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Seven years ago we opened up a New Balance concept store at our O’Bryonville location on Madison Rd. Then in 2002 we opened a second New Balance store in Glendale. These stores feature an unequaled selection of New Balance footwear including running, walking, cross training, tennis and children’s shoes. We also have additional items like inserts, apparel and accessories from New Balance. New Balance specializes in well fitting, comfortable shoes available in a wide range of sizes and widths. New Balance has several other lines of shoes from Dunham and Aravon for women which offer dress, casual and outdoor styles made with the same quality and available in the same size and width ranges.

NEW BALANCE, DUNHAM, ARAVON WATERPROOF BOOTS, SHOES & ATHLETICS
When your feet are wet or damp, your entire body is cold. With the winter months approaching, you can help prevent this from occurring while running, hiking or on your way to the office. New Balance, Dunham and Aravon waterproof styles can meet your individual needs and keep your feet dry. Our New Balance stores provide the largest assortment of New Balance, Aravon and Dunham footwear in the area. Discover the diversity of styles that can complement your wardrobe. You will be assisted by our experienced staff to provide the proper “FIT” and product knowledge.

New Balance Athletic & Outdoor
All-Weather Moderate Stability Trainer
The New Balance all-weather moderate stability trainer provides a responsive and cushioned ride. The “Bioshield” technology helps keep the foot dry in wet conditions. In addition to the 767AW (available in Men's & Women's), we will offer the 768 all-weather trainer in January.

Waterproof Mid Cut Country Walker
The rugged, mid cut Country Walker features a Gore-Tex waterproof breathable membrane. Also, featuring “Rockstop” a flexible protective layer that protects feet from rocks and shock, minimizing pressure, and dispersing shock energy. The mid cut Country Walker utilizes a “Roll Bar” system to minimize rear foot movement and achieves the ultimate in motion control.

Waterproof Low Country Walker
The rugged low Country Walker features rich waterproof materials that combine waterproof leathers and a seam sealed waterproofing technique to keep your feet dry. Mid and low Country Walking combines athletic feel and performance with the rugged outdoor styling and materials of outdoor footwear.

Dunham Brand For Men
By New Balance

Traditional Windsor Waterproof Oxford
The Windsor style features handsome waterproof pebbled, black or brown polished, leather uppers with padded collars for added comfort. The lightweight graphite “Roll Bar” embedded in the heel prevents the kind of excessive pronation that tires the feet and ankles. That represents lasting comfort and increased energy.

Traditional Battery Park Waterproof Oxford
Corporate without compromise! Battery Park’s comfort, ease and polish open doors to the office. The style incorporates soft, rich, glove leather linings. The leather uppers are waterproof and provide breathable, waterproof protection while enhancing style.

Aravon For Women
By New Balance

Water Resistant Side Zipper Boot
The Erin is a one inch ankle boot with rubber soles. Construction includes black waterproof leather, contoured footbed with support, and a side zipper for easy entry and removal. Erin has an antibacterial/antimicrobial protection of linings to help maintain a healthful environment free of odor-causing bacteria.

Also available is a companion black leather boot, The Maeve. It has the same attention to detail and featuring a side zipper for easy entry. Sorry, we can't be held responsible if you buy more than one pair from this great collection. Bet You Can't Buy Just One !

Upon entering one of our stores you will be greeted by a friendly staff member that cares about your needs and is experienced and trained to help you get just what you want.

At the Running Spot and New Balance concept stores we pride ourselves on the merchandise that we offer. Not only do we carry the most respected and established brands, but we also like to introduce what is new and "cutting edge."


The t6 by Suunto – THE Outstanding Wrist Computer
By Bob Roncker

There are a number of excellent monitors available. Polar, Timex, and Garmin, to name some, have very good products that we carry. I would like to describe a new wrist monitor that has features currently not available elsewhere. I attended a conference for coaches of national track and field teams last summer. This is where I became aware of the t6 and what it uniquely offers.

Time of day, chronograph, splits, heart rate measurement, and distance traveled, etc. are offered in many other models. The t6 has all of these functions plus the ability to prevent you from overtraining. Let me explain how this occurs.

In order to improve fitness, we need to adapt to ever increasing training loads. We gradually go farther or faster. The problem is that we often fall prey to the Terrible TOOs – Too Much, Too Soon, Too Fast. Our enthusiasm outstrips our body’s ability to adapt.

After a quality workout, a recovery period is necessary in order to allow the body to benefit from that training. Improvement occurs during this time. A quality workout is quite specific to each of us since we are experiments of one. Too many hard workouts have a negative effect. Our performance suffers or we get injured.

Balancing quality workouts with recovery sessions is for most of us a matter of guesswork. The t6 uniquely takes the guesswork out of training. No other monitor on the market has the ability to measure and show the intensity of your workout. Now, with the t6, you can see the quality of effort of each session and adjust future workouts to what you find out. You can avoid overtraining.

Last November, I racewalked the New York City Marathon in less than 6 hours and the following month in Huntsville, Alabama I ran the Rocket City Marathon in a bit over 4 hours. This was the first running marathon that I completed in 18 years. Usually, I would break down and get injured, a result of the Terrible TOOs, and not even make it to the starting line.

