25% off at RoadRunnerSports.com

VOUCHER CODE: CX12J120

RoadRunnersports.com is having a one week special offer with 25% off ANYTHING you buy, PLUS free shipping.

Here at runningshoesguru.com we like RRS vast selection of everything running, and their return policy: you can run in a shoe for 60 days (is it 90 now?) and if you don’t like them you can return them for free – no questions asked.

Anyway, if you click on the link below, the voucher code is already applied to your shopping cart.

25% off EVERYTHING at RoadRunnerSports with coupon CX12J120

Enjoy !

Adidas Adizero Rush

PORTLAND, Ore. (January 17, 2012) – Today adidas unveils the new adizero Rush, one of the lightest every day running shoes on the market. At 7.5 ounces and seven bold color combinations, the adizero Rush is a unique combination of high performance and style.

“We’re really proud of the adizero Rush and excited to get the shoe in the hands and on the feet of athletes who run to get faster for their sport,” said Mikal Peveto, director of running for adidas America. “The adizero Rush shaves ounces from a typical running shoe, helping athletes as they work to stay faster than their competition.”

Peveto continued, “At adidas, our goal is simple. We design and engineer lightweight shoes to make athletes of all levels of sports faster so they can perform better on the track, the field and the court. We know seconds make the difference between first and second place or a personal best effort.”

To support the launch of the adizero Rush, adidas will debut a new 30-second spot that celebrates high school athletics and the energy of competition with football players, cheerleaders, coaches and the marching band all rushing to victory in the adizero Rush.

Filmed in Southern California and produced by 180 Los Angeles, the spot debuts today on YouTube (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N2mofxkKVvM) and premieres on TV on January 22. The marketing campaign also will include digital activation and fans will be able to continue the conversation through facebook.com/adidasrunning.

Combining a super light shoe with maximum cushioning and support, the adizero Rush features adiPrene+ midsole technology for resilient cushioning in the forefoot to ensure a responsive ride. The shoe’s SprintWeb provides lightweight support while the unique nylon mesh construction is breathable and keeps the foot locked in place for stability and speed. The SprintFrame™ helps return energy to each stride and the shoe’s Lightstrike™ EVA reduces midsole weight by 15 percent.

Each pair of adizero Rush comes with a second lace to provide an unexpected pop of color, while the shoe’s weight is clearly displayed along the trim.

The adizero Rush is available now for $100 at shopadidas.com and retailers nationwide.

adidas develops high performance apparel and footwear to help athletes train, compete, prepare for and recover from their sport. For more information visit adidas.com.

Asics Made Of Sports

ASICS celebrates true sport values with evocative new advertising campaign

Leading sports performance brand ASICS has launched a new international TV, print and digital brand campaign based around the values of true sport.

The new campaign, created by 180 Amsterdam and titled ‘Made of Sport’, celebrates the true sport athlete’s journey to personal victory. It celebrates the early mornings and the late nights this commitment requires. It honours the athletes who respect one another and cherish the challenges, demands, passion and dedication that keep them pushing for rewards more noble and valuable than fame and wealth.

The above-the-line campaign includes a selection of 60”, 30”, 20” and 6” TV adverts and double and single page print adverts. There will also be a series of three minute inspirational short films – hosted on the brand’s website. The campaign will be broadcast in Europe, Asia (Japan, South Korea) and Oceania.

Directed by Henrik Hansen, the campaign features a selection of elite and amateur athletes including Olympians such as American hurdler Lolo Jones, German Olympic champion triathlete Jan Frodeno and French trail running champion Emmanuel Gault. The campaign shows the hard work and training that dedicated athletes undertake on every level. The voiceover throughout the adverts makes evocative statements about each athlete, including “I am made of all the days you don’t see. Not just the ones you do.” and “I am made of everything to come. Not just what has been.”
At the end of each advert, the audience is asked ‘Are You Made of Sport?’, inviting viewers to look into themselves and evaluate their own true sport credentials.

Michael Price, European Marketing Director at ASICS said

“We have decided to create a campaign that strips sport back to its true authentic meaning and taps into its real values; teamwork, sacrifice, sportsmanship and dedication. We feel our audience will relate much more to seeing the behind the scenes of elite sport and everyday athletes than they will to watching high-profile ‘celebrity’ athletes pose and posture.”

