Magellan Echo Review

August 4, 2014 by

Awhile back I was contacted to review a cool new device called the Magellan Echo. At first I wasn’t so sure why this device was special, but upon further reading, I realized this was nothing like anything I had ever used.  It also comes in several pretty colors!

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Echo solves the biggest problem when doing sports with a smartphone. How many times have you used a running app on your phone, and got aggravated because you had to keep pulling it out of your pocket or armband to check you time and pace? Or, when running in the bright sun, having to figure out a way to read your smart phone’s screen to see how your run is going? The Echo fixes this by syncing your info from your app to a wrist watch!

Echo streams data and controls from your smartphone to your wrist. At a glance, you can see things like distance, pace, and heart rate from certain apps on your phone in realtime.echo_fea_fitness_1_2

With your phone in your pocket or in an armband, etc., remote controls make it easy to do things like Start, Stop, Lap as well as Music controls like Play/Pause, and hanging to the next song. Also, tapping the screen turns the page to show more date screens. Echo uses Bluetooth Smart to connect your smartphone and watch.

Apps bring Echo to life on your wrist. They are working with the leading fitness apps to ensure that your favorite app works with Echo. Strava, MapMyRun, MapMyRide, Wahoo Fitness, iSmoothRun, iMobileIntervals and other apps will be announced soon. (I am currently using Strava on mine).

The device is always on and ready to go. Echo does not need to be recharged, it uses very low power technology and runs off of a replaceable coin cell battery.
Echo’s low power technologies also help preserve the battery of your smartphone. Using Echo means your phone screen stays off, which saves your smartphone battery for more important functions. Also, When you’re not running or biking, Echo is an everyday watch showing the day, date and time.

The model I was sent also came with a heart rate monitor, but you can also purchase the watch alone without this feature. I really liked not having to stare into a glaring screen to see what was going on with my phone app, or worry about draining my battery. The screen on the watch is large and easy to read, and I really love that you aren’t just limited to one app like if you are using a regular GPS watch. Depending on your preference or activity, you have many options with more coming!

QOTD: What are your thoughts on a device like this? What other apps would you like to see the Echo work with?

Filed Under: fitness, running, running gear, technology Tagged: , , , , , ,

Custom Tutu Giveaway

July 31, 2014 by

Lesley from Greater Fitness has made several tutus for me for runDisney races, and has even given back to charity with some of the proceeds, which is how we first met. We are both pregnant and due within days of each other so we won’t be running Disney races anytime soon, but Lesley still wants to outfit you in a tutu for you next race (doesn’t have to be a runDisney race!) But, with the Disneyland half coming up we figrured a lot of runDisney runners are looking for costume ideas. But these tutus are great for cancer walks, mud runs, color vibe runs, or any other races really!

Her tutu’s are comfortable, adorable, and she will work with you to customize it to your size, length, and and other specifications. Shipping is fast and she is such a joy to work with!

Here are a few tutu’s Lesley has made for me:

First, my absolute favorite, last year’s Tower of Terror Cruella tutu.

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This year she also made my tutu for the half marathon portion of the Glass slipper challenge when I was Aurora.

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Also, for Dopey’s Challenge in January, she made my Dopey and Ariel tutus!

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Lesley has agreed to make a CUSTOM tutu for one of you, to your specifications, for your next race! Simply follow the rafflecoptor instructions below for your chance to win, good luck!

*Also, if you contact Lesley to make you a tutu for $25, (baby/kids are $15) and mention you heard about her on my blog, she will ship it to you for FREE!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Filed Under: Disney, Giveaway, runDisney, running, running gear Tagged: , , , ,

Garmin Forerunner 15 Review

July 15, 2014 by

I was recently contacted by Garmin about testing out the new Forerunner 15 model GPS watch. I lloovveee me some Garmin (I have the 10, Bobby has one, and I have the super old school 301). I was very interested to see the differences especially between the 10 and the 15 models.

I was sent the Teal/White watch with heart rate monitor. The color is really cute!

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Here are a few features of the Forerunner 15 from Garmin’s website:

  • Tracks distance, pace, heart rate and calories
  • Activity tracking counts steps and calories and reminds you when it’s time to move
  • Compatible with foot pod (sold separately) for recording distance indoors
  • Up to 8 hours of battery life with GPS on or 5 weeks in watch/activity tracking mode
  • Save, plan and share your activities at Garmin Connect™

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You can pair the Garmin with a heart rate strap (you can purchase the device with or without) and it will record your heart rate and heart rate zone so you know when you need to rein it in and when you can push yourself harder.

The coolest new feature of the Forerunner 15 is the activity tracker. You can track the steps you take during the day, even when you aren’t working out, and you can do so without havening to wear a separate device. Forerunner 15 counts your steps and the calories you burn all day. You can also upload you data to Garmin Connect, and monitor your progress toward your fitness goals. This device also reminds you when it’s time to move if you’ve been sitting for more than an hour. When you get that cue to move, just walk for a couple of minutes to reset the inactivity indicator. How neat is that?!?

