FitSugar

Running Skirts Are Here to Stay

Susi May — Fri, 29 Apr 2011 09:42:43 PDT

The expression "runs like a girl" may have been an insult, but no longer! Especially when you consider that the running skirt, which seemed like a passing trend, is here to stay. Running gear giants like Brooks and New Balance sell skirts side by side with running shorts. And if you don't like shorts, but hate overheating when out for a run, try a running skirt. They're cute, airy, and cover your behind a little bit more than shorty shorts.

Skirts listed in clockwise order, starting at the top left: Bonita Skirt by New Balance ($42); ChocoFluers from RunningSkirts ($58); Gym Girl Ultra in Black Vinyl Print by Skirt Sports ($65); Second Wind from Athleta ($54); Epiphany Skort by Brooks ($36); Infinity Run Skirt from Pearl Izumi ($60).

All these skirts have built-in shorts, except the skirt by Pearl Izumi; it's convertible. The skirt snaps off the shorts, giving you two looks for the price of one!

How to Green Your Running

Susi May — Fri, 22 Apr 2011 09:01:14 PDT

You might already take your own bags to the grocery store and keep your hot showers short, but there are always new ways to go green. Take running for instance. It's already fairly eco-friendly, but there is always room for improvement. Here are some simple ways to make your sneaker time a bit more green:

Create eco-friendly racing habits: Many of us like to test our mettle among other runners, which means racing. Instead of traveling to destination races, reduce your carbon footprint by racing closer to home. Use Active.com to find an event close to your zip code. Also, look for races that have been certified green by Council For Responsible Sports; the group uses five measurement to determine if a race is environmentally friendly. These certifications last for two years. Another simple tip is carpool to a race or take public transportation if you can.
Look for green sneakers: I am not saying you should limit your selection of running shoes to the actual color green (although Sandra Bullock is a fan of brightly colored sneaks), but look for brands that are eco-aware. For instance, Brooks uses boxes that are made from 100-percent post-consumer-recycled content, and the running shoe giant's Silence sneaker is made out of all kinds of recycled bits. Another eco-option are shoes by Newton. The company also packages its sneakers in 100-percent post-consumer-recycled material shoeboxes that are made less toxic by being printed with soy ink. All shoes by Newton contain recycled materials from the laces and webbing (100 percent) to the outersole (10 percent).
Fight litter bugs: Become an eco-runner and pick up trash as you log miles. Carry along a bag to stash the trash litterbugs have left behind on your favorite running trail or path. While this might not be feasible for every run, try to do it once a month. Running can be a beautiful thing . . . for the environment.

There are a few more ways to green your running, so keep on reading.

Running Is the New Currency

FitSugar — Sun, 27 Sep 2009 03:30:12 PDT

Brooks wants you to run, and now they're encouraging your kids to run too. This may seem cruel, but it sure gets those kids moving. Too bad there aren't cheesecake trucks or bacon-wrapped scallop trucks because this could totally work for grown-ups too!

Fittingly Green: Brooks Making Eco-Friendly Sneaks

FitSugar — Wed, 08 Jul 2009 03:22:34 PDT

If you choose to run outside on a trail or sidewalk instead of using an electricity-driven treadmill, you're already doing your part to help the environment. You can do more though, with the help of Brooks. The brand has developed a new racing sneaker called the Green Silence.

This red and yellow shoe may channel Ronald McDonald, but it is actually totally green. The heel cups are made with recycled CDs, and the laces, lining, and stitching are made with discarded plastic water bottles. The outer soles are made from recycled rubber, and the midsole is 100 percent biodegradable. All the soy-based dyes used are non-toxic, and the adhesives are water-based. The collar around the opening of the sneaker is stuffed with foam from old couches. The packaging is also made from 100 percent post-consumer materials. These lightweight sneaks are scheduled to hit stores in February 2010, and will retail for $100, because being green doesn't come cheap.

Tell me, would you buy these eco-friendly sneakers from Brooks?

To see more pics click the images below.

View 6 Photos ›

Get Your Butt in Gear: Brooks Nightlife Vest

FitSugar — Tue, 20 Nov 2007 13:30:00 PST

As the weather gets colder and the hours of daylight diminish, it's important to keep warm and visible while working out. This can also make layering tricky, which is why I love vests.

This Brooks Nightlife Vest ($80) provides core warmth and heightens visibility through its fabric color and reflective highlights. The polyester microfiber fabric is water resistant, wind resistant, and breathable. Plus unlike many Winter vests, this one is semifitted to decrease bulkiness, and enhance performance. Buy it here.

