Cadbury EggRead: 2 mins

Age is Just a Number – Keep Fighting It

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Reading Time: 2 minutes

I keep telling myself that age is just a number. At 38 I’m hardly over the hill, but I will say the hill is kicking my ass. Last weekend I took an awkward fall snowboarding and pulled a muscle in my stomach. Today I went for a run in beautiful 45º weather and while coming around a bend I slipped on freshly thawed mud and went down – hard. The kind of fall where you actually bounce, hit the deck again and then take a few seconds to check inventory.

Cadbury EggIn the winter I really cut down to maintenance miles, nothing compared to what I run in the warmer months. I put on a few extra pounds from eating far too many sweets, starting at Christmas and ending in disgust with a Cadbury Egg and countless Jelly Beans at Easter. We’re all human, even the Fit Geek.

My timing for taking the RealAge test probably couldn’t be worse. This test weighs your lifestyle choices, family history, diet and any medical conditions (high blood pressure, diabetes, etc) and then applies it to your calendar age.

My result was 33, better than 38 (I’ll be 39 in May) but I was shooting for 25! Despite pulled muscles and a few bumps and bruises the physical and mental benefits are worth it. Besides, I still have my emotional age of 16 to fall back on. Take the RealAge test to see how you fare. It may feel like a phishing trip, but seems legit.

Note: If you have no intention of keeping fit and just want to see what you might look like in 10, 20 or 30 years this site has some links to age progression software, some in use by law enforcement agencies around the world. April Software is a popular package and intend to have a Web based version of their software in the Fall/Winter (we’re waiting!).

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poodleRead: < 1 min

Poodle Exercise Video

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Watch it and PLEASE tell me what the hell it is I just watched in the comments. Really not much more I can say…

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HydraCoachRead: 2 mins

An Idiot Light for Bodies in Motion

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Reading Time: 2 minutes

In college I had an old Chevy pickup truck that was cursed. For starters the rear bumper had a way of removing itself from the truck’s frame – once I clipped a wall and pulled it off, once a mechanic did the same, twice my brother did it (helping a friend move and pulling another friend off the outer beach in Chatham, Cape Cod at 4am in the morning).

Another problem I had with the truck revolved around the fact that on average, a college student moves (dorm, apartment, flophouse) 130 times and with a pickup you’re everyone’s best friend.

By far the biggest issue with that truck was never knowing how much gasoline i had left in the tank. The warning/idiot light would sometimes illuminate with gallons of gas remaining and sometimes with maybe a teaspoon.

HydraCoachWith exercise, proper hydration is a priority. While not equipped with an idiot light, most people know when they’re thirsty. For those of you who are prone to misjudge hydration, there is help in the HydraCoach, a USD $30.00 water bottle with a built-in computer that measures what you drink and calculates when you should take another sip.

Sportline, the maker of the HydraCoach, calls it “a revolutionary new water bottle that calculates an individual’s daily hydration needs and coaches proper water consumption to ensure optimal hydration.”

For some, this product may serve it’s purpose well. For me it’s still “light pee-good pee, dark pee-thirst-ee.” I have a ritual for how much I drink before, during and after a workout depending on weather, expected exertion and distance (I guess I’ll call this the WEED principal, developed by yours truly).

In college I had a few teammates who were ‘HydraCoaches’ – just a bunch of drunk lacrosse players yelling ‘Drink! Drink! Drink!’ If you find yourself constantly dehydrated and don’t have the benefit of a keg, yard and unchecked testosterone, consider the HydraCoach.

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recipeRead: < 1 min

Recipe: Boca ‘Chicka Boom’ Wrap

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The last meat I gave up was chicken. Not because I liked it the most – bacon held that dietary distinction – it’s probably because chicken is so easy to prepare in all sorts of tasty ways. The good people at Boca (I swear I don’t work for them, but bless them and their delectable offerings) have several “Chik’n” products including patties and nuggets.

The Boca Chik’n Patties (Spicy are also very good) are the main ingredient in this recipe entry, the Boca ‘Chika Boom’ Wrap. It’s a very quick recipe, good to go in less then 2 minutes!

Ingredients

  • 2 Chik’n patties
  • 2 Slices Land ‘o Lakes American cheese Naturally Slender American (white)
  • 1 Burrito size flour tortilla (I like Mission)
  • 1 Tbsp mayo

Preparation and timing

Microwave the patties according to the instructions on the box. Spread the mayo on the tortilla. When the patties are done slice them in four long slices and arrange in the tortilla. Top with the slices of cheese, roll it and go.

