RunnerDude's Stellar-Stamp Awards for 2009!

Over the past 12 months, I've tried many different running products. Most were good and some were stellar! Listed below are 8 products that have received the RunnerDude-Stellar-Stamp-of-Approval. If you haven't already tried some of these products, think about checking them out in 2010! (Note: This listed is based on RunnerDude's own opinion. No payment or endorsement fee has been provided by the featured products.)

Running Shoe: Saucony Triumph 6—This is a great shoe for the neutral runner. It's cushioned, but not overly so and provides a great flexible and responsive ride. Saucony has a new Triumph 7 for 2010, but you might be able to find the 6 still available and on sale at your local running store.

Hydration System: Amphipod Full Tilt Velocity Waist Pack—In the summer, I'm usually a handheld water bottle kind of guy, but in the winter that water bottle can get mighty cold, even with gloves. I've tried several different hydration belts and most have worked fine, but Amphipod's Full Tilt Velocity Waist Pack is one (for me) that stays in place without bobbing around or feeling tight around my waist.

Energy Bar: Odwalla Chocolate Chip Peanut Butter Energy Bar—The Odwalla energy bar makes a perfect post workout snack. It packs a good 4:1 ratio of carbs/protein perfect for recovery fuel. While it does contain 8grams of fat, only 1.5 of those grams are saturated. And....it tastes really good!

Socks: Feetures Light No-Show Socks—I'm picky about my socks. I've had blister problems in the past. I stumbled upon Feetures socks and I've been quite pleased. I've only tried the light no-show version, but they work wonderfully. They have a snug fit with extra arch support and I've experienced no irritating seams or problems or blisters!

Compression Socks: CEP Socks—Great for boosting performance and awesome for speeding up recovering of tired, sore muscles, CEP socks work great! I wear mine religiously after long runs.

Sports Drink: Zico 100% Coconut Water—Sounds crazy, but coconut water turns out to be Mother Nature's sports drink, packing five essential electrolytes, more potassium than a banana, low acidity, natural sugars, no fat, and no cholesterol. You don't have to buy the Zico brand, others are available. Zico just happens to be the brand I tried and liked. Just be sure it's 100% coconut water (not milk). Works well for those who have stomach issues while on the run.

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Running Clothes: Champion USA—I wear most any brand of running clothes. I look more for comfort and fit not brand name, but I have to give a shout-out to Champion for consistently providing top quality affordable running clothes. Not only can you purchase them online from their website, you can also find them in your local Target store. Being a family that's on a budget, I love the quality and value that Champion offers.

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Sports Watch: Nike Triax Fury 100—I bought Nike Triax Fury because I liked the oversized numbers. (When I run wearing my contacts for distance vision, I can't read the numbers on my watch!) You can also customize the view to see total time, lap time or both with the push of a button. And you can use Target Time to set goal splits and get notified when you're ahead of pace or behind, for the mile or the entire race. The unique S-curved shape of the watch lets you read it easily without turning your arm.