Importart Aspects of Choosing the Right Running Sneaker

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 and sneakers. The managers, including Jennifer Heiner-Pisano, have ensured that the sales associates are trained to aid customers in shopping for new running sneakers and apparel.  This includes the hot topic of gait analysis, which is used to determine the proper type of running sneaker one needs to properly train and reduce injury.  

Even before getting into a gait analysis, it is important to educate the customer, depending on their level of knowledge and understanding about the differences in running sneakers, as to the factors that determine whether a sneaker will be appropriate for their needs. Some customers understand and appreciate and want to learn the technical differences in sneakers, where other shoppers are a more casual sneaker-wearer and do not always need to be taught the nitty-gritty details.  Nevertheless, the important things to consider in a running sneaker are:

Heel to Toe Drop, or “HTT” or “drop” is always measured in millimeters and is the difference between the height of the shoe at the heel and the height of the shoe at the forefoot.

o   The offering of running shoes on the market ranges from 0 mm drop to 12- and 14-mm drop, with most brands offering the widest variety of sneakers in the 6-10 mm range.

o   What drop is best for which type of runner?

§  0-2mm: flat shoe, also called “zero drop” and is best for midfoot or forefoot strikers. Requires a break in period for most users transitioning from a higher drop shoe   

·      Newton Distance

·      Minimalist/barefoot running styled shoes

§  2-4-mm: Ideal for midfoot strikers. Very little padding and shock absorption in the heel.

·      Newton Fate; Kismet; Gravity; Motion

·      Brooks PureFlow

·      Saucony Liberty; Freedom; Kinvara

·      New Balance Fresh Foam More;

§  4-8-mm: Great for midfoot strikers but also has an acceptable amount of cushion in the heel for those who tend to land more on their heels. Middle ground where most brands tend to focus a lot of their shoes on   

·      Altra Escalante; Torin

·      On – all of the styles we carry are either 5 mm or 6 mm

·      361

·      Hoka Clifton; Speedgoat; One One – interestingly a lot of people who try Hoka find them to be too clunky or like they are walking on stilts, but this is due to a higher stack height (30 mm approx) rather than drop which is between 5mm and 8mm on most of the models

·      Saucony Echelon; Triumph; Guide

·      New Balance Fresh Foam Tempo; Fuel Cell Echo; Fresh Foam Beacon; Fuel Cell; 1500x6

·      Nike React Infinity Flyknit

§  10-12-mm: A moderate heel-striking shoe. You will notice the heel. be possible to midfoot strike, but you’ll feel like the shoe’s heel is getting in your way.

·      Brooks Glycerin; Ghost; Adrenaline

·      Asics Gel Kayano; Gel Nimbus; Gel Cumulus

·      Nike Air Zoom Pegasus; Vaporfly 4%; Zoom Fly

·      Adidas Ultraboost; Solar Boost; Solar Glide 

·      Mizuno Wave Inspire; Wave Rider

§  12-16-mm: Heel strikers only.

Stack height only looks at the distance between your foot and the ground when you have a shoe on

Hope this helps as a start - next post we will be back to discuss the different mechanics of a running gait analysis! 

A Little Superbowl Fun

The retail director of a successful New Jersey running company since 2019, Jennifer Heiner-Pisano oversees daily operations for it's four branches which are located in New Jersey and Connecticut. To support her passion for running, Jennifer Heiner-Pisano maintains membership in the New York Road Runners. 

We are only a couple of days away from Super Bowl Sunday, and typically the New York Road Runners host a Gridiron Race in Central Park or Prospect Park, and simultaneously have a football throwing contest.  Due to the ongoing COVID19 pandemic, those activities have been significantly restricted.  New York Road Runners is encouraging runners to participate in virtual events from anywhere in the country or world, in order to maintain everyone's health and safety. 

In addition to being an avid runner and swimmer, Jennifer Heiner-Pisano also loves cooking and trying out new recipes in the kitchen.  One of her favorite recipes for winter is a Steak Chili, which is also a perfect crowd pleaser for the Super Bowl.  Again, due to the global pandemic, we are being encouraged to refrain from large gatherings for the Super Bowl.  But the following recipe is a great one to test out on your immediate family at home, and save for next year's celebration! Feel free to double the recipe for leftovers! 

STEAK CHILI

• 2 Tablespoons Olive Oil
• 2 Pounds Steak, cut into 1 inch cubes, or smaller (I use top loin or London broil)
• 2 large Vidalia onions, roughly chopped
• 3 cloves of garlic, minced 
• 1 jar of jalapeno slices, drained
• 2 Tablespoons Chili Powder 
• 1 Tablespoon Ground Cumin 
• 1.5 Tablespoons Cayenne Pepper 
• 2-3 Cans of Diced Tomatoes (29-32 oz. each)
• 2-3 Cans of Kidney Beans, drained (15 oz. each)
• feel free to play with the spices to suit your taste! Can always add or decrease quantities to suit how hot you want the spice factor to be! 

In a large pot over medium high heat, heat up the oil and add the steak, stirring occasionally in order to brown.  

Add the onions, garlic and drained jalapenos, also stirring occasionally, until the onions start to become translucent. 

Add the spices, tomatoes, and drained kidney beans, and stir until combined.  Reduce heat to low and simmer, while covered for at least 30 minutes.  After the first 30 minutes, remove cover, stir, and let simmer for another hour, or until the chili has reached your desired thickness. 

I love serving this chili with rice (white or brown, your pick!), sour cream, and shredded cheese. 

Enjoy! 

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.