Month: February 2018

EXPERIENCE INSTANT GO WITH NIKE REACT

Post author By Melanie Mitchell
Post date February 28, 2018

EXPERIENCE INSTANT GO (VIDEO)

Of all the new sneaker releases over the past year, few have been as anticipated as the Nike Epic React. The Nike React features a proprietary midsole technology – coupled with fashion-forward styling – that promises to have experienced runners, fitness fanatics, and sneakerheads alike, all clamouring for these Nike running shoes.

Bounce with me.

The Epic React Flyknit is the first shoe from Nike Running to feature the new React midsole, made of an synthetic rubber compound that can only be found in these new Nike shoes. The midsole promises to combine all elements of she desirability that were previously solved for individually: Lightness, softness, responsiveness, and durability. The result is what Nike is calling “Instant GO”.

Get up and GO!

Instant GO is all about being able to effortlessly flip the “on” switch. Instant GO removes barriers to running, enhancing the feeling of moving forward. With the React, running doesn’t have to be a laborious slog. Lace it up, get moving, and go have fun!

Bring yourself and your crew.

THE DESIGNS: NIKE EPIC REACT FLYKNIT

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INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY WITH THE LADIES OF JACKRABBIT

Post author By Melanie Mitchell
Post date February 28, 2018

INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY 2018

“Give a girl the right shoes, and she can conquer the world.” – Marilyn Monroe

International Women’s Day is celebrated on March 8th and is a global day honoring the achievements of women.

This is the one day of the year when we can raise our running shoes high and celebrate our role models and inspirations and give thought to the women of our past and help raise up those who will lead the way after us.

Since we have some pretty amazing women in our team at JackRabbit, and to honor the day within our own world of running, we posed the question, ‘which women athletes have inspired you?’

Come meet the ladies of JackRabbit and the women who have inspired them to lace up and go.

Oh, and because we’re feeling the love today, we’ve put together some deals just for ladies today. Why? Because we’re worth it.

KINA MILLER – MERCHANDISING

Name: Kina Miller

What type of runner are you?: Trail – I run on dirt!

Which female athlete has inspired you?: In my past, as a high school and college sprinter, I admired and was inspired by the likes of FloJo (Florence Griffith Joyner) USA and JJK (Jackie Joyner Kersee) USA. They were flashy and fascinating and strong and beyond total studs.

Now, more seasoned and through life’s spin cycle, I hold my athlete little sister, Kera, in the highest esteem. She’s my motivation, my inspiration and my role model.

Why have they inspired you?: Kera ran in her past, but only if a basketball was involved. She hated it. Unless a ball or a coaches whistle was involved, she wasn’t going to do it. Fast forward to present day….Kera now lives with MS, has little feeling in her feet, and hits the trails like a woman on a mission.

How have they inspired you?: She’d have every reason to avoid a less predictable environment, but does it anyway, because SHE CAN. She embodies the spirit of ‘yet she persisted’.

CHLOE EDWARDS – MARKETING

Name: Chloe Edwards

What type of runner are you?: When I feel like it runner ☺

Which female athlete has inspired you?: Ice skater, Michelle Kwan, USA

Why has she inspired you>: When I was growing up, I did not have much women celebrities that looked like me, so seeing an Asian American being so successful was so inspiring.

How have they inspired you?: I loved watching a strong, powerful, beautiful woman on TV. I saw that a lot of hard work and dedication can really pay off. It also showed me to find something that would push me that hard.

MELANIE MITCHELL – MARKETING

Name: Melanie Mitchell

What type of runner are you?: A triathlete runner

Which female athlete has inspired you?: Marathon runner, Ann Sandilands, UK

Why she inspired you?: Ann was my best friend’s mum. While me and my best friend were living the dream as 8 year olds, playing from dawn ‘til dusk, cycling, swimming and recording Top 40 countdown hits on our cassette players, Ann was running.

How have they inspired you?: Ann was running half marathons before it was known or common for women to run them! She didn’t have a run club to join, or have a tribe of women to motivate her. She just ran, alone. A long way. She ran to raise money for Great Ormond Street Hospital in London. The hospital where her son underwent open heart surgery as a baby. Now I’m a mother, I completely understand why she ran. She was way before her time!

