A New Year’s Reflection

December 31, 2009

The end of a calendar year is a time for reflection. Attached is my finisher’s certificate from the 2008 Comrades Marathon in South Africa, arguably the greatest of many wonderful experiences in my life outside of family.  Happy New Year!

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Good and Bad

December 31, 2009

To the guy I scared in Supply Pond…think about not wearing head phones in the woods…really?

To the other 2 guys…what a lovely chat! 6 degrees of separation!

http://www.scrcog.org/Trails_files/TrailMapBranfordSupplyPonds.pdf

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Lineup

December 31, 2009

Here’s my lineup for the next few days:

Thursday, New Year’s Eve: OS. I need to change the window…New Year, New You! Thanks to Denise for that.

Friday, New Year’s Day: Frosty 5 K. I plan on running it, if it;s not too yucky! The pump doesn’t like the wetness!

Saturday, Jan 2: Run in OS. I plan to be at the store at 8 a.m. for a run…as we do every weekend. I think Tracy said she will join me…come out, come out!

Up till Saturday is all I can commit to.

Belinda…I know you’re reading this…please come out!

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Asics Gel Kayano 15

December 29, 2009

All remaining Asics Gel Kayano 15s have been taken to the Branford store, where they are available for $99.99.  The shoe retailed for $140.00.  Call 203.483.8222 to check for availability of your size.  We will hold shoes for you for pickup at any of the three stores, whether Branford at 1088 Main Street, Madison at 762 Boston Post Road, or Old Saybrook at 238 Main Street.  We will also ship to you if you prefer.  The men’s red and white color-way is pictured.  In a class of its own without serious challenge from any other manufacturer, the Asics Gel Kayano 15 is a moderate-weight, deeply-cushioned stability trainer for the moderate to severe overpronator.

Men's Asics Gel Kayano 15

Features of the Asics Gel Kayano 15:

  • Biomorphic Fit™ Upper provides superior fit and comfort.
  • Asymmetrical Lacing System conforms to the curvved shape of the foot.
  • 3M® reflective material enhances visibility during low light hours.
  • P.H.F.® (Personal Heel Fit) comprises a memory foam lined heel collar that molds to the athlete’s heel.
  • ComforDry™ insole creates a cooler, drier and healthier shoe environment.
  • DuoMax® midsole technology takes the form of a multi-density midsole material designed to help correct the degree and velocity of pronation.
  • Impact Guidance System (I.G.S.®) better allows the shoe and foot to transition together through the contact, midstance, and propulsion phases of the gait cycle.
  • Forefoot and Rearfoot GEL® Cushioning System is strategically placed at high impact areas in the forefoot and rearfoot for shock absorption.
  • Solyte® is a proprietary cushioning material that provides an exceptionally lightweight midsole with excellent bounce-back and durability.
  • Space Trusstic System® creates a pocket between the Trusstic System® device and the midsole, allowing for greater midsole deformation. Trusstic System® is a molded component that links the rearfoot and forefoot and shores the midfoot.
  • AHAR® Heel Plug (High Abrasion Resistant rubber) has been added to critical areas of the outsole for increased durability.
  • DuraSponge® blown AHAR® rubber compound improves forefoot cushioning and durability.
  • Men’s version weighs 13.00 oz.; women’s version weighs 10.00 oz.

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    Asics 2140

    December 28, 2009

    All remaining Asics 2140s have been taken to the Branford store, where they are available for $69.95.  The shoe retailed for $105.00.  Call 203.483.8222 to check for availability of your size.  We will hold shoes for you for pickup at any of the three stores, whether Branford at 1088 Main Street, Madison at 762 Boston Post Road, or Old Saybrook at 238 Main Street.  We will also ship to you if you prefer.  The women’s white and blue color-way is pictured.  In the same class as the Mizuno Inspire 5, New Balance 769, and Brooks Adrenaline 9, the Asics 2140 is a light-weight, well-cushioned stability trainer for the moderate overpronator.

