It’s no secret that a run around the block can be very rewarding for an individual. However, some are turning that “me” time into something more than just a therapeutic jog. It’s called eco-running, and according to Wikipedia, it is the variation of recreational running in which the participant collects litter on the surrounding path.

Stop your run to pick up trash? This might sound like a good way to throw off your pace and keep you from making that next PR. But for Samuel Huber, running isn’t about personal goals.

Known as the Eco-Runner, Huber has taken the term eco-running to the next level. Together with his wife, Huber has created a website dedicated to this fitness philosophy—mixing a cardio workout with the act of giving back to the community by keeping it clean. We caught up with him last week via email to learn more about this inspiring mindset.

When did you start eco-running?

I started eco-running in the spring of 2007. I realized, shortly after moving to the city of Milwaukee, that our urban landscapes are rather overrun with litter. I noticed it even more as I began running different routes throughout the city. Having trash brush up against me as I ran was too much to handle. Therefore, the start of Ecology Runner.

What inspired the name Eco- or Ecology Runner?

The inspiration came while running down a trail from Lake Park to Bradford Beach on the eastside of Milwaukee, I looked into the woods and was shocked at the amount of trash I saw. As far as the eye could see, there was litter mixed amongst the leaves, hung up on branches, and blowing through the fallen debris. I thought, “How ridiculous; someone has to do something about this.” No one else was around, so I picked up a plastic bag stuck on a tree and DID something about it.

Later that night, I recalled my act and thought about how good it felt to clean up, and how nice it looked after I was done. I loved my run, and the positive environmental change that I made, however small. The name, Ecology Runner, came along shortly after I decided others needed to know; the website followed.

What do you have to say to those who believe eco-running would disturb their pace?

Well, I always mention that ecology runners are a different breed of runner. In my philosophy, I mention the environment over ego ideal. Think about your weekly running routine. Whether it’s 20, 50, or more than 80 miles per week, those hours add up to a lot of “me” time. Therefore, I’ve thought about what I can do to change this; combining this “me” time with the bigger picture. I am always in training, so I never consider a few stops along the way detrimental to my fitness. I consider those stops a pleasure.

Eco-runners look beyond their watch, pace, PR and internal goals. They run in awe of the natural beauty that surrounds them. As much as they appreciate nature, they also realize its delicacy. Furthermore, eco-runners know they can make a difference. They add environmental awareness and sustainability to their list of running goals. They beautify our world while they run.

Can you eco-run on a treadmill? Using a treadmill altogether doesn’t seem very eco-friendly…

Nope. Did you know that out of all motorized pieces of fitness equipment, treadmills use the most energy? You’ll pile up your CO2 emissions in a hurry on one of those beasts. Avoid.

What is the strangest/unbelievable piece of litter you have ever encountered?

A stove, refrigerator, and microwave lumped together in the ditch. The fridge was still full of food. Not a pretty site; and it took more than me to take care of that mess (I called for reinforcements, the local salvage yard).

What are some tips for folks who would like to start eco-running?

Use up the plastic bags you have lying around your house for your eco-runs. Once those are gone, use a reusable bag and wash it, or purchase biodegradable bags. Enjoy nature, take pride in the good deed, don’t worry about time, and feel the deep burn from the frequent squats you’ll be performing (hee).

What is your favorite kind of running shoes? How do you apply your eco-friendly lifestyle to your footwear?

I am a huge advocate of the natural running style; therefore, my go-to shoes are Newton Running shoes. I love this company! I’ve worked with Danny and Jennifer Abshire, as well as members of the Newton staff, and they are really stand-up, respectable, and kind people. Newton Shoes provide the most natural form of running while protecting the foot from injury. They promote proper foot strike, balance, weight return and posture. They also look amazing!

In addition, they are a very socially responsible company and implement the following environmentally-friendly features in each pair of shoes: 100% recycled yarn shoe laces, 100% recycled webbing ECOPET Recycled insole topcover that also incorporates anti-friction and anti-bacteria technology, a minimum of 10% recycled outersole rubber, 100% post consumer recycled material shoebox and soy ink, (please reuse or recycle this shoe box), no hang-tags and a reusable Newton 10 Laws to Running Better shoe divider.

