Running and Laughing through the Garden State
The Hoka Elevon is one of the very few Hoka shoes I haven’t tried. It’s part of the Hoka Fly collection, which includes the Hoka Elevon 2, the Hoka Mach 2, and the Hoka Cavu 3. The Hoka One One Elevon 2 is a lightweight running shoe with plenty of cushion.
Continue reading “Hoka Elevon 2 Shoe Review”
“Back in my day” of swimming (IE before 2012), we didn’t have GPS watches to count laps, underwater headphones, or goggles that gave you feedback directly through the lens. My how have things changed since then!
It’s been fun taking a break from the sport and coming back when there is so much technology.
As both a runner and a swimmer, there a lot of things that track running. Watches? Pods? But there aren’t a lot of things that track swimming. In fact, you’ll either need to get an expensive GPS watch or the latest Form Goggles.
I was given the opportunity to test out Form Goggles. As an “old school salty swimmer,” I wasn’t sure I wanted all of that technology in front of me at all times. Part of the reason I like swimming is just to get back in the pool and have nothing but my thoughts and myself.
I was pleasantly surprised by how much I appreciated all of the feedback from Form Goggles plus they didn’t take away from my actual swim.
Form Swim Goggles are goggles with a smart display inside the lens of the goggle. The augmented reality smart display shows various information, including:
So while you are swimming, you have that information in front of you like an onboard computer.
Form goggles are controlled by 2 buttons on the side of the goggles. In the lens of the goggle, you have a small display of your laps which you can program to include splits, laps, or distance. You aren’t getting high definition inside your goggles, but do you need it? No. Form Goggles displays information inside the goggle in real-time. Programming Form Goggles is easy; in fact, I did it 5 minutes before I went for a swim. There are a few different displays to go through and once you’re done, you can get to swimming.
Form Goggles connect back to your phone, which can give you an overall breakdown of your performance. Like a running GPS watch, you can see every split and it points out which is your fastest.
According to Form Goggles, they use a combination of an accelerometer, gyroscope, and algorithms. Swimming in a pool also makes it easy to track when you turn around (flip turn, turn around, or whatever).
I’ve swam about 20,000 meters in Form Goggles now and haven’t had an issue where I question if it was accurate. I’ve compared to both my Coros APEX GPS watch and both have come up with the same laps each time.
The difference between Form Goggles and a GPS watch for running, is they don’t need to include a GPS function to determine your route. Most pools are standardized, so it just needs to know the length of the pool. Based on that, it determines when you change directions.
Form Goggles relies on you swimming proficiently down the lane. So, for instance, if you are attempting to swim 25 meters and stop in the middle at say 12 meters; it might end up counting as a lap. I’ve had to stop a couple of random times and it will count it as a lap midway through.
If you are thinking of swimming 500 meters of start and stop (which is fine), it’s not an investment I would make. If you get in the pool and swim laps and laps, or are a previous swimmer, training for a triathlon, or just like swimming, then it might be something I would consider. The system and tracking of Form Goggles rely on you being able to swim consistently.
At the fundamental principle, Form Goggles are a goggle. A goggle should be able to keep water out of your face and the silicone eye seals do just that. In the about 20,000 meters I’ve swam using Form Goggles; I haven’t had an issue with water getting in my eyes or Form Goggles fogging. So at the fundamental principle, Form Goggles are well designed for lap swimming. Form Goggles also comes with several different nose bridge sizes to figure out which one fits the best on your face. Plus, Form Goggles have a 45-day fit guarantee, which is nice.
I was slightly worried Form Goggles would feel heavy on my face, but they don’t. They feel like a lightweight goggle and I don’t notice a difference. No one seemed to notice I was wearing Form Goggles while swimming my laps either.
I was also worried that Form Goggles might trigger a migraine or make me dizzy from staring at a screen while swimming (something I get from something too tight on my head or reading something while moving, but it hasn’t done that either.). I can’t wear tight headbands because they trigger migraines.
