Run Diva

Pearl Izumi Running Shoes & Clothing

PRESS RELEASE:

Run Like an Animal Anytime, Anywhere

Pearl Izumi introduces new running shoes and apparel designed to meet time demands of serious runners

LOUISVILLE, Colo., Feb. 15 /PRNewswire/ -- To run like an animal, Pearl Izumi introduces new fabric technologies, including its new In-R-Cool(TM) fabric, to help runners better manage and control their body temperature to stay cool and perform at a higher level, and the SyncroFuel(TM) line of responsive, lightweight running shoes designed for high performance road and trail runners.

(Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20100215/CG55060)

Pearl Izumi's new line of SyncroFuel(TM) running shoes and P.R.O. Series Fly running apparel offers a "take no prisoners approach" to provide runners the high-tech features they need to train and race at their peak performance, anytime, anywhere -- rain, cold, heat or humidity.

Celebrating its 60th anniversary, Pearl Izumi (http://www.pearlizumi.com/) is a leader in developing innovative, high tech shoes and apparel for runners, cyclists and triathletes. To further fuel the desire of runners to run like an animal and to connect with like-minded runners, Pearl Izumi has launched a new Facebook page, Pearl Izumi Running and posts news and updates on Twitter at PearlIzumiRun, in addition to keeping runners informed through its web site, http://www.runlikeananimal.com/.

New SyncroFuel(TM) Running Shoes

Pearl Izumi's new SyncroFuel(TM) road and trail running shoes are light and fast. These responsive, lightweight trainers offer mild pronation control and excellent cushioning for training or the next race. SyncroFuel(TM) running shoes feature Pearl Izumi's unique seamless race upper, which provides an anatomic fit, combined with a mid-foot and forefoot mesh that offers optimum breathability and comfort when you're pushing the edges of your running experience.

The new SyncroFuel(TM) Road running shoe, available in both men's and women's sizes, is a responsive, lightweight trainer designed for one thing - going fast! Built with a half-length medial side syncro-stability frame, the SyncroFuel(TM) road shoe offers mild pronation control and excellent cushioning for the runner training for their next race. Suggested manufacturer's retail price: US$110.

The new SyncroFuel(TM) XC trail running shoe is ideal for trail racing and training. It's specifically designed for the off-road runner who demands high performance, lightweight cushioning with mild pronation control and traction. Tested and raced by the Pearl Izumi Smith Ultra Team, the SyncroFuel(TM) XC is built with a half-length medial side syncro-stability frame and features a high abrasion seamless race upper with a hybrid mesh combination consisting of 100% recycled polyester mid-foot mesh and a breathable forefoot mesh. Suggested retail price: US$110.

Pearl Izumi's new SyncroFuel(TM) shoes round out a complete range of running shoes that allow runners to tailor their running shoe selection to meet the exacting demands of training runs or race day. "Whether you're training on single track in the Rockies, back to break your PR at Boston, or conquering the pavement with your running club, we have the shoe for you," said Geoff Shaffer, marketing director for Pearl Izumi.

Introducing Groundbreaking In-R-Cool(TM) Technology

Many of Pearl Izumi's P.R.O. Series Fly running shorts, shirts and jackets are built with ground-breaking In-R-Cool(TM) integrated fabric technologies to enhance performance and athletic comfort. Unlike typical polyester based products, Pearl Izumi's In-R-Cool(TM) technology reduces overheating and increases comfort by reducing perspiration.

In-R-Cool(TM) technology brings the reflective cooling benefits of white fabrics to dark fabrics, reducing perspiration by half, in comparison to traditional black fabrics. By reflecting UV light, In-R-Cool(TM) reduces the fabric's surface temperature to the same temperature as a white fabric and provides UPF 50+ sun protection. To further enhance athletic comfort in warm conditions, In-R-Cool(TM) technology utilizes a special perspiration-activated technology that cools the athlete's body surface temperature by 5% and delivers unparalleled UPF+ sun protection.