Al Moseley, Managing Partner and Executive Creative Director at 180 Amsterdam said

“ASICS is reclaiming the idea of true sport, and giving it back to the everyday athlete. The campaign encourages the audience to ask themselves if they too are made of the dedication, commitment and passion that true sport athletes exhibit.”

The print campaign shot by Ben Ingham includes images of elite and amateur athletes training in sports such as handball and tennis as well as road running and sprinting. Christophe Lemaitre, Europe’s fastest man, features in the campaign with the statement, ‘I am built of sweat. Not swagger.’ emblazoned across the image, Simon Wheatcroft, a British blind runner has the uplifting declaration, ‘I am made of beliefs. Not barriers.’ featured on his imagery.

Adverts have also been created for new key footwear and apparel products, featuring slogans highlighting key consumer benefits such as ‘Made of Adaptive Support’ for the new ASICS GEL-KAYANO 18 and ‘Made of Water Release’ for the new ASICS GEL-FUJI trail running shoes.

This campaign will be ASICS Europe’s largest media investment to date. The advertising campaign will go live across Europe from the beginning of January 2012, starting in the UK and Germany. The TV commercials have been pre-launched on Eurosport and will appear on from 15 to 31 December in 59 countries, 125 million households.

So – where is the video ? Here you can find the TV spot:

And follow this link to the series of 6 mini-movies (you should check them out, they are really inspirational):

http://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLB20E2F1763C1D0C0

In Spring 2012, California Sports Company K-Swiss will expand its running category with several new additions using Blade-Light and Blade-Max proprietary cushioning technologies. K-Swiss will also debut quick-transition and minimalist entries to round out running portfolio and provide styles for every runner from training to race day.

BLADE-MAX™ SERIES

Following the Fall 2011 introduction of Blade-Max™ in K-Swiss’ first trail runner, the maximum cushioning technology will be featured in three new styles. Blade-Max™ Technology features athlete engineered bladed Superfoam®, a space-aged energy-return foam that resists compression and lasts longer, providing cushioning and comfort. The anatomically-placed ‘blades’ align to the angle of impact providing progressive cushioning. These blades also act as an independent suspension and allow for increased traction due to blades’ self-cleaning ability. Loose gravel and sand are swept away with each foot strike because of blades’ angled design.

Blade-Max™ Stable

A stability running shoe featuring a dynamic medial post and GuideGlide™, a unique midsole construction that centers the foot from heel-to-toe ensuring a more comfortable and stable ride. A very supportive upper featuring the heat welded SeamFree™ technology and an external heel counter for unparalleled comfort and fit. MSRP: $125.00

K-Swiss Blade Max Stable - Womens

K-Swiss Blade Max Stable - Mens

Blade-Max™ Glide

A neutral running shoe with maximum cushioning featuring GuideGlide construction and extremely breathable, lightweight upper with SeamFree™ technology. MSRP: $120.00

K-Swiss Blade Max Glide - Womens

K-Swiss Blade Max Glide - Mens

Blade-Max™ Endure

A maximum cushioned training shoe with GuideGlide™ construction and a supportive, breathable Flow Cool System™ upper to enhance moisture management from heel-to-toe to keep foot cool and dry. MSRP: $100.00

K-Swiss Blade Max Endure - Womens

K-Swiss Blade Max Endure - Mens

BLADE-LIGHT™ SERIES

In Spring 2012, K-Swiss will introduce two new styles using the successful Blade-Light™ Technology which uses ultra-light cushioning technology to provide protection through a series of ‘blades’ aligned to the angle of impact. The blades collapse and compress in proportion to the forces applied through the running gait. After impact, the blades return to their original shape and provide a ‘springy’ feel. The blades also provide a high level of traction when splayed due to natural foot flexion.

Kwicky QT2

A quick transition lightweight training and racing shoe that uses QT2 upper technology for easy on-and-off. Fully-loaded with technologies, the Kwicky QT2™ uses: GuideGlide™ dual-density construction with side drainage, a Superfoam® heel crash pad and footbed, a high-density Aösta II® heel outsole for durability and resilient Duraplush™ forefoot outsole, and a TPU arch support and 3D medial posting for enhanced stability. The upper uses QT2 lacing, a first for the brand, and state-of-the-art ion-mask™ hydrophobic nano-technology and SeamFree™ technology for ultimate comfort. MSRP: $144.00

K-Swiss Kwicky QT2 - Mens

K-Swiss Kwicky QT2 - Womens

BLADE FOOT RUN™ & K-RUUZ™ 1.5

K-Swiss will launch two new lightweight styles in the minimalist category.

