Want to seriously improve your time? Take a tip from the pros and lighten up!

Running is serious business. There’s a lot you have to put in if you want to succeed. But sometimes the best way to improve has more to do with removing what you don’t need. That’s the thinking that went into the design of the new 890. Created with input from two members of Team New Balance, Andy Baddeley and Jenny Barringer, it eliminates what you don’t need and reduces the weight of what you do.

What it has that you need: Cushioning, support and stability. You don’t have to sacrifice any of it in this shoe. It’s light without being minimal.

What was eliminated: Things you won’t even miss. The 890 uses a revolutionary new foam compound called REVlite that is 30% lighter than comparable foams, but performs just as well. Diamond-shaped cutouts on the midsole reduce the weight of the shoe and assists with transitions. Even the stitching on the upper was removed in place of lightweight, seamless, molded construction making it the lightest shoe in its class.

Technology is good. But sometimes it’s the absence of it is that can make you better. If you want to run faster, take a tip from the pros. Run lighter in the 890 with REVlite.

-- Shoe Girl
shopnewbalance.com

A track star takes to the streets.Getting to know the Velocity 773.

What happens when you take a track shoe that was built for speed and make it street ready? You get the new Velocity 773.

It’s not a performance shoe. It prefers hanging out at the mall or taking in a movie to a day at the gym. (Or, at least that’s what my pair told me.) But it does have a performance heritage. The New Balance Velocity 773 was based on the classic 607 track and field shoe. The spikes have been removed and the colors pumped up to create a trendy look that can be paired with anything from skinny jeans to casual skirts.

But don’t think the New Balance Velocity 773 is all about looks. When you get to know its history, you’ll see that a lot of thought was put into the Velocity 773 as well.

The Velocity 773 was inspired by Maggie Vessey, Team New Balance Athlete and 800M Champion. Maggie is known for having a bold, confident attitude and exceptional work ethic. This dynamic combination can be seen throughout the Velocity 773. It has a lightweight feel with a sleek, molded midsole. Plus, its ventilated, synthetic upper offers a comfortable fit.

If you haven’t seen it yet, check it out here. But be warned: You might be tempted to put more than one pair into your shopping cart. With personality to spare, the New Balance Velocity 773 is hard to resist!

-- Shoe Girl
shopnewbalance.com

Take 69 seconds today to #fightbreastcancer

As many of you know, October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. This year we're doing a little something special to kick it off. If you're reading this blog post today, September 30, you may notice that our beloved Shop New Balance website is a little. . . pink.



It took Susan G. Komen for the Cure CEO and Founder, Nancy G. Brinker, approximately 69 seconds to promise her sister, Susan G. Komen, she would do everything in her power to #fightbreastcancer. What can you promise to do in the next 69 seconds at http://69-seconds.org?

Why 69 seconds?
Every 69 seconds, a woman dies of breast cancer somewhere in the world. Breast cancer will strike 1.3 million women this year and kill almost 500,000, making it the leading cancer killer of women worldwide – a fact we’re trying to change with the help of others. 69 seconds is about how long it takes to visit 69-seconds.org and make a promise to drive change by signing a petition to make breast cancer a global priority as a UN millennium goal and educate yourself and others about breast cancer.

Real-Life Review,Anue Yoga Apparel

Since I've been practicing yoga for over ten years, I was excited as anything when New Balance debuted the new Anue Yoga apparel collection. Designed to make your yoga experience as comfortable as possible, this apparel line is made with environmentally preferred materials and features design details that help make sure you look good in any posture. It's great for Pilates, too. I was especially intrigued by Anue Yoga because the designers really do know how yogis and yoginis move, and the collection has all sorts of little touches that prove that—like tank tops and camis that have longer hems so your bare back doesn't show when you're in Child's Pose or Downward-Facing Dog. Or piecing on the back of the Spree Capri that forms a lovely eastern architecture-inspired shape that just happens to help make you look slimmer!

Recently I got a pair of capri pants from the Anue Yoga line that have absolutely blown me away. The Devi Crop Flare Pant has the stylish flare at the hemline that I always look for in a capri, plus it has the slimming graphic seaming on the back yoke that reminds me of a lovely Moroccan archway. What I didn't expect is the waistband, which both puzzles and astounds me. I have no idea how they do this, but my pants don't move an inch, regardless of what pose I'm in or how hard I'm working out. These capris have been through hour after hour of both Pilates and yoga, and the waistband stays put and stays comfortable(!) no matter what I do. I'm so pleased. Also, I stay dry: the moisture-wicking fabric totally works. And knowing that the clothes I'm wearing are made from recycled materials is just icing on my proverbial gluten-free cake. In summary, these capris have me very excited to try out more Anue apparel in the yoga studio, at Pilates class, and even in my living room while I practice with the latest Rodney Yee yoga video. Next on my list are the Suzani Racerback bra top and the delicious Ummi Wrap. (How can I say "no" to the softest organic cotton I've ever touched?) Check in with me in a couple of weeks, when I give you the details and my final opinion.

Reza Armstrong
Copywriter
Shop New Balance

Everyday running in the 1225

Let’s just get this right out on the table: I love my New Balance 1225s. Okay, now I can back up a bit. Whenever I make a switch to another running shoe, I get a little nervous. I loved running in my 1063s, but because I loved running in them I put too many miles on them—my hips and knees were starting to feel the bumps in the road. Side note: I can’t stress how important it is to get new running shoes after 350-500 miles no matter how great they may look on the outside.

I consider myself an average distance runner. I participate in local 5k’s, 10k’s, have done marathons and I have two half-marathons scheduled in the near future. Some of my runs are short, some long, some hilly, some flat, some hot, some cold, some muddy and some filled with time on the "dreaded" treadmill. I am happy to report that the 1225s performed great in all of the above runs and situations.

They have wonderful cushioning, which of course comes in handy during those long runs, as well as during trail runs on gravel! They breathe well in hot weather, my feet stay cool and despite the fact that the rest of me is soaking wet, my feet are not. The 1225s are flexible but still provide the support I need when running on rough terrain or on the treadmill. If you have been looking for a shoe that can take you from a 5k to a marathon with ease, check out the 1225s for happy feet either way.

In future posts, I'll write specifically about how the 1225s perform during both shorter distance events, like 5- and 10ks, and longer distances like a half-marathon.

Ann Hankins
Fitness Director, Personal Trainer, and Guest Blogger