Archive for April, 2006

New Balance Factory Outlet for Great Shoes and No BS

Thursday, April 27th, 2006 at 11:27 am  

I’m not really a name brand type of guy. Nike slogans just annoy me. I’ve been buying the same few brands of runners since I was fifteen years old. What I’m trying to say is that my needs are few and simple. Unless I am getting dress shoes (which I buy almost never), I only shop at one place: the New Balance factory outlet.

This has nothing to do with the aesthetics of New Balance shoes. In my opinion, they run the gamut from plain to ugly. Although they do not have some of the hideous decals and bizarre contours and vents of some of the other popular running shoe brands, they make up for it with lack of variety in shoe appearances. My sole reason for shopping at the New Balance factory outlet is because they are the only runners that reliably fit my feet.

If the Shoe Fits, Wear It

My dad used to joke that I should forget about shopping for the shoes but instead just get the boxes. My feet are large, flat, and square – 13 triple wide to be precise. If the floor is wet, my right foot actually suction cups to it. So, before I discovered the New Balance factory outlet, going to the shoe store was emotionally painful experience, where I would have to spend hours to just find the one over-priced shoe which kind of fit my foot. After discovering the New Balance factory outlet, the pain decreased as, at any one time, they have had at least half a dozen shoes in my size and style (medium top cross trainers) which fit my feet just right.

I also like the fact that, for an athletic shoe store, the New Balance factory outlet is devoid of that nauseating jock hype crap that you see in a store specializing in other name brands such as Nike or Addidas. No “Just do it,” no posters of people slam dunking with neon tracers coming off their body, no insulting implications that, if you wear their shoes, you will become the next Michael Jordan. The New Balance factory outlet isn’t trying to win your over with false pretenses. They appeal to those customers that just like their shoes, and their business is to sell you shoes. I buy my shoes at the New Balance factory outlet because they are comfortable and, for running shoes, reasonably tolerable in appearance. I’m not looking for fantasy – I just go to the New Balance factory outlet for great shoes.

Sun, Smiles and a Record Crowd for the 22nd Vancouver Sun Run

Monday, April 24th, 2006 at 10:45 am  

Yesterday – April 23, 2006, in the 22nd running of the Vancouver Sun Run, a record crowd took to the streets under blue skies in beautiful downtown Vancouver, BC, Canada.  Over 50,000 (50,746 to be exact) registered entrants participated in the Vancouver Sun Run 10K and the 2.5K mini Sun Run, turning the Sun Run into the country’s largest 10K running event.

Similar to the Boston Marathon one week ago, the top male and female finishers were from Kenya.  On a side note, maybe the more serious competitors should try some training in Kenya before their next road racing event, or is it just simply genetics?  Isabella Ochichi was the top overall female, completing the race in 30 minutes and 55 seconds, not only did she complete the race with over one minute between her and the second place finisher, she also broke the 1996 record by 10 seconds.  The top male was Gilbert Okari with a final time of 28 minutes 25 seconds.

Myself and my family joined the massive crowds in Vancouver for the run.  As we stood in the starting gate waiting to move up through the crowds to actually start running we were aware and totally fascinated that the winners had already finished the race.  The views, WEATHER, bands and enthusiasm was widespread throughout the throngs of runners, walkers and wheelchair entrants.

I love the Vancouver Sun Run for what it does for our fitness conscious community.  For some it is just an addition to their normal workout routine, for others, who are not regular runners, it is their yearly goal to complete the Sun Run.  The Sun Run helps us to stay on top of our fitness goals and to be more mindful of our health, all the while being supported through weekly articles with training and injury advice, running gear suggestions, personal stories and a running and walking program printed in the Vancouver Sun Newspaper.

New Course Record for the Boston Marathon

Tuesday, April 18th, 2006 at 8:49 am  

Yesterday, Monday, April 17, 2006, 22,517 entrants (second largest in Boston Marathon history) set out to complete in the 110th running of the Boston Marathon, each runner trying to achieve their own personal goal.  For Kenyan Robert Cherulyot, his personal goal was achieved as he completed and won the men’s Boston Marathon race in two hours, seven minutes and 14 seconds, setting a new course record as he shaved off 1 second from the previous course record that was set in 1994. 

