Top Running Shoe Picks!

A graduate of Lehigh University in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, Jennifer Heiner-Pisano holds a bachelor of arts in marketing and economics. Since 2019, Jennifer Heiner-Pisano has served as the retail director of a New Jersey running company where she oversees the running and management of four unique retail locations. 

On the surface, it seems as if running is an easy no frills sport with out a lot of fancy equipment being required. However, choosing the right running sneakers is key to staying healthy, preventing injury, and performing your best. Some of Jennifer Heiner-Pisano's favorite sneakers are from a brand called Newton, a company based in Boulder, Colorado. 

Newton has patented technology that is worlds apart from any other brand out on the market. What makes Newton Technology so different? Newton uses “Action/Reaction™” Technology. According to the company, “generated by the active movement of the lugs, Action/Reaction Technology creates a responsive, trampoline-like cushioning system that provides quicker bounce-back and loses less energy than a traditional foam-core running shoe.” The five lugs in the forefoot/ball area of the shoe are what make Newton’s technology and design unique. 

Unlike many other brands on the market, Newton features lower heel to toe drops to put you in a position to run most naturally. This means the heel stack height is also lower, giving runners a more level feel. Despite the lower heel stack height and lower heel to toe drop, Newton shoes are still responsive and fully cushioned thanks to the feel of the lugs in the forefoot. The same cushioning technology that goes into the lugs also exists in the heel, providing runners a fully cushioned ride with every run.

A Comparison of Running Facemasks - Pros, Cons, Pricing

 

Several different options from different retailers, both fashion and sports based. Worth noting that most of these are either sold out or backordered for weeks, so clearly in high demand and clearly something that any performance apparel company should focus on selling, as we will be wearing these for a while until the vaccination rollout is complete and proven to be effective.  

Zensah Performance Face Mask

·       Priced at $16

·       Advertised as anti microbial, odor free, moisture wicking, quick drying

·       They also include Silver which the manufacturer is claiming to aid in the antimicrobial component, which has been “embedded in the fabric [to] halt bacteria growth and keep these masks odor free”

·       Comfort straps tie behind the head so they don’t chafe or otherwise irritate the ears

·       70% Polyamide / 23% Polypropylene / 5% Elastane / 2% Silver

·       Recommended to wash on warm, and then machine dry delicate cycle (warm obviously kills the germs more than cold)

·       Available in black/white/blue/pink – all currently sold out online

Vistaprint Face Masks

·       $13 for kids size masks; $18 for adult masks; $10 for refill filter packs of 10

·       Wide variety of colors and designs (sampling below)

·       Replaceable “nanofilter system”

·       Patented technology.

o   Made from breathable melt-blown nanofiber.

o   Every mask ships with one filter included.

o   Each filter can be used for up to 12 hours.

·       Adjustable nose bridges as well as adjustable clasps on the straps to fit every face (see below)

·       Adult masks: 24cm x 15cm. Kids’ face masks: 19cm x 12cm.

·       Inner layer: 100% cotton. Outer layer: 91.7% polyester fiber, 8.3% spandex.

·       Not marketed as “athletic masks” but more fashion based

Anti Pollution Carbon Filtered Mask

·       There are a variety of these on Amazon specifically, ranging from $18 to $30 each, with carbon filter refills sold separately, ranging from $10 and up for packs of 10

·       Requires additional technology that I don’t know if we’re capable of doing at the manufacturer, or if its quite frankly even necessary

·       Several have ties that go behind the head to reduce chafing behind the ears; other’s have adjustable Velcro similar to a hat or visor

·       Made from anything from cotton to polyester, mesh, nylon, and any combo inbetween

Rhoback Masks

·       Selling for cost at $6.40 – they are not aiming to make a profit

·       Organic cotton layer on the inside (no dyes) and the outside layer is ATB-UV+ Antibacterial / Quick Absorption / Fast Drying Polyester 

·       Can be washed and reused

·       Also contains a Pouch for filter inserts should wearer have them – this is probably a good option – we don’t need to necessarily provide filters, they are available elsewhere but the mask can be worn with or without one

·       Adjustable nose bridge and ties that look like they can either go behind the ears or behind the head

·       I do also like the USA logo on the front – not sure if we’d be able to put our own logo as well as maybe something customizable, whether it’s a USA decal, NJ/NY/CT whatever

WHY ITS SO IMPORTANT TO WALK AND RUN DURING A PANDEMIC!

