The Future of Sport: 3D-Printed Running Shoes

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December 22, 2015

3D Futurecraft is our sandbox – Paul Gaudio, Creative Director of Adidas

Imagine walking into a store, running on a treadmill for a few minutes and then purchasing a pair of personalized shoes tailored specifically to the contours of your feet. That’s the future of sneaker buying, according to Adidas.

While still in its infancy, Adidas has steamrolled the new era of active footwear: the 3D printed, personalized running shoe.By 3D printing the midsole, Adidas promises a flexible and breathable carbon copy of the athletes foot. Customizing running shoes offers unprecedented individual support. Personalizing athletic wear sets runners up for success – matching every contour and pressure point.

A new open source partnership between Adidas and Materialise launched the “Futurecraft Series ” has placed collaboration and craftsmanship at the heart of design.

A 3D-printed shoe is the first chapter of Adidas’ innovative future craft series of forward-thinking initiatives. Executive Board Member at Adidas, Eric Liedtke holds that the future of sport points to technological innovation, “Futurecraft 3D is a prototype and a statement of intent.”

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3RucyZiPfjw#action=share

3D Futurecraft is currently in testing and limited production. Adidas has promised to reveal more about this and similar products within the next six months.

We’d love to hear from you! Will you be first in line to get the perfect, one-of-a-kind runners?

Gift Guide on the Run: Pook Feature

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TheBuzzonGear

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December 16, 2015

Looking for the perfect gift for pretty much everyone you know? Look no further than Pook.ca. This Canadian company knows how to keep you warm all winter long. I’m a big fan of the adult onesie. I get one every year from my mom for Christmas. There’s nothing more comforting than a being covered head to toe in flannel and feeling like a kid again.

Recently I’ve been chillin’ at home in my new Pook onesie. Right away, this is the best-made onesie I’ve had. I could tell quality was key with this company. I went with the red and black tartan design, but there are a ton more options available online. Their designs will suit just about anybody on your list.

My issue with adult onesies is they always forget at least one important piece of the puzzle. Last year my Wonder Woman onesie didn’t have a back door option. The year before that my Mickey Mouse onesie had feet, but forgot the non-slip features, so I slipped a lot! Pook got it all right, the first time. A big durable zipper, a hoodie, pockets for stuff (Iphone), and a velcro back door! Even better, they left the feet open, so I don’t slide all over the floor, and I can pair it with my favourite slippers.

Even with the weather being almost summer like, I’ve still been diving into my onesie, turning off my heat, opening my windows and enjoying some fresh air. I can’t wait to see how much money I saved this past month!

On top of the onesie, I also got a pair of Pook, thigh highs. We’re going to get a little sexy here kids. Want to spice up Christmas Eve with your loved one? Walk out in a pair of these thigh highs and sparks will fly. These things are hot in more ways than one. I’ve been wearing mine all over town, more as a leg warmer when temperatures do actually drop. Will I race in these? Absolutely. The Boxing Day 10-miler is going to be a nice fun run for me, and so I plan to get festive and take my Pook thigh highs out on the course. These thigh highs are the perfect way to spice up your race outfit.

Want to get your Pook on? Check out their website for more great gifts available online: http://www.pook.ca

PS: For hockey fan on your list, check out the HockeySockey Section!

Check out Michelle Clarke:

www.michelletherunner.com

twitter: @runningchic

Facebook: michelletherunner

Instagram: michelletherunner

Strava: www.strava.com/athletes/3299337

Runners Strip Down to Raise Money for SickKids

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RunningForAReason

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December 16, 2015

While many Toronto runners in December are layering up and turning to the treadmill, over 80 runners took to the streets and completed the challenge taking minimalism to another another. Fortunately, the weather was mild for December and hovered around 10 C throughout the day. Runner’s celebrated the holiday spirit on a 3km route throughout Toronto, finishing off their day at Hemingway’s.

On December 10th, clad in nothing but running shoes and Speedo bating suits, entrants will be raising money for the Toy and Games fund at the Toronto Hospital for Sick Children. Since 2005, the run has raised over $285,000 for SickKids Foundation. This year was a huge success, raising over $30,000 as of December 13th. Unique to the Toronto event, each runner is required to raise a minimum of $250, promising great success for the event.

Look like fun!? Be sure to register for next year’s event!

Check out the Toronto Santa Speedo Run:

http://www.torontosantaspeedorun.com/TorontoSantaSpeedoRun.com/Home.html

https://www.facebook.com/TorontoSantaSpeedoRun/

Start Today: 100 Runs in 100 Days

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Training

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December 15, 2015

Dev Paul is a 50-year-old triathlete who began something when he turned 40 that’s become a bit of a movement: 100 Runs in 100 Days, kicking off today, December 15.

