I Should Have Shopped Online...

I never shop the day after Thanksgiving. But this year was different; my husband wanted a digital camcorder and my son wanted one of the hottest toys of the season. So, what did I do? I got up at 5:00 AM of course and started shopping. I battled the parking lots, parked a half mile away (which is fine, I needed to walk off that turkey and dressing from yesterday) and literally ran into the store. The aisles were packed. And of course all of the carts were taken and I had tons to buy and a limited amount of time. I got the last of the "hit" toys and all of the camcorders were gone. The other items I wanted were either not in the sizes I needed or they were just sold out! After waiting in line for 30 minutes in the electronics department, and battling the crowds and crying kids, I was finally finished and completely "shopped" out. Then I drove to the office to start my "real" day!

So, what did I learn from this crazy experience? I should have shopped online. And with all of the awesome free shipping offers, including with NBwebexpress.com, why waste your valuable holiday time in line? The most frustrating part was the out of stock sizes. Most stores just don't carry the inventory.

So, enjoy NO CROWDS, NO LINES, AND NO HASSLES this year by shopping online. And if you have a few "fitness wishes" to grant this year, shop with NBwebexpress.com. I promise you won't be left without a shopping cart!

--Cassie

New Balance 790

The December 2007 circulation of Fitness Rx just featured a spread on the New Balance 790!

They describe this shoe as "an ultra-lightweight trail-racing shoe...built low to the ground for maximum responsiveness." It was a pretty great review and featured some information about new technologies; N-Durance® outsole, AT Tread®, Rock Stop®, etc.

Check out this shoe for yourself. I am not a trail runner myself so I have not tried it out, but I have heard some positive reviews from others. Let's just say a few people in our own NB Web Express offices own this pair of shoes! Plus it comes in a ton of colors for both men and women!

--Cassie

New Balance Winter Running Gear

It seems like only yesterday I was posting on how to stay cool in the heat and now winter is around the corner.

Cold weather, snow and ice are no longer excuses for a lack of running this season. So, as the temperature drops, think of it as a new opportunity! A new way to run and workout even though the weather may be less than spectacular.

Colder weather means 'new gear' to most runners and New Balance will not leave you in the cold.

Here are a few new additions to the NB Web Express site made just for winter running:

New Balance 921 - Winter Trail Running Shoe (pictured above)

Traction where and when you need it the most, the 921 features removable spikes to help with those slick surfaces and snowy hills. The BIOSHIELD® upper gives great weather protection. I can see this shoe performing well during high mileage runs on unexpected terrain or snowy/hilly trails.


Thermal Max Jacket
Made for men and women, the Thermal Max jacket features a cozy fleece interior and reflective outer layer for safety. This jacket will hold in warmth as you run. Think of wearing this jacket over a long sleeve performance tee or insulated top.

Thermal Max Pant
Ultimate winter running pant designed for men and women with Thermal Max fabrication to hold in warmth. Pair it with the Thermal Max Jacket and stay cozy. You could even wear over running tights for maximum warmth if the conditions call for it.



XT Running Glove

Your hands will stay far from chilly in these technical gloves. The warm insulated fabric construction will keep your hands from freezing up, plus the high density gel on the palms will give nice traction; they will keep your hands from slipping so you can open a water bottle or tie a shoe with ease.

These were just a few of the winter weather items New Balance has come out with for the season. More will surely come as temperatures continue to drop.

Stay warm out there!

--Cassie

New Balance "Gets their Feet Wet!"

November 2, 2007 the New England Aquarium just received a $3 million gift from the New Balance Foundation.

In an effort to support the children's fitness "Get Your Feet Wet" program, New Balance contributed to the cause, "the gift will be used to help build the New Balance Foundation Marine Mammal Center and to develop programs that use seals and sea lions to promote childhood fitness," the center is set to open in 2009.

"The New Balance Foundation is committed to encouraging childhood fitness and activity, and there is no better way to connect children to nature and the outdoors than through animals," said Anne Davis, managing trustee of the New Balance Foundation.

Read more about the program here.

--Cassie

How do I clean my shoes?

This question has been coming up more and more. If you take all of this time to find the right running shoes, how do you keep them clean?

One great method starts by simply looking in the dental care aisle of your local store. Use a light bristle toothbrush (perhaps an old toothbrush you were about to throw out) and a light washing detergent (laundry or dish washing) and scrub the shoes. You can also immerse them in water. Allow your shoes to air dry for about 24 hours before putting them on.

New Balance does have an extensive line of cleaning products, those of course work great. Why not use the same brand of cleanser as brand of shoes?

Keep in mind, do NOT put your shoes in the washing machine!

If your shoes are suede or leather, you will need to use a suede or leather cleanser. Be sure to follow the instructions.

Well, there you have it. How to clean your running shoes. Has anyone tried this method lately? Any new cleaning methods to recommend?

--Cassie