JESS GILLMAN – NATIONAL COMMUNITY & CORP RELATIONSHIPS

Name: Jessica Gilman

What type of runner are you?: 10-15 miles a week/ OrangeTheory/ HIIT runner

Which female athlete has inspired you?: US National Soccer Team player, Michelle Akers

Why she inspired you?: Michelle was fearless on the soccer pitch and played with all her heart in every match.

How have they inspired you?: Michelle made playing hard, winning every header and getting dirty after every tackle. She was not the “poster female” for the team yet she was the engine of that squad and for that reason she inspired me to play fearless and tenacious. I went on to be a division 1 soccer player and play in England and Michelle was the female athlete I aspired to be.

INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY

Learn more about International Women’s Day and share with us using #JackRabbitRuns and #InternationalWomensDay on Instagram which women have inspired you.

WOMEN AT JACKRABBIT

At JackRabbit we take women seriously. We take their sport and their shoe/gear needs seriously. Take a stroll around all the carefully selected gear we have for women runners, trainers, cross fitters, and atheletes of all genres. Rock on, ladies; we’ve got your back.

Training

URBAN RUNNING HITS THE STREETS

Post author By Melanie Mitchell
Post date February 27, 2018

URBAN RUNNING HITS THE STREETS

Call it an act of defiance, or the anti-run club; all around the world urban runners are taking to the city streets discovering their city’s different neighborhoods via a pair of running shoes.

What started as an alternative running movement is growing into an international tribe of runners taking to the streets of major cities with their crews.

Strava (the be all and end all of run tracking) has so many urban running clubs listed that wherever you find yourself in the world, there is probably an urban adventure you can go on (safely) in an unfamiliar city.

FASHION AND FUNCTION IN URBAN RUNNING

Urban running crews are not about qualifying for Boston or bettering your PR (but you might find you do anyway!), it’s about bringing together people who respect the desire to move and make it accessible to anyone who wants to share running fitness with their peers.

Urban running with it’s cool, laid back vibe, gives runners a whole new interpretation on what to wear and athletic brands are on it! JackRabbit has curated a cool new collection of Urban Running Gear – the ultimate cool vibe in running streetwear.

JACKRABBIT CAM GOES ON HER OWN URBAN RUNNING ADVENTURE

We asked our own urban runner and JackRabbit design guru Cam, to share with us her urban running adventures in Denver. She took off in her new Nike React shoes and Nike Women’s Bliss Luxe Pants and Sphere Therma Element running top and led us on a trip around the streets of Denver’s Mile High City.

Colorado is known for its mountains, but Denver has a new up and coming art scene and Cam took us on an afternoon tour of the RiNo Arts District in Denver. RiNo is known for its urban art vibe where up and coming graffiti artists are coming to the area to practice their craft.

Cam is in training for the Colfax Half Marathon (an urban marathon if ever there was one) and so she and her running pal took a four mile jaunt around the city, then checked in at The Denver Central Market for a plant-based tofu rice veggie bowl and putting up their shoes for a well earned rest.

Added bonus? There ain’t no mountains in Denver, but we are up high. RiNo offers a flat, fast running experience with an unparalleled view of the Rocky Mountains to add a little bit of nature to your running adventure.

With more and more brands offering a urban styling to their running gear, there is no shame in hanging at the local eatery wearing your run kicks and training gear. Check out all our Urban Running Gear at JackRabbit for an outfit to kick off your urban outing.

URBAN RUNNING CREWS

There are seemingly endless urban running crews to be found in most cities. Best places to check them out are your local running stores (ooh, like JackRabbit for example!), using MeetUp or your local online news hubs.

URBAN RUNNING USA

Los Angeles: Blacklista on Instagram @blacklistla
Cleveland: Run Wild CLE on Instagram @runwildcle
New Orleans: The 504th on Instagram @the504th
San Diego: #Run 619
Durham: Bull City Beer Runners

URBAN RUNNING INTERNATIONAL

Traveling overseas and still want to run? Check out more urban running crews around the world on Strava’s Running Blog. We like to call this type of travel ‘running tourism’ at its best. What better way to see a new city than with the locals who live there and who share your passion for getting out on their own two feet?

You’ll find crews to run with in Paris, London, Paris, Amsterdam, Copenhagen, Amsterdam, Melbourne.

Each urban run club has their own style and goals but most get hit the street for equal parts running and socializing.

