Missouri Runner and Triathlete - APRIL- JUNE 2015 by Fortius Media

April – June 2015

Volume 13 Number 2

Dogfish Racing

Molly Huddle WINS NYC HALF

Molly Huddle PhotoRun.net

2015 SPRING

ROBBY ANDREWS:

RN SHOE REVIEW

Taking Care of Business

JENNY SIMPSON

Raises the Bar

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APRIL–JUNE 2015

MISSOURI RUNNER AND TRIATHLETE

APRIL–JUNE 2015

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PUBLISHER’S NOTE

Photo by Rodolfo Gomez

Remembering James Dunaway Here we go with our second issue of 2015. We hope that you read it, enjoy it, and share it with your friends. Remember, Missouri Runner and Triathlete is also available digitally at www.morunandtri.com James Dunaway, whom the IAAF described as “a doyen of athletics journalism, not just in the United States but globally, and a highly respected writer” passed away on March 15. James was 87 at the time of his death. A colorful character if there ever was one in our sport (and, friends, there are many), James covered every Summer Olympics from 1956 to 2008. In 2012, though he wasn’t at the London Olympics, he assisted me in our RunBlogRun coverage. That’s 14 Olympics for which Dunaway was credentialed—no mean feat. In 2013, while I covered the Moscow World Championships, James provided a daily column on his experiences at the 1980 Moscow Summer Olympics. James was my friend and mentor. I have to admit, the first time I spoke to him back in 1982, he intimidated me. It took me several years to gather the courage to speak to him again, and although his first comments were a bit bombastic, James knew the sport, loved the sport, and bled the sport of athletics. He nurtured some of our greatest writers, from Marc Bloom and Merrell Noden to Walt Murphy. James was the Eastern editor of Track & Field News for several decades before becoming editor of American Track & Field for a decade. Stories about James are endless. My favorites—of those that can be printed—surround his escapades at the 1980 Moscow Summer Olympics. While on assignment for The New York Times and Track & Field News, Dunaway caught Russian officials cheating in broad daylight. He captured and chronicled it and enthralled a sports-mad readership since the boycotted Olympics could not be viewed on American TV. The most famous story from Moscow was the time James returned to his hotel room, a dingy Stalinist-era hotel used for world media, to retrieve his notebook (a paper notebook, for you techies). Upon entering his room, he found it in much disarray and what he suspected were intelligence agents of the KGB calmly checking out everything in his room. They wouldn’t take anything, mind you, and this would happen several times during his stay in Moscow. One of the agents noted, “We will be done shortly.” In mentoring me, James had his hands full. He worked on my writing (“Never use three words when you can use one word to describe something.”), on understanding the needs of journalists, and the importance of covering our sport. James Dunaway’s spirit lives in every word and every picture in every issue of Missouri Runner and Triathlete. His spirit and his love of the sport will live on in those he nurtured, mentored, and befriended. I found a voicemail from James, which I call Classic Dunaway: “Larry, this is James Dunaway. My computer is not working, so no emails. Just call me.” The hard part is not being able to call my dear friend any more. I’ll just have to replay his voicemail.

Larry Eder Publisher, Missouri Runner and Triathlete Publishing Director, FORTIUS Media Group, LLC.

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APRIL–JUNE 2015

MISSOURI RUNNER AND TRIATHLETE

TABLE OF CONTENTS 3

Publisher’s Note By Larry Eder

Volume 13 Number 2 April – June 2015

FORTIUS Media Group, LLC Publishing Director Larry Eder

Cragg, True Take USATF 15K Titles By Carolyn Mather, Photos by Steve Mather

Editorial Director Larry Eder

Dogfish Racing ... Where St. Louis Runners Take Flight By Mike Meehan

Managing Editor Kimi Golden Contributing Writers Larry Eder, Carolyn Mather, Cregg Weinmann, Mike Meehan, Chris Lotsbom, Chris Chavez, Sharon Barbano

Jenny Simpson Focuses on Raising the Bar in 2015 By Chris Lotsbom Race Results Weekly, used with permission

Photographers Photorun.net, Steve Mather, Rodolfo Gomez, Michael Rueter, USTFCCCA.org

Proofreader Red Ink Editorial Services Madison, WI

Track Spikes By Cregg Weinmann

Design Richele Collins

Production Alex Larsen Delavan, WI

Huddle Becomes First American to Win NYC Half By Chris Lotsbom Race Results Weekly, used with permission

Website Chuck Bartlett

ADVERTISING Larry Eder FORTIUS Media Group, LLC 608.239.3785 fortiusmedia@gmail.com

Spring Shoe Review By Cregg Weinmann

Adam Johnson-Eder adamlawrenceeder@gmail.com 608.556.9164

Robby Andrews: Taking Care of Business By Larry Eder

Advertising Production Alex Larsen Alex Graphics acl3graphics@gmail.com

Saucony Partners with Rod Dixon to Fight Childhood Obesity From press release by Sharon Barbano, Saucony Notes by Larry Eder

www.morunandtri.com Facebook: Missouri Runner & Triathlete Twitter: @morunandtri

Missouri Runner & Triathlete is produced, published, and solely owned by FORTIUS Media Group, LLC, P.O. Box 6450, San Jose, CA 95150, Larry Eder, Publishing Director. All ad materials and insertion orders should be sent to Larry Eder at the address above. Phone 608.239.3785, Fortiusmedia@gmail.com Send PDFs of ad materials to Alex Larsen at acl3graphics@gmail.com

Q&A with Emily Sisson By Larry Eder

Publisher assumes no liability for matter printed. Publisher assumes no responsibility or liability for content of paid advertising and reserves the right to reject paid advertising. Publisher expects that all claims by advertisers can be substantiated and that all guarantees will be honored. Opinions expressed herein are those of the authors and not necessarily those of the Publisher. Copyright © 2015 by FORTIUS Media Group, LLC. All Rights Reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced in any form without prior written permission of the Publisher. Missouri Runner & Triathlete is represented by FORTIUS Media Group, LLC, which also represents members of the Running Network and runningnetwork.com Publisher recommends, as with all fitness and health issues, you consult with your physician before instituting any changes in your fitness program.

LL C

MISSOURI RUNNER AND TRIATHLETE

State of Men’s Marathon in Disarray By Chris Chavez

ON THE COVER:

Molly Huddle, 30, from Providence, RI became the first American in race history to win the NYC Half, breaking the tape in a personal best of 1:08:31, equaling the course and event record. Photo by PhotoRun.net

APRIL–JUNE 2015

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Cragg, True Take USATF 15K Titles By Carolyn Mather Photos by Steve Mather The 38th running of the 2015 Gate River Run in Jacksonville, FL dawned hot and humid. For the past few years, the weather has been nearly ideal, but this year’s temperature was intense. Elite coordinator Richard Fannin put together a spectacular field of 65 men and 65 women, and the race was definitely a barn-burner. This year’s field had nearly 20,000 total participants in all the events, and the sizzler started at 8:24 a.m., with the women taking off 6 minutes ahead of the men. The idea of the equalizer was to see if the top woman could hold off the top man. The women went out in a large pack and hit the mile in 5:23. The pack held together until coming off the Main Street bridge at about 1½ miles. Amy Cragg, Kellyn Taylor, Mattie Suver, Jen Rhines, Laura Thweatt, Neely Spence Gracey, Juliet Bottorff, and Alexi Pappas composed the pack as they hit 2 miles in 10:53. The eight-pack held together, with 16:18 at mile 3 and a 16:52 5K split. Somewhere between miles 3 and 4, Rhines took a horrible fall. Her competitors looked back as they heard her hit the pavement, but she gamely got up and continued. Rhines was recently Carolyn Mather (writer) with Amy Cragg inducted into the Gate River Run Hall of Fame and was thought to after her Gate River Run 15K win. be a serious contender. Cragg had planned to make a move at mile 5, but she felt the tailwind at the 4½-mile mark and began to leave the pack. She quickly put 6 seconds between herself and the chase pack of Bottorff, Gracey, and Thweatt. By the time Cragg reached mile 7 in 37:40, she had 20 seconds over the chasers and hit the bridge with a 26-second lead. The men’s race began as expected, the pack holding together for the first 3 miles, until Don Cabral, Girma Mecheso, Christo Landry,

Ben True wins his third Gate 15K

MISSOURI RUNNER AND TRIATHLETE

and two-time champion Ben True left the rest of the men behind. By 10K (29:30), the pack was down to three as Mecheso, Landry, and True jockeyed back and forth for the lead. With a mile to go, Mecheso trailed Landry and True by 9 seconds, and it became a two-man race. Landry told me earlier that week that he’d been practicing his kick, as he knew True could kick hard. True secured the $5,000 bonus when he passed Amy Cragg shortly after 9.1 miles and he crossed the line in 44:03, besting Cragg by 15 seconds. As Landry approached Cragg, they began a race to the finish. Landry got Cragg in the last straightaway and bested her by 4 seconds in 44:14, as Cragg finished in 50:18, taking the women’s title by 32 seconds. True notched his third win, confident his kick would take Landry out of the picture. True has finally regained his form from last year after two disappointing races at the USA Cross Country Championships and the World’s Best 10K. He has a three-peat under his belt, and I suspect he’ll be back for more titles. Cragg admitted that she was nervous for the first few miles as her legs didn’t feel good. They finally felt better as she reached the bridge, and she said that with the heat and the wind, her effort felt more like a half marathon. Cragg was thrilled by her win, especially given her 19th-place finish in 2014. This race was a great confidence builder for her upcoming Boston Marathon. Rhines held on for a sixth-place finish, winning the Masters Title in 51:36. The heat-adjusted 2015 Gate River Run was the deepest field in the race’s history, as 57 men broke 50 minutes, and 62 men finished ahead of Cragg’s winning time of 50:18. The women’s Adecco Downhill Mile was won by Cragg, with a final 5:00 mile. True won the men’s final mile in 4:13, but true to form, he asked that his former teammate Lex Williams get half of the $1,000 bonus. Williams had the fastest mile in 4:08, but did not qualify as his finishing time was over 49 minutes. s To view the race, visit usatf-tv.org

APRIL–JUNE 2015

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DOGFISH RACING ...

