My Favorite Running Shoe

If you have not yet heard of On Running Shoes, it is time that you did!  I am a big-time running shoeaholic -- presently, I have at least 20 pairs.  I love trying new shoes, but over the past two years, I consistently return to my On Cloudsurfers, as pictured above - they are simply the best! 

On Running Shoes are manufactured in Switzerland -- the company is only a few years  old and in that short time, they have made great strides!  (Pardon the pun). Whether you are a pro-athlete or just starting to run, there is an On Running Shoe for all  types of runners. Each model comes in different color combinations both for men and  women runners. Cloudster: Made to start and have fun. Cloudrunner: Made to build endurance and to train on and off the road. Cloudsurfer: Made to increase performance, to train and compete. Cloudracer:  Made to train fast and compete. Cloud: Latest and lightest addition to the On collection.  With less than 200g, Cloud is made to run with ultimate lightness and comfort. . How does On’s patented CloudTec® system work? Cushioned landing, firm push-off: that’s the core concept behind the new running . It’s a radical development: On’s patented technology combines all the benefits of a soft training shoe and a hard and fast racing shoe. Land on the sand, push off from the running track! The secret to this bold new dual functionality lies in the On’s “clouds” –  hollow pods on the sole of the shoe that stretch back on impact to cushion the landing and then lock to form the solid foundation required  for a powerful push-off.  The result is a new running experience: fast, light and agile.  The On gives its wearers all the benefits of a natural running  style, while still providing optimum comfort and maximum  protection from injury. Athletes who have worn Ons and their coaches have reported greater  muscle activation, new personal bests, fewer injuries and shorter  recovery times. Are you ready to purchase a pair?  If so, please take note of two  important things: 1.  You will need to size up a half size from your dress shoes.   I wear an 8.5 (U.S. sizing) in women's shoes, but take a size 9 in my Ons. 2.  Click on the link directly above this blog post to order a pair of Ons.   Happy shopping!  Let me know what you think after your first run in  your new running shoes.

Great Finds at the NYC Half-Marathon Expo!

Yesterday, I attended the NYC Half-Marathon Expo at the Metropolitan Pavilion in Chelsea.  I love checking out new gadgets, running shoes, and apparel.  I was particularly impressed with several items that I decided "I had to have."



SnuggBuds Headsets clearly demonstrate that not all headphones are created equally!  The sound quality is unbelievable and just as important, the buds actually stay in your ears, hence the name.  SnuggBuds have silicone earbuds -- once you put them in your ears and twist, they are sealed into place because silicone expands.  SnuggBuds come in a variety of fun colors and there are three different models.  Find out more at: www.snuggbuds.com.


H20 id is a brand new company that launched two days ago, making its debut at the NYC Half-Marathon Expo.  Anyone who works out in a fitness center or is a germaphobe needs this item! Founder, Cassandra Gut, is the creative genius behind these reusable ID bands for water bottles.  The bands come in a variety of "happy" colors and adjust to fit most size bottles.  Just take a Sharpie and write your name on the white rectangle.  The bands are machine washable. I purchased six yesterday at the expo and plan to buy many more -- I know it is a bit early in the year, but H20 id bands will make great stocking stuffers!  You can even have your business logo imprinted on the bands.  Check out this unique item at:  www.h2oid.com.

Vivofit Fitness Band by Garmin is the newest in the line of activity trackers.  It is also the first activity tracker that Garmin has designed.  I have always been an avid fan of Garmin GPS-Enabled Trainers for tracking all my running mileage and other stats, so I knew that I just had to give the Vivofit Fitness Band a try.  I plan to take it out of the box tonight and start wearing it in the morning.  The Vivofit comes in a variety of colors - I went with the purple which will match with my new running shoes, the On Cloudsurfers (see below).  Unlike most activity trackers, the Vivofit comes with a replaceable (not rechargeable) battery, which is guaranteed to last at least one year.  The Vivofit will monitor your steps taken throughout the day, calories burned, your sleeping patterns, and much more.  It also serves as a watch.  Get more information at:  http://sites.garmin.com/vivo/.

On Cloudsurfer Running Shoes need to be on the shelves of more running specialty shops.  All On running shoes are quite unique in that they have rubber elements on the bottom that provide a "cushioned landing with a barefoot takeoff."  My description will not do these shoes nearly as much justice as the website.  Start with some "online window shopping" at:  
www.on-running.com/en-us/technology.

YMX Just Play makes very unique and quite beautiful exercise apparel, demonstrating that "art can be worn."  Their MadKool fabrics are engineered to regulate your natural body temperature so that you will stay warm in cool weather activities, and cool when your heart is pumping.  You will feel dry and comfortable while running in YMX apparel.  These fabrics also offer UV protection of up to UPF 50, making this clothing great for outdoor activities. Check out this unique line of exercise wear at:
http://www.ymxbyyellowman.com/.



Well, thank goodness for two things:

1.  The Expo was not too large -- I got away with only spending a small fortune.

2.  There aren't race expos nearby on a weekly basis -- if there were, I would get nothing else done.

I love shopping for "everything running,", especially electronic gadgets and running shoes!