I've been an avid fan of that other bottle manufacturer for years. Those polycarbonate bottles have taken some real abuse over the years and keep chugging along. Replacing them was like losing an old friend. But here's why I love the sleek new stainless steel water bottles from Kleen Kanteen:

1. No risk of BPA (or other plastics leaching into your body)
2. fully recyclable
   
3. fits in the bottle cage
4. just big enough for ice, but small enough to be lip worthy
5. dishwasher can't kill it
   

Simple, elegant, durable, safe. Klean Kanteen is a winner for grab and go hydration. You can get them in a growing variety of colors, but I like the standard silver bullet.

*don't toss your old bottles yet: consider using them for non-potable fluids, Fido's water, in the shop/garage, and road trip bladder emergencies*

buy it from Amazon HERE

I moved back to the mountains with a vision of long weekend trail runs full of fresh air, blue sky, and no phone or distractions.  Now, I live so close that I am able to wake up and be on a trail with a 5-minute walk.  This is definitely my idea of heaven.

However, about three years ago I developed knee pain during one of my long runs.  I tried everything that I could think of to tame it: physical therapy, new shoes, old shoes, inserts, longer warm up exercises, yoga, etc.  But when I tried to run, nothing made much of a difference.  Despite therapists' claims that my knees were shot, I continued to seek a solution that would allow me to exercise without pain.  Then I stumbled upon the Montrail Hardrock. 

My first pair of Montrail's completely corrected my knee problem.  Outlasting any previous shoe I'd owned, they stood up to 6 months of heavy hiking, trail running, and walking. (I admit, I tend to abuse running shoes.... they're usually muddy after 1 use and completely discolored after 10.  By my measure, it takes an extremely well made shoe to last 6 months!)
 
[review continues after the jump]

Having been a competitive swimmer for 26 years (I started when I was six and never stopped), I'm thrilled with the acclaim that the 2008 U.S. Olympic swim team received.  Like the rest of the world, I was amazed by the outstanding performances of Michael Phelps, Dara Torres and many others.  Their achievements have spurred an incredible spike in participation, not just in swimming, but also in triathlons.  Consequently, a female friend recently asked me if  'those fancy suits that the Olympians wore' are the best suits for distance oriented events.  'Those' suits (called Fastskins or LZR Racers) are built for incredible speed, are highly technical, more than skin tight, expensive, and NOT built for triathlons, distance swimming or training. *(If you want more info on the cool technology behind Fastskins...check out SpeedoUsa.)

Fortunately, Speedo has also mastered the art of the training and distance swimsuit.  While other companies have joined the ranks of swimming and triathlete gear in the last 2 or 3 decades, Speedo still takes home top prize with their Endurance line of swimsuits. 

The Endurance comes in basic colors, or patterns and does not fade.  With both types of shoulder straps (skinny and thick), Speedo makes a suit built for any body type.  In my experience, the polyester and nylon blended material takes close to half a year of heavy use to fade or deteriorate in pool, lake and/or ocean water (vs. the old lycra suits that would fade in a matter of weeks).  Best of all, you can often find the Endurance line selling at a discount online or at your local sporting goods store (don't spend more than $55).

The first of the year is a great time to start a workout regime, join a new sport or plan your next triathlon.  Pick up your Speedo Endurance suit to get ready!

My mountain bike is my weekend heavy hauler. When you've got three shopping bags and a loaded backpack to lug from the market, the last thing you want is a flat tire slowing you down. These are my go-to tires for errand day.

At 2.3 inches wide, this rubber keeps the ride cushy the whole way home. The tread pattern is perfect for the bike lane, and the jaunt across gravel paths at the park.

Their design reminds me of old-school BMX tires, which really up their cool factor for looks as well as performance; they're smooth on the acceleration and absolutely stable in the turns. And they last a good while. I'm well into my eighth month with the pair I have, and I haven't yet come home with melted ice cream.