Reviews Running Gear

FIRST LOOK: NIKE EPIC REACT FLYKNIT

Post author By Melanie Mitchell
Post date February 27, 2018

FIRST LOOK: NIKE EPIC REACT FLYKNIT

RUNNING THROUGH YOUR DREAMS

Your alarm goes off, you swat at it like it was a pesky mosquito. Seated on the edge of your bed, eyes only 22% open, you already begin to miss your mattress. However, today you have motivation to get moving. Yesterday, you brought home the Nike Epic React Flyknit, and you honestly can’t wait to get these new Nike running shoes on your feet and hit the pavement. Yesterday morning, it was hard to get going. Today, you have Instant GO.

Can't stop, won't stop with Nike React

From the second you pulled the Nike React out of the box, you fell in love with the retro-futuristic styling. In 2018, you finally realize that Back to the Future II with Michael J. Fox was a documentary, and you’re now living in it. These new Nike shoes prove it. The moment you slid into these shoes, your feet felt like they were returning home after a long day. From the perspective of your piggies, you never left your mattress at all.

Marty McFly obviously hyped to try out the Nike Epic React Flyknit.

I WANT IT ALL

Ok, so a lot of comfortable shoes exist. Few shoes exist that have this level of comfort that you can actually run in. And I don’t mean “look” like you could run in. I mean lace up, and knock out 5 morning miles before you can finish rubbing all the sleep out of your eyes. The difference is what React is all about.

React is Nike’s brand-new midsole technology that replaces Lunarlon foam, and is one of the most anticipated sneaker releases of 2018. Typically, a shoe manufacturer has to make the choice between comfort and durability. It should be no surprise that the more cushy-squishy a shoe is initially, the quicker the cush gets smooshed (technical industry term) and you need to replace your footwear. Not the case with Nike React. It’s ultra-comfy, ultra-durable — oh — AND it’s bouncier than anything that came before it, 13% bouncier to be exact.

Now serving up looks.

GET UP AND GO

While the midsole is a YUGE story, these Nike running shoes give you even more reason to get out of bed in the morning. A sock-like knit upper means a snugness that molds to your foot while still allowing maximum breathability. A sturdy heel shelf in the back means that once you’re ready to rock, this shoe will roll with you: No slippage and all speed. Speaking of rocking, the computational design of the sole provides a smooth transition from heel to toe that feels like being effortlessly propelled forward.

These shoes come in to the market with a lot of hype around the launch. Real talk, they live up to it. Born not of sacrifice, this is the shoe for those who decide they want it all. All the comfort. All the bounce. All the durability. It feels so good, and makes running so effortless, you’ll have to pinch yourself to make sure you’re not still dreaming.

Recap the React

+ 13% Bouncier vs. Lunarlon
+ 11% Softer vs. Lunarlon
+ 10% More energy return vs. Lunarlon
+ 5% Lighter vs. Lunarlon
+ Crazy durable for something this cushioned
+ Fluid geometry to maximize performance

TECHNICAL SPECS: NIKE EPIC REACT FLYKNIT

SHOP NIKE EPIC REACT FLYKNIT

About The Author

Lance has previously been fat, weak, and injured. As a multi-sport athlete, his application of data and science has produced some pretty awesome personal results, such as bench pressing over 500 pounds in competition. As a professional Strength and Conditioning Coach he’s helped enhance the performance of NFL athletes, olympians, ironmen, and improved the race-day performance of hundreds of runners.

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HOKA ONE ONE FLY COLLECTION: JACKRABBITS SHARE THEIR JOY

Post author By Melanie Mitchell
Post date February 23, 2018

HOKA ONE ONE FLY COLLECTION: JACKRABBITS SHARE THEIR JOY!

Hoka One One recently released there new Fly Collection; a lighter, sleeker more performance oriented package. The new collection features the Mach, the Cavu and the Elevon.

The Fly Collection still has the tried and tested Hoka technology and now features a new ‘pro-fly’ midsole with a softer heel and firmer forefoot. Goal? Propulsion!

We took all three new shoes in the Fly Collection out for a ride with the staffers at JackRabbit to test the shoes over land, air and sea – well snow actually.

HOKA ONE ONE MACH – WHAT JACKRABBITS THINK

The Hoka Mach replaces the very popular Hoka Clayton series. The mesh upper has great venting and comfort alongside the ‘pro-fly’ midsole. The Mach is great for the track or long tempo runs.

