Equipment | Complete Runner

Does Your Ancient GPS Running Watch Need Upgrading?

November 23, 2013 By Complete Runner

garmin 620 gps running watch

Big box electronic stores allow us to trade in our old tablet or computer for a newer one. Car dealers want us to trade in our old clunker towards a new or used vehicle. Phone companies have come out with new programs allowing us to get a new phone every year.

Many of us desire the newest technology that comes out. The new iPhone 5s is faster, lighter and more functional than the previous version, and I don’t see many people walking around with their original iPhone because the new one is so advanced.

Now, we’ve got a question for you.

Are you still using your old GPS running watch from several years ago? If so, it may be worthwhile to consider upgrading to a new GPS running watch, and now is the time to do it.

Compared to your old GPS, the new models do some amazing things that will not only help you train better but also give you more convenience.

Garmin, Nike, Timex, and Suunto make some good GPS running watches, and some of the cool things the newest models include:

Vibrating pace and hydration alerts
Interval timers
Easy sync with computer (some are even blue tooth)
Virtual pacer
USB rechargeable
Automatic run reminders for motivation
Customizable displays
Estimate recovery time
VO2 measure
Race time predictor based on your current fitness level

The new GPS running watches are truly amazing and can be a great asset to your training and overall running experience.

With Christmas coming watches are a top purchase, so consider a new GPS watch for you or a runner on your list. Let us help you find the right GPS watch for your running needs.

P.S. Timex is currently offering a $50 Rebate on the Ironman 2.0 GPS.

Boston Marathon Treadmill Now Available at Complete Runner!

August 28, 2013 By Complete Runner

Boston Marathon Treadmill Flint Michigan

After months of anticipation we are excited that the first Official Boston Marathon Treadmill shipped to Michigan came to Complete Runner!

If you know what a smartphone is capable of, then you may be able to imagine what this smart treadmill can do. The Boston Marathon Treadmill is unlike any treadmill you have ever seen, so much so that you really need to come to the store to experience it for yourself. Here are a few of the highlights that will get your heart beating with excitement:

Run the actual Boston Marathon!
Run anywhere in the world by selecting your route on Google Maps, with every incline (up to 20%) and decline (down to -6%) simulated as if you were actually running the course
Adjust your speed easily and conveniently with the Bluetooth SpeedRing
16 and 20 week marathon training programs built in to the treadmill
Change the suspension for a more forgiving run on your joints, or the traditional road-like conditions
Top speed of 15 miles per hour
10” full color touch screen powered by Android, allowing you to get online and browse the web via your wireless network

If you’ve written off treadmill training in the past the Boston Marathon Treadmill may just give you a new perspective how this amazing technology can assist you to become a better runner and simulate any route in the world.

Check out the Boston Marathon Treadmill today at Complete Runner.

Bike Le Tour de France Route in Your Basement

February 20, 2013 By Complete Runner

Tour De France Indoor Bike

What if we told you that you could ride each stage of Le Tour de France Route from the comfort of your home? Don’t get us wrong, the course is tough, but you don’t have to take a plane to France to experience the course.

Pro-Form’s Tour De France indoor cycling bike is unlike anything you have ever seen, offering an outside riding experience from the comfort of your home. Whether you want to ride your favorite local route or the bike route of your next triathlon the bike’s iFit® Technology powered by Google Maps™ downloads your route to the bike allowing you to experience every hill as if you were actually riding it, minus the pot holes. How about that for a training ride?

The bike allows for a 20% incline and decline, convenient handlebar shifters that mimic your road bike, as well as an individualized wind resistance based on your height and weight. The bike also has a built-in power meter that displays your watts and RPM’s on the console to perfect your training performance.

The Tour de France indoor cycling bike really can change the way you train. Stop by Complete Runner and test out the bike for yourself.

The Right Equipment Makes All the Difference

January 30, 2013 By Complete Runner

Running Treadmill

Imagine the following…

You love photography and especially love taking pictures of your kids. You experiment with different lighting to see what shots turn out the best. You even buy cute (and sometimes expensive) outfits for your kids to wear as they pose for you behind the homemade backdrop you learned how to make online. Then, you pull out your disposable camera and start clicking away.

I don’t think so.

If this was true, you would more than likely have a decent digital camera. Since you love capturing memories and have taken the time to learn skills and techniques having a good camera can make an amateur photographer feel like a pro. Just because you have a good camera doesn’t mean you automatically turn awesome, but once you learn how to use more features you will start to see improvements in your shots.

In the same way if you are a serious runner you know the importance of having a good pair of running shoes that are fit for your feet. A pair of $19 shoes from the department store aren’t made to meet the needs of a runner.

The right equipment can make the difference.

A lot of people have negative perceptions of treadmills, sometimes referring to them as dreadmills. This may have been true in the past when the technology wasn’t there, with the increase in technology treadmills today can act as your coach and personal trainer, allowing you to precisely control your workouts to get the maximum results.

