Seasons change but your fabric of choice doesn't have to!

Merino Wool so smart it's:
Itch Free. Odor Free. Blister Free. (Really!)
We love it so much we want to shout it from the mountain tops! But we don't think you'll hear us from there so Now through November 15th use code: SMARTFA09 on any order of 4 pair of Smartwool socks and the 4th pair is on us!

Cover Your toes, Family toes, Friend toes or one set of each and the Fourth Pair is Free!

Why 4 Pair?
To cover your holidays of course!
With one pair to grow on...

Ladies' Best Friend and Men's Hiking Smartwool styles are perfect for Thanksgiving because we are thankful for best friends, especially when the men are off hunting.

Christmas brings us Ladies' Cable and Men's Classic styles as the holiday favorites start to emerge on T.V.

Ring in the New Year with Ladies' Margarita and Men's Stripedo as we all have a little fun counting down!

...And One to grow on...
This is the best spot for the PhD styles!  
Why not finish out '09 or start the new year smarter than the average sock! The Smartwool PhD styles incorporate a 4-degree fit system and WOW (wool-on-wool) technology to provide support where it's needed at the temperature most comfortable.

So get Smart for feet's sake! Smartwool!

*You can also Print this blog and take it to any of our 6 store locations to take advantage of the
Buy 3 get one Free offer. But Hurry! Offer expires November 15th!
*Up to a $16.95 Value.

It's that time of year. When you start hearing the little ones complain and the parents sing! Back to school! Bargain shopper that I am, I enjoy cashing in on those Back to School discounts. And if you're anything like me you would want to know all about all of the sales. So.. to save myself from answering, "Why didn't you tell me about the sale?!" emails...
Now through Sunday August 23rd everything on the site, including sale items, is 10% off! In addition to the discount, orders over $75 are eligible for Free Shipping!
www.BrownsCatalog.com

While you're online stocking up on New Balance, Clarks, Birki's, and even Smartwool socks enjoy my favorite Back to School commercial.
It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year

*Just a tip: The Fishpond bags, briefcases and coolers have gotten me through quite a few years in college. Incredibly durable!  

 
  Kid's NB 630 $49.95            Kid's NB 769 $59.95            Men's Clark's $89.90             Women's Aravon $89.90

HAPPY ANNIVERSARY!
New Balance proudly celebrates its 20th Anniversary of association with Susan G. Komen for the Cure. New Balance is also the longest running sponsor of the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure® Series-the world's largest and most successful education and fundraising event for breast cancer.
Below are some of my favorite pics from last year's race in Saint Louis.

   
In celebration of such a milestone of commitment New Balance will be introducing  a special edition 993 in pink suede! The 993 is the latest in a long line of a legacy running shoe and is a perfect match for such an honor. All special edition 993s will be manufactured in the United States. The WR993KM will debut in August 2009 with a limited number of customizable editions available for purchase in July. For all of the details check out the press release! Can't wait 'til August? You're in Luck! In April 2009 New Balance will introduce the WR769KM, deemed the official shoe of the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure®. You can discover the features and the current colors available in the 769 model here. To help you get as excited as we are about the 993KM and 769KM I have a couple pics attached below as a "sneak peak" for our lucky readers. Or if you simply cannot wait until even April you can check out some shoes and accessories currently available in the Lace Up for the Cure® series here. 
Lace up with some Pink and join the cause!

If you have some favorite pics from previous races that you would like to share in a future blog send them to jessica@nbcatalog.com. 

WR993KM                            WR769KM
                                                                     

       

 I heard someone say once, "If it's worth doing, start now." Since then I have found so many situations in which to apply that way of thinking! But at the risk of rambling I will concentrate on one issue...Exercise. Last week we talked about New Year's resolutions and how easily they slip the mind once other activities roll in with the Spring. If you're anything like me you need constant motivation or you end up back on the couch with your bag of Cheetos watching Golden Girls marathons and the Food Network. So I did a little research to help me keep my "Thomas the Tank Engine" mentality going. Below I've listed 5 steps to help us stay focused.