Blade Foot Run

A zero heel lift running shoe that promotes natural foot strike with a minimal and supportive lightweight upper constructed with air mesh. MSRP: $90.00

K-Swiss Blade Foot Run - Mens

K-Swiss Blade Foot Run - Womens

K-RUUZ 1.5

A light and face racing flat with SeamFree™ upper technology and ion-mask™ water resistant nano-technology to keep the shoe light and comfortable. Features a low profile k-EVA™ midsole midfoot support shank, Duraplush™ rubber outsole and Superfoam® footbed for long lasting comfort. MSRP: $100.00

K-Swiss K-Ruuz - Mens

K-Swiss K-Ruuz - Womens

GEL_EXCEL_Explosion_1024

The 33 collection represents an exciting new interpretation of the ASICS Impact Guidance System (I.G.S.), the research-based, natural foot movement philosophy that ASICS pioneered over ten years ago. With an increasing number of runners looking to vary their running experience, the 33 collection helps maintain running efficiency and comfort over prolonged distances whilst offering runners a responsive ride.

The shoes have been designed to ensure running efficiency at all stages in the gait-cycle; from the first time the heel strikes the ground until the toe-off phase. Aiding the foot’s natural progression from heel strike to toe-off, ASICS Guidance Line, with a visible vertical flex-groove, encourages the foot to follow its natural progression.

Gel Excel 33 pair

Here you find our review of the Asics Gel Excel 33.

GEL cushioning has been positioned between the top layer and base layer of the midsole to protect the foot throughout the whole gait cycle. The GEL cushioning is combined with multiple, deep forefoot flex grooves which allow the tooling to decouple, mirroring the foot’s natural movement, making the shoes superbly comfortable.

The shoes also feature a Personal Heel Fit (P.H.F.) system which uses memory foam to mould the heel of the shoe to the wearer, increasing the comfort. An external heel clutching system holds the heel in a dynamic way.

Simon Bartold, Specialist Sports Podiatrist and ASICS International Research Consultant says:

“The ASICS 33 is a unique product, designed to work with all 33 joints of the foot. It is a lightweight, deconstructed product which offers flexibility and comfort in a lightweight package. It is ideal for the runner wishing to add a new mix to their training schedule and specifically designed for an awesome road feel and ride in the tradition of our long held believe the shoe should work with the foot…not against it. The 33 collection is the new benchmark in natural running technology.”

The lightweight shoe energizes the running experience, providing runners with the support and cushioning necessary for high-mileage running in a lightweight form.

We got our hands (and feet) on the Excel 33 and Hyper 33. Stay tuned to read the reviews!

Click on a thumbnail to start the gallery.

Here below the Inspire 8 and Nirvana 8, the Musha 4 and the Elixir 7. We are currently pounding miles in order to produce the reviews we’re famous for – stay tuned !!!

Update Nov 2011: Here is the review of the Wave Inspire 8.

Click on a picture to start the gallery

Hey, don’t forget to also check out the new Wave Rider 15, Nexus 6, Creation 13 and Ronin 4

UPDATE! The Mizuno Wave Rider 15 review is here!

Click on a picture to start the gallery

We also have the rest of the Spring line, stay tuned for the rest of the pictures and of course the reviews!

UPDATE! Here they are: Mizuno Inspire 8, Nirvana 8, Musha 4 and Elixir 7!

On - Cloudsurfer

On Inc. is a new, rapidly growing sports company based in Zurich, Switzerland. On running shoes are intended for marathoners, triathletes and casual runners whowant to run light and fast. One year after the shoe’s launch, On is now available at more than 50 leading U.S. specialty running stores and 100 select Foot Locker locations.

The company was founded by Olivier Bernhard. Bernhard’s spectacular 10-year career was highlighted by six Ironman wins, three duathlon World-Champion titles and posting the third-fastest Hawaii Ironman time ever(2:41). But like many runners, pain in his Achilles tendons forced him into retirement. Several years after leaving competitive racing, Bernhard developed a first prototype of On with Swiss engineers and knew his destiny was to develop the shoe and bring true scientific innovation to running.

