Blog Post #10 “Athlete’s Closet Winter Series” by Allen Thompson

Our most recent posting is provided by loyal customer, Winter Series runner and friend of the Athlete’s Closet, Allen Thompson.  Thanks Allen.  Glad I didn’t have to think about anything to write this month! 

24/7 – ROAD TO THE ATHLETES CLOSET WINTER SERIES
Get inside before they go outside

WEST CHESTER PA – Winter in the northeast always looks so wonderful on Christmas cards. But the hard, cold reality is just that. Especially for those who are out on the roads. Cold, wind, ice, and snow are the major players that make that make the treadmill seem more tolerable. But for a select few, the chill is the thrill of being outside when no one else dares to. The chance to maintain, or even gain, a level of fitness not found by staying inside. The opportunity to compete at a time when those opportunities are hard to find. This is the Athletes Closet Winter Series.

And this is 24/7 – Road to the Athletes Closet Winter Series. Similar to the popular HBO series (only this is HBORING), you get an insiders view of the races and those who compete in them. The first episode premiered on December 10 on a day that was relatively mild to veterans of this series. But the course was still the same roller coaster ride with more turns and twists than an Agatha Christie mystery. Amazingly, one was able to cover the distance in under 17 minutes while another barely survived it in over 50 minutes. But it is always about more than places and times. It is about people as we saw in this first episode.

There was men’s 60-69 champ Lou Fillippo insisting that a fireworks show is a great idea for Christmas Eve. “After all, you want Santa to find your house, don’t you?” he exclaimed to the children in attendance.

There was Sharon Lachall winning the women’s 60-69 division with a burst to finish with just under a nine minute pace while Jim Casey was just four seconds behind (which rounded out to exactly a nine minute pace for Jim who thinks rounding is a beautiful thing)

There was Dr. Bob Ruggiero surgically dissecting the course to win the men’s 70-79 division with a time under 30 minutes. That barrier was also cracked (although Dr. Bob could probably fix that) by fellow age group member Paul Paluba who wanted assurances that second place in the age group won an award of some kind. Something. Anything.

There was Norm Ostroff, in from Cherry Hill, to become the final member of the under 30 minute club (with a second to spare!). This hotly contested age group then had Fred Smith holding off Ralph McKinney. The odd natural phenomenon of the air being somewhat more heated in the range of Ralph’s voice may have made the difference. Global warming has nothing on Ralph.

There was John Schultz hoping that there will be an 80 and over age group next year and wondering what all the fuss was about. Seeing a bare chested 79 year old man run by your house in the winter can’t be that strange. Can it?

There was Nan Sharpless dominating her age group who maintained that the hard part was not the race itself. It was the transportation to and from the race that was difficult especially if a certain travel companion won an award of some kind. Something. Anything.

And finally there was … well … everything that has a beginning has an end. And this race ended with a whimper. Lots of them. Fortunately there were few left to hear them. And race director Dick Fitch was able to tally the results and get the minivan washed in the meantime.

The next episode premieres on Saturday, January 7. If you can’t be there, be here for more inside access. Get inside before they go outside. Happy Holidays to all (which should be a bit easier now that you’re done with this).

Blog Post #9 Some Random Thoughts

• Why do people double knot their shoes when they are just trying them on here in the store?
• Do you know what that little plastic thing on the end of your shoe laces is called?  I do.  It is called an “aglet”.
• Why do customers all flock in to the store at the same time?  I’m not serving a meal, so why does it seem like I never have a steady, random flow of business?  It’s always a bunch of customers all at once, followed by a long break with no one.  I have a term for this.  I refer to it as “clustermers”.
• I get asked frequently if I am a runner.  Tough question.  I run.  But if you were to see me “jogging” down the street, you would wonder if I was in pain and why I would run when I am clearly nursing an injury.  That’s just the way I run.  I don’t do races.  I just play soccer and eat lots of desserts.  So, I guess I’m a runner.  I think of it more as “plodding”.
• Here’s a question I get frequently as a customer tries on a jacket or shirt.  “Will this be warm enough?”  Hmmm.  I’m never sure how to answer that.  I wear multiple layers of tees, sweatshirts and jackets along with gloves and hat when the temperature dips into the low 50’s.  But I do wear shorts no matter what, even into the single digits.  So I may not be the best one to answer that.
• Many people come in and discuss with me the reason that their therapist, doctor or trainer has sent them to me.  I show them some of the running shoes that I think would be appropriate and I often get this response.  “Oh, I can’t wear them.  I don’t run, I just walk.”  I wonder if these people refuse to work when they are wearing loafers.  Are they constantly falling and sliding around the house because they are wearing slippers?  Do they intend to go riding on horses because they have saddle shoes?  Do they intend to march and farm because they are wearing boots?  I really don’t want to know what these people are doing in their peep toes, wedges and booties!
• There was once an occasion that a customer had been sent to me to get running shoes with maximum support.  Her doctor had told her that she would have to wear a cast-like boot for several months, but if she got a premium support running shoe, she may be able to wear that instead.  She then looked at the shoe wall and said “But I don’t want any of those ugly, meshy things!”  I explained that the doctor had “prescribed” a running shoe and this is what a running shoe looked like.  She was adamant.  She was not going to wear something that ugly.  “So let me get this right.  You would rather wear a big black plastic boot, attached with Velcro straps from your knee down, than wear a nice pair of running shoes.  And you think these are ugly?”  I didn’t say it to her exactly like that.  Maybe I did.  Anyhow, after getting her to try some on, she left with the most comfortable pair of shoes she had ever owned.  It reminded me of a scene in the 1983 movie “The Big Chill” when William Hurt tries on running shoes for the first time and states, “These are so comfortable! I’m never taking them off.”