The women’s race was won by yet another Kenyan – Rita Jeptoo.  Rita, who was racing her first race on American soil, took the women’s race in a time of two hours, twenty three minutes and 38 seconds.  For Rita, who also won marathons in Stockholm and Milan in 2004, the Boston Marathon almost never happened due to a lost passport.  However, Rita made it to Boston, and although she never even had time to drive the course, let alone run it, she still managed to outrun the second place finisher by 10 seconds.

Runners at the Boston Marathon represented 94 countries and 50 states.

Online Running Gear Newsletter #1

Friday, April 14th, 2006 at 9:50 am  

In this issue:

  1. Running and Safety
  2. Save Money on Your Next Pair of  Running Shoes
  3. Boston Marathon
  4. Running with Children:  Happy Feet, Healthy Food

Good Day all you running enthusiasts and welcome to Online Running Gear’s inaugural newsletter. The philosophy of my monthly newsletters will be to inspire and inform the running community on a variety of topics including motivation, running gear, running shoes, race reviews, sports nutrition, health and training tips and anything else that could and would be of interest to my subscribers.  I hope that you will enjoy reading the newsletter and you will take away useful information from it.

As an outdoor activist, I feel very fortunate to live on the west coast of Canada .  Because of our environment and climate, mountains and ocean, we are home to many sports enthusiasts.  I love running outdoors through all four seasons, but I must admit that spring is undoubtedly my favorite season and where I live – spring has sprung!  Weather is getting a bit warmer, flowers and blossoms are coming out and the scenery is great on my runs.  When not training for a race, my typical routine during the week is a 6:00 am run to a local beach and back.  I’ve been running this particular route for almost 7 years now and never get bored of it.  I encounter squirrels, raccoons, eagles, herons, ducks, you name it, each day is different, but each day I feel blessed to be a runner to be able to get out there and enjoy what the world has to offer.

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1. Running and Safety
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I realize, since we are runners, we all figure that we could outrun any kind of adverse situation we may find ourselves in.  Well, we are probably right, but just in case, I would like to share some very simple safety tips that can help all runners be proactive instead of reactive and we may never need to know whether or not we really could outrun a potentially dangerous situation.

  • Always carry identification (phone number, blood type, allergies).
  • Carry appropriate coins in case you need to use the phone.
  • Keep a whistle or noisemaker in your pocket.
  • Don’t wear jewelry that can attract attention.
  • Let someone know your running route.
  • Don’t be too predictable – consider altering your route every now and then.
  • Avoid running in unpopulated areas, unless you know the area well. 
  • Avoid unlit areas at night.
  • Run against traffic so you can see approaching vehicles.
  • Respect other exercise enthusiasts out there.  Share the path courteously with bikers, walkers, rollerbladers and others.
  • Wear reflective strips if running in low light or after dark.

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2. Save Money on Your Next Pair of  Running Shoes
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Throughout the past 20 years of being a runner, I can’t even imagine how many thousands of dollars that I have put into the running shoe industry.  Now, I love shopping for a deal as much as the next person and it kills me to pay the astronomical prices that they charge for runners and I’m sure that there is a great profit margin on them.  In the past, when I found a great deal on my runners, I would buy a few pairs and stock up.  For a few years, I was a Vancouver Sun Run leader and their sponsor, New Balance, used to offer us their newest promotional runners at a great discount and I would stock up.  Well those days are gone, but the days of cheap running shoes aren’t.  I’ve discovered online shopping.  At first I was a little bit concerned about using my credit card online, but since then I’ve booked flights, hotels, bought numerous items online and have even returned items online and have NEVER had a bad experience.  So today I freely shop online usually without a second thought.

I typically save $50 per pair or running shoes that I buy online and the great part is that I don’t even have to leave the comfort of my chair.  And that is $50 that I have towards another piece of running apparel or if I choose to put it in my vacation account towards my next holiday.  There are a few big online running stores to shop at.  Find out my recommended online running stores and why I like to shop at these ones.

