32run http://32run.com the semi-casual minimalist runner Thu, 25 Aug 2011 01:23:14 +0000 en hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.2.1 The Other Toe Shoes http://32run.com/2011/08/the-other-toe-shoes/ http://32run.com/2011/08/the-other-toe-shoes/#comments Wed, 24 Aug 2011 21:46:12 +0000 pear http://32run.com/?p=2579 Vibram Five Fingers are generally now ubiquitously known as THE toe shoes. They have patents on several aspects of their VFFs making it incredibly hard for other shoe companies to make similar shoes. However, there are a few that have prevailed and one that is entering the market soon (although there is a lawsuit against Fila for patent infringement right now so this may change). Here's a quick compilation of the ones currently out and coming out.

Inov- 8 Evoskin

Website: Inov-8.com

Blogosphere:

Description: "Connect with the earth and experience a freedom that was previously the reserve of barefoot purists. With only a single layer of silicone between your foot and the ground, the evoskin™ behaves like a second skin, protecting the foot but allowing you to feel the motion of running like never before. With added health benefits, incorporating the evoskin™ into your training program will help strengthen your foot muscles. For maximum proprioceptive feedback and gecko like grip, the evoskin™ is ideal for a range of activities including water sports, treadmill workouts and barefoot training sessions. Discover an alternative way to experience earth. Removable sports performance strap included (+10g)."

Fila Skele-Toes

Website: Fila.com

Blogosphere:

Description: "Fila Skele-Toes lightweight, form fitting shoes simulate the natural,flexible motion of running barefoot! An EZ Slide feature combines smallest 2 toes for easy access while adjustable straps & bungee cords provide customized fit & ease of entry. Polyurethane."

Adidas AdiPure Trainer (Coming Soon)

Website: Adidas.com

Blogosphere:

Unofficial Description: "Designed to mimic the experience of exercising barefoot while providing the protection, traction and durability of a shoe. The Adipure Trainer, which is a cross between a glove for the feet and a traditional shoe, hits U.S. stores in November priced at $90."

 

 

 

And lastly, a message from our favorite:

]]> http://32run.com/2011/08/the-other-toe-shoes/feed/ 0 NB Minimus WT10/WT20, WR10 http://32run.com/2011/08/nb-minimus-wt10wt20-wr10/ http://32run.com/2011/08/nb-minimus-wt10wt20-wr10/#comments Mon, 22 Aug 2011 18:54:45 +0000 pear http://32run.com/?p=2574 I've been talking about these shoes for more than a year now and I still do not have a pair of my own (nor do I need them). I really just want them!

See pictures and descriptions below:

NB WT10 (2 new colors added since this line was originally released):

WT10 Minimus Trail takes the proven versatile durability of a Vibram outsole and combines it with a fitted, minimalist upper that's comfortable with or without socks.

NB WT20 (2011 upgrade to the WT10 line):

WT20 New Balance Minimus Trail takes the proven versatile durability of a Vibram® outsole and combines it with a fitted, extremely minimalist upper that's comfortable with or without socks. This companion to the WT10 Minimus Trail features a modified upper on the same comfortable sole unit as its popular counterpart, creating a near-barefoot experience on the trail.

NB WT10 Minimus Road:

The Minimus Road running shoe is engineered for use on pavement and other varied running surfaces. Supremely comfortable and extremely lightweight, the WR10 is taking the running world by storm.

They're all so stylish, it kills me. All models are available for $99.99.

 

In other news, the VIVOBAREFOOT Neos have still yet to be shipped and I ordered them 2 weeks ago! I have a serious shoe problem.

]]> http://32run.com/2011/08/nb-minimus-wt10wt20-wr10/feed/ 0 Gmap-Pedometer 2.0! http://32run.com/2011/08/gmap-pedometer-2-0/ http://32run.com/2011/08/gmap-pedometer-2-0/#comments Wed, 17 Aug 2011 18:40:59 +0000 pear http://32run.com/?p=2559 A few days ago Gmap-Pedometer 2.0 went live tapping into many of the features readily available on dailymile. V2.0 takes the social networking aspect out of dailymile and sets its primary function for logging routes and workouts in an organized fashion.