Our next Winter Series 5K is set for January 7.  You can sign up at our store, by mail, or go to our website at www.athletescloset.com and register on-line.  Either way, you save $5 off the race day registration fee.

Sign up for our email list, also a link at our website, and you’ll get coupons and offers that will keep you from paying full price for shoes almost if not every time you need them.

Thanks to everyone that signed up for our “Preferred Customer” program.  This was a limited time program that allowed customers to save $15 on any shoe purchase and have the shoes reserved and waiting.  It was successful enough that I will run it again in January.

Mention that you know what an aglet is and I’ll give you $10 off your next $50 purchase.

Rich

Blog Post #8 Maybe you tie your shoes wrong!

One of the many complaints that I hear from runners concerns the fact that their shoes come untied. Generally, the culprit named is the shoe company and their choice of laces as in “Why did they use laces like this? They never stay tied no matter what I do, and I double and triple knot them!”
There are products out there that are made for people just like this, the simplest being an item called a lace lock. There are also elastic laces. For a couple of years, some of our New Balance shoes came with squiggle laces that looked like they were a twisted, defective lace. They worked quite well at staying tied, even for those people who, dare I say it, TIE THEIR SHOES WRONG! Yes, it is true. I watch customers tie their shoes every day and I am amazed at how many people do it wrong. Plain old, regular shoe laces that come in most running shoes are a two layer affair, with an inner and outer layer, that when tied correctly, will not come untied under normal circumstances. So, the only thing for me to do at this point is to take you all back to that week before you began first grade and show you how to tie your shoes.
To start, your shoe looks like this: 

We have the black lace on the left and the white lace on the right to help you see what is going on. In the first step, you will either be a right over left or a left over right person. I am starting with right over left. If this is you, read on. If you go left over right to start your knot, read through this for each step or just skip down to the part that says “ left over right”.
Here’s the start of the right over left: 

The next step is to put one end through and create your first overhand knot and the first half of your successful bow. When you have done this, you will have the lace that started on the left (black) going down and to the right like this: 

Now here’s the key. If you mess this next step up, your shoes will come untied. If you do it right, they won’t. Being right handed, I make my first loop with my right hand. 

Now, because the loop in my right hand is from the lace aimed down towards the toe, I want to make sure that it stays on that side as I wrap the white lace around it. That means that the white lace has to wrap across the top of the loop first and then come through from the bottom. 

Now when you snug up the loops, your laces will be in a square knot with the loops aiming straight across your shoe.

Job well done!
Left over right:

Here’s the photo sequence for left over right type starters: 

The change here is that the black lace now aims up and to the right after the first overhand knot so that when the loop is made with the right hand, the white lace now needs to go under and around  then down and through. The end knot will look exactly the same as the finished knot above.
If you wrap the white lace around the wrong way in either case, you end up with a “granny knot”, not a “square knot” and they are more likely to come undone. How do you know if you tied a granny knot? If your laces naturally want to point parallel to your shoes, you tied a granny knot. Here’s a granny knot: 
You say, no matter what, you keep ending up with a granny knot?. When you get to the part where you wrap the lace around the loop, do what is not natural and wrap the other way! Then you will be doing just what I have described above.
Personal lessons are available, but I will laugh at you. Come on! You’re an adult and I have to show you how to tie your shoes?
That’s it! I’ll be watching you tie. If they come undone, don’t blame the laces.
Rich

Blog Post #7. Chelsea’s Run Story

I am not a runner by nature. I am, however, an eater; a curvy, size 12 eater, and an eater with a wedding on the near horizon at that. And while I wish I could believe that miracle diets work, and that shake weights and yoga could be enough to make me look like Heidi Klum, the sad fact remains that the best way to get trim and stay in shape is to run. Believe me… I’ve tried.