It is important that you know your size, brand and model before you order online.  Runners that have been running for any length of time usually have a favorite runner and they know exactly how it feels on their feet.  But, if you are looking to change models, or you are a new runner, I would encourage you to go to a running store, try on a few pairs and have a sales person advise you on your foot type before you blindly order a pair of running shoes online.  Once you have this figured out, go ahead and enjoy the world of online shopping and better yet, enjoy that extra money left in your wallet when the transaction is finished.

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3.Boston Marathon – Easter Monday, April 17, 2006
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Where will you be on Monday?  Don’t forget to tune into the 110 th running of the Boston Marathon on Easter Monday (also known as Marathon Monday).  For many runners, the Boston Marathon is one of the greatest inspirational and prestigious runs to take place each year.  For many marathoners, their marathon achievements aren’t complete until they’ve run Boston.  Of course, it’s easier said than done, as to be able to run the Boston Marathon, you must run a qualifying marathon with a qualifying time.  But for any runner that is serious enough to put the hard work and training into their routine, the Boston Marathon could be achievable.

Being the world’s oldest marathon, the Boston Marathon is rich in history.  The first running took place in 1897 with 18 runners participating, but only 10 finishing.  And as a female runner, I love this statistic:  Women were not allowed to run in the Boston Marathon until 1972.  Today, the marathon has come so far as to introduce a separate Elite Women’s Start – way to go ladies!!  And what used to be a mainly American based competition field, has turned into an event where the best runners travel worldwide to have their chance at the fame and glory of winning Boston.  The last American to win the race was Greg Meyer in 1983.

I have yet to run the Boston Marathon, but have been fortunate enough to be able to live it through my many friends who have run in it.  This year, one of my best friends, and a great runner, is traveling with 11 other friends from Vancouver , BC to Boston to see the sights, experience the momentum and RUN BOSTON.  I hope to have a detailed race report when she returns that I will feature in my next newsletter.

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4. Running with Children:  Happy Feet, Healthy Food
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For any of you that are running or exercising with your children and trying to teach them the benefits of running/exercise and healthy eating, I welcome you to read my review of a fun and resourceful book for all children.  It is called Happy Feet, Healthy Food:  Your Child’s First Journal of Exercise and Healthy Eating. 

I wish you all a very Happy and Egg-citing Easter.

Until next time.

Running Surfaces and How They Affect your Body

Tuesday, April 11th, 2006 at 12:48 pm  

The greatest thing about running is it’s ultimate flexibility.  That (and wanting to lose some weight) was the reason that I took up running.  I love the fact that you can practically run anywhere – on the road, in a park around a track, in a gym on the treadmill and wherever you may be at home or on vacation.  With all these choices, it’s really hard to think of an excuse not to run.

If you have a choice in the running surface you run on, opt for the softer surfaces. Softer surfaces will reduce the sress and strain on bone, ligaments, tendons and muscles and make your run more enjoyable all around.  Asphalt is preferable to concrete and dirt or bark mulch even better. With softer surfaces the impact is absorbed in the ground and not on your body. 

A word of warning though, with softer surfaces, there is usually a bit more uncertainty as to how level ground is.  Running on trails in the park can usually have some big tree roots sticking out or equally as dangerous would be a grass surface, which can mask holes in the ground.  Just be aware and don’t drag your heels.

Jogging with Children

Friday, April 7th, 2006 at 9:28 am  

My children are not children anymore, but now budding teenagers.  But when they were children, I don’t know where I would have been without my jogging stroller.  Being an active runner, I came up with many creative ideas on how to get my running workouts in.  One of my favorites was heading to the track.  The long jumping pit served as a sandbox for the kids to play in, or they would ride around the track on their 3-wheelers and later graduated to the two wheel bicycles and they would ride loops around me.  Although the scenery was the same and could get pretty boring at times, it still allowed me to get my runs in.  But I don’t know where I would have been without my jogging stroller.  The kids loved it, the fresh air blowing in their face and the scenery was forever changing. 

