Author: Jenny Willden

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Publisher Dan Miller Associate Publisher Paula Bell Managing EditorJenny Willden Associate Editors Melissa McGibbon, Molly Newman Contributors Adam W. Chase, Richard Cheski, Adam Clark, Jonathan Cracroft, Matt Hart, Rachael Hodson, Steve Lloyd, Scott Markowitz, Dennis Nazari, Rebecca Petersen, Roy Stevenson, Sean Zimmerman-Wall Art Director/Production Manager Jackie Medina Graphic Design Leslie Hanna, Ken Magleby, Patrick Witmer Regional Advertising SalesPaula Bell, Karen Malan, Paul Nicholas, Ross Reimann Office Administrator Cynthia Bell Snow Administrative Assistant Kyrsten Holland Circulation Manager/Office Assistant Jessica Snow Distribution Paige Silva, Rick Springer, Jenny Willden

As temperatures heat up, water bottles become the must-have accessory for spring training, but with concerns about BPA and the environment mounting, people are looking for safe alternatives to plastic bottles. That alternative is stainless steel, the latest trend in water bottles. Stainless steel bottles are durable, lightweight, reusable, recyclable and completely free of BPA. Many water bottle makers are now creating stainless steel versions, but the first to use only stainless steel in all bottles was Klean Kanteen.

Vibram, the maker of rubber soles for many leading shoe manufacturers, has created an innovative shoe called FiveFingers. The shoes have been on the market for a few years, but new features have made them better than ever. FiveFingers are designed to mimic being barefoot and provide enhanced sensation to your feet as you walk over textured surfaces. They’re also designed to improve athletic performance in running, water sports, yoga and more. FiveFingers also claim to deliver positive health benefits like more natural movement, improved balance and posture, stronger foot muscles, reduced back pain and the comfort of walking barefoot…

Stay hydrated on a long run, bike ride or race with these light, comfortable packs. The SportVest shoulder harness system makes them fit like clothing and a separate reservoir pocket makes it easy to fill with water. Quickly access gels and energy bars with pockets on the straps, top and sides. You’ll be surprised what you can fit in this small pack. An airmesh back panel and shoulder straps will keep you cool, and you can tie on extra gear with the front loops. Women’s specific features on the Wink make it super comfy, like a shortened torso length, S-shaped…

This natural rub is amazing for sore muscles and joints after biking or running because it contains powerful Arnica, Black Pepper CO2 Extracts and essential oils. Arnica is known for its ability to soothe muscles and joints, reduce inflammation, aid in injury recovery and help fade bruises. CO2 Black Pepper Oil is a circulatory stimulant that can help soothe discomfort associated with poor circulation, general stiffness, sprains and sciatica. After using this rub on sore knees, aches and pains in joints melted away. $7 www.badgerbalm.com

The Avi-Trail performance trail running shoe is available for men and women and is a great shoe for soggy or dry conditions. It’s solid rubber outsole provides grip, even on slippery surfaces like muddy trails. The shoe also offers superior cushioning in forefoot and heel strike areas, rearfoot Cantilever® cushioning system for added stability and shock absorption, an anatomical cradle for heel stabilization, a breathable mesh upper and an antibacterial Ortholite sockliner. The shoe is fairly rigid and great for supporting the foot and preventing ankle twists, but if you prefer a flexible shoe it might not be best for…

SPIbelt is perfect for carrying little essentials while running, traveling or working out at the gym. The belt, which is an elastic strap with a clip closure that has a pocket built in, expands to fit your cell phone, MP3 player and more, but won’t shift, bounce or ride up as you run. It’s so light that you won’t even notice you’re wearing it, and SPIbelt is available in reflective, water-resistant, kids and double capacity styles. $19.95 spibrand.com

Perfect for biking, camping and backpacking, Cy-Fi is the world’s first wireless sports speaker and it connects easily to an iPod to play music during any activity. The speaker’s lightweight with a six-hour battery life and mounts easily on a bike or backpack with the included attachments. Keep your iPod in your pocket and easily change the track and volume from the speaker. It’s a safe, convenient way to listen to music while riding. If your friends get their own speakers you can broadcast music to all of them from a single iPod. Don’t worry if someone falls behind the…

All Karhu shoes feature their Fulcrum Technology that allows the foot to transition through its natural motion to drive the body forward. This provides a more natural ride and promotes the foot’s abilities while reducing wasted vertical forces. If you tend to overpronate or prefer more support, try the Strong Ride shoe which stabilizes the foot and guides it to neutral. No more twisted ankles or aching knees with the Strong Ride! But if you like less support and more speed, try the Fast Ride. It’s a lightweight performance running shoe that’s ideal for racing and is designed for those…