Monday, August 18, 2008

Can better equipment really help?

Much has been made of the new swimsuits that the competitors are wearing this year in the Olympics. Those full body suits make the little speedos of Mark Spitz's day look pretty ancient. But do they really make you faster? You'd have to ask the swimmers. Certainly, when you get to Michael Phelps' level, it's in large part genetics that makes the difference, but I'll bet Michael prefers the longer suits to the old little bathing suits they used to wear.

I bring this up because I've been trying out a new pair of shoes by Newton Running http://www.newtonrunning.com/009?s=009 and they are partly my favorite because they are in my favorite color: pink! Now, before you get all crazy about the price, I had a pretty hefty coupon to use in the store so I got them for a bit off retail. But, the kicker is: they are FAST! They are the fastest shoes I have ever run in and I can tell you I run the same route for the most part 2 to 3 times per week and they have shaved a minute or two off my time. They feel great, they are light, they are supportive and feel super comfortable. I would highly recommend them.

You can read about them in Inc Magazine: http://www.inc.com/magazine/20080801/keep-running.html.

I was on a plane recently, had the article and by the time I got home, knew I had to at least try them on. Keep in mind if you are a heel runner vs. a forefoot runner these are not the shoes for you. But if you run on your forefoot or flatfooted, they will be perfect.

Today was a very fast tempo 5 miler. Felt absolutely wonderful.

Peace.

No comments: