5 Awesome Running Shoes You Gotta’ Try

I.  Heart.  Running.  Shoes.  I can talk about running shoes--its design, construction and performance--all day long.  All night long if you’re into Lionel Ritchie.  (Ladies, I’m a great first date!!!!)

In fact, the shoe wall display at Fleet Feet Sports is aptly named the Joel Memorial Shoe Wall.  Actually, it’s self-proclaimed, but as my 10 year-old daughter, Gabrielle, would say, “whatevs.”

Photo Credit: Melissa B., my boo

Anyhoo.  Consider rotating two (2) different pairs of running shoes when training to avoid overuse injuries and to extend the life of your shoes.  I swap the Brooks PureFlow 2 and the adidas Energy Boost (with Green SuperFeet, of course) between my workouts.

With that, here are 5 Awesome Running Shoes You Gotta’ Try:

1. adidas Energy Boost

This neutral shoe is both well cushioned and responsive.  Its relatively lightweight package (9.5 oz) and low profile (10 mm offset) works very well with my efficient Kenyan-like biomechanics.  *tongue firmly in cheek*

I finished the Cherry Blossom 10 Mile Run and the Parks Half-Marathon in these mamma jammas.  The energy-returning boost midsole still feels as springy as the day I first tried them on.

2.              Newton Energy

Who doesn’t want more energy return from their running shoes?  Notice a theme here?  You’ll find it with its streamlined external lugs in the forefoot--absorbing the impact of the footstrike and then releasing the energy during push-off.

The Newton Energy stands in the very front of my Next Pair of Running Shoes to Buy queue.

3.              Pearl Izumi N2 and H3

The N2 and H3 provide a nice balance of cushioning and support.  Its Dynamic Offset, a new midsole that adapts with your foot during the gait cycle, delivers a smooth, responsive ride.  Added rear-foot stability and maximum cushioning is built into the H3.

4.              New Balance 880

I ran my first half-marathon years ago in a pair of 880s and posted a 1:48 time.  (You see, Terri B., I didn’t stop to take pictures!!)

In this update, lightweight cushioning in the midfoot offers optimum shock absorption, and the T-Beam plastic shank in the instep provides excellent support and stability.

5.              Nike Pegasus

When I started running twenty-two years ago, the Nike Pegasus was my first pair of “real” running shoes.  With these iconic shoes, you get responsive cushioning along with a comfortable seamless mesh upper.

I also thought that owning and wearing a pair of 1” running shorts were what “real” runners wore as well.  Not true.  At.  All.

So, come on by and try these awesome running shoes!!  And while you’re here, pay homage to the Joel Memorial Shoe Wall; treat it like a visit to Graceland or to the World’s Largest Ball of Twine or something.

If you run, you’re my friend,

Joel

3 Things I Love About Autumn

Au revoir Summer!!!!  Bonjour Autumn!!!!  *speaking with a Parisian accent*  Without further ado and in no certain order, the following are the 3 Things I Love About Autumn (not Fall, but Autumn):

1. First Day of School

Technically, the first day of school is still in Summer.  (But just go with it, okay?)  Parents, let’s be honest.  We absolutely love it when our kids go back to school.  A little more “me” time for us, am I right?  Just kidding.

In all honesty, as we watch our children learn and grow, we should also make every effort to do the same.  Learn new things.  Try new things.  Every.  Day.

With that, I’ve met a number of wonderful people at Fleet Feet Sports who have passionately taken on new challenges.  Diana K. just completed her first duathlon and triathlon, and Cheryl C. is hooked on stand up paddleboarding and is training for her first JFK 50 Mile Run.  Absolutely inspired.

As the school year begins and as Diana K. and Cheryl C. have both shown, we should follow our kids’ leads and never lose our sense of adventure and the joy of learning and doing new things.

2. Races

With the arrival of Autumn, there’s a whole host of fantastic races to choose from.  Our No Boundaries runners (who are amazing, by the way) recently completed their 5K Training Program, and kicked off the Labor Day Weekend at the Kentlands/Lakelands 5K.

The awesome group of No Boundaries Runners who completed their
5K Training Program at the Kentlands Lakelands 5K on August 31st.

The motivated runners in our 10K Training Program and Full Marathon Training Program are gearing up for the Home Run 10K/5K and the Marine Corp. Marathon respectively.  And Fleet Feet Sports’ new 10 Mile Training Program covers those who have 10 milers scheduled on their race calendars.