Pearl Izumi's no-compromise P.R.O. (Performance and Race Optimized) Series is 3D motion engineered for the most demanding runners with the highest standards for leading edge apparel design, construction and craftsmanship. The company's P.R.O. Series Fly running apparel are literally designed to perform the way a runner actually moves, providing an anatomic fit through minimal seaming and the use of body conforming materials to increase running performance.

"With our new P.R.O. Series apparel series, we combine the latest in fabric technologies to keep you drier and warmer during wet, cold weather, or drier and cooler during hot, humid weather," Shaffer said. "We take the extremes out of running during extreme weather conditions - which gives runners more time to pursue their passion."

Some of the new additions to Pearl Izumi's P.R.O. Series running line for 2010 include:

P.R.O. Series Women's Fly Sport Tank. The W's Fly Sport Tank provides athletic support in a streamlined fit with our innovative new In-R-Cool(TM) fabric technology that cools the body while you exercise. P.R.O. Transfer fabric with In-R-Cool(TM) technology provides optimal skin cooling when you perspire. Laser cut direct-vent panels dry fast, provide superior temperature regulation and ventilation. The tank's inner bra is built with plush elastic for athletic support. Suggested retail price: US$65.

P.R.O. Series Long-Sleeve Fly Top. The lightweight men's Long-Sleeve Fly Top features Pearl Izumi's innovative In-R-Cool(TM) fabric technology that cools the body while you exercise and allows for full body UV protection. At the same time, Pearl Izumi's exclusive P.R.O. Transfer fabric provides optimal moisture transfer with a superior hand feel. Suggested retail price: US$65.

P.R.O. Series Fly Top and Sleeveless Fly Top. Pearl Izumi's new P.R.O. Fly Top features its most innovative fabric in a lightweight and incredibly comfortable performance running top. The Fly Top is made with P.R.O. Transfer with In-R-Cool(TM) fabric for anti-static and anti-microbial protection, and features direct-vent panels for enhanced ventilation. Suggested retail price for the Fly Top: US$50; suggested retail price for the Sleeveless Fly Top: US$45.

P.R.O. Series Fly Compression Short. The Fly Compression Short with Pearl Izumi's In-R-Cool(TM) fabric technology provides the performance support you need combined with a sleek streamlined design. Designed with P.R.O. Transfer fabric with In-R-Cool(TM) fabric technology, the short provides an optimal compression fit and reflective UV sun protection. Direct-vent panels provide superior ventilation, and the internal brief offers support and comfort. Suggested retail price: US$70.

About Pearl Izumi

Pearl Izumi (www.pearlizumi.com) is a world leader in the manufacture of performance sports apparel and footwear for avid cycling and running enthusiasts. Based in Louisville, Colo., a suburb of Boulder, Pearl Izumi is a wholly owned subsidiary of Shimano American Corporation, located in Irvine, Calif.

Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20100215/CG55060
PRN Photo Desk, photodesk@prnewswire.com

Source: Pearl Izumi

CONTACT: Stephen Dupont of Pocket Hercules, +1-612-435-8315,
stephen@pockethercules.com, for Pearl Izumi

Web Site: http://www.pearlizumi.com/

Run Diva is a Sugoi Brand Champion

 
Great news! Sugoi is the latest sponsor to come on board for my 2010 race season. Sugoi makes a complete line of athletic clothing. They make awesome cycling, running and triathlon specific clothing. There are quite a few vendors that make either cycling or running specific clothing, but not too many that make triathlon clothing.

Sugoi Brand Champions Clothing

Sugoi is awesome, they make clothing for all my athletic endeavors. I mostly compete in duathlons, run-bike-run, but also do a few cycling time trials and running races. You'll start seeing me at local races sporting my awesomely cool Sugoi clothing. I just got my first shipment of gear today; a Sugoi Brand Champion sports bra, tri top, tri shorts and running hat - SWEET!

