soundRunner's Blog

VIBRAM 5 Fingers in Branford

soundrunnerct — Wed, 28 Jul 2010 03:31:18 +0000

The typical human foot is an anatomical marvel of evolution with 26 bones, 33 joints, 20 muscles, and hundreds of sensory receptors, tendons and ligaments. Like the rest of the body, to keep our feet healthy, they need to be stimulated and exercised.

Many experts believe the shoes we wear not only cast the foot in a protective form, but also weaken our foot and leg muscles, leaving them underdeveloped and more prone to injury. And while there are many occasions where traditional footwear is essential for protection, safety, and security, it is equally important to stimulate and exercise the foot in a more natural state on a regular basis.

Come to soundRUNNER…we can assist you in developing a training program where VIBRAM 5 FINGERS may work!

Blumenthal visits Main Street

soundrunnerct — Fri, 16 Jul 2010 15:09:38 +0000

Recently, Dick Blumenthal came to Main Street in Branford. The following is directly from his website, as it relates to small business: Expanding tax credits for hiring, enlarging small business administration aid, and direct funding to states and cities for infrastructure/public works projects and public safety initiatives. As a small business owner, I would like to see more support for this segment. Don’t get me wrong, I like Mr Blumenthal, he is everywhere…he even runs the Branford Road Race every year…but I would like to see more detail on how he is going to move CT up the ladder as it relates to small business…

FYI!

The information found in the BizJournal is quite interesting. Of course, a lot of this is up to small business to make it work…but in an election year we certainly need to be aware of all the information out there to make sound choices on who gets my/our vote!

By the way, this in no way an endorsement of anyone…I’m still gathering info!! It was also nice that he came to our store…

SIDEWALK SALE IN MADISON (JULY 29-31)

soundrunnerct — Thu, 15 Jul 2010 20:18:23 +0000

Running Can Slow the Aging Process

soundrunnerct — Mon, 12 Jul 2010 20:27:51 +0000

More good news about running. This recent bit is brought to you by BBC News:

Running on a regular basis can slow the effects of ageing, a study by US researchers shows.

Elderly joggers were half as likely to die prematurely from conditions like cancer than non-runners. They also enjoyed a healthier life with fewer disabilities, the Stanford University Medical Center team found. Experts said the findings in Archives of Internal Medicine reinforced the importance that older people exercise regularly.

Survival of the fittest

The work tracked 500 older runners for more than 20 years, comparing them to a similar group of non-runners. All were in their 50s at the start of the study. Nineteen years into the study, 34% of the non-runners had died compared to only 15% of the runners. Both groups became more disabled with age, but for the runners the onset of disability started later – an average of 16 years later. The health gap between the runners and non-runners continued to widen even as the subjects entered their ninth decade of life. Running not only appeared to slow the rate of heart and artery related deaths, but was also associated with fewer early deaths from cancer, neurological disease, infections and other causes. And there was no evidence that runners were more likely to suffer osteoarthritis or need total knee replacements than non-runners – something scientists have feared. At the beginning of the study, the runners ran for about four hours a week on average. After 21 years, their weekly running time had reduced to around 76 minutes, but they were still seeing health benefits from taking regular exercise. Lead author Professor James Fries, emeritus professor of medicine at Stanford, said: “The study has a very pro-exercise message. If you had to pick one thing to make people healthier as they age, it would be aerobic exercise. ”The health benefits of exercise are greater than we thought.” Age Concern says many older people do not exercise enough. Figures show more than 90% of people in the UK over 75 fail to meet international guidelines of half-an-hour moderate intensity exercise at least five times a week. Gordon Lishman, director general, said: “This research re-confirms the clear benefits of regular exercise for older people. ”Exercise can help older people to stay mobile and independent, ensure a healthy heart, keep weight and stress levels under control, and promote better sleep. ”While younger people are barraged with encouragement to lead healthier lifestyles, the health needs of older people are often overlooked.”

Mom and Dad

soundrunnerct — Mon, 05 Jul 2010 23:20:26 +0000

As soundRUNNER begins it’s 2010 season of kid’s running camp we are certain that you will have lots of questions:

When should I trade in my child’s light-up Elmo sneakers for real running shoes? Answer: Once children reach school age (5 or 6) and are doing any kind of structured running, they should be fitted for appropriate running shoes at a specialty running store. Brenda Armstrong, M.D., “Between ages 6 and 12, children’s feet do not grow at the same pace,” says Dr. Armstrong. “One foot is always bigger than the other.” Lack of proper shoe support can lead to shinsplints and ankle problems. Many running-shoe companies make adult-model running shoes in youth sizes. Prices generally range from $40 to $60. For brands and models, go to runnersworld.com/kidshoes or visit soundRUNNER, your local specialty running store, to get your child appropriately fit for a running shoe.

At soundRUNNER, we treat this very seriously. The kids, like the adults that come in to our stores, will have both feet measured, we’ll observe any issues or anomalies their foot/feet may have, discuss their training and what they would like to accomplish, then evaluate which category of shoe they should be in: neutral, stability or motion control.

I am clear with the parent and the child…for the child to be successful and to help them stay uninjured you need to have good equipment. For all intents and purposes a good pair of running shoes that fit well will go a long way to keep a child healthy and active.