The Science Behind On

On’s edge over traditional running shoes is simple physics: Running exposes the foot to both vertical and horizontal forces. Traditional running shoes only absorb the vertical impact (typically by compressing some form of rubber, gel or air pad), but leave the athlete exposed to the horizontal – or forward-pushing – impact. This increases the risk of muscular breakdown and associated injuries. On’s CloudTec™ system absorbs both vertical and horizontal forces by a radical new design: three-dimensional (3D) elements in the outsole made of 13 highly flexible rubber elements that On calls “clouds”.

During the foot strike phase, the cloud elements fold backand cushion the landing by allowing the foot to softly glide into the step. Put in technical terms: On is using travel (or “way”) to slow down the impact shock. Once on the ground, the elements become interlocked, providing a solid surface and stability for the push-off phase. So while traditional running shoes are either soft and slow or fast and hard, On running shoes are soft and fast.

A study by the Swiss Federal Lab of Technology in Zurich concluded that runners experienced anaverage drop in their heart rates by 2 beats per minute when measured against their heart rate while running in their favorite running shoe. Some athletes saved up to 10 beats per minute. The data also revealed the average lactate acid concentration in their blood was reduced 5.4%. At first glance that may not seem like huge improvement, but at a 3-hour marathon pace a runner’s time could be reduced up to nine-minutes. For a complete copy of the study, visit www.on-running.com/research.

As for everything, it’s better to take these claims with a grain of salt – but the premises sound interesting. We will be reviewing soon a pair of ON running shoes and I am personally really curious to try them on.

Here is the current ON lineup of shoes.

The On Product Line

On Cloudrunner – TheCloudrunner is designed for high-impact runs, long training sessions andendurance runs. An enforced CloudTec™ system enables excellent stressabsorbtion, efficient energy transfer and fast recovery. Available inUltramarine/Cyan.  Men’s sizes only. SRP $149.

On Cloudsurfer – The Cloudsurfer is made to perform in trainingruns as well as in competitions. The CloudTec™ system is engineered toprovide the best of both worlds: cushioning on impact and speed onpush-off.  Available in Black/Lime and Silver-Grey/Azure.  Bothmen’s and women’s sizes. SRP $149.

November 2011: Here is our review of the On Cloudsurfer
On Women’s Cloudsurfer – The women’s model providesthe right fit for the female foot and adapts to a lighter impact. TheCloudsurfer is made to perform in training runs as well as in competitions.Engineered to provide the best of both worlds: cushioning on impact and speedon push-off.  Available in Rose’/Pink, Black/Lime,Silver-Grey/Azure.  Women’s sizes only. SRP $149.

Saucony 8mm

WHAT’S SO GREAT ABOUT 8mm?

This new geometry puts every runner in a more balanced, comfortable and powerful position without reducing cushioning or stability. Also, runners can more easily adjust their stride to a midfoot strike, aligning the lower body to absorb impact. Through extensive testing of different heel to forefoot offsets, Saucony was able to find what they believe is the best geometry for their most popular models. It is a significant development for the running community, as typical running shoes have had 10-12mm drops for the last 20 years.

Check this promotional video from Saucony to learn a little more about the reasons behind this design change.

The first three shoes that will feature this new design philosopgy will be the Guide 5, the Triumph 9 and the Hurricane 14.

Saucony Triumph 9

(Update Jan 2012: Here is the Saucony PowerGrid Triumph 9 full review!)

Saucony Guide 5

(Update 12/1: Here is the Saucony Guide 5 full review!)

Saucony Hurricane 14

Saucony kindly sent us a pair of Triumph and Guide to review (with the Hurricane to follow in February) and we’ll be publishing our usual detailed reviews soon. You’ll be the first to know what we think of this new 8mm drop.

Brooks Wear Tester Logo

According to Brooks’ Wear Test Team, every shoe is tested throughout the development process. One such test is to provide the footwear to runners (or “Wear Testers”) so that they can run in the shoes and provide Brooks with feedback! Brooks uses Wear Tester feedback to make sure that the shoes have been tried by runners and are up to the high standards Brooks sets for new products.