Where St. Louis Runners Take Flight

By Mike Meehan The St. Louis racing scene is heating up. Dogfish Racing was recently formed by a group of running experts with deep ties to the community, who hope to build a more competitive running scene. John Merli, the team’s founder and owner of Dogfish Apparel and Dogfish Cycling, has been involved in the cycling community for almost 20 years and is now bringing his cycling expertise to running. Merli has recruited Tim Bradley, assistant track & field and cross country coach at Saint Louis University, as the team’s coach. Jon Bell, SLU’s head track & field and cross country coach, will run the team’s day-to-day operations. Dogfish Racing’s strategy is based on professional cycling’s model of racing, which creates an elite and expert team using corporate sponsorship to attract and pay athletes. “We thought we’d diver-

sify [into running] and take a corporate approach [to team racing] with sponsorship,” said Bell. Some familiar local names have already been signed to the Dogfish Racing team. Hilary Orf, Margo Richardson, and Crystal Harriss, who all starred at SLU as members of the track & field and cross country teams, will continue their running careers in St. Louis as paid professional athletes. “We currently have six team members and would like to have about 25,” Bell explains. Four more St. Louis races are targeted for this year, including the Go! AllAmerican 5K, Macklind Mile, The Great Go! St. Louis Halloween Race, and the Kirkwood/Webster Turkey Day Run. “The idea is to elevate the area racing scene and eventually have a race at the end of the year where other teams race each other,” said Bell. The team is open not only to elite runners; Dogfish Racing encourages running enthusiasts of all abilities to join. s

From left, Hilary Orf, Margo Richardson, and Crystal Harriss. The St. Louis St. Patrick’s Day Parade Run kicked off the Dogfish Racing Team’s season. Richardson led the elite women, winning the 5-mile in 28:45, while Orf took second in 29:18, and Harriss placed fifth with a new personal record of 29:49.

Visit DogfishRacing.com for more information and to become a team member.

Dogfish Cycling Team Seventeen years ago, a group of mountain-biking friends with a passion for cycling formed what has become one of the Midwest’s most successful cycling teams. John Merli, along with several other cyclists, organized Dogfish Racing in 1998. “Within two years, it evolved into road, and eventually triathlon, too,” said Merli. Dogfish eventually focused on competitive road cycling, becoming a dominant force on the racing circuit. From 2009–13, the Dogfish was one of the most successful teams in the Midwest as it chalked up frequent wins in the state championships, state time trials, and the state criterium. Currently, 13 elite amateur cyclists from the St. Louis area compete for Dogfish in races all over the Midwest. “These guys compete almost every weekend from February through March,” Merli explained. A few of the races highlighting their 2015 schedule include the Tour of St. Louis, Hillsboro-Roubaix, Edwardsville Criterium, Gateway Cup, and Tulsa Tough. s Dennis Koscielski of Dogfish Racing leads the pack.

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Visit dogfish1.com for more information on the Dogfish Racing cycling team.

APRIL–JUNE 2015

MISSOURI RUNNER AND TRIATHLETE

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Jenny Simpson Focuses on Raising the Bar in 2015 By Chris Lotsbom of Race Results Weekly, used with permission Boston – If 2015 is anything like 2014, then American Jenny Simpson will be happy. The 28-year-old from Boulder, CO is ready to kick off her 2015 racing season, hoping to retain her crown as the No. 1–ranked 1500m runner in the world. She’s off to a great start, winning the women’s 2-mile at the New Balance Indoor Grand Prix in 9:18:35. “I’m in great shape, I’m as fit and as healthy as I’ve ever been this time of year, so I’m really excited about that,” said Simpson, flanked by New Balance teammates Brenda Martinez and Emma Coburn. In 2014 Simpson won the IAAF Diamond League title for 1500m, clocking a personal best of 3:57:22 (coming within 1/10th of a second of Mary Slaney’s American record), and won the U.S. outdoor national title in the discipline. In addition, she ran 8:29:58 for 3000m and repeated as NYRR Fifth Avenue Mile champion. To build off her 2014 success, Simpson isn’t necessarily going to do more in training. Rather, she and her coaches Mark Wetmore and Heather Burroughs have devised a plan to keep workouts similar, while focusing on building confidence and staying healthy.

MISSOURI RUNNER AND TRIATHLETE

Continued on page 10 APRIL–JUNE 2015

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“I think it’s so tempting after you have a successful stretch of races, or a season, I think it’s really tempting to think ‘how much more can I get if I add this or add that?’ I think the more reasonable, smarter, wiser thing to do is to keep doing what you’re doing,” said Simpson. In essence, Simpson isn’t going to mess with a training philosophy that isn’t broken. Training at altitude in Boulder, Simpson has weathered a cold, snowy winter. Yet the two-time Olympian feels her fitness is on par with where it was 12 months ago. Last year at this meet, Simpson committed one of the biggest blunders of her career, miscounting how many laps remained in the 2-mile. Had she not kicked a lap early and stopped momentarily, Simpson likely would have broken Regina Jacobs’ American record of 9:23.38; instead, she finished second in 9:26:19. “Last year, yes, I famously made the mistake that you think you’re never ever going to make. So many times I’ve replayed that in my mind and thought I’d never be the person to make such an amateur mistake,” Simpson told the media, a smile growing across her face. “I’ve very much learned from that.” Chuckling, Simpson added, “I’m really anxious to get 16 full laps in this time.” Simpson credits a lot of her successful racing career to Wetmore and Burroughs, who also coached her at the University of Colorado. She has full faith in the pair, who provide her comfort going into every race. “My coaches are the best at that, recognizing where I am in training relative to last year and building on what I’ve done. I think the biggest thing I’ve gained from last year was confidence and experience, and building year on top of year. That doesn’t change,” she said. Looking ahead, Simpson admitted she is in a lucky and

Photorun.net unique position. By winning the IAAF Diamond League title in 2014, Simpson automatically qualified for the 2015 IAAF World Championships in Beijing. With her spot on the start line guaranteed, Simpson doesn’t need to worry about chasing qualifying standards or finishing in the top three at the USA Championships. With that in mind, Simpson and her coaches have etched out a season-long plan beginning at the World Championships and working backward. “Coming into this year, it’s going to be a very similar formula with very similar goals in mind, and hopefully, 2015 will wrap up in a similar way,” she said. “This year is all about putting a star on the World Championships and working back from there. That’s where I’m going to be most fit this season.” s © 2015 Race Results Weekly, all rights reserved, used with permission.

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APRIL–JUNE 2015

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presented by

SHOE REVIEW by Cregg Weinmann

Track & Field Shoes 2015 As in other pre-Olympic years, 2015 is a “hold-steady” track & field season before the Olympic rollouts for Rio 2016. Five brands offer new products here for the 2015 season, with something for everyone, from beginners to athletes aspiring to the World Championships in Beijing. Here we review five representatives of the current track market, tested for your benefit. They’re versatile, and all athletes can benefit from the equipment advantage they afford, notably their light weight and technical design. We also preview another eight shoes with their specifications. Use this sampling as a starting point in your search for track & field excellence, and check runningproductreviews. com for periodic updates. As we always say, allow yourself time to adapt to the minimal support, structure, and cushioning of the spikes.

BEST VALUE Track & Field

Brooks PR LD 3 $65

The second update to the PR series focuses on improved materials plus a few minor design nudges, shedding weight where possible. The upper is closed mesh with sublimated graphics that lend eye appeal. The weight savings results from paring back both the overlays—which are now fully welded, no-sew film—and the strategically placed and comfy ankle collar foam. The six-spike plate is unchanged, providing consistent traction. The rearfoot is covered with sharkskin except where an (unnecessary) oval segment was removed in the heel to shave grams. The full-length midsole is now molded EVA (replacing the sheet EVA used previously), providing enough cushioning even in the longer races. The combination of performance, aesthetics, and price sets the PR LD3 apart, earning it our Best Value award in the Track & Field category. UPDATED Sizes: Men 5–13,14,15; Women 5–11,12 Weight: 4.6 oz. (w/spikes, men’s 11)/4.0 oz. (w/ spikes, women’s 8) Spikes: 6, replaceable Upper: closed mesh Innersole: sheet EVA Midsole: full-length CM-EVA Outersole: combination thermoplastic spike plate, sharkskin heel Recommended for: 1,500–10,000 meters on all surfaces, best on synthetic surfaces

New Balance LD 5000 v2 $120

The 5000 is New Balance’s top distance spike and it features top-shelf technology. The upper is closed mesh with a matrix of no-sew overlays that secure and support the foot, though very lightweight. The midsole is a thin and light layer of molded Revlite foam, in a geometry that cushions responsively without adding unnecessary weight. The outersole is a web of thermoplastic points that add traction on synthetic surfaces along with four perimeter spikes. This combination allows it to handle the natural surfaces of cross country with equal efficiency. The versatility and performance of the LD 5000 v2 earned it honors as our pick for Best Shoe Track & Field.

SPRING 2015

BEST SHOE Track & Field SPRING 2015

UPDATED Sizes: Men 7–13,14; Women 5–12 Weight: 4.5 oz. (w/spikes, men’s 11)/3.6 oz. (w/ spikes, women’s 8) Spikes: 4, replaceable Upper: synthetic leather overlays and mesh, synthetic suede tongue Innersole: sheet EVA Midsole: full-length CM-EVA Outersole: 3/4-length thermoplastic spike plate, sharkskin heel Recommended for: 1,500–10,000 meters on all surfaces, on synthetic surfaces and natural cross country

Nike Zoom Ja Fly 2 $125

Nike has the industry’s broadest line of track & field shoes, offering something for everyone, from beginners to Olympians. The Ja is one of their elite sprint spikes designed for sprinters from the finesse end rather than the power end of the spectrum. The upper is closed minimesh with welded overlays. The lacing is asymmetrical, angled laterally, shoring up the foot medially, to add support for sprinting, with welded Flywire through the saddle. The midsole is a very thin layer of molded EVA foam, concentrated in the heel and narrowing through the arch. The outersole is a full-length Pebax spike plate that’s most rigid under the toes, positioning the foot forward for sprinting efficiency. The eight-spike plate ensures that traction is maximized. While light weight is a priority, the sole is substantial where it needs to be. UPDATED Sizes: Unisex 4–13,14,15 Weight: 6.8 oz. (w/spikes, men’s 11) Spikes: 8, replaceable Upper: mesh, welded synthetic overlays Innersole: molded EVA Midsole: full-length Phylon (EVA) Outersole: Pebax spike plate, toughened EVA Recommended for: 50–400 meters on synthetic surfaces

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MISSOURI RUNNER AND TRIATHLETE