And so it happens that on one fine, sunny April morning in Mississippi, I find myself driving my car to a place called the Riverwalk—a paved trail just over 2 miles long, with convenient markers at every half mile. Four miles isn’t so long, I tell myself. Why, I’ll just run to the two mile marker, and then turn around and come back. What could be easier?

The sun is shining and the birds are chirping as I make my way to the “zero-mile” marker. A breeze plays softly across my face. What a perfect day for a run! I silently applaud myself for my fantastic plan to get into wedding-dress shape. This is going to be a piece of cake.

I stand at the zero-mile marker, stretching and admiring the view of the river. The sky is a brilliant blue, but the river is a murky brown. I remember seeing kids swimming in it last summer, and I shudder at the thought. Nothing in the world could entice me into that river, I think to myself. Then I turn to face the path and head off!

The first mile passes fairly quickly. The sun is warm, the breeze is cool, and I smile at the people I pass as I run. I continue to congratulate myself for my dedication to getting in shape while I imagine what I will look like as a size 2, which I would surely be by the end of the week. I grin as I pass the one-mile marker. This is going to be even easier than I thought!

The sun continues to shine as I plod on, but the breeze seems to have faded—that, or the thick layer of sweat I am suddenly pouring out is acting as a rather effective shield. Was it this hot when I started? And where the heck is the mile-and-a-half marker? Surely I should have passed it by now. Yes, surely I’ve gone so far by now, I must have passed the two-mile marker as well, I should turn around… oh crap. There’s the mile-and-a-half marker. Come on legs, keep moving.

At some point between the mile-and-a-half and the two-mile markers, I become aware of the fact that both my legs are clearly broken. And the temperature has obviously gone up from a pleasant 70 degrees to a blistering 200 degrees. And where did all these bugs come from? Why in the world did I think running in Mississippi would be a good idea? And where oh where is the two-mile marker??

The two-mile marker finally comes into view. At least, I think it does. I’m in such a daze at this point, I could be hallucinating. I’m amazed that I still have the will to run when both my legs are obviously broken. Surely books will be written about my heroism. I wonder who will play me in the movie.

I stumble about ten feet past the marker and come to a halt in the patch of shade. Blurry eyed and wheezing, I attempt to wipe the sweat from my face, but it appears that my face has an endless supply. I contemplate making this spot my new home. But then I remember my phone is in my car. I can’t live without my phone… I have to go back. Two more miles to go.

I begin trotting back. Someone MUST have moved the mile-and-a-half marker, because it takes me much longer to run that half mile than it should have. There is a bench near the marker and I ache to collapse onto it, but I force myself on. A biker passes me. He smiles, but I can tell his eyes are saying, “Why is she panting so much? She’s barely moving!” I smile back, but my eyes say, “You better move along buddy, I’m two seconds away from using the rest of my energy to commandeer your bike.” He moves along.

I finally get to the one-mile marker. My legs are probably still broken, but I can’t be certain, because I can no longer feel them. I contemplate walking the last mile, but I can’t. I’ve already put my four mile run into my fitness calculator. I’ve seen how many calories I can eat if I run all four. There’s no going back from that. I determinedly keep on running—or, waddling, really—toward the zero-mile marker.

And suddenly, around a bend, I can see it. The end of this horrendous affair. It’s about twenty yards before the zero-mile marker, but it’s where I’m going to stop. It is… a water fountain. I begin to sprint. At least, that’s what I’m trying to do. It’s hard to tell what’s going on with my legs, since I still can’t feel them. Do I even have legs anymore? My face contorts with the effort of reaching the fountain as quickly as possible. A mother hurries her children out of my way. A sound intending to be a victory cry but sounding more like a dying walrus escapes my lips. I’m finally there.

I collapse on the fountain, supporting myself on its sturdy frame. As I turn it on, I realize that the length of the stream greatly exceeds the diameter of the bowl, and any water I don’t drink splashes to the ground and makes a small puddle. I continue to drink for a good thirty seconds, gasping for air between gulps. My thirst finally quenched—for the moment, anyway—I crouch on the ground, attempting to catch my breath. I begin making plans to stay there for the rest of the morning, until I realize that I am crouching directly over the puddle the water fountain made. It kind of looks like I’m peeing. The last of my shame had escaped with my dying-walrus-war-cry, but there are the children to think of. They’re giving me odd looks. I rise to my feet and begin a slow, stumbling walk.

The sun is blinding and the bugs are swarming as I make my way to the zero-mile marker. Rivers of sweat stream down my face, my arms, my legs. What a horrible day for a run. I silently curse myself for my terrible plan to get into wedding-dress shape. This is going to be hell.

But I’m finally done.