Nutritional Info (Patties+Cheese+Tortilla+Mayo):

  • Calories: 320+180+210+90 = 800
  • Total Fat: 12+14+5+10 = 41g
  • Cholesterol: 0+40+0+5 = 45mg
  • Sodium: 860+720+630+90 = 2300mg*
  • Total Carbohydrate: 30+2+36+0 = 68g
  • Protein: 22+12+6+0 = 40g

* To reduce sodium and cholesterol, try using only a single 1oz slice of cheese instead of 2. Light mayo and a whole wheat or Mission’s 96% fat free tortillas are also heart healthy substitutes.

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Hail BootsRead: 2 mins

Forty Inches of Fresh and the Best Gear but…

Reading Time: 2 minutes

There are few things I enjoy more than snowboarding and for the last 2 weekends I’ve had back-to-back weekends at my friend’s place in Sugarbush (Warren, VT). Last weekend it was just the boys, 10 of us in all, with part of the weekend dedicated to hearing our friend’s play some aprés at the Phoenix, a bar located at the base of the ‘Bush.

Hail BootsI was excited to try my new Burton T6, Mission bindings and Hail boots. The first new setup in 10 years! Despite visibility problems, it was a blast. Sometimes frustrating, sometimes satisfying but always a good time with friends.

This weekend the conditions were sick! Forty inches of fresh snow in 72 hours and Saturday and Sunday both promised to be legendary. The Smith Prodigy Turbo Fan goggles and the Smith Platform helmet (14 total vents) were unreal – I can see!

On about my fifth run down I was finally starting to feel the bumps and charging pretty good. Me and the T6 were fast becoming friends and the conditions were plain silly. Then I caught an edge and fell backwards in between 2 monster moguls. In an effort to save my head from smacking the ground I managed to tear a muscle in my stomach.

I’ve never torn a muscle before, the pain was unreal and because my feet were above my head I couldn’t sit upright without help. Done for the day, I couldn’t even get up from sitting in a chair. So depressing, especially given the conditions and the opportunity to ride with friends.

I took my daughter out skiing Sunday and she did amazing. Such a great attitude and willing to go for it – all French fries and very little pizza pie (that’s parallel or snow plow). She also went on the chairlift for the first time with my wife and they came down together all smiles.

The next day my friend Jim and I went back out in the afternoon, despite -25 degree wind chills! I was real hesitant at first and riding in pain, but after I warmed up (oddly possible in such cold) I rode at about 80 percent which was just fine.

Even with all the sweetest gear in the world, you can’t keep from catching an edge and prevent hurting yourself. At least I can see and have something to build on.

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AvocadoRead: 2 mins

Recipe: Holy Boca Guacamole

Reading Time: 2 minutes

It’s been over 16 years since I’ve eaten red meat or pork and about 14 since I’ve eaten chicken. Oddly enough though I do eat turkey and if I seafood I eat it. Ever since I was a kid I never had a taste for red meat. My mother asked that I eat just one bite and my dog Reggie never complained when I spit it out in the next room and gave it to him.

When you don’t eat meat, an obvious source of protein, iron and other nutrients, you have to make sure you get it somewhere. In the past 16 years I’ve devised a few recipes that provide decent protein, good fats and most importantly – is tasty! The first recipe is a summertime favorite; Boca Burger topped with guacamole.

Ingredients

  • 2 Boca Burgers (I prefer the Flame Grilled)
  • 1 Avocado
  • 1/2 Ripe tomato
  • 1/2 Small red onion
  • 2-3 Tablespoons lime juice
  • Black pepper to taste

AvocadoPreparation and timing
Dice the tomato and red onion and add to lime juice and fresh ground black pepper. Puncture the plastic bags the burgers come in and place in the microwave for 1 1/2 minutes on high. Slice an avocado in half, twist apart and remove the pit. Slice the avocado length-wise and width-wise in the skin and then scoop out the cubes into the lime juice mixture. Stir all the ingredients together, but don’t mash it all up.

BING! Burgers are done. Pull open the bags and put them on a plate side-by-side and scoop the guacamole on each burger. Enjoy.