    Women's Asics 2140

    Features of the Asics 2140:

  • Open mesh upper provides excellent comfort and breathability.
  • 3M® reflective material enhances visibility during low light hours.
  • P.H.F.® (Personal Heel Fit) comprises a memory foam lined heel collar that molds to the athlete’s heel.
  • ComforDry™ insole creates a cooler, drier and healthier shoe environment.
  • DuoMax® midsole technology takes the form of a multi-density midsole material designed to help correct the degree and velocity of pronation.
  • Impact Guidance System (I.G.S.®) better allows the shoe and foot to transition together through the contact, midstance and propulsion phases of gait. This linked componentry enhances the foot’s natural gait from heel strike to toe-off.
  • Forefoot and Rearfoot GEL® Cushioning System is strategically placed at high impact areas in the forefoot and rearfoot for shock absorption.
  • Solyte® offers a proprietary cushioning material that provides an exceptionally lightweight midsole with excellent bounce-back and durability.
  • Gender Specific Space Trusstic System® creates a pocket between the Trusstic System® device and the midsole, allowing for greater midsole deformation and more efficient foot function. Trusstic System® is a molded component that links the rearfoot and forefoot and shores the midfoot. The gender specificity recognizes the normal periodic changes in the shape of a female arch and allows for the controlled deformation of the arch into the space within the system.
  • AHAR® Heel Plug (High Abrasion Resistant rubber) has been added to critical areas of the outsole for increased durability.
  • DuraSponge® blown AHAR® rubber compound improves forefoot cushioning and durability.
  • Men’s version weighs 11.00 oz.; women’s version weighs 10.00 oz.

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    Mizuno Wave Inspire 5

    December 27, 2009

    All remaining Mizuno Inspire 5s have been taken to the Branford store for listing on our eBay store, http://stores.ebay.com/soundrunnerbranford, for $64.99.  The shoe retailed for $100.00.  Either check on line or call 203.483.8222 to check for availability of sizes.  We will hold shoes for you for pickup at any of the three Sound Runner stores, whether Branford at 1088 Main Street, Madison at 762 Boston Post Road, or Old Saybrook at 238 Main Street.  If you prefer, we can ship the shoe to you.  The blue and yellow color-way for men is pictured.  In the same class as the Asics 2140, New Balance 769, Brooks Adrenaline 9, and Saucony Omni 8, the Inspire 5 is a light-weight, well-cushioned stability trainer for the moderate overpronator.

    Men's Mizuno Inspire 5

    Features of the Mizuno Wave Inspire:

  • SmoothRide Engineering™ minimizes the rapid acceleration and deceleration of your foot.
  • Dynamotion Fit™ mitigates the stress that your foot naturally puts on the shoe for a fit free from distortion.
  • Gender Engineering has been applied to maximize fit and performance by more closely fitting the different running styles of the male and female runner. As men are typically heavier than women and thus produce greater force upon impact, the male running shoe design features a wider, slightly flared sole that increases the landing area for a more stable and secure run.
  • AIRMesh™ constructed upper creates a highly breathable environment for your foot.
  • Ortholite® sockliner delivers a responsive first feel while imparting moisture transport and anti-microbial function.
  • Intercool™ technology provides a full-foot dynamic ventilation system that rids the inner shoe environment of hot humid air. Blistering is minimized and comfort is enhanced as the foot stays cooler because, as the midsole is compressed, hot air is transferred from the midsole to the outsole and then outside the shoe via a linked system of holes, channels and ports.
  • Wave® technology combines both cushioning and stability. Composite Double Fan Wave provides the ideal blend of support and cushioning for excellent transition.
  • Responsive AP MidSole offers a lightweight yet durable midsole material that enhances take-off.
  • VS-1™ cushioning compound absorbs forces of impact in the heel and forefoot.
  • X-10™ carbon rubber has been added to high impact areas of the outsole for increased durability and better traction at heel strike.
  • Forefoot of the outsole is constructed with SmoothRide Engineering™ and solid rubber for cushioning, flexibility and durability.
  • Men’s version weighs 11.00 oz.; women’s version weighs 10.00 oz.

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    Runner’s Rule #5 Watch Your Step

    December 26, 2009

    Okay, we’ve  all that situation where you had to step over gum, beer cans and glass bottles…and hopefully don’t get hurt . While most people are not “litterbugs,” there are some some that just don’t care and throw whatever from their car windows.

    Another “watch your step” experience is when you run down the street and find things that just don’t make sense…case in point: I was finishing up a run through town one day, and I must have stepped on something, I didn’t see or feel it at the time. I got back to the store and found a baby’s pacifier wedged in the heel of my shoe (they were Mizuno’s that’s why it makes sense). I can tell you from experience that no parent intentionally dropped this…no purposeful littering was involved!

    Remember: Mighty injuries from little acorns (pacifiers) grow…if those acorns (pacifiers) are underfoot. In this case thank goodness for the unique engineering of the Mizuno Wave Rider, if not for that, I could have been injured by a “pacifier”!

