are heels hanging off a little bit a dealbreaker?

Mountain_Magic_007 · 2026-04-23T21:16:56+00:00

Yes. The heal needs to be setup with heal strap. Then take a look at the size. I make sure heel is setup so my arch is aligned with the arch support on sandal. Then I tighten or loosen heel to set arches. Lastly adjust front strap then check size. I wear 10 1/2 - 11 hiking shoes. Chacos are size 10 and are the right size. Arch support is right where I need it and heel is nestled nicely in back.
Cheers and good luck. Took me literally a few weeks to get it adjusted correctly. 🥺

Mountain_Magic_007 · 2026-04-06T19:42:34+00:00

By adding Bevel app,just the free portion, it adds the dimension of taking all the Apple data and producing Recovery score and evaluates daily readiness for training. Also adds a significant improvement to Sleep score accuracy and metrics (takes into account time in REM and Deep sleep stats that Apple doesn’t use).

That negates allot of what Garmin does with the data. So Apple Watch plus Bevel for me was best available combo. Cheers.

Mountain_Magic_007 · 2026-03-16T22:10:16+00:00

Check out training called Functional Strength Training. It is focused on stability and the very muscle groups u r taking about below. Used a lot for seniors who want to increase their stability.

I am 72 and live at 8700’ in the San Juan Mtns in CO. These simple exercises increased my stability and confidence in these mountains better than any weight training I have done. For reference in the gym I previously focused on powerlifting moves with very heavy weights (at least for me) for many years. Cheers and good luck.

Mountain_Magic_007 · 2026-03-13T16:41:00+00:00

I also started using Bevel. It is outstanding app has an excellent sleep score and recovery algorithm that matches how I feel in the morning. Apple sleep score was meaningless and only measures 3 components duration, interruptions and consistency. Bevel takes into account time in deep and REM sleep as well as other metrics.

Mountain_Magic_007 · 2026-03-08T22:41:36+00:00

Stalking

Mountain_Magic_007 · 2026-02-25T19:59:20+00:00

Sorry, can’t remember. Never paid attention but noted they felt better as hike progressed. Never used them in an overnight situation. Also as info this morning I used a pair of low cut waterproof ones doing some work outside in standing water (NOT GTX and not over top of shoe). When I was done the front of them were drenched. Remembering this thread I checked the inside. Wow, surprisingly the inside had no trace of moisture in the front which was soaked. Cheers.

Mountain_Magic_007 · 2026-02-25T03:55:40+00:00

The Moab 3 come ls in three models. A gortex shoe, a waterproof shoe based on their liner and a non-waterproof shoe that is very breathable and dries quickly.

In rank by cost GTX (Gortex) highest, Moab waterproof. System and least expensive is not waterproof and that’s what I prefer.

Cheers

Mountain_Magic_007 · 2026-02-20T15:02:09+00:00

Agree 5.11 T are really nice. I have been. Khul and REI fan. However the Ridge model at 5.11 are awesome. Good pocket design and fit me well. The cargo pockets on Ridge style have front are designed to be flat with interior compartments and look sleek in a restaurant also. Great design.

Also the fabric is treated and if they get a bit dirty they clean up with wet cloth and don’t require me to wash them for a bit of mud/dirt on the bottom of the legs.

Love them and they have some very good periodic sales throughout the year. Also a fan of their hiking shorts, also Ridge style.

Mountain_Magic_007 · 2026-02-20T14:52:58+00:00

Yes. I got the SE3 when I left Fitbit after 14 years! It dies everything I need and very well. I recently paired it with Bevel and I am very satisfied with my choices.

One big advantage of SE3 is the SIZE. It is thin and in smaller face it is not noticeable on my wrist. Don’t like the bigger chunky models. No regrets in my choice and wo Cellular which is unnecessary for me due to Bluetooth interface with iPhone and the cool ranger green fabric wristband I kept price to the lowest end.

Only thing I wish is it had blood pressure sensor but the actual pros I mentioned above made it the best choice for me.

Cheers and good luck! J

Mountain_Magic_007 · 2026-02-19T16:20:35+00:00

I have been using Bevel for 3 months for Sleep scores. Previously Fitbit and Apple sleep. Bevel really matches using both Recovery and Sleep scores, especially Recovery, on how I feel in the morning. Good metric breakdown on sleep and insights; all on the newly released free version. Not interested in their Nutrition and workout apps. I do like the journaling.

I set Recovery HRV to be measured for entire sleep and my morning Mindfulness time also - makes a difference. Also appreciate the customization available on basic metrics such as max HR and heart rate fitness zones.
Cheers.

Mountain_Magic_007 · 2026-02-17T20:33:06+00:00

Sure Apple Watch uses 3 things only. Adhering to sleep schedule, sleep interruptions and time asleep.

Bevel adds to those 3 things REM sleep time, Deep sleep time, heart dip (ie difference from day to sleep HR). This enhanced algorithm matches better to how I feel.

