Wednesday, September 30, 2015

Reebok All Terrain Extreme Review


As some of you may already know, the "All Terrain" is a series of shoes designed by Reebok for Obstacle Course Races (OCR). When they were first released the biggest features these shoes were recognized for were the drainage system and the unique mid foot grip. They started out with the Sprint and Super models. The Sprints were the less expensive models and the Supers were the higher priced model, which had a bit tougher/thicker sole and outside mesh support.

Now lets flash forward to the present to the new All Terrain Extreme edition. 

Let's begin with the color theme, I'm totally for the solar yellow/ neon/ gravel black combo. It's got a cool hardcore look to it. Of course it won't be long before there are more colors available.

Second noticeable upgrade is the webbing on the outside of the mesh. The Kevlar helps a tremendous amount with durability while still maintaining it's ability to drain water quickly and breath-ability. Kevlar is the same material that is used to reinforce tires and protective helmets.
Next upgrade is the wider shoe tongue. Previous versions (see picture below) the shoe tongue was shorter and thinner which kept sliding to the sides.

The sole is a bit tougher and has an awesome grip. But just like the previous versions if you are flat footed, I do suggest you slip in your orthodics or slip in some sort of inserts for better support. The inserts it comes with simply don't provide any support unless you are used to running in bare foot shoes. (See picture below of the inserts it comes with)

Here's a look of the Super and Extreme edition side by side.
So! What's the verdict? Are they an upgrade? How do they handle on course?
Well of course we have to put these puppies through a test; so I chose the 2015 Spartan Race Ultra up in Vermont to see how they can handle. Now, for starters, I did go on a few test runs on trails to break them in so by the time of race day they were ready to go full force. 

Sunday September 20th, race day was here. First lap was great, a smooth 5 1/2 hours. The grip going up and down hills was great. The downhill part was where I really noticed how they grip to the ground. Obstacles were a breeze especially at the traverse wall and rope climb. At the bin drop while replenishing food and hydration I gave them a quick inspection. No holes, laces were still tied, so off I went for Lap 2. Already knowing what was ahead of me I kept a nice pace and took off on the flats. The All Terrain Extreme kept up with another great lap and held up perfectly fine throughout the rest of the race. Finally, I got to the finish line completing this year's Vermont Ultra smoothly. Below are the pics after the race.

Overall, I definitely recommend this model for any OCR. As with all things, the sport of OCR will continue to evolve, so will the gear and this model is a great sign of what is coming from Reebok and the OCR world. 

See you at the next RACE!
AROO!

Coach ARAGON

Tuesday, September 15, 2015

Prepare for the Vermont Killington BEAST! (Updated)


Last April I made a quick easily accessible list to be better prepared for the NJ Beast. Many that have gone through a Beast (Elite or novice) should know that you will be out there for hours. How many hours? That's up to the individual.

First of a Killington Beast is a Beast of another kind, the following list can serve as a guide to all Spartan Race Beasts but it is devoted to the MOTHER OF ALL BEASTS.....VT KILLINTON.



1. Hydration Pack or Belt 
 
Whether you are elite or a novice, water stations may not come around during the time you need them to. I have seen many racers make the same mistake which is to wait until they feel thirsty to have drink. Feeling thirsty is the body's natural indicator that you are already dehydrated. Having a sip or two every 15-20 minutes will keep your body hydrated and performing to the best of your abilities.

2. Sodium

Have you ever tasted your sweat? When you sweat you are losing sodium in the body, in fact you can lose about 1.5g per hour. So why is sodium so important? Sodium helps keep your body temperature and heart rate from rising during lengthy amounts of exercise. Where to get your sodium fix? Most endurance sports drinks contain enough sodium to keep you going (without cramping as well). Feel free to toss in a sports drink into your hydration packs. Ran out sports drink? Can't find the next convenience store on the race course? NUUN! When you get to the next water station fill it up with water and pop in 1 or 2 tablets of Nuun and Wallah instant sports drink with the sodium to keep you going! Don't like NUUN? Mustard PACKS! Racers live by them to avoid cramps! I personally use them as a back up or to save racers screaming on the ground because of a nasty cramp.

