Wear Tested - New Balance Tempo Tee and Bonita Run Skirt

Tempo Tee: Over the past few months, I've added the women's New Balance Tempo Tee to my running wardrobe and I can safely say I will never go back to the typical cotton t-shirt.

The Tempo Tee is a great basic piece that really moves with you when you run. It doesn't stick to you as you work up a sweat. The Lightning Dry fabrication does exactly what the name says it will do, keep you dry...fast.

The only downside to the Tempo Tee: if you purchase the white color (which I own) it tends to dull slightly in your typical sweat/heat zones. If you wash it frequently though, you shouldn't have too much trouble keeping it gleaming white.

Has anyone else gone from wearing cotton t-shirts to performance fabrics recently? Quite a difference!

Bonita Run Skirt: I've also added the Bonita Run Skirt to my weekly rotation of running clothes, and this skirt is a cute alternative to typical running shorts. It actually has compression shorts underneath, so it really feels more like shorts than a skirt, but a more casual look for running. It is very comfortable, and the skirt doesn't irritate your middle thigh area like running shorts. The material is quick-drying and very lightweight. The shorts underneath make it very comfortable, even for long distances.

The downside of the Run Skirt: If you have solely worn running shorts, you may have to get used to idea of running in a skirt. It actually looks more like a tennis skirt. After a run one evening, I ran into the grocery store on my way home from the park and someone asked me where I play tennis...it really does look similar to a tennis skirt. But this skirt is definitely made for running with the front pleats for forward motion, than the side pleats on a tennis skirt.

Have any other ladies tried running in a run skirt? Do you like running skirts more than running shorts? I wear both, but the Bonita Run Skirt could be a cute and fun addition to your typical running clothes.

--Cassie

A Perfect Time for Training

What time of day is best for running? Really, anytime you can fit it in. Sometimes it's hard to carve out time in a hectic schedule for training, especially for long runs which can take over two hours. A few weeks ago I participated in an online chat about marathon training on NewBalanceConnections.com. Kathy Butler (team New Balance marathoner) hosted the chat and basically said anytime is a good time for running, as long as you do it.

For those runners who get up before sunrise, I commend you! I could never get up, while it's still dark, and run even a few miles. I would rather run in the afternoon in 90 degree heat then get up before 5AM. Typically, I get home from the day, cook dinner, put the little one to bed, then head out for my evening miles. It's really just the cherry on the top of a good day. But in the winter, I'd have to say it's running at night in the gym for me.

Gotta love hearing about other runner's crazy schedules...what is your running regime? Are you a morning or an evening runner? And why?

--Cassie

Find Your Arch Type

Before I started working for NBwebexpress.com I had no idea what type of arch I had...well I knew I had one, but I was sure I had a very high arch and could wear any type of shoe on the market; from lightweight cushioning to a stability shoe...I was wrong! It turns out I have a neutral arch and need a supportive cushioning shoe. For years I had been wearing the wrong type of shoes. It explained so much to me; the bad knees, weak ankles, maybe even that not-so-great mile time last year.

Now on NBwebexpress.com we have a new Foot Guide that can help you find your arch type and a shoe to fit your specific needs. So, if you have some free time and are looking for help in finding a shoe that fits right, check it out.

--Cassie

Running Tip - Water Water Everywhere!

Drink water and drink often. For our runners out there I'm sure you have heard this time and time again. But really, how much water should you drink?

Renowned nutritionist Jenna Bell-Wilson advices runners to "drink water every 15-20 minutes during exercise." But she also points out the importance of determining your individual needs before grabbing that water bottle. First you should determine your sweat rate; you can do this by weighing yourself before you run, then weighing yourself again after an hour of running. For every pound you lose in this hour, you need to drink 16 oz of water to replenish.

So, if you weigh 140 pounds before you run and afterwards you weigh 138, you need to drink 32 ounces of water to replenish the loss.

There is more to it than just drinking water when you're thirsty. So keep healthy and drink up!

Jenna Bell-Wilson also just led a nutrition chat forum on NewBalanceConnections.com . Check back frequently to see who will be holding a forum next. Note: You must create an account to have access to the live chats.

--Cassie

New Balance 817 - Runner's World Summer Shoe Guide

Don't weigh your feet down this summer with heavy materials and stiff soles, try on something more suitable for those hot summer runs. Runner's World presents their Summer Shoe Guide and among the picks is the New Balance 817.

Although the 817 is a great stability running shoe, Runner's World does tell us that it is not a shoe for everyone, their wear testers explain this shoe is "recommended for heavier runners with flat arches looking for maximum motion control."

One really 'cool' thing about the New Balance 817: the updated sock liner is constructed with memory foam cushioning for a more customized fit; sounds pretty comfortable for those long runs.

So, anyone wearing the 817 for the summer? Runner's World says it is a great motion control shoe but how does it perform on the road?