From August on, I faithfully followed what the t6 told me. I knew when to back off and when to push. At my age, 62, I considered it a success not only beginning but also completing these two events in reasonably decent times.

You, too, can benefit from this outstanding new wrist computer. It’s easy to use and looks great. If the t6 interests you, give us a call.

We will be glad to demonstrate its benefits.

New items to “Watch” out for!
By Kirk Knight

Bob Roncker’s Running Spot carries a great lineup of speed and distance monitors. The options we have will cater to the specific needs of virtually every runner or walker.Speed and distance monitors are one of the latest advances in technology that will aid runners and walkers in their training. The models we carry use two distinct methods to measure how far and how fast you have run. Both will give you instant feedback so you can adjust on the fly. The only determination for you to make is which technology fits your needs.

Timex makes a speed and distance system that uses GPS (global positioning system) technology. The Timex speed and distance system comes in two formats. One is with the GPS system only and the other with the addition of a heart rate monitor. Both of these formats can be recorded and transferred to your computer where a Timex program will assist you with your training goals. The Timex format is a great system that works best if most of your training is done where you can see sky. The reason for this is GPS units need to pick up a signal from satellites in order to track your progress. If you run downtown near large buildings or in mostly forested areas the signal can fade in and out and cause some inaccuracies in the data. If this is the case you may want to use the other technology we offer.

Polar makes a speed and distance system that is not dependent on satellites. The Polar system is an advanced pedometer that attaches to your shoe and transmits the data to the watch unit. Since Polar is first and foremost a heart rate monitor manufacturer, all models that Polar
produces with a speed and distance feature also come with a heart rate monitor. As with the Timex, Polar allows you to download the data from your workouts onto your computer so you can keep a training diary to track your progress.

Timex makes several different watches with it's speed and distance system. They all utilize the GPS satellite system and several also feature heart rate monitors. They range in price from $149.99 to $299.99.

Polar also make two different versions of their speed and distance monitors.
The RS200sd which has the more basic watch and downloading capability costs $199.95 and the S625X with its more advanced watch and downloading capability costs $369.95.

If this is something you are looking for, come in and we will help you pick the model that best fits your needs.

Socks
Many people spend a great deal of time trying to get the proper shoes and then they shortchange themselves by getting inappropriate socks. If you are going to be exercising and perspiring, and the foot has a lot of sweat glands, you need the proper socks. Blisters are among the most common injuries. We recommend against tube socks (because the do not fit the feet very well) and all cotton socks (cotton loves water, it is hydrophilic. It retains moisture and creates an environment ripe for hot spots and blisters.).

Better for you is a fitted sock that effectively moves moisture away from your feet. This keeps you cooler in warm weather and warmer when it is cold. We have an outstanding selection from Feetures, Thorlo, Wigwam, Smartwool and others. Many of the shoe brands also carry a line of socks.

Naturally More Comfortable... FEETURES Bamboo and Wool Socks!
By Martha Nash

The Running Spot is excited to introduce a new Bamboo and Wool product line. This new line of socks offers the natural advantages of bamboo. This natural fiber breathes easily, wicks away moisture and eliminates odorcausing bacteria. Plus, bamboo and wool, which make up the majority of this product, are 100% biodegradable and renewable so these socks are very eco-friendly, too.

The Feetures company is committed to reducing its carbon footprint. The packaging is made from recycled paper and no hooks, darts or plastic are used. In addition, many of the Running Spot staff can attest to the fact that these socks feel fantastic. So come in and give these new fibers a try. Your feet will thank you for it.

Remember, whenever you purchase a pair of shoes from us, if you buy three pair of socks you get a fourth pair free.

Smartwool Apparel Now at the Running Spot
Smartwool Socks have always been known in athletic communities for their excellent moisture management, comfortable feel, and unique style. Now Bob Roncker’s Running Spot is carrying Smartwool Apparel! Here are some of the great benefits of Smartwool Apparel:

  • The natural “Smartwool” fibers are extremely soft, lightweight, and guaranteed not to itch.
  • Smartwool moves sweat quickly and effectively by transferring moisture while it is a vapor vs. a liquid. Thus it helps to prevent clamminess by moving moisture away before it condenses.
  • Smartwool apparel creates a natural “air conditioning or heating” system for your body. The fibers create millions of tiny pockets of air, providing a buffering layer capacity that helps keep a stable and optimal core temperature. (i.e. keeps you cool when it is hot and prevents chilling in cold, damp environments.)
  • Smartwool Apparel is naturally antimicrobial, which in laymen’s terms means it doesn’t stink! (Even after months of regular wear!)
  • Smartwool uses a 100% renewable resource and only the finest grade Merino wool for an exclusive supplier in New Zealand assuring the finest quality. (The sheep are treated extremely well!)
  • Smartwool has less of an impact on the environment and does not use any petrochemicals in the development process.
  • Smartwool apparel is extremely easy to care for! Wear it, wash it, throw it in the dryer and you are good to go! (No shrinkage!)


Accessories
Inserts by PowerStep, watches by Timex, pedometers, books, Exerstrider walking poles, E3 grips to help your body mechanics, gels, energy bars, BodyGlide, cool vests, reflective items, and the list goes on. We want your time spent running and walking to be as enjoyable as possible. Our staff is composed of active participants. They can help you with your selections.