Puma TFX Distance v5 $75

The TFX Distance may be the sleeper of the bunch—at least as far as this review is concerned—as it fights above its weight. The upper is a firm minimesh that’s nicely supportive. Welded overlays add support to the close fit as it sandwiches the mesh with the welded suede linings of the interior. The midsole is a full-length molded EVA—almost like a light road racer—that cushions much like its road sibling would. The outersole is divided into the horseshoe-shaped Pebax nylon plate on the perimeter of the forefoot, a rubber pod beneath the heel, and toughened foam over the rest of the sole. The execution, features, and price make the TFX Distance v5 a quality choice for track performance. UPDATED Sizes: Men 7–12,13; Women 6–11,12 Weight: 6.1 oz. (w/spikes, men’s 11)/4.8 oz. (w/ spikes, women’s 8) Spikes: 5, replaceable Upper: mesh, synthetic overlays Innersole: sheet EVA Midsole: full-length CM-EVA Outersole: Pebax nylon spike plate on forefoot perimeter, EVA over rest Recommended for: 1,500 meters and up, including steeplechase, on synthetic surfaces

Saucony Showdown $110

Designed for power and speed, the Showdown is Saucony’s most elite sprint spike. The upper features the new ISO fit system: angular strapping that descends from each lace eyelet to the base of the sole, and it anchors the heel as it ties into the rearfoot overlays. The effect is supportive and adaptable as the foot moves, ideal for sprinting motion. The tongue is breathable mesh and gusseted to keep the foot secure. The forefoot is enshrouded in a welded, synthetic laminate for additional structure. The midsole is a thin layer of EVA, sufficiently cushioned for its task. The outersole is a full-length Pebax spike plate, rigid where needed, thanks to four spines that run the length of the plate; however, the plate is also springy and resilient for efficient sprinting. The 10-spike plate provides the needed traction, with multiple options in spike placement. The resulting product is improved, thanks to the synergy of all the additions. UPDATED Sizes: Men 4–13,14,15; Women 5–12 Weight: 7.1 oz. (w/spikes, men’s 11)/5.8 oz. (w/ spikes, women’s 8) Spikes: 10, replaceable Upper: mesh, synthetic overlays Innersole: sheet EVA Midsole: EVA Outersole: full-length Pebax spike plate Recommended for: 50–400 meters and hurdles, on synthetic surfaces

Preview

Brooks PR Sprint 3 $65 UPDATED Sizes: Men 5–13,14,15; Women 6–12 Weight: 4.8 oz. (w/spikes, men’s 11)/3.9 oz. (w/ spikes, women’s 8) Spikes: 7, replaceable Upper: mesh, welded film overlays Innersole: sheet EVA Midsole: CM-EVA Outersole: combination thermoplastic spike plate, sharkskin heel Recommended for: 50–400 meters and hurdles, on synthetic surfaces

Nike Zoom Mamba 3 $120 UPDATED Sizes: Unisex 6–13,14; Women 5–12 Weight: 5.0 oz. (w/spikes, size 11) Spikes: 6, replaceable Upper: mesh, welded synthetic overlays Innersole: molded EVA Midsole: full-length Phylon (EVA) Outersole: Pebax spike plate, rubber heel Recommended for: 3,000–10,000 meters and steeplechase, on synthetic surfaces

Saucony Spitfire $65 UPDATED Sizes: Men 4–13,14,15; Women 5–12 Weight: 5.8 oz. (w/spikes, men’s 11)/4.7 oz. (w/ spikes, women’s 8) Spikes: 7, replaceable Upper: mesh, synthetic leather overlays Innersole: sheet EVA Midsole: full-length EVA Outersole: Pebax spike plate, sharkskin heel Recommended for: 100–400 meters, on synthetic surfaces

Brooks PR MD 3 $65 UPDATED Sizes: Men 5–13,14,15; Women 6–12 Weight: 4.9 oz. (w/spikes, men’s 11)/4.0 oz. (w/ spikes, women’s 8) Spikes: 6, replaceable Upper: mesh, welded film overlays Innersole: sheet EVA Midsole: CM-EVA Outersole: combination thermoplastic spike plate, sharkskin heel Recommended for: 400–1,500 meters, hurdles and jumps, on synthetic surfaces

Puma TFX Sprint v5 $75 UPDATED Sizes: Men 7–12,13; Women 6–11,12 Weight: 6.8 oz. (w/spikes, men’s 11)/5.6 oz. (w/ spikes, women’s 8) Spikes: 8, replaceable Upper: synthetic leather, welded overlays Innersole: sheet EVA Midsole: full-length CM-EVA Outersole: Pebax nylon spike plate, sharkskin heel Recommended for: 50–100 meters, on synthetic surfaces

Saucony Velocity $60 UPDATED Sizes: Men 7–13,14; Women 5–11,12 Weight: 7.2 oz. (w/spikes, men’s 11)/5.8 oz. (w/ spikes, women’s 8) Spikes: 7, replaceable Upper: closed mesh, Flexfilm overlays Innersole: sheet EVA Midsole: full-length sheet EVA Outersole: Pebax spike plate, carbon rubber heel Recommended for: 800–5,000 meters, hurdles and jumps, on natural and synthetic surfaces

New Balance SD 400 v2 $110 UPDATED Sizes: Men 7–13; Women 5–11 Weight: 5.7 oz. (w/spikes, men’s 11)/4.9 oz. (w/ spikes, women’s 8) Spikes: 8, replaceable Upper: mesh, synthetic overlays Innersole: sheet EVA Midsole: molded EVA Outersole: thermoplastic spike plate, sharkskin heel Recommended for: 50–400 meters, on synthetic surfaces

MISSOURI RUNNER AND TRIATHLETE

Puma TFX Star v3 $65 UPDATED Sizes: Men 7–12,13; Women 6–11,12 Weight: 6.6 oz. (w/spikes, men’s 11)/5.7 oz. (w/ spikes, women’s 8) Spikes: 7, replaceable Upper: mesh, welded overlays Innersole: sheet EVA Midsole: sheet EVA Outersole: thermoplastic spike plate, rubber heel Recommended for: 100–5,000 meters, hurdles and jumps, on all surfaces

APRIL–JUNE 2015

Cregg Weinmann is footwear and apparel editor for the Running Network LLC, which is solely owned by FORTIUS Media Group, LLC. The Running Network and its 42 partners provide daily reviews of product via runningproductreviews.com All content, regardless of media delivery system, is copyrighted by the Fortius Media Group, LLC. Cregg can be reached at shuz2run@lightspeed.net. Copyright © 2015 by FORTIUS Media Group, LLC. All Rights Reserved. No part of this article may be stored, copied, or reprinted without prior written permission of FORTIUS Media Group, LLC. Reprinted here with permission.

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Photorun.net

Huddle Becomes First American to Win NYC Half Marathon NEW YORK – Plain and simple, Molly Huddle ruled the streets of Manhattan during the 10th edition of the United Airlines NYC Half. Controlling the race and making her presence known mile after mile, the 30-year-old Notre Dame grad from Providence, RI became the first American champion in race history, breaking the tape in a personal best of 1:08:31, equaling the course and event record. “It means a lot to me,” said Huddle, who also won the Oakley New York Mini 10K here last June in an American record time. “It wasn’t really on my mind to win. I just wanted to run as fast as I could today and see how winter training was going to pay off.” From the start in Central Park under gray skies, Huddle took her place at the front of a large 12-woman pack, going through 5K in 16:35. (This year’s race featured an all-women’s early start for the elites.) Alongside Kenya’s Joyce Chepkirui and Sally Kipyego—the latter the defending champion and course recordholder—Huddle was focused on running within herself. Routinely checking her wristwatch, it appeared as if the reigning USA 5000m champion was on a tempo run. “It was a lot harder than a workout for sure, but I just wanted to make sure I kept track of my splits,” Huddle said with a chuckle. “I figured it would help me PR if I could at least keep my splits and know where I was. I was prepared for everything.” After leaving Central Park and racing through Times Square, the women’s lead group had dwindled to seven. Pretty soon it would be five at the head of the field: Huddle, Kipyego, Chepkirui, two-time champion Caroline Rotich (Kenya), and Rkia El Moukim (Morocco). Turning onto the West Side Highway just before 8 miles, the race would shake up dramatically. Photorun.net www.morunandtri.com

Looking at her watch once again, Huddle injected a surge that dropped El Moukim. Two miles later, Kipyego and Rotich were victims of Huddle’s consistent pick-ups, dictating the pace as she ran toward the Lower Manhattan finish. At least three times Chepkirui came up on the American Olympian’s shoulder looking to pass, only to be denied each time. Huddle wasn’t about to let Chepkirui take over, especially after having done the legwork of keeping pace. The race came down to the final mile, when Huddle used experience as the ultimate trump card. In the Battery Park Underpass, Huddle cranked up the pace one more time, a move that would be the nail in Chepkirui’s coffin. A year prior, the same underpass and subsequent hill had given Huddle much trouble, causing her to fade to third place. This year, she knew the tunnel would come to an end after roughly a kilometer. Chepkirui had never run the course before, and Huddle’s move appeared to take her by surprise. Continued on page 15

APRIL–JUNE 2015

By Chris Lotsbom of Race Results Weekly, used with permission

MISSOURI RUNNER AND TRIATHLETE

THINGS THAT MAKE YOU WANT TO RUN:

Circus Clowns

Monday After Vacation

Zealot ISO

Step into shoes so comfortable, you can’t help but run in them. SAUCONY.COM/ISOSERIES

Continued from page 13

“Just knowing that the tunnel was roughly a [kilometer] long, ’cause last year I remember thinking ‘when will this tunnel end?’” recalled Huddle. “It was just good to know how much I had left, and when I was getting tired that it wasn’t really that bad. Everything really felt a bit better in the last mile than it did last year.” Emerging from the tunnel well in front and extending her lead through the line, Huddle crossed the finish in 1:08:31, equaling Kipyego’s record time from last year. “I felt good today, and I had some experience from last year,” said Huddle, referencing her keys to victory. “There was a great field … To come out on top is a great day for me. I wasn’t really expecting it.” The quiet Chepkirui took second in 1:08:42, followed by Kipyego in third (1:09:39). Although she came into the race feeling better fitness-wise than a year ago, Kipyego said she simply didn’t have what it took to win the race. “This year I felt like everything was going fantastic coming into the race,” said the Nike Oregon Track Club athlete. “It just didn’t fall together today. I just didn’t have it today.” Rotich took fourth in 1:09:54, with El Moukim rounding out the top five in 1:10:14. Annie Bersagel was 10th in 1:12:19, while Desi Linden finished 12th in 1:12:36. Chepkirui, Rotich, and Linden are all running the Boston Marathon on April 20.