Nutritional Info (Burger+Avocado+1/2 Tomato+1/2 Onion):

  • Calories: 180+240+13+30 = 463
  • Total Fat: 3+22+0+0 = 25g
  • Cholesterol: 5+0+0+0 = 5mg
  • Sodium: 280+11+3.5+2.5 = 297mg
  • Total Carbohydrate: 4+13+3+8 = 28g
  • Dietary Fiber: 3+10+1+1.5 = 15.5g
  • Protein: 14+3+0.5+0.5 = 18g
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Smith Prodigy Turbo FanRead: 2 mins

Don’t Sweat the Petty, Pet the Sweaty

Reading Time: 2 minutes

I’m a sweater. Not a mohair, but a dyed in the wool, honest to goodness sweater – like former NYC Mayor David Dinkins. I can sweat bullets in zero degree temps. When I snowboard, I instantly fog-up my goggles rendering them useless. Nothing sucks more than plunking down 70 bucks to go snowboarding, only to find yourself in some sort of sensory deprivation-like hell on the very first run.

Anti-fog lens, double lens, liquids or good old fashion spit are no match. The theory of keeping the goggles on your face and never taking them off – no matter what – total crap. This weekend I prepared myself with ‘anti-fog’ goggles and 2 pairs of glasses. Three runs later all three were useless.

The biggest reason for this problem is my helmet. It’s an older Boeri and has nary a vent. All the steam from my melon comes rushing down and condenses on my specs. To resolve this I need to call in the big guns: gear. After all that’s why were all here right?
Smith Prodigy Turbo Fan
Lo and behold, I get the Steep and Cheap email (see previous entry: Killer Gear Deals (usually…)) this morning and click on it: Smith Prodigy Turbo Fan Series Goggles for $50.83. Regularly they’re $179.95, that’s a 71% savings!

Next, I’m on the hunt for a helmet with vents, preferably controllable vents I can open and close to regulate airflow. Chances are I’ll keep the top down full time, but I like options you can fiddle with. Is it even really gear without things to adjust and mess with? Seems like ‘equipment’ to me.

I’m thinking about the Smith Platform Helmet because it has that ventilation control I want, looks comfy and is priced right. I have 4 days until I’m back up north and spending a total of $130 total to keep me seeing the slopes is totally worth it. Even if I am broke.

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submarineRead: < 1 min

Down Periscope!

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Stop me if you’ve heard this one before. Two Colombians, a Guatemalan and a Sri Lankan are in a homemade submarine traveling 6 feet under the ocean’s surface, breathing through plastic tubes and smuggling nearly 3 tons of cocaine…

submarine

Kent Gilbert / AP

OK, it’s not a joke, it actually happened. And it’s not the first time a home made submarine has been used to smuggle drugs and probably won’t be the last.

The plastic breathing tubes are what gave these smugglers away. I think it’s fair to ask why 4 smugglers, holed-up in a homemade sub more than 100 miles from shore, are breathing through plastic pipes? Could they not have provided a few tanks? I mean after all the trouble they went through to build a sub from wood and fiberglass and load it up with millions in gak?

Somewhere in here there’s a Kelsey Grammer Down Periscope reference but I don’t have the energy. Check out Innespace for some cool fishy like diving, jumping crafts and if you’re looking for a yacht-submarine US Submarines has some models that even the snobbiest of cocaine cowboys would enjoy. More on the gear/fitness thread in the next post… promise.

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SneezyRead: 2 mins

Beating a ‘Cold’ January

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Reading Time: 2 minutes

SneezyYou probably noticed I haven’t posted in a few days. Despite my efforts to avoid germs, I’ve had the worst cold known to mankind. Actually I’ve had the cold for probably a month, but it started making it crescendo this week.

More recently, this cold has taken a toll on my brain, I can barely think and I’m always tired. The post nasal drip is absolute torture and my lordie, what will it take to get this taste out of my mouth? It’s time to break out the big guns of homeopathy with what I like to call the triangle approach to kicking a cold in the ass.

1. Jim Jay-Bones’ Lemon-Zinger “Turbo” Tea

  • 2 Green Tea teabags
  • 16oz travel mug
  • 4 tablespoons natural honey
  • Juice of 1/2 lemon
  • Water

Boil water and add to the rest of the ingredients. Let it steep for at least 5 minutes. Rinse and repeat.

2. The Sleeping Michelin Man

Take a really hot shower and then overdress for bed. Overdress to the point that rolling over is almost impossible. Wear your long johns, pajamas, sweat suit and ski suit. Chug at least one pint of spring water before nodding-off. If you have a humidifier – BLAST it. If you have more than one, blast ’em if you got ’em. If you don’t have one, buy one. Add water and enough salt to get it steaming.