For example, the heart rate monitor can be set on a treadmill to gauge your workout and ensure you stay in the fat burning zone to lose weight. Some can even be set up to do interval training.

It is actually common to hear of athletes getting ahead of the game in the winter when the weather is crappy outside because they have conducted very structured workout programs on their treadmill. Why hibernate over the winter when you can get ahead?

Complete Runner has a wide variety of professional-grade treadmills and ellipticals in the store for you to try out. You won’t find our equipment at your local department store, since our exercise equipment is specifically build for serious runners and athletes.

For more information on treadmills and ellipticals come and see us at the store, and also check out The Runner’s Guide to Buying a Treadmill and E Glide Elliptical Offers Great Winter Running Workouts.

6 Reasons to Ask Santa for a GPS Running Watch

November 30, 2012 By Complete Runner

GPS running watches are no longer just for running geeks (you know who you are). Great strides in technology have been made to make GPS watches more user friendly, and prices have dropped to make them more appealing to all budgets.

Here are a few reasons why you should ask the man in red for a GPS watch this year:

Training Flexibility

No longer are you stuck to your familiar routes that you measured with your vehicle’s odometer a few years ago. With a GPS watch you can venture off into new areas to change up the scenery and discover different parts of your town, all while tracking your mileage and other essential stats without retracing your run later in the car.

Safety in Training

Many people know they should increase running mileage slowly to keep from getting injured. A GPS watch will keep track of all your mileage and you will be able to rely on the stats to make smart decisions about your training.

Less Hassle

GPS watches make it easy and convenient to track your workouts. The alternative is carrying around your iPhone with the GPS app, praying you don’t drop it or it doesn’t get wet in the elements. Some people still run or walk with a running watch or timer and a pedometer, but why not make it easy on yourself with a GPS watch so you can concentrate on your workout, and not the technology (or lack of).

Know the Mileage of your Shoes

Depending on a variety of factors, a pair of shoes may need to be replaced around 300 to 400 miles. When we ask people how many miles are on their shoes most of the time they aren’t sure, but with a GPS watch you would easily know this number at any given time.

Track Progress

A GPS running watch will not lie to you. It will honestly show your improvement or decline as a log of your historical progress is being recorded with each run or walk.

Pacing

Not only will a GPS watch help in your training, but also on race day. Use it to stay on pace of your desired end time, and even tell you when it is time to walk and then run again if you are using the run-walk method.

What GPS Running Watch Should I Get?

When considering a GPS running watch, first ask yourself what you want to get out of it. Some people want all the bells and whistles, while others are just fine using the basic functions. The requirements of a triathlete’s GPS watch will be different from someone in the Crim Training Program. Just like we measure your feet and analyze your gait to find the perfect pair of shoes for your feet, we will help you find the right GPS watch for how you want to use it, as well as show you how to use your watch if needed.

If you have any specific questions or would like to review the options available, we will be having a GPS Tutorial at the store Wednesday, December 5 from 6:00pm – 7:00pm. Please feel free to stop by.

Imagine, The iPad App That Controls Your Treadmill

October 31, 2012 By Complete Runner

Imagine App

A lot of treadmills are coming standard with a small ledge to hold your iPad, allowing you to watch a movie or listen to your favorite playlist while running. Bodyguard has taken this a step further with their iPad app Imagine.

Imagine allows your iPad to control any of the compatible Bodyguard treadmills, fully integrating with your treadmill like you’ve never seen before.

Some of the features of Imagine are:

Custom Workout Screen – Easily control the metrics you want to view of your workout

Workout Entertainment and Music – All the multimedia fun of your iPad integrated into your workout, including movies, music, TV, and web browsing

Social Fitness – Share workouts with you friends, video conference with friends or your trainer, or join online fitness groups for encouragement and tips

Unlimited User Profiles – The workout data of multiple users is stored on your iPad’s memory and easily accessible

Beat My Race – Replicate all aspects of a previous training, including speed, intensity, and incline changes to beat your previous time

Advanced Workout Data – Have your workout data to review at your fingertips, making it easy to analyze or share with a trainer or doctor

Don’t just use your iPad multimedia during your workout, have the Imagine app let your iPad control your treadmill workout. Stop in the store today to ask the staff at Complete Runner your questions about Imagine and the compatible Bodyguard treadmills.

If you are looking to buy a treadmill soon, check out our helpful article: The Runner’s Guide to Buying a Treadmill.

Exercise Equipment to Improve Your Core

October 31, 2012 By Complete Runner

Maybe you are looking to lose those love handles that aren’t that lovely, or get the six pack back that you had in your prime. There is no better time to improve your core like right now!

As it gets colder it gets harder for some people to continue running outside. Wind proof and wicking running jackets have made it possible to run in single digit temperatures and still stay warm and dry, but some people just don’t like the cold.

With the tendencies to be a home body over the winter, don’t put on pounds like most of the population but instead be intentional and work out your core. That way when you get back outside and running the miles you are used to you will be in a good place and on track to reach your running goals.

