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!

Walk This Way! Wendy Bumgardner's NB Walking Shoe Picks

Are you looking for just the right walking shoe? Check out this recent article on About.com.
Wendy Bumgardner, an avid race walker, lists her top 4 picks of New Balance walking shoes.

Keep in mind her picks are for neutral walkers or walkers who do not have motion control issues. To my surprise, her top picks are mostly running shoes! Read and find out for yourself.

Has anyone ever tried strictly walking in a running shoe? How did the running shoe perform?

--Cassie

Daddy Ben Affleck in the 992's!

A picture that will warm your heart, just in time for Father's Day!

Check out this recent picture of actor Ben Affleck with his young daughter Violet. Looks like he is spending some quality 'Daddy' time with his little girl at a park in Brentwood, California. Too cute!

And of course he is wearing his New Balance 992's!

NB Zip - Wear Tested, Runner Approved!

Tom, our elite Wear Tester at NB Web Express, finished a few months of training in the NB ZIP™ (M8505SN). While training, Tom put together some comments and tips for those who are looking for a new type of running shoe:

The NB ZIP in the heel provides durable responsiveness while dispersing shock from initial heel impact. This shoe also features ABZORB® SBS in the forefoot for shock absorption while resisting compression set. The full length ABZORB® Stroebel Board maximizes shock absorption and comfort. New Balance has also added ACTEVA™ LITE (which is 24% lighter than standard foam) to the midsole increasing the overall comfort and lightweight feel of this shoe.

Recommendation:

The NB ZIP is ideal for neutral runners who do not have any motion control issues. This shoe is also great for runners seeking a firm and resilient running experience.

Overall, Tom rates this shoe with the highest official Wear Testing score:

26.2 Miles! The best!

Any other runners out there taken a test run in the NB ZIP? If so, let us know your thoughts. Your feedback is what we want to hear!