3. Eat, Drink and be Wary

Even the Mayo Clinic says there’s no basis to the old wives tale that it helps to starve a cold and feed a fever. Eat like a viking and drink a lot of fluids, as much as possible and preferably vitamin-rich (OJ is great). Lay off the beer and mixed drinks because you’ll dehydrate. By this time it should be obvious that the triangle approach is about turning your body into a wet sponge.

Be wary. By that I mean be cautious; about going outside under-dressed (wear a hat), staying up too late to catch the Daily Show or subjecting yourself to undue stress (take a break).

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bladeRead: 2 mins

Bitness Labs: Experiment 18382b.2 Genetic Supplements

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The first genetically specific nutritional supplements are here! When Blade Runner gave us a peek into 2019, we saw genetically manufactured beings called replicants put into service to take-on the other world’s dirty work. Maybe we’re not on track for the world’s first Nexus-6 in 2019, but tailored supplements for specific ethnic groups might just be a first step.

Screwing with genetics can lead to disturbing results. But I felt an obligation to loyal Bitness readers and threw caution to the wind. For the last 3 weeks I trusted my genes to a team of scientists at Bitness’ labs, where I was subjected to each of the three genetically specific supplements. The results were shocking (warning: those without a sense of humor or easily offended – turn back now).

Week 1: African American Supplements
Let’s just say the wife was very ‘pleased’ with the effect of this supplement. Trust me, it wasn’t because I suddenly started eating chicken again, making me less of a pain-in-the-ass when it came to planning meals (I’ve been a vegetarian for 16 years).

With the African supplement I just felt like I had more rhythm ya know? I killed it on the basketball court, had a little more swagger in my step and I became more alert – of the police – who seemed to have it out for me. I could kick back with a 40 and suddenly understand everything 50 Cent was saying. All I can say is ‘true that Fiddy.’

Week 2: Hispanic Supplements
I stole my own hub caps on day one! I know, it’s weird – but they were shiny and I like, had to have them meng – ju know? During the Hispanic trial phase I might have made a tactical error. What does ‘Matanza el Gringo’ mean and why did I have it tattooed across my neck? The highlight of week 2 has to be the chimichangas – muy delishioso! Look at me; 2 weeks later and I eat chicken and beef!

Week 3: Caucasian Supplements
You’re probably asking yourself, ‘what effect would a supplement have on someone already of a given race?’ Well in our experiment it accentuated my whiteness. I am now the proud owner of an argyle sweater and bucks! I also joined a country club and subscribed to Field and Stream. Wine, wine and more wine. Love it. (Incidentally I became more uptight and once again banished chicken and beef from my diet).

The Missing Supplement I’ve no idea why they don’t make Asian supplements and frankly I’m disappointed. I was looking forward to an increased aptitude in math and science. Would my driving ability suffer? Would my laundry folding improve? Also, since I was eating chicken and beef again I’m sure I would have given fish bladders a shot.

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LZ DeniseRead: < 1 min

The Apocalypse is Coming

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People who know me well… maybe even not so well… know I’m somewhat of a full-blown germaphobe. It’s not mud or dirt that bothers me. I’ve always been ‘one’ with the animals. Forever the gentleman, I’ve never felt that girls had the cooties.

It’s people. Dirty, sneeze-and-shake, piss-and-run, ass-scratching, no-hands-washing people. Oh, it’s all the rage now to open a public restroom door with your foot, but I was all elbows and knees in the early 80s! I was ridiculed by my friends and family, all who now admit I was ahead of my time.

You’re probably asking yourself, “Ok Nostradamus then what next? What grim reality for mankind looms on the horizon?”

NostradamusSo I’m here to tell you, it’s super germs. With all the anti-bacterial soap and mutating germs, terrorism and germ warfare, simply stepping on towel in the hotel shower isn’t enough.

My advice is to live as stress free as possible, exercise daily, eat right and if all else fails… get off-the-grid land in some far-flung locale, learn about sustainable living, gear-up and keep the Cipro handy.

Mainstream media will be talking about super germs and pandemics more and more and people will get increasingly freaked out. The fact is, all we can do about it is live a healthy lifestyle, take some responsibility with personal hygiene and when it comes to public restrooms; Hover, don’t Cover (though if you must, set the table – twice).

