With spring in full swing and summer just within reach, there’s no excuse not to get outside for a run ... or at least a brisk walk. For beginners and seasoned runners alike, the experts at Gear West in Long Lake have some tips and great recommendations for shoes and gear to help you put your best foot forward this season.
SHOES
Gear West running department manager Corey Towle has the rundown on some of the best shoes this season. All are available in the store or online.
Saucony Peregrine, $119.99
This shoe is the favorite of store founder and owner Jan Guenther. It’s a perfect shoe for trail events and is designed to handle mixed terrain. It has a solid outsole plate and a cap in the front to protect your foot, and Towle says it also has great cushioning and “stands up to the trail.”
Nike Free RN Distance, $119.99
Nike Frees have gained popularity as a running and lifestyle shoe for their distinct style and their minimalist shape, designed to promote natural movement. The Nike Free RN Distance is an iteration of this classic that has “a little more shoe to it,” Towle says. He says it still looks cool and comes in a variety of colors, but it’s firmer than the regular Nike Free and has more cushioning to set the runner higher off the ground.
ASICS fuzeX, $100
Similar to the Nike Free, the ASICS fuzeX blends style and more substantial cushioning for overall durability. The new line from ASICS debuted this past February and makes for a solid daily trainer.
Altra One, $99.99
The popular shoe from Altra is lightweight, flexible, and designed for comfort and maintaining good form. Towle says Altra does a great job with minimalist-style shoes, which have more flexible soles and less of a raised heel. This allows the runner to get into more of a natural body position and maintain lower-impact running form. The One also has a wider toe box for increased shock absorbency.
Brooks Ghost, $119.99
This neutral shoe is Gear West’s No. 1 seller. Neutral-style shoes have grown in popularity over the last several years and feature less rigid design and less of a pronounced arch. This is in contrast to stability shoes, which tend to be stiff and have more heel lift and structure to control motion. Towle says Gear West has offered many neutral options for years, and the Brooks Ghost is a great staple of the category.
Men’s and Women’s Asics Fusex (top), Altra One and Brooks Ghost
GEAR AND APPAREL
Lynne Cecil, who specializes in clothing and accessories at Gear West, has a few picks for running essentials this spring. All are available in-store or online.
FlipBelt, $29.95
The FlipBelt is a comfortable and sleek way to carry money, food, keys and other items with you as you run. The Spandex-Lycra belt weighs just three ounces and is designed not to move around or bounce.
2XU Compression Short, $79.99
The 2XU compression shorts help wick away moisture and reduce muscle fatigue by supporting your hamstrings and quadriceps. In addition to the shorts, 2XU offers tights, socks and calf guards to aid in recovery while increasing circulation, Cecil says.
Oiselle Roga Short, $45.95
Cecil says this is a favorite short for women. It has a yoga-style waistband with a drawstring, a rear zip pocket and is both flattering and functional. Oiselle also offers a Toolbelt Roga Short that has three added open pockets, along with a back zipper pocket for valuables.
GRID Foam Roller, $39.95
Foam rollers are a necessity for the runner who wants to loosen tight muscles and get rid of painful knots. This roller comes with a one-year warranty and is easy to travel with. Prevent injuries and work out the kinks before you head back out on the track or trail.
PROGRAMS
Gear West is continuing its free Sunday-morning run program for the third year this spring, but Towle says they’re switching it up a bit for 2016. Instead of meeting at the store each Sunday, the group will start from varying locations, like downtown Wayzata and French Regional Park in Plymouth. Updates will be posted to Gear West’s website and Facebook page, and the casual program is open to all.
EVENTS
It’s never too soon to start training for marathons coming up this fall. Gear West puts on its festive Gear Western Country Half-Marathon each October, the weekend after the Twin Cities Marathon. The October 15 run starts at the store and meanders through scenic country roads. “It’s always during the peak of the fall colors, so it’s just a beautiful course,” Towle says. The country-western theme means there’s an after-party featuring country music and food for runners and their families and friends.
TIPS
As for tips for beginners, Towle says taking it slow and steady is key. Starting with a run/walk program is often best for those just getting into the swing of things. But before getting out for a run, it’s important for beginners and advanced runners alike to make sure they always have the right equipment for their running style, foot shape and terrain.
Wendi Morin at Gear West, known as the store’s “shoe whisperer,” offers gait analysis appointments to assess how you run and get you fitted with the perfect shoe. The store’s running pros are also there to offer their expertise on finding the right fit, which Towle says is crucial but easily overlooked. “If you’re going out and running and it’s just not comfortable or fun, you’re not going to want to keep doing it,” he says. “Having the right equipment and footwear is a big part of that.”
Gear West
1786 W. Wayzata Blvd., Suite B,
Long Lake; 952.473.0377
Gear West @gearwest
