Today I am going to be doing a shoe review on the new, New Balance Vazee pace shoe.  I was skeptical of this shoe when it first came into the store this spring, however, I have quickly been won over.  Unfortunately, when I tried on this shoe and compared against a New Balance Fresh Foam (specifically the Zante), the Zante won out on comfort. In fact, I think the first thing I said about this shoe was that it felt stiff.  However, the more I run in it, the more I love this shoe.

With a 6mm drop and REVlite midsole foam, New Balance is hitting on all-cylinders with this shoe. In addition, the 7.5 oz weight makes it an ideal racing shoe for me.  As far as addressing the concerns of a hard sole, I find that the more I run in the shoe, the more comforting the shoe becomes. I can't really explain it, but it is almost like there is a "breaking in" period where the shoe adjusts to my foot.

The Vazee has become my utility shoe. I will use it in shorter workouts where I want a little more cushion, on a long run and everywhere in-between.  Depending on your own distance and pace, however, you might want a shoe with a little more support (*SPOILER* I'll be reviewing the Saucony Zealot next). I plan on racing with this shoe at the 2015 Twin Cities Marathon next month in Minneapolis.  Even the colors are all on target (with maybe the exception of the all-black women's shoe)!

I wore this shoe at the Sioux Falls Half Marathon this past weekend where I did my final long run/workout in preparation for Twin Cities.  My day consisted of a 7 mile warm-up (7:00 pace), followed by "holding back" the first 7 miles of the half race (6:00 pace) and then pushing the last 6 a little (probably between 5:45 and 5:50 pace). The Vazee held up on all accounts. I was telling some people after the race that I didn't notice anything with my shoes, which when you are doing a final race-simulated workout, is exactly what you want.

Come down and try out the New Balance Vazee Pace on our treadmill at the store to see what you think!

Happy Running!

Logan

Hi! It’s me again, the newish runner mom, and I am back to talk about a few things I have learned while running with my little guy…

First, your arms are going to look great! Pushing an object that weighs more every time you run with it (kids are always growing) is a great workout!

Second, stay positive.  Kids are constantly looking up to their parents and wanting to be just like their parents.  Fitness is very important in maintaining a healthy lifestyle and taking them along with will set a positive example.

The last thing I learned to not take it too seriously because the kids won’t.  Have fun, I just go with the flow and forget about even setting a goal. Just run.   Soak in the time you get to spend with them. Peak in that little window on the sunshade and play peek-a-boo.  Just laugh and have fun with it!

I also have some very exciting news! I am starting a running group for parents who would like to bring their little ones with them!  It starts up this Monday the 21st at 6:05pm at the Yankton Trail Park right off of 57th St. I am looking forward to meeting other running parents! 


Happy Running,

Kelli Huenecke

The New Running Mom

A marathon is a huge accomplishment, but it’s also very taxing on the body.  Try these few tips to help you recover after this weekend.

1.     Take some time off to rest. Most coaches recommend one day of rest for every mile run.  That’s 26 days for you marathoners.  Rest doesn’t mean you don’t do anything at all. Just stay away from impact.  Light cycling or elliptical would be great for this. Yoga is also a great way to stay active, and let your body heal.

2.     Try compression.  Compression helps with circulation, which can speed up recovery significantly.  Just remember, if you are wearing compression and not exercising, make sure you wear a full sock.  Otherwise, the blood will pool in your feet.

3.     Get a massage. A great massage therapist is worth their weight in gold.  Test out the therapist at Active Spine.

4.     Foam roll.  If you can’t afford a massage get a foam roller and use. If you need advice for this, I’m happy to help.

5.     Sleep.  The body does most of its repairs when you are asleep.  Cancel all of those early morning runs (see number 1), and sleep a couple more hours. 

 Stay Healthy,

Wayne Earney MS, CSCS, PES, CES

I've really enjoyed getting to know the Saucony Triumph. This is a nice plush ride that feels lighter weight than listed. The ISO fit is very nice and even though I have durability concerns the shoe has performed wonderfully so far. I'm even considering using this shoe for the Sioux Falls Half Marathon this weekend.

Weight: 10.3 oz.
Drop: 8mm

Cheers,

Greg "PEPSI" Koch

Today I have the pleasure of posting an interview done with Dave Spandorfer, who co-founded Janji and continues to seek ways for the company to grow and complete its promise of using running to help solve the global water crisis:

1)  What made you and Mike (co-founder) want to tackle the lack of accessibility to water in international countries? Other than running, what in your background has made you passionate about this mission?

Mike and I first came up with the idea for Janji at the Division III Track Championship. We were running the 10k against the best runners we had ever faced... all on a 95 degree day. It took every ounce of energy, drive, and determination to just finish the 25 lap and we got water on both sides of the track.

Throughout the bulk of the season we had discussed ways to give back through running, a sport that had given us a sense of community and purpose ever since we started. After this oppressively hot race, we came up with the idea of giving clean water not through a running race, but through an apparel brand. That way, runners could give back every time they bought gear and raise awareness every time they ran. We applied for a business plan competition, won the business competition (and $20,000), and soon after, we launched Janji.

2)  How do you select the countries that will be represented by clothing lines?

Selecting countries is always difficult. But we came up with a list of 3 criteria to help select the countries.  

1. Is there a need in that country?
   
2. Can we find great organizations that solve water issues in that country?
   
3. Do runners connect with that country?
   
   

There are so many countries and communities that lack basic access to clean water. Since Janji is still a small company, we want to--and need to--maximize our impact, which means that for the time being we have to be highly selective of our partner countries and partner NGOs. Over time, we’d love to work with every community in the world there that needs assistance with clean water.

3)  How are customers assured that a portion of sale proceeds go to help provide water? 

This is a great question. For one, we have a clear and transparent model: for every item bought, 10% of the sale goes back toward clean water issues. When a runner buys an $88 Tanzania windbreaker for instance, we give $8.8 to our Tanzania partner MSABI. While there are questionable nonprofits working in the clean water space, we work with four carefully chosen clean water organizations that a) are famous for their efficiency for every dollar donated; b) work with local communities to ensure that there is a foundational need for the clean water project; and c) have designed creative ways to not just provide build clean water solutions, but maintain clean water solutions. As their annual reports and ground level work highlights, these organizations do things the right way with every dollar given to them. Much of their resources come directly from the Janji community.

4)  What is the measurable effect you have had on countries and water (i.e., dollar amount, # of years, # of wells/villages)?

We’re fortunate to have given over 35,000 years of clean water to different countries and communities around the world through the construction--and maintenance--of 11 water wells.

5) Have you travelled to any of these countries to see the positive effects of what you are doing?

We have indeed traveled to these countries. I’ve traveled to Haiti, my co-founder visited our partner in Kenya, and members of our team have recently been to Peru and Ethiopia. Next up is another trip to Kenya and, possibly in the winter, Guatemala. We always enjoy these trips: we can draw inspiration for future seasons, meet people of the communities, and witness the life changing effect of access to clean water.
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605 Running Company is happy to partner with Dave and Janji as they continue to pursue their mission.  After six months of being on the shelves in Sioux Falls, the 605 community has responded and provided 25 years worth of water for people in Ethiopia, India and Kenya!

A new line of Janji clothes has just come into the store this week, and it is great to know that while being thousands of miles away, we can still be part of a solution to those without clean water.  Check out the full Janji site here!

Run Happy!

Logan Watley