Petzl Tikka Plus 2 Headlamp Review

Runner: Andrew G. Lawrence

batman

Runners are natural superheroes.

Runners are physically limited. The natural world poses many obstacles and threats to our heroic running endeavors. The heat. The cold. Even wild animals present dangers, but because of our often heroic spirit, we find ways to overcome or adapt to our challenging surroundings. It is almost as if these hindrances were criminals and we runners are the superheroes. Maybe this is why our predecessors felt the need to create superheroes like Batman and Ironman in comic books so that we could have more control, albeit vicariously, over our environments despite our human limitations.

Regardless of our vicarious nature, running makes us feel like superheroes. While we are not necessarily fighting crime, we are continually doing battle with the elements. One characteristic common with many superheroes is their gadgets used to fight crime. Batman has his utility belt loaded with a bevy of tools to thwart the bad guys. We runners have our hydration packs loaded with water, gels and band-aids to conquer the trails. Ironman has his armored suit creating an outer shell of near invincibility. We runners have our dry-fit shirts to whisk away perspiration. And one of the most challenging obstacles, or perceived criminals, for runners in our quest to be heroic, is Darkness.

Petzl Tikka Plus 2 Headlamp

You too can become a running superhero with the Petzl Tikka Plus 2 Headlamp.

Enter the Petzl Tikka Plus 2 Headlamp, which does for runners what the gadgets do for superheroes; it gives us an advantage or the ability to be more than we are alone; especially when faced with nightfall. Initially, I was worried about the fit of the Petzl Tikka Plus 2 Headlamp. Would wearing something around my head be cumbersome or even an annoyance? And would I have to wear the headlamp too tight to avoid slippage while out running trails? But this fear was easily assuaged as the readily adjustable headband made finding the perfect fit as effortless as Ironman rescuing a kitten from a tree.

The Petzl Tikka Plus 2 Headlamp is also adjustable to compensate for a runner’s height. The lamp itself has four settings, and goes up and down, depending on where you want its beam to shine. Batman’s utility belt should be so convenient. The headlamp also has three settings in terms of brightness; a max bright setting for when darkness is especially criminal. There is also an economy setting for when darkness’ criminality is inhibited by moonlight. And finally, a flashing mode for possible night runs on city streets to let motorists know more readily of your superhero status.

Petzl Tikka Plus 2 HeadlampIt is very surreal to run at night this way. It’s like running in a bubble of light and there is a feeling of invincibility that I imagine is how Bruce Wayne and Tony Stark feel once they don their respective superhero attire. But from my experience, this superhero awareness isn’t without a nemesis. After a few hours of running with the Petzl Tikka Plus 2 Headlamp, it felt like I was wearing very large sunglasses. The demarcation between light and dark became very profound and I found myself several times touching my face just below my eyes in an attempt to adjust this sensation, but to no avail. And because headlamps are often used for trail running, the finesse and dexterous acumen that is needed is vital. Basically, while the headlamp enables runners to embrace their inner superhero at night, it requires a huge mental commitment to be cognizant of every step along the trail.

The Petzl Tikka Plus 2 Headlamp retails for $37 and comes with batteries included. Depending on the brightness setting used, about 90 hours of superhero luminescence can be obtained before the batteries need to be replaced. If crime fighting during daylight hours has become routine, lace up your sneakers (and cape) and become a running superhero with a few night runs with the Petzl Tikka Plus 2 Headlamp.

woman standing

Training your mind is the biggest challenge of running. Once you do, you can break endless barriers, in running and beyond.

Running is a competitive sport, and we’ve all been floored by the thrill of passing someone, whether it’s in a race or on a daily run. Competing with others can help our race times drop, but at the end of the day, we’re all out there competing against ourselves. On each run, we are ultimately challenging our own inner demons, those voices that say “I can’t” or “I’m too slow, too weak, too fat, too old, too out of shape” …the list goes on.

The hardest running battles are fought in our minds. This is true for everyone from Olympic level runners to first-time 5K runners.