Comfortable Clothing

I just went out for a short 5.3 mile run to test out my new Sugoi gear - very comfortable. I am not a tiny girl, I'm a whole lot of women - WOOT! So I appreciate tri specific shorts that are a normal length, some of those running shorts and tri shorts are way too short. I do not have skinny chicken leg thighs, okay!?! Tomorrow I want to try the new clothing on a brick (bike - run) workout to see how comfortable the outfit it while on the bike.

I'm also considering the Sugoi compression gear. But will probably wait until I loose a few more pounds. I've lost 20 pounds during the past year, but I am still a healthy girl. I have visions of cramming my flesh into compression tights and top and looking like Shamu wrapped in cling film - not too sexy!

The perks of being a Sugoi Brand Champion is access to all the cool Sugoi gear in their regular clothing line. But as a brand champion, I also have access to the wickedly cool Sugoi Brand Champion gear. That's what is pictured in this blog post - pretty cool red, white, black and grey, I will be too cool for words.

Additional Information

Visit the Sugoi website to find a dealer near you: www.sugoi.com 

Follow Sugoi on Twitter: twitter.com/SUGOI_Apparel

Become a fan of Sugoi on Facebook: www.facebook.com/SUGOIPerformanceApparel

My local Sugoi dealer:

The Runner's Edge

3195 N Federal Hwy
Boca Raton FL 33431

561361-1950

Incredible Sugoi Sale

From now until January 4th, Sugoi is having a 30% off sale on their website. Here is a copy of their online ad.

Take care,
Lynn Smythe AKA the Run Diva

K-Swiss Opens First US Running Store in CA

 

K-Swiss Opens First U.S. Running Store in Santa Monica, California

WESTLAKE VILLAGE, Calif., Dec. 2 /PRNewswire/ -- K-Swiss, an innovator in performance product since its inception in 1966, continues to expand its commitment to the running market with the opening of its first U.S.-based running retail store in Santa Monica, California. The iconic California-sport footwear and apparel brand will leverage the new retail location to elevate the brand's presence leading up to and during the LA Marathon in March 2010 as the race's official footwear and apparel sponsor.

"The Santa Monica store will play a key role in our partnership with the LA Marathon, especially since the finish line is less than a mile away from the store," said David Nichols, executive vice president of K-Swiss. "With product, experienced staff, and coaching advice, we see the store as a go-to destination for runners as they train for this big event."

K-Swiss Santa Monica will showcase the latest cutting-edge performance footwear, apparel and accessories as well as lifestyle components for all levels of athletes. Through grassroots efforts, K-Swiss also plans to strengthen the brand's relationship with the local running community via retail presence at local road races and outreach to running clubs and associations offering the store as a gathering spot for group runs, meetings and clinics. The LA Roadrunners group have already been testing K-Swiss' new products and are becoming an excellent resource for the brand to gather feedback and make product enhancements.

K-Swiss currently operates running stores in Taiwan, Korea, Singapore and Hong Kong.

K-Swiss Santa Monica 2427 Main Street Santa Monica, California 90405 (310)573-8810 Store Hours: Sunday: 12pm - 5pm

      Monday: Closed
      Tuesday - Friday: 11am - 7pm
      Saturday: 9am - 7pm



 About K-Swiss:

Located in Westlake Village, CA, K-Swiss is a publicly traded company founded more than forty years ago. K-Swiss introduced the first all-leather tennis shoe, the K-Swiss "Classic" in 1966. Since its inception, K-Swiss has rooted itself in California Sport with an aim to be the most inspiring and innovative sports brand in the market. Today the company offers performance and lifestyle footwear and apparel for several categories under its California Sports umbrella including Tennis Heritage, California Fit (Running, Triathlon and Fitness) and California Youth. For more information about K-Swiss, visit www.kswiss.com.

Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20091202/LA19561
AP Archive: http://photoarchive.ap.org/
AP PhotoExpress Network: PRN6
PRN Photo Desk, photodesk@prnewswire.com

Source: K-Swiss

CONTACT: Jennifer Macfarland of K-Swiss, +1-818-706-5136,
JMacfarland@K-Swiss.com; or Melanie Dennig, +1-212-889-1700,
Melanie@turnerpr.com, for K-Swiss

Web Site: http://www.kswiss.com/

Current Coupons From Footlocker

Speed Laces Advanced Shoe Lacing System

 

Brooks Launch running shoes with Speed Laces zero friction fittings and ibungee stretch laces.

Gear Head
I started racing in duathlons this year, and am always looking for any gear or equipment that can help me get a bit faster. Duathlons are similar to triathlons, but instead of swim-bike-run, duathletes run-bike-run. That means duathletes have to transition out of and into their running shoes two times during their race. On T1, the first race transition, we switch from our running shoes into our cycling shoes. During T2, the second transition, we switch from our biking shoes back into our running shoes.

 

Speed Laces zero friction fittings

I knew having to tie and untie my laces during a typical race would eat up too much time. I started researching different options for getting my running shoes on and off quickly. There are a bunch of different quick shoe lacing systems available including Lock Lace, Yankz and Speed Laces.

 

Brooks Launch with zero friction fittings

Sample Time
I contacted Cindy Garbarino, Sales Manager for Speed Laces, to inquire about having some samples sent to me so I could test them out. She sent a package of samples which included a set of zero friction fittings and two colors of the Ibungee stretch laces.The ibungee stretch laces are available in a ton of awesome colors including red, navy, light blue, pink, neon yellow and Florida green. I chose the neon Florida orange to install on my Brook's Launch shoes. WOW, I think I need sunglasses to look at my shoes now, that color combination is a bit bright, makes my eyeballs vibrate!

 

zero friction fittings

The ibungee stretch laces can be installed with or without the zero friction fittings. The other quick lacing systems I've tried don't have this option, so I decided to install the zero friction fittings on my new Brooks running shoes. The zero friction fittings are made out of plastic, and get attached to your shoes using tiny plastic screws. You remove your old laces, then choose six locations on each shoe to attach the fittings to. It works out to having a zero friction fitting attached to every other hole on your shoe.

 

ibungee stretch laces in Florida orange

Brooks Running
I'm sponsored by Brooks Running as part of their Brooks I.D. program for the 2009 race season. I had just received a pair of Brooks Launch running shoes, so I thought I could try the Speed Lace system on my new shoes. And yes, I have wide feet, so I got a pair of the men's shoes for my spatula feet. Brooks T6 racing shoes, which I use at all my races, are only available in men's sizes, so I don't have a problem racing/working out/training in men's shoes.

Besides, I think the color of the men's Launch are way cooler than the women's version. Yup, I may not be a very fast runner, but I have to look cool at my events. And the men's Launch matches the color of my latest tattoo - guess I'm not a girly girl. Pink and purple and ribbons and bows make me want to PUKE!

 

Shoe on the left with old laces. Shoe on the right with Speed Laces zero friction fittings and ibungee stretch laces.

Quick Lace Systems for Everyone
The beauty of any quick lacing system is that they can be used with any type of lace-up shoe. I've installed different brands of quick lacing systems on my Nike hiking shoes and my spinning shoes, along with all of my trail running and running shoes. I don't think I'll ever go back to regular laces, too time consuming and BORING!

 

Can I put these in my trophy case and have a spot light shinning on them? Freaking awesome!

Speedy Feet
Once your Speed Laces system is installed on your shoes, you simply slip your feet in and out of the shoes. No more tying and untying, no more worrying about your shoes coming untied during a race. You can adjust the shoes tighter or looser with the cord-lock, but I find once my Speed Laces are installed, I just simply slide my feet in and start running. No time to adjust the fit, I'm racing, get out of my freaking way!

Give Speed Laces a try, they are available at local running and sporting good stores. The Runner's Edge in Boca Raton is a Speed Lace dealer.

P.S. Dear Speed Laces, want to sponsor me for the upcoming 2010 race season? I go through lots of shoes, and participate in lots of races, your products will get lots of exposure from me, the Run Diva!

