Topo Athletic ST-2 Review

If you have been following my blog for a while, you know that I really like Topo Athletic shoes.  They offer shoes with a low heel drop and wide toe box.  This allows your toes to spread out instead of feeling claustrophobic like in most shoes.  The durability of the materials that they use is excellent as well.  The MT is one of the first pair of shoes that I reviewed on my blog.  It is still one of my favorite trail shoes because it is so light, comfortable, and really flexes with your foot.  The Hydroventure is an amazing trail shoe with a waterproof eVent material that keeps the water out but is still breathable.  Topo Athletic also has some amazing road shoes.  My favorites are the Runduro, Magnifly, and the UltraFly.

If you are not familiar with Topo Athletic shoes, they fit snug in the heel and midfoot, while it they are loose in the toebox.  The wide toe box allows your toes to spread out, which has several benefits.  This will not only help you be more stable, but will also reduce foot injuries commonly caused by shoes that compress your toes. 

I have tested 10 shoes from Topo Athletic and have been impressed with every one.  Here are some of my past reviews.

MT (trail shoe)

Runduro (road shoe)

Runventure (trail shoe)

Fli-Lyte (road shoe)

Halsa (gym/training shoe)

Magnifly (road shoe)

Tribute (road shoe)

MT2 (trail shoe)  

Hydroventure (waterproof trail shoe)

UltraFly (road shoe)

Topo Athletic just released one of their lightest, most flexible shoes to date.  The ST-2 is a very light weight, fast shoe that is perfect for speed work, tempo runs, and even cross training.  The shoe is extremely flexible and has an almost sock like fit.

The ST-2 features a zero heel drop, which will put your body in an ideal alignment.  If you aren’t used to a zero heel drop, you should ease into using them over a few weeks to get your calves and Achilles tendon use to the extra stretch.  I love my zero drop shoes and can’t recommend them enough though. 

The upper material is a light weight stretchy mesh that allows some ventilation so your feet don’t overheat.  It is also soft against your feet and packs down flat.  The heel is collapsible as well.  That makes these shoes perfect for traveling with.  There are strategically placed printed overlays keep the outer material strong while cutting weight.  Because of the ability to pack flat, these won’t provide as much support as some shoes out there, but this isn’t necessarily a long distance shoe, so that shouldn’t be a big issue.

The ST-2 has a total stack height of 16mm and breaks down to 4mm of rubber outsole, 7mm of midsole material, and a 5mm footbed.  There is definitely not as much cushion as some of their other shoes, but for speed workouts, tempo runs, and cross training, it should be sufficient.  Here is the crazy part, it weighs in at only 6.9 ounces (men’s size 9).

I am a huge fan of Topo Athletic shoes, which you would know if you have been reading my blog for a while.  Topo Athletic has only been around since 2013, but they have made some incredible shoes.  The ST-2 is awesome in the right situations.  You need to know that most people won’t be running in these every day (especially on long runs), but if you are looking for a shoe for your speed and tempo runs, it’s a good choice.  The ST-2 is so comfortable, flexible, and folds flat.  It really feels fast.  Not too shabby Topo!

Pros:

Super lightweight (6.9 ounces)

Wide toe box allows toes to spread out

Zero heel drop allows for better form and posture

Great price ($90 at the Topo Athletic website)

Extremely flexible

Folds flat, perfect for traveling

Sock like fit with a flexible mesh upper

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Topo Athletic continues to step up its game with the ST-2.  This light weight speed shoe feels great and is amazingly light.  You can’t beat the price too at a mere $90.  You can get a pair at the Topo Athletic website, or check the Topo Athletic Store Locator for a store near you.  Give them a try today and let me know what you think.

Note:  I received this product in exchange for a review.  The review is my personal opinion of the product and I was not required to give a particular opinion of it.  I am not a doctor, so please use all of the products that I review at your own risk.

