a work in progress as I get geared up for my challenge.
Last updated: 01/23/10

Running

Shoes: Asics GT-2150 ($100)

I went to Fleet Feet in Buffalo, NY and was fitted for sneakers for the first time in my life.  It was definitely worth it as I got to try on an array of sneakers specially picked out based on my ankle problems (2 surgeries on R Ankle, Bone Chip Removal in 2003 and Brostroms in 2007).  I’ll do a full review as time goes on, but for now they are working great.

Socks: Balega ($10 a pair)

I’ve always worn comfortable socks when I play sports, but these are by far the most comfortable socks I’ve ever owned.  They are great with moisture removal and are high enough to protect the back of your heel from any blisters.  I bought a bunch of pairs to use for soccer and basketball too, completely worth the price, but just keep them away from the dog!

Cycling

Bike: Ibex Corrida ($400 used)

Last year I picked up this Ibex Corrida off of Craigslist for $400. (ALWAYS look on Craigslist for a good deal on a bike).  The previous owner dumped around $1300 into it, so I came out with a great fine.  It rides extremely nice for being a low-mid range bike.  I don’t remember all of the components and add-ons that came with it, but as I go along I’ll make sure to add on what I have on it now.

Cycle Computer: CatEye Wireless CC-MC100W Bike Computer ($60)

I bought the wireless Cateye Velo 8 when I first got my bike before I bought my Garmin 305.  I still use both to see if there are any glaring differences, but for the most part they give the same readouts.  Once it a while it goes a bit haywire, but it’s a very solid computer with all the basics I need.

–Lights: CatEye HL-EL135 Headlight & TL-LD130 Taillight Bicycle Light Set ($20)

Always a necessity to have lights on front and back for night riding.  Both lights are super bright and have a few different setting depending on what your needs are.

–Helmet:

–Cycle Shorts:

No matter what kind you want to buy, make sure you get a few pairs of cycling shorts.  Trust me, you’ll be thanking me later, or swearing to yourself if you don’t buy a pair.

Tech

GPS/Heartrate Monitor – Garmin Forerunner 305 ($150 on Amazon)

After asking my coach about which GPS to buy, the Forerunner 305 was the best bang for the buck.  Coming in around $160 at Amazon the Forerunner works great in Buffalo with regards to signal and tracking.  It’s so touchy that it even tracks what side of the street I run on.  I’ll update if I have any issues.

Tracking – RunningAhead.com (Free)

My friend Mark turned me on to RunningAhead.com and it is a great site to record all of your data and analyze it as you want.  You can also steal Javascript code to embed on your site.  It allows you to create a Free Account and upload your workouts straight from your Garmin or other GPS device without having to save them first on your hard drive.