Photorun.net

KORIR WINS MEN’S RACE BY A HAIR

Like the women’s race, the men’s contest came down to two athletes in the final mile: Kenyans Leonard Korir and Stephen Sambu. The training partners—based in Tucson and coached by the University of Arizona’s James Li—fought tooth and nail the entire way to the finish line, where Korir was crowned the champion thanks to a last-second surge. Similar to the women beforehand, the men’s race began as a large pack race through Central Park and Times Square, with Sambu doing the majority of the front-running duties. Occasionally, reigning Boston Marathon champion Meb Keflezighi would take over, but it was Sambu who asserted his spot at the head of the field. “I like running in front all the time. I like pushing the pace. For me, I don’t like going slow,” Sambu told reporters. “From the beginning we start pushing and pushing, and the group started reducing, reducing.” Running south down Seventh Avenue, Sambu surged hard, breaking all but Korir, South Africa’s Lusapho April, and Mexico’s Juan Luis Barrios. Together, the quartet would make their way onto the West Side Highway, battling bitter winds that blew at 18 mph from the west. www.morunandtri.com

Photorun.net The pack of four became two, when Korir and Sambu emerged from the tunnel in front, racing to the finish and crossing within 1 second of each other.

Entering the Battery Park Underpass as four, only two athletes would emerge from the dark tunnel out in front: Sambu and Korir. Knowing how strong his compatriot was, Korir thought his chances of winning had dwindled when Sambu accelerated and created a 5-meter gap. Yet Korir, an Iona College graduate and two-time NCAA champion, got a second wind. “With half a mile to go, I knew Stephen was very strong. So I was telling myself, ‘I’ll be Number 2, Number 2.’ But with 1K left, I saw Stephen was not going, and something was in my head,” Korir said with a smile. “You know what, ‘Win this thing. Win this thing.’ I just gave it all I had and I found myself on the finish line.” A meter from the line, Korir matched Sambu and ultimately gained a foot’s advantage on his rival, stealing the victory from his friend’s grip. Sambu didn’t expect Korir to come up on his left shoulder, let alone lift his arms in celebration a mere step from the line. “I thought, ‘It is my day.’ That’s why I was pushing a lot. But it didn’t happen. Next time,” said Sambu. Korir’s winning time was 1:01:06, with Sambu finishing a second later in 1:01:07 (the finish time is deceiving, as the winning margin seemed less than a second). It is tied for the closest finish in race history. “It was really a very good race. I like New York. I went to school here. I wanted to give all I could to win this race because I love this place,” said Korir, who took home $20,000 for placing first. “I think New York is a very good atmosphere for me to run in.” Sambu was gracious in second place, smiling and shaking his head when asked how tough the runner’s up place must feel. “I know I was almost at the finish line. I was so close,” he said with a nod to his training partner. “It was painful.” Barrios took third in 1:01:14, with April fourth in 1:01:21. Throughout the race’s latter stages, Americans Andrew Bumbalough, Meb Keflezighi, and Dathan Ritzenhein worked together in the chase pack. Racing his debut half marathon, Bumbalough was content sitting back and observing his more experienced counterparts. Taking a track approach to the final miles, Bumbalough waited to make his move, ultimately finishing fifth in 1:02:04. Ritzenhein crossed the line 3 seconds later in 1:02:07. “It was a really cool experience,” said Bumbalough, flanked by Ritzenhein and Keflezighi. “As the rookie out there, I was looking at these two guys to see what was going to happen. ... I just tried to get in track mode, tuck in, and race like that.” Keflezighi was eighth in 1:02:17, an encouraging performance as he prepares to defend his Boston Marathon title. s © 2015 Race Results Weekly, all rights reserved, used with permission.

APRIL–JUNE 2015

MISSOURI RUNNER AND TRIATHLETE

presents

2015 SPRING

SHOE REVIEW SHOE REVIEWS: MOTION STABILIZING—3 • PERFORMANCE—4 • NEUTRAL—5

The only constant in the sporting goods industry is that it’s not static. While new brands continue to appear, their chances of success have not been great. That said, the odds of success have never been better than they are now, as running specialty stores are gravitating to many of the smaller brands. The reason? Big sporting goods chains want to carry the best shoes that have been vetted by the running specialty stores, and most of the top brands have complied. So, to give customers something special, many running specialty stores have begun carrying shoes from less well-known brands. Of course, that’s what we’ve promoted in these reviews for more than 17 years: The more shoe choices you have, the better your chances of finding one to fit your feet and needs. This spring review features both established stalwarts and some fresh new creations, with innovation and industry best practices thrown into the mix. Categories continue to be refined and address the ever-present need for shoes to meet biomechanical needs, hold up to the forces exerted when running, and optimize a shoe’s performance via shape geometries. Use this guide as a starting point and, if possible, make your first stop a running specialty store to find the best running shoes for you. Keep running, friends. — Cregg Weinmann Running Shoe Reviewer for the Running Network, LLC

SMOOTH BY DESIGN.

With the Fresh Foam Boracay, data-driven design and intelligent geometries combine to create a smooth, continuous ride every time. THIS IS #FRESHFOAM. THIS IS #RUNNOVATION. www.morunandtri.com

APRIL–JUNE 2015

MISSOURI RUNNER AND TRIATHLETE

FORTIUS Media Group, LLC Partners

2015 Spring Shoe Review Somewhere in my garage in Wisconsin are my first pairs of running and racing shoes. My first pair of real running shoes were Onitsuka Tiger Cortez. It was 1974, and I had just moved to California from Missouri. Over the summer, I ran more than 1,000 miles in that pair of training shoes, eventually reinforcing the heel with a shoe glue product that was popular back then. My first track spikes were adidas Intervals, a shoe made for racing distances, which I beat up terribly. They started out white, but were covered with mud and such after a few spring races on dirt tracks. During the spring of 1975, I raced in Brooks track spikes which, if memory serves me well, I purchased at Starting Line from Angel Martinez, who’s now chairman at Deckers. I remember telling Angel that he sold me the first pair of running shoes that I actually paid for myself: $30 that I earned from babysitting and painting jobs. I broke five minutes for the mile in those shoes. Also in my garage are my old Nike waffle racers from the fall of 1975, which I loved because of their colors—green and yellow. I broke 17 minutes at Crystal Springs in those shoes. It was (and still is) a fine course, back then it was 2.9 miles. Eventually, I used those shoes in a college art project. Every time I open a new box of running shoes, I experience the same excitement I did when I bought my first pair. In our reviews, we remember that feeling and we hope you feel the same excitement. And, as always, we suggest that you go to your local running store when you purchase running shoes. They don’t want to simply sell you a pair of shoes; they want to fit you in a pair that will make your running enjoyable. Special thanks to Cregg Weinmann, our RN footwear reviewer; Christine Johnson, RN project coordinator and editor; Kristin Cerer, designer; Marg Sumner, proofreader; and Alex Larsen, production manager, who continue to prepare these reviews for you, year in and year out, since 1998. Enjoy!

Larry Eder Publishing Director FORTIUS Media Group, LLC

Saucony Zealot ISO

Brooks Ravenna 6

Project Coordinator/Editor: Christine Johnson Reviewer: Cregg Weinmann Designer: Kristen Cerer Proofreader: Marg Sumner, Red Ink Editorial Services Shoe Photography: Daniel Saldaña, Cregg Weinmann Advertising Sales: FORTIUS Media Group, LLC Publishing Director: Larry Eder, 608.239.3785, fortiusmedia@gmail.com Ad Manager: Adam Johnson-Eder, 608.556.9164, adamlawrenceeder@gmail.com Legal Counsel: Perry F. Goldust

ASICS GT-2000 3

NEW SHOE

RENOVATION

Spring 2015

adidas Supernova Glide Boost 7

American Track & Field www.american-trackandfield.com Athletes Only www.atf-athlete.com Athletics-Africa www.athletics-africa.com/s/ Austin Fit www.austinfitmagazine.com California Track & Running News www.caltrack.com Club Running (RRCA) www.rrca.org/publications/ club-running Coaching Athletics Quarterly www.coachingathleticsq.com Colorado Runner www.coloradorunnermag.com Footnotes (Long Island, NY) www.glirc.org Get Active! & Club Business International www.healthclubs.com Hawaii Sport www.hawaiisportmag.com Latinos Corriendo www.latinoscorriendo.com Michigan Runner www.michiganrunner.net Missouri Runner & Triathlete www.morunandtri.com New England Exchange Zone www.usatfne.org Race Packet DC www.racepacket.com RunMinnesota www.runmdra.org Running Journal & Racing South www.running.net RunOhio www.runohio.com Track & Field News www.trackandfieldnews.com US Track & Field and Cross Country Coaches Association www.USTFCCCA.org Winged Foot (NYC) www.nyac.org Winged M (Portland, OR) www.themac.com Youth Runner www.youthrunner.com www.ePodismo.com (Italy) www.ePodismo.com/USA www.HalfMarathon.net www.JumpingTheGun.com www.MarathonGuide.com www.RunBlogRun.com www.issuu.com/RunDenmark www.RunningProductReviews.com www.SlowTwitch.com www.WomenTalkSports.com www.WorldWideRunning.com

This 2015 Spring Shoe Review is produced independently by FORTIUS Media Group, LLC for its partner publications and websites. All shoes reviewed were tested by experienced, competitive runners who were matched to the biomechanical purpose of each shoe model.

New Balance Fresh Foam Zante

Motion Stabilizing

Neutral

Performance

Spring 2015

FORTIUS Media Group, LLC and its partner publications and websites suggest that, as with all fitness activities, you meet with a healthcare professional before beginning or changing your fitness regimen.

2015 Spring Shoe Review — 2 — FORTIUS Media Group, LLC

MISSOURI RUNNER AND TRIATHLETE

APRIL–JUNE 2015

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MOT ION STABILIZING ASICS GT-2000 3

RENOVATION Spring 2015

120

Brooks Ravenna 6

Motion Stabilizing Spring 2015

110

The 2000 series has been a cornerstone in the ASICS running line because of its effectiveness for a wide variety of runners. Round 3 is an update that builds on the strengths of Round 2, while refining its components. The upper features new, lateral no-sew overlays, with stitched medial overlays that provide support while reducing the weight of the shoe. The addition of the Heel Clutch system (adopted from the Kayano) better secures the rearfoot. The midsole employs the same geometry, but the cushioning of the shoe is plusher, thanks to added Gel in the heel and adjustments to the two foam layers of the Fluid Ride system. The stability remains the same, as the medial seconddensity foam (Dynamic DuoMax) shores up the shoe effectively. The outersole has the usual adjustment—here the toe is filled medially, the shank is beefier, and the Guidance line is straighter—all in an effort to subtly stabilize the gait while maintaining both durability and ride. The upshot is that the GT-2000 3 will please fans of the shoe. Its ride, fit, and value earned it our award as Best Renovation.

“Fits well overall, nice fit on the heel. Feels true to size. Pretty cushy, better for long runs than for short, fast training.”

