. On the Web site, the ‘music’ they play in the demo reels would cause me to keep running – right into a mental institution. I’m not sure they can determine the beat of your own music, so Free and Fitness modes might not actually be your music at all. I guess we’ll have to wait until the Fall to find out, unless Yamaha decides to drop something in the mail in advance…

Posted by: Lawrence

Fitness magazines and Web sites stress the importance of diet and exercise, but rarely do you read about the importance of sleep. Sleep plays an important role in your overall wellbeing – fitness goals aside. I’m no expert on sleep myself, I frankly don’t get enough of it. But if there’s one thing I do know; if there’s a problem there is a gadget out there to help address it.

One such gadget that caught my eye is the Dreamate, an $80 USD, watch-sized device that massages 3 acupoints in your left wrist called the ‘Sleeping Golden Triangle.’ They recommend you wear it 30 minutes before bedtime to coax your body into relaxing before drifting off into a deep, productive sleep. While $80 may seem like a lot, your co-pay on sleeping prescriptions might make it look like petty-cash.

There are plenty of other sleeping gadgets to be had – just stop by the local mall and hit Brookstone or Sharper Image. You will find sound machines, special pillows, mattresses, blankets, eye masks, aromatherapy (suggest Lavender, Chamomile, Bergamot, Sandalwood or Mandarin) devices and other products to help you sleep.

So go get your sleep-on and marvel at how much better you feel when you exercise. What’s better than being fit and well rested?!