What Type of Marathon Runner Are You?

Do you run just for the sake of running? Do you run to keep your weight down? Do you run to fit into that favorite bathing suit? Is running your social event?

The following list of "Running Types" was taken from the article "A Typology of Marathon Runners" by Benjamin M. Ogles (published in the Journal of Sport Behavior, March 2003). Unfortunately I do not have a copy of this article for the blog but I do have an excerpt containing the list. Read the following list and determine what of runner you are, then post your comment on the blog.

So are these correct? Is it safe to say that all runners can fit into these "types"? While I have never run a marathon before, I am a #2 runner in general for sure!

--Cassie

1) Running Enthusiasts- Endorse a wide variety of reasons to run, including health, self-esteem, weight management, personal goal achievement, recognition, affiliation, life meaning, etc. Typically older and more marathon participation. More likely to run with other runners and disproportionately female.

2) Lifestyle Managers- Personal goal achievement, self-esteem, health orientation, psychological coping, weight concern, life meaning. Motivated by interest in improving physical and psychological well-being. Not motivated by social and competitive reasons for running. More likely to train alone and run slower marathons. Train fewer miles and days. Less likely to train twice in one day. Disproportionately female.

3) Personal Goal Achievers- Personal goal achievement is motivation to run. Motivated primarily by improving running performance and speed to the best of their capabilities. Not motivated by competition with other runners, only with themselves. Somewhat younger, faster times, training more miles, disproportionately male.

4) Personal Accomplishers- Personal goal achievement, self esteem, health-orientation. Primarily concerned with accomplishment (i.e. a general sense of positive participation). Weight concern, life meaning, and psychological coping are not main reasons for running. Rated near the middle on most variables (i.e. "average" for some of the variables mentioned above), disproportionately male.

5) Competitive achievers- Personal goal achievement, self-esteem, health-orientation, competition, life meaning. Competition with others is main motive for running. Younger, faster marathon times, train more days, likely to train twice in one day, disproportionately male.

New Balance Connections

New Balance has a new site just for runners training for the LaSalle Bank Chicago Marathon; NewBalanceConnections.com. Check this site out for training tips, nutritional advice and expert guidance from world renown marathoners.

You can even participate in live chat with world class athletes and featured competitors. This is a great resource for new and veteran runners alike, there really is something for everyone.

You will need to register and set up a user name, password, and also enter some information about yourself to set up your account; it really just takes a second. But once you do, you will have access to incredible information just for the marathoner in training!

Have a look, then give us your review below...

--Cassie

What is a Shoe Last?

This is a common question people have about New Balance shoes; "What is a Shoe Last?" All New Balance shoes are constructed around a wood or plastic model called a 'last.' The last effects the overall fit of the shoe. The most common lasts are 'SL-1' and 'SL-2.' You can find out more about Shoe Lasts on NBwebexpress.com.

Each New Balance shoe last creates a specific fit for men's, women's and kids' shoes. Once you know the last you need, you can search for shoes based on your desired shoe last. I personally prefer an SL-2 last...it's the most comfortable for me and gives my foot a little room to breath.

Did this answer any questions? Let us know...

--Cassie

Zhang Huimin Age 8: Too Young for a Marathon?

Check out this unbelievable article about Zhang Huimin, an 8 year old marathon runner from Lingao, China.

I found this article on a trail running blog created by ultra-runner Scott Dunlap. This article is from CentreDaily.com and was originally written by Evan Osnos for the Chicago Tribune.

Is this story a testimony of the human spirit and drive to perform your best? Or is this the story of an overzealous father and an over-trained young girl? You be the judge... post your comments and let us know.

This is a slightly older story dated May 2007, but I just couldn't pass it up.

Please note: Zhang Huimin is now 8 years old, at the time of this article she was 7.

--Cassie

New Balance - How New Balance Shoes are Made

Ever wonder how your New Balance shoes find their way to your feet? Of course you are the one who picks them out and brings them home, but how did they get to the store shelf or that website?

Check out this awesome video from YouTube.com. This 4 minute video shows us how New Balance shoes are constructed and the effort put into each pair.

Watch Now!