[Image via Flickr]

Gearing up in proper footwear is essential for someone who goes running quite often.

It seems like every year now I’m going to the store to get myself a new pair of high performance running shoes, and every time I have selected a different style or brand. Because I run so much on hard terrain, I wear down the cushioning. I don’t want to suffer from dodgy knees when I get older, so it’s imperative to get the right support from my footwear.

Recently I bought a pair of Karrimor Pace running shoes with gel cushioning. At just £30 ($50), they are on the lower end of the market. However, the price works for those on a tight budget. I have had positive experiences with shoes in this price range and have found that they’ve held up well.

The only reason I was forced to abandon my previous shoes, a pair of New Balance 738, was because of worn cushioning. The material also had stretched—so much so that I had to wear two pairs of socks to feel secure in them.

While running my usual route with my new Karrimors, I was struck by how secure my feet were inside them. The mesh upper keeps my feet from moving around too much and therefore prevents friction blisters.

The shoes feature a special shape in the ankle and heel region that keeps feet secure. The lining around the ankles and heels are synthetic and soft with just enough support to hold your foot into one place. This made it easier for turns where on occasions before I have found that my heel shifts when turning quickly.

One of the most important aspects of the shoe is its cushioning. As I mentioned earlier, I run on hard terrain, so I was hoping that the gel cushion would provide ample support. I was slightly disappointed. The ride feels a bit too hard. While it is not uncomfortable, the level of comfort did not compare to my last pair of shoes.  When I ran in my New Balance shoes, they made me feel as if I was running on air.

You definitely feel as if you are running on the hard ground in the Karrimor shoes. My suggestion would be to add more gel inside the heel to reap the benefits from it. Sadly, I feel that the amount of gel included in the shoe is reflected in the price. In other respects they are very adequate. The aforementioned security features and ‘snugness’ are a major benefit.

The high arch and quality of the material will hopefully mean that these shoes will last me for a good while yet. However I may have to leave them as summer running shoes and invest in more cushion for the winter.

Overall if you are on a tight budget and run on soft terrain, these shoes are a very good investment. Hard terrain runners, you will be better off spending a bit more cash to get the cushioned running shoes you need.

—

Guest author Christian Radnedge is a sports journalist in London, England for AroundTheRings.com. Having worked in a sports store as a teenager, Radnedge still maintains an interest in sports good technologies especially footwear. Follow him on Twitter at @ChristianRad. 

Spring is a magical time that only occurs a few weeks out of the year. It’s when the world seems alive again—growing, sprouting, blooming right before our eyes. It’s easy to be swept up in that energy of revitalization. It inspires us to head straight for the door and run for miles upon miles letting the cool breeze and sweet smells encapsulate us every step of the way.

But hold your horses. Some of us might not be fully prepared to leap into that five-mile run.

That’s why we need your help. Take yourself back to those first few runs you ever did. There has to be one or two things you wish you’d known back then that you most definitely know now. It might be a certain meal you eat or a stretch you do that really does the trick. Maybe it’s an app you use or an outfit you wear that helps you train better than ever. And, yes, it can even be the running shoes.

For your insight into training, you could be greatly rewarded. What’s up for grabs? A New Balance outfit to cover your spring training needs. That’s right. We will dress you from head to toe in New Balance gear. This includes a technical running shirt, running shorts or skirt and New Balance running shoes of your choice. 

So, how can you win? All you have to do is answer the simple question below in the comment section of this post:

What’s your favorite spring training tip?

What makes a good tip? Be specific, accurate and transparent. If there are sources, cite them. If you are living proof, show it. Did a YouTube video help you with a training method? Share it.

The best tips will be selected by the staff of RunningShoes.com. The winners will be announced each Wednesday for the next four weeks. Since  a new winner will be chosen every week, feel free to enter multiple times with new tips! To kick things off, our first tip comes from the New Balance 5K Training program. It says: “On your first day of running it is ok to walk and jog. Trying to do too much too fast will cause problems.”

This very basic tip is something we often forget. Now tell us what else we’re missing from our routine!