Wear Testers are selected based on criteria such as shoe size, current favorite training shoe, type of gait, and occasionally weekly mileage and body weight. Great Wear Testers are runners who can identify what he or she likes and dislikes about a shoe—this includes everything from the color and design to the fit and feel of the shoe.

According to our Wear Test Team, “Wear testing is about making our product the best it can be. It is about testing product we are considering presenting to the market…We ask for feedback multiple times during the testing periods and usually adhere to a strict timeline of due dates. Wear testing is one piece of the puzzle in the long process of creating, tweaking and refining product before it is market worthy.”

Want to become a Wear Tester? Check out www.BrooksRunning.com/weartest for more information. Unfortunately, due to customs requirements and restrictions, Brooks is unable to ship testing products internationally, and therefore Wear Testers must reside in the US.

Sof_Sole_CoolMax

By Brian O’Connor

Ever since I began running, I’ve been obsessed with picking the right socks for the job—thin socks for hot summer days, heavy wool pairs for bitter winter mornings, and even the occasional $15-a-pair number for long distances and races. While some people love to experiment with different shorts, shirts, or watches, I’ve been on an unending quest to find the perfect pair of socks that don’t cost as much as my shoes themselves. With that in mind, I gave the Sof Sole CoolMax Runner socks a two week test, running over my favorite dirt paths, trails, and a stress test at last month’s Queens Half Marathon in New York City. Imagine my surprise when I found a lightweight, durable sock that held up to every conditions I threw at them—all at a price that doesn’t induce cringing at the cash register.

Many runners can attest to how difficult it is to find a running sock which holds up during workouts of all lengths and intensities. Some pairs are great for short distances, but lead to blistering as runners go the extra mile; other pairs provide dependable support, but don’t allow feet to breathe during endurance running. Lastly (and most frighteningly), some models promise support and durability only to leave feet exposed to blisters, mud, and excess moisture.

Realizing that socks should be tailored to specific workouts, Sof Sole has introduced a line of offerings for runners based on their activity: trainer socks for cross-training, moisture-wicking running socks for moderate to long distances, lightweight socks for speed and high-heat workouts, and anti-friction models for runners prone to hot spots and blisters. By creating exercise-based models, runners are able to cater their footwear to their workout and can choose comfort and breathability based on activity.

Sof_Sole_Sock_Review_Photo

During my weekly training, I found that the CoolMax Runner sock matched comfort with performance, providing adequate cushioning and support for the bottom of my feet while permitting feet to breathe. The base of the sock provided durable cushioning for long and short distances, keeping my feet as comfortable through the final meters of a half-marathon as they were at the midway point of a three-mile trail run. In addition to comfort, the model’s mesh venting promoted breathability even during the hot, humid conditions of summer. The snug yet flexible fit of the model promoted movement without reducing support—providing arch relief and reducing slippage even after hours of activity.

Put simply, the CoolMax Runner provided dependable performance when it mattered, holding up to the pressures of a half-marathon when other socks failed me in the past. Additionally, the low price point of the CoolMax runner provides a tremendous value for the quality of the product, matching the comfort and overall experience of a $15 pair of socks during comparable conditions. Priced at under $10 for a three-pack, Sof Sole has created a product which provides the benefits of an expensive sock that remains affordable enough to buy in multiple pairs.

The CoolMax Runner sock provides an excellent experience for the price. The sock holds up during trail running, road races, and cross-training—remaining comfortable during exercises of any length or duration. In a world where socks can cost nearly $20 a pair, this model stands out as an inexpensive yet incredibly reliable option for distances and terrains of any shape and size. The CoolMax Runner is a particularly well-suited option for minimalist runners, providing comfortable support without adding weight or bulk, but the model would be a great fit for runners of any persuasion. At its current price point and design, the CoolMax Runner may well put my quest for the ideal sock to rest.

we thanks the nice folks at SofSole for sending us these socks to try. This did not influence this review, written after intensely run in them!

Runner's Daily Complete Vitamin

By Brian O’Connor

Sticking to a consistent workout schedule can provide tremendous health benefits, but as many runners can attest to, it can be difficult to make sure that a day’s worth of vitamins and minerals are accounted for within a conventional diet. Additionally, some researchers proclaim that running can boost the level of free radical cells within muscle tissue—leading to soreness and potential injury. While there are many options to ensure that one gets enough vitamins and minerals on a daily basis, many runners rely on multivitamins to bridge any deficiencies.