The Ravenna has been a successful franchise for the Brooks line, evidenced by earning a few awards in its time, thanks to its solid focus on stability and cushioning. Round 6 has a flashier new look and the chops to back it up. The upper is open mesh, supported by welded overlays, with synthetic leather at the toe to give it shape. A ghilley lace loop at the saddle continually adjusts the midfoot, effectively securing the foot into the heel, where new linings and foam have a much smoother feel than before. The midsole is twodensity BioMogo DNA, Brook’s proprietary foam, which has a smooth, cushy feel while avoiding the mushy ride that can accompany cushioning. The outersole is full-contact rubber (carbon in the rearfoot, blown rubber in the forefoot) that makes good on the stability that comes with the extra surface. The combination of fit, ride, and great price earned the Ravenna 6 our award for Best Shoe in the Motion Stabilizing category.

“Nice secure fit, does a good job of hugging the foot with a smooth interior. Stable feel and good cushiness to the ride.”

Hoka has a number of shoes that focus on maxing out the cushioning—the brand’s main focus. The Constant is a new shoe to the Hoka line and slots in as a motion stabilizing shoe. The upper is closed mesh, supported by welded suede overlays, that shapes the toebox, locks down the midfoot, and reinforces the eyestays. The tongue is asymmetrical, wrapping from the medial (inside) side to support the midfoot, and a TPU clip anchors the heel. The midsole is a combination of EVA and RMAT foam. A unique stabilizing second density of the RMAT pushes into the arch, while the rocker geometry and flare of the forefoot stabilize the foot at the late stage of the gait. The outersole is a full-contact design. A ring of rubber around the perimeter opens on the lateral side, and toughened EVA and RMAT fill the open areas. The Constant brings cushioning and stability to recovery days with more focus than Hoka has brought before.

“Good snug fit, but with enough room up front. Gives good support and has a great feel. Really provides nice cushioning while still feeling stable and responsive.”

Now in its fifth iteration, the 860 remains the moderate stability shoe of the New Balance line, here with good updates from top to bottom. The closed mesh upper has welded overlays in the forefoot and a strip of synthetic leather shaping the toe. The midfoot is anchored by a lace/strap in the saddle, and stitched rearfoot overlays secure the heel. A new asymmetrical heel counter bolsters the medial side without overbuilding the entire heel. The midsole continues with the two-layer setup introduced in Version 4, but with new tooling that offers better flexibility and contouring. The outersole is Ndurance carbon in the heel and blown rubber up front, each contributing its strength: durability and cushion. The improvements point to better performance, which is good news to New Balance fans and another choice for runners in need of more fit options.

“Felt secure all around. Room for my toes and the heel was well supported. Solid shoe for plenty of training.”

The Hurricane is the most vaunted shoe in Saucony’s running lineup; its update brings changes, some big and some minor. The upper is an open mesh with welded overlays. More significant, however, is the new ISO fit system: a saddle of fingers that wrap the midfoot and adjust as the foot moves to offer a better fit than previous versions. The midsole has new geometry. It still features an 8mm heel-to-toe drop, but with a more substantial crashpad and a taller stack height for more cushioning. The outersole is little changed, but two things have been addressed. First, the medial heel outersole has added rubber beneath the second density of the midsole for stability. Second, the medial forefoot has a release groove at the first metatarsal for better flexibility at toe-off. These changes have increased the performance feel of the shoe. With its fit, ride, and stability, the Hurricane ISO has been upgraded from a very good shoe to an even better one.

“Love the new fit! Nice and secure, flexes well, stable. I have been really impressed with this update.”

Hoka One One Constant

160

New Balance 860 v5

115

Saucony Hurricane ISO

150

Updates the GT-2000 2 Sizes: Men 6–14,15,16,17 (B,D,2E,4E); Women 5–13 (2A,B,D,2E) Weight: 12.0 oz. (men’s 11); 9.8 oz. (women’s 8) Shape: semicurved Construction: Strobel slip-lasted, EVA Strobel board Recommended for: medium- to high-arched feet with mild to moderate overpronation

Updates the Ravenna 5 Sizes: Men 7–13,14,15 (D,2E); Women 5–12 (B,D) Weight: 12.9 oz. (men’s 11); 10.5 oz. (women’s 8) Shape: semicurved Construction: Strobel slip-lasted, EVA Strobel board Recommended for: medium- to high-arched feet with mild to moderate overpronation

New Shoe Sizes: Men 7–13,14,15; Women 5–11 Weight: 11.5 oz. (men’s 11); 9.3 oz. (women’s 8) Shape: semicurved Construction: Strobel slip-lasted, EVA Strobel board Recommended for: low- to medium-arched feet with mild to moderate overpronation

Updates the 860 v4 Sizes: Men 7–13,14,15,16 (B,D,2E,4E); Women 5–12,13 (2A,B,D,2E) Weight: 11.7 oz. (men’s 11); 9.4 oz. (women’s 8) Shape: semicurved Construction: Strobel slip-lasted, EVA Strobel board Recommended for: medium- to high-arched feet with mild to moderate overpronation

Updates the Hurricane 16 Sizes: Men 7–13,14,15 (D,2E); Women 5–12 (B,D) Weight: 11.9 oz. (men’s 11); 9.8 oz. (women’s 8) Shape: semicurved Construction: Strobel slip-lasted, EVA Strobel board Recommended for: medium- to high-arched feet with mild to moderate overpronation

2015 Spring Shoe Review — 3 — FORTIUS Media Group, LLC www.morunandtri.com

APRIL–JUNE 2015

MISSOURI RUNNER AND TRIATHLETE

PERFORMANCE adidas adizero Tempo 7 Boost

The Tempo has been a reliable Performance shoe choice: It’s great for faster running with a touch of stability. The addition of Boost foam in this version is welcome news and constitutes a step up. The upper is completely redone: now open minimesh with traditional synthetic suede overlays and a new saddle design to anchor the midfoot. The tongue, employing a stretchy fabric, is gusseted to prevent it from slipping side to side. The midsole is full-length Boost foam topped by a layer of EVA that’s thin on the lateral side, but forms an enclosed medial forefoot (called Stableframe) to stabilize the foot. The outersole is full-length Continental® rubber that’s thin, flexible, and durable. The sum of these parts equals another effective execution of the Boost technology and another versatile option for runners in need of solutions.

“Fits snug, but roomier than expected. The Boost midsole has a lively feel to it. Comfortable on my long or fast runs. Definitely a well-designed shoe.”

Ampla is a new brand, perhaps a catalyst for something different, as they’ve introduced a new technology. The upper is a closed micromesh, supported by welded overlays, that is close-fitting like a racing shoe. The midsole is two layers: a softer layer near the foot and a very firm layer near the ground. The technological shift—and the visual difference in the shoe—resides between the layers, where a carbon fiber shank sports a flange that protrudes below the sole, appearing to hang toward the ground. When running, the shank’s stiffness keeps the foot lined up while the angle of the sole acts as a proprioceptive cue to move the foot strike to the sweet spot. Internally, the carbon fiber extends to the big toe to encourage an efficient toe-off. The outersole is tough carbon rubber at both the heel and toe, and softer rubber where the flange contacts the ground. While the effect is a faster feel, the shoe is really designed for neuromuscular training. The label on its tongue says it all: “Stop not running right.”

“Snug overall, like a racer. The midfoot is stiff and holds my foot in a forward position that feels fast. Running in it seems to train the foot so it can improve my running.”

With shoes designed to accommodate the 33 joints in the foot, the 33 series has been the most nimble of the ASICS running lines. The new 33 FA features the latest version of the Fluid Axis geometry first introduced in the Gel Lyte 33. Here it features a 4mm offset from heel to toe. The upper is open mesh with soft, sueded overlays that are welded for a smooth interior. The structure is minimal. The midsole is two layers: a Solyte cradle near the ground and a new compound, AmpliFoam, that sits atop the cradle near the foot. While the AmpliFoam’s cushioning has been superior, it needs more structure, hence the cradle. The outersole is AHAR, ASICS’ abrasion-resistant rubber compound, which spreads over the shoe in pod-like segments. The rest of the sole is toughened foam. The outcome is a shoe that’s excellent for faster running, strengthening, and even as a regular training shoe to rotate into your routine.

“It has a very flexible and comfortable upper. I like the way the shoe flexes and moves with my foot. The flexibility of the toebox makes it very comfortable, almost slipper-like.”

At one time the Launch was nearly squeezed from Brooks’ line, but its attributes earned it a second chance. The Launch 2 is wholly new, its name and purpose the only constants. The upper is open mesh, supported by welded overlays, and a synthetic leather toe bumper shapes the toebox. The interior is smooth, thanks to Lycra linings in the heel and tongue areas. With its visually appealing, vibrant colors, the two-tone mesh also allows the forefoot plenty of space, while snugging the midfoot securely. The midsole is Brooks’ DNA, so it’s well-cushioned without mushiness, protective yet responsive enough for faster running. The full-contact outersole is a combination of carbon rubber in the heel and blown rubber in the forefoot. The Launch 2 is an effective training shoe that’s light enough for faster running, yet durable enough for the long haul.

“Great snug fit from the heel to the arch, with a wide toebox, I love it! Good cushioning, but it runs plenty fast. I trained in it on all kinds of runs, and even a few races as well.”

New Balance has been pushing the innovation envelope with its Fresh Foam; the new Zante falls on the lighter and faster end of the spectrum. The upper is an open minimesh, with welded overlays, stitching kept to a minimum to do the job in the least restrictive way. The saddle is fashioned from a stiffer mesh, with minimal structure in the heel so it’s almost nonexistent. The lacing eyelets have been decoupled to both better secure and move with the foot, and the tongue is gusseted to keep it in place. The midsole is 6mm geometry, combining cushioning and structure into the midsole where needed. The outersole is full-contact, with low-profile, hexagonal lugs molded for traction in the forefoot and contact in the heel. The blending of performance, cushioning, and economical price earned the Fresh Foam Zante our award for Best Shoe in the Performance category.

“Fits like a racer, and is light enough to be a race shoe, but cushy enough to be a day-to-day trainer. It has been a great performer, and has a key spot in my shoe lineup.”