He says: It’s great for Canadians because winter sucks.

A runner must only get out for 30 minutes, and it’s OK if you miss a day, but the goal is to keep up momentum. Tremblant, who’s run Boston and 31 Ironmans, says he got the idea because he wasn’t necessarily looking to get faster—to do that, a runner needs rest—but because he was looking to make his training more interesting.

He needed a new challenge, a new goal.

“It was partially for fitness, but I felt like I’d done everything I set out to do,” he says. “I wanted to find other things that were fun.”

In the first year, Dev and his buddy did it alone. The next year, there were 100 people and in the third year, there were 300 runners trying to get outside 100 days in a row. Participants motivate one another using the SlowTwitch.com forum, which is a booming discussion area for triathletes—and in 2015, there were 700 people attempting to complete the challenge. 700!

In a missive Dev wrote on SlowTwitch, he writes:

It’s not a training plan, it is a challenge. Use it to motivate you, but step away from it when you really need rest. The runs are logged over on the Slowtwitch.com training log, which you will find right here.

You sign up by clicking the “Join Challenge” link.

On December 15th the challenge starts and you should go read the details on the SlowTwich reader forum. To understand what counts and does not count.

This year, iRun is hoping onboard the bandwagon and we want to encourage as many people as possible to get outside, go running, start up your own run streak, and laugh at the winter in your running shoes. Sure, it’s not cold now. But it’s coming. And I for one can use a kick in the running pants, and am accepting Dev’s challenge.

Use the hashtag #100Runs after you complete a run, we’ll do the same and let’s see if we can’t get 100 Runs in 100 Days above 1,000 runners. Challenge your friends. Challenge your family. Challenge your dog. Let’s get cooking this winter and let’s start today. I just downloaded Air Supply from Spotify.

I’m going on a run right now.

Gift Guide on the Run: Asics winter Boxers and Briefs

By

TheBuzzonGear

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December 14, 2015

Running is beautiful because it requires so little: a decent pair of shoes and some free time and away you go! However, the running world offers loads of bells and whistles to help a runner stay comfortable and (perhaps) get the most from their runs. Also: once some of us start running, we immediately get hooked. Hence the urge to purchase some products. From now until Christmas, iRun editors, running shop owners and iRunNation tell us what they want this year for the holidays—move quick, us runners sure do.

In the cold winter months a runner begins to very seriously consider their underwear. It doesn’t make sense to attempt to race all the way through the winter and not spend an equal amount of time considering comfort. I’ve been test driving both the boxers and the briefs from Asics and have found a no-nonsense solution to dressing up my tights. The difference between chafing and not is a gap wide enough to to get a runner out the door on a December evening.

Briefs, I maintain, hold a slight edge over boxers. They feel more like you’re prepared to get down to serious work. I also have more experience with wind-proof winter running boxer underwear, and I enjoy the novelty of the brief. In moments of running levity, I enjoy prancing around in them and only them, thus reminding myself that this entire endeavour is supposed to be fun. The fit is sublime and the waistband is seamless, it’s entirely possible to forget about the underwear altogether once a runner takes their first strides around the block.

In truly sub-arctic weather, the boxers come more recommended than the briefs. And if you’re purchasing only one stocking stuffer for the male runner on your list, the boxer is probably more versatile. In a pinch, they can also be worn on the town. The Asics briefs are relatively short and snug the body comfortably. There’s no bunching beneath the tights and the fit is good. With both the boxers and briefs, holiday binge-eating is somewhat covered up by the Spandex, yet modelling underwear is as good a time as any to check out on your relative health. Not much is covered by a pair of Asics winter running briefs.

In short, the Asics boxers are $30 and the briefs are $20 and they really elevate a winter running outfit to an exciting new place. You can have the best sneakers in the world and the wrong underwear and be in a world of hurt when you hit the streets. To really get into the spirit of winter, you need to get outside and test what you’ve got. This winter, I’ll be wearing my Asics underwear as often as possible. There’s also meshed panels for breathability and, of course, since somebody out there is thinking, odour control. Enjoy.

Gift Guide on the Run: BlackToe Running Feature

By

TheBuzzonGear

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December 13, 2015

Running is beautiful because it requires so little: a decent pair of shoes and some free time and away you go! However, the running world offers loads of bells and whistles to help a runner stay comfortable and (perhaps) get the most from their runs. Also: once some of us start running, we immediately get hooked. Hence the urge to purchase some products. From now until Christmas, iRun editors, running shop owners and iRunNation tell us what they want this year for the holidays—move quick, us runners sure do.