UPDATE: We have our first winner! Congratulations to Laura Newman. We will be contacting you soon about your prize! Laura left the following tip:

“Low, slow, and close to the ground!”
Don’t over stride, don’t go out too fast, and don’t bounce. Basically, apply simple rules of physics. Run in whisper mode — if you’re stomping or thudding, you’re converting energy into sound and NOT into forward motion. If you’re a beginner, run til you can’t control you’re breath, and then walk (quick pace) til you can and repeat. I know it sounds too simple and obvious to work well, but it does. I went from 230 lb couch potato in March 2011 to walking. I started running August 9th, 2011. I ran my first marathon (River City) on March 25th, 2012 (4:58:17) and minus 100 lbs. Yes, you can too! If I can do it, anyone can do it! My favorite fitness app is Endomondo. It works on smart phones or you load Garmin or Fitbit data directly into it. It maps your runs, keeps your stats, calculates your pace, cals burned, etc. The stats and graphs make it easy for any newbie runner to dial into what works for you. Here’s the local news story covering my marathon. http://www.kcra.com/video/30757870/detail.html

This week we also have another tip from our partner New Balance. In the following New Balance-sponsored video, the following is suggested:

“A lot of overuse injuries come from not doing basic things like stretching and not warming up. Having a good routine in place is an important part of injury prevention.”

Watch the full video below.

We’re back again with the winner of week 2. And it is … (drum roll please!) … Jim Williams! Here is what Jim recommends for spring training:

 Running need not be your end goal. Instead, make it part of your means to an end. Find yourself a road race six to eight weeks out from when you are starting out. Make that race your goal and running part of reaching that goal. The knowledge that you are working towards something bigger will help keep you motivated. I used a Couch to 5K app to get me started and found their corresponding Facebook page. After every training run, I posted my success on their wall. I found that many others were doing the same and it made for great encouragement and support. After finishing the 9 week app, I found that there is also a C25K Grads page that I still post to regularly.  Post your daily successes on your own Facebook wall. Nothing beats encouragement from friends and family. You may even inspire someone else to start running too.

In addition to Jim’s tip, we found this great tip on New Balance’s Race Day Tips page. Check it.

If you run on a softer, uneven surface like unpaved ground you will have a lower impact workout and the muscles in your lower legs will get stronger to accommodate the uneven surface.

For those who feel like they can’t slow down, hold your horses. Our week 3 winner has actually increased her pace by taking brief walk breaks as needed. Check out what Rose has to say:

My absolute favorite training tip (and one that has gotten me this far into my running) is to not be afraid to walk. Jeff Galloway says it best, “Walk breaks will significantly speed up recovery because there is less damage to repair. The early walk breaks erase fatigue, and the later walk breaks will reduce or eliminate overuse muscle breakdown.” I used to think that walking during my run made me “less of a runner” or that it was going to make me slower. Now that I’ve committed to taking walk breaks, I’ve not only dropped time off my pace but I’ve also been able to run longer distances and feel so much better the next day. So don’t worry if the crazy person running full speed past you is beating you while you’re walking–they’ll probably crash and burn 3 miles in while you’ll still be going strong.

While some of us might need to slow it down, others are ready to pick up the pace. If you are ready to really push yourself, the New Balance Race Day tips page offers this advice:

I try to keep my training runs intense. I don’t mean going all out all the time. But I expect my training runs to be fast. I want to teach my body to adjust to being as fast as I can for as long as I can. Then when race day comes, I’m all about keeping it comfortable. But since my training has been intense and fast for me, comfortable becomes faster.

If comfortable becomes faster, what happens when the temperatures outside start to rise? Our final winner Marcus gives us insight on how runner’s should dress no matter what them thermometer says:

New runners always struggle with how to play, “Dress the Runner.” Deciding what to wear for a given temperature can be tricky, and the wrong decision can make the difference between a great run and a miserable run. When I first started running twenty-five years ago, I learned about the “20 Degree Rule,” from Jim Fixx’s Complete Book of Running and I still adhere to it today. Whatever the current temperature is outside, I simply add 20 degrees to it, and dress if I were going to just “hang out” at that temperature. It’s a fool-proof strategy to keep me comfortable for the entire workout.