120

Ampla Fly

180

ASICS 33 FA

110

Brooks Launch 2

100

New Balance Fresh Foam Zante

Performance Spring 2015

100

Updates the adizero Tempo 6 Sizes: Men 7.5–13,14; Women 5–12 Weight: 11.8 oz. (men’s 11); 9.7 oz. (women’s 8) Shape: semicurved Construction: Strobel slip-lasted Recommended for: medium- to high-arched feet with neutral biomechanics to mild overpronation

New Shoe Sizes: Men 7–13,14; Women 6–11 Weight: 11.6 oz. (men’s 11); 9.7 oz. (women’s 8) Shape: semicurved Construction: Strobel slip-lasted Recommended for: medium- to high-arched feet with neutral biomechanics to very mild overpronation

New Shoe Sizes: Men: 7–13,14,15; Women: 5–12 Weight: 10.4 oz. (men’s size 11); 8.5 oz. (women’s size 8) Shape: semicurved Construction: Strobel slip-lasted, PU Strobel board Recommended for: medium- to high-arched feet with neutral biomechanics, for faster-paced runs

Updates the Launch Sizes: Men 8–13,14,15; Women 6–11,12 Weight: 11.0 oz. (men’s 11); 9.0 oz. (women’s 8) Shape: semicurved Construction: Strobel slip-lasted, EVA Strobel board Recommended for: medium- to high-arched feet with neutral biomechanics to very mild overpronation

New Shoe Sizes: Men 7–13,14; Women 5–11,12 Weight: 8.6 oz. (men’s 11); 7.0 oz. (women’s 8) Shape: semicurved Construction: Strobel slip-lasted, EVA Strobel board Recommended for: medium- to high-arched feet with neutral biomechanics to very mild overpronation

2015 Spring Shoe Review — 4 — FORTIUS Media Group, LLC

MISSOURI RUNNER AND TRIATHLETE

APRIL–JUNE 2015

www.morunandtri.com

P E RFORMANCE Newton Distance IV

The Distance is Newton’s lightest training shoe—what they describe as a speed trainer. Round 4 retains the geometry established across the line with the various Point of Pressure platforms; here it’s the POP1 configuration. The upper features different meshes in the forefoot and rearfoot, employing the same open mesh as the whole Version 3, but here only in the rearfoot. The vamp and tongue feature a new, closed mesh with less give to it, welded overlays, and a small toe bumper giving shape and a little structure to the forefoot. The midsole features the same 2mm geometry, cushioning, and performance as before. The outersole is also unchanged: rubber over the lugs and toe, the rear section just toughened foam. What results is an effective update, keeping what worked and nudging the progress forward with some upgrades.

“Good, roomy toebox, and they fit true to size. The heel counter is stiff and supportive. The lugs are noticeable until a few miles into the runs, but they do work.”

Saucony has introduced a variety of effective performance shoes. The Breakthru is the first to feature the 8mm geometry of many of its mainline training shoes. The upper is a closed mesh with both traditional and welded overlays, and tailored for a good fit for a broad range of feet. The midsole is a blend of well-cushioned EVA and a full-length of Powergrid that adds snappiness to the ride, extending its effective range in the process. The mostly segmented outersole is lightened by the “missing” segments. The effectiveness of the shoe can be summed up this way: good durability and a smooth ride at a reasonable price.

“Nice, roomy forefoot with a no-nonsense heel and midfoot fit. Not super cushioned, but they can really handle the mileage—and they don’t weigh a lot either.”

The Zealot is the third of three shoes equipped with Saucony’s ISO technology, which is designed to provide a more secure fit. The Zealot is for faster running, while its brethren are for cushioning and for stability. The upper is closed mesh with welded overlays, and the strap-like ISO fingers adapt as the foot moves. The tongue is gusseted to allow the upper to conform to the foot without the tongue slipping from side to side, contributing to the excellent fit. The midsole is fairly firm, leaning toward the responsive end of the cushioning spectrum, rather than cushy, although it’s flexible enough to avoid a stiff feel. The outersole is segmented, which contributes to the shoe’s flexibilty. The traction is good, as is the sole’s durability. Its blend of clever design, responsive cushioning, and adaptable fit earned the Zealot our Best New Shoe award.

“The sheath-like construction is snug, and the eyelets on the lacing system are separate, allowing variable adjustment along the length of the foot, which makes for a good fit. Very nice on road and dirt. The tread pattern suits all types of running.”

Skechers has overcome some barriers with its serious approach to performance, and it’s been enhanced by the successes of its signature athletes. The GoRun 4 makes a quantum leap without abandoning its genetic roots, always a dilemma when updating a shoe. The upper is a step forward, with closed mesh, sublimated graphics, and welded overlays that contribute to an improved fit and updated look. The midsole features the same 4mm geometry, with a new midsole shaping that offers a better ride, while the midfoot’s new second density results in a better feel. The outersole is still largely toughened foam (the small round rubber buttons remain in the heel and forefoot), and the midfoot features larger rubber pods that have improved durability. These changes have upped the game of the GoRun, significantly improving what was an already good shoe.

“The stretchy upper flexes well with the foot, snugs up pretty well, and has enough support. The ride is pretty smooth and fast, worked well for my faster running. It has been a good shoe to reach for in my rotation, for a ‘kick up the pace’ run.”

155

Saucony Breakthru

100

Saucony Zealot ISO

NEW SHOE Spring 2015

130

Skechers GoRun 4

100

Updates the Distance III Sizes: Men 6–13,14,15; Women 5–12 Weight: 8.4 oz. (men’s 11); 6.7 oz. (women’s 8) Shape: semicurved Construction: Strobel slip-lasted, EVA Strobel board Recommended for: medium- to high-arched feet with neutral biomechanics

New Shoe Sizes: Men 7–13,14,15; Women 5–12 Weight: 10.2 oz. (men’s 11); 8.2 oz. (women’s 8) Shape: semicurved Construction: Strobel slip-lasted, EVA Strobel board Recommended for: medium- to high-arched feet with neutral biomechanics to mild overpronation

New Shoe Sizes: Men 7–13,14; Women 5–12 Weight: 11.8 oz. (men’s 11); 9.7 oz. (women’s 8) Shape: semicurved Construction: Strobel slip-lasted, EVA Strobel board Recommended for: medium- to high-arched feet with neutral biomechanics to mild overpronation

Updates the GoRun 3 Sizes: Men 6.5–13,14; Women 6–11 Weight: 10.1 oz. (men’s 11); 8.0 oz. (women’s 8) Shape: semicurved Construction: Strobel slip-lasted, finished fabric Strobel board Recommended for: medium- to high-arched feet with neutral biomechanics for faster-paced runs

NEUTRAL adidas Supernova Glide Boost 7

Neutral Spring 2015

The Supernova Glide 6 Boost proved to be a versatile, durable, and practical use of the new Boost technology. It maintains the effective chassis while turning its focus on the upper. The new upper has two aims: aesthetics (which are nice, but don’t affect performance) and fit. The new fit is effective, especially in the women’s shoe; the uppers in the male and female versions are different. In both, the stretch mesh flexes well and is also breathable without feeling too breezy in cool conditions. Minor tweaks to the overlays and saddle also do their parts in enhancing the fit. The effective midsole is unchanged: Boost foam topped with EVA to spread and stabilize the bounce. The outersole is the thin layer of tough Continental® rubber over the length of the full-contact bottom that has been so effective for grip and durability. The ride, durability, and value earned the Supernova Glide Boost 7 our Best Shoe award for Neutral shoes.

“The best thing about the fit is you don’t even notice it—hugs your foot perfectly. The cushioning is fantastic, my best shoe.” Updates the Supernova Glide 6 Boost Sizes: Men 6.5–13,14,15; Women 5–12 Weight: 11.8 oz. (men’s 11); 9.7 oz. (women’s 8) Shape: semicurved Construction: Strobel slip-lasted Recommended for: medium- to high-arched feet with neutral biomechanics

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2015 Spring Shoe Review — 5 — FORTIUS Media Group, LLC

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SMOOTH JUST GOT FAST.

Fresh Foam gets fast with the Fresh Foam Zante. Data-driven design and intelligent geometries combine to create a light, fast ride. THIS IS #FRESHFOAM. THIS IS #RUNNOVATION. www.morunandtri.com

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MISSOURI RUNNER AND TRIATHLETE

NEUTRAL Mizuno Waverider 18

With any shoe, the goal is to please as many runners as possible. Consumer concerns about Round 17 have informed effective changes to Round 18. The upper construction has returned to a former technique, and the fit is better tailored in the midfoot: snug in the arch/instep with plenty of toe room. The midsole is firm but fairly flexible in the forefoot. A new polyurethane insole softens the feel a bit, but the firm ride is noticeable. Increased toe spring both allows the foot to roll better through the gait and gives the shoe a more responsive feel. The outersole is unchanged. X-10 rubber in the heel and bevelled pods on the lateral forefoot smooth the transition. Overall, the shoe is a few grams heavier, but the fit, ride, and feel are more familiar to the franchise, so fans who didn’t love the 17 may recognize much in this version. Recent converts should also be pleased.

“Fit was good: roomy in the toes, snug heel, no friction problems. The ride was very firm, but the cushioning was pretty good. The shoe rolls well with the foot.”

The Fresh Foam Boracay is the update to the Fresh Foam 980, a combination of a new foam formulation and application of geometries by New Balance. This round focuses on nudging each area forward to arrive at a better product overall. The upper (an open mesh in Round 1), is now a closed but breathable airmesh that’s supported by a thin framework of welded overlays. The toe is surprisingly well-supported even without a toecap, the eyestays feature self-adjusting eyelets, and the neoprene tongue and foam ankle collar provide a plush, interior feel. The Fresh Foam midsole features the same 4mm geometry. The sidewall cells have been altered to stabilize the shoe medially, while the lateral side cushions and directs the foot. This is possible, in part, because the one-piece, full-contact outersole (which is unchanged) allows the gait’s path to be chosen by the foot as the sole flexes to accommodate. The fit and ride have been elevated a notch, and while not for everybody, fans and future fans will find a lot to like.

“Really comfortable shoe to put on. It fits well— snug where needed, roomy where needed. The run is very smooth and lively for a cushion shoe.”

The Cloudster was introduced as the third model for On, a durable, high-mileage shoe with basic credentials. Round 2 keeps the chassis, while adding some zing to the rest of the shoe. The upper is closed mesh in the rearfoot, and stitching reinforces the heel counter and midfoot. The forefoot is a unique, four-way stretch fabric that adjusts with the foot without squeezing or irritation. The midsole is compression-molded EVA foam, with 7mm geometry—fairly firm—but it acts more as a platform for the “clouds” (the outersole lugs). The Cloud technology of the outersole provides the unique ride here; it varies with each runner’s stride, as the clouds compress and grip the teeth of the interior surfaces. The addition of the stretch upper, combined with the proven midsole/outersole setup has succeeded in providing a responsive shoe that can manage high mileage with ease.

“Feels light on the foot, lighter than it actually is. The fit is very accommodating, the stretch of the forefoot never restricts the foot, just supports it. They were great for my longest runs—really held up well.”

