Hawai Sport November-December

DeSoto Skin Cooler Helmet Beanie
Reviewed by Crystal Banning
Testing location: West Hawaii, Big Island, September 2013
Where to Buy: www.desotosport.com or www. a m a z o n . c o m
Contact: Tracy DeSoto, tracy@desotosport.com
Cost: $26
Description: Beanie designed to fit under your helmet and cool your head by dispersing moisture
to the outer layer of fabric.
PROS:
1. Light, comfortable fabric.
2. Keeps sweat from dripping into your eyes.
3. Protects your head from the sun if you have
short hair.
4. Does provide cooling effect during rides.
C O N S :
1. Slips off fairly easily, especially if you have
long hair and are trying to fit it over a braid or
p o n y t a i l .
I’d recommend this product to people who normally find helmet beanies
helpful. If you have short hair and need sun protection, the cooling effect of
this product will be great. If you have long hair, however, the cooling eff e c t
is fairly moderate because the air doesn’t reach the scalp as eff e c t i v e l y. In
short, if you already use a beanie, buy this one. You will definitely enjoy its
e ffects. Those who don’t, however, may find it superfluous.
R ATING: 3.5 – Good
PRODUCT REVIEWS
DeSoto Carrera Loose Top
Where to Buy: www.desotosport.com or www. a m a z o n . c o m
Contact: Tracy DeSoto, tracy@desotosport.com
Cost: $50.40
P R O S :
1. Great for people who aren’t comfortable in super tight clothing.
2. Built-in sports bra gives good support.
3. Doesn’t ride up, even in aero position.
4. Higher neckline doesn’t let the whole world see down your top in the aero
p o s i t i o n .
C O N S :
1. Less aerodynamic for competitive athletes looking to shave a few seconds
o ff of their time.
2. A little bulky for swimming.
It was great to have a clothing option that was not skin tight. I was a little
wary about this concept, especially because when the garment is off, the fabric
feels heavy, but as soon as you begin your workout you forget you’re
wearing it. There is no riding up during the run or bike, and while it is loose
enough to be comfortable it does not billow in the wind or slow you down.
If you attempt a swim workout with this product it is a mixed bag. The fabric
is good in the water, not absorbing too much moisture and staying buoyant,
but it does feel bulky. For the bike and the run, this top is comfortable,
functional, and highly recommended.
R ATING: 4.5
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Tight or Sore Calves? Stretch!
Runners, hikers, even women notorious for wearing high heels
complain about it: tight calf muscles. For those training for the
Honolulu Marathon, cramping or soreness in the gastrocnemius
muscle are common ailments that can be easily remedied.
The calf muscles, although small in comparison to the other larger
muscles in the leg, serve an important purpose. The gastrocnemius
(the larger band of muscles in the back forming a diamond shape)
and soleus muscle (a flat muscle lying under the gastrocnemius)
help propel you forward as the heel comes off the ground--a vital
movement for efficient running form. When these muscles are
tense and overworked, however, the calf tightens. Without proper
care, tight calf muscles will not only hamper running form, but can
cause you to alter your gait--leading to overall deterioration in running
times and increase in injuries.
The easiest and most common calf stretch can be done anywhere
where there's a wall. Standing about a foot away from the wall,
place your right foot in front of the left, about 2 feet or so apart.
Bend your right knee, keeping the left leg straight and heel as flat to
the ground as possible. Place your hands about chest level, leaning
into the wall. The deeper your right knee bends, the more stretching
you will feel. Repeat on opposite side. As the flexibility in your
calf increases, you can use a low step or street curb to get deeper
into the muscle. For this more intense stretch, flex your foot (point toes
upward) and, keeping your leg straight, position the ball to middle of the
foot against a low step/curb and push into the step. Do this on both sides.
Myofascial release with a foam roller is also beneficial for tight calves.
Sitting on the ground with legs outstretched, place the foam roller under
your calves. Prop your bottom off the ground using hands, and roll back
and forth. For more pressure, place one leg on top of the other and then roll.
Ultimately, adequate stretching, foam rolling, and rest will prevent calf tightness
and pain. Intense stretching done to cold muscles or going past safe
range of motion in a posture, however, may actually cause an injury. Bottom
line: listen to your body and work within your limits to get to the start line
healthy and pain free.