One Foot in Front of the Other

Some current events today!  Attached is the class action lawsuit (complaint) against Vibram claiming false studies describing the benefits of barefoot running.  This is an interesting attempt at suing Vibram.  I will not take a stand on either side and let you formulate an opinion.  

1 year ago

The Importance of Run Specialty Stores

Competitor Magazine wrote a great article describing the importance of run specialty stores, such as Striders.  The article describes how they are able to survive, even thrive in an era of big box retail and online shopping.  Read it and let me know what you think!

1 year ago

I interviewed Andi from Nike and previewed new Nike shoes coming this summer and fall!  Some great new products and some awesome insight into the LunarGlide 4 and Stucture Triax 16

1 year ago

Cadence Running

I’m excited to announce that I will be the shoe guy for Cadence Running.  Cadence Running is an up and coming personal coaching system and business interested in helping you run to your personal best.  They will be offering services for individuals looking to complete their first 5K up to local elite athletes.  Cadence Running will focus on personalized, long-term training and personal contact.  Cadence Running is the full program; race strategy, nutrition analysis, footwear advice and injury prevention exercises.  This is where “Runner Cool” comes into play…I will be the footwear guy.  I love shoes so this works out great.  I look forward to working with Cadence Running, helping to grow the brand while being coached at the same time.  Check them out!

www.cadencerunning.com

1 year ago

Anonymous asked: I'm not a very experienced runner, but I want to start getting in shape for a local 10K late this summer. Are any of these online coaches legit? And where should I begin looking?

There are a lot of great resources out there to get you going on your first race.  Online coaching is one route that can prove to be beneficial as it is easy to access.  I recommend getting into contact with the online coaching system beforehand to discuss goals and progress.  Your local running store should be able to help as well if online is not the route for you.  A few good online coaching systems would be Cadence Running and McMillan.  

http://www.cadencerunning.com/

1 year ago

I introduce the Structure 16 from Nike!  This supportive shoe is losing 15% of its weight! That is ridiculous.  Supportive running shoes are coming a long way and to have this shoe lose 15% is unbelievable.  A few changes to note (this is a sneak peek so I can only divulge a few things), new crash pad on the lateral side.  It saves weight while still providing tons of good cushioning.  The medial post is now the new wedge system Nike uses called Dynamic Support.  Think of a wedge to support a table that is uneven; that’s Dynamic Support.  The new mesh is engineered so that it’s loser in some parts and tighter in others depending on the shape of the foot.  This is Nike’s workhorse of the support category, and I’ve spent 3 years running in this shoe.  I cannot wait to try out the new one.  Look for it in October.     

1 year ago
Yesterday, I learned some great tidbits about New Balance as a brand and about some of their upcoming products.  New Balance has been making a big push into running through sponsored athletes and fast products.  Probably the most notable athlete sponsored by New Balance would be World 1500m Champion Jenny Simpson (Barringer).  Barringer was a talented athlete in high school placing high at Footlocker and was also a multiple National Champ at University of Colorado.  Barringer’s run to the gold helped promote New Balance.  Yesterday I learned that New Balance was the first company to sponsor an athlete for over one million dollars. Who was that athlete?  First person to answer on my Facebook will get the Jenny Barringer poster that is picture with this post.  The second poster will go to whoever can answer this second question: What marathon runner, turned US citizen, broke the world record in New Balance racing flats? Thanks guys! I’ll message you when I see the correct answers.  Stay running, stay cool. 

Yesterday, I learned some great tidbits about New Balance as a brand and about some of their upcoming products.  New Balance has been making a big push into running through sponsored athletes and fast products.  Probably the most notable athlete sponsored by New Balance would be World 1500m Champion Jenny Simpson (Barringer).  Barringer was a talented athlete in high school placing high at Footlocker and was also a multiple National Champ at University of Colorado.  Barringer’s run to the gold helped promote New Balance.  Yesterday I learned that New Balance was the first company to sponsor an athlete for over one million dollars. Who was that athlete?  First person to answer on my Facebook will get the Jenny Barringer poster that is picture with this post.  The second poster will go to whoever can answer this second question: What marathon runner, turned US citizen, broke the world record in New Balance racing flats? Thanks guys! I’ll message you when I see the correct answers.  Stay running, stay cool. 

1 year ago

Anonymous asked: What is your opinion about barefoot running?

Thanks for the question!  Barefoot running can be really beneficial for an individual if done correctly.  Barefoot running can help strengthen muscles in the legs, shins and feet that will help prevent injury down the road.  While there is an obvious movement towards “minimal” running, this may not always be the best option as an everyday use.  Too much strain on these muscles can lead to injuries if not done properly.  I recommend taking it slow, building up small precentages of your weekly runs into part barefoot.  For example, you are doing a 3 mile run….for the last 3 min of your run, spend it barefoot in grass.  Keep building up slowly from there.  It does take a while, and be prepared for some general soreness.  Thanks for the question!

1 year ago
This is heaven in a pile of shoes.  Met with Nike yesterday and saw some amazing shoes and apparel they will be offering come October.  There will more individual previews of each of the shoes that I saw later today, tomorrow and through my Striders blog on Thursday!  Also, Striders will be posting an interview I did with a Nike representative on new product for the Holiday season.  Can anyone pick out some of the new product in this pile of shoes? 