The Triumph is Saucony’s flagship neutral shoe, so it’s fitting that it’s the model to debut its new ISO-fit technology. The upper is wide open mesh that’s supported by welded overlays, but the central focus is on the ISO-fit system, independent plastic fingers that replace the eyestay and flex with the foot to hold the midfoot firmly, though without discomfort. The tongue is gusseted to keep it from slipping sideways and causing irritation. The taller midsole has an additional 3mm of cushioning in the stack height without affecting heel-to-toe drop, which holds steady at 8mm. The full-contact outersole is a combination of carbon rubber in the heel and blown rubber in the forefoot. That’s similar to the previous version, but with additional release grooves to provide the foot with more freedom to flex at toe-off. The success of the update will be judged at the cash register, but the technical accomplishment has been, yes, a triumph.

“A sheath-like fit was great, even without the ISO-fit, but the flex with the foot made them even better. The ride was cushy enough that they became my mileage monsters.”

The new Gemini builds on Under Armour’s growing collection of shoes with molded textile uppers. This one is aimed at the runner who looks for deluxe cushioning. The upper is (very) open mesh and supported by welded overlays at the sides of the vamp that secure it to the heel. A thermoplastic toe bumper shapes the toe and gives the outersole an anchor point. In the back is an external thermoplastic heel counter. The midsole is charged foam, well-cushioned with two resilient densities that combine to provide a responsive ride. The outersole is full-contact—carbon rubber heel, blown rubber in the high-wear portions—and open areas along the length are exposed, toughened foam. The form fit is snug, so some runners may want to size up a half-size or more. The bounce, fit, and responsiveness make the Speedform Gemini a new shoe that’s worth serious consideration.

“They fit OK, but seem to run a little small. The cushioning is better than I’ve tried with Under Armour, I think they have it pretty well dialed-in. It was a good shoe, but I think it will probably get better.”

120

New Balance Boracay

120

On Cloudster

130

Saucony Triumph ISO

150

Under Armour Speedform Gemini

130

Updates the Waverider 17 Sizes: Men 7–13,14,15,16; Women 6–12 Weight: 10.9 oz. (men’s 11); 8.8 oz. (women’s 8) Shape: semicurved Construction: Strobel slip-lasted Recommended for: medium- to high-arched feet with neutral biomechanics to very mild overpronation

Updates the Fresh Foam 980 Sizes: Men 7–13,14,15,16 (D,2E,4E); Women 5–11,12 (B,D) Weight: 10.5 oz. (men’s 11); 8.5 oz. (women’s 8) Shape: semicurved Construction: Strobel slip-lasted, EVA Strobel board Recommended for: medium- to high-arched feet with neutral biomechanics to mild overpronation

Updates the Cloudster Sizes: Men 8–12,13,14; Women 6–12 Weight: 12.4 oz. (men’s 11); 10.0 oz. (women’s 8) Shape: semicurved Construction: Strobel slip-lasted Recommended for: medium- to high-arched feet with neutral biomechanics to very mild overpronation

Updates the Triumph 11 Sizes: Men 7–13,14,15; Women 5–12 Weight: 11.4 oz. (men’s 11); 9.3 oz. (women’s 8) Shape: semicurved Construction: Strobel slip-lasted, EVA Strobel board Recommended for: medium- to high-arched feet with neutral biomechanics to mild overpronation

New Shoe Sizes: Men 7–13,14; Women 5–10,11 Weight: 11.0 oz. (men’s 11); 8.9 oz. (women’s 8) Shape: semicurved Construction: molded slip-lasted Recommended for: medium- to high-arched feet with neutral biomechanics

2015 Spring Shoe Review — 6 — FORTIUS Media Group, LLC

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Robby Andrews: Taking Care of Business By Dave Hunter There’s nothing coy about Robby Andrews. Last summer, after advancing in his semifinal round of the men’s 800m, he bounded into the mixed-zone tent. When asked how he felt after qualifying for the 800m final, Andrews exclaimed, “I feel f**king great!” What you see is what you get with track & field’s Jersey Boy. It’s much the same with his racing. When the former NCAA 800m champion is on his game, no middle-distance competitor is safe when facing Andrews’ ferocious finishing kick—one of the best in the business. Andrews skillfully employed that weapon over the closing 80m of the USATF indoor national championship 1000m final early in March. Swinging wide around the final curve, Andrews downshifted and tore past Michael Rutt, Kyle Merber, and Corey Leslie to win his first USATF national title. “I came in second the last two years indoors, and to finally come away with a victory at the indoor national championships is something that I’ve wanted for the last two years,” said Andrews, clearly relishing his first national championship win as a professional. “The USATF put the 1000m in there, so I wasn’t about to shy away from one of my favorite distances.” The 1K distance seems to be the perfect race length for the stillyoung middle-distance specialist. “I’ve only run a few 1000s in my life, but a few of them were pretty good back in high school,” notes Andrews, who ran 2:22.28 in 2009 breaking Alan Webb’s national high school record at 1000m. But with no 1000m as a championship distance for Olympic or World Championships competition, what event does Andrews choose as he prepares to compete for a global team position? Does he go up to the 1500m? Or down to the 800m? “I ran the 1500m at the 2012 Olympic Trials. I’m relatively

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Photorun.net inexperienced in the 1500m and I haven’t experienced much more since then,” explains Andrews on his prior experimentation with the metric mile. “I’ve had a rough go at the 1500m and the mile since then, so this year I want to try and have some successful attempts at the 1500m. That way I can be very comfortable with the distance, very comfortable with racing in the rounds, and everything that goes along with it. That would give me the best opportunity to make the world team,” he explains. While he admits he has more to learn, the 2011 NCAA outdoor 800m champion has picked up some metric mile insights. “You can’t run it like an 800m,” admits Andrews. “I tried to do that in the finals at the Olympic Trials. I tried to make one big move, and it cost me an Olympic spot. Had I instead worked my way up slowly throughout that race, I would have been [within a] shorter striking distance and hopefully would have had a better finish. Looking back, if I ran similar to the way I ran at the 1000m indoor championships, I would have had a much better opportunity.” With a reflective admission, he smiles, adding, “But, you know, that’s racing. That’s living and learning. If I can apply what I’ve learned to future races, it wasn’t a lost experience.” With his eye on the 1500m, Andrews is clear he wants to retain

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MISSOURI RUNNER AND TRIATHLETE

some flexibility in settling on a specialty event. “If something [suggests I should look strongly at the shorter race], I would have no problem stepping down to the 800m and running the shorter distance,” offers Andrews, who turned heads when he ran 1:44.71 in the 800m at age 20. “In my mind right now, I want to aim for the 1500m and a championship style of racing that has me in the U.S. finals, the World Championships, and on the Olympic team.” Ah, but what is that “championship style” of racing? In Moscow’s mixed zone in 2013, newly-minted 800m World Championships silver medalist Nick Symmonds freely admitted his altered racing style—which eschewed his ingrained sit-and-kick approach for a more upfront racing tactic—played a major role in capturing his first global medal. Symmonds revealed he was frustrated by being ‘full of run’ with 180 meters remaining in the global 800m finals, yet encumbered by late race traffic which denied him a clear path to the finish line. His near-the-front tactic switch gave him that clear path and the medal he’d chased unsuccessfully for many years. “For him to make [the] changes he’s made in his running style over the years is truly amazing. It says what kind of runner he is, how strong-minded he is,” declares Andrews, with genuine respect for Symmonds’ adjustment. “For him to be in that situation [leading with 80m to go] as opposed to being sixth or seventh, that’s what everyone’s goal is. That’s what my goal is: to get a World medal or an Olympic medal.” And with a pause, he adds, “If [a shift in racing style] is what it’s going to take, then maybe I should give that a try. But I definitely know I’m going to have to change something in order to become more successful.” To get his house in order, Andrews has Photorun.net undertaken more than simply event selection. This fall he returned to Charlottesville, [VA] to take care of some unfinished business: He completed his undergraduate program and earned his degree. “I graduated in December, I have a diploma from the University of Virginia,” states Andrews with discernable pride. “It’s something I’m really proud of, and it’s something that’s important to me.” Andrews has taken other steps to enhance his opportunities for further middle-distance success. Sensing the fit was just not right, Andrews found a way to gracefully step away from the New Jersey/ New York Track Club. And he did so without burning bridges with coach Frank Gagliano or harming friendships with his NJNYTC teammates. “It was really unfortunate that the NJNYTC group didn’t work out for me,” says Andrews with sincerity. “But I love and care for the sport too much not to try and make things work. I’m willing to do just about anything be successful.” Homing in on his own apartment in the greater Princeton area and now reunited with his former UVA coach Jason Vigilante and his father (who will once again serve as his coaching duo), Andrews feels he’s created the right environment to guide him to greater success in the sport he clearly embraces. “I just felt like I would be more comfortable with what

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APRIL–JUNE 2015

has worked in the past.” The New Jersey native—who recently celebrated his 24th birthday—is not unlike other 20-somethings who often need some time to sort out early adulthood. Andrews, who knew these were changes he had to make, is philosophical on whether all the stars and planets were at last properly aligned to allow him to fully realize his undeniable middle-distance potential. “It’s interesting to see Symmonds win a medal in his late 20s, and Duane Solomon experience a resurgence in his career in his late 20s. Then you have guys like Matthew [Centrowitz] win a medal when he was 21 years old. There is no one way to do it,” states Andrews. “I had hoped I would have been on the Centrowitz side of things. But if I have to wait a few more years, I have no problem with that. You just have to tough through it, and hope that you believe in yourself and the training you do.” Feeling great after dealing with some nicks and dings around the beginning of the year, a healthy Andrews is now headed to San Diego to prepare for what he knows will be a competitive World Championships year. He wants to be at his best at Hayward Field at the end of June when WC team spots are up for grabs. He knows some carefully selected under-distance racing is critical. “I’ve talked to Vig [Vigilante] about that. The first thing he said was, ‘I know we’re running the 15K, but we need to get you in a really nice 800m.’ My PRs are from 2011 and 2012. And it’s time to knock those down.” Andrews adds, “I would like to run the world relays again. I’m talking to Duane [Solomon], Mike [Rutt], and Brandon [Johnson]. We’ve said that we want to come back this year and try to beat the Kenyan and Polish teams that beat us last year,” explains an animated Andrews, chuckling as he contemplates a possible junket to Nassau. “I’ll be running the Diamond League event at the New York Grand Prix. It’s been a tough go there the last couple of years, so I’d really like to have a good showing.” American track & field, recently making strides to recapture some of the prominence and glory it’s lost over the years, can benefit from the emergence of talented, free-spirited athletes like Robby Andrews, who combines a refreshing, mischievous personality with a swashbuckling racing style. While it remains to be seen if Andrews’ new environment and his restored coaching duo can provide the stability to allow the new national indoor 1000m champion to fully cultivate his widely recognized middle-distance talent, those who love our sport are eager to witness Andrews’ upcoming outdoor adventures in this championship year. Dave Hunter, who ran his marathon PR of 2:31:40 on the highly revered Boston Marathon course back in the Paleozoic Era, is a track & field announcer, broadcaster, and journalist. To find out more about Dave, visit www.trackandfieldhunter.com

