Written by: Jeff Banowetz
Posted: Friday, 29 December 2006
We've researched and tested some of the latest athletic gear avaiable - from racing flats to swimsuits, sports bras and stylish warm fuzzies, you'll find plenty to outfit your next activity this winter.
Light as a Feather
Designed as a competitive race-day flat, the new AdiZero RC by Adidas will please neutral-step runners the world over for its wide and highly flexible forefoot. The heel and midfoot are well-cushioned without too much bulk thanks to the compression-molded sole. All of this makes for a lightweight, not to mention snazzy, race shoe. $75, www.shopadidas.com
Tough Suits
Tired of chlorine nearly eating your swimsuits, stretching them down to your knees or fading their once vibrant colors after a winter of pool training? Try longer-lasting, fade-resistant Speedo Endurance swimsuits to combat those pesky chemicals and constant use. Designed to be more durable and 20 times more color resistant than other swimsuit fabrics, the Endurance fabric is quick-drying, environment friendly, soft to touch and withstands long hours in the water. $62, www.speedousa.com
Simplify the Straps
For heart-rate-monitoring females, tracking your beats becomes less bulky with the Numetrex sports bra, which has coupled with Polar to create a strapless heart rate monitor. Sensors along the band transmit information to Polar’s Wearlink transmitter—snapped into the band—and compatible watches so you have accurate rates without wrapping another device around your chest or compromising comfort. $50 (bra only), www.numetrex.com
Gloved Wonder
All the iPod gear on the market can make any music lover feel like Batman with all his wonderful toys—and Marmot’s iGlove is no exception. The “covert” conductive material on the forefinger allows you to transmit the tiny charge needed from your finger to use the clickwheel on your iPod without exposing your hand to the elements. Great for runners or as a liner glove for skiing or any other cold weather superhero activities. $75, www.marmot.com
Warm and Fuzzy
Winter is in full swing, but that doesn’t mean women have to wear an oversized, dowdy jacket to keep out the cold. Check out these fun and funky options.
Hailing from Iceland, 66ºNorth has designed the gorgeous Gola Jacket (left). Technical and stylish—and designed for Icelandic cold—the Gola has a warm, knitted outer layer with a suede-fleece lining, plus a “hidden” windproof inner layer for added warmth. $315, www.66north.com
For fashionistas on the go, the faux-suede Megan Jacket from Royal Robbins (center) is a must have. Lined with soft and insulating sheared fleece, this Austrian-styled coat will keep you hot and hip. $129, www.royalrobbins.com
The western-inspired Cord-o-let Jacket from Cloudveil (right) is tough and toasty with a bit of flair. Just check out the stylish stitching and shearling-lined collar and cuffs, plus the insulated taffeta lining. A touch of spandex in the corduroy helps to flatter the fit. $125, www.cloudveil.com
The road race season in Michigan kicked off in April with Spring Training Series Races in Ann Arbor and Waterford and the Ciociaro Can Am Challenge Series in Windsor. Now that roadies are all warmed up, it's time to stretch their legs in some good old-fashioned road and criterium racing. In the coming weeks road cyclists can look forward to the Grattan Race Series kick-off, the Cone Azalia Classic road race, the Tour of Kensington Valley, the Priority Health Tour De Leelanau, the Tour De Gaslight Criterium and in June, a race that is quickly becoming a favorite among all racers, citizen and professional alike - The Superior Bike Fest in Marquette.
I just received a grim e-mail to end an otherwise unremarkable day. The subject line read "Ryan Shay Autopsy Released." 
