We would like to wish you a very merry season!

Whatever celebrations and traditions this season brings to your household we hope lots of love and laughter is to be had by all!

Happy Holidays!

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.

It's that time of year again. The time of year when we eat.. and eat.. and eat.. and go back for seconds.. and a piece of Grandma's pumpkin pie.. and maybe another roll.. and you gotta have a piece of Aunt Bee's coconut creme with whipped topping.. and then we sit. Or sink into the couch rather and think about where those recently ingested inches are going to make camp. Will it be the thighs this year or will it make the gluteus even more maximus?

Or are you making a pre-emptive strike this year as a Turkey trotter? What did you call me? A Turkey trotter? That's right! There will be no tryptophanic-coma for these turkey eaters! Runners and walkers in over 250 cities will be taking a stand, or a Trot against those extra holiday inches! Thanksgiving actually rivals Fourth of July as the biggest race day of the year and no worries about making it to dinner on time as most of the races are early morning and relatively short in distance. I'll be wearing my 993's for speed so I can beat my brother to the wishbone. And not to overlook the sentiment of the holiday most races raise money for very worthy causes, such as Feed the Children, Salvation Army or local shelters and food pantries. Check here for a race near your Thanksgiving destination. Not gonna have time to put your running/walking shoes to use? Be thankful for some relaxation and enjoy your snoring contest with Grandpa!
Happy Thanksgiving from the Brown's family to yours!

We are thankful for you! Enjoy $5 off a regular priced pair of New Balance. Use BLOG5 as your promotional code.

Let's face it. Your feet are the body part farthest from your brain, both physically and more than likely, mentally as well. Most people, with the exception of foot models, probably don't think about their feet until there's a problem. However the age old saying, "Don't fix it if it ain't broken!" does not apply when it comes to caring for your feet. There are 26 bones in the human foot. Third grade math will tell you that's 52 bones in a pair of feet, which is 25% of the 206 bones of the body, not to mention the numerous muscles and tendons affected by all those bones. Wouldn't it make sense to keep them happy? I spoke with Certified Pedorthist Randy Brown to find out how to do just that. I've elaborated below on 5 important foot care steps he's highlighted for us to follow.

1. WASH YOUR FEET!

Keep your feet clean and reduce bacteria with daily washing. Be sure to dry between the toes. Do your feet sweat? You bet! Each human foot has approximately 250,000 sweat glands that produce about 1.2 pints of moisture per day, or almost 2 quarts per week, equaling 25 gallons a year! Some feet give off even more! All this moisture is a great place for bacteria to feed and we all know what that can lead to... stinky feet!
Choosing the right sock with breathability will help combat foot odor and perspiration. Contrary to popular belief, cotton is not the best choice. Cotton, while somewhat breathable is absorbent and will hold the moisture in. Whereas a material such as Coolmax  incorporates fibers that will wick moisture away from your feet allowing for acceleration of evaporation. The right shoe will also help. Tight fitting shoes can compress the small blood vessels near the surface of the foot. This interferes with normal removal of wastes through the blood system and forces waste removal through the pores via excessive perspiration. We'll talk about getting the right fit in step 4.

2. MOISTURIZE!

Apply lotion such as Khepra footbalm to your feet daily, summer and winter! Believe it or not the sweating we just mentioned actually dries out your skin. This can lead to cracking and allow bacteria to enter and cause infection. Do NOT apply lotion between your toes as it can cause excess moisture, which as stated before, is a breeding ground for bacteria. So between your toes it's: wash and dry; do not apply lotion.

3.CLIP IT. AND CLIP IT GOOD!

Keep your toenails trimmed. A toenail is made of a protein called keratin and consists of many different parts vulnerable to troubles. Ingrown toenails are the most common of these problems. To avoid ingrown toenails trim your nail straight across. Do NOT trim by following the curve of your toe on the corners. Keeping your toenails trimmed will also keep your socks from getting holey toes. 

4.WEAR PROPERLY FITTED SHOES!

