More new gear.

Yes, I think I am addicted to ProBikeKit.com. I ordered new tires yesterday from them, some Continental GP4000 with the famed black chili powder, supposed to make them grip better and last longer. I don't know if that's true, I guess I will find out soon enough. But the price, well, I cannot believe the crazy good prices at PBK. Two tires, free shipping across the ocean, $48. You can hardly find ONE good name brand tire for that price domestically. Hmmm.

The Mavic wheels I ordered last Friday have shipped, should be here in a few days (probably early next week I think). I'm still in shock at the deal I got on those.

I procrastinated on doing my workout today, I just did not feel like doing it. I was initially going to ride outside this morning, go for a quick 15 mile double loop around Wind Point, but it started snowing, so I poured another cup of coffee and sat at the computer. At least I worked on some of the 20 year reunion plans, made a few calls, and did not buy anything else from PBK!

So I waited until 4:58 pm to work out. I didn't feel like spinning for an hour, plus it was getting close to the dinner bell, and the kids were getting hopped up for eats. So I dressed quickly and went for a 5k. Yeah, it was getting dark. Yeah, it was cold. Yeah a little snow was still falling. But, it felt good to get out, despite not really having my heart into the run.

The totals:
27m 10s
374 kcal
158/164 HR avg/max
35% fat cal

I think my Polar F6 was a little off again, which has been a reoccurring theme while running in the cold weather (it was abut 15 deg F). I even soaked the HR strap in hot water prior to heading out, but it still gave some erratic (high) readings at the start of the run. I looked at my HR when I pushed the start button, and I was barely in the mid 110-115 range (a short pre run warm-up before the start line). But, I looked again, about two blocks up the street, and I was suddenly up to 157 bpm. I think the average listed is high, not the max. I want to get some of that contact gel to try on the HR monitor strap, see if maybe this helps with the problem.

The other thing I want to take a close look at are compression socks this weekend at the Multi Sport Expo. I wear a pair of black neoprene-like material knee high socks for winter biking, and I've worn them for the past half dozen or so winter runs. I think they make a difference in my legs, especially in my left leg, which has historically been bothersome. It's not a knee, joint or a muscle thing, but I think it is the start of varicose veins in the lower part of my leg, specifically my calf and left side under my knee. The leg does bother me more in the cold weather, especially at work or when standing on my feet for long periods of time. I have read a few articles that claim compression material does help with circulation and helps to speed recovery; I would think there would be more intense research on the subject, given the fact that there is a potential for a huge sale target group involved in running and Tri/multi sport. There might be some ongoing right now.

I plan on spending some more cash at the expo this Sat. I am hoping to get a pair of new running shoes, as well as a pair (or two) of compression socks. Plus, that VO2 max test should be, well, interesting!