Store: BlackToe Running

Location: Toronto, Ontario

Maya Anderson, Co-Founder and Co-Owner

Holiday Pick: Arctic Tech 5-Panel Cap from ICNY

My choice for a great Holiday gift this year is the Arctic Tech 5-Panel Cap from ICNY, available in Toronto at BlackToe Running. ICNY is a company out of New York City that is Fashion AND Function Forward with funky 3M Reflective designs incorporated into all their athletic gear. I love the water resistant tech fabric on the exterior of the cap to protect you from the wind and rain/snow, while the cozy polar fleece lining in both the cap and the earflaps keeps you warm. The hits of reflective on the brim, seams and earflaps allow you to be seen no matter how dark it is outside. The bungee cord drawstring adjusts for a perfect fit, to ensure every bit of the nasty weather stays out. This cap makes a perfect gift for the winter runner!

What is your favourite thing about BlackToe Running?

The atmosphere of authenticity, friendliness and inclusiveness that we have created within the actual store. It has become part run community hangout, and part “go-to” place for experienced customer service.

How did you come to running? What brought you to the sport?

I was a track and field person in High School, more specifically high jump and sprints (100 m and 4x100m), so that was my actual start in running. I was always athletic throughout my 20’s and 30’s but really picked up regular running again in my 40’s (starting with 5k, then 10k, then half marathons).

What is your running mantra?

I don’t have one specific mantra, per se, but I do try to focus on relaxing my upper body and finding a steady cadence, with pace dependent on the type of workout I am doing. Being observant and enjoying the surroundings is key to the mental game, and is the reason that I want to only run outdoors. Treadmill running is definitely not for me!

What is your favourite running distance? Why?

My favourite distance these days is the distance from the couch to the fridge during one of my favourite TV shows – I’ve been struggling with some injuries of late. Seriously though, I do like a 5k race, although it is one of the hardest distances to race, as there is really no holding back, and you just need to go full-out the whole time.

What is your “desert island” running item?

Can’t live without a good pair of running shoes… and a good running bra! Both items should be properly fitted, and we take that seriously at BlackToe Running.

Gift Guide on the Run: The Tech Shop Feature

By

TheBuzzonGear

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December 12, 2015

Running is beautiful because it requires so little: a decent pair of shoes and some free time and away you go! However, the running world offers loads of bells and whistles to help a runner stay comfortable and (perhaps) get the most from their runs. Also: once some of us start running, we immediately get hooked. Hence the urge to purchase some products. From now until Christmas, iRun editors, running shop owners and iRunNation tell us what they want this year for the holidays—move quick, us runners sure do.

Store: The Tech Shop

Location: Calgary and Edmonton, Alberta

Nolan Tudor, Vice President of Operations

Holiday Running Item Pick: North Face Isotherm Jacket

It is windproof and water resistant which is a perfect combo for the prairies. It is often the wind whipping through your layers that makes it so cold running in Calgary and Edmonton in the winter.

What is your favourite thing about the Tech Shop?

My favourite thing about the Tech Shop is that we are a family owned and operated business. It allows us the flexibility to stay on top of trends in the industry and also allows us to keep in touch with the community.

How did you come to running? What brought you to the sport?

I played competitive basketball most of my life and after leaving university was looking for a change. Running provided me with a way to stay in shape and also allowed me to engage my competitive side.

What is your running mantra?

Just keep running, just keep running (said like Dory from Finding Nemo)

What is your favourite running distance? Why?

A quick 5km run on my lunch break. It allows me to refocus on work in the afternoon and clear my head. If I can make it a trail run, all the better.

What is your “desert island” running item?

My Ciele Athletics hat. I don’t really have any hair so a hat is a must

What is your must-have winter running item?

A good pair of convertible gloves. Saucony makes some really nice ones.

Gift Guide on the Run: Running Free Feature

By

TheBuzzonGear

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December 11, 2015

Running is beautiful because it requires so little: a decent pair of shoes and some free time and away you go! However, the running world offers loads of bells and whistles to help a runner stay comfortable and (perhaps) get the most from their runs. Also: once some of us start running, we immediately get hooked. Hence the urge to purchase some products. From now until Christmas, iRun editors, running shop owners and iRunNation tell us what they want this year for the holidays—move quick, us runners sure do.

Store: Running Free

Nick Capra

“I run for a clear and present mind.”