A great question and it’s pretty easily answered. If you are swimming multiple days a week and for a substantial amount, you can benefit from them. If you are only swimming and don’t want a watch that can track running mileage than yes.
If you swim a couple of times a month for a little bit, you don’t necessarily need Form Goggles.
If you’re a “serious or competitive swimmer” and someone who trains competitively (whether it an open water swim or triathlon), I would recommend Form Goggles.
If you are more casual with your laps, than finding a GPS watch that can do other fitness activities would be beneficial. There is no hard line there, and you certainly don’t need to be Micheal Phelps to benefit from them.
You can see all the product reviews here.
Finally, have you subscribed to the LOLZletter? It’s a free newsletter that comes out each Monday. In the newsletter, I share running industry trends and things relevant to the sport.
Questions for you:
Have you tried Form Goggles?
Do you like swimming?
If you run long distance, chances are you’ll need an energy gel or sports nutrition at some point. Many people asked: what is the best energy gel for running? Which energy gel won’t upset my stomach for running? Which energy gel gives me the most energy? How often should I take an energy gel while running?
The list of energy gel questions is endless, but it all can easily be answered by: it depends on you.
A few months ago, I wrote a post about Maurten Energy Gels.
What Makes Huma Gels Different?
Milled Chia Seed + Sea Salt + Citric Acid + Cane Sugar and Brown Rice Syrup + Water
Throughout running and training, I’ve tried each flavor of Huma Gels. I like each of the flavors of Huma Gels and found them to be easily digestible. Like anyone, I have my favorite flavors of Huma Gels, but I haven’t had an issue digesting any of them. I could use any flavor of Huma Gel and be fine.
Huma Energy Gels use chia seeds to give you energy throughout a run. Huma Energy gels are made from real food, all-natural fruit purees, cane syrup and chia seeds. Huma gels come from natural substances so you aren’t wondering what you are digesting. Most Huma Chia Energy Gel contains about 100 calories. You can use them for a shorter race or 100-mile race (and they have athletes that do both), whatever you are training for.
One thing that is interesting about Huma Energy Gels is with the chia seeds; the gel contains natural fiber. The fiber from the chia seeds does allow energy to be released during exercise. This means you won’t have a spike in energy. I’ve also found with Huma Energy Gels; I don’t feel a crash post-race.
The 2:1 glucose to fructose in the Huma Energy Gels ratio is ideal for your body to breakdown and convert quickly to energy. The Huma gels also contain all 9 essential amino acids to nourish your muscles. One thing of importance is Huma Gels are gluten-free,dairy-free as well as vegan-friendly. Of any gel, I’ve found Huma Gels to be the best and easiest to digest.
Huma Gel Originals:
Huma Gel Originals with Caffeine:
Huma Energy Gel Plus +
What makes the Huma Energy Gel Plus Different? The Huma Energy Plus Gels are double the electrolytes. This means potentially you can completely replace sports drinks. If you are vegetarian or vegan and prefer to steer clear of sports drinks, the Huma Energy Energy Gel (original and plus) come from all-natural sources like sea salt and coconut water.
The Hüma Recovery Smoothie is one of my favorite products from Huma. While on the go, I appreciate the ease of just grabbing a post-run or race Huma Gel Pack versus having to pack something big and bulky. The Huma Gel Recovery Smoothies have 14g of complete protein, real fruit-based carbs, healthy fats, and natural electrolytes.
While I’m not marathon training, my long runs are about 14 miles and I feel better with a gel. My current favorite flavors of Huma Gels are the chocolate raspberry, chocolate, and mango. Plus, the Huma Gel recovery. If you are looking for a gluten-free, vegan-friendly gel, and stomach-friendly gels, the Huma Gels are one of the more stomach-friendly gels.
Finally, next week in the newsletter, I will have a giveaway for a variety pack. If you’ve wanted to try Huma Energy Gels, subscribe to the newsletter.
Questions for you:
Have you tried Huma Energy Gels before?
What is your favorite energy gel?
I don’t typically review shoes in the stability category?