In their own words:

What is this?

This is a Web app designed to let you track the precise distance of your workouts, and track and log your activity. It started life as a little hack that uses Google's superb mapping application to help record distances traveled during a running or walking workout, and has grown since then.

Why?

As a runner training for a marathon for the first time, I found myself wishing I had an easy way to know the exact distance a certain course is, without having to drag a GPS or pedometer around on my runs. Looking at Google Maps, and knowing there was a vibrant community of geeks hacking it, I knew there had to be a way. So here it is. I placed the a link to my Web app on a couple of running message boards, and the rest was history.

Following Eric Raymond's first law, I proceeded to add features designed to scratch all the personal itches I felt over the years. Features have included: an Openstreetmap overlay, the ability to follow roads as you create routes, create an elevation graph, and log and chart your workouts. The site continues to be under active (if not always rapid!) development.

Here are their new features with some screenshots:

Expandable Map

Create Account/Personal Profiles

Save/Bookmark Routes - Name + Descriptions (v1.0 gave you a URL link for saved routes, now they let you keep it as a bookmark in a list)

Add Workouts

Workout Logs (Calendar, List, Chart)




Although it has a 90s amateur feel to it, progress is progress and I look forward to more updates in the future!

]]> http://32run.com/2011/08/gmap-pedometer-2-0/feed/ 0 The Clymb and VIVOBAREFOOT http://32run.com/2011/08/the-clymb-and-vivobarefoot/ http://32run.com/2011/08/the-clymb-and-vivobarefoot/#comments Mon, 08 Aug 2011 02:19:31 +0000 pear http://32run.com/?p=2534 Every few days or so I get an email from The Clymb which offers member-exclusive sales on premium brands specializing in outdoor and recreational products. Sales usually last up to 3 days and are around 50-60% off with a flat shipping rate of $7.95. I can't remember when or how I signed up to be a member, but I have been for a while now. Although I have only taken advantage of its sales once before -- I believe it was a CamelBak sale -- I do think it's worth joining.  [Click here for an invite to join!]

My most recent email from them caught my attention more so than most days. This week they offered member pricing on the following: ARC'TERYX, VIVOBAREFOOT, HIGHGEAR, KELTY, Slumberjack, ICON, and Jacob Bromwell. I'm pretty sure you know exactly what caught my attention! VIVOBAREFOOT. I've read many great things about this shoe company that is committed solely to producing barefoot/minimalist style shoes.

Here's what I'm SUPER excited about: VIVOBAREFOOT Neo L - on sale for $54.98, originally $120. What a steal.

I'm excited because they are multi-purpose! They can be used for running, cross-training, and casual wear. I especially love the color ways offered for this line, they don't even look like running shoes. Full review to come as soon as I can get my feet in them and some mileage going.

More on VIVOBAREFOOT:

As I briefly mentioned in the previous post, the 2011 Outdoor Retailer Trade Show was just this past week and ended today. ToeSalad.com was nice enough to put up a few videos on some of the 2012 shoe lines. The one below is an interview with the VIVOBAREFOOT International Sales Director, Ben Le Vesconte. Two things in particular that interest me: first barefoot hiking shoe and trail shoes with 2mm plugs!

]]> http://32run.com/2011/08/the-clymb-and-vivobarefoot/feed/ 0 2012 is looking good http://32run.com/2011/08/2012-is-looking-good/ http://32run.com/2011/08/2012-is-looking-good/#comments Sat, 06 Aug 2011 00:23:48 +0000 pear http://32run.com/?p=2526 Here's why:

Runner's World Magazine just returned from the 2011 Outdoor Retail Trade Show with pictures of the 2012 gear. Click here to see their Facebook album: 2012 Gear Preview

Below are the ones I'm particularly excited about (all photos courtesy of Runner's World Magazine) --

Merrell Road Glove: $110

Vibram Seeya: $100

New Balance 110: $85

VIVOBAREFOOT Breath O Trail: $90

I'm such an addict, can't wait!