With the physical demands of running in mind, Siren Laboratories has created the Runner’s Daily Complete multivitamin—a mix of vitamins, minerals, and supplements designed to provide health benefits that complement the active lifestyle of an endurance athlete.

Runner’s Daily Complete contains conventional vitamin ingredients as well as specific supplements which some studies have linked to performance benefits for endurance athletes: glucosamine, chondroitin sulfate, lycopene, selenium, and chia seeds are but a few additional ingredients included in the multivitamin that are being researched for their effects on joint and muscle health. Containing over 38 active ingredients, the vitamin is larger than many conventional offerings, but is still easy to swallow—leaving no aftertaste or discomfort as is common with other vitamins of its size. For runners looking to supplement their current diet, Runner’s Daily Complete Vitamins are a viable option as they contain a full range of useful ingredients to help athletes meet the demands of endurance activities. The vitamins include the following ingredients:

Vitamin A
Chromium
Vitamin C
Potassium
Vitamin D
Chia Seed
Vitamin E
Decaffeinated Green Tea Extract
Vitamin B1
Rhodiola Rosea Extract
Vitamin B2
Co-Enzyme Q10
Vitamin B3
American Ginseng Extract
Vitamin B6
Ginkgo Biloba Leaf Extract
Folic Acid Glucosamine
Vitamin B12
MSM
Biotin
Chondroitin Sulfate
Pantothenic Acid
White Willow Bark Extract
Calcium
Bromelain
Magnesium
Turmeric Rhizome Powder
Zinc
Quercetin Dihydrate
Selenium
Boswellia Serrata Extract
Copper Ginger Rhizome Powder
Manganese
Lycopene
Cordyceps Sinensis
Royal Jelly

All things considered, Runner’s Daily Complete Vitamins provide a powerful mix of minerals and nutrients to help runners keep a balanced and healthy diet, packing a punch in a daily vitamin tailored especially for the demands of endurance athletics.

Find more info here: http://www.runnersdailycomplete.com/index.html

The series kicked off along the Pacific Ocean in Santa Barbara, CA, then moved east along the Rocky Mountains in Boulder, CO. This year, the series will continue in Minnesota, Michigan, Colorado, Tennessee and Texas.

Barefoot running has been gaining attention recently as studies have shown that it can help to prevent injuries, improve running form and correct common biomechanical issues that lead to lower body pain and ailments.

“You don’t have the cushioning of the shoe so you are much more aware of your form and tend to land a little softer,” said Lauren Jones, co-founder of the Merrell Naked Foot 5K. “You can’t have bad form when running barefoot or you will really feel it and may injure yourself. Running barefoot forces you to correct those common mistakes runners make like over striding and heel strike, which running shoes actually reinforce.”

The Naked Foot 5K encourages shod runners to compete against barefoot runners, adding a level of competition and making an effort to earn their respect.

“Besides injury prevention, aren’t we preaching how we are running smoother and faster bare?” said co-founder Scott Jones. “ If runners start going bare more often and we start seeing respectable times, this ‘trend’ will take off even more than the prevention pitch we have been giving in every lecture, clinic, and blog around. So let’s embrace shod runners at these events, and challenge them down the home stretch. That in the end is the difference in asking for respect and earning it.”

Register online or learn more about the benefits of barefoot running at www.thenakedfoot5k.com.

In addition to the 5K, the event includes fun activities for the entire family: a FREE kids fun run, one-mile race, foot massages, foot painting, Tarahumara barefoot games, green/healthy living vendors, prizes and more. On the day of each event,

The Merrell Naked Foot 5K will be collecting gently worn footwear and donations for Soles4Souls. These donations will be shipped to victims of natural disasters or people living in extreme poverty. It is estimated that Americans have 1.5 billion pairs of unused shoes lying in their closets.

“We can use the shoes taking up space in your closet to change the world one pair at a time,” said Wayne Elsy, Founder and CEO of Soles4Souls. “We need our partners across the U.S. to ‘STEP UP’ and get behind our call for action. It’s one of the simplest yet most profound gifts you can make, because it will greatly improve someone’s life in the most difficult of times.”