Get Your Butt in Gear: Brooks Powerpro Mesh Tank

FitSugar — Thu, 21 Jun 2007 09:30:00 PDT

We all know that Brooks makes great running shoes, but did you know they make great gear as well. The Powerpro Mesh Tank ($44) seems as engineered as their sneakers and I appreciate the attention to detail. Constructed from their Powerpro mesh, this top is designed for ventilation, breathability and moisture management - that's just a fancy way to say wicking. The fabric is even textured to aid evaporation. A lot of technology is at work to keep you dry.

Not only is this tank designed to move the sweat away from your body, it is also constructed with an internal bra ideal for supporting A-C cup athletes. It offers shape as well as support since its encapsulation design eliminates the "uni-boob" phenomenon. The inner liner also moves moisture away from the skin for dry comfort during and after your workout. The entire shirt is sewn with rolled over edges to prevent chafing. Like I said, a lot of attention to detail

Buy it directly from Brooks in either black or canyon - that's orange in catalog speak.

Get in Gear: Brooks "Spiderman" Running Socks

FitSugar — Mon, 30 Apr 2007 15:45:00 PDT

Looking for something to wear to the opening of Spider-Man 3 this Friday? Or maybe you are participating in some of the events for Spider-Man Week in NYC and you don't want your feet to overheat? Well in either case, I have found the socks for you.

The HVAC Racer by Brooks might just be the most engineered sock on the planet. Plus it looks like it is straight out of the wardrobe from the movie. Designed for racing, it is lightweight and thermally balanced for comfort. This sock is made out of revolutionary X-Static® fiber that contains antimicrobial silver (how techno is that) which moves heat away from the foot while eliminating 99.9% of bacteria. I am thinking that these socks will make for less stinky feet too. They are also anatomically designed so there is a right and a left sock. I told you a lot of thought went into these site.

Buy them from Brooks directly for $18. Hope they help your spidey skills.

Which Brand Of Sneakers Do You Prefer?

FitSugar — Wed, 28 Feb 2007 07:25:17 PST

Some women are pretty particular about the brand of sneaker they wear. Whether you choose because of the style, fit, comfort, activity level, or price, nothing beats a great pairs of kicks.

So, what's your favorite brand? Do you love Brooks because they have sneakers with great arch support? Or maybe you have really narrow feet, so New Balance sneaks fit you snug as a bug.

Perhaps you love Reebok because they have sneakers with extra cushioning in the heel. Or are you a Nike fan, loving that you can design your own shoe?

I'd love to know which brand you love and why, so tell me below.

Get in Gear: Axiom 2 Shoes

FitSugar — Fri, 23 Feb 2007 03:00:00 PST

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.

Podiatric Shoe List

FitSugar — Mon, 22 Jan 2007 07:30:17 PST

The American Academy of Podiatric Sports Medicine, an organization for advancing the understanding, prevention and management of lower extremity sports and fitness injuries, has come up with a list of the best shoes on the market out there for running.

The list was based off the following requirements: Stability, durability, availability, price point, quality control, orthotic compatibility and other specific features.

Running Shoes - Mild Pronation Control -
ASICS GT-2110 (pictured)
ASICS Gel Empire
Brooks Adrenaline GTS 6
Brooks Trance 5
Mizuno Wave Alchemy 5
Mizuno Wave Inspire 2
New Balance 767
New Balance 1221
Nike Air Structure Triax 9
Nike Air Max Moto
Nike Shox TL3
Saucony GRID Omni 5
Saucony Shadow 6000 (Classic)
Saucony Grid Hurricane 7 Running Shoes

To see the rest of the list

Running Shoes - Moderate Pronation Control -
Adidas Supernova Control
ASICS Gel Kayano XII
ASICS Gel-Foundation VI
ASICS Gel Evolution II
Brooks Addiction 6
Mizuno Wave Elixer
New Balance 857 ST (
Reebok Supreme Control DMX
Puma Complete Premise
Saucony: 3D Grid Regulate
Saucony: Grid Stabil MC

Running Shoes - Maximum Pronation Control -
Brooks Beast
Brooks Ariel
Mizuno Wave Renegade 3
New Balance 1010

Running Shoes -Cushioning -
ASICS Gel-Cumulus VI
ASICS Gel Landreth
Brooks Glycerin 4
Mizuno Wave Rider 9
Mizuno Wave Creation 7

Running Shoes - Trail -
Adidas Supernova Trail
Asics Gel-Eagle Trail
Brooks Gila
Montrail Diez Vista
Montrail Vitesse
Montrail Leona Divide
Montrail Hurricane Ridge XCR
Montrail Hardrock
Montrail Kinabalu
North Face Ultra GTX

Source