As famed writer and Brooklyn-born runner George Sheehan said, “It’s very hard in the beginning to understand that the whole idea is not to beat the other runners. Eventually you learn that the competition is against the little voice inside you that wants you to quit.” Sheehan knew about mental discipline and starting from scratch. He got into running at the age of 45, when he started doing laps around his backyard, with 26 equaling a mile. By age 50, he ran the first sub 5-minute mile by a 50-year-old.

Many people think it’s too late to get into running, or they’re too out of shape. But as Sheehan shows, you can always begin a new chapter of your life. Let it be a running one, and kill that inner whiner.

Related Posts: How Running Helps Your Brain, Running Motivation: Top 10 Reasons to Run, Get Faster With the Magic of Mantras

woman runner

Tempo runs will improve your race times.

If you want to get faster, speed workouts are the key to the kingdom. I’ve found tempo runs to be one of the best types of workouts to build speed and endurance for races. They’re also easy to execute, once you know what to do.

What are tempo runs?

Tempo runs are steady effort runs done at a pace that’s about 30 seconds slower than your current 5K race pace, or about 90% maximum heart rate.

How do tempo runs work?

Tempo runs help boost your oxygen efficiency and muscle endurance. Tempo runs improve your anaerobic threshold, which is the point at which lactate builds up faster than your body can remove it as you run. By increasing your anaerobic threshold, tempo runs allow you to run harder and farther without experiencing fatigue and muscle soreness from excess lactic acid buildup. As a result, you can run faster and stronger in races.

How do I do a tempo run?

The exact pace and distance of your tempo run depends on your current speed or heart rate training as well as the race distance you are training for. Here is a quick guide:

If you are training for a 5K, do a 2-mile tempo run.
For 10K race training, run 4 to 5 miles for your tempo run.
For half marathons, do 6 to 8 miles for a tempo run.
For marathon training, run 8 to 10 miles for your tempo runs.

How often should I do tempo runs?

I recommend doing one tempo run a week, in addition to one other speed workout.

Related Posts: Harness Your Inner Speed Demon With Tempo Runs, How to Get Faster With Interval Training

guacamole and tacos

Cooking at home allows you to be healthy and creative. Add lots of color to your meals to pack in nutrients and taste.

Whether you’re interested in dropping weight to improve your running times or want to achieve better health and lose excess fat, running and cross training workouts are only half the equation: without the right diet, you won’t lose those pesky extra pounds.

Healthy eating is central to getting and staying fit. Here are some tips to keep you on the right track to nutritious eating and a healthy body weight:

Think fresh. Add more fresh fruits and vegetables to your diet. This sounds simple but is harder than you may think, as our eating habits are often ingrained over many years and can take consistent effort to change. Pick a few fruits and veggies you like and add them to your regular meals as side items or snack on them. Add spinach to your sandwiches, for instance, or put berries in your cereal. Continue reading “Winning the Battle of the Bulge: Lose Weight With the Right Foods” »

randalls-island-running-nycRunning offers an awesome workout that burns more calories than just about every other exercise, but sometimes runners still don’t get the results they expect. Whether you want to lose weight, get flat abs or toned arms, the results you see depend a lot on your training program. Here are some running myths busted and workout tips that will help you get the most out of your running:

Myth 1: The more miles you run, the more you will lose weight and the better shape you will be in.

Fact: In truth, sheer volume of running does not guarantee you will be in the best shape, and in fact, overtraining can cause injuries and sideline you in the long run. Doing more than one long run a week or running more than 30% of your weekly mileage in your long run will put you at risk of injuries. The quality of your runs are the key to improving your conditioning and speed. If you go for long, slow runs for the same distance at the same pace every day, you will not get faster and your body will adjust and then stay the same. If you mix it up and do speed workouts and vary your distances though, you will see better results as well as get faster. Continue reading “Running Myths Busted: Get Fit With the Right Facts” »

asics gt-1000 pr shoesASICS Women’s GT-1000 Pr Running Shoe

MSRP: $77-$125

Pros: Instantly comfortable, effective streamlined gel cushioning support system, good traction on bottom of shoes, attractive design and color, flexible and breathable upper, a portion of sales go to help fight breast cancer

Cons: Not the cheapest shoes but well worth the price, not good for runners who prefer minimalist shoes

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

Runner: Marnie

asics women's gt-1000 prThe ASICS Women’s GT-1000 Running Shoes immediately caught my attention because of their bright color and chic black silk laces. I am a big fan of bright colors and these made me feel like an ’80s kid again.