RKMD Glutathione Rapid Boost Review

If you want to increase your performance, there are an infinite amount of supplements out there that claim to take your runs, bike rides, or other activities to the next level.  How do you know what’s really going to help you and what will just be a waste of money?  The truth, for me at least, is that you have to do your research and then test a product out.  Products work differently for each person depending on your sensitivity to the ingredients and your tolerance level.  For example, I can tolerate way more caffeine than most people, so pre-workouts with high caffeine levels don’t bother me, but it could be catastrophic for some people (i.e. jitters, nausea, etc.).

Rob Keller MD is dedicated to helping their customers Learn, Benefit, and Thrive.  They want you to Learn about Glutathione, which they claim is your body’s most important antioxidant and how it increases your vitality, health, and wellness. They want you to Benefit from their patented nutritional supplements that are formulated to enhance your health and boost your immunity.  They want you the Thrive with increased antioxidant support, critical detoxification, decreased inflammation, and strengthened immune function (1).

Dr. Keller was recognized as one of America’s Top Physicians for five years in a row (2003-2007) in the fields of Internal Medicine, Immunology, and Hematology by The Consumer Research Council.  He published over 100 original articles in various scientific journals and has been awarded several patents for his products.  Dr. Keller passed away in 2009 and is remembered as an exceptional scientist, compassionate physician, and an accomplished educator.  People still are continuing to attribute their improved health and vitality to Dr. Keller’s research and discoveries (1).

Glutathione is arguably the most powerful antioxidant.  Scientific studies support the many health benefits of maintaining adequate Glutathione levels.  The problem is that during exercise, you deplete your Glutathione levels which can cause inefficiencies in cell function.  By taking a Glutathione supplement, your body will increase the ability of your cells to produce energy, decrease recovery time, and assist in your cells performing at a peak level for a longer amount of time (2).  I am testing the Rob Keller MD Glutathione Rapid Boost.

The Rob Keller Glutathione Rapid Boost (GRB) not only provides you with Glutathione, but also helps neutralize free radicals that are produced during exercise.  By eliminating free radicals, you reduce oxidative stress and inflammation allowing you to perform more efficiently and recover quicker.  The effective ingredients in the Rob Keller GRB include:

Vitamin C - Reduces the amount of oxidative damage caused by exercise

L-Theanine – An amino acid found in green tea that supports improved concentration and attention span.

Quercetin – A natural flavonoid shown to increase endurance, speed exercise recovery and fuel fat burn

N-Acetyl D-Glucosamine – Has been shown to support joint comfort, mobility and flexibility

Selenium – A mineral known for its antioxidant properties.  Reduces oxidative stress during exercise.

Vitamin B6, B12, and Niacin – Important to the production and repair of cells including red blood cells.

The Rob Keller GRB comes in small powder sticks for easy use and travel.  I got the 15 pack, which costs $29.95 on the Monthly Auto Ship plan.  It claims to increase your energy, Focus, and Immunity. 

I tested the GRB before my runs and bike rides for the past few weeks.  While it wasn’t a night and day difference, I did notice that I had better focus and slightly more energy during my workouts and that my recovery time decreased, although it was very minimal.  The taste is decent, which is always a positive in my book.  I have had some supplements in the past that I just couldn’t stomach.  I had no issues at all with taking the GRB.  I would say that this would be a good addition to your supplements, as long as you know that you won’t become some elite athlete just by talking this.  That pretty much goes for any supplements thought, in my mind.

Pros:

Great tasting drink

Easy to take with you – single serve pouches

Increases energy, focus and immunity

Decreases recovery time

Decent price at $29.95 for 15 single use packets

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While I do tend to take more supplements than most people, I think there is a benefit in taking the Glutathione Rapid Boost (GRB).  I train 5-6 days a week and really stress my body out at times.  I feel that taking a supplement that will help reduce recovery time and increase energy is a great investment and I did see the benefit of the Glutathione Rapid Boost (GRB).  You can pick yours up at the Rob Keller MD website.  Please let me know what you think by leaving a comment.

Note:  I received this product in exchange for a review.  The review is my personal opinion of the product and I was not required to give a particular opinion of it.  I am not a doctor, so please use all of the products that I review at your own risk.