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Forerunner 15 also has an auto lap function that automatically alerts you when you complete each mile. When you complete your run and save it, you’ll see a summary of how you did (calories, pace, time, distance). It even lets you know when you achieve a personal record, like your fastest mile or longest run to date.

For outdoor runs, Forerunner 15 uses GPS to accurately record your time, pace and distance. To track distance and pace when you hit the treadmill or an indoor track, just pair Forerunner 15 with an optional foot pod, which attaches to the laces of your shoe.

Another favorite about this model in comparison to the Garmin 10 is the battery life. The rechargeable battery will last up to 5 weeks in watch/activity tracking mode or 8 hours when using it with GPS on your outdoor runs. This is a vast improvement over the 10 which only had a 5 hour battery life. I also love that I can wear it for FIVE WEEKS as a watch in activity mode and without recharging! I don’t plan to even need GPS for more than 8 hours at a time, so the battery life is perfect for me. Forerunner 15 has a water rating of 5 ATM (50 meters), which means it resists rain and sweat and can even join you for a swim.

After a run, use Garmin Connect to log your runs on your computer. Here, you can see your run on a map, get more detail on each mile, see a daily summary of your activities and share with friends. You can also join online challenges and earn virtual badges for extra motivation. This model also can auto sync information to your computer unlike the Forerunner 10.

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(source)

So to recap, the main differences in the Forerunner 10 and 15:

Forerunner 10: No activity tracker, no heart rate monitor, less battery life (5 hours in GPS mode)

Forerunner 15: Activity tracker, optional heart rate monitor and foot pod, longer battery (8 hours GPS mode, 5 weeks activity tracker mode).

Both models have the run/walk interval options, a virtual pacer, and you can also customize the screens on both watches.

Other things I love:

-Colors are varied and really cute

-Price point is reasonable and especially great for a first GPS watch.

-Size is nice, small enough to wear as a regular watch!

-Easy to use, minimal buttons and screens

-Easy of setup, I was out the door in three minutes the first time I turned it on!

My ONLY qualm with this model of GPS device is not being able to see pace, time, and distance all on one screen. When racing or trying to hit certain goals, I don’t really like having to scroll to another screen to see all of my data. However, on the flip side, it has kept me from wanting to constantly check my numbers, which can actually be a good thing sometimes.

Overall I would recommend this Garmin, especially now that it can be worn as a watch and has the activity tracker! They just keep getting better and better with technology, it blows me away.

QOTD: What are your thoughts on GPS watches? Would you wear the new  Forerunner 15?

Disclosure: I was provided product from Garmin in exchange for my honest thoughts and opinions.May contain affiliate links.

Filed Under: fitness, running, running gear Tagged: , , , , ,

ASICS GEL-Electro33 Review

July 3, 2014 by

I was contacted my ASICS recently to try out their new GEL-Electro33 shoes. Since my feet are way swollen and I can barely fit into any of my other running shoes comfortably, I thought it was a great opportunity to give it a shot since ASICS shoes typically have more room for my foot in the forefoot/toebox area anyway.

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The first thing I noticed about these shoes were the three fun colors you can choose from. Of course, there are more important things when choosing a running shoe than colors, but it didn’t hurt that I was drawn to these so much! The purple and yellow immediately reminded me of LSU colors (go Tigers!) so I knew I had to get them.

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From ASICS:

This shoe is one of the first lightweight, flexible shoes with pronation support, along with several new features to improve your running experience.

Anatomically correct deep flex grooves have been aligned to the joints of the foot. This innovative construction enables the shoe to recognize, adapt, and respond to the athlete’s exact load and positional change from first impact to toe-off.

ASICS lightest midsole compound has been reengineered to reduce weight while providing enhanced cushioning and exceptional durability. The use of seamless materials reduces the potential for irritation and friction caused by traditional stitches and seams.

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My thoughts:

This shoe is definitely lighter than the ASICS I am used to wearing, but it still offers stability and support that I need as a pronator. It did take me a couple of runs to figure out how to best tie the laces to fit my specific foot (at first they were too loose and my heel slipped causing rubbing, but I figured it out and also changed my socks).

I always shy away from more minimal shoes because I need arch and forefoot support, but this shoe gave me that without being clunky, which is a huge plus! I felt light on my feet in them without sacrificing comfort. If you are a pronator who likes support but are nervous about trying a more natural feeling shoe, I think this option is a great “stepping stone” to see how you transition into a lighter shoe. I recommend it!

Be sure to follow ASICS on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook for updates on new products. Also, be sure to check out their full line of running shoes in amazing colors and designs!

QOTD: Do you need support and are afraid to try a lighter shoe? Do you pronate?

Disclosure: ASICS sent me this product to test and review, however all thoughts and opinions are my own.

Filed Under: fitness, health, running, running gear Tagged: , , , , ,