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    Mizuno Wave Rider 12

    December 25, 2009

    All remaining Mizuno Wave Rider 12s will be taken to the Branford store for listing on our eBay store, http://stores.ebay.com/soundrunnerbranford, for $64.99.  Either check on line or call 203.483.8222 to check for availability of sizes.  We will hold shoes for you for pickup at any of the three Sound Runner stores, whether Branford, Madison, or Old Saybrook. If you prefer, we can ship the shoe to you.  The blue color-way for women is pictured.  The Wave Rider is a light-weight, well-cushioned trainer for the neutral runner.  Although marketed in the same general class as the Asics Cumulus, Nike Pegasus, and Brooks Radius, I do not believe the Rider is truly comparable to any other shoe on the market.

    Mizuno Wave Rider 12

      Features of the Wave Rider:

  • SmoothRide Engineering™ minimizes the rapid acceleration and deceleration of your foot.
  • Dynamotion Fit™ mitigates the stress that your foot naturally puts on the shoe for a fit free from distortion.
  • Gender Engineering has been applied to maximize fit and performance by more closely fitting the different running styles of the male and female runner. As women have a wider pelvis than men that causes increased pronation upon landing, the female running shoe design features more flexible soles, with more pronounced flex grooves, and a more rounded outside heel for a softer landing and slower inward roll of the ankle that yields a more desired transition.
  • AIRMesh™ constructed upper creates a highly breathable environment for your foot.
  • Ortholite® sockliner imparts moisture transport and anti-microbial function.
  • Intercool™ technology provides a full-foot dynamic ventilation system that rids the inner shoe environment of hot humid air. Blistering is minimized and comfort is enhanced as the foot stays cooler because, as the midsole is compressed, hot air is transferred from the midsole to the outsole and then outside the shoe via a linked system of holes, channels and ports.
  • Wave® technology combines both cushioning and stability. Composite Parallel Wave promotes superior shock absorption and dispersion along with a noteworthy transition.
  • Responsive AP MidSole offers a lightweight yet durable midsole material that enhances take-off.
  • VS-1™ cushioning compound absorbs forces of impact in the heel and forefoot.
  • X-10™ carbon rubber has been added to high impact areas of the outsole for increased durability and better traction at heel strike.
  • Forefoot of the outsole is constructed with SmoothRide Engineering™ and solid rubber for flexibility and durability.
  • Men’s version weighs 10.00 oz.; women’s version weighs 9.00 oz.

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    Plantar Warts – What They Are

    December 23, 2009

    Perhaps plantar warts are not such a pleasant topic, but they certainly are a common ailment.  I tolerated a mosaic of plantar warts for more than two years before going to the podiatrist.With treatment, the warts cleared completely in five weeks.  What is a plantar wart?  A wart is an infection caused by a very common virus, which invades the skin through small cuts or breaks.  Over time, the wart develops into a hard, irritating growth, typically on the bottom (plantar) of the foot.  Warts appear spongy, with tiny red, brown, or black spots.  Sometimes mistaken for corns or calluses, they can persist for years and recur in the same spots.  Left untreated, warts can spread to other parts of the foot or body.  Every wart has nerves and its own blood supply created by a root tapping into the circulatory system.  Next: how the podiatrist treated my warts.

    Mosaic Plantar Warts

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    The Last Mile

    December 18, 2009

    I conclude this mini-series on the mile with the record holders.  For the men, Hicham El Guerrouj of Morocco set the mark at 3:43.1 on July 7, 1999.  On the women’s side, Svetlana Masterkova of Russia lowered the standard to 4:12.6 in 1996.  Mary Decker Slaney of the United States ran the third fastest IAAF-ratified mile by a woman in 4:16.7 in 1988.  The last American man to compete at that level in the mile arguably was Jim Ryun, who posted 3:51.1 in 1967.  Alan Webb currently holds the American record for men of 3:46.9, set in 2007.  Records for the mile are more than ten years old, and ripe to be broken if that can be done at a time in history when the ability to test for banned substances appears to have improved at a rate greater than the ability to avoid detection.  Watch as El Guerrouj sets an enduring mark http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XvCsj7eJKKA.  You can watch Masterkova win gold in 1996 in the 1500m, but her world record effort was not captured on film http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3beMZ_IseR0.

    Svetlana Masterkova

    Hicham El Guerrouj

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