Last but not least, New Balance’s Race Day tips page leaves us with this sage advice: “Pace yourself and you will be on the winning side.”

This giveaway is open to U.S. and Canadian residents only. One winner will be announced on each Wednesday in April 2012. The contest ends on April 25 with the announcement of the final winner.  The contest has now ended. Thank you to everyone who participated! Feel free to continue to leave your spring training tips in the comments section. Happy Training!

Two years and two iterations later? Not much has changed with the Saucony Progrid Kinvara, which many runners believe is a good thing. The Kinvara 3 maintains the same weight (7.7 oz) and drop (4mm) combination we first fell in love with. Moreover, Saucony has revised the upper to make it lighter and more flexible than ever.

We caught up with Patrick O’Malley, Saucony’s Senior Vice President of Global Product, at Outdoor Retailer in January. This is what he had to say about the Kinvara’s recent success:

“When we started with the Kinvara 1 & 2, the whole idea was minimalism for the masses. Instead of doing something that was completely barefoot inspired, we wanted to take so much out of the shoe that the runner could experience some of the benefits of minimalism but still had the protection they needed to run in the shoe everyday and not get injured. People really responded”

O’Malley was also kind enough to give us a sneak peek of the Kinvara 3, which will make its debut at the Boston Marathon.

Noteworthy Changes

More durable outsole. Extra rubber can now be found on the midfoot area to help midfoot strikers. Additionally, more rubber can be found on the toe-off area.

Smoother heel-to-toe transition. Saucony’s designers have beveled the heel even more to help propel your foot forward with ease.

Lighter, more flexible upper. The upper rocks a new technology called FlexFilm. This material appears in strips that have been melded to the upper’s mesh, which means there is no need for stitches. Designers removed an entire layer from the upper to make it lighter than ever.

Price adjustment. The retail price for the Kinvara 3 has jumped a full $10, making the new MSRP $100.

Insanely bright colors. This women’s line of Saucony running shoes is chock-full of neons, as evident in the photo below. Colors like Citron, hot pink, electric blue and a glowing purple will electrify the roads and trails next season. There are six colors for men and six colors for women.

The Kinvara 3 is expected to arrive in stores May 2012.

What do you think about the Kinvara collection? Will you be stepping into the Kinvara 3?

Feel free to share this with your friends with a link to RunningShoes.com.

We are given one day a year to really put our feelings on display. This Valentine’s Day, we are giving you the chance to do just that. We’ve teamed up with running shoes maker Mizuno for this heart-filled holiday to give away two pairs of the 15th anniversary limited edition Mizuno Wave Rider.

We chose this specific model because of its color scheme—a crystal cranberry for the ladies and a very bright ruby red for the gentlemen. While these are truly the hues of love, we all know that there’s more to running shoes than the color. The latest generation of the Wave Rider is an amalgamation of greatness that the Wave Rider shoe has come to represent. It balances light weight, cushioning and stability with a super smooth ride.

Mizuno Wave Rider 15

Features

• Weight: 8.7 oz
• Limited Edition
• Mizuno Wave: Combines cushioning and stability
• Dynamotion Fit: Reduces lateral stress for optimal fit
• AP+: Increased rebound and a “bouncier” feeling, extending the cushion durability, while maintaining the light weight performance
• SmoothRide: Engineered approach to minimize the rapid acceleration and deceleration of the foot during transition, creating the smoothest ride possible
• Gender Engineering: Maximizes performance by tailoring footwear to the separate needs of men and women
• Mizuno Intercool: Full-length midsole ventilation system reduces heat and humidity buildup inside the shoe
• VS-1: Shock-absorbing cushioning compound found in the heel
• Mizuno Airmesh: Provides the utmost in breathability and comfort in the upper
• X10: Durable carbon rubber that allows for longer wear in high impace areas and supplements traction at heel strike

So, how can you win yourself a pair? All you have to do is answer the simple question below in the comment section of this post. Then the staff of RunningShoes.com will vote on their favorite answer.

What do you love about your running buddy?