 

]]> http://32run.com/2011/08/2012-is-looking-good/feed/ 0 [Update] Merrell Women’s Pace Glove http://32run.com/2011/08/update-merrell-womens-pace-glove/ http://32run.com/2011/08/update-merrell-womens-pace-glove/#comments Fri, 05 Aug 2011 18:09:36 +0000 pear http://32run.com/?p=2513 I finally got the chance to take the Pace Gloves out on a trail this past weekend (post on Old Rag Mountain to come). So how did they fair against traditional hiking shoes?

In my opinion, not too shabby! I am completely aware that hiking shoes are important in preventing injury from rolling your ankle while hiking across rocks and the like.  But... I don't have hiking shoes and I do have these awesome trail shoes.

Findings:

  • Agility and Flexibility
  • Comfort
  • Increased Awareness (of surroundings)

The first time I climbed Old Rag, I wore a pair of old sneakers. I was scared to do the rock scrambling and the small jumps that are required to get across. This time around, since I was so light, I felt like Spiderman jumping around. There is also this two mile path to get back to the parking lot that can get pretty boring. We decided to run the last half mile of it in order to get through it faster and this was the perfect opportunity for me to truly test out the Pace Gloves as trail running shoes. The verdict? They worked beautifully. Although I still felt close to the ground, the small rocks beneath me didn't hurt my feet. Barefoot, but not! Just as advertised. No wonder Shape Magazine named it the Best Trail Running Shoe of 2011!

They've add a bunch of new colorways to this line, so be sure to check them out!

 

]]> http://32run.com/2011/08/update-merrell-womens-pace-glove/feed/ 0 New Balance in the media http://32run.com/2011/07/new-balance-in-the-media/ http://32run.com/2011/07/new-balance-in-the-media/#comments Thu, 28 Jul 2011 19:37:29 +0000 pear http://32run.com/?p=2506

Washington Post: New Balance struggles as sole remaining major U.S. athletic shoe manufacturer

hrmm.. time to by me a pair of the NB Minimus Trails??

]]> http://32run.com/2011/07/new-balance-in-the-media/feed/ 0 Chia, the new Flax? http://32run.com/2011/07/chia-the-new-flax/ http://32run.com/2011/07/chia-the-new-flax/#comments Mon, 18 Jul 2011 15:52:38 +0000 pear http://32run.com/?p=2493 Flaxseed will always hold a special place in my healthy heart, but there's a new seed in town. Enter: chia. I bet what comes to mind first is, "ch-ch-ch-chia!" And yes, chia seed sprouts are the same sprouts that form Chia Pets! I'll give you a moment to digest that revelation.

I first discovered chia seeds while reading Born to Run by Christopher McDougall and was intrigued how ubiquitously it was being used by runners. I wanted to try them for myself, here are my initial thoughts:

Uses:

  • Drink: 1 tablespoon in a glass of water will turn it into a gel.
  • Eat: Sprinkled over anything (oatmeal, salad, eggs, spaghetti, etc)
Tastes/Texture:
  • Just as I had expected, chia does not have any flavor! So I don't mind sprinkling it onto my meals as it does not alter the taste.
  • I do not like drinking it with water, the seeds get stuck all over my teeth and when it turns to get, I feel like I should be chewing it, but I can't at the same time. It's a very awkward and somewhat unpleasant experience.

Benefits:

  • High water retention (keeps you hydrated longer - beneficial for endurance activities)
  • High calcium content
  • High fiber content
  • Low-sodium
  • Good source of antioxidants
  • Great source for omega-3 and omega-6 cholesterol lowering fatty acids

Where to Buy:

Other Comments:

For daily consumption and the health benefits, I love eating them knowing that I am doing good to my body. My one complaint is that with its high fiber content, I cannot eat them before a race. Twice now I've had to run to the bathroom minutes before the race to get rid of the previous night's dinner. In the future, I definitely don't want to risk the need to go mid-race. That would be absolutely horrific.