Why? Because I don’t usually run in them. Lately, I’ve found I’ve needed a shoe that is more stable for longer, easy, runs. My body feels better with it. I didn’t want anything to be stable and the Hoka One One Arahi 4 felt comfortable.
The Hoka Arahi 4 is one of two support trainers from Hoka. The other (Hoka Gaviota) has max stability and cushion. The Hoka Arahi 4 is lighter and more responsive. The closest neutral trainer to the Hoka Arahi 4 is the Hoka Clifton 6.
Weight: 8 oz
Heel to Toe Drop: 5 mm
One thing that drew me to the Hoka One One Arahi 4 over other more stable shoes was the width. While the Hoka Arahi 4 is not the widest Hoka shoe, it’s wider than most brands.
Most of Hoka’s shoes use an engineered, seamless mesh. Compared to previous versions, the Hoka Arahi 4 uses a softer material which makes the upper lighter, more durable, and more breathable.
Since there are no seams, the Arahi 4 doesn’t irritate your foot if you have a wider forefoot, have bunions, or just like a wide shoe. That being said, the upper of the Hoka Arahi 4 also doesn’t provide much structure.
Since many Hoka models are wide and seamless, some people feel as though their foot just free-floating around in a Hoka shoe. That’s not a bad thing, and you never want a running shoe to be too tight. A tighter shoe isn’t providing support. That being said, you don’t want to feel comfortable.
Typically in running shoes, I wear between a women’s size 10-11 wide. I’ve found the Hoka One One Arahi 4 size 10 to be perfect.
If you’ve run in the Hoka One One Arahi before, this year’s model is similar. The sole hasn’t changed. If you are new to Hoka, Hoka uses early stage Meta-Rocker. The early-stage Meta-Rocker “rocks” you forward and provides a smooth transition from heel to toe.
Unlike the neutral shoes I typically use, the Hoka One One Arahi 4 uses “J-Frame” Technology to provide stability.
What is “J-Frame”?
J-Frame isn’t a traditional medial post like many stable trainers. It’s the second reason I was drawn to the Hoka Arahi 4.
The support is a denser foam that starts in the midsole and runs down the medial (inner) side of your foot. It then goes to wrap around your heel (like a J). It’s easy to distinguish in the Hoka Arahi 4 because it’s slightly darker foam in the shoe. Many brands are going towards more natural ways to support your foot rather than a giant piece of stability built into the shoe.
Finally, the outsole of the Hoka Arahi 4 uses high abrasion rubber. The Hoka One One Arahi 4 has traction when needed, but it doesn’t have the most traction of any shoe. It’s okay for inclement conditions.
I’ve run a few different types of runs in the Hoka Arahi 4 from long runs to easy, recovery runs, and a shorter speed workout. I’ve found the Hoka One One Arahi 4 fits best for me on an easy run day that my body is tired.
The Hoka Arahi 4 is a great trainer for anyone who needs some stability. It’s light, yet responsive. The cushioning is positive for anyone looking for something with a little more.
I appreciate the use of the “J-Frame” and the natural stability versus a giant arch piece. I’ll continue using the Hoka Arahi 4 as my easy run shoe.
Easy/Daily Runs: Mizuno Rider Waveknit 3, New Balance 1080 v10, Diadora Mythos Blushield Blushield Hip 5, Hoka One One Arahi 4, Asics Cumulus 21
Speed Work: New Balance FuelCell Rebel, Reebok Float Ride Run fast Pro, Nike Pegasus Turbo 2
Long Runs: Brooks Ricochet 2 Shoe Review, New Balance FuelCell Rebel, Altra Escalante 2.0, Hoka Cavu 2
Races: New Balance Fuelcell 5280, Nike Next%, Reebok Run fast Pro
Finally, have you subscribed to the LOLZletter? It’s a free newsletter that comes out each Monday. In the newsletter, I share running industry trends and things relevant to the sport.
Questions for you:
Have you run in Hoka before?
Have you tried the Hoka One One Arahi 4?