Winterizing Your Gear
Now Playing: Snowproofing 101
Now's the time to get your gear ready for snow, ice and slush with these great winterizing products! 

Leather, suede, rubber and cloth boots and gloves need extra protection from the revages of winter. One of the easiest ways to insure they will perform for you year after year is to waterproof them when they are new. Even if your apparel has been neglected, doing some maintenance before the new season begins can prevent and even restore damage.

Nikwax Glove Proof: This sponge on product was a new one for me but it can be used for both leather and fabric based gloves.  It is recommended for Gore-Tex, SympaTex and Entrant lined gloves.  You'll want to be sure that your gloves are clean before applying and shake the container well as the liquid tends to separate.  Apply with the built in sponge applicator being sure to work it into the seems and stitching.  After 2 minutes, remove any excess with a damp cloth.  Nikwax Glove Proof waterproofs while maintaining breathability and grip.

TIP:  If your leather gloves are very dirty, I would suggest using Meguiar's Gold Class Rich Leather Cleaner/Condition first.  You can find it in the automotive section with the car polish but it contains Aloe and other nutrients that clean moisturize and preserve your "skins".

 

Sno-Seal All Season Leather Protector:  I first started using Sno-Seal on my ice skating boots before mounting the blades.  It is excellent for keeping your feet warm and dry out on the ice both for indoor and outdoor rinks.  It is a stiff beeswax based product which makes it easy to apply without running all over the place.  Since it doesn't contain grease, oil or animal fat, it won't cause your boots and gloves to deteriorate.  You'll need to warm up your leather products first by placing them in a sunny window or use a hand held hair dryer.  Once the leather is warm, rub the Sno-Seal in and you'll see that it melts like butter.  Wipe off any excess product and you're done!  I usually reapply once a year at the very beginning of the winter season.

TIP: I use Snow-Seal for my ice skates and snowshoes but it can also be used for hiking boots, cross country skiing, leather gloves and work boots. Really anything leather that comes in contact with snow or rain will benefit from Sno-Seal which also comes in a tube for easy traveling.

 

Nikwax Waterproofing Wax for Leather :  This product comes in a squeeze tube so you'll need to watch the application.  This also has a built in sponge applicator but I found that when packaged in a tube, the product is very hard re-mix once separated.  All the same, this is a waterbased leather waterproofer for smooth leather and footwear.  If you have suede UGG Boots you'll want to use the following products below.

 

The Walking Company Sheepskin Care Set includes Cleaner, Rain & Stain Repellent: This set comes in its own brown sheepskin tote and includes a handy little suede brush.  This perhaps the best way to protect your investment of sheepskin suede boots.  If the boots are dirty, use the Cleaner first as directed.  After that you can apply the Rain and Stain Repellent.  You will notice that the suede will become smoother after treatment with these products which may effect them aesthetically but not in function. 

 

The Wrap:  Different materials need different products for protection.  Here I've  given you some suggestions based on what the pros use plus my own experience.  When all is said and done, the best product is the one you will use regularly to protect your outerwear from the elements.

 

X-Training BLOG's 2010 Highlights
Now Playing: The Year in a Wrap

 

Here are some highlights from the past year at the X-Training BLOG!  We'd like to thank ALL of our participating companies linked on this page who make top quality gear and supplies to keep us out there.

 

We'd especially like to thank these top equipment companies:

 

Rudy Project  

Kestrel Weather Meters

Tubbs Snowshoes

Sled Dogs Snow Skates

CatEye Bicycle Electronics

Healthy Holiday Give-Away!
Mood:  caffeinated
Now Playing: Gift Basket of Health
WIN this beautiful Holiday Gift Basket of Healthy Goodies which include: Author Signed Copies of "The New Woman's Herbal & "Nutritional Guide", "The Secret of Staying Young" Topricin Homeopathic Pain Creams, Totally Calcium Supplements AND a Stainless Half Twist Polar Bottle of your choice! 

Enter by emailing drmiczak@yahoo.com

with "Healthy Holiday Give-Away" in the Subject Line.  Entry Dealine is MIDNIGHT December 10th 2010.  This Give-Away open to U.S. residents only.  Wicker Hamper not included.

 

Cool Weather Workouts
Now Playing: Cool X-Training

Fall is a fantastic time for a brisk walk or ride out in the cooler temps. Be sure to layer your clothing so that as the day, (and you), warm up, you can adapt to the changes. One of my favorite picks for jogging or cycling is this full zippered 100% cotton hoodie.

 

Go-Lite Women's Thermal Zip Cycling Jersey   Good for 50+ Degrees

Usually for a short ride or run, my favorite zippered cotton hoodie as shown above would be fine.  However when I need more "technical support", my Go-Lite Thermal Zip Cycling Jersey is the way to go.

Warm alone or layered up, the GoLite Vermillion Thermal Zip Top for Women is the ideal active cool weather piece. Built with moisture wicking Minerale™ fabric, the Vermillion features a 1/4 length front zip, rear stash pocket and a super plush, soft fleece interior.   The pink is a high visibility factor when riding, not just a fashion statement.

 

 

 

 

 Make a Fresh Start this Fall!

Give your cool weather cycling clothes a fresh start for the fall!  You old, coolweather cycling kit may just need a thorough cleaning to be roadworthy again.

