Running | Evolving Consumer

Toxic Shoes

The Micro G Toxic Six Running Shoes from Under Armour look like they could have an infectious disease, but if you can get past the look these might be what the kids call “sick” in other was. These minimalist shoes offer an ultra-flexible, anatomical Micro G midsole that allows the wearer’s foot to move naturally, while the glove-like upper provides a snug fit. The shoes offer molded MPZ panels that provide additional support, while the asymmetrical lacing system reduces pressure on the top of the foot. All this could make the Micro G Toxic Six one infectious shoe.

Under Armour Micro G Toxic Six Running Shoes Official Website

Weekend Reading List (05.11.2013): Bike Way, Caffeine Fix, California Dreaming, Push It Board

Bike Way

From Motherboard: In 1897, a Bicycle Superhighway Was the Future of California Transit
In 1897, a wealthy American businessman named Horace Dobbins began construction on a private, for-profit bicycle superhighway that would stretch from Pasadena to downtown Los Angeles. It may seem like a preposterous notion now—everyone knows Angelenos don’t get out of their cars—but at the time, amidst the height of a pre-automobile worldwide cycling boom, the idea attracted the attention of some hugely powerful players. And it almost got built. Continue reading Weekend Reading List (05.11.2013): Bike Way, Caffeine Fix, California Dreaming, Push It Board

Remote Control

A smartphone on a bike ride can do many smartphones but only if it is accessible. Reaching to the back pocket while riding down the road isn’t exactly a good idea, but the Dew Motion iStick Playtime can provide access and control of many app features for an iPhone – with an Android version in the works.

The iStick, which is currently looking to crowd funding site Indiegogo to roll this one out, is designed as a wrist wearable controller that pairs with the handset via Bluetooth 4.0. This allows wearers to answer phone calls and control various apps. Video after the jump

Pasadena Marathon Cut in Half

Following last month’s terrorist attack on the Boston Marathon security had other races has been greatly increased. This isn’t just at running races, and some cycling events are banning hydration packs, while back packs are being banned at almost all events.

However, the Pasadena Marathon will still go on – but only as a half marathon, while still keeping the name. The Pasadena City Council decided not to issue a permit for a marathon as just 813 finishers last year was reportedly too small to justify closing down the necessary parts of the city. We can’t help but wonder if this isn’t also fallout from the attacks in Boston.

Might other cities look for excuses to reduce the size of events?

2013 Pasadena Marathon Official Website
[Via Runner’s World: City of Pasadena Denies Marathon Permit]

Best in Vest

Scott Jurek knows a thing or two about running, and he apparently knows a thing or two about what runners need in vest-pack. He worked with Ultimate Direction and created the SJ Ultra Vest, which was designed to be minimal while still letting a rider carry the essentials and more.

It features smartphone compatible pouches, bottle holsters, gel or bar pouches, and emergency whistle on the pack. In total there are 10 pouches on the front and sides that have provide easy access to anything you might need while on the run. The vest is made of Cuben Fiber, the same used in the sails of the America’s Cup racing yachts, as well as Hex and power Mesh to ensure that this vest will go the distance with you.

Ultimate Direction SJ Ultra Vest Official Website

Rising Suunto

Smartwatch maker Suunto has introduced its new Ambt2 GPS watches. The Ambit2 S is designed for fitness buffs and offers functionality for cycling, running, swimming and training. The Ambit2 S can track pace, route navigation and track heart rate. The Ambit 2 is for those who take to wilds and it features fiberglass-reinforced case and offers info on altitude, vertical speed, barometric pressure and temperature – plus all the functions of the 2S.

Suunto Ambit GPS Watches Official Website

Truly Minimal

We’ve seen minimal shoes but then there is the Merrell Vapor Glove Shoe, which its makers call “the most minimal show Merrell has ever made.” It is reportedly half the weight of weight of a regular running shoe at just 6 ounces on each foot. It thus gives a true “barefoot” feel while still providing protection from sharp rocks and other debris you might encounter. In other words this could be for the runner who wants to go barefoot but isn’t quite there.

Merrell Vapor Glove Official Website

Weekend Reading List (05.04.2013): Counterfeit Gear, Mulholland Falls, Back Pack Ban, Going Green

Counterfeit Gear

From BikeRadar: Fake bike kit costing industry millions a year
Ten websites selling fake cycling kit such as counterfeit frames and jerseys have been shut down by US authorities – but one specialist has warned that the issue of fake goods is growing and costing the industry millions in lost revenue. Continue reading Weekend Reading List (05.04.2013): Counterfeit Gear, Mulholland Falls, Back Pack Ban, Going Green

Smaat-Aleck

The Smaat running shoes certainly look quite smart, and for this season the company has introduced three colorful models, including the Midlander, Lolander and Splitlander – and each is focused on the minimalist running shoe trend.

The Midlander is designed for those just looking to take their first step into minimalist running, and can help provide the move towards reduction. From here the Lolander offers progressive minimalist runners split toe tooling that enhances flexibility and allows the foot to flex and have a more natural experience. The Splitlnader takes this the rest of the way and provides even more flexibility that encourages greater balance during toe off.

Smaat stuff!

Smaat Official Website

Weekend Reading List (04.27.2013): Move Down, Slow Cycling Start, Block Head

Move Down

From SportTechie: LetsMoveDown: The App That Gets Fans Closer to the Action
We have all been there before. Heading to the game and then making a move towards more promising vacancies in the lower level shortly after tip-off or first pitch. Squatting in empty seats closer to the court or playing field will usually get you thrown out by an usher or embarrassed by the actual ticketholder. Well, now there’s an app for that. Continue reading Weekend Reading List (04.27.2013): Move Down, Slow Cycling Start, Block Head

Fiber Vest

Everyone needs their daily fiber, but Noxgear thinks it isn’t the fiber you ingest but rather the fiber optics you wear. The Dayton, Ohio start up is looking to roll with its Fiber Optic Athletic Gear, which can help runners, cyclists or just anyone else heading out at night be seen.

The company is now wrapping up a Kickstarter campaign to bring out the Torch model for team-based activities, while the Tracer is aimed at running, walking and riding. Both models will provide 360 degree coverage and can be worn over t-shirts or even coats. Video after the jump

TomTom Joins the Club

Garmin might have to look over its shoulder as TomTom is set to introduce its own line of Multi-Sport GPS watches this year. Aimed at cyclists and triathletes, these entry level watches feature scratch and impact-resistant glass screens that offer three graphical race training functions. These allow for wearers to race against previous time in the Race mode, while Goal lets wears go for distance, time or calorie count, while Zone tracks a set heart rate. The watches are compatible with Bluetooth heart rate monitors and cadence sensors, and the step up model offers a built-in altimeter.

The Multi-Sport GPS watches reportedly lock onto the Russian GLONASS satellite array in case that means anything to you, Conrad!

TomTom Official Website

Read and Run

Early reading lessons for kids often consist of “see Dick run,” “see Spot run,” and of course “see Jane run.” However, actually reading while running isn’t really so easy – even on a treadmill. There are stands that can allow for placement of a book or magazine but the motion of running can make it hard to concentrate on the words.

This is where the ReadingMate comes in as this new system, which is being developed at Purdue University, utilizes a video monitor with head-tracking technology to keep onscreen text bobbing in unison with a runner’s eyes. The monitor also increased font size making it easier to see. All this should help runners stay focused on what they are reading and that could help runners put in more time on the treadmill.

[Via Purdue University: System allows multitasking runners to read on a treadmill]