Emily is wearing: Blueseventy’s Reaction Femme Fit wetsuit ($330; www.blueseventy.com); Blueseventy’s Women’s Endurance Singlet and Endurance Shorts ($95; $85; www.blueseventy.com); TYR’s Velocity Metallized goggles ($17; www.tyr.com); and Tech4o’s Women’s Heartbeat ($90; www.tech4o.com).
Tested: Heart Rate Monitors
Tech4o Women’s Heartbeat ($90; www.tech4o.com) [4.9 out of 5 stars]
As painless to operate as it is to wear—before, during, or after your workout—the Heartbeat ranked highest in our top-rate testing lineup and is a great choice for general fitness and training. The Heartbeat earned high marks for ease of use, functionality, and its crossover styling that worked as well on the track as it did for getting to work on time. Setting up the major functions was intuitive and quick, and while the device estimates maximum heart rate based on a generic formula of 220 minus your age, you can also input the numbers manually if your fitness level demands and program an automatic audio alert to beep when you’re exceeding your training targets. While post-workout reviews show standard workout quantifiers (maximum and average heart rates and duration, lap times, and estimated fat and calorie burns), more competitive testers noted the lack of a stopwatch display mode with enlarged countdown numbers for easy on-the-run timing.
Garmin Forerunner 110 ($250; www.garmin.com) [4.9 stars] Don’t just monitor your heart rate, monitor its location, too. A high-quality GPS sensor is an exciting update to a streamlined fave. Full review
Polar RS300X ($170; www.polarusa.com) [4.8 stars] Easy-to-enlarge numbers are a snap to see while tempo training. Overflowing with data modes, accessories, and stand-out styling. Full review
Suunto t3c Sporty Red ($169; www.suunto.com) [4.5 stars] Forget about it: the barely-there chest strap and wrist band transition everywhere you do. Bonus: Suunto’s Training Effect feature. Full review
New Balance N4 ($70; www.nbwebexpress.com) [4.1 stars] Basic features meet entry-level price point in this sporty, stylish, and simple model that’s best suited for fitness first-timers. Full review
Tested: Nutrition
Honey Stinger Organic Energy Chews ($23, 12 pack; www.honeystinger.com) [5 stars]
Chewy without being sticky, and flavorful without a hint of power-pumping chemicals, Honey Stinger’s soft, sweet orbs lured our testers into putting in more miles. Both the Pomegranate and Cherry Blossom flavors delivered an antioxidant-tinted tang from a short list of 95 percent organic ingredients that includes a couple of unusual energy-chew additions: honey, which is the company’s trademark twist, and tapioca, which adds a gram of fiber and protein per 10-chew serving—a fiber content matched only by one other chew in our testing lineup. While several chews matched Honey Stinger’s low calorie count of 16 per piece, these domed drops have, by far, the best mouth feel and flavor, which encouraged testers to keep eating them well into a 20-mile training run.
Gu Chomps ($35, 16 pack; www.guenergy.com) [4.8 stars] Mouth-watering flavors packed with amino acids and a 100 percent DV of vitamins C and E. Delicious and nutritious.
Cliff Shot Bloks Electrolyte Chews ($36, 18 pack; www.clifbar.com) [4.4 stars] Added electrolytes and streamlined packaging are perks for endurance activities and flavor junkies—there are nine choices.
FRS Healthy Energy ($20; 30 pack; www.frs.com) [4.1 stars] Individually wrapped for easy packing and loaded with quercetin—an antioxidant that acts as an anti-inflammatory—and essential vitamins.
Sharkies Energy Sport Chews ($18, 12 pack; www.sharkiesinc.com) [4.1 stars] Small bites are easy to stomach during appetite-zapping final miles when you need a boost. All-natural and certified organic.
The Essentials
Skirt Sports Race Belt Skirt and Tri Bottoms 5-inch ($42; $55; www.skirtsports.com) Make a quick transition—and ditch your race belt. This lightweight chamois-lined tri short and skirt combo matches performance, comfort, and coverage. Skirt Sports Race Belt Skirt available in the Women’s Adventure Store.
Bodyglide Anti-chafe For Her ($7; www.bodyglide.com) Make easing into your wetsuit easy. This anti-chafe formula is as powerful as the original at preventing skin sores, and it’s available in a single-season 0.8-ounce size. Available in the Women’s Adventure Store.
TYR Velocity Metallized goggles ($17; www.tyr.com) Swim strong with these UV-protected, low-profile goggles. An adjustable nosepiece system, patented silicone gaskets, and a double strap combine for a stay-put fit that will stay fog-free.
Headsweats Supervisor ($19; www.headsweats.com) Bring your own shade. This Coolmax visor’s terry-lined brow and elastic band wick wetness to keep your eyes sweat- and squint-free.
Honey Stinger Organic Energy Chews ($23, 12 pack; www.honeystinger.com)
