Komen for the Cure® - Peggy Bryant

On NBwebexpress.com, every few months or so we feature a new survivor on our Lace Up for the Cure® collection web page. When I first read Peggy Bryant's story entry for this month, I was floored. Her incredible tale of survival literally brought me to tears at my desk. Peggy also happens to be the Survivor Chair for the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure® Quad Cities.

Peggy's story is not only hopeful for cancer patients, but is also very honest. She talks of her fears, hopes, and dreams for her future as not only a Breast Cancer Survivor but as a wife and mother. Her battle with cancer was much more than a "one time" shot or experience, she was actually diagnosed with cancer two times; the second time she was diagnosed the cancer spread to her liver. She re-tells her sometimes scary and uncertain story with incredible strength.

During a speech Peggy gave about being a Survivor, she spoke about what the word 'survivor' actually means. There is a dictionary definition but there also is the "real" definition of a survivor. She asks "Am I a survivor because I have outlived some of my friends, or is there something more?" Peggy Bryant goes beyond a "Survivor", she is an inspiration to all.

Thank you Peggy!

(Peggy pictured above with her husband, Kelly; photo by Greg Boll)

--Cassie

New Balance 790

New styles of the New Balance 790's are here on NB Web Express! Check out the new kid's styles , men's styles and women's casual styles. They are so lightweight and come in so many colors, they have become pretty popular.

But the 790's are more than just a great fashion shoe; the rugged outsole and lightweight feel make them a great pick for light trail running. So, if you're off for a quick, low impact run, the 790's could be the shoe for you. With the heat turning up, who wouldn't need something light and airy for the great outdoors?

Check out the new colors and be ready for fun looks that you might not have seen from New Balance before...

-Cassie

New Balance LOVE/hate on NB Web Express

I guess you have probably already noticed the new "look" to NB Web Express. We have officially made over our site and re-vamped for "LOVE/hate this is the New Balance." You will see splashes of the signature red and inspirational messages from New Balance throughout.

But what does LOVE/hate mean anyway? What is this whole new initiative about?It means all runners/athletes LOVE running and sometimes they can hate it...you may run because of the how it makes you feel, how you perform, what it does to your "game" but sometimes, you just can't get there. You can't get out of bed at 5AM to run in the cold, you don't want to give up that night out for a good run the next day, but you do it. And what about training for sports? Who wants to run suicides at practice when they could be throwing a 3 pointer at the buzzer. That is exactly where New Balance comes in to help. New Balance is driven to put you in the best shoes and apparel possible so jumping out of bed at 5AM is a little easier...well not that easy...but still you will have the right "tools" to make it the best run of your day.

Hope you LOVE the new look...

--Cassie

"Spirit of the Marathon" Returns to Boston

April 17th, the inspirational documentary "Spirit of the Marathon" will return to movie theaters in Boston Massachusetts! There will be a back-to-back screening event at 4:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. ET. This will mark the first stop in a 16 city tour. The film will be exhibited the Thursday prior to major running events across the United States

On Sunday April 20th, one of the marathoners in the documentary, Olympic Bronze Medalist Deena Kastor, will compete in the trials hoping to qualify for her third Olympic Team. She said of her experience with the film, "It was a thrill to be a part of ‘Spirit of the Marathon’ and even more exciting to see the essence of this great sport captured so beautifully. It is my greatest hope that millions will relate to this film and that millions more be inspired by it."

If you are in the Boston area, I strongly suggest checking this movie out. And don't feel you need to have a 6 minute mile pace or a marathon under your belt, athletes and non-athletes alike will take something home from this great movie!

--Cassie

New Balance 1011 - One of the Best Got Better!

The New Balance 1011 running shoe is "one stable ride..." according to RunnersWorld.com.

So what is so great about the 1011? You might be asking this especially if you are a loyal fan of the 1010. The added benefits and updates include an "updated flex groove that runs all the way across the width of the shoe." The better feel for the 1011 is also thanks to the new sock liner and extra cushioning, both huge positives when it comes to high mileage running.

Some features have been carried over from the 1010 including the ROLLBAR® GR for incredible motion control. If you tend to over-pronate, the ROLLBAR® GR will give you that added stability to keep your feet from floating inward as you run.

So if you are a past fan of the 1010, the 1011 might be the next best pick for you...it's great for a change but some good things are just built to last! I think with the 1011 you get the best of both worlds.

--Cassie

The Non-Marking New Balance Outsole

Wood floor owners, racquetball players and gym teachers rejoice! All New Balance shoes contain Non-marking outsoles!

As the spring weather starts "budding" across the nation, now is the time to shop for athletic shoes to keep you in the game as the weather turns warmer. For some of us, that includes shopping for court shoes, or non-marking shoes for basketball courts, tennis courts, etc. While some New Balance shoes are geared specifically for racquetball courts and tennis courts, it is a relief to know that my son's stampeding around our wood floors in his New Balance kicks won't harm the finish...and my husband's NB Zip's won't either!

While you're shopping for athletic shoes this spring, don't pass up the non-marking NB's...they might just save the finish on your floors or make your fitness club happy!



--Cassie