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N O RUN S. D U CLO

ing soft land a f o n tio combina

Feel the

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Saucony Rekindles Relationship with Rod Dixon to Fight Childhood Obesity From a press release by Sharon Barbano, Saucony

(Editor’s Note: My coaches taught me that a person is judged not by what they say, but by what they do. Rod Dixon has taken an exceptional athletic career, paired it with his genuine caring and concern, and does what he can to bring a halt to childhood obesity. He knows, through his KiDSMARATHON Foundation, that he can change one child at a time, who will change a friend, who will change a friend …)

LEXINGTON – At the 1983 New York City Marathon, New Zealand Olympian and Saucony athlete Rod Dixon overcame a 2½-minute deficit with 10K left to run down the race leader and win by 9 seconds. To this day, his victory in that marathon remains one of the most dramatic finishes the event has provided. Today, Dixon is committed to dramatically running down another formidable opponent—childhood obesity—and he’s doing it with the same passion and determination that made him one of the best runners in the world. Saucony, recognizing that obesity remains one of the biggest threats to the health of our children, recently announced a renewed partnership with Dixon: The Saucony Run for Good Foundation is joining forces with Dixon’s KiDSMARATHON Foundation to help ensure that even more children have opportunities to be physically active. The Run for Good Foundation is committed to improving the lives of children by helping prevent and reduce childhood obesity. Since 2006 the foundation has awarded over $1 million in grants to children’s running programs nationwide, getting kids on the fast track to health. The mission of Dixon’s KiDSMARATHON Foundation is to create a lifelong commitment to good health and fitness in children at risk of obesity-related health problems. In the spring of 2014, Run for Good awarded a $10,000 grant to Dixon’s KiDSMARATHON Foundation, allowing it to extend its message of fitness and good health to 25,000 more children. Building on the success of the 2014 grant, Run for Good recently awarded an additional $25,000 to KiDSMARATHON to continue to expand its program across the U.S.

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Photo by Michael Rueter

“Rod has been an appreciable part of the Saucony family for over 30 years, first representing the brand as a great champion of the sport and now as an active champion of the global children’s health and fitness movement,” said Richie Woodworth, president of Saucony and the Saucony Run for Good Foundation board of directors. “We continue to connect over the shared belief that running can empower the human spirit—no matter what age. The Saucony Run for Good Foundation and the KiDSMARATHON Foundation have committed to working together in order to ensure that even more kids can experience the life-changing benefits that come from a lifetime of running and physical activity.” “I started my KiDSMARATHON Foundation because I had a passion to give back to the kids of tomorrow with something that would be meaningful,” said Dixon. “The longstanding partnership I’ve had with Saucony puts us both on a very positive, purposeful, and parallel pathway. Our time together has created value for our shared interest in the childhood obesity epidemic, and together we will make an even bigger difference in the lives of children everywhere.” KiDSMARATHON has been welcomed into many schools and youth organizations throughout California, Nevada, and New England. The KiDSMARATHON curriculum is an 8–10 week in-school running and nutrition education program that enables children 7–12 years old to complete

APRIL–JUNE 2015

a full marathon (26.2 miles) by running about 3 miles a week. KiDSMARATHON participants who are active 60 minutes a day, at least five days a week, for six out of eight weeks can earn a Presidential Active Lifestyle Award from the President’s Council on Fitness, Sports and Nutrition. “Our motto for the kids is ‘Finishing is winning … Winning is finishing!’” said Dixon. “KiDSMARATHON directly empowers kids to believe in themselves. After completing the program, children know that they control their health and can achieve anything they put their minds to. They learn first-hand the rewards attained through persistence and determination.” For 17 years, Rod Dixon was one of the best runners in the world. Besides his 1983 NYC Marathon win, he is also an Olympic medalist, two-time World Cross Country Championship medalist, and 1500m champion of the U.S, France, Great Britain, and New Zealand. s About Saucony: Saucony, a division of Wolverine Worldwide, is a leading global running lifestyle brand that fuses performance, innovation, and style to create compelling footwear and apparel with its widely recognized brands Saucony and Saucony Originals. Founded in 1898, Saucony continues to inspire runners everywhere with its award-winning innovations, including the Geometry of Strong™, PWRGRID+™, ISOFIT™, and the Total Run System™ apparel line. At Saucony, a good day is when we get to run. A great day is when we inspire someone else to run. For more information, go to www.saucony.com About the Saucony® Run for Good Foundation™: The Saucony Run for Good Foundation is committed to improving the lives of children by helping to prevent and reduce childhood obesity. The Foundation acts to inform the public about obesity’s cause and prevention and provides funding to optimize the impact and success of community organizations that promote running and healthy lifestyle programs for youth. Since the Foundation launched in 2006, it has awarded over $1 million in grants to nearly 120 organizations nationwide. For more information, visit www.sauconyrunforgood.com About Rod Dixon’s KiDSMARATHON Foundation: Our mission is to create a lifelong commitment to good health and fitness habits in children at risk of obesity-related health problems. Our program educates, empowers, and inspires 7-12-year-old children to become and stay fit. For more information, visit www.kidsmarathonfoundation.org

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Q&A with Emily Sisson NCAA 5000 Meter Indoor Champion By Larry Eder Chesterfield native Emily Sisson has dominated the collegiate running world this year by breaking an NCAA record and winning an NCAA championship title—and she’s only three months into 2015! The Providence College graduate student made history on March 2, setting a new NCAA record with her 15:12:22 for 5000 meters at the Big East Championships. On March 9 Sisson was named the U.S. Track & Field and Cross Country Coaches Association 2015 Northeast Region Female Track Athlete of the Year. And on March 13, she became the 2015 NCAA 5000 meter Indoor Champion with her winning time of 15:32:15. Sisson is definitely one to watch!

RunBlogRun: Congrats on your NCAA title at 5000 meters. Has it sunk in yet? Emily Sisson: Thank you so much. It has sunk in now, but to be honest, it took a few days! It’s an incredible feeling, though. I really couldn’t ask for more from my time at Providence. It feels very special to have both a team and an individual title. RBR: Tell us about setting a new NCAA indoor record with your 15:12 for 5000 meters at the Big East Championships. How did that feel? ES: I was really only looking for a solid day’s effort. I would’ve been content running in the 15:30s, honestly. I just felt really good on the day though and I felt so strong. The announcer was extremely helpful in letting me know my splits. He figured with 1K to go that I had to run 3 minutes, and I knew I could do that. RBR: What has your training been like with this crazy winter? ES: It has been a crazy winter in the Northeast! We’re really lucky to have a nice indoor track to use for training. Providence College has great facilities and trainers so we were able to train properly and stay both fit and healthy—despite all of the snow! RBR: You went to high school at Parkway Central in Missouri. What would you tell runners from the Midwest about trying out schools in New England? ES: I would encourage anyone go out of their comfort zone and to try something new. The Midwest is a great area as well, but it’s nice to get out and experience new places! I have fallen in love with the Northeast and I love training and racing out here. RBR: What do you love about Providence? ES: For me it’s really the people I surround myself with here that make it such a great place to live and train. My coach is really knowledgeable, and I’ve made a lot of incredible friends during my time here. RBR: Ray Treacy is your coach. Tell us about [him]. ES: Ray is really the reason I came to Providence. I knew I wanted a coach with plenty of knowledge and experience in the sport, and www.morunandtri.com

Courtesy of USTFCCCA.org

Ray has all of that. He has coached so many successful runners, and his training philosophy really works well for me. I think it’s also because Ray’s coached so many different athletes, there isn’t much he hasn’t seen! He knows how to train all types of individuals. RBR: If you were in a room full of high school runners and you had to tell them about the challenges of moving from high school to collegiate running, what would you tell them? ES: There are so many changes that occur when transitioning to college, and I think that’s a bit of a challenge for anyone—athlete or not. So I’d probably suggest just being patient with training and adjusting to your new environment. RBR: Will we see you at the Payton Jordan in May? ES: That’s the plan. I’m going to go out there and see what I can do in the 10K!

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EXPERIENCE THE BONDI 4 AND OTHER HOKA ONE ONE INVITATIONS TO GO AT THESE RETAILERS. BIG RIVER RUNNING CO. BIGRIVERRUNNING.COM

Men’s Marathon in State of Disarray

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By Chris Chavez

ROZIER’S ROZIERSSHOES.COM

With less than a year until the 2016 Olympic Marathon Trials, the U.S. team is wide open for three runners to punch their tickets to Rio de Janeiro. At the March 15 ASICS LA Marathon, Jared Ward proved he’s a contender by winning the championship title in 2:12:56. Ward was nearly 4 minutes ahead of second-place finisher Matt Llano of the HOKA One One Northern Arizona Elite training group. Ward ran a fast course when he debuted at the 2013 Chicago Marathon, but he’s come a long way since transitioning to the new distance. He shaved 2 minutes and 17 seconds off his debut in his second try at the 26.2 distance, and another 2 minutes came off at the ASICS LA Marathon. Had Ward run on a flatter, cooler course, he probably would have come close to his 2:10–2:11 target goal. Ward’s times have put him in the same conversation as Ryan Vail, Nick Arciniaga, and Jeffrey Eggleston for the second or third U.S. Olympic team spot. These runners are at the cusp of having one strong race that puts them into the “favorite” category to make the team. As of now, Boston Marathon champion Meb Keflezighi is the only person in that category—as long as he stays healthy. He’ll be 40 years old when he toes the line at the U.S. Olympic Trials next February, but he’s coming off a 2:08:37 personal best in 2014. Seems crazy to think Keflezighi, who’s been doubted so many times, is currently the only clear favorite for the team. Most of the questions surround the other two 2012 Olympians, Ryan Hall and Abdi Abdirahman. Hall dropped out of the ASICS LA Marathon before the half marathon mark. No health issues were indicated; however, it’s unclear when the fastest American marathoner will race next. Abdirahman, who hasn’t run 26.2 miles since finishing 14th in 2:16:06 at the 2014 Boston Marathon, won’t be racing a spring marathon. Because of his most recent success, Ward is definitely ahead of Hall and Abdirahman at the moment. Keflezighi and Dathan Ritzenhein, 2013’s fastest American, will show their cards in Boston. But for now, the state of U.S. marathoning remains in disarray. s Photorun.net

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