“I used to run, like a whole life time ago. Now I’m old and out of shape, and it’s sad, very sad ☹….. But don’t despair, as there is still hope! I’m now eating better and beginning to get more exercise and a big part of it is due to my LOVE for Hoka! My Hoka Mach shoes are my second pair of Hokas and I’m happy to say I’m officially hooked!!!” – Michael McCollum, Finance

“My Hoka Mach’s – aside from being a great color – are super lightweight and breathable. Having neuropathy does not always make working out easy, but the cushion in these shoes made it possible for me to not only get my morning workout in, but my afternoon cardio as well.” – Arlene Sonnleitner, Finance

“The Mach is a great shoe if you are looking for a lightweight, cushy, & springy ride. The heel counter hugs the heel to avoid any slipping while the upper is incredibly breathable allowing your feet to breathe. Perfect shoe for my short and long runs as it has enough cushion to protect my body but light enough to not weigh me down. I truly enjoyed running with these and would recommend them to other runners.” – Steven Ledbetter, Operations

“Really liked my new Hoka Mach! The comfort was there from the second I laced them up. Plenty of room in the front of the shoe which is where I usually have my issues with shoes. The mesh was flexible and supportive but also seemed softer to me which is good for my big toes. I also liked the simple straightforward design of the shoe. Lightweight and a simple look and feel is the perfect combination for me. I’m interested in how they keep cool in the heat this summer.” – Russ Johnston, Finance

HOKA ONE ONE CAVU: WHAT JACKRABBITS SAY

The Hoka Cavu is the shoe for people who run… but don’t just run. This shoe is as versatile as it is light, and can take you from the run, to the gym, to a studio and back again.

“The Cavu is light and breathable without sacrificing the excellent cushioning that Hoka is known for. The black/white color is perfect for an everyday shoe and provides the perfect amount of support of all athletic activities!” – Kenzi Kaplan, Marketing

“The Cavu is my first pair of HOKA running shoes and this cushion is definitely all it’s cracked up to be! These shoes are super lightweight and I love the simple black and white colorway – perfect addition to my sneaker rotation!” – Emily Walsh, Marketing

“I Love my new HOKA Cavu! They are very comfortable and feel great when I’m running. I may have found my new fav running shoes.” – Dena Phillips, Finance

“First pair of HOKA’s I have ever worn and I loved them. Super comfortable and lightweight. I used them to both run and walk my dog and they were great. The HOKA Cavu is very sleek looking and can be worn casually, which is a plus.” – Reid Grott, Merchandising

“For someone who has never worn Hoka shoes, I am seriously impressed! These are so lightweight and cushioned it makes me want to make these my primary training shoes! The soft landing and comfort is undeniable, I can’t wait to increase my mileage in the Cavu’s.” – Jen Ovington, Marketing

“My Hoka Cavu seed shoe was super lightweight. The lightest shoe I have in my collection.” – Cindy, Finance

“I love my Cavu! I’ve never had a Hoka shoe before and the cushion is everything I’ve heard about. I run and work out quite a bit, so it’s great to have this soft and light shoe that can do everything I want!” – Eric Hubbard, Marketing

“I did a little running around the office and was surprised how good the Hoka Cavu felt. I also did a 7-mile run and they were GREAT! Not only did they feel good during the run, but my usual post long-run stiffness and soreness was almost non-existent. I’ve been running in them ever since and have only good things to say. I’m coaching a half-marathon class and have been recommending the Hoka Cavu to everyone who asks about them. Even though I’m loving the Cavu’s, I am now curious to try one of the elevated Hoka FLY styles (Mach or Elevon) to see how they feel.” – Doug Oldiges, Training Coach – NYC

HOKA ONE ONE ELEVON: WHAT JACKRABBITS SAY

The Hoka Elevon replaces the previous Hoka Vanquish – an award winning shoe. The premise behind the Hoka Elevon is its softer heel and firmer forefoot with the brand new ‘pro-fly- midsole, all with goal of more propulsion.