I stand at the zero-mile marker, stretching, trying to wipe the sweat off of me. I’m fighting a losing battle. I gaze at the river. Did I really once think it was disgusting? Now I long to dive into it. I might, if I had any energy left at all. I finally begin to get some feeling back in my legs. I start to walk back to the parking lot.

Now that my stubby little legs are no longer pounding the pavement, I realize that they are not, in fact, broken. I realize I can again feel the cool breeze against my skin. I see a couple I know from work, and we chat for a few minutes. My spirits are lifting significantly. Endorphins are taking over my brain. By the time I reach my car, I’m applauding myself for a job well done. I roll down the windows and turn up the radio as I drive home. “Why, that was so much fun,” the endorphins say, “I think I’ll do it again tomorrow…”

Blog Post #6. The perfect training program

I have found the perfect “personal coach” for the marathon and other running events.
I get new products and services literature almost every day; companies promising all kinds of new products, advertising gimmicks, new exercises, etc. Recently, I received an introductory offer for a guaranteed training program with a free trial, so I signed up. The company promises that their techniques can get anyone to the finish line in Boston Marathon qualifying time, no matter what their previous running experience or fitness level. This sounded like a scam to me but I figured what the heck, I’ll give it a try. It’s free, and if I actually run a good marathon, I can recommend the program. If I don’t make it, I’ll still have some good runs under my belt and no money lost! The program is called the RunOrDie26 and it retails for $365. I have a few that I got on consignment at the store now.
When you purchase the program, you get an arm and chest band that act as heart rate monitor, GPS and metabolism gauge. It has a USB connection for your computer and comes preloaded with software that takes you through a set up. In addition to the information that it takes directly from the monitors, you input your weight, age, current running information and so on. Lastly, you put in the date of your marathon and your desired finishing time. The program does the rest. It will design the entire training sequence needed to achieve your goal based on your current physical condition and the training time until your event. Here’s the kicker. It absolutely works. You will finish in Boston qualifying time. The company guarantees it and so do I!
The program put me on a two-a-day plan since my marathon was only 3 months away. It started out pretty well and I was able to handle the first week without much problem. The system monitored my progress and stepped up the program as the days went by and I stepped it up, too. Oh, I forgot to mention one thing. The program also comes with a specially fitted boxer-brief (men’s version) that is wirelessly connected to the arm and chest band (see photo). As you can see, a series of conductive wires run throughout the briefs. (The horizontal wires are more visible in the photo of the women’s brief here.)

The training program works on a “reward/punishment” system to achieve targets. As you go through your workouts, and continue to improve at the proper rate, you don’t really notice that the program is running in the background, monitoring your progress (reward). However, should you start to fall behind, the program will add a mild electrical shock to your…that is you will feel a jolt to your…um, the system will motivate you to keep to the training program with a reminder to pick it up by zapping you in the privates (punishment). The intensity of the jolt increases every time. Any attempt to remove the briefs before finishing your run can have severe consequences. In addition, the armband, made of stainless steel and Kevlar fibers, has an electronic lock and an Epee-pen like delivery system. If you try to disable the system, ignore the reminder to put the briefs back on or remove the armband, you will receive electrical shocks and small injections of adrenaline (about the equivalent of 10 cups of espresso). The result is that your arm will lash around violently; smashing you and anything near you and you won’t be able to sleep until you get back on the program.
As I progressed through my training, the system threw one more curve at me. It modified the program. By monitoring my metabolism and heart rate, the program determined that I was actually capable of an even better finishing time than the one I selected, so it increased my workouts to get me to an even better goal. I was reluctant to follow this new program at first. After all, I have a job, family and other obligations and things to do! That’s the beauty of this coaching program. It doesn’t care! After 4 or 5 solid days without sleep and a few “reminders” to keep to the new plan, I was fully supportive of achieving my new target goal. And, thanks to the automatic adrenaline delivery system, I had the energy to do it!
So, when the feeling returned to my groin and thighs, I got right back to training. The rest of the details of my training from that point on get a little fuzzy, what with all the pain to my genitals and the lack of sleep, but I’m pretty sure I finished my marathon with time to spare on my adjusted target. If I hadn’t I’m pretty sure I would still be convulsing wildly somewhere along the race course. Now here’s the real beauty of this training program. Just because I finished and met my goal did not mean I was done. The training program is not going to let you blow your fitness level and get all out of shape again. It keeps you going! It automatically set me up to do another event in 2 months! And this time it’s going to be an Iron Man Triathlon! And I don’t even know how to swim-yet! That’s right; you can’t just cancel out of the training program. I’ve eagerly paid my $365 to keep the program up to date. I had to. I really had to or else.
The program for the marathon is called the RunOrDie26 and is now available in 5K, 10K and triathlon versions, but after the initial programmed event, the system can convert to any training program. You just don’t know what’s next! (According to company spokesperson there will soon be a husband/wife team version in which a couple can sign on to the program as a training team and each person’s “reward” is contingent upon their partner’s performance.)
Stop in and get your RunOrDie training program now while they last.
Rich

Blog #5. And the winner is…

With all the buzz going on about the recent Grammy Awards and now the upcoming Academy Awards, I thought it would be appropriate to present my own awards for products in our store based on their performance this past year, their reputation, their excellent quality and the fact that I needed something to write about.

