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Alexander Waid

Trail Runner // Kayaker // Road Biker // Paddler // Mountain Biker // Biker

Alexander Waid: #17,737 of 167,331 More Information

8 Reviews:

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4 Yes

7 Questions:

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2 Yes

3 Answers:

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0 Yes

0 Photos:

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0 Videos:

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1 Comments:

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1 Yes

0 Wishlists:

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0 Yes

0 Field Tests:

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0 Yes

  • Stomping Grounds:

    Southeast Connecticut: Bluff Point, Haley Farm, Pachaug, Salmon River
  • Bio:

    I need to move: a lot! I used to smoke, but used exercise to help kick the habit and I'm hooked. Any self-propelled sport (running, cycling, kayaking, swimming...) gets my goat. My kids (8 & 10) are getting into it too, which is very cool. If I had to pick a preferred sport, it would likely be cycling, just because I get to see more in a typical biking outing than any other sport. I'm also a Spanish professor at the U.S. Coast Guard Academy. Go Bears!

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Excellent waist pack

CamelBak Stamina II Performance Bottle - 22oz

CamelBak Stamina II Performance Bottle - 22oz

Rating for this product: 4 May 24, 2010

I did not like this pack initially: WAY too much bouncing, to the point of the bottles coming out. Then I realized it needed to be tightened. Once I tightened it, I loved it. The storage is great, the weight distribution is nice. Having this leaves my hands free for some Ultimate Direction® handheld bottles, or just free to be. The bottles come out and go in smoothly, no issues there. All in all, I like the system a lot. For suumertime hydrationI've used backpacks, handhelds and Fuelbelt® systems. This CamleBak® is up there with any of them, and has almost as much storage room as the pack systems I own. Very cool. Very comfortable. Though I should say, I haven't worn it N2S yet, so no comment on chafing.

Helpful Votes: 0 Yes

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Kahtoola MICROspikes Traction System

December 25, 2009

I'm not a hiker, I just run: will these work for running on ice? I'm in S.E. Connecticut, so there won't be large or steep climbs, but we get a good amount of ice-coverage. I've been running in home-made screw shoes for a while, and I like them, but thought these might be better. Thoughts?
-Alex
PS I don't care about the added weight.

Helpful Votes: 1 Yes

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Sugoi 42K Short - Men's

December 6, 2009

I'd say no, not good for cycling. You'll want something with padding to protect all your soft tissues in the saddle.

Helpful Votes: 0 Yes

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They're okay, but came unstitched

Mountain Hardwear Butter Glove Liner

Mountain Hardwear Butter Glove Liner

Rating for this product: 3 October 4, 2009

The gloves did what they were supposed to and were very, very comfy, but the stitching came undone in less than a season of use. This wouldn't have bothered me that much, but I hardly used them and they still came unstitched. Not up to normal mtn hrdwr standards. I'd give them another shot if I saw them on sale, though, they really were nice and soft (buttery). Maybe I got a bad pair.

Helpful Votes: 1 Yes

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Icebreaker BodyFit 260 Legless Bottom - Men's

September 29, 2009

Hey, I'm a 34" waist: should I move up to a L or stick with the "33.5 inch" mediums? Mostly concerned about wool's shrink potential. Synthetics I'd just go with the Med.
Thanks,
RR

Helpful Votes: 0 Yes

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eVent® Rox!

Backcountry.com Stoic eVent Shell - Men's

Backcountry.com Stoic eVent Shell - Men's

Rating for this product: 5 August 8, 2009

Okay, first-up, I don't have this jacket. That said, it's eVent®, which makes it lighter and more breatheable than any other non-eVent® jacket in its class. Those of you who do not own gear made of or with eVent® fabrics are missing out: waterproof, windproof and breathes incredibly. I don't understand how it works, but I don't care. It's awesome.

Helpful Votes: 0 Yes

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Backcountry.com Merino Zip Tee - Long-Sleeve - Men's

April 17, 2009

Are the arms as long as they look? I've got fairly short arms, these look like the arms are a mile long! Are they?

Helpful Votes: 0 Yes

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SmartWool PhD Trail Running Mini Sock

April 17, 2009

I'm going to give a dbl-thumbs-up to the Darn Tough socks. They really are darn tough! The best (not most, "best") cushion I've gotten from socks is from the Balega line. Wow! For my feet, they are awesome! I've got little peddies to walk around with the kids and more substantial trail models: all of them are nice and thick and cushy.

Helpful Votes: 0 Yes

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CW-X LiteFit Zip T-Shirt - Short Sleeve - Men's

April 17, 2009

Is this a tight fit or loose? I mean, am I going to be ordering CW-X® UnderArmour® or CW-X® "Life is Good"® in a technical fabric? Thanks.

Helpful Votes: 0 Yes

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CW-X LiteFit Zip T-Shirt - Long-Sleeve - Men's

April 17, 2009

The red is on sale, but it looks pink-ish or fuchsia-ish to me. Does anyone know if the red is really red, or is it something I'm not quite man enough to wear?

Helpful Votes: 0 Yes

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Mountain Hardwear Transition Zip T - Men's

March 25, 2009

Not Gore-Tex, though made by the same company. If you're looking for something waterproof, look elsewhere. This will shed light rain for a while, but no more than that. Completely windproof, however. It's one of my favorite pieces. It's lasted about six years and is in my regular rotation. "Made by" the Gore-Tex company? Yes. "Is it" Gore Tex? No.