*BE SPECIFIC
When starting out with a resolution or a goal don't just say, "I want to lose weight." or "I want to run more." or "I want to eat less Cheetos." Set a specific target to reach within reasonable allotted time increments. For example, if you want to lose weight set a monthly pound loss target. If you want to run more set out a specific mileage per week and build on that as the month progresses. If you want to eat less Cheetos.. don't buy them.

*PAT ON THE BACK!
Everyone likes a reward. Once you hit an incremental goal treat yourself. The last time I hit a goal I bought a new pair of shoes. That's a pretty big pat on the back but I was very excited about the achievement... and they were really cute. There may be an underlying addiction there. Hmm.. Next year's resolution in the making. But you don't have to go that far. Get yourself that new bag you've been eyeing in the display window or the movie you've been wanting to buy. Or motivate while rewarding with something new like running shorts/shirt, pedometer, sackpack. Anything to to tell yourself, "Great Job!" 

*SUMMON MORAL SUPPORT
Sympathy pain. Misery loves company. Getting other people involved can have a positive effect on overcoming the toils of the task at hand.  I am in my 1063's much quicker in the morning when I have someone yanking the blankets off and telling me to get my toes on the road. Especially if they will be joining me. Whether they are physically by your side or just supporting you along the way, having someone else know what you're striving for is huge motivation.

*MIX IT UP
A change of scenery is highly motivational. If you feel like you're stuck in a pattern just taking a different route to work can stimulate alertness throughout the day. You need routine but monotony will wear you down. Get out of that ho-hum habit of doing things the same. If you are a runner, take a different path when you have the time to change it up. There are so many different routes you can take and with each you'll see different people and places. Exercising indoor? Work on different areas each day or change up your technique to get a well rounded routine. 

*IMMEDIATE ACTION
Simply, if it's worth doing, start now! Don't use phrases like, "The diet starts tomorrow." or "I'll just run twice as long on Monday." That kind of talk is the first step toward the couch and Friends re-runs.

So... you have 341 days. Get off the couch and I'll see ya on the road!

Let us know your goals with a comment! And come back to let us know you made it! We'll give you a "Pat on the Back."

19°

Brrrrrrrrr!!!!

• Michelin Man-up!
  In other words: Layers, layers and more layers! You don't want to bulk up your body and make a steady pace uncomfortable so use less heavy, multiple layers. Start with a wicking fabric against your skin to pull away the perspiration allowing it to evaporate. Something like the Reach Tight and the Tempo top from New Balance is perfect as it incorporates Lightning Dry, a wicking fabric. Make sure your outer shell is a breathable, wind resistant fabric such as Gore-tex or nylon preferably with closures over the zippers to keep air from leaking through. New Balance has you covered here as well with the Sequence Pant and my personal favorite NBx Wind Blocker jacket.  If it's really cold or BRRRRR be sure to add an extra layer in the middle for insulation.
• Accessorize!
  Don't forget the hat and gloves! A good percentage of vital body heat can be lost through your hands and out the top of your head like a chimney. Take a pointer from the little ones and go with mittens for even more warmth on your digits. And don't forget your toes! Add a wicking coolmax layer under your warm wool sock.
• Streeeetttch!
  Warm yourself up with proper stretching, before and after your run/walk. Start slow and gradually work into a more vigorous routine as you want to warm up your muscles before hitting the pavement too hard.
• Factor in Windchill!
  If the wind is strong the temperature you feel may be much different than the temperature you see on the thermometer. If it's too strong it can penetrate your layers and remove the insulating warm air you worked so hard to attain. Run into the wind! If you head out into the wind it will be behind you on your way back when your more likely to be sweaty and can catch a dangerous chill. If the temperature is BRRRRR or the windchill is in the single digits or below you may want to play it safe on the treadmill.  
• Drink up!
  Make sure to drink water or a sports drink before, during, and after your run/walk. You may not sweat as much on a winter excursion but cold air has a drying effect which can increase the risk of dehydration. You can immediately feel the drying effect it has on your throat when breathing heavy in cold weather. Staying hydrated also ensures healthy muscle action and recovery after running in the cold.
• Take it Off!
  Get out of your damp clothes and into a warm shower or dry clothes as soon as possible after your run/walk. This is very important when temperatures are low. If you get wet from rain, snow, or sweat in cold temperatures you're at increased risk for hypothermia, a lowering of your body temperature. And it just feels good to snuggle up in warm clothes like the cozy Kaspian after an exhilarating run!
• Save Skin!
  Last but definitely not least protect your natural outer shell. Apply moisturizer and lip balm before heading outdoors. Winter weather takes a toll on our soft outer layer with cold temperatures, chilling wind, and lower humidity indoors and out. To offset the chapping and drying effects of Old Man Winter and Jack Frost, moisturize before your run or walk and after your shower.