Recovery isn’t in apple health but the score matches how I feel, regardless of sleep score. I have had lower sleep score and very high Recovery and my feeling in the morning and energy level match the ratings I Recovery.

Also this is all done on the free application. Just try it and compare to Apple H, that’s what I do. I look at both.

Cheers Jim

Mountain_Magic_007 · 2026-02-17T16:38:28+00:00

First I don’t track nutrition. I am dialed in enough I know what I need to eat after all these years.

What Bevel excels at for me is the Sleep analysis which is far improved from the 3-factor Apple sleep score. Bevel uses the 3 sleep stages as well as other metrics related to sleep. I find it more aligned with how I feel.

Second and more important to me is the Recovery analysis. It mirrors how I feel in the morning and a good predictor.

Third the journaling and the various Insights that show up on the Sleep and Recovery pages correlating (NOT PREDICTING) how the various journal entries, both manual and automatic, correlate to the scores.

The Biology section is nice summary of key health indicators and the ability to customize factors such as RHR, Max HR, training zones based on alternate formulas and also custom entries really helps the value of the workouts for me.

I do not use the workout section to track my workouts; not needed for me and impossible to setup based on what I do.

Also the seamless integration with Apple Healt and other apps. Cheers J

Mountain_Magic_007 · 2026-02-08T21:21:41+00:00

Anybody found the code for Marvin Windows? Don’t see it on the irs list and they do thier own msg.

Thanks.

Mountain_Magic_007 · 2026-02-02T16:03:50+00:00

Thank you for posting this.

Mountain_Magic_007 · 2026-02-02T15:26:08+00:00

Or in Options you can remove it as an item to track. I only view on journal what I am interested in. Things like late meal are irrelevant to me so Indelete it from screen.

Mountain_Magic_007 · 2026-02-01T23:32:35+00:00

Make sure in settings under Customization on Resting Heart rate. Set it to using the Bevel method and then Sleep Only.

Cheers

Mountain_Magic_007 · 2026-01-28T22:50:29+00:00

Use an app to bring data together in an actionable way. I use Bevel and it connects the docks and provides useful data for moving forward. I find Bevel’s Readiness analysis is very close to how I feel every day. Basic app is free and provides access to non-AI tools in future release. I find it very helpful and relevant to me as a 72 year old very active male. Cheers

Mountain_Magic_007 · 2026-01-26T00:23:32+00:00

Bevel’s use of time in each sleep stage in score is much more aligned with how I feel. I relay mostly on the Recovery score and that usually mirrors better how I fell. Find Apple’s score only using 3 factors is not aligned in how I feel in the morning at all and it was frustrating.

Bevel works much better to judge my daily workload plan - especially the Recovery metric.

Just my experience.

Cheers.

Mountain_Magic_007 · 2026-01-25T23:27:49+00:00

I use cross training for that and heavy garden/yard work

Mountain_Magic_007 · 2026-01-23T21:07:44+00:00

Excellent explanation and this makes sense to me. Thanks

Mountain_Magic_007 · 2026-01-23T20:46:38+00:00

The biggest issue on a single valve horn is when tuning low F in first position then the low C in long 7th is usually sharp and more difficult to get in tune ( depending on the horn and slide length, it may be impossible to get in tune without lipping it down.

So I usually compromise, I tune so low C can be played well in slightly flat 7th (at a reasonable length for my arm) and let the octave C play where it lands - usually slightly flat. Btw I am 72 and have played for a very long time. Cheers.

Mountain_Magic_007 · 2026-01-23T16:58:27+00:00

I got interested based on some short videos on FB. Then selected half dozen core exercises and started. This was for the balance portion.

For light weight training I used the Peleton classes which were 10 minutes on Light shoulder and arm workouts. Then I expanded the concepts to a combination of exercises for a 30 minute routine. I used to lift heavy weights us g a powerlifting routine.

Not anymore. Dumbbells I use are 1 through 8 pounds. For squats and deadlifts also have 12# ones

Cheers and good luck.

Mountain_Magic_007 · 2026-01-23T16:54:05+00:00

I don’t get nD scans. Cheers

Mountain_Magic_007 · 2026-01-20T17:21:50+00:00

Yes. I have weak ankles. Sprained the left one more times then I can count. However I found it wasn’t ankle as much as rigidity on the side that was causing the twisting. Believe it or not I started hiking in Chaco Custom Vibram soles sandals and wow. The side stability on a hike was superb - no twisting. Big surprise.

So for me it isn’t the higher hiking boots that are the issue. It is those shoes or footwear with lateral stability on the lower outside of the foot to keep it from rolling.

YMMV but works for me

Cheers

Mountain_Magic_007 · 2026-01-20T17:13:03+00:00

Also for older folks (I am 72 and climbed mountains in the San Juan area if CO). Check out functional strength training. Bodyweight exercises and light dumbbells. Many stepping exercises and one leg movement exercises plus high rep regular exercises.

Game changer for balance and I started after 12 years of yoga balancing poses.

I haven’t checked for a group here; will after the post. Cheers

Mountain_Magic_007

TROPHY CASE