Irish Shoes Are Running

This Sunday is St. Patrick’s Day and by coincidence it is also the date of the Los Angeles Marathon. For this reason title sponsor Asics has produced a special customized version of its GEL-Lyte33 2 shoes that will be available for sale this weekend. The shoes will feature a St. Patrick’s Day color scheme along with iconic Los Angeles landmarks that runners might see along the course.

[Via Runner’s World: Asics Produces Custom Shoe for LA Marathon]

Free to Train

Nike has introduced its fifth generation of its Free Trainer line of shoes, which will be in stores later this month. The Nike Free Trainer 5.0 feature an intertwined upper to provide flex while at rest, and yet tighten up during movement to provide enhanced support. The company credits Chinese finger trap devices for this concept.The Free sole further provides a barefoot-like feel but with cushioning to help you go the distance. Video after the jump

Weekend Reading List (03.09.2013): Bobsled Run Cycling, Bike Summit, Snow Numbers, Slow Damage

Bobsled Run Cycling

From Vimeo: The new Radon Slide 130 29″ is chasing James Bond 007 in the bob run!
If life gets boring…. German downhill star Andreas Sieber and his team mate Julian Gerhardt had the ultimate adrenaline kick at the bob run in Winterberg (GER). The channel was an extraordinary location for riding the new Radon Slide 130 29″ and the Radon Swoop 175! Continue reading Weekend Reading List (03.09.2013): Bobsled Run Cycling, Bike Summit, Snow Numbers, Slow Damage

Arming Up With Water

There have been numerous methods for carrying just enough water for a run, usually in small packs on the belt. That often means reaching for the water, but the Hydrosleeve is designed to allow runners to get a drink without breaking a stride.

As the name might imply it is a water bottle that is located on the runner’s arm. It holds up to seven fluid ounces, and is designed to compress as the runner drinks the water to ensure that what remains in the reservoir doesn’t need to sloush around. The Hydrosleeve is currently being developed through an Indiegogo campaign. We’ll drink to that. Video after the jump

Running Beacon

Glow-in-the-dark technology where you leave something under a bright light for a few minutes isn’t exactly new. But this technology, which has been popular with toys and children’s accessories, is now making its way to fitness apparel. New Balance is introducing the Beacon Jacket, which utilizes light-absorbing technology to add built-in visibility for runners who like to head out after the sun goes down. The new jackets were recently shown off at last month’s Outdoor Retailer Show, and will soon be lighting the night sky.

New Balance Official Website

Weekend Reading List (02.23.2012): Tour de Mass, Campy Goes 80, Personal Coach, US Vs. Lance

Tour de Mass

From BikeRadar: Dozens of mass rides planned to celebrate Tour de France 2013
Spectators and riders travelling to the 100th Tour de France will be able to take part in dozens of organised rides unveiled by the race organiser today.

Race organiser ASO said gran fondos and organised rides are being planned in each town “holding a stage” to allow spectators to get a closer experience of the Tour and also contribute to the atmosphere of the world’s biggest race. All the action will take place on Monday 15 July – Fete du Tour day – which coincides with the race’s second rest stop. Continue reading Weekend Reading List (02.23.2012): Tour de Mass, Campy Goes 80, Personal Coach, US Vs. Lance

GoPro Goes to the Mountain Games

GoPro has announced that it has become a title sponsor for the Vail Valley Foundation’s extremely popular Mountain Games, a celebration of mountain sport, lifestyle and music. The GoPro Mountain Games will be held June 6-9, and will see athletes from around the world compete in nine sports and 25 disciplines including running, cycling, climbing, rafting and slacklining. We’re sure this year will see GoPro provide even more ways for athletes to share the experience with the world.

GoPro Mountain Games Officials Website

Gore Gets Compressed

Gore’s line of fitness products are ideal for stopping the wind and helping keep athletes warm in cooler – even cold – weather. Come this fall Gore Running Wear is doing some compressing, as in launching a line of compression-wear. This new line of tight fitting apparel made its debut at last month’s Outdoor Retailer show in Salt Lake City, and includes the windstopper Magnitude Softshell Compression Shirt that is will stop the wind and provide compression attributes as well. It features a body-mapped construction that offers compression support to help wearers retain the right posture for more effective breathing.

In other words this helps block the wind and help with the wearer’s wind as well.

Gore Apparel Official Website

Mount Up With Mt. Borah App

Those looking to create their own semi-custom fitness apparel can turn to their iPad, as clothing maker Mt. Borah has released an app for the Apple tablet. This free app allows users to specify color variations on tops and bottoms and chose upgrade options such as fabrics and pads, and then send it off to Mt. Borah for a price quote.

Mt. Borah Official Website

Pak a Flask

Water bottle and hydration system maker Hydrapak is a bit like mythical serpent-like chthonic water beast that possessed many heads, but whereas the Lernaean Hydra had many heads Hydrapak just offers many hydration options for athletes.

The latest offerings are its new soft flasks, which include the 12 ounce SF350 and the 16 ounce SF 500. Both of these already won in ISPO’s Performance Accessories category, and expand on the company’s five and eight ounce flasks.

The new flasks, which are designed to deliver liquid, gel or a mix, can be tucked into a cycling jersey pocket or used with the optional hand strap for running. These also feature larger filling port and shut off value to ensure that you don’t end up all wet while taking them on the go.

Hydrapak Official Website

Adidas Gets a Boost

Adidas unveiled its latest running innovation, the Energy Boost. This is part of a new Adidas segment called Energy Running, where the shoe features “Boost,” a revolutionary cushioning technology that provides the highest energy return in the running industry.

“adidas helps make athletes better. With our new Boost foam, we are addressing a fundamental insight: everyone wants more energy. Whether you’re running a marathon, training for an upcoming season or just trying to get back in shape, our revolutionary Boost cushioning foam provides the highest energy return in any running products,” said Eric Liedtke, head of sport performance at Adidas. “Energy Boost will reset the running industry and pave the way for all future performance footwear.” Continue reading Adidas Gets a Boost

Weekend Reading List (02.09.2013): Oz Apps, Treadmill Fun, Armstrong Faces Jail, Anywhere Workout

Oz Apps

From USA Today:  Dr. Oz likes apps that get you moving
Mehmet Oz, known as TV’s Dr. Oz, is a heart surgeon, writer, TV host and major gadget fan. We met him during a recent trip here to talk about using apps and devices to live a healthier life. Continue reading Weekend Reading List (02.09.2013): Oz Apps, Treadmill Fun, Armstrong Faces Jail, Anywhere Workout

Reebok Looks to Go Off Road

Last summer Reebok introduced the striking Shark running shoes, which were quite unlike most shoes we’ve seen. Now Reebok is back with the ATV 19+, which takes the acronym with All-Terrain Vehicles. While these don’t have wheels they are ready to go off road and are designed with special lugs that provide independent suspension and offer a wide stable stance.

As the name suggests the shoes feature a total of 19 of these lugs, which are tipped with carbon rubber that is designed to go deep in loose dirt and help get you through the rough stuff. Video after the jump