Links:

]]> http://32run.com/2011/07/chia-the-new-flax/feed/ 0 Free Resources for Mapping out Running Routes http://32run.com/2011/07/mapping-out-running-routes/ http://32run.com/2011/07/mapping-out-running-routes/#comments Mon, 11 Jul 2011 03:45:42 +0000 pear http://32run.com/?p=2465 Web-based Tools:

Gmaps Pedometer

This website uses Google Maps to map out any route you can possibly come up with. Sometimes I'll map my route out beforehand so I can know exactly how far I'm going and where exactly to turn. Other times I run wherever I please for as long as I please and go back to see what the actual distance was. It's a fairly accurate tool and I use it regularly.

screenshot

 

dailymile

Not only is this a great website to keep a log of any kind of workout, but when tracking your run or ride, they'll give you the option of mapping it out.

screenshot dm

Mobile/GPS Apps:

The following apps can be used during your run for live tracking. As long as you have a GPS signal/location features enabled on your phone, it'll map out your route as you go.

Map My Run (also Map My Fitness and Map My Ride)

Available for iPhone, Blackberry and Android. Other features: Show Elevation, Live Tracking (friends can track your progress on a map while you work out), displays distance, time, pace and speed, Voice Feedback, Online Training Log and social media connectivity (Facebook, Twitter).

Run Keeper

Available for iPhone, Android and Windows Phone 7. Other features: live stats (cals burned, average min/mi, current time, splits and total miles), real time photo upload, social media connectivity (Facebook, Twitter) and online activity log.

 

 

]]> http://32run.com/2011/07/mapping-out-running-routes/feed/ 0 Where to Buy Vibrams Locally (DC Metro Area) http://32run.com/2011/07/where-to-buy-vibrams-locally/ http://32run.com/2011/07/where-to-buy-vibrams-locally/#comments Wed, 06 Jul 2011 15:16:46 +0000 pear http://32run.com/?p=2432 When I bought my first pair of VFFs in July 2010, the  only stores selling them were REI, CitySports, and Hudson Trail Outfitters. But even then all these stores didn't have a large inventory and I had to call ahead of time to ask for availability. The specialty running stores hadn't yet bought in on the idea; when I asked a Potomac River Running representative for his thoughts on Vibrams, his response was that they wouldn't be good for long distance running. I'm glad I eventually proved him wrong! Besides, it looks like they agree with me now, right? They're now pretty abundant, but it's always good to call ahead of time to see if they have your size. Here's where you can find Vibrams (and a variety of other minimalist running shoes):

Online Store: REI

 

Bailey’s Crossroad REI Store  

3509 Carlin Springs Rd
Baileys Crossroads, VA 22041

(703) 379-9400

Store Hours:

M-F 10am-9pm
Sat 10am-9pm
Sunday 11am-6pm

 Fairfax REI Store  

11950 Grand Commons Ave
Fairfax, VA 22030

(571) 522-6568

Store Hours:

M-F 10am-9pm
Sat 10am-9pm
Sunday 11am-6pm

 Rockville REI Store  

1701 Rockville Pike
Rockville, MD 20852

(301) 230-7670

Store Hours:

M-F 10am-9pm
Sat 10am-9pm
Sunday 11am-7pm

 College Park REI Store  

9801 Rhode Island Ave
College Park, MD 20740

(301) 982-9681

Store Hours:

M-F 10am-9pm
Sat 10am-8pm
Sunday 11am-7pm

Online Store: CitySports

19th Street 

1111 19th Street NW
(Between L and M)
Washington, DC 20036-3603
202-467-4100

Store Hours:

Mon-Sat: 9am-9pm
Sunday: 11am-8pm

 

 Gallery Place 

715 7th St NW
Washington, DC 20001-3715
202-638-3115

Store Hours:

Mon-Wed: 10am-9:30pm
TH-Sat: 9am-9:30pm
Sunday: 10am-8:30pm

 Bethesda 

7121 Arlington Road
Bethesda, MD 20814
301-718-1007

Store Hours:

Mon-Fri: 10am-9pm
Saturday 9am-9pm
Sunday: 11am-8pm

 

 Georgetown 

3338 M Street NW
Washington, DC 20007
202-944-9600

Store Hours:

