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Review of Newton Distance Trainer
Newton Running was the first company to design a shoe specifically to truly facilitate a midfoot/forefoot strike while running. The inspiration for the design, along with the company's namesake, came directly from Sir Isaac Newton and his Third Law of Motion: "For every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction." The idea was to create a shoe that would not only encourage a more athletic and efficient footstrike, but one that would also allow for a greater rate of energy return. This is accomplished by constructing a shoe with a less drastic heel-to-toe drop (between 0mm-4.5mm/0-3%, depending on the model) which promotes the midfoot strike initially, in addition to the use of "Actuator Lugs": protruding platforms that, when the foot strikes, press into separate chambers and membranes built into the midsole that, according to newtonrunning.com, allows for a 44% reduced impact and a 23% greater return of energy. As a result, the wearer will reap the benefits of greater efficiency, quicker recovery, and hopefully a noticeable improvement in their overall running. Additionally, Newton claims that, as a result of the technology used in the construction of the shoe, it can greatly outlast the typical 500-mile limit of most standard trainers, stating that the Distance trainer can maintain a lifespan of 800-1000 miles(!).
I can say with all certainty that Newton shoes feel akin to no other shoe I have ever worn. While walking or simply standing in the Distance trainer, it gives the impression of a negative heel drop, where the height of the forefoot is above that of the heel. Running in them is a different story altogether. Being a midfoot-striking runner already, I felt as though I acclimated to these shoes rather quickly. They are very light, very airy, and very soft, which is uncharacteristic of most shoes in this particular category. The best way to describe the feeling while running is "bouncy", as it truly does provide excellent impact protection and energy return. I felt light on my feet, and didn't feel fatigued at the end of my run at all, which is surprising considering I was moving at a pretty good clip (for me, anyway). As much as I loved this shoe, it is NOT a shoe you purchase and attempt to continue your current mileage using ONLY this shoe, seeing as it is completely different from anything most of us have ever worn. Considering the fact that many runners are heel strikers, I would recommend purchasing this shoe with the intention of using it as a training tool to improve your form, which is easy to accomplish when utilizing Newton's website that is chock-full of great videos and other information to make the transition as effortless as possible. Over time, you can use these as your daily trainers with the intent of becoming a more efficient runner, which could lead to faster times, less frequent injury, and longer distances. Come give them a shot at Fleet Feet Nashville!
(Note: Fleet Feet also stocks the MV2, Newton's Racer)
Garmin Forerunner 610 Reviewed
Garmin Forerunner 610 ~ $400
Nerds, gadgeteers, Type-A's, lend me your ears! The Garmin Forerunner 610 is here!
This sleek, lightweight training tool is the latest addition to Garmin's line of GPS-enabled watches. It retains many of the features adored by those who own or have owned the Forerunner 405 or 410: dual sport capability, various training modes/workouts, ANT+ technology, heart rate-based calorie computation (in the case of the 410), Virtual Partner, and a lower profile than its predecessors. However, they have made the 610 much easier to manipulate by designing it with a touch screen as opposed to the push-button or touch bezel technology of the previous models. In addition to retaining the Virtual Partner training option, Garmin developed for the 610 an addition feature, the Virtual Racer. Virtual Racer works similarly with the Virtual Partner feature, except that it allows you to race against your personal best times or even personal records of anyone else who downloads their information to Garmin's online training pages. Other updates include a Vibration Alert, which activates along with an audible alarm when you reach a training goal (pace, heart rate, distance, calories, etc.), a navigation feature that leads you back to the beginning of your run, and an increased level of customization on the individual training pages.
Having used the Garmin 405 for almost two years now, and to great avail, it didn't take much time to acclimate to the 610. After programming the watch and inputting the required personal information to accurately determine the effectiveness of my exercise (which only took about three minutes) I was literally off and running, in this instance with the Tin Roof 2 Running Crew. There was never any discrepancy with the satellite signal, and although I noticed "cross-talk" with other heart-rate monitors while maneuvering through the crowd before we departed, it never happened during the run itself. The touch screen feature took a little bit of practice in regards to exactly how much pressure needed to be implemented to activate the next screen. This, however, also happened to be the case when I first used the 405 and its touch bezel as well, so as not to be interpreted as a criticism. I was particularly impressed with how the touch screen is impervious to the influence of water coming in contact with it which, on a touch bezel model, would have invariably changed the screen if one forgot to lock the bezel. Also appreciated was the heart rate-based calorie computation, a feature I was not afforded with the 405. Another conclusion that I reached was that I thought I had been burning more calories than I actually was during one of my favorite runs. So, much to my dismay, I was only able to order one Sam Adams Oktoberfest to pair with my usual after-run entree, the Tin Roof Salad with chicken, as to not feel TOO guilty (haha). A small price to pay for accuracy, I suppose. Anyone looking to increase their training, get a better bead on the effectiveness of their workouts, or those who simply want all the bells and whistles, this is the training tool you need. Come check it out at Fleet Feet Sports Nashville!
