Aravon Women’s Collection….just in time for fall!

With the cooler weather ahead, many of us are looking for casual leather shoes. We want them to be stylish and fun but still have the comfort like our favorite running shoes. That's where Aravon steps in! The Aravon Collection is designed especially for busy women who want shoes that "support a woman's sense of well-being as well as her sense of style." So you don't have to sacrifice looks for comfort. That means no more aching feet when you're on the go all day long!

A roomier toe-box, good alignment and natural fit are just some of the perks with Aravon. The performance technologies are built around the basics of the Essential Support, 360° Fit and All-day Comfort.

Plus there are lots of style choices…. pumps, loafers, clogs, sling backs, boots and sandals. One of my favorites is the Mia, a closed-toed sandal with a heeled "rocker sole" for some extra height and a cute ankle strap for a fun look. I also love the Morgan clog that has an open back, an adjustable strap and it's perfect for dress pants. Check out all three of the Fall Collections for Everyday, Office, and Sandals, right here on NBwebexpress.com. Let us know if they become one of your fall favorites. We want to hear from you!

-- Julie

LOVE/hate...Right Before Your Eyes

I'm not sure if it's the scorching August heat or the new LOVE/hate campaign from New Balance, but more and more I am noticing the inner struggle all runner's face with each workout. No matter if you are an Olympiad or a new mom (again) trying to lose her baby weight...we all face it. Here's a story for you:

After my 3 mile run last Saturday, in the 90 degree heat, I struck up a conversation with another runner who was finishing his workout at the same time. He was drenched in sweat, taking out his ear buds after a hot run in the hot sun. I was drenched too, listening to my new Jay-Z and Keith Urban downloads from Napster. After getting back to our cars, we both chatted about the heat and other "runner" things. He downed a huge bottle of water, I chugged my fruit punch Gatorade and we just talked; runner to runner. The conversation went something like this:

Me: "Hot enough for ya?"
By this time I had a red mustache from the sugary sweet red Gatorade.
Runner: "Waited too long...got too hot...(he took a gulp of water)"
Me: "Before 10AM... forget about it. So, how many miles did you run?"
Runner: "4.75...(chugged water) you?"
Me: "3.1...I did that down hill loop twice, messed up my ankle"
Runner: "Oh yah, that first downhill trips you up, did you loose footing?"
Me: "On the bridge."
Runner: "The bridge (sigh) yah, gotta watch it on there, it's so shady, you can't see all the rocks."
Me: "Yep...that's gonna hurt tomorrow."
Runner: "Little ice, good as new."

It seems like a pointless conversation to the naked eye, but to runners, this is real camaraderie. I would never walk up to some stranger and talk about my ankle pains and I bet no one else would think to give me some advice on how to fix it...but runners do this all the time.

This is what the LOVE/hate campaign is all about and it's mind blowing when you see it happen before your eyes. We're both sweaty, hurting, and probably burnt to a crisp, that is the hate...but the sun is shining, we just ran our hearts out, we have cold drinks in our hands and we have our iPODS. We're happy. That is LOVE. True LOVE. It's a trip to see it all play out like a script after each mile.

Any "runner" stories out there? I know every runner, no matter their mile time, can relate to this story...tell us about it, and maybe we'll post it on our blog.

--Cassie

ChiRunning® and the New Balance 800

A new craze has hit the running world, ChiRunning®, the practice of combining T'ai Chi with high mileage training, is one of the newest trends. ChiRunning® or Mid-foot strike running, is most accredited for decreasing shock to knees and joints, creating a more comfortable ride. This practice takes discipline, especially if you are a forefoot or heel striker.

According to an article released by http://www.snewsnet.com/, ChiRunning® "employs the balance, alignment, and fluidity found in T’ai Chi, with running to create stride mechanics that reduce injury and create a more energy-efficient movement."

With this new running trend, comes a new running shoe to go with it. New Balance is currently the only athletic shoe brand having developed a shoe specifically for ChiRunning®. From the SNEWS article, “The 800 mid-foot strike shoe addresses the biomechanics and performance needs of mid-foot strikers,” says Sean Murphy, advanced products engineering manager at New Balance. “Each attribute and feature was carefully researched, tested, and retested to meet the specific performance needs of these athletes.”

Attention mid-foot strikers! We want to hear from you. The 800 has actually hit our site and we'd love to know how it performs. Or if you are practicing ChiRunning®, let us know how it's going...how do you feel?

--Cassie

New Balance 840

What shoe do you choose if you're an extreme terrain runner with a neutral running gait? But wait, you still want something that looks snazzy and performs just as great? The New Balance 840 trail running shoe just hit the site and it looks pretty incredible.

I am one of those runners that needs good traction when they start a run. I want a shoe that will make my feet feel secure. What if you hit a rocky area on your run? Or what if the terrain is unpredictable? What if it's 100 plus degrees outside and your feet start to sweat uncontrollably? If you have smooth outsole, you may not feel as "safe" and any shoe without moisture managing features will leave your feet with blisters. The 840 gives incredible traction with its N-Grip outsole, plus the PHANTOM LINER on the inside of the shoe will keep your feet comfy in the heat.

Any ultra runners out there? What do you do to keep your feet comfortable? Would you say traction is the most important? Let us know your thoughts...

--Cassie

The New Full Length Zips

If you’re a big fan of the New Balance Zips, you’ll LOVE the new 1306 Full Length Zip Running Shoe and the new 1315 Full Length Zip Cross Training Shoe. These styles are just in and they’re smokin’ hot!

What makes them on fire you might ask? The biggest change is the NB Zip responsive cushioning technology that is now full length instead of just the heel. So you get the powerful “heel to toe” energy for an added burst to heat up your runs and training. And, the removable full-length insert with ABZORB® cushioning and BIOCOOL® mesh upper will keep your feet cool and comfortable for a soft ride.

Some of the same great features from previous Zip styles are carried over, too. The ACTEVA™ LITE premium lightweight midsole foam keeps you light on your feet for your lengthy journeys. And, the N-Durance® rubber compound helps your shoes last even longer.

The new extended Zips are perfect for the athlete looking for a cutting edge design who wants to go faster, stronger and longer. If you take a run in these new Zips and they ignite your energy, tell us about them. We want to hear from you!

-- Julie