brooks running

Did you know that you should replace your running sneakers every 350-550 miles? That's not a very long time if you're a regular runner. Running shoes can be pricey, especially if you're replacing them every 4 months. So when a sale comes along, I like to let you guys know about it.

Right now on Endless.com, you can save $20 on your $100 order of select running shoes including Adidas, Brooks, New Balance, and Saucony — the discount is automatically applied at checkout. The site even offers free overnight shipping, which means you'll be breaking your sneaks in tomorrow. I am digging the Brooks Ariel Running Shoe for just $86 after the discount.

I don't think you need any reminding that the weather has turned (well, for most of us at least) and it's no longer comfortable to run in shorts and a T-shirt.

I have the hardest time finding the perfect pair of gloves to wear for my exercises outdoors because I want something warm, but not overly bulky. Brooks Pulse Lite Gloves ($20) are the perfect solution. They are a soft, lightweight, breathable glove ideal for chilly runs. They'll keep your hands dry and warm, but you won't feel like you're wearing miniovens on your hands.

You asked, "I am looking for a great running shoe that goes from pavement to trail with ease. I was hoping to spend around $100. Any ideas?"



It sounds like you need a supportive shoe that is not too heavy but that is also durable enough to handle a few bumps along your run. Adrenaline ASR 4 ($95.00) from Brooks Running may be just what you need. It looks more like a running shoe (not as bulky as a typical trail shoe), but could hold its own on a smoother trail (more supportive than a street shoe). It features a higher durability, abrasion-resistant rubber outsole built to last, and the softshell is made to repel water and transfer moisture, so soggy surfaces (trail or pavement) won't slow you down. What's more? It's $95, just five dollars under your budget. Buy it directly from BrooksRunning.com.

If you've been taking your jogs outside now that the weather is turning warm, you may be encountering running on softer surfaces (grass, sand, uneven trails, etc). This is great because it adds variation to your workout, which means your muscles are working in new ways but there is a darker side to running on softer surfaces...

Running on soft surfaces can be easy on the knees, but can wreak havoc on the ankles. Especially if you haven't developed good ankle strength, you may end up with achy ankles since they are constantly working overtime to keep your whole body in balance while running on the uneven surface. That's a lot of work for a little part of your body, so follow these tips to keep your ankles happy on your next soft/uneven surface run:

• Make sure to wear a good shoe that is made for motion control like the Ariel ($120.00, pictured above) by Brooks (buy it from brooksrunning.com).
• Supplement your running with exercises that will strengthen the ankles like doing squats and lunges on the Bosu and/or calf raises on a balancing board. Or you can write the alphabet with your ankle.
• Avoid slippery surfaces like mud if at all possible. Nothing kills an outdoor jog like turning (or spraining) your ankle.
• If you're prone to ankle problems, you may want to try doing cardio that creates less stress on your ankles.

To some people, a sneaker is a sneaker. When you put in as much time at the gym and on the sidewalks as I do, a sneaker is so much more.

I am loving the new Axiom 2 shoe ($90.00) from Brooks Running because it is a lightweight yet ultra supportive trainer that works with people who may (or do) have pronation tendencies. Its Diagonal Rollbar -- a wedge-shaped piece of high density foam that is positioned on the medial (arch) side of the midsole to reduce the rate and speed of pronation -- makes the shoe flexible enough to allow for natural movement while still being supportive. More basically, these shoes are great for anyone training, whether it is on the treadmill or on the pavement. Get yourself a pair directly from BrooksRunning.com.