About Soles4Souls® Soles4Souls is a Nashville-based 501(c)(3) charity that collects and distributes shoes to people in need. Since 2005, Soles4Souls has distributed more than 5.5 million pairs of new and gently worn shoes and is currently donating one pair every nine seconds. These shoes have been distributed to people in over 125 countries including Kenya, Thailand and the United States. Visit www.giveshoes.org for more information.

About The Merrell Naked Foot 5K Founders Scott and Lauren Jones refer to themselves as “barefoot moderates.” They run about ten percent of their weekly training miles barefoot because they love the feel and the impact on their form and strength, but recognize that there is a time and a place for a good pair of shoes too. Scott is an exercise physiologist and former collegiate athlete and Lauren earned her degree in exercise science. They understand the biomechanics of running and how barefoot running can help improve running form and prevent common running ailments. They started The Merrell Naked Foot 5K, the first national barefoot running series, as a unique event to make people curious.

PaceDJ_thumbnail

PaceDJ works by determining the tempo of each song that is saved on a user’s iPhone or iPod Touch, based on its beats per minute (BPM). The app then allows the user to set his or her target exercise pace, either in steps or rotations per minute. Next, the app creates customized pacing playlists drawn from the user’s iPhone or iPod Touch music library. The clincher is that these mixes are comprised of songs with BPMs that closely match the user’s target exercise pace. Ultimately, the user naturally synchronizes his or her steps with the song’s tempo. This can help runners, walkers, and cyclists maintain an optimum pace, while also being a powerful source of motivation.

We have 5 codes to download the app for free. Just comment this article on why you think this app could be a good idea – the first five commenters will receive a free download code (remember to add your email. It won’t be published on the website and it will ONLY be used for this contest). Comments are moderated and won’t appear immediately, but once approved, the timestamp on the comment will clearly indicate when the comment was submitted.

When users first set up PaceDJ, the app instructs them to select their activity type (whether running, walking, or cycling). The app then uses the activity type to estimate the user’s correct BPM. Next, the app delivers an initial music mix, drawn from the music on their iPhone or iPod, which is based on this pacing. After this setup process, users can easily increase or decrease the target pace, which then updates the music mix to meet the new target exercise pace.

PaceDJ also offers special features that make the app extremely user-friendly. For one, the app prioritizes songs in mixes according to users’ preferences, based on whether users “like” or “dislike” songs they hear in the mix. Additionally, the app selects songs based upon an energy ranking, which deprioritizes lower energy songs unless a user “likes” them.

Finally, PaceDJ allows users to include songs at half the tempo and twice the tempo of their target exercise pace. This feature expands the number of songs that the app can choose from, which increases the variety of music mixes.

A note from the author: for best results, it is good if you have a few hundred songs saved on your iPhone or iPod Touch. I personally have about 800 songs on my device, which works very well in terms of the variety of music I hear in my mixes.

To learn more about PaceDJ, please visit http://www.pacedj.com. PaceDJ is for sale in the Apple Apps Store for $4.99.

PaceDJ is now for sales in the iTunes app store!

Malaria No More, a nonprofit dedicated to ending malaria deaths in Africa, is a Bronze Level Charity Partner with the New York Marathon, and has 10 marathon entries still available for runners raising funds to support our prevention programs in Africa. There are also 11 entries remaining for the 36th Marine Corps Marathon in Washington, D.C. For more information or to reserve your spot, contact Richard@MalariaNoMore.org or visit http://www.malarianomore.org/what-we-do/join-marathon-help-make-malaria-no-more.

Saucony - Find your Strong

An inspiring video is Saucony first-ever national TV campaign. It’s quite nice and invites you to find your Strong through Running. Here it is:

NASPE-LetsMoveInSchool

Your school can also have or enhance its running program with a grant from ING Run For Something Better® . In partnership with the National Association for Sport and Physical Education (NASPE), the ING RFSB School Awards Program will provide a minimum of fifty (50) up to $2,500 grants to schools that desire to establish a school-based running program or expand an existing one. Applications are due May 1st, 2011! You can click here to apply today!

