running shoes

7 Must-Haves For Runners

Hot Running Gear

We are geeking out over the latest running products from Village Runner!  We checked in with our Gear Guru, Darren Griffith, from the store to see what some of the most popular items are right now. While you head over to the Manhattan Beach location to sign up for the #mb10k, have a look at these featured items.

 

Hoka One One: continues to garner the lion's share of attention. Minimal geometry, maximal cushion. Great for folks with injuries or for those who want to avoid them (thanks Hoka!). These shoes allow your feet to move naturally with maximum comfort. They’re surprisingly light, which gives the sensation that you're running slightly above the ground. We love their motto, “Why run when you can fly?”

 

Brooks Shoes: Tried and true, straight forward traditional shoes. The new Launch 3 is a sweet ride and a fantastic neutral running shoe.  Brooks is currently the best selling specialty running shoe company in the country (maybe even the world?!) The DNA midsole cushioning dynamically adapts to your size and speed for amazing energy return, the midfoot is shaped for fast heel-to-toe transitions, and added rubber in the forefoot gives you extra-springy push-off. Plus, the ultra light upper maximizes ventilation to keep your feet cool and dry. Get ready to blast off!

Addaday: Where does it hurt? Addaday makes great products for massage and myofascial release. Addaday's scientifically-designed self-massage sticks, foam rollers, bodywork balls, and flexible massage devices, all incorporate varied surface textures, and shapes designed to release muscle and tendon adhesions. They only sell through specialty running stores, like us!

Garmin: Still the best wearable GPS on the market. Find the one that best suits your needs: tracking your heart rate, mileage, calorie tracking, the possibilities are virtually endless. Most are now customizable through the Connect IQ Store to add apps, widgets and watch faces.

Nuun: Hydration done right. Easy to drink mildly flavored electrolyte supplement. Some flavors enhanced with caffeine goodness!  Stay hydrated my friends.

Oofos: Fun to say, better to wear. Recovery sandals you'll want to live in. Yes, please!

 

GU Stroopwafel: Runners need fuel. GU's new Stroopwafel is a way tasty way to get it! Created for daily use before and during training and competition, the GU Energy Stroopwafel delivers all the nutrients needed to power your performance: quality carbohydrates, essential amino acids, and electrolytes. The Stroopwafel is made with a layer of delicious syrup between two thin wafers, and it’s individually packaged to make it portable and easy to take on a ride or run.

Early Registration For The MB10K

Pricing now - September 19th:

  • Register online at mb10k.com

  • $30 Youth (under 15 years old)

  • $35 Adults

Please Note!

Registration in-store at Village Runner, Manhattan Beach is now open & closes September 30th. Online registration at mb10k.com will close on September 26th. There will be NO race day registration!

  • Address: 1840 N Sepulveda Blvd.,  Manhattan Beach, CA 90266
  • Hours: 10-7 Monday through Saturday, 11-6 Sunday

Image Credits: Hoka One One, Brooks, Addaday, Garmin, Nuun, Oofos, GU Energy

 

WE'LL SEE YOU AT THE STARTING LINE ON OCTOBER 1, 2016!


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Tips To Crush The Manhattan Beach 10K

 

Meet Erik

We have a guest writer for this week’s newsletter! Erik Taylor  is a local personal trainer in the South Bay and has a long history of running. You can check out more about him here: www.taylorsfitness.com

It’s August!

How did that happen already?  As the summer flies by, before you know it Fall will be here and you will be toeing the line on 3rd and Valley (or 4th and Ardmore) on that 1st Saturday of October.

There are less than 9 weeks to prepare for the race.  Now for the veterans who have run this race, that is no problem.  You have plenty of time, plenty of race experience, and you know exactly what to expect from a race course that definitely offers up its moments, to put it kindly.  

The #MB10K Is Special

The Manhattan Beach 10K is a race like no other.  It has a long tradition of bringing out some of the best runners in the South Bay. You run the final mile along the beach, finishing at the beautiful pier. They have team divisions like Mother-Daughter or Brother-Sister. After the race you will receive the best race T-shirt around, because the back of the shirt doesn’t look like a side panel of a NASCAR. Finally, let’s not forget about the P.I.E.R Group who are a group of locals that have run all 39 years.  I grew up in the Midwest and I’ve run hundreds of races and have never seen anything like this.

Are You Doing The Work?

So my question to you is…have you been putting in the work?  When training for a 5K procrastination is almost a given for many and often a badge of honor.  But a 10K is a little harder to get a passing grade in without putting in some work.  Give yourself a chance to run well and enjoy the race by putting in the road work and hitting the weights to help prepare your body for race day.

Tips To Help You Crush It On October 1st

1. It’s got to be the shoes, it’s got to be the shoes.  If you bought your shoes in 2015 or earlier it’s time for a fresh pair of kicks.  By far the most important purchase you will make and money well spent.  I suggest you head into the Village Runner and get fitted for a shoe that fits your biomechanical needs.  Do not forget to throw in a good pair socks to boot, there is nothing worse than blisters on your feet.

2. Get on a program.  Google is your friend here.  Look up 10K running plans and print off a copy. I suggest looking for a beginner or intermediate plan that fits your level of fitness.  If you are not sure about your current running level, be conservative and get a beginner plan.  DO NOT deviate from the program, it will only help you!

3. Oh those hills! The MB 10K course is hilly.  You have to plan some of your training around this fact.  Be proactive and do some of your training runs on hill courses or do hill repeats.

4. Hit the weights.  Strength training offers many benefits that go way beyond helping your running performance.  Squats, push-ups, inverted rows, and core work are all a perfect place to start. You do not need to become a power lifter but adding a little strength to your body will only help.

5. Hydrate!  There is nothing wrong with stopping at one of the water stations and taking a few sips.  Be smart!

6. Soak it in.  As I said, this race is like no other.  Enjoy the views and the crowd cheering you on to the finish!

Early Registration For The MB10K

Pricing now - September 19th:

  • Register online at mb10k.com
  • $30 Youth (under 15 years old)

  • $35 Adults

Please Note!

Registration in-store at Village Runner, Manhattan Beach opens September 1st and closes September 30th . Online registration at mb10k.com will close on September 26th.

WE'LL SEE YOU AT THE STARTING LINE ON OCTOBER 1, 2016!

Image Credit: Gaffney


Sign up below and we'll send you valuable information about the Manhattan Beach 10K Run.