So, here we go! 

Thank you all for being here today to witness this great ceremony.  Remember, it’s an honor just to be nominated.

Our first category is for “best performance in a stinking running shoe”.  The nominees are:

1. Cat pan sand in an old sock.  Yes, this is supposed to work pretty well.  The cat pan sand absorbs the moisture and reduces the odor just as it does in its intended location.  It can be a little messy to work with.  Put some in an old cotton sock, knot it closed and jam it in the offending running shoes.  Voila!
2. The garage.  The tried and true method of keeping your running shoes from offending the rest of the family, including pets with noses closer to the ground.  The engineering behind the garage method is kind of intricate so I will explain here as best I can.  When you take off your running shoes, you set them out in the garage.
3. Honorable mention is awarded to Penguin brand “Fresh Twist”.  Twist them open and toss them in your shoe to mask the odor.

But the winner is…O-Liminator.  This is a new product.  You buy a small plastic jar that contains two mesh bags filled with scented plastic beads.  Like the cat pan sand, these beads absorb moisture.  As a result, O-Liminator reduces bacteria and therefore, the stink.  One downside of O-Liminator is that it is highly scented to mask overwhelming shoe odors as it starts to work.  On the positive side, it is neat and clean with no dust and it is highly scented to mask overwhelming shoe odors as it starts to work!  O-Liminator sells for $12.50 and lasts a couple months.

Our second award is for “no more blisters”.  The nominees are:

1. Wrightsock “Running II” performance running socks.  Two layers of friction free Dri-Wright II polyester, designed to absorb any friction, while wicking away moisture.
2. Feetures “Multi-Sport” socks.  No toe seams, mesh arches, a snug fit around the foot and iWick fibers to keep feet dry and odor free.  Thin and cushioned versions.  Very comfy.
3. Shoes that fit.  You don’t need them to be locked onto your feet like a second skin!  They should be comfy around the back half and roomy in the toe box.  No, they won’t get better once you wear them a few times and stretch them out.
4. Honorable mention goes to Spenco Adhesive Knit.  This is like a really thin piece of tape that adheres really well.  Put it on a “hot spot” and it will cover it and absorb the friction, making a bad blister feel tolerable and a minor hot spot disappear.

And the winner is…Oh my!  Ladies and gentleman we have a tie!  In cooler weather the winner is the Balega “Merino Enduro” sock with PWT, that’s Performance Wool Technology.  In the warmer weather, the winner is the Balega “Hidden Comfort” sock.

The Merino Enduro is a wool quarter sock made with no toe seams, mesh top half, cushioned foot bed and a wool so soft that my feet wanted to take a nap in them as soon as I put them on.  The wool in these is also naturally wicking and anti-microbial, so you can wear them and wear them and wear them, and they won’t stink!  $12 per pair.

The Hidden Comfort is a no-show sock, also with no toe seams, mesh top and cushioned foot bed.  This one is made from the softest, smoothest blister free material (Drynamix) I have ever felt and it even comes in colors other than white.  $11 per pair.

I just want to thank everyone that made this possible.  My family, my producer, my sponsors, oh my, I know I’m forgetting some of you.  This was all just so unexpected.  Blah, blah, blah, blah.  (Pat self on back, squeeze out tears of humility, exit stage left.)

March 5^th is the final race of our winter series.  You can sign up on-line through March 4th and at the store on race day.  A race schedule of other races for the next few months is posted on our website.

Don’t forget to get on our email list at the website for coupons.  (www.athletescloset.com)