3. FOOD

Yes, you need to fuel up during prolonged amounts of exercise! Even the best of athletes can only hold a certain amount of muscle fuel (glycogen). With in an hour into the race eat, whether its a gel pack or a sports bar. After 45 minutes, have another 60 - 80 grams of carbohydrates while still keeping the body hydrated every 20 minutes.
Here are some examples:
Gels: Roctane, Gu pack, PowerBar Enery, Surge
Bars: Clif Bar, Clif Builders, PowerBar, Bloks
Real Food: Beef Jerky, dried fruit, Pretzels, SunRype

Estimate the amount of time you believe you will be out there and take a little more. It's always better to carry a little more than to be scavenging on race day. I have seen people picking up gel packs and eating left overs from desperation.... YUCK! 

4. Compression Apparel


You may have noticed many racers wearing a bunch of tight spandex looking cloths. Why are they wearing all this tight cloths? Is it a fashion statement or are they going to audition for black swan Part 2 right after the race? 
Compression apparel, whether it's socks, arm/calve sleeves, shorts, pants. or shirts are meant to help increase blood flow  which can improve performance and speed up recovery time. Now it is still open to researchers on whether it fully does what it's stated to do but any boost to prevent a nasty leg cramp is worth it! Hylete has been a popular choice among the OCR community.
If you're interested in getting some apparel use code "AragonFitness25" at https://www.hylete.com/ and save 25% off your next purchase.
Or take a look at Reebok's Spartan apparel on the right hand side of this page-------------> 

5. Shoes

The right pair of shoes is a must when it comes to muddy or rocky terrain of these races. Reebok has come out with the Spartan All-Terrain Series specifically meant for Spartan Races. These shoes can obviously also be used for all other OCR races as well. I have used them in many past races and the Spartan Super and now Extreme models have a bit more durability then the Sprint model. Another great pair of outdoor running shoes is from Inov-8 X-Talon models. Inov-8 was among the first on OCR scene. Many may remember seeing them a couple of years back at most Races. When looking for a good pair of OCR running shoes you are looking for something light and has a good grip.
Here is a list of a few more to choose from: Icebug, New Balance Minimus, Salomon

6. Sports Tape

There are many kinds of tapes out there, all of which need strip after strip AFTER STRIP, and many can't even handle the battle and tend to fall off. Rapid Force has simplified and eliminated the headache of knowing how to or what patterns the tape needs to be in order for it actually support you. All the shapes are done for you and SUPER EASY to apply! Want them? Want to learn more?
check them out at: http://www.rapidforce-phs.com/ and use code "ARAGON10" for a discount
or call them and mention COACH ARAGON sent ya!

7. Lights




Depending on your start time, some of you may be out there for a good amount of hours. This is a must if you are doing ULTRA! Last thing you want is to be so near the end that you night hits and you WILL not be allowed to complete the course unless you have proper gear. Have a head lamp and some glow sticks in your bag ready just in case. Be prepared.....Not sorry!



8. SPARTANS! PREPARE FOR GLORY!


You signed up, now SHOW UP! You have all the nutrition, hydration, and gear to get you through the race. Now the rest is UP TO YOU!
"SPARTANS NEVER RETREAT! SPARTANS NEVER SURRENDER!"- King Leonidas

Just keep in mind..... 
"The journey of a thousand miles begins with one step"- Lao Tzu

Keep moving one foot in front of the other and you will be at the finish line before you know it! 
Also, YOU WON'T BE ALONE! There are thousands of Spartans on the course right there with you battling along your side to accomplish and own this dreadful F***ing NORM course! 

There it is troops, simple and sweet! If you feel I should add something, please feel free to comment below.

See you at the FINISH LINE! AROO! AROO! AROO!

Spartan SGX Coach ARAGON