On Sunday, I’ll be running the Parks Half-Marathon--the goal race for the Half-Marathon Training Program.

Confession.  I registered for the race on somewhat of a whim.  Mel B. and I were just chatting about upcoming plans, if any, and the next thing I know we agreed to run it together.  (Still unsure how that happened.)  All the same, we’re really looking forward to seeing everyone there.

3. Change of Season

Most consider the New Year as the most fitting time to make changes.  A New Year.  A New You.  However, use the colorful and vibrant changes of Autumn to inspire you, and resolve to make positive changes now.

Take out your personal roadmap and see what you can do to be better.  If there’s one thing I’d like to change in my life is the way I eat.  My eating habits suck.  While at Fleet Feet Sports, I’ve been encouraged to consider healthier options such as “clean” eating and gluten-free and vegetarian diets.

How about other forms of training to improve your running?  Yoga?  Yes!  Flexibility is important because it promotes greater and a more natural range of motion.

Our marketing director, Brittany (pronounced briTH-tuh-nee), is dedicated to all things CrossFit.  For me, this is something worth exploring since she can bench and deadlift more weight than I can.  Who doesn’t want to be a stronger runner?

So, wave a bittersweet goodbye to Summer, and embrace Autumn with all your heart.  You’ll be better for it.  Just ask Joseph Gordon-Levitt’s character in the movie (500) Days of Summer.  (Watch it.  It’s a really good movie.  Go on, watch it.)

Thrasher's and Fisher's and Grotto's, Oh My!!!

Our blog, Trampling Down Walls and Eradicating Excuses, is back!!  I’m Joel, and I’ll be your new friendly blogger.  On most days you’ll find me at Fleet Feet Sports, Gaithersburg meeting amazing people like you (as well as playfully teasing my colleagues).  The one thing you need to know about me is that I’m quick to laugh.  So, let the blogging begin.  *cue the trumpets and confetti*

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It’s summer, and that can only mean one thing--summer vacation!!!!  Despite all the wonderfully indulgent diversions associated with summer, such as lounging perpetually by the pool or reverting to your childhood and adopting your kids’ eating habits, you can still incorporate a run or two while on vacation.

To start my summer, my family and I headed to Rehoboth Beach, Delaware.  In the past, “running” would be found nowhere on my itinerary.  I approached a vacation as that--a vacation or break from work, eating in moderation, and, above all, working out.  Not this time.  I made sure to pack my running shoes and gear, and my Nike+ SportWatch GPS.

So off I went early each morning before my wife and kids would rouse from their Thrasher’s-induced comas.  Although I’ve been to Rehoboth many times, with each run I came to truly appreciate the things I easily overlooked before.  I ran through Henlopen Acres--a cozy seaside community that borders Rehoboth.  With a friendly wave or a cheery “good morning,” I would run past long-standing locals out for a stroll or walking their oh so, eager dogs.

Along the boardwalk, vendors quietly prepared for the frenzied day ahead.  I caught a glimpse of a lonely fisherman on the beach as well as a group entranced in meditation.  On the sand-dusted wooden planks, I could feel my feet gently shift with each stride.

I usually run with music, but I intentionally left my iPod at home because I didn’t want to drown out the symphony of ocean waves breaking and crashing along the shore.  Of course, how could you not marvel at the brilliance of the ocean?

With that said, despite the attractions (or distractions) available at the beach or any other destination you’re headed to this summer, you can still make time for a run and really enjoy it.  Honestly.  Have a happy summer Fleet Feet runners!!!!

One of my early morning routes while on vacation.

- Joel

Passing the Baton

I’ve had a good run here as Fleet Feet Gaithersburg blogger but now it’s time for me to pass the baton—even though that was a double pun and I’m clearly on a roll.

I’m headed to Alabama for graduate school, but I have sincerely enjoyed my time at Fleet Feet. My phenomenal co-workers and customers have made my work experience a very positive one. And I have enjoyed sharing my running life with you, FF Gaithersburg fans. While writing this blog, I’ve run through Maryland, Louisiana, Texas, Florida, and now, I look forward to new paths in Alabama. Now and always, here and far away, happy running, my friends!

- Maggie

Although Maggie is leaving, we will be announcing a new Fleet Feet team blogger soon!! Stay tuned :) In the meantime, we wish Maggie the best of luck on her future endeavors!