Brooks Pure Project to The Hill Runners
Taylor Matchok, Brooks Running Shoes Technical representative will be joining the Spring Hill walk/run on Wednesday September 28th at 6:30pm. She will bring along samples from the Brooks Pure Project, their new line of revolutionary minimalist shoes which will be exclusively available at Fleet Feet Sports Brentwood on October 1, 2011.
There also will be drawings for prizes that will include items from the Brooks Nitelife line (reflective vests gloves, wrist bands, apparel and hats). These Nitelight items are exactly what we need to keep us safe as on our walk/runs as the day light hours shorten.
Why We Don't Use a Foot Scanner
Written by: Stephanie Blozey, Fleet Feet Sports West Hartford, CT
Many people wonder why we don't use a "foot scanner" that you can step on to determine what shoe or insole is right for you. These computerized scanners, which are being installed in drug stores and superstores, show your foot's pressure points and arch type. It's a fancy way of doing the "Wet Test": wet your feet and stand on a surface, like a brown paper bag, that leaves a visible footprint. The wider the band that connects your heel and ball, the lower the arch you have.
Your arch type effects your biomechanics and is an important component of choosing the right shoe for your foot, but it is only part of the FIT story since at least 20% of people's arches act differently than they "should". Here at Fleet Feet Sports, our FIT Process has three main components that help us define your foot and make the best shoe recommendations for you: foot morphology, biomechanical assessment and "other".
Foot morphology is a fancy way of saying that we analyze your foot size, shape and arch type. This is done by visually looking at the foot statically and dynamically (important since you are in motion when you run!) and taking multiple measurements with an old-fashioned Brannock device. This helps us to choose the right size shoe and shoe brand since each shoe company fits a certain shaped foot better. That is why your friend may swear by his Asics shoes, but they cause you pain.
Next, we examine your biomechanics by determining your arch flexibility and doing a gait analysis (either watching you walk barefoot or with our video gait analysis software). This tells us if you overpronate, supinate or are naturally efficient which in turn, governs what type of shoe (neutral, stability or motion control) you need, as well as the curvature of your shoe's last. Key here is arch flexibility since a rigid arch needs extra cushioning to help attenuate the shock produced when the foot hits the ground at forces of 2-4 times body weight. Whereas, a flexible arch disperses shock better, but all that flexibility in the mid and fore foot can cause overpronation which stresses and torques your feet, shins, knees, hips and back causing its own host of problems.
Finally, we take other special considerations into account like your gender, weight, training surface, weekly mileage, injury status, orthotics and structural deviations in the foot like bunions and extra bones. We put all this data together and bring out 2-3 pairs of shoes that we think will fit you best. Don't be surprised if one of those first shoes feels amazing - it means that we did our job right!
When you think about it, the foot is a marvelous structure. It has 28 bones (including the sesmoids), 33 joints, 112 ligaments, plus tendons, nerves and blood vessels that work in unison to support, balance and propel your body. No two feet are exactly the same nor do they always fit into a specific category. Don't cheat your feet and let a computer scan recommend an orthotic or running shoe for you. An injury is going to cost you a lot more, monetarily and mentally, than a good pair of shoes. Invest in your feet. Let our Fit Professionals teach you about your feet and help you find the perfect fit. We guaranteed it!
Tom Raynor Inducted Into NSGA Hall Of Fame
The CEO of Fleet Feet, Incorporated, Tom Raynor, will be inducted into the National Sporting Goods Association (NSGA) Hall of Fame at a ceremony tomorrow, during the 47th Annual NSGA Management Conference. The NSGA has honored Sporting Goods leaders since 1956 but this year’s inductees bring the total number of Hall of Famers to only 150.