Today there are many brands of jogging strollers. Jogging strollers usually have a basic model or with an assortment of features.  I must admit, when I was running with my kids, my jogging stroller didn’t have many bells and whistles, other than a brake and it packed up really nicely.  However, because of their popularity and the competition, there are many choices of jogging strollers to choose from. With the past experience that I’ve had, if I was in the market today, a few features that I would look for are:

  • Make sure there is a sturdy seat belt that wraps around your baby’s waist and between his/her legs and shoulder straps are essential.
  • Check that the hand brakes grip the tires easily and effectively.
  • Make sure the stroller does not collapse too easily. It should have an easy to use locking mechanism and be easy to maneuver in a straight line.  However, it is a nice feature to have a stroller that folds up nicely.
  • The handle height should be waist level or slightly below.
  • An adjustable (and removable) canopy is essential, especially if you live in a rainy climate.

Today my “teenagers” are very active in sports.  They run, swim, compete in triathlons, play a multitute of team sports and they love it.  They are so proud of their sporting abilities and this contributes so much to their positive self-image.  I often think that because we introduced them into the running and triathlon world at such an early age and continually throughout their lives what a major role this has played on their involvement and enjoyment in sports.

Time for New Running Shoes?

Monday, April 3rd, 2006 at 11:06 am  

Have you ever bought your running shoes online before?  I have and I do because it is so easy to save a considerable amount of money.  So for any of you newbies to online shopping, I thought that this time around I would share the experience with you.

First things determined – it’s time for new running shoes.  On a side note, I am feeling a bit ripped off at the moment with my current New Balance 851′s. I only bought them last September and they blew an air pocket a couple of months ago.  Since I had already ran in them for 3 months, I didn’t do much about it.  Nonetheless, I feel that they should have lasted a lot longer.

I love the 851′s and I’ve had many pairs of 851′s, so I am just going to accept that I had a one off pair of lemons.

Needless to say, with my current blow out, it’s time to move on to a new pair.  I have worn many models of New Balance shoes for almost 10 years now and I have been dying to break the mold and try a different brand, but since I’ve always had success with NB, I was afraid of change.  This incident got me riled up enought that it gave me the push I needed.

Not knowing which brand to try, I read some reviews online and I took note of the Runner’s World Editor’s Choices.  Armed with this information, I headed off to a running store to try out a few pairs of runners to see what they felt like on my feet.  This is a mandatory step especially if you are going to try a brand new model, although I’m not particularly proud about wasting a salesperson’s time as I had no intention of buying my shoes from this store.  But the salesclerk was bored so we had a few laughs while we discussed current trends in running shoes.

After checking my gait (I’m a mild pronator), and with the information that I gave her, she suggested that I try 3 different brands/pairs of running shoes.  The Pearl Izumi Syncro Float, Asics Gel Kayano II and the Saucony Hurricane Grid 7.  I wanted to try the Hurricane Grid 8, but they never had them in yet.

All three pairs felt very different, but very wonderful.  The Pearl Izumi Syncro Floats fit like a glove.  When taken for a short run, they seemed to add propulsion to my run.  In comparison to the other two, they were quite a bit heavier.  With the Pearl Izumi’s, I also felt a mild ridge under the ball of my foot, which I know in time would drive me nuts.  So, it was between the Asics and the Saucony’s and it was a hard choice.

My reasons for chosing the Hurricane Grid 7′s were:

1.  They had a wonderful spacious forefoot.  I tend to get pressure points on my feet, so I really prefer something with a bit of space to move and the Hurricane’s provided this.

2.  I was advised that they were a high mileage runner.  As I put alot of miles in, this is a feature that I look for.

3.  They were quite a bit cheaper than the Asics.  When comparing apples with apples, and I did feel that the two shoes were equivalent, then it comes down to the price.

My next step was to go online to research.  Since I am familiar with and enjoy shopping from both Roadrunner Sports and Zappo’s, I checked them both out for prices.  Zappo’s came out ahead by about $15 (and approximately $50 cheaper than the running store), not to mention, they also have free shipping, which is a bonus.

This morning I ordered my Saucony 3D Hurricane Grid 7′s from Zappo’s.  I expect them to arrive in about 5 days, so stay tuned, after I get to take them for a good test drive, I will provide you all with a review my new running shoes. And here you have my thoughts on my new Saucony Hurricane Grids.