Do they always say the right thing to get you motivated? Or do they make killer post-run smoothies? We know there is something about them that keeps you running with them (and not away from them!). Whether it is your best friend, your pet or your significant other, tell us what it is that makes them so darn special.

And if you’re buddy is of the human variety, they could score themselves a pair of new Mizuno kicks too!

This giveaway is open to U.S. residents only. The winner will be announced on Feb. 15, 2012.  

Congratulations to Aubrey Pollesch. She has been selected as the winner! Her inspirational story about her mom and running buddy won over the staff at RunningShoes.com. Please check out the winning entry below. Thank you to everyone who entered. There are some truly amazing running buddy stories out there!

My favorite running buddy is my mom. As of the summer of 2010, my mom could not even run a block. Using her competitive nature to my advantage, I challenged her to run a 5k with me. While I was away at college, she would run in the morning with our dog and call me every day to update me on her distance progress. I would come home almost every weekend to run with her as well. After we completed our first 5k, I challenged her to run 12 races within one year–including a half marathon. At first, it would be me pushing her on the long runs during the weekends- reminding her of what an accomplishment she was completing and how far she had come in just a few months.

Over time, my mom became the motivator. She became excited about running and was always there to push me when I had my rough days. She did her research and made sure we were always prepared with the best running gear and running fuel. She began looking up more races for us to do to meet our 12 races in a year goal. Within a year–together–we ran over 12 races including multiple 5k’s, 8k’s, 10k’s, a half marathon and a duathalon! And there is no end to my mom’s running now that she has completed her goals! While we may not be able to run side by side as we train for races, she is always a phone call away to motivate me to be just like her.

Some of my favorite memories over the past year include: long runs with my mom training for the half, running with my mom the day before my wedding this December (my last run as a single woman), running with my mom around the hospital as a way to clear our heads while my dad was in the ICU for over a week, running with my mom and best friends in a “Race to the Alter” wedding race this November, and the list could go on. At first I thought I would be the one to push and motivate my mom to become a runner. I have quickly learned my mom is the runner in the family, who is always there to push and motivate me to become a better runner and a better person. I am always excited to head home for a weekend to spend time on a long run with my favorite running buddy–my mom! She is the best motivator anyone could ever ask for!

If minimalism is all the rage among runners, consider Saucony the latest trendsetter. Their Spring 2012 line doesn’t just embrace the movement, it dumps the 12mm heel-to-toe drop entirely. In other words, as of May 2012, the entire Saucony line will be minimalist influenced.

This all started with the Kinvara’s debut in 2010, a response to the growing request for a shoe that offers barefoot running advantages without the risks. “We wanted to provide a responsible alternative to folks that wanted some of those benefits of barefoot running without the high risk of injury that may come from it,” said Tim Knowlton, VP of Sales at Saucony.

The Kinvara became such a  popular choice for minimalist runners that the 2011 Kinvara 2 maintained most of its predecessor’s structure, adding slight improvements to midfoot fit, toebox structure and more modern design elements. Because of the shoe’s extreme flexibility, it’s recommended that wearers ease into use to avoid muscle stress and fatigue.

Kinvara 2

Mirage

And though wildly successful, the Kinvara isn’t the only Saucony shoe manufactured for minimalism. The Mirage offers an option for the mild pronator, and the addition of a midfoot support bridge provides motion control while still allowing the runner to enjoy the advantages of a minimalist shoe. This is the safest minimalist shoe Saucony makes for those transitioning from a traditional running shoe, as the bridge helps balance the runner.

Hattori

Saucony also produces an option even closer to barefoot running: the Hattori, with a 0mm drop and weighing a mere 4.4 oz. The Hattori offers no pronotion support, but rather encourages natural movement without restriction. This is a great option for barefoot runners who want to build up their speed.

And as for the Saucony franchise? During Outdoor Retailer 2011, Tim explained how the brand is applying the minimalist successes to other styles. “Higher end traditional running shoes sometimes can be a little too bulky as they are today. We’ve taken some of the learning from these minimal shoes and brought them into our franchise models … kind of blending the different worlds into what we hope will become lightweight, little bit lower profile, new geometries and more efficiency.” Saucony tests found that runners can seamlessly move from a 12mm offset to 8mm without transition, enjoying the benefits that come with a lower offset immediately. As a result, the ProGrid Guide 5, the ProGrid Triumph and the ProGrid Hurricane will all sport 8mm midsoles in the new year.

