You Deserve an Easy Day!

For those who have not heard, The 2007 LaSalle Bank Chicago Marathon was quite the "steamy" scene this weekend. Exhausted and overheated runners, and obscenely warm temperatures made for an eventful Sunday. But in the midst of all of this, approximately 25,000 runners did finish the race.

So, for all the marathoners who ran in Chicago this weekend, you deserve an easy day. Read this article from Runner's World about how to take it easy and recover from strenuous activity. Or, if you decide to take a few days (or even weeks off) do so without guilt. You made it through one of the toughest marathons in history.

To the left is a picture of our own Nick finishing the race. Look for the guy in the yellow tee with his arms up to the right in the photo.

Congratulations to all the runners!

--Cassie

The LaSalle Bank Chicago Marathon - This Sunday

Well, the marathon is just 2 days away and from the looks of the weather reports, it may be a little warm. It is looking to be 86-88 degrees and partly sunny for race day in Chicago.

In our previous blog posts, we discussed some tips on how to keep cool in warmer weather, read up on them before you leave. Make sure to dress for the warmer weather; lightweight tees, running shorts, and perhaps even moisture managing socks could do the trick as it heats up.
Oh, and don't forget to stay hydrated! That may seem obvious but as the excitement builds, you may forget to grab your water bottle. The aid stations are your friends!

But don't let the warmer than usual weather put a damper on your run, just run your best, run safe, and have fun out there.

Marathoners...please feel free to post your marathon stories here, we would love to share in your experiences of the big day. Our in-house marathoners, Nick, Kevin and Shawn are sure to return next week with amazing stories.

Good Luck to Everyone!

--Cassie

The 2007 LaSalle Bank Chicago Marathon - Just Days Away!

With The 2007 LaSalle Bank Chicago Marathon this Sunday, it has been an exciting week at the office here at NB Web Express. Three folks in our main office are running this Sunday. One of them, Nick, who is featured in our "Go Nick" story on Runner's Express and our Chicago Marathon page is running Chicago for the second time, while the other two are hitting 26.2 miles for the first time ever in their running careers.

Kevin, who was featured in a previous post on our blog about his experience in a half marathon, left yesterday for Chicago. He was excited and ready for the start line, and his group of cheerleaders will be there to root him on!

We also have a group of folks headed down there to help with the Health and Fitness Expo where New Balance (as the sponsor) will be a key presence. If you happen to be heading to the Windy City this weekend, pop in and say hello, you will most likely see a group of excited and happy people decked out in New Balance ready to help.

As I have said before in this blog, I have never run a marathon. But after talking our runners and soon-to-be career marathoners, the most important thing to do is your best. Put everything out there and don't be too concerned about time. Keep looking up and looking ahead! You'll hear more from us as Sunday gets closer!

Good Luck!

--Cassie

New Balance and Lace Up! on The Ellen DeGeneres Show

Yesterday, October 1 New Balance made an appearance on the Ellen DeGeneres show! Christine Madigan and Chris Mann of New Balance presented a check for $500,000 to Susan G. Komen for the Cure® from NB's sales of the Lace Up for the Cure® Collection. New Balance donates 15% of all purchases from the Lace Up for the Cure Collection to the Susan G. Komen foundation.

Additionally, another check for $100,000 to Komen for the Cure® was presented on behalf of Ellen to help reach her goal of raising $1 million during October's Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

Each member of the audience also received their choice of the W767SV or WA802BP from NB's Lace Up for the Cure® Collection. How's that for an exciting morning!

And in honor of this important month, now through October 31 on NBwebexpress.com , get a free pair of Lace Up! pink laces with each $15 Lace Up for the Cure purchase. The laces are a cute and stylish way to show your support and hope for a cure!

--Cassie

New Balance 800 - Runner's World Editor's Choice

The New Balance 800 trail running shoe has been awarded the prestigious title of Editor's Choice by Runner's World magazine. You can read all about it here (you will have to scroll down a little ways to see the section). The wear testers at Runner's World did some pretty intense analysis on the 800, "Results from the Shoe Lab showed the forefoot to be the most flexible in this guide, which adds to its fast feel." They added, "(this shoe is) Recommended for biomechanically efficient runners who want a fast-paced training or racing shoe."

The 800 has some incredible traction features to keep you stable on rough terrain. Your feet won't stay wet for long with the easy-drying mesh upper. So, if you love to get dirty, splash in the mud, or take on rocky terrain, then the 800 could be your fit. But keep in mind the 800 is ideal for neutral runners.

--Cassie