Take care,
Lynn Smythe AKA the Run Diva

Land Lever Lift Running Technique

Danny Abshire with Newton running shoes

The following article is reprinted with permission of it's author, Newton Running Co-Founder Danny Abshire. I am currently testing a pair of Newton running shoes, and a couple of months ago I switched to a midfoot strike method of running. Newton running shoes are specifically designed for this type of running.

Land Lever Lift Tecnique; Good Form is the Key to Efficient Running and Preventing Injuries by Danny Abshire.

I've been coaching efficient running and injury prevention through optimal running form, foot support and footwear for years. It would be naive to go by the results of sponsored elite athletes and satisfied customers, but the initial results of a study started last spring at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology reinforced my ideas.

The study, conducted through the Chemistry of Sport class taught by Dr. Patti Christie, took 25 athletic individuals with various running abilities and put them through an eight-week distance running program. The research was based around running 4x800m or 4x1600m repeats while holding a constant heart rate.

The first set of intervals was done in traditional EVA foam-midsole running shoes the participants started the program with, while the latter was done in Newton Running Trainers (Gravity and Motion). That preliminary data revealed that all of the runners who completed every workout recorded faster times in the final interval wearing Newton shoes. Results showed that 77 percent of the runners ran faster on two or more intervals wearing Newtons and 55 percent of the runners were faster on every interval.

"The results were statistically significant," says Christie, who is continuing the study with a new group of runners this spring. "It indicates there is a more efficient way to run. And if you combine the Newton Running technique, 'Land-Lever-Lift' with the Newton shoes, there was definitely a significant difference."

If you were to run barefoot along a smooth sidewalk, your body wouldn't have you impact on your heels because it isn't engineered to accommodate the blunt force trauma of repeated heel striking. Through increased forefoot communication with the ground Newton shoes allow for the body's natural propensity for a light forefoot landing, foot leverage and a lifting of each new stride (instead of pushing off) known as the 'Land-Lever-Lift' technique.

Newton Running's patented 'Action/Reaction forefoot technology' encourages Natural or Barefoot Running Gait and enhances the shock absorbency, leverage and energy return in the forefoot. Newton's Independent lab research shows the system returns up to 28 percent more energy and reduces impact up to 44 percent when compared training and racing shoes offered by leading running brands.

The basis of natural form and midfoot/forefoot running gaits has been around for decades, much of it derived from the super-efficient form elite runners have been employing for years.

"It's not new, it's just that most runners have either gone away from what they used to do or they were never taught the proper way to run in the first place," says Malcolm Balk, a Montreal-based running coach, form guru and competitive masters runner who teaches The Art of Running workshops in Canada and the United Kingdom. "I think the most important thing is that you need to keep braking to a minimum if you want to reduce muscular effort and the impact that goes with it."

www.newtonrunning.com

About the Author

Danny Abshire is the co-founder of Newton Running, a Boulder, Colo.-based company that makes shoes that promote an efficient midfoot running gait. He has been making advanced footwear solutions for runners and triathletes for more than 20 years.

Take care,
Lynn Smythe AKA the Run Diva

Run Diva's Reviews of Newton Running Shoes
Run Diva to Test Newton Running Shoes
Newton Women's Neutral Racing Flats

Brooks Green Silence Performance Running Shoe

 

News

Brooks® Sports Debuts Green Silence Performance Running Shoe

Sustainable Element Incorporated into Every Aspect of the Shoe
Groundbreaking Move for Industry and Beyond

Bothell, Wash. – June 17, 2009

Leading running company Brooks Sports, Inc. (www.brooksrunning.com) announced today the upcoming launch of the Green Silence, a groundbreaking competition racing flat that boasts a sustainable element in each part of the shoe. Using soy-based inks, water-based adhesives, and recycled materials, Green Silence incorporates sustainability—without sacrificing performance—into every stitch of the shoe, which hits retail February 1, 2010.