Rich

Blog #4. The White Vest

Not everyone knows that we specialize in running, swimming and triathlon. With a name like Athlete’s Closet, I expect to get the random calls and drop-ins from people looking for assorted sporting goods. In fact, at Christmas time, I look forward to the vast array of inquiries and broad range of items that people think I should carry. Every year, I know exactly when the Christmas shopping season is underway because I get calls for Eagle’s jerseys. This year was slightly different when about 37 seconds after his signing, I got a call from someone looking for a Cliff Lee Phillies jersey. I told the person no, that we don’t carry that type of item in our specialty shop and braced for the inevitable question that arises when I tell someone we don’t carry something. “Do you know where I can find one?” Yes. I know exactly where you can find your item, because since I am in the sporting goods business, I know where everything in the sporting goods world (and beyond) is sold, how much it costs, along with the phone number and directions to the place nearest you where you can procure said item.
Here is a brief list of some of the things that I get asked about pretty regularly every Christmas: Bowling balls and bowling shoes, inner tubes for tubing and sledding, sleds, hockey skates (preferably ‘used’ because “he’s just going to outgrow them and I hate to spend that much!”), skateboards, floaties (inflatable arms for little kids in the pool), darts and dart boards, air hockey, ballet shoes, wrestling shoes, mask and snorkel. The most memorable request came a few years ago when I got a call asking for replacement bungee cords for bungee jumping. I don’t know if this person found what he was looking for, but I never heard from him again. I’m not sure what that means.
Anyhow, this year I had a new memorable, if not confusing, request. A man came in and was looking around at the tights, wicking tops, track pants and reflective wear. I asked what I could help him find and he replied, “A white vest”.
“A white vest?” I inquired. “You mean something reflective for night running?”
“No.”
“Something like these for wind protection?”
“No, not like that”
“I’m not sure what you want then. What kind of vest? For what?”
“A white vest. Just for wearing.”
Why would I have a white vest? Just for wearing? “No, we don’t have that. We are just running and swimming specialties.”
“Well do you have any warm pants?”
Do I have any warm pants? “Warm pants. You mean like these track pants or just some sweatpants?”
“No!” (Now clearly annoyed at this establishment’s lack of white vests and warm pants.) “Just warm pants, for wearing.”
Of course. For wearing. What was I thinking?! “No, I’m sorry, but we are just a running and swimming store so we don’t have warm pants just for wearing. Sorry. What’s that? No, I’m afraid I don’t know where you might find a white vest and warm pants. Sorry.”
Off he went.
Now the story could easily end here. But then I’d be leaving out the very entertaining conversation I had with my wife when I made the mistake of telling her about my encounter. The thing is, my wife is kind of inquisitive. And persistent. Like Adrian Monk, Special Agent Leroy Jethro Gibbs and investigative reporters Woodward and Bernstein, all rolled into one. She likes all the answers and I just didn’t have them. (Insert “I don’t know” into every other line.)
“Why did he want a white vest?”
“Who wears a white vest?”
“Why did he think you would have a white vest?”
“Where did he go?”
“Where did he come from?”
“Do you think he wanted to wear it with a suit or jacket or by itself?”
“What did he look like?
“Did he want the pants to match the vest?”
“What did he do for a living?”
“Was it for work or did he just like white vests?”
“Couldn’t his family get him a white vest as a gift?”
And of course the final question: “Where can he find one?”

We currently have a sale on Asics Kayano and 2150 and Brooks Adrenaline running shoes. People on our email list can use a coupon in the store to save an extra $10 off the sale price.
February 5th is the 3rd race of our winter series. You can sign up on-line through February 4th and at the store on race day.
Don’t forget to get on our email list at the website for coupons. (www.athletescloset.com)

Rich

Blog #3. Time for your massage

Last year my oldest daughter got my wife, Janis, and me a unique gift.  She bought us a gift certificate for a Swedish couples massage at Avante Salon and Spa.  Now I don’t know about you and what your reaction would be, but mine was, wow, how great, a massage.  That’ll feel terrific. Wait!  Someone I don’t know is going to be giving me a massage!  Oh, good grief!  I’m a middle aged guy (Oh no, I think that’s the first time I have actually acknowledged that.   But, I am going to live 106, right?) and any change in my routine is, ummm, disconcerting.  Having someone give me a massage is definitely not part of my routine.  So now my mind is reeling.  Do I really want someone putting their hands all over me?  Someone who is not my wife?  And pardon my self-consciousness, but what if that someone happens to be a guy?  There’s no way that is going to be relaxing!  Ok, I’m a little apprehensive now.  I have to do this, right?  After all, it was a gift and she keeps asking if we had it done.  But wait, I would only be able to do this if a female gives me the massage.  There’s my out!  No way is my wife letting another woman give me a massage!  Alright.  Wait, what?  She’s fine with that?  In fact, if I have a guy, she’ll switch with me.  Great.  And I can’t say anything about her having a guy give her a massage, double standard and all that.  Crap.

The morning of our appointment, I went for a run to loosen up and prepare my muscles and mind.  So we show up at the spa and go to the back area where we are met by soft, new age music, low lighting and a gentle floral aroma.  After filling out a few forms to confirm our health and sanity, as well as any “problem areas” that bother us, the two masseuses that will be dealing with us come out to greet us.  That’s right, masseuses.  Girls.  So far, so good.  Wait.  I recognize the one that will be giving me my massage.  She’s a customer and acquaintance.  Is that a good thing?  Am I ok with that?  Is that going to be too weird for me?  Too late now.  I’m committed.