Which minimal shoe will you sport in the coming year?

What’s the best possible way to end 2011 and kick off 2012? With a sweet new pair of running shoes, of course.

We’ve partnered with running shoes expert Brooks to bring you a very spectacular giveaway. Up for grabs is its No. 1 selling shoe, the Brooks Adrenaline GTS. In its twelfth iteration, the new Adrenaline is an attempt to perfect greatness.

Available in January, the stability shoe features a three density midsole with triple the support. As you roll through your gait cycle, the material is designed to become progressively more firm. This offers a superior amount of support that feels so natural you probably won’t even notice it.

Fans of the Adrenaline line will find a few differences in the new edition; however the fit and feel will remain the same. The latest style includes more mesh to increase the breathability, a friction-resistant heel, a crash pad that encompasses more strides and Flextra technology to optimize forefoot flex. It will be offered in six colors (including a black Gore-Tex version that is already available) and four different widths.

Brooks Adrenaline GTS 12

Features

• Surface : Road/Track
• Pronation : Moderate
• Build : Small, Medium, Large
• Arch : Flat, Medium, High
• Category: Support
• Weight: 11.3 oz
• Platform: Universal
• Construction: Combination
• Anatomical Brooks DNA
• Full-length BioMoGo biodegradable midsole

How can you be one of the first to sport the new Adrenaline GTS 12? Simply answer the question below in our comments section in order to enter. The winner will be selected at random.

What is your running goal for 2012?

Whether it be improving your PR or exploring new routes, we want to know what you have in the works for the new year. Your ambition will inspire others to create their own achievements in the coming 12 months.

How do you set a great goal? Make sure your goal is specific, simple, significant and strategic. Go a step further, and it write down. Keep it somewhere to review it daily. Now hop to it!

This giveaway is open to U.S. residents only. The winner will be announced on Jan. 15, 2012. Congratulations to Brandon Clubb, who won himself a pair of brand-spankin’ new Brooks Adrenaline GTS 12. Thank you to all who participated! 

Image via Flickr

Dreaming of an ultralight, feature-packed trail runner? Look no further than the Single-Track Hayasa from The North Face, weighing in at a mere 8.9 ounces (7.2 for the ladies) while still offering the support you need. J.P. Borod, The North Face Product Director of Footwear, met up with Running Shoes News at Outdoor Retailer 2011 to give us a sneak peek at their latest single-track shoe.

Men’s Single-Track Hayasa

The North Face partnered with Japanese ultra runner Tsuyoshi Kaburaki to create the Hayasa, which translates to “speed” in Japanese. Though light in weight, this shoe is not light in features—the brand’s Cradle technology supports and cushions your heel and underfoot, the nearly seamless construction helps fight abrasion and the C-Delta metatarsal fit system provides medial and lateral stability. “The North Face Cradle technology provides the support you need without the weight you don’t to promote a biomechanically correct stride regardless of the terrain” says J.P. The result is a super light, race-ready shoe.

The Single-Track Hayasa is due out in Spring 2012, available in bright, eye-catching red and blue.

What do you think of the latest in lightweight running shoes?

Featured image via irunfar.com

Hitting their stride with the new Adrenaline GTS 12, Brooks builds on their model of success by adding even more support features to the updated stability shoe, due out in January. We met up with the running shoe company at Outdoor Retailer 2011 to get the lowdown on the 12^th iteration of their No. 1 selling shoe.

Brooks pioneered the three-density midsole, which provides three layers of support for ultimate comfort. The gradual progression through these materials results in a smooth, natural gait cycle for runners who tend to overpronate.

Runners who love the Adrenaline shoes will find the great same fit and feel in the GTS 12. New features include additional mesh to increase breathability, a friction-resistant heel and Flextra technoloy to optimize forefoot flex.

The Adrenaline GTS 12 will be available in three colors and four widths.

Will you be sporting the new Adrenaline GTS in 2012?