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WaveHouseRead: < 1 min

Drop $10 to Hang Ten

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New England, there’s something not right about running alone in 20° weather in the pitch black to get a workout. On the West coast they can ride 10 foot barrels WHILE drinking cocktails served by bikini-clad women at WaveHouse.

WaveHouse

Located in San Diego, WaveHouse features – among other attractions (including bikini-clad women) – the FlowRider® Wave-In-A-Box. Essentially a skate ramp with 1 inch padding and water rushed over it’s surface, the FlowRider (a/k/a Bruticus Maximus) gives riders what’s described as an experience that combines surf, skate and snow techniques.

The original WaveHouse is located in Durban, South Africa and future locations are planned for Las Vegas, Phoenix, Honolulu, Orlando, Melbourne, Sydney, Surfer’s Paradise, Netherlands and Singapore.

It costs a cool $5mil to build the whole facility in San Diego, but you can get tubed for about $10. Next time you’re in SD or if one of the locales mentioned above is open, check it out.

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Fleece Lined HackmoreRead: 2 mins

Killer Gear Deals (usually)…

Reading Time: 2 minutes

I’m always looking for a good deal on gear. I’m not saying I buy a lot of gear (cough) but I do like to know what the going rate is for – oh I don’t know, a Metolius FatCam. Mountain Gear has them for $40, not bad but here’s the thing – I don’t even climb trad, just sport and bouldering.

Fleece Lined HackamoreSo why do I even care? I mean I cared about gear deals long before bitness.com existed, so it’s not the blog. It’s because I freakin’ love gear. I’m terrified of horses but check out the deal on this Fleece Lined Hackamore! You won’t ever find me defending my wicket – but how can I ignore the aptly named ‘hot deal’ on this pre-knocked, factory seasoned CA-Pakistan cricket bat?

One of my favorite sources for finding out about reasonably priced gear is SteepAndCheap.com, a Backcountry.com ‘powered’ site. When the clock strikes midnight, I get an email with the first deal of the day. But I don’t stop there. I also subscribe to the SAC RSS feed, so I can track when a new deal is posted. Deals are typically 60% below retail – not bad.

Other good gear sites are the aforementioned MountainGear.com, REI, Campmor and of course Overstock.com, the 500 pound gorilla of discount merchandise.

I’d like to know if anyone else knows of some good gear sites? Leave a comment with the link and description of the site so the rest of us gear freaks can get a fix.

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wiiRead: < 1 min

Alternative Workout: The Nintendo Wii

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Since its launch several months ago, the Nintendo Wii has received some negative press for folks who hurt themselves, others or inanimate objects. The site Wiihaveaproblem.com tracks the carnage, which includes kids getting accidentally smacked by family members, a dislocated knee, twisted ankles, cuts and contusions.

It’s not all bad news for Wii owners. Twenty one hours of Wii ‘training’ over a six week period (15 minutes per session) helped this guy lose 9 pounds, drop about 2% body fat, lower BMI by 1.2 and lower resting heart rate 14bps. According to the less scientific Wii Fitness Age (WFA), the subject started at age 46 and was as young as 20 during the testing period. The WFA measures speed, balance and stamina using three random sports tests.

This carefully conducted experiment was well documented along the way and reveals which games burn the most calories. Boxing burned the most calories, at approximately 500 calories an hour. For comparison, actual real-life boxing burns calories at about twice the rate. Consider though, that no one is punching you in the face (usually).

I’ll stick to traditional workouts myself, but why not double-up those workouts with some productive gaming? Time to put on the tennis shirts, headband and Rod Lavers. Here is a time lapse of the 6 week Wii workout…

https://youtube.com/watch?v=F3vmRcS71NY

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Nike Speed+Read: < 1 min

Running in Silence

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Reading Time: < 1 minute

Podphile reported earlier today on a soon to be available watch from Nike called the Nike Speed+. It provides information relayed from the Nike+ sensor which is either inserted into your Nike+ running shoes or attached to the laces of any other shoe.

Nike Speed+The Nike Speed+ can supplant the iPod as the device used to relay run data. This is useful for people who don’t like to run with an iPod, but for most an additional piece of equipment wouldn’t be necessary.

I’m surprised news of this device came so quickly, I would have imagined Apple and Nike had an exclusive arrangement for longer. I can only hope that the recently announced iPhone has an equally short exclusivity agreement with Cingular (and a lower price).

There is no evidence I’m aware of that the Nike Speed+ will be able to control the iPod. For that Nike already has the Nike Amp+.

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