They lead us into the couple’s room, where two tables are set up about 6 feet apart and instruct us to take off all our clothes, except underwear, and lay on the table face down, under the sheets.  (Hey Janis, a young lady is interested in giving me a rub down and she has asked me to take off my clothes.  You’re ok with that, right?  Yeah, you just lay over there and watch if you like.  No, this isn’t weird at all! )  They then return and the massage begins.  I’m convinced that I’m going to start laughing uncontrollably and every part of my body will be super ticklish. Am I supposed to talk to my wife while this goes on?  It is after all, a “couples massage” so if we ignore each other we might be doing it all wrong.   Do I make small talk with the masseuse?  What about noises?  Like, if it hurts can I say so?  Or if it feels really good should I sigh a soft moan?  That might be too weird.   And, horror of horrors, what if I get too relaxed and something were to happen in, let’s say, the lower digestive tract area?  I can’t remember what I ate recently but I hope it wasn’t beans or something fatty.  Ben and Jerry are at home in the freezer.  Did we party together last night?   A few minutes in and no problem.  I’m not laughing, I apparently ate right and I seem to be starting to relax.  My wife isn’t talking to me, so I’m just going to be quiet.  It feels good, but I am not going to moan.  Definitely not going to moan.  Ooohhh.  Good spot.  I didn’t say that out loud did I?  No.  So far so good.  For the next hour I am kneaded and stretched and pressed and put into a state of total relaxation.  It was wonderful.  All of the anxiety I felt about having a massage, as well as all the anxiety of life itself melted away.  The hour disappeared and I only know it was an hour because my watch said so.  I wasn’t asleep, but I may have been in a trance.

 Now, some of the massage was gentle, but some was deep and firm and could be painful to some.  I didn’t find it that way, but I see how it could be. 

After the massage was over, we dressed and talked to our masseuses, Kat and Denise, for a few minutes and then left.  I was a convert.  I had my doubts about the whole process; if I could relax and if it would feel like it helped.  I don’t know for sure if it did any long term repair, but in the short term I was relaxed, comfortable and not feeling any lower back pain. And I don’t think I embarrassed myself or my wife.  I would definitely do it again.

The massage was $160 for the two of us, plus tip.  It was Avante Salon and Spa in West Chester (www.avantesalon.com) and I had Denise as my masseuse.  Janis had Kat.  My daughter paid for the massage and I paid the tip, so this is not an advertisement for them.  Just letting you know it was totally worth it.  Whether you are middle aged or not, running is stressful on your muscles and joints and I felt like this is one of those things that really helped to feel better and recover.  This would make a great gift for the runners in your life.  Thanks Kat and Denise.

This weekend is the first race of our winter series.  You can sign up on-line through Wednesday and at the store on race day.

Don’t forget to get on our email list at the website for coupons.  (www.athletescloset.com)

Rich

Blog #2. Recovery Socks and Iron Man Sports Drink

No great philosophical topics to hit you with this month, just a few product reports, updates and reviews.

First of all, we have added a new energy drink.  Yes, the field of energy drinks is crowded.  No, no one has discovered the one perfect energy drink (see previous blog about the one perfect running shoe) and yes they seem to be as interchangeable as Lego, so what’s the big deal.  No big deal.  We are just staying with a proven winner in the energy food business and have added Iron Man Performance Sports Drink by the makers of Power Bar.  It is said to have “cramp crushing electrolytes”.  I can’t say if it is significantly  better than (insert your drink preference here), but I used it last weekend in my soccer game and for the first time all season, was able to stave off calf cramps until the last few minutes of the game.  Typically, no matter how well conditioned I am, calf cramps knock me out before I am ready to call it quits.  They are, so to speak, my “Achilles heel”.

On the subject of calf cramps, we have also started to carry Balega Recovery Socks.  The foot part is the same as our best cushioned, blister free sock, the Balega Enduro.  From the ankle up it provides a very strong, graduated compression (17 mmHg pressure for you engineering nerds out there-no offense to my daughter).  The idea is that the compression will enhance faster re-absorption of the lactic acid and limit muscle motion, thereby speeding recovery and reducing muscle strain.  I use them.  Can’t say if they make me recover faster or not because I use them and I recover.  I can’t go back and un-recover to see the difference, but they feel good and they keep my unsightly varicose veins from expanding to scary bulges after a long run or soccer game.  The one down side is that Balega has these socks at a list price of $40.00!  They’re nice and Balega makes great socks, but $40.00?  So for now, we will offer them at $30.00 and if you mention this blog or buy shoes, you can try them for $25.00.

That’s enough product review for now.  I’ll add a few more reviews in a week or 2 as the (ugh, it hurts to say it) Christmas shopping season gets here.  (Jeez, I hate winter.)

