Running | Evolving Consumer

The Other 1%

There is much hatred of the 1%, but at the same time 1% has seemed to be the default. No, we’re not talking about politics or economics. We’re actually talking about how there has been a long standing debate as whether 1% should be the default setting on a treadmill incline to simulate outdoor running. The idea is that running on a treadmill with a slight incline simulates the need to displace the air in front of the runner.

Casey Kerrigan, founder and president of Oesh Shoes, says that there is no science out there to support this theory.

In her blog she writes:

“What many people don’t realize is that in that same study, there was no difference in energy between running outside and on a treadmill with 0% incline for speeds up to 7.5 miles per hour (equivalent to a 8 minute mile). In any event, if you feel like it’s easier to run on a treadmill, all you have to do, is increase the speed.”

[Via Runner’s World: Biomechanics Expert Debunks Treadmill-Running Myths]
[Via Oesh: My Scientific / Personal Advice for Treadmill Training]

Adidas Gets a Boost 2

Last week Adidas introduced its Energy Boost 2, which offers a complete technical upgrade including BOOST cushioning that returns more energy than any other foam in the running industry. The new running shoes further offer a one-piece translucent heel to mid-foot fit cage that locks you on top of the full-length BOOST midsole to create an enhanced, more stable fit. Visually, the new design allows for more a more refined aesthetic.

“BOOST has blazed the trail for Energy Running and reflects adidas’ commitment to strategic performance innovation,” said Eric Liedtke, global head of performance at adidas. “As the shoe that helped us introduce BOOST, Energy Boost 2 demonstrates the elaborate research and cutting edge development required to satisfy today’s Energy Running crave.”

Adidas Official Website

Weekend Reading List (03.01.2014): Stay at Home Workout, Squirrel Hole, Looper

Stay at Home Workout

From GearPatrol: Great Home Workout Programs
Despite Mother Nature’s best laid plans to keep winter in full swing, spring and summer are on their way. Dropping some extra winter weight (we’re looking at you, Christmas and Thanksgiving) now can help jumpstart your fitness goals for summer, especially if you’re staring down something crazy like your first Ironman 70.3 or GORUCK Challenge. Sure, you could shell out some cash for a personal Jillian Michaels or Tony Horton lookalike at your local Globo Gym, but unless you want to feel like a boot camp recruit or Biggest Loser contestant, there are better options. We’ve been testing a few home workout programs this winter to help keep our edge. Continue reading Weekend Reading List (03.01.2014): Stay at Home Workout, Squirrel Hole, Looper

Back to Boston

Despite last year’s tragic and cowardly terrorist attack on the Boston Marathon the race will go on! Even if you can’t be there to run in Boston you can be there in spirit. This month B.A.A. (Boston Athletic Association) launched the Boston Marathon World Run app that virtually connects runners around the world and their social networks with the 2014 Boston Marathon. The mobile app, which is available on the web as well as for Android and iOS devices, allows runners to participate in the athletic spirit of the event regardless of ability or geography.

Participants, whether individually or in teams, can log miles alongside past champions and elite athletes and can achieve their self-determined running goals by April 21 to receive bib numbers and digital training and finisher badges. Boston Marathon World Run is also encouraging runners to contribute to One Fund Boston through voluntary online contributions, which will be updated in real time.

Boston Marathon World Run Official Website
One Fund Boston Official Website

Weekend Reading List (02.22.2014): Olympic Tech, Flu Recovery, Curling Tech

Olympic Tech

httpv://youtu.be/lZvJ49gJ9Tw

From Sport Techie: Three Technologies that Have Helped Define the 2014 Sochi Olympics Continue reading Weekend Reading List (02.22.2014): Olympic Tech, Flu Recovery, Curling Tech

Heel Spur

A heel spur is something most runners fear but the LightSpur designed by Nathan Sport could be something no runner will want to be without after dark. It clips around the heel of a shoe and grips against it while providing an LED light that can help drivers and even cyclists see you at night. The LightSpurs are fully waterproof and powered by a replaceable CR2031 watch battery that should provide more than 100 hours in flashing mode.

These spurs won’t make you run faster but they’ll help ensure you aren’t run down after dark.

Nathan Sports LightSpurs Official Website

Nike Looks Rather Fly(Knit) With Lightweight Shoe

Lighter is better. At least that’s the thinking that Nike designers have when it comes to running shoes. But the Nike Flynit Lunar2 aren’t just light, these are also stronger than the average running shoes. These utilize the Lunarlon cushioning to provide a responsive, fluid platform that will have you feeling like you’re running on air, while the Flynit provides a light but very supportive upper. One the company calls a “magical combination.” Video after the jump

Run This Way

Winter appears like it could be here for a little longer, and if you’re itching for a run you might have to do so on a treadmill. One to consider is the Smooth Fitness & Health’s 9.65LC Treadmill that is designed to let the serious runner to go the distance. It features tablet-based controls, a SmoothDrive 4.0HP Continuous Duty motor, and Im-pression Shock Absorption to provide a steady and smooth run. There are also QuickChange Handrail speed and incline controls so you can make quick adjustments without breaking your stride. Continue reading Run This Way

Kross’ing Guard

It is hard to get the barefoot running experience this time of the year. For one the temperatures are so cold you probably wouldn’t want to run barefoot and second running on snow and ice probably is never a good idea. The Kross M Winter shoe from Lizard Footwear lets runners get the feel of minimalist running in the winter.

This lightweight, flexible shoe still provides protection from the cold and features a Vibram IceTrek outsole to grip mud, rocks and wet terrain. The upper is made of Schoeller tight fabric or leather and ClimaSkin membrane that makes the shoe water resistant. The Primaloft padding also insulates the feet from cold, which is something we’ve had just about enough of this winter!

Lizard Kross M Winter Shoe Official Website

Weekend Reading List (02.01.2014): Fat Summit, Super Apps, Cold Runnings

Fat Summit

From Bicycle Retailer: Fat Bike Summit: It’s time to develop rules for the sport
Mike Van Abel, IMBA’s executive director, told more than 110 participants at the annual Fat Bike Summit that it’s time to develop rules to guide the use of fat bikes on public land and private property. Continue reading Weekend Reading List (02.01.2014): Fat Summit, Super Apps, Cold Runnings

Adidas Expands Bra Collection

This year the sports bra collection doubled in size. That is to say, there are twice as many bra styles as last year, and includes the new maximum support Energy Bra. The collection, adidas says, “helps control the ladies”

The Energy Bra offers maximum support and is best for contact sports, running and high intensity workouts. The new Energy Bra will retail for $55. It has a three-clasp closure that allows for better adjustability. The cross-back strap design offers a personalized fit and more ventilation. Continue reading Adidas Expands Bra Collection

Mobile Running Coach

Sometimes a good coach can motivate you to work harder and go further. Since not everyone can have such a coach the Personal Running Trainer app will be there instead. Designed to help beginning runners train for distance running it provides professional and motivational coaching instructions that voices over personalized music selection, and with this is there to tell you when to change pace and when to rest.

Users can even track other runners using the same program. It is the next best thing to your own coach, and this app is available in nine languages and for Android and iOS devices.

Personal Running Trainer Official Website

Outdoor Retailer Show: Running Through the Snow

Vibram has made a name for itself in the minimalist shoe market, and at this week’s Outdoor Retailer Show it proved that barefoot-style running can be a year around thing. The company introduced the toe-segmented Bikila EVO WP, which is made for running through snow and on icy surfaces. It features a special rubber compound on the soles to provide a “snow tire” type of grip. The shoes won’t be ready for this brutal winter however.

Vibram FiveFingers Official Website