Looks aside, the main reason I got these shoes was for the gel cushioning system that offers plenty of support because I walk and run a lot on concrete and asphalt around NYC and my last shoes did not hold up very long. As far as price goes, when it comes to running shoes, that is the only running gear that is not worth scrimping on because your legs and feet are so vital to enjoying your runs. Continue reading “Asics Women’s GT-1000 PR Running Shoe Review” »

boston-strongAs a runner and a journalist, I suddenly found myself plunged into the nightmare of a story unfolding in Boston with the Boston Marathon bombings. I watched in horror as the chaos, pain and questions exploded that day, with hoards of fellow runners and beloved supporters scrambling, falling and crawling in smoke-drenched terror.

The whole saga, so surreal and awful, weighed on me all week, as I watched clips of the slain, survivors and suspects in horror, helplessness and disbelief. I can’t imagine the pain of losing someone, losing a limb or the cherished ability to run that day. Besides the obvious question of why, and the inevitably unsatisfactory answers, there hangs the weight of trying to cope in the aftermath. Continue reading “Making Sense of the Boston Marathon Bombings: A Runner’s Response” »

Nike Pro Core V-Neck Long Sleeve Running Shirt

nike running shirtMSRP: $42-$50

Pros: Lightweight, moisture-wicking, attractive fitted style with V-neck, lots of colors to choose from

Cons: Pricey, a thin base layer in cold weather

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

Runner: Marnie

When it comes to running clothes, I’m a bit old school. I remember when my cross country and track teams ran in baggy cotton t-shirts and we somehow survived. Although I’ve jumped on the Dry-Fit train of moisture-wicking materials, I would still rather not drop $50 on a running shirt. But alas, I found myself with a coupon at Modell’s and I saw some cute Nike running shirts and tried them on. I really liked the lightweight fit of the Nike Pro Core Running Shirt so I got a long-sleeved purple one and a short-sleeved magenta one. So far I’ve only tried the long-sleeved one because it’s been so cool here.

And I’ve been very pleased. Continue reading “Nike Pro Core Running Shirt Review” »

During my time in NYC, I’ve been inspired by amazing city views, unique bridges and awesome street art. Some of my favorite runs are by the water. Here are some scenic routes along the rivers:

The Broooklyn Bridge is a classic route that offers amazing views of the downtown Manhattan skyline, not to mention the beautiful historic architecture of the bridge itself. Continue reading “Scenic Runs in NYC Slideshow: Manhattan, Brooklyn and Beyond” »

central park in spring

Spring calls! Enjoy the weather and get whipped into shape.

For those of us in the Northern Hemisphere, it is time to shed our sleepy winter days and step out into spring’s warm embrace. And with the warmth comes – gasp – less clothes, even swimsuits! So get ready to bust out with toned biceps, glutes and flat abs by incorporating this running boot camp workout into your routine twice a week. Start now and you’ll be ripped by the time tank top weather rolls around.

running shoesWarm up: 5 minutes of running at relaxed pace.

Circuits
Arms: 20 push-ups (broken up into sets of 5 or 10 if needed)
Run: 3 minutes at 80% effort level
Abs: Planks for 1 minute (30 seconds for beginners)
Run: 3 minutes at 80% effort level
Butt: 20 squats
Run: 3 minutes at 80% effort level
Side Abs: Side planks, 30 seconds on each side
Run: 3 minutes at 80% effort level
*Repeat the circuits cycle one more time.

Cooldown: 5 minutes jogging

Total Workout Time: 42 minutes