Now you have no excuse but a lame one so go out and make some tracks in the snow!

*Cold air can trigger chest pain or asthma attacks in some people. Before braving the elements, talk to your doctor if you have any medical conditions or concerns about exercising outdoors.

I've been on my feet a lot lately. I can't help it, this season gets me so excited I can't sit still...like a kid that finished off the rest of her Halloween candy and guzzled a couple of sodas! This morning when I jumped out of bed, ready to start my day, my feet hit the carpet. At least it looked like carpet but my heels were telling me I must have stepped on a couple of bear-traps! How did those get there? I'm not a bear-trapper.. I don't even know a bear-trapper, who does?! So my second thought, of course, was Plantar Fasciitis. Don't worry if you can't pronounce it... or spell it without a foot-term encyclopedia. It was only logical to me because I talk to people like you that may suffer from it every day.

Plantar Fasciitis is one of the most commonly treated foot ailments at our pedorthic facilities. Put generically it's heel pain syndrome and if left untreated, plantar fasciitis can become a chronic problem. The good news is that about 90% of patients improve significantly within two months of starting treatment. The better news, for me at least, is that I am best friends with a Pedorthist and she said I'll be better in no time! So cancel the flowers and cards. I am on my way to a speedy recovery with her recommendations of the Ultra Arch Insole and daily stretching using the Step Stretch. For those particularly trying evenings I treat myself to a foot rub with the Medi-Rub Foot Massager.  If you are among the many "stepping on bear traps" in the morning or have a constant aching heel, relief is closer than you think. Click HERE for more information on what you can do about plantar fasciitis.

                   
As of last week I had five games left in the softball season. I finally wised up and got the Bonita Run Crop last Tuesday. We had a double-header on Wednesday and won both games, previously only winning one game out of six. Coincidence? Maybe, but I'm not willing to play this week without it to find out. Softball season is pretty much over but there are plenty of other high impact activities for which you'll need good support. Ladies, do yourself a favor, possibly a favor for the entire team, and try out the New Balance Bonita Run Crop. You will love the comfort of the Lightning Dry material, racer back design, slightly molded cups, adjustable padded hook-and-loop straps, and adjustable bottom band. Just try not to brag on it too much.  Nobody likes a sore winner.

Check out what Self magazine thinks of it in their November issue.                                            

    Everyone's buzzing about it and many companies are implementing processes and products to conform for a "greener" future.  We recycle here at Brown's and have many products that have eco-friendly materials incorporated, such as Cocona and Bamboo. My newest pair of WR1224's have a Cocona Phantom liner and yes, Cocona is made from coconut shells into a material that is naturally soft, breathable and odor-resistant. The hip eco-sartorial El Naturalista is another line to slip you comfortably into eco-consciousness. Learn about the El Naturalista eco-policy.

   There may be more ballyhoo about going "green" lately but the idea started a long time ago. I was introduced to the concept in the 80's. I had a teacher in junior high school that was educating us on the "footsteps" we were leaving and introducing different ways we could help the environment. This began my desire to "Re-duce, Re-use, Re-cycle."  To this day I have separate containers for everything from aluminum to plastic. And that is where the snare is...plastic. It had crossed my mind when buying a pack of gum at a convenience store or one item at a grocery store and they automatically put it in a plastic bag.  That is such a waste. I don't need a bag to carry an item that fits in my hand! I've done a lot of research lately, stimulated by the arrival of our new sustainable bags, and found some disturbing information on where those plastic bags end up. I also found some cities and countries taking steps to improve the plastic situation for future generations. I've compiled some of that information in a short video embedded below. Or to find out more go to any of the websites accredited at the end of the video. Get your sustainable bags today! And join me in saying to the plastic-pushing economy, "No thanks. I have my own."