Almost forgot!  Everyone on my email list just got a $10 coupon.  If you want your $10, sign up at our website or our fan page on facebook.  Or email me and I’ll add you!

Rich

Blog #1. Barefoot Running

Introductory paragraph, a warning to all who dare to read on:
Before we get going on my first subject and any others that I address in the future, you need to keep in mind a few things as you evaluate my opinions and suggestions. I graduated from the University of Delaware with a Phys. Ed. teaching degree in 1980. You know what they say. Those who can’t do, teach, and those who can’t teach, teach gym. Well, I’m in a whole ‘nother category. Those who can’t teach gym manage running stores and write blogs about their experiences. Furthermore, that degree is from 1980. In 1980 the Bee Gees, printed polyester shirts and 3 Mile Island were all hot, there were no personal computers to speak of, and as far as anyone knew, the internet must be the other side of the outernet. So if I curve off the path that you would take and my views are a little off, please forgive me. What you read here will be my opinions and stories and experiences developed over the last 23 years of managing a running and swimming shop. I invite your feedback, corrections and criticisms. I won’t take them seriously and I surely won’t publish them unless I am portrayed in the best light possible. Having stated all that, let’s move on to today’s topic.

Hardly a week goes by when someone doesn’t ask me what I think about this new bare foot running thing. I guess for my first ever blog I can jump into this and render an opinion.
Well, it finally happened. The one fitness practice that is perfect in every way, the one type of work out for runners that works 100% of the time for 100% of the people has finally been developed. It took until 2010, but man has come across the one thing that works for everyone! Hallelujah! You couldn’t run before because your knees hurt too much? Barefoot running is for you. Got that pesky heel pain that keeps flaring up, especially in the morning after a long run the day before? No problem. Barefoot running is for you. You wish you were faster, had more endurance and could set a PR every time you stepped out your front door? Barefoot running promises to do it for you. Wish you were taller, better looking and had more money and free time? My friend, barefoot running has got you covered!
Oops. Think I may have gone too far there. You get the idea though, I’m sure. If there truly was one thing that worked for everyone all the time, my shoe wall would look a lot neater. One model, lots of colors. Every customer, a perfect shoe and a perfect fit. Ah, sweet retail bliss. But alas, it ain’t so.
Take these two recent tales from my store in just the last month. Customer #1 has had a history of leg and foot problems and has been wearing top end, high support shoes. He tries the minimalist shoes and techniques and feels better and is now running better and injury free. Customer #2 had been wearing the top of the line trainers. She thought she could cut back on the price and frequency of shoe purchases by switching to the minimalist shoes. Unfortunately, she got injured and missed a lot of running time. After recovering, it was back to a well cushioned , supportive trainer. Are these two diverse outcomes totally the result of barefoot running? Who knows, but customers #1 and #2 will swear that they are and may never go back to the method that didn’t work.
I’ll give you my bottom line. Barefoot or minimalist running shoes, should or could be a part of your work out, but maybe shouldn’t be the primary shoe. Use them as a secondary shoe and training method to break things up and keep it fresh. They encourage a different style of running that can help strengthen your legs and feet. For some people, it will be pure heaven and for some, not so much.
Since you can only do barefoot running in the barefoot style shoes, you probably don’t want those as your primary shoe. You can, however, vary your running style in your traditional shoes and get the same benefits derived from barefoot running. Here are a couple things to try.
1. Refer to introductory paragraph above, where I discuss my qualifications.
2. Quiet Running. You’re out, plodding along and you come to a slight uphill incline. Try going 15-30 seconds running as quietly as you can. You should slow down and take smaller steps that may be lower to the ground and keep your heels from touching the ground. Keep these bursts very short at first to make sure your legs and feet can take it.
3. Springy Running. Repeat the above process except that instead of emphasizing low, sleek, quiet steps, you want to take short but bouncy steps. It’s almost like running in place, except that you do move forward at a slower than running pace. Vary how high and springy you make your stride. Heels don’t touch the ground. Again, don’t go for more than 15-30 seconds until you know what you can handle. Make sure cars and other people don’t see you. You look ridiculous.
4. Backwards Running. Again, like the 2 styles described above, this works better when you are going uphill. Hurts more too, but that’s just an added bonus. Going backwards, you want to again keep your heels from touching the ground. Vary your backwards stride between one that is a low, gliding stride to one that is bouncy and almost straight up and down. I particularly like this because it works the thighs a lot more in addition to the calves and shins.
5. Again, Refer to introductory paragraph above, where I discuss my qualifications.

I’ve run on way longer than I intended. I’m going to stop here and call it quits here and go read the new Runner’s World magazine for November 2010. I intentionally did not read it yet because there is an article about barefoot running and I didn’t want to be influenced.
Thanks and let me know what you think, as long as it makes me look good.
Rich