In recent years, Brooks has declared its dedication to introducing more eco-friendly design and manufacturing practices as well as more sustainable materials. In 2008, Brooks launched its proprietary BioMoGo midsole, the world’s first biodegradable running shoe midsole that breaks down 50 times faster than traditional midsoles in an enclosed, active landfill. That same year, the company debuted a new shoe box, made of fully biodegradable, 100-percent recycled paperboard. The Green Silence, which will retail for $100, represents another chapter in Brooks’ commitment to environmental responsibility.

“Brooks believes it can continue to lead the running industry when it comes to sustainability,” said Jim Weber, president and CEO of Brooks. “Our latest attempt was to create the most sustainable competition racing flat as technologically possible, without compromising the performance, durability, or aesthetic appeal of the shoe. The result is the Green Silence, which lights the path to bringing more eco-friendlier elements into our future core performance training shoes.”

With direction from Future Concepts Manager Derek Campbell, Brooks spent three years researching sustainable materials and practices to build a shoe that would not only make an eco-statement, but would also successfully deliver the premium performance and durability expected from Brooks.

Green Silence was constructed with less than half (48 percent) as many parts as comparable shoes. Only 26 parts comprise each Green Silence shoe compared to approximately 54 parts in similar styles. And, more than 75 percent of the 26 components have been recycled by consumers. For example, heel counters are made of recycled compact discs; shoe laces, meshes, linings, gillies, and tongue webbings are made from recycled water bottles; and outsoles are made of recycled rubber. These substitutions reduce the energy (41 percent less) and oil (.5 liter less) needed to manufacture each pair of Green Silence shoes.

The dyes, colorants, and adhesives used in production are non-toxic and not harmful to those working in the factory. Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) were lowered by 65 percent. The midsoles, collar foams, and sock liners are completely biodegradable, which reduces waste when the shoes are eventually retired to an active, enclosed landfill.

What’s in a name? Brooks’ Injo Gunasekara, senior industrial designer of footwear and the creative mind behind the Green Silence design, selected the shoe’s name as a nod to its eco-friendlier character (Green) and the belief that sustainability will soon become a consumer expectation rather than a marketable product differentiator (Silence).

“We were told Brooks couldn’t build running shoes that feel great, perform great, look great, and support a healthier environment for years ahead,” said Campbell. “With Green Silence, we shattered that belief. We hope this shoe will serve as an inspiration to others in our industry and beyond.”

By employing its Design for Environment (DfE) approach to the development of Green Silence, Brooks learned key sustainable practices that will flow into the design and production of future footwear offerings.

The running and broader footwear industries recently honored Brooks with public high-fives for the brand‘s sustainability focus. In 2008, Brooks was awarded the 2008 International Green Award from Runner’s World, the 2008 Green Award from Footwear News, and the 2008 Sprout Award from Trail Runner.

For more information about Brooks’ Green Silence and other sustainability initiatives, please visit the company’s Green Room at www.brooksrunning.com/Green+Room/.

About Brooks

Brooks Sports, Inc. is a leading running company that designs and markets a line of performance footwear, apparel, and accessories in more than 40 countries worldwide. A subsidiary of Berkshire Hathaway Inc., Brooks was founded in 1914 and is headquartered in Bothell, Wash., near Seattle. The company’ s mission is to inspire everyone to run and be active by creating innovative gear that keeps them running longer, farther, and faster. Visit www.brooksrunning.com for more information.

Newton Women's Neutral Racing Flats

On June 1st, I posted up that I was waiting for a sample pair of Newton Women's Neutral Racing Flats. The shoes arrived while I was out in Tahoe, doing America's Most Beautiful Bike Ride.

On Tuesday, June 16 and Wednesday, June 17 I got a chance to test out the Newtons for the first time. The Newtons are extremely light weight, with a medium flexibility. They compare well to the Brooks T6 Racers that I have been using. Both shoes are made of a really breathable mesh, perfect for training and racing in our hot and humid south Florida summer weather.