“I loved running club, after sitting in a chair for eight hours, it was nice to be able to go outside and run around. I enjoy moving and buzzing around all the time. I want to be in running club for the rest of my life!” -Lydia, 8th grade ING running club member

Last year students, like Lydia, discovered how much fun it is to run. Through an ING sponsored running club, students gained running skills and developed self-confidence. Their schools were given $2,000 for equipment or other needs and got to have a blast helping kids to start running.

Research shows that physical activity improves self esteem, school performance and overall well being. Through the ING program, your students can carry the skills and confidence they have earned into every part of their life. When asked if running club was good experience for her son, a parent from Westside Elementary school told us, “Running club has made him aware that he is not expected to be perfect at something the first time. He has also learned that if he is just willing to try, he can accomplish more than he’d thought.”

These changes are what we strive for at NASPE, and we would love to see more kids getting the opportunity to participate in a running club. The ING Run For Something Better® program targets K-8th grade students and lasts at least 8 weeks. NASPE wants every school to participate. Start running to the nearest computer now! Applications are due May 1!

saucony progrid peregrine

“The entire Saucony team is honored to be recognized by Runner’s World,” said
Patrick O’Malley, senior vice president of global product for Saucony. “We knew we
had something special early on when we first tested these shoes and this significant acknowledgement from the running community proves that our instincts were right. We approached this project with a different point of view, and by doing so, created a new standard in the trail running category. This award inspires all of us in our commitment to meaningful product innovation and performance for runners everywhere.”

The Peregrine is the second Saucony shoe in the past 12 months to win one of Runner’s World magazine’s prestigious awards. In the publication’s 2010 Summer Shoe Buyer’s Guide, the Saucony ProGrid™ Kinvara, a minimally constructed, lightweight performance training shoe for neutral runners, was awarded “Best Debut.”

“The new Peregrine is fast and lightweight, with enough traction to climb up steep, loose trails,” said the Runner’s World review of the Peregrine. “The shoe is also built low to the ground … Our testers loved the resulting low ride and the heel fit of the Peregrine, which many referenced as ‘no slip.’ The shoe’s snug heel lock prevents foot irritation on uneven rock-strewn trails,” added the reviewers.
Runner’s World wear-testers lauded that the Peregrine is “just what a trail shoe should be: low profile, stable and light, with good foot protection.”

The ProGrid Peregrine allows runners to not only run the trail, but connect with it, thanks to its ultra-flexible, low-rider profile. The shoe’s sticky and dynamic outsole is engineered with a dual compound making it supple enough to grip on slick rock, yet firm enough to bite into dirt, snow and mud.

Louvered perimeter lugs made of a high traction rubber compound deliver both grip and response for off-camber surfaces. Multidirectional lugs engineered with XT-900™ carbon rubber in the forefoot and heel feature alternated orientation for uphill thrust and downhill braking while providing confidence-inducing traction.

The Peregrine is designed with a midsole height differential (difference between heel and forefoot heights) of just four millimeters, allowing the foot to move naturally and uninhibited while increasing the runner’s proprioception and balance over tricky trails. Saucony’s lightest cushioning technology, Heel ProGrid™ LITE, and the midsole’s super-light SSL EVA both maximize rebound while minimizing weight. An External Bedrock Outsole (EBO) protects the foot from rocks, roots and other underfoot hazards.

The Peregrine’s foot-hugging upper offers a lightweight, quick-drying mesh with no-sew minimal overlays for a secure fit. A soft, pliable, microfiber material along the medial arch helps lockdown the foot over uneven ground, and a minimal tongue with soft EVA pads protects the foot from lace bite.

The Peregrine’s higher density collar foam and a removable EVA sockliner add to the shoe’s lightweight comfort. A gusseted tongue helps keep trail debris out while a D-ring makes the shoe compatible with gaiters for snowshoeing or extreme adventure runs.

The ProGrid Peregrine, now available at select specialty run retailers, comes in men’s sizes 7-13, and 14, and women’s sizes 5-12. The suggested retail price of the ProGrid Peregrine is $90.00. To find a retailer near you, call 800-365-4933 or visit www.saucony.com.

The Runner’s World “Editor’s Choice” represents an outstanding shoe that successfully combines the highest-quality design and technology. To read the entire 2011 Trail Shoe Guide check out the April 2011 issue of Runner’s World, the worldwide authority on running information, on sale at newsstands March 8, or visit www.runnersworld.com.