Mon-Sat 10am-9pm
Sunday 10am-8pm

 

Online Store: Hudson Trail Outfitters

Tenley Circle 

4530 Wisconsin Avenue, N.W.
Washington, DC 20016

202-363-9810

Store Hours:

Mon-Sat 10am-9pm, Sun 11am-7pm

 Rockville 

2085 Rockville Pike
Rockville MD 20852

301-881-4955

Store Hours:

Mon-Sat 10am-9pm, Sun 11am-6pm

 

 Fairfax 

9488 Fairfax Boulevard
Fairfax VA 22031

703-591-2950

Store Hours:

Mon-Fri 10am-9pm, Sat 10am-7pm, Sun 11am-6pm

 Pentagon Row 

1101 South Joyce Street, Suite B29

Arlington VA 22202

703-415-4861

Store Hours:

Mon-Sat 10am-9pm, Sun 11am-6pm


Online Store: Pacers (Free Shipping on ALL Shoes)

Alexandria 

1301 King St
Alexandria, VA
22314
703.836.1463

Store Hours:
Mon-Fri 10am-8pm
Sat 10am-6pm
Sunday 12pm-5pm

 

 Arlington 

3100 Clarendon Blvd
Arlington, VA
22201
703.248.6883

Store Hours:
Mon-Fri 10am-8pm
Sat 10am-6pm
Sunday
11am-5pm

 Fairfax 

10427 North St
Fairfax, VA
22030
703.537.0630

Store Hours:
Mon-Fri 10am-8pm
Sat 10am-6pm
Sunday 12pm-5pm

 

 Pentagon Row 

1101 South Joyce St #B12
Arlington, VA
22202
703.415.0277

Store Hours:
Mon-Fri 10am-9pm
Sat 10am-7pm
Sunday 12pm-5pm

 
Logan Circle 

1427 P Street NW
Washington, DC
20005
202.506.2029

Store Hours:
Mon-Fri 10am-8pm
Sat 10am-6pm
Sunday 12pm-5pm

 Silver Spring 

8535 Fenton St
Silver Spring, MD
20910
301.495.7811

Store Hours:
Mon-Fri 10am-8pm
Sat 10am-6pm
Sunday 12pm-5pm

Potomac River Running (Online store coming soon)

Arlington

3924 Wilson Blvd
Arlington, VA 22203
703-243-2332

Store Hours:

M-F: 11am-8pm
Sat: 10am-6pm
Sun: 12pm-6pm

 

Ashburn

20630 Ashburn Rd.
Ashburn, VA 20147
703-729-0133

Store Hours:

M-F: 10am-8pm
Sat: 10am-6pm
Sun: 11am-5pm

 

Burke

5715 Burke Centre Pkwy.
Burke, VA 22015
703-978-0500

Store Hours:

M-F: 10am-8pm
Sat: 10am-6pm
Sun: 12pm-5pm

 

Cleveland Park

3513 Conn. Ave NW
Washington, DC 20008
202-244-3544

Store Hours:

M-F: 10am-8pm
Sat: 10am-7pm
Sun: 12pm-5pm

Leesburg

1601 Village Market Blvd. SE
Leesburg, VA 20175
571-918-0302

Store Hours:

M-F: 10am-8pm
Sat: 10am-6pm
Sun: 12pm-5pm

Reston

11911 Democracy Dr.
Reston, VA 20190
703-689-0999

Store Hours:

M-F: 10am-9pm
Sat: 10am-8pm
Sun: 12pm-7pm

Rockville

Rockville Town Square
115 S Gibbs Street
Rockville, MD 20850
301-251-1290

Store Hours:

M-F: 10am-8pm
Sat: 10am-8pm
Sun: 12pm-6pm

Tysons

7516 Leesburg Pike
Falls Church, VA 22043
703-790-3338

Store Hours:

M-F: 10am-8pm
Sat: 10am-6pm
Sun: 12pm-6pm

According to the Vibram FiveFingers website, they are also available at: Fleet Feet and Richey and Co.

Happy Shopping!

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