Improving Your Core

According to an article in Runner’s World, “They [the core muscles] provide the stability, power, and endurance that runners need for powering up hills, sprinting to the finish, and maintaining efficient form mile after mile.”

Elite runners know this to be true and intentionally strengthen their abs, glutes, and lower back since these muscles are the foundation of your movement. A strong core can make the difference between being a good runner and taking your game up to the next level.

Equipment to Improve Your Core

Two new and impressive pieces of equipment are now available at Complete Runner that will help you to improve your core this winter.

Ab Coaster

The first is the Ab Coaster Black. This machine is similar to a vertical knee raise, but more compact and easier on your body. All you need to do is move back and forth with your knees on the base to work out your abs, and swivel the base to your right or left to work your oblique muscles. There is a digital counter on the machine that will keep track of your reps for you, and you are able to add more weights to increase the resistance.

Core Stix

Also new in the store is the Core Stix, a nifty platform with resistance rods to do a number of exercises. It boasts of being an all-in-one home gym that combines core, cardio, and strength training into a convenient platform that doesn’t take up much space. Used by a variety of trainers, celebrities, and runners, the Core Stix is sure to help improve your core and get your body in awesome shape this winter.

Take advantage of the cold and make a plan to improve your core with new and innovative equipment at Complete Runner.

Water Bottles for Running

June 30, 2012 By Complete Runner

Amphidod

We know how important hydration is for runners to keep cramps and dehydration away, but have you wondered how to stay hydrated during your run?

Some people plant water along their planned route. Depending on how long your run you will most likely find warm, nasty water by the time you get there, as well as run the risk of someone tampering with it.

You can carry a bottle when you run, but that gets old really fast as the water swishes back and forth, over and over again.

To have better control of what you drink during your run, and even conveniently carry multiple bottles to be used for different fluids, you may want to consider a water belt.

Most water belts have a cushion belt for comfort and some sort of convenient pouch for your keys or gel. Most also have multiple bottles and some allow you to add and subtract bottles as you desire, depending on your needs for that day. Multiple bottles allow you to have multiple types of fluid, from enhanced electrolyte water (Nuun), to a mixture of electrolytes and supplements or just plain water to dump on your head to cool down.

Water belts are especially useful when training long distances when you are several miles away from your home and potential hydration.

We carry the Nathan, Fuel Belt, and Amphipod brands of water belts at Complete Runner, and believe me when I say they are pretty cool. If you are interested in learning more about water belts stop by the store and you will wish you would have utilized this convenience gear much sooner.

E-Glide Elliptical Offers Great Winter Running Workouts

December 19, 2011 By Complete Runner

Runners can choose to battle the ice and cold Michigan winters with the proper traction aids and winter running apparel or choose the indoor option of running or walking on a treadmill. Complete Runner is excited to offer a treadmill alternative, appealing to both runners and cyclists for cross training, that is full weight bearing without the impact but unlike the typical elliptical offering a super smooth “floating effect” that you need to experience to believe.

This dream training machine is the e-Glide Elliptical from Spirit Fitness, available at Complete Runner in Flint.

As stated on the Spirit Fitness website, the e-Glide is “designed with convenience, comfort, reliability, and aesthetic appeal in mind.” Inspired by Alberto Salazar, former Boston Marathon and three-time NYC Marathon champion, the e-Glide offers a smooth motion that gives the user the biomechanical motion of the perfect running form. You will definitely feel the burn in your quads with this machine, and you can increase the workout intensity by easily adjusting the tension with the turn of a knob.

Below is a video showing the e-Glide in action.

Are you curious to learn more about the e-Glide Elliptical and see it for yourself? Stop by Complete Runner today for a demo and see how it will greatly improve your winter training.

Running on Ice and Snow Safer, Easier with Due North Traction Aids

November 30, 2011 By Complete Runner

The cold, snow, ice, and limited daylight hours make winter running not only a challenge but also a potentially dangerous endeavor. Black ice isn’t very forgiving and it can be stressful not knowing if your next step will land on solid footing or on a slick patch of ice that will send you to the ground. Luckily, traction aids are available for runners and walkers to make winter running enjoyable and safer.

Due North offers Everyday Traction Aids that easily fit over your shoes to offer stability and peace of mind when running or walking on ice.

They are made out of 100% rubber that will last multiple winters. The bottom has rubber traction as well as six carbide spikes that give you great traction on ice and snow, while the inside has grippers that keep the traction aids in place perfectly with your shoes.

Curtis suggests leaving a pair of Due North Traction Aids on your bad weather shoes during the winter months so you can easily have them ready when the roads are questionable. This tip comes from a guy who went on a 20 mile winter run a while back and stayed on his feet the entire time with the help of the traction aids.

Complete Runner caries a few styles of the Due North traction aids at $34.95, a must for running and walking in the unpredictable Michigan winters. To see the traction aids in action, check out the video below of a Due North representative dancing and jumping around on a block of ice at a trade show.