The Newton website gives additional details about this shoe: "The Newton Distance offers greater flexibility in the mid-foot region and its forefoot flex groove allows the feet to work naturally as if barefoot with maximum protection against ground forces. With a low-to-the ground construction and Action/Reaction Technology™ in the forefoot, this eye-catching, lightweight racer gets you to the finish line with less impact and more speed."

Mid Foot Strike
In April I blogged about Trying New Running Style after reading Ken Mierke's book The Triathlete's Guide to Run Training. Mierke is a proponent of mid-foot strike running, rather than heel strike running. I have made the switch from a heel striker to a mid-foot striker, over the last few months, and was looking for a pair of shoes that were designed for that style of running.

I'll be adding additional information and reviews as I continue to test the Newton running shoes. A comprehensive review will be written, once I've finished testing the shoes, on Examiner.com. I am the Miami Running Fitness Examiner for that site. Check out Newton's complete line of running shoes on the Newton website.

Take care,
Lynn Smythe AKA the Run Diva

AeroTech Designs Triathlon Shorts

ABOVE: Bike Diva with her purple AeroTech Designs cycling shorts

AeroTech Designs
Back in June 2008, I blogged about AeroTech Designs cycling shorts on the Bike Diva blog: Affordable Cycling Shorts. During yesterday's 6 mile run, I got a chance to test out a pair of triathlon shorts by AeroTech Designs. I'm already a fan of AeroTech Designs cycling shorts, which cost only $29.95 for solids and awesome prints. I've got solid purple, red and green/black swirl cycling shorts from AeroTech Designs. The purple shorts coordinate well with my purple/green/white Team in Training cycling jerseys. And the look on people's faces when you show up to ride with purple lycra cycling shorts is priceless.

Triathlon Shorts
I got an email about AeroTech Designs new triathlon shorts and decided to give them a try. I ordered a pair of black and a pair of navy blue triathlon shorts. The triathlon shorts have a decent amount of padding, but less than the cycling shorts. The tri shorts are perfect for multisport athletes such as triathletes and duathletes. I'll be wearing my AeroTech Designs triathlon shorts at the duathlon I'll be racing in on Sunday. Besides black and navy, the tri shorts are also available in red, purple and royal blue.

Here's a quick blurb about the tri shorts from the AeroTech Designs website: "Quick Dry Triathlon cycling pad is unique for Triathlon garments, with a single density foam which guarantees optimum protection, while the highly elastic fabric provides total freedom of movement and excellent fit. Three piece pad with baseball type stitching. You will love this pad!"

Check out the AeroTech Designs website when you get a chance. They have a great selection of cycling, triathlon and running clothing at very affordable prices. Their triathlon shorts cost only $29.95 - $34.95 per pair - an incredible bargain!

Take care,
Lynn Smythe AKA the Bike Diva

Run Diva to Test Newton Running Shoes

Fantastic news - I'll be testing a pair of Newton running shoes in the very near future. I saw Newton running shoes mentioned in Nick Heil's article "Shoeless Joe" in the June 2009 issue of Outside magazine.

I sent an email to one of Newton's marketing reps, and asked if they could send me a pair of Newton's women's neutral racing flats to test drive. I'm happy to report that I just received an email from the marketing rep to let me know they will be sending me a pair of Newton's ASAP.

I  will be reviewing the shoes on Examiner.com as the Miami Running Fitness Examiner. I will also post up a more personal review of the shoes here on Run Diva.

According to the Newton website: "Our shoes are designed specifically for midfoot running. These shoes will not make you a midfoot runner, but they will help promote a change in your running form if you are transitioning from a heel-strike stride."

Read the article, Adjusting to the Shoes, on Newton's website to learn more about running with a mid-foot strike.

Also, look at my blog post: Trying New Running Style to read my foray into the world of mid-foot running after reading Ken Mierke's book The Triathlete's Guide to Run Training.

Take care,
Lynn Smythe AKA the Run Diva