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- Volume 62 | Arctic Row
Volume 62 | Arctic Row
An ex NFL tight end rows across the Arctic Ocean, an MLS club tests cutting-edge sweat biosensors, London preps for new wellness summit, and an F1 superstar launches a smoky new tequila.
Alec Grawe
August 12, 2025 • Estimated Reading Time: 7 minutes
📰 The Pulse
Jimmy Graham Rows 584 Nautical Miles in Record Time. (More)
Summary — Retired NFL tight end Jimmy Graham joined a four-person crew to row from Tromsø, Norway to Longyearbyen, Svalbard—584 nautical miles, completed in just over 10 days, smashing the previous four-person record of 15 days, 5 hours, and 32 minutes. They became the first mixed-gender, all-American crew to cross a polar ocean, with Graham being the first Black person and Hannah Huppi the first American woman to row a polar waterway. The journey raised funds for Covenant House New Orleans and Laureus Sport for Good, aiming for $1 per meter rowed.
The Playbook Take — This isn’t just an endurance challenge—it’s a statement of what happens when elite grit meets purpose. Graham’s transition from NFL legend to polar record-setter feels like a master class in redefining limits. Respect.
Chicago Fire FC Adopts Nix Sweat Tech for Hydration Precision (More)
Summary — Chicago Fire FC is the first MLS team to partner with Nix Biosensors, using their Nix Pro sweat analytics platform to track real-time fluid loss, electrolytes, and skin temperature. Data-driven hydration plans will be tailored per player, with potential matchday use under consideration. Performance director Darcy Norman sees hydration as foundational for both body and brain—“there is a fine balance… your system is operating” optimally.
The Playbook Take — It’s hydration science at elite level. Forget generic water breaks—this is individualized care aimed at reducing fatigue, cramps, and maximizing recovery. Soccer’s silent edge.
HEALF Experience Arrives in London October 3–5 (More)
Summary — Wellbeing platform HEALF is launching its first immersive event, HEALF Experience (HX25), in London’s 180 Studios from October 3–5, 2025. Built around the “Four Pillars™” of Eat, Move, Mind, Sleep, the three-day summit will feature over 5,000 attendees, with interactive installations, AI-powered health assessments, sensory tech, and keynotes from wellness leaders.
The Playbook Take — In-person wellness is back and more experiential than ever. HX25 isn’t just a summit — it’s a full-body mindset reset. Future-forward fitness, coming soon to London.
Lewis Hamilton’s Almave Unveils Humo — A Smoky NA Mezcal Alternative (More)
Summary — F1 legend Lewis Hamilton and master distiller Iván Saldaña of Casa Lumbre have launched Almave Humo, the brand’s newest non-alcoholic mezcal-inspired spirit. Made from Espadín agave harvested near Puebla’s Popocatépetl volcano, Humo uses traditional mezcal techniques—like pit-roasting agave piñas over volcanic rocks—without fermentation, delivering rich, smoky depth sans alcohol. It launched on August 8, 2025, priced at $36.99 for 700 mL.
The Playbook Take — Hamilton’s shift toward mindful consumption now means offering a spirit built on craft, not just novelty. Humo isn’t watering down tradition—it’s distilling complexity while keeping you clear-headed. This move isn’t just a product launch—it’s a statement on modern drinking culture.
🧬 The Shop
Under Armour | HALO Shoe
Under Armour just redefined its footwear DNA with HALO—shoes that don’t just carry the brand's logo, they are the logo. For the first time ever, the iconic double-arch design is integrated into the shoe’s structure, acting as a functional element that boosts balance, stability, and support—alongside clean aesthetics.
Guardian Sports | Safety Chinstrap
Available now for pre-order, this is the first-ever chinstrap to integrate hydraulic technology for superior shock absorption and head protection.
Castle Flexx | Heat
The world’s only heated stretch device, USA-engineered and powered by a premium LG lithium battery. Targets plantar fasciitis, knee pain, tight calves, and tennis elbow with therapeutic heat to loosen tissue and improve recovery.
Transparent Labs | RTD Grass-Fed Protein Shakes
Transparent Labs’ clean, science-backed protein just went ready-to-drink. No artificial sweeteners, no junk — just pure recovery fuel.
Huel | RTD Daily Greens
Ready-to-drink green goodness loaded with micronutrients and convenient for recovery days. A signup list is no open.
Beekeeper Coffee | Horchata Latte
A bold coffee-meets-horchata fusion with immune-supporting superfoods and adaptogens. Smooth, spiced, and performance-minded.
🧠 Recover Smarter. Sleep Deeper.
Most athletes train their muscles — but ignore their nervous system. That’s like upgrading your car’s engine but never touching the brakes.
Enter Pulsetto — a wearable that stimulates your vagus nerve to switch your body from “fight or flight” into full recovery mode. In just minutes a day, you can lower stress, boost deep sleep, and improve how your body bounces back after hard training.
NBA All-Star Domantas Sabonis swears by it to speed recovery and get more restorative rest — and now, everyday athletes can get the same edge.
Stay calm under pressure. Sleep like a champ. Recover like a pro.
👉 Get your Pulsetto here.
💰 The Boardroom
The NFL has acquired a 10% ownership stake in ESPN, valued between $2.5B and $3B. In return, ESPN gains control over NFL Network and exclusive distribution rights to RedZone. This isn’t your typical broadcast rights deal—it's a structural media alignment, giving the league a direct foothold in one of its biggest content platforms. As ESPN rolls out a streaming version this fall, the NFL’s equity position could significantly shift how audiences consume football.