TIP:  Wash your cycling tops and bottoms in Sport Wash to restore them to their former glory.  Sport Wash leaves no scent or soapy residue and is perfect for removing odors from polyesther, synthetics and natural fabric blends.

 

Transitional Pieces - Start at the Bottom

As the weather gets cooler, you can extend your jopgging / cycling season by investing in the right clothing.  If you insist on wearing your Lycra shorts into the season, you can purchase leg warmers or wear thin tights underneath.  Keep in mind that multiple layers on the bottom can be uncomfortable and chaft when walking or pedaling.  It is best to invest in just the right amount of bottom coverage for the season.

Terry Scooter Capris:  Best for 65+ Degrees

These are perhaps my favorite because they come with a removable Terry Flex Chamois liner which is made of a cooler sheer mesh material.  They are loose around the legs and allow you to store necessities in the pouch pockets.  Keep in mind that the "baggy" design is not the most efficient in the wind but these look great on and off the bike.  Ditch the removable chamois and they are your new walking capris.  Perfect for a quick or long commute when you don't want to look as if you arrived by bicycle!  

Terry Precision Cycling

 

Terry Bella Knicker - Best for 55+ Degrees

These  Bella Knickers come down pretty far to cover most of your calves.  They are not lined but come with a built in chamois which is very light and fexible.  These are the traditional Lycra style cycling pants but with up to date accents such as the reflective bars on the bottom.  The wider waistband is very comfortable and stays put while riding.  These are very fited to cut through the wind while offering just the right amount of coverage for slightly cooler weather.

 

 

Pearl Izumi Women's ELITE Thermal Cycling Tight - 45+ Degrees

These are the ultimate weather-beaters!  Designed for comfort and full coverage, these tights will take you pretty far into the season until it snows!  These have great moisture transfer and the lining is VERY soft.  A wide waistband and 8 panel construction means these tights move with you on the bike.

The W's ELITE Thermal Cycling Tight offers great cold weather protection with a soft and comfortable brushed interior combined with the comfort of Pearl Izumi's Women's ELITE 3D Chamois®

Pearl Izumi

Get in on the X-Training BLOG's Polar Bottle - Eat Clean Diet Cookbook Give-Away!  Hurry!!!   Deadline for entry is MIDNIGHT October 24th, 2010!

Topricin & Totally Calcium Revews
Now Playing: Pain Relief for X-Trainers

Photo: Topricin products, Pain Relief Cream in Pump Bottle & Travel Sizes, Glucosamine Supplement & Totally Calcium Brand absorbable calcium supplements. 

 

As the days grow cooler you may begin to notice aches and pains previously masked by the warm summer sun.  One of the best things to do during the fall x-training season is to layer your clothing.  Early morning walks or cycling start off cool and may add to muscle discomfort later on.

Topricin Anti-Infammatory & Healing Cream

Another thing that can help is to use a good pain relief lotion before starting your workout.  The physical rubbing helps to improve blood flow to the muscles and an Arnica based lotion will help ward off aches later on.  I've used Topricin throughout the summer and can say that I wouldn't leave home without it now.  Not only do my joints function better on the road but there is no soreness afterward.  I am able to push myself a little more each time which is great especially when you don't have to pay for it later!

I have really appreciated the super pump bottle Topricin for quick and easy one handed applications.  Likewise the travel size body and foot creams are great for trips, tours and should be included in the Adventure Medical Kit featured here last week.

 

Topricin's Healthy Joint Function Glucosamine

I demand a lot of my body so I've been doing Glucosamine supplementation for quite some time.  I have traditionally used liquid supplements because really they are the most absorbable.  Still they had to be measured, poured and mixed each morning.  They also have to be refrigerated.  I began using Topricin Healthy Joint Function as a complement to the Topricin Cream applications over the season and have to say that I don't miss the liquid glucosamine at all.

The synergistic combination of the topically applied cream and this dietary supplement has helped my joints immensely allowing more freedom of movement and less stiffness.  I would like to add that implementing an alkaline diet is also helpful in dealing with inflammation which is often the source of arthritis and muscle pain.  Topricin is available at many drugstores and retailers such as Wegman's & Whole Foods.  See the Polar Bottle - Eat Clean Diet Cookbook Give-Away post to enter and learn how important this is.

 

 Totally Calcium Absorbable Calcium

Totally Calcium is formulated to be 100% soluble and 100% absorbable.  This is really a break through calcium supplement. One of the problems with most calcium carbonate, citrate and lactate products is that they are not readily broken down.  These cheaper forms may end up in soft tissue, showing up as kidney stones and even worse, calcification build up in the arteries of the heart. 

Totally Calcium is completely tasteless and can be added to either hot or cold beverages, soups or dishes.  120 mgs of Calcium in each packet means you'll be able to use all of the elemental calcium which is best taken in small doses.  What I especially like is the little travel pack included with the one month supply.  If you are traveling or taking a bike tour, you can take a few packets along and add them to your water bottle.  Your muscles will certainly thank you for it after a long day on the road!

TIP:  Calcium is best taken at night before bed.  This means more of the calcium will be absorbed into the bones because the muscles are not competing for it for active lactic acid displacement.  You'll also sleep SO much better!