A New Jersey retail professional and avid runner, Jennifer Heiner-Pisano manages retail operations for several branches of a successful running company. In her free time, Jennifer Heiner-Pisano maintains membership in local running clubs for comradery, training support, and an amazing social connection. 

In addition to organizing training and race events, these running groups most often offer free, coach-led walking and running sessions weekly at various local parks, communitiy centers, and other facilities. These programs encourage everyone from beginner runners to the more advanced to meet at locations throughout their communities to participate in one-hour sessions in a fun, no-pressure environment. These programs help people of all ages and experience levels to meet new members and develop healthy habits and attitudes toward exercise.

After the workouts are complete, the many coaches lead participants through strength exercises and stretching aimed at increasing endurance, flexibility, and balance. Throughout the workout, coaches also offer helpful, practical tips about health and nutrition to help walkers improve their quality of life.  While the format may have changed since March during the outbreak of the global pandemic, the purpose and the mission is still the same. These support sessions are held virtually, and through the use of social media, everyone can still connect and support each other mentally in order to achieve their fitness goals.  

SOME BENEFITS OF LONG-DISTANCE RUNNING, EVEN DURING A PANDEMIC

With years of experience in leadership positions, Jennifer Heiner-Pisano serves a New Jersey running company as the retail director, where she is responsible for inventory control among the company's four locations, assisting with race directing when necessary, which this year includes a virtual race option, and hiring new associates in periods such as holidays, and when new stores are set to open. Besides working in the area, Jennifer Heiner-Pisano also considers running one of her favorite hobbies – she is an avid runner and marathoner, and is looking forward to live, in person races resuming in 2021. Running is known to provide numerous health benefits for those who do it regularly. It can not only provide physical, but emotional benefit as well. Marathoners are those who consistently train for long-distance events, training which can takes several months prior to the goal event. However, less serious runners can train for half-marathons and other shorter distances as a way to achieve many of the physical and cognitive benefits provided by regular long-distance training. The benefits of taking part in long-distance running events such as marathons and half-marathons come with making consistently long runs, and base-building which requires 4-6 solid days of running per week. Typically, runners need to do long-distance sessions of high-intensity running for weeks on end to get ready for a race. This activity provides the benefit of burning away calories, which results in weight loss, improved muscle tone, among other things.

Another health benefit of long-distance training is that it strengthens the heart and blood vessels, minimizing the risk of cardiovascular disorders and heart attack. The average resting heart rate of a distance runner is often on the low end of what is considered normal, which points to strong heart health.  However, this practice is not only beneficial for the physical body. It also improves cognitive aspects such as memory - it is proven that right after long-distance running sessions, runners have a working memory increase of an average of 16 percent.  The endorphins that are released when running also help to promote positive mood and energy, and the relationships formed amongst runners while training and working towards the same goal is invaluable. 

The Benefits of Running Socks

Jennifer Heiner-Pisano is a running enthusiast who works as retail director at a New Jersey running company. There, Jennifer Heiner-Pisano oversees a variety of locations that sell a wide range of running apparel, including accessories such as running socks.

Many beginner runners might not be aware that special running socks exist as an alternative to the regular cotton socks that they already have on hand. However, as one progresses as a runner and runs more frequently or for longer distances, specialized running socks can make a big difference.

A key issue with cotton socks is that they don’t wick moisture away from the foot. As a result, they become uncomfortable as the runner sweats, or if he or she encounters puddles while running. Seams within the socks or bunching of the fabric can cause blisters to form as well.

Running socks, on the other hand, typically consist of synthetic fabrics designed to keep the feet dry. They fit snugly to the foot and lack bulky seams. Typically made of thicker material, they help cushion the impact of running. With a combination of running-friendly features, they greatly improve a runner’s experience.

Rising Road Runners Program Inspires Youth to Run

The retail director of a running company since 2019, Jennifer Heiner-Pisano manages operations for three stores, in addition to working with the founders on aspects of business development. Jennifer Heiner-Pisano is an avid runner and a member of the New York Road Runners.

A non-profit running organization founded in 1958, Road Runners aims to inspire people through running. In addition to organizing training and community service events, Road Runners operates a youth program called Rising New York Road Runners, which builds fitness skills and self-confidence for youth from kindergarten through 12th grade.

Individual chapters are led by coaches or teachers, with Road Runners providing access to a number of digital tools and resources, as well as lesson plans that adhere to SHAPE America National Standards. Rising Road Runners are invited to attend New York racing events and receive awards for achieving milestones. In the 2018-2019 school year, more than 250,000 young people participated in the Rising New York Road Runners program.