It’s Not Too Late

soundrunnerct — Tue, 29 Jun 2010 00:26:01 +0000

REMINDER to all young runner’s the soundRUNNER Branford Parks and Rec Running Camp begins on Monday at 9 a.m. at the Walsh Intermediate school.

To register, go to www.branford-ct.gov or call Julie Francis at 203.483.8222

Branford Jazz on the Green

soundrunnerct — Mon, 28 Jun 2010 22:42:57 +0000

Ed Tankus and the Branford Recreation Department work together to bring us, Jazz on the Green.

The event starts at 6:30 p.m. Come by soundRUNNER Branford early for a little run and then some cool sounds of JAZZ.

Blue Plate Radio is the only station in Connecticut serving up jazz 24 hours a day and seven days a week! Our 6,000 to 8,000 monthly Blue Plate Radio listeners:

Are primarily 45-65 years old

Are located mostly in the Greater New Haven and Shoreline areas

Listen primarily between the hours of 7am and 11pm seven days a week

Tune us in both at home and at work

Listen because we play new artists, local artists, and their favorite artists too

Blue Plate Radio is the official radio outlet for the Branford Jazz on the Green Series set to begin on Thursday, July 1 at 6:30pm and continue for nine Thursday nights in a row, ending on August 26. We expect a significant increase in our monthly audience during the Series and we invite all Chamber members to reach out to our listeners by advertising on Blue Plate Radio. Our rates are below all the traditional media including radio, TV, newspapers, and magazines!

What does a Blue Plate Radio commercial sound like? Click here to listen to our commercial for Toad’s Place. Click here to listen to our commercial for WoodWinds. These files are large so it may take a minute to load then play.

Contact Ed Tankus today at 203.488.0002 or info@blueplateradio.com for more information or to find out how you can connect with our dedicated Blue Plate Radio audience! Don’t forget to ask about advertising opportunities on our forthcoming LIVE interview show, Talking Jazz!

Blue Plate Radio – Greater New Haven’s Premier Jazz Station, serving up the BEST jazz on the planet 24 hours a day and seven days a week and the official radio outlet of the Branford Jazz on the Green Series! We’re UM-MM-MM-MM-GOOD!

RUNSTART Graduation

soundrunnerct — Fri, 25 Jun 2010 21:19:33 +0000

For the last 8 years soundRUNNER has provided programs for individuals to learn to run…alright maybe everyone knows how to run, but it certainly helps those who have been away from running or just needed some motivation or tools to get through the first few weeks. The following is a picture of our newest RUNSTART class…This group just ran their first 5-mile race…The Branford Road Race.

OUR NEXT RUNSTART WILL BE HELD IN OLD SAYBROOK BEGINNING WEDNESDAY, JULY 14 AT 6:30. BELOW ARE A FEW DETAILS, IF YOU NEED FURTHER INFORMATION PLEASE CONTACT CHRIS AT 860.388.3800.

RUNSTART offers an introduction into running. This 12-week program meets on Wednesday at 6:30 p.m. in our soundRUNNER Old Saybrook location and will focus on a gradual transition from walking to running. The program is designed to give individuals the tools to be a successful runner all the while improving fitness and promoting a healthy lifestyle. The individual “runner” will be provided a day-to-day schedule of runs. Classes will be held on Wednesdays by coaches that will supply you with tools to become a successful “runner.”

PREREQUISITE: This class is designed for individuals who can currently walk for 30 minutes briskly. Additionally, you should be in good physical health and have approval and support from your doctor.

FEE: $150.00

CLASS STRUCTURE: Class size is limited so that we can provide the individuals with as much support as they go through this program.

Volunteers for Branford

soundrunnerct — Wed, 16 Jun 2010 13:24:57 +0000

Shout out to anyone interested in volunteering for the 30th Annual Branford Road Race…call 203.824.2729

Minimalist Footwear

soundrunnerct — Fri, 11 Jun 2010 12:47:39 +0000

My gentle readers may be surprised to learn that the minimalist movement in footwear design dates back at least 5500 years, when middle-distance runners in present-day Armenia developed the forerunner to the Nike Free, depicted at left. Several advanced features are readily apparent: first is the use of asymmetrical lacing, anticipating the Asics Kinsei. Next is the low profile of the midsole, made of grass with an Asker durometer measure of approximately 45 degrees, compression-molded by the foot to a 5mm midsole gradient. The grass also performs as a replaceable sockliner.

This shoe is designed for the efficient runner who tends to under-pronate. Note the absence of a medial post. The heel clutch system replaces the traditional heel counter, removing weight from the shoe. The design clearly promotes a smooth transition from mid-foot stance to the propulsion phase of the gait cycle, and equally clearly favors a ball-heel-ball footstrike pattern.

This particular shoe is a men’s US Size 5.5 EU 37 EE, designed to accommodate a foot with hallux valgus, clearly indicated in the wear pattern by the displacement of the first metatarsal-phalangial joint toward the midline of the body, and the consequent displacement of the great toe away from the midline. A more complete description of the shoe can be found at the following NPR link: http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=127627752&sc=ipad&f=1001