Helpful Votes: 0 Yes

Sold Out

Marmot Sharp Point Softshell Jacket - Men's

August 5, 2008

How waterproof is the Sharp Point? I've got a short (ten-mile) bike-ride in to work in New England. I've got unlined rainjackets (too cold sometimes) and warm non-water-resistant jackets (too wet sometimes). I'm thinking of picking this jacket up. I see it'll keep me warm and wind-protected, how ' bout dry?Thanks,Alex

Helpful Votes: 1 Yes

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Good, but runs big

Fox Trooper Jacket - Men's

Fox Trooper Jacket - Men's

Rating for this product: 4 August 5, 2008

Hey all, just thought I'd point out a couple of things. First, this jacket really seems well made and well thought through: wind/water proof, looks great, heat-control with the dual-direction zip (can open from top or bottom) and pit-zips is fantastic, multiple pockets, reflective strips... The only "complaint" (not really a complaint, just an observation) is that it runs really, really big. I've got a 42" chest and a 34"waist and I'm swimming in it. I'm usually a large in biking stuff, but I suspect that when I get the medium, it'll still be on the big side. It'll be good for layering once the cold weather comes in, though. I'm guessing that's why they sized it the way they did. In any case, I'd recommend ordering one size down.

Also,I read a review somewhere that the zippers failed quickly and easily, I haven't found that to be the case.

Cheers,
Alex

Helpful Votes: 1 Yes

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Great shoe, though soft on the bottom

The North Face Arnuva 50 BoaTrail Running Shoe - Men's

The North Face Arnuva 50 BoaTrail Running Shoe - Men's

Rating for this product: 4 August 5, 2008

I was double-shipped these due to a shipping error and I'm keeping the second pair for a number of reasons. One, While I'm a lightweight footwear kind of guy (think Inov-8's line of fell running shoes), I've had some shin splint and knee issues and I opted for these heavier and more cushioned shoes: I'm glad I did. I still can't run more than six miles or so at a time, but that's an improvement over my 2-mile max two months ago: my toes would go numb due to compartment syndrome. These shoes seem to be taking care of that (well, the shoes and some other non-invasive therapy). The Boa system works well, it really does cradle my feet in comfort and I'm back on the trails regularly. No blisters, no hot spots and very happy lower legs overall! The only negative comment is that I'm getting more underfoot bruising than I'm used to, and that's saying a lot when I'm used to running in Inov-8's lighter-end shoes.

Cheers,
Alex

Helpful Votes: 0 Yes

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Lafuma Active 30 Backpack - 1900cu in

July 19, 2008

How weatherproof is this pack? It doesn't come with a rain-fly: does that mean it's waterproof as is?Thanks,Rox

Helpful Votes: 0 Yes

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Very light, very fast

Inov  8 RocLite 315 Trail Running Shoes - Men's

Inov 8 RocLite 315 Trail Running Shoes - Men's

Rating for this product: 5 April 24, 2008

Inov-8 started out and continues to make awesome, light and VERY fast fell-running shoes. These aren't for technical hiking or uber-sketchy races (unless you're daring, like me!). If you've got strong ankles, a foot that's ready to take some pounding (not much forgiveness in the way of cushion and/or protection in this shoe: heck, they only weigh 630 grams a pair!!!) and a will to go fast, this shoe, or any of the Inov-8 shoes will do you good. I love 'em!!!

Helpful Votes: 1 Yes

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OMG I'm fast!

Inov  8 MudRoc 280 Trail Running Shoe - Men's

Inov 8 MudRoc 280 Trail Running Shoe - Men's

Rating for this product: 5 April 24, 2008

Seriously, with a pair of shoes that weighs under 600 grams, how can you not go fast?! The super-minimalist approach suits me fine! The less the shoe does, the stronger my feet and ankles get. I don't like shoes with burly overgrown heel crash pads or that are so wide to give the perception of support that the footprint I leave is three sizes larger than the shoe. Inov-8 keeps it simple, I feel the ground, the shoes grab onto anything wet or dry in my experience and my feet & ankles just get stronger. One thing, however, as with the Nike Free shoes, it's a good idea to do some plyometrics for a few weeks before running anything over 5k in these: most people's foot musculature won't be ready for this minimal approach.

Helpful Votes: 1 Yes

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Overbuilt is overblown, these rock

Inov  8 Flyroc 310 Trail Running Shoe - Men's

Inov 8 Flyroc 310 Trail Running Shoe - Men's

Rating for this product: 5 April 24, 2008

I tad lighter than the RocLite 315's and a scoosh heavier than the MudRoc 280's, these are great for everyday trail runs. Long runs, I grab the 315's; races, I'm into the 280's; for everything else, these are my go-to shoes. I generally order two pairs at a time of each of these b/c I'm always afraid they'll change the model or get rid of it. I really love the whole Inov-8 line: I feel the trail and that makes me happy. Seriously, I feel like a little boy running through the woods. Then again, I think it's okay to feel rocks under your foot. Most shoes don't let me do that, there's too much protection. I've run in the overbuilt "tanks" that are out there, and they are okay, but my lower leg musculature, especially my foot musculature, never developed enough. I tried these and my feet were sore for a couple of weeks b/c my muscles were taking on more of the load...now my feet are stronger and I'm a better runner for it. Get these and go fast.

Go. Run. Fast.

Helpful Votes: 0 Yes

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