RockTape Review

SmackMedia is doing big things in the world of triathlon. They are blowing up the twittersphere/social media and really getting the name of good companies out there. They threw a roll of RockTape my way for me to check out. It couldn't have been better timing as I've been hampered with Plantar Fasciitis pain in my right foot for a good 8 months now. Besides massage, icing, and beer drinking I really haven't done anything else to address it. I can't figure out if it's derived from cycling or running (probably both)! Well the RockTape arrived and I was stoked to see flying skulls covering the tape. Immediately I threw on some Whitesnake and started cutting some tape!





Once the Whitesnake was over I went over to RockTape's website where they have "how to" videos on taping all the different ailments you may have. It ended up being very easy and before I knew it I was ready to put it to the test through swim, bike, run and a lot of showers (triathletes are dirty).

Easy PF Taping

I was pleasantly surprised how well the tape held up. I only had to re-tape once over the course of a week that included dozens of workouts and showers. However. The biggest thing I was impressed with is by Wednesday I had my first pain-free run in 8 months. I really thought of the tape as more of a masking agent then I did a cure. But I feel it really is making a difference. It doesn't happen overnight, but I've found with the taping, icing, massaging and beer drinking - the pain is slowly going away! My reviews are always straight up, tell it like it is - no BS. If you have PF, get some RockTape - your heel will be very happy! Physical therapists and doctors are catching on to the magic of RockTape so you can actually find a "Roc-Doc" near you or buy it yourself at the nearest retailer. Both can be found here: http://rocktape.com/rocktape-near-you/

Held up even to the harsh chlorine

I also found it very helpful in permanently strapping a beer you
don't want to share to your hand for easy no spill, frills!

2013 Schedule

Well it's holiday season and it's been a few weeks since I've actually blogged. For those of you that missed "My Day with Betty" VLOG last week, go check it out. During the off season there's not much to blog about. There's no races in the near future and it's just all about family time, structuring the next season, planning races and getting in good base work. My season next year? For the most part it will look something like this:

January: R&R 1/2 marathon. Really the only "serious" running race I'll do all year. Although this year I won't be hammering track workouts over the winter in getting ready for this one. This will strictly be all off of aerobic work so we'll see how it goes. Not planning to go 1:14 like I did last year!

March: Desert Triathlon: I really had fun doing this race last year and it's a great race to "open up" with.

April: Ragnar Relay. This will be the 4th year in a row I've done it and it's pretty much become a tradition and a great running based workout.

May: Ironman St. George 70.3 It was a tough call between chasing a Vegas spot or partying with my Wattie team mates but if I'm going to throw down money for a 70.3 then I need to go after St. George. I'm a climber on the bike and a strong runner, so this race suits me. Plus I like the idea of mixing it up this year at different races.

June: Ironman Boise 70.3 Almost pulled the trigger on this race last year, time to go after it this year!

June: San Diego International: This will be my 3rd time doing this race too. This year (although the results say otherwise) I won the overall amateur and I'd like to maybe join next year in the elite wave if the season is going well.

July: Ironman Lake Stevens 70.3 or (Vineman-wait list) This is a maybe. If I don't qualify at either St. George or Boise I'll do this race for sure. If not I want to make the trip up. I love that part of the country and getting away with the family up there appeals to me. We'll see.

Sept: Ironman World Championships 70.3 *If I qualify As I noted, that's the goal this year. I only gave myself one shot this year and giving myself 3 next year.

So that's it. I'm more focused coming into this winter and am paying extra attention to the details that I never did before. I guess you can say I'm more disciplined because it's not just all about logging the hours/miles - the stuff in between is the hard part and I hope to get it right!

I'll leave you with a bunch of pics over the past weekends. I hope everyone had a great Thanksgiving and best wishes for you and your family over Christmas and the New Year.

Thanksgiving family pic. Love.

2nd stop Thanksgiving dinner

Good beer was consumed

The whole family

Some fun riding and good beer. Love my winter warmer beers!

Visiting with Santa!

Love this little guy!

And her...she's just a little bit excited about xmas.
Which totally makes it fun for Amy and I again.

Tasters at a new brewery - Weins! Happy Holidays everyone
Cheers!

Betty Designs Review

So this will be my first VLOG (video blog) and I actually enjoyed it. I do a lot of video at my work and it was pretty fun doing one as a "product review." Morgan from Smack Media hooked me up with a sweet Betty Designs Men's Graffiti cycling bib shorts and shirt. I've actually never owned a pair of bib shorts before so I really didn't know what I was missing out on. Now, I don't think I'll ever go back! The kit is a head turner (like all of their designs) and this kit is quickly becoming one of the more comfortable ones I've ever owned.

Every kit I wore this year was Betty Designs. From the Wattie Ink team triathlon kit, cycling kit, jacket, to the Temecual Valley Tri Club kit to The Bike Shop team jersey. All of them had that same Betty Designs "flair" and I couldn't recommend them more. Men, don't be scaaared. Although you may think it's all women's stuff, it's not! Check out the men's selection, such rad gear. I'll admit, I'm bit jealous of the ladies too - so many cool designs.

 

Here's a video I put together that I titled "My Day with Betty" Hope you enjoy!

 

 

 

Be sure to check out their website at: www.bettydesigns.com