Favorite Exercise Gear For Mother's Day

Recently, I made a gruesome discovery. I was putting away the suitcase I'd taken to California for my biking vacation, and discovered a plastic bag of clothes stuffed in the side pocket. As soon as I saw it, I was frightened. I'd taken my riding clothes from the last day, rolled them up tightly and shoved them into a corner where they stayed, smelly and damp, for over a week. Fortunately, I had one of my favorite things on hand: a bottle of Sport-Wash. A few washing machine cycles later (I ran them through more than once, just to be safe) the clothes were clean and smelled fresh. Sport-Wash saved the day, or at least the laundry, again.

I discovered Sport-Wash several years ago and have been hooked on it ever since. No matter how sweat-drenched and odor-filled my workout clothes might be, Sport-Wash gets them back to new. It's a product I'd hate to be without, especially after finding those dirty riding clothes.

My “I love Sport-Wash” moment made me think about some of the other products I love. Given the fact that Mother's Day is next weekend, I thought it might be useful to note some favorites.

The foam roller: I have a love/hate relationship with the foam roller. I know it's good for me, and I know that using it regularly can help stop my IT band from getting too tight. However, rolling my legs on it can be a painful experience, causing me to complain loudly and sometimes even curse. But afterwards, when it's all over, I love the foam roller. It's easy to use at home, and helps ease sore, tight muscles.

Saucony Kinvaras: It was about 18 months ago when I got my first pair of Kinvaras, and I've adored them from the first step. I'd been a Saucony gal for many years, and was loyal to their Hurricane shoes. But when they introduced the Kinvara, a lightweight minimalist shoe, I ditched my Hurricanes and haven't looked back. I love them because they have a much lower profile than my old stability shoes, but still feel substantial and give some support. The new Kinvara 3s just came out, and I can't wait to wear down my current shoes so I have an excuse to go buy them.

My Garmin GPS-enabled watch: When I'm training for a race, I do my best to stick to my running mileage plans, but I'm loathe to run any more than I have to. If I have a day that calls for a 6 mile run, I don't want to run 6.1 miles. I want to run 6.0. Precisely. Which is why I wear a Garmin. No more mapping out routes or guessing. I hit “start,” and I can keep track of every step.

But my Garmin does more than just tell me how far I've gone and how many minutes have passed. It records my pace and elevation change, and even keeps track of my heart rate.

I have to admit, capturing information with my Garmin can get a bit addictive. I even wear it when walking the dog. Hey, a stroll around the block still counts towards mileage, right? I upload all the data onto my computer, so I can look back and see my stats whenever I want. It's probably more information than I really need, but I love having it.

As for models, I currently use the Garmin 410, after having a Garmin 305 that died at the ripe old age of seven (may it rest in peace). The new Garmin 610, however, looks intriguing, with even more data fields that are accessible by touch screen. In the gadget wars, it seems to be yet another step up. Guess I'd better start saving my pennies for it.

Cat Eye: When I ride my bike, I use a small CatEye cycling computer to keep track of time, distance and pace. I could get the same information from my Garmin watch, but having the easy-to-see CatEye mounted on my handlebars is a safer than messing with a watch on my wrist. For basic information, the CatEye is all I need.

However, I have to confess that after riding with CycleOps power meter out in California, I quickly got hooked on it. The PowerTap displayed not just speed and mileage, but also cadence, watts output, elevation and road gradient. I'm not sure what I'd ever do with all that information, but it was certainly captivating. Unfortunately, power meters are pricey, so for me, the CycleOps has to go on the “maybe some day” wish list.

My Twin Six cycling jerseys: There are a lot of ugly bike shirts out there. The bright colors, the gaudy patterns, it's enough to make you wonder if the designers have impaired eyesight. Except for Twin Six. They have shirts for women that are colorful without being tacky. in Hubbard Woods recently got in some new designs, and as always, they are cute, and even have a touch of humor.

SockGuy*: Speaking of humor, socks from SockGuy (also sold at ) are always a kick, including the latest ones that have pictures of pink cocktails on them. The company seems to be out to prove that socks don't have to be boring.

Vibram VFFs: I vowed I would never get those goofy toe-shoes that look like gloves for your feet. They're so dorky, I said. They don't even look particularly comfortable, I noted. And really, I have my pride, I insisted. But then I tried on a pair. And I loved them. I wear them mostly for walking and cross training, but also for some shorter runs. Yes, I have crossed over to the dark side. I have no regrets.

So if you're looking for a Mother's Day gift for the active momma in your life, you might want to think about some of these items. But as much as I love Sport-Wash, no woman deserves laundry detergent as a gift. Please.

*2 p.m. May 8 Correction: The correct name for one of the products is SockGuy not The Sock Guy.