Timex Run Trainer GPS Running Watch
Review by Tim-August 2012 
I recently had the need for a new GPS running watch and thought I'd try something other than Garmin. After doing much research I settled upon the Timex Run Trainer GPS watch. I selected the watch due to the updated GPS chip, heart rate monitor, price, and look of the watch. I have now worn the watch for over 200 miles primarily on trail. The watch is a good fit and is comfortable during long runs. The heart rate monitor (included) is a little different than others I have worn in that it has a metal button as the connecting device - the monitor is comfortable and easy to adjust for fit. Satellite acquisition seems slightly faster than my last GPS watch; however, it is still not as quick as I'd like. The software which has some drawbacks (more on that below) is simple and easy to use and connects effectively with the online website, Training Peaks (www.trainingpeaks.com). The charging connection is accomplished with an clip like device that connects the watch via USB to either a A/C charger (included) or to your computer for data transfer/charging. I would like to see all GPS watches convert to a mini-usb connection on the device instead of a proprietary connection. (This type of connection may be infeasible due to the need to have a sealed case to insure no weather or dirt intrusion for the electronics.) Battery life was very good both in standby (not using the GPS) modes and GPS/run modes.
Merrill Trail Glove Day 6 - First Run
Today was the first day for a run in the Merrill Trail Glove. After several days off and on of wearing the shoe for a whole day I was ready to try them out for their real purpose, running. I went for a short run on paved streets. I made sure to have no distance goal but rather be really in tune to how they, and my body felt. Any concern I had about how my feet would feel on pavement quickly evaporated as I took off down the block. There was no need to be hyper-vigalent about where I placed my feet. The outsole of the Merrill Trail Glove definitely kept me protected. The first thing I noticed was that I felt like I 'could' run a lot faster and longer. This was due to the light weight of the shoe.
Merrell Trail Glove - Day 1
It's time to start a multi-stage review of the new Merrell Trail Glove. With the craze of barefoot (or near barefoot) running that has been sweeping the running world for the last several years. I thought that now would be a good time to try out a pair of these new style shoes.
I first got interested in the dynamics and possible benefits of barefoot running when I read Born to Run by Christopher McDougall. And have slowly been changing my running form but as yet had not changed my shoe type.
I went to one of my favorite outdoor stores today and purchased the Trail Glove. I wear an 11 in Vasque and tried on an 11, 10.5, and a 10 in the Trail Glove. The first thing I noticed was how much they fit, well, like a glove along the sides of my feet. The next thing I noticed was that the 11 was way too long for my foot. There was little to no difference in the length between the 10.5 and 10 although the 10 felt even tighter along the sides. I ended up getting the 10.5. And was warned by one of the salespeople to only wear them for a few hours a day at first and to wait at least a week before running.
Merrill Trail Glove - Day 2
Well my first day with the Trail Glove was mostly seated as I flew from California to Texas. The felt good all day. The one think I noticed was a sensation that can be described as mild 'burning'. I believe this was solely related to my muscles adjusting to the new shoes. The sensation has nearly completely dissipated today. Today they continue to feel tight (like a glove) along the sides of my foot. And, they feel great. I notice I walk a little 'softer' and that my back is less sore by the end of the day.
I have noticed some slight change in the fatigue of muscles in my lower calf and ankle areas. I am guessing this has to do with a very different set of muscles being engaged as my body adjusts to the lack of cushioning and begins to assert the systems in-place in our bodies to manage shock absorption or standing 'lightly'.
My excitement is growing toward the first real run in these shoes.
Bandera 2009 25K Race Report
January 2009 by Tim
This race really started the night before...at midnight. Which is the time that I finally got to sleep. I can recall a time when I had to be in bed by 9 the night before a race. I had to eat exactly the right food..or else. And yet here I am several years into my trail running pursuits(after many more of road running) going to bed at midnight after having burgers, fries, cookies, pop, all of it. Well I'm glad I've grown. I awoke even before the alarm at around 4:20 am. Walked into the kitchen where I had my usual pre-race meal of a bagel with peanut butter, coffee, banana...and whatever else I could find that wasn't dairy or eggs. The weather was still on the warm side at this point (probably 65 and humid). Everyone else began to stir and eventually we were out the door around 5:40.
As we walked outside we were stunned by the abrupt drop in temperature. It was probably 40 and windy. Into the truck and off for the hour ride to Bandera. We had one newbie, one 2 time Bandera, one 3 time Bandera and one 4 time Bandera with us. Those of us that had run it before kept trying to spook the newbie. Of course she was having nothing to do with it.
Upon arrival I was amazed at how much this race has grown. The last time I ran Bandera was 2005 and it's "huge" compared to then. The great race volunteers quickly had us parked. And we hopped out of the truck for check-in to a stiff strong breeze that was COLD! Luckily this is the weather I run in most of the time in San Francisco; so, I was prepared. Packet pickup went without a hitch. There was a separate process for runner "check-in" I wish I had done that at the time of packet pickup. (Instead of waiting until the race start.) We headed back to the truck to get race ready. For me that means putting my number on my belt, plenty of vaseline on all the essential areas, a double check of gu, etc. Then a little dancing at the truck with no warm-up. Race time was quickly approaching so I went to check-in while I waited for Trey. It was a 5 minute walk to the starting "line".