Running Free, a store for runners, walkers, triathlete, cyclists and casual athletes alike, has expanded its’ focus beyond the runner to serve the community at large. Every year through a sponsorship program, Running Free supports upwards of 200 local athletes of all abilities to reach their goals, “we believe strongly that active community involvement is a way to reach out to our customers and to give back.” On top of aiding local athletes, Running Free annually collects thousands of used shoes through their Re-Use shoe program to those both locally in need as well as globally through their Mission Haiti initiative. To boot, Running Free volunteers locally for Toronto Cardiac Rehab and the Run and Read Program.

As one of the original founders of Running Free in 1980, Nick Capra has played a vital role in the store’s early development and success. While once a longtime cross country and marathon runner, Nick has seen Running Free evolve as running grew in popularity in the 1990s and through the 2000s. Today Nick has returned to a focus on the roots of running, he says, “I leave my watch at home and focus on the essence of running. Today, I experience running different. All too often we miss so much around us in our community.”

Holiday Running Item Pick: SAXX Men’s Underwear

Gift Guide on the Run: Salomon Feature

By

TheBuzzonGear

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December 10, 2015

Running is beautiful because it requires so little: a decent pair of shoes and some free time and away you go! However, the running world offers loads of bells and whistles to help a runner stay comfortable and (perhaps) get the most from their runs. Also: once some of us start running, we immediately get hooked. Hence the urge to purchase some products. From now until Christmas, iRun editors, running shop owners and iRunNation tell us what they want this year for the holidays—move quick, us runners sure do.

Store: Salomon

Location: Toronto, Ontario

Lynsey O’Donnell, Assistant Store Manager

Holiday Running Item Pick: Pulse Softshell Jacket

This is a great piece for fall or winter running, with stretch paneling in the back and a vented zipper feature in the front, along with wind proof (and water resistant) material on the front and across the shoulders.

Who is your average customer?
We like to think of ourselves as a mountain sports company – we started in skiwear and have branched out into train running and hiking. We attract all kind of customers – from the really tech-heavy skiers to the novice runner. So it has become very important for us to cater to the people who don’t need the intense-wear in the city.

What is your favourite athletic winter item?

It would definitely be a good mid-layer. A jacket is a jacket for most people, it’s the little details that matter. However, if you’re not layering properly, you’re going to be miserable – whether that be skiing or running.

Do you have any advice for people running outside in the winter?

First of all, if you’re in the city, you know that the state of the sidewalks are slush and lakes, you need to get yourself a good pair of waterproof shoes. Beyond that, just make that you’re layering up – get a good windbreaker – and keep in mind that you are producing your own body heat.

What sport philosophy do you – and Salomon – live by?

Right now our biggest catchphrase is “explore your playground.” Wherever you are, get outside and take a look around. If you’re in the city, don’t just see it as a concrete jungle. There are some awesome parks and trails to explore. If you want to stick to city, try to look for something you haven’t seen before. Have an adventure wherever you are!

What If I Can’t Run?

By

Why I Run

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December 9, 2015

A year after being diagnosed with multiple sclerosis, Robyn Baldwin remains healthy, strong and entirely positive about her running future. But from time to time, the question of not being able to pound the pavement, does cross her mind.

A question that pops into my brain on occasion. Something I didn’t think I’d think about until much later in life. I’m 33. I’m still “young”. I’m still vital. I’m still energetic. I’m still able-bodied. Yet I still ask myself what if I can’t run one day? How will I handle it?

When I was diagnosed with MS (Multiple Sclerosis) in December of 2014 my world started spinning. I’m careful to never use the words falling apart because I believe I was given this side-kick as part blessing in my life. I have an auto-immune disorder but I don’t have a death sentence. I believe this gift has been given to me so that I may be more grateful every day for all the blessings that I have in the present moment. Today I can run. I can tackle obstacle course races. I can climb ropes and over walls. I can spend a long run out on the trails or through a subdivision. I have my balance. I have my mobility. I am stronger than I was this time last year but that could change at any moment. My disease could become progressive without warning and my life may be centered around a wheelchair. It is not my reality but it is a thought that pops into my head from time to time.

Can I run fast? No. Can I run? Yes. And for that I am so grateful. My plea to all able bodied runners is that you truly sit in gratitude every day for the ability to run. Take a moment in your run and thank your legs for carrying you. Thank your lungs for filling up with air and powering your run. If you’ve ever succumbed to an injury, like a twisted ankle or fracture than you will know about that itching feeling that tells every cell of your body that you want to run and need to run. May we learn understanding and empathy for those that used to run and are no longer able to. May we seek to learn their strength in acceptance of what they are able to do and may we learn to be graceful when we may transition to someone who used to run.

May we never obsess over the future and create anxiety but may we truly be grateful for the present moment that running can keep us in.