This is heaven in a pile of shoes.  Met with Nike yesterday and saw some amazing shoes and apparel they will be offering come October.  There will more individual previews of each of the shoes that I saw later today, tomorrow and through my Striders blog on Thursday!  Also, Striders will be posting an interview I did with a Nike representative on new product for the Holiday season.  Can anyone pick out some of the new product in this pile of shoes? 

1 year ago

Anonymous asked: Could you explain what Asics has done with the 2170 that makes it look drastically different from the previous line of greatness?

While the 2170 looks a lot different, I assure it still provides a very similar feel.  The nice thing with the GT Series from Asics is that it rarely has major overhauls.  Asics did add what’s called “discrete eyelets.”  These just are a part of the eyelets that the laces go through.  They provide a better arch wrapping and keep the shoe moving with the foot throughout your run.  The cushioning and support stay the same.  The 2100 series is THE staple shoe of America and will remain that way for some time.  Look for the update to the 2170 late this fall…..hint hint……it will forever be known as the GT-2000 after the 2170……(that’s supposed to be foreshadowing for a future post)

Stay running, stay cool

1 year ago

Anonymous asked: What would your opinion be on getting the New Balance Minimus for my first ever "running shoe" ?

I wouldn’t recommend it as your first running shoe per se.  It could be a great supplement shoe to go with your properly fitted shoe.  Go to your local running specialty store to be fit into a shoe that would work best for your foot.  The New Balance Minimus is a great shoe to be used along with your “traditional” shoe.  It will help build strength in a few muscles that are not normally engaged while running in a “traditional” shoe.  Thanks for the question! Feel free to ask me anything else.  

1 year ago

What is that Stuff?

Ever wonder what all those names of things on shoes mean? Phylon, airmesh, DRB, PBR, blah blah blah….well now’s your chance to poke around and actually figure out what SoLyte is…or RevLite…Enjoy! Click the link and download the file!

1 year ago

Striders Blog

Check out the Striders blog.  My first blog post went up today! Check it out as I pit shoes against each other in a March Madness style bracket.  It’s craaaazzzy baby!

1 year ago
The New Balance Road Minimus Zero Drop an update to the Road Minimus from last year.  The MR00 lowers the heel by another 4mm making this heel-to-drop 0.  Zero, zilch, nothing. Commenting on the last Running Minimus, it was far too curved in the last.  It made it very difficult for many arches to sit in the shoe.  Personally, I bridged right over the entire arch of the shoe.  This made the shoe rather uncomfortable.  Picking up the zero drop Minimus, I noticed it was considerably lighter and that it had a Vibram outsole.  The Vibram rubber is strategically placed on the areas of the foot that are most likely to be hitting the ground.  The tongue is “burrito” style and is attached on one side but not the other.  This saves weight, construction and allows the shoe to hug the foot tighter.  Slipping it on, I noticed that the last was a bit straighter and more comfortable.  The laces were super long and I’ve got a lot of access, even when I don’t pull it tight.  I jogged around in the shoe a bit and noticed that it’s not as cushy as the previous run Minimus, and I am completely okay with that.  New Balance has been churning out winning shoes as of late, and the Zero Minimus is no different.  The bright neon green colorway is amazing, but if neon is not your cup of tea, there are much more neutral colors to offer as well.  I recommend the New Balance Zero Drop Run Minimus to individuals looking to run in a minimal shoe with a bit of protection.  There are only a few options for an individual looking for a completely zero drop shoe, I’m looking at you Hattori, Fivefingers, Altra (shutter).  Work this shoe in very slowly with walking, light running until you can strengthen your muscles for everyday use.  

The New Balance Road Minimus Zero Drop an update to the Road Minimus from last year.  The MR00 lowers the heel by another 4mm making this heel-to-drop 0.  Zero, zilch, nothing. Commenting on the last Running Minimus, it was far too curved in the last.  It made it very difficult for many arches to sit in the shoe.  Personally, I bridged right over the entire arch of the shoe.  This made the shoe rather uncomfortable.  Picking up the zero drop Minimus, I noticed it was considerably lighter and that it had a Vibram outsole.  The Vibram rubber is strategically placed on the areas of the foot that are most likely to be hitting the ground.  The tongue is “burrito” style and is attached on one side but not the other.  This saves weight, construction and allows the shoe to hug the foot tighter.  Slipping it on, I noticed that the last was a bit straighter and more comfortable.  The laces were super long and I’ve got a lot of access, even when I don’t pull it tight.  I jogged around in the shoe a bit and noticed that it’s not as cushy as the previous run Minimus, and I am completely okay with that.  New Balance has been churning out winning shoes as of late, and the Zero Minimus is no different.  The bright neon green colorway is amazing, but if neon is not your cup of tea, there are much more neutral colors to offer as well.  I recommend the New Balance Zero Drop Run Minimus to individuals looking to run in a minimal shoe with a bit of protection.  There are only a few options for an individual looking for a completely zero drop shoe, I’m looking at you Hattori, Fivefingers, Altra (shutter).  Work this shoe in very slowly with walking, light running until you can strengthen your muscles for everyday use.  

1 year ago
Abdi, or the Black Cactus, finishing at the US Olympic Marathon Trials in Houston a few months ago.  I was lucky enough to meet him at the Tucson airport while visiting my parents.  

Abdi, or the Black Cactus, finishing at the US Olympic Marathon Trials in Houston a few months ago.  I was lucky enough to meet him at the Tucson airport while visiting my parents.  

1 year ago