BOLLÉ

This company has a long history of providing high quality eye protection goggles, sunglasses, etc. The Vortex is a great cycling/running specific sun-glass. These are very comfortable and great wind coverage with excellent vents to help defog the lens. The fit is just right and they sit securely running or cycling. My favorite feature is the modulator lens. The tint changes with bright sunlight. How many times have you gone out for a run or ride and had an overcast day that turned quickly into a very sunny day?  I have and with these there is no problem. I enjoyed these during longer distance races where early morning is overcast and as soon as the sun comes over the mountain you need more tint. These were voted gear of the year by outside magazine. 

Retail $199.99 www.bolle.com

Yurbuds

Earphones.  We all have them, we all use them and to a certain extent need them to push us that extra minute or mile.  How many times have you been in the middle of a workout and one particular earphone just happens to keep falling out no matter how much you put it back in when you have been using the same earphones for countless hours.  

Even if you have not yet had that problem (which, in time, you will), you need to try Yurbuds®.  These are special earphones that are designed with the diameter of the athlete’s ear in mind.  Meaning that there are various sizes for each earphone based on the individual.  

Yurbuds® will not fall out of your ear no matter if your arm accidentally pulls the cord while running and if you dump some water on your head as the rubber is designed to fit tight around your ears.  Yurbuds® Twist Lock into place for a secure fit that never falls out even under the most intense workout conditions.  With Yurbuds® you won’t ever need to worry about your earphones ever giving you problems ever again.  I promise.

Brooks PureFlow

Lightweight (7.5 oz.) with a 4mm drop and built for the long road run, these shoes have taken my feet for a joy ride. I've run in them with and without socks and had no rubbing or chaffing problems. I run in race flats so often, I've forgotten the pure happiness of a cushy ride.

True to the Brooks brand, the new Pure Project has remained strong in their commitment to provide a great quality shoe for runners. The split toe isn't a new concept in shoes, but one of my favorite additions to the other nifty features. Having seen the range of colors they will be releasing in the near future, I find it harder and harder to resist the urge to build a collection.

One of my favorite things about Brooks is their "". If you are not completely satisfied with your new Brooks within the first 30 days, Brooks will replace or exchange your product! With a promise like that, what do you have to lose?

Retail $90.00 www.brooksrunning.com

Skirt Sports

I'm madly in love with my Lotta Breeze Capri running skirt and who better to understand what I need than Skirt Sports? Founded by Nicole De Boom, triathlete extraordinaire, she jumped into the spotlight once again when she won Ironman Wisconsin in 2004 wearing the world's first-ever women's running skirt. Since Nicole started the company, they have expanded with apparel to fit every season for active women, regardless of their size and shape. Focus on fit and feel have kept them at the top of more than one Christmas wish list!

Retail $75.00  www.skirtsports.com

TMAT PRO

This transition mat is a nice way to see your space without having to pack a heavy towel in your transition bag. They come in several great colors and have a very nice look and feel. This is a great way to mark your space and lay your gear out.  With a built in Velcro strap it rolls up and stows away very easily.

h2o Audio

Superb sound and a secure fit made this our favorite waterproof audio system pick for Christmas this year. The waterproof MP3 Player offers freedom from the endless boredom that winter pool training can provide, but nothing is more annoying than having to grab a wall to adjust your equipment again and again. We tried a number of different players and this was far and above our favorite and definitely worth a mention! Easy to use and adjust and they offer all kinds of accessories to fit your needs. I recommend adding the Pro Fit Kit to find the perfect fit for your own ears.

Retail $99.99 www.h2oaudio.com

Sanuk

Recovery footwear. Do you like standing on a yoga mat? We do. Sanuk took the same material and built it into a very comfortable sandal.  These are called the 'Beer Cozy' Sanuks. This is the flip flop that feels so good to throw on post event. This is great footwear that gives feet a soft bed to rest and rejuvenate. We loved the huge variety of styles and Sanuk did a fantastic job of carrying the comfort through their entire line. Great company and a versatile, kick-back style shoe. 

ENVE Rims

Everyone knows, if you want to make your bike faster, put the money in the wheels. I had the chance to try these carbon wheels that are made in Ogden, Utah and had the opportunity to watch how they make them in the factory. The thorough process is really incredible with amazing precise attention to detail. I raced with them twice and they just roll SO smooth. You can feel the difference immediately. If you are looking for big wow factor your athlete may shed tears if you give this gift. With so many options available, make sure you ask customer service for advice if needed. No one wants to make this kind of an investment and find out they should have upgraded.

The 65 Clincher (rim only) retails for $875.00 per wheel.   www.enve.com

Energizer Wii Induction Charger

How many times have you been going out the door for a ride or run or ready to sit down and enjoy a quiet moment with the most recent articles on triedge.net and suddenly you are interrupted by your posterity to change the batteries on the Wii controller? Well this is the product that can be given to the family and everyone benefits. No more taking the protective cover off the controller and opening the battery case. They charge by sitting on a magnetic charging pad. The children can put it on the charging pad with no help. It is very easy and no wires.