25-40% of Americans have foot problems. Blisters, Corns, Calluses, Bunions and Bunionettes are all conditions/ailments that can be caused by abnormal and excessive pressure from ill-fitting footwear. As you've probably found, one size does not fit all.  Just because you may wear a size 9 in Clarks does not mean you wear a size 9 in New Balance. Every brand will have different fitting characteristics that have to be considered. In addition no two feet are exactly alike, even if they both belong to one person. What? Really. Typically one foot will be longer than the other or wider or thicker and you always want to accommodate the larger of the two. It is best to have both feet measured and watch for any available fitting characteristics when choosing new brands.  *In addition to properly fitted footwear you want a properly fitting sock. A sock that is too tight can draw your toes up or squeeze everything together causing abnormal pressure in numerous areas. A sock that is too big can wrinkle or bunch up inside of your shoes causing areas of friction and increased pressure. 
*Ensure your Shoes will Fit*

5. DO NOT IGNORE FOOT PAIN!

Persistent foot pain and uncomfortable pressure is not normal. It is not something you should just tolerate. Your feet may ache after a long day of standing or walking but a constant ache or severe pain in any area is not something to brush off or take lightly. If foot pain persists, please consult a certified pedorthist or see your physician for a footcare evaluation. 

Your feet may be at the bottom but a stronger foundation leads to a happier, healthier structure.

Have a particular ped-question? Ask Dr. Shoelutions!
 

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.                                            

Tired of always meeting the wrong ones? Get the feeling there are no more good fish left in the sea? Than you may be overlooking one very important characteristic. What is your arch type? Does it have too high of expectations from a low-arched shoe? Or is it getting too much pressure from a high-arched shoe? Get to know your inner arch to find a compatible match. Follow the easy steps in the video below and you and your new shoes can be on your way to a successful, lasting relationship.

I had to wear a jacket today! If you live anywhere near deciduous trees you know Fall is here. The signs have become more obvious over the past couple of weeks. Alot of us have had dreams of a "beach life". During the winter and summer months I am jealous of my friends that live in Miami.  They call and leave voicemails while I am at work saying, "Jess! Guess what? We played on the beach all day today!" However in the Fall.. they are jealous of us mid-westerners. The falling leaves and the crisp, refreshing air are simply breathtaking. There is nothing like a morning hike in my 966's. Crunching through the leaves and splashing through creeks, my feet stay dry in the waterproof leather. If you like to hike or just enjoy the Autumn weather and activities, you may want to add some of these styles to your collection. Not only does New Balance know you like to kick it outdoor style, but Merrell, Clarks and Keen have gotten in the al fresco mood. Now it's your turn!

During National Breast Cancer Awareness Month think Pink!
Breast cancer is one of the most common types of cancer among women but it affects men as well. It affects everyone, if not directly than indirectly through family or friends. You will see a lot of pink this month from light crimson hues to pale reddish purple, all shades to stimulate awareness and support in solidarity for a cure. Many also wear pink to remember. I am sure you will be hit this month with all sorts of harsh realities and statistics but I opt instead to concentrate on the progress. Survival rates have jumped almost 2 percent per year since 1990. Foundations, such as Susan G Komen for the Cure and the National Breast Cancer Foundation, that contribute to awareness and support for a treatment, research and a cure, have gained corporate sponsors for funding at a greater level. One of those corporate sponsors is New Balance and their Lace Up for the Cure Collection®. For 19 years New Balance and Susan G Komen for the Cure have been working together to end breast cancer forever. In fact New Balance is the longest running sponsor of the Susan G Komen Race for the Cure series, contributing more than $6 million since 1989.
Read about our experience at the Race in Saint Louis 2008.
This month make your favorite color pink! Support the cause for a cure.
Run Proud in the WR768KM, Official Shoe of the Race for the Cure. Walk tall in the WW845WB. Go for par in pink on the "green" in the women's Golf WG1275PR. All the while knowing that New Balance is donating 15% of the wholesale sales from the Lace Up for the Cure Collection® to Susan G Komen for the Cure. Lace up in any of the styles found here to help.  Already have a Pink Ribbon style or just look pretty in pink? Send us a pic for a future blog to jessica@nbcatalog.com with the subject: "Pretty in Pink".

    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."