“As a complete Hoka One One aficionado, I was already excited to try out a brand-new shoe from the fly masters. The new Elevon is a treat!. Comparable to the Hoka Vanquish, this feels super light; and that works for me! If you’re a woman and a Hoka One One fan, I would recommend downsizing by half a size in the Elevon. It is marginally longer than usual and half a size down made it fit just right.” – Melanie Mitchell, Marketing

“Immediately recognize the super comfy step in feel. The HOKA Elevon is so lightweight, I checked for actual springs in the midsole. The upper is totally seamless, a really nice feature for multi-use in daily training.” – Kina Miller, Merchandising

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INTRODUCING ON PERFORMANCE RUNNING GEAR

Post author By Melanie Mitchell
Post date February 15, 2018

INTRODUCING ON PERFORMANCE RUNNING GEAR

It’s time to celebrate the new, beautifully-engineered essentials running gear collection from On Running.

It takes a lot of effort to make something effortless. The design creators at On running, known for their commitment to high design and high function, have created a beautifully curated collection of performance-oriented clothing to elevate your running style to an effortless high level.

Do more than ‘just’ run in On, create a whole look that will take you from trail, to road, to your urban adventures.

The essentials performance running gear collection features lighter fabrics and more color options taking you to a new level of style and performance.

ON PERFORMANCE RUNNING GEAR FOR WOMEN

The On Women’s Weather Jacket is lightweight and protects your upper body with 360 degree ventilation and also comes as a women’s running vest version.

Pair the running jacket or vest (arriving soon!) with the light On Women’s Running Pants that feel as good on the track as they do running around town. Perform your best; look your best.

Round out the outfit with either a women’s performance tee (more colors arriving), offering micro ventilation so you remain comfortable in changing weather.

ON PERFORMANCE RUNNING GEAR FOR MEN

The On Men’s Weather jacket and Weather Vest version is engineered in every detail, like the adjustable hood with a full field of vision. Training doesn’t stop when it rains, so suit up and get out there while the competition sleeps.

The On Hybrid Shorts are dual function, giving both lightness and protection, designed in an ultra-light fabric with snug tights inside for support and muscle protection.

The On Men’s Running Pants are second to none. Trending forward in design, tech and fit, these pants means you have no excuse not to get your running ON.

Shop On Performance Running Gear for Men

ON PERFORMANCE RUNNING GEAR IN ACTION

Check out the On Performance Running Gear in action in the latest video. If this doesn’t inspire you to get out there and run, then nothing will!

Grab your gear, and run ON. You are more than just an athlete.

FOLLOW JACKRABBIT AND OUR RUNNING CREW

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Training

JACKRABBIT ATHLETES RUN THE BOSTON MARATHON

Post author By Melanie Mitchell
Post date February 13, 2018

JACKRABBIT ATHLETES RUN THE BOSTON MARATHON

PART 1: MEET THE ATHLETES AND RACE PREP

The Boston Marathon isn't just a race. It's one of THE races. The first marathon competition in the modern age was held in the 1896 summer olympics. The Boston Marathon started the following year. This means runners have been traversing the hilly Massachusetts terrain for 121 years, making it the world's oldest annual marathon. This race doesn't just have history it has clout. Meaning, you gotta be fast to qualify. Simply qualifying for Boston can be a #dreamscometrue moment for these runners.

Knowing how big a deal this race is, we're following two “everyday” athletes as they gear up and train for the big day. During our 3-part series, we'll follow our JackRabbit runners all the way to the finish line on April 16th, 2018.

JORGE ALMEIDA: PART-TIME RUNNER, FULL TIME BEER AFICIONADO

Hometown: El Paso, Texas
Current Location: New York, New York
When He's Not Running: Senior Brand Manager for Anheuser-Busch
Mini-Bio: I'm a Bilingual Mexican-American who has lived in 5 different countries and is an avid soccer fan. I have a huge passion for beer because it’s kind of my job… and who doesn’t like to talk about beer?

JackRabbit: ¡Hola Jorge y bienvenidos al blog de JackRabbit! Thank you for bringing us along for the ride as you get ready for your race. Our first question is how long have you been running, and how long have you been dreaming of qualifying for Boston?

Jorge Almeida: I’ve been running since my senior year in high school when I did my first half marathon (San Francisco Half), and then I leveled up to the full marathon in my senior year of college. I’ve been chasing Boston for the past two years and unfortunately failed to qualify in 3 major marathons (Dallas, Marine Corps, and St George).

JR: Oh wow! So this is a goal you've had for quite some time. Tell us what it felt like when you found out you had finally won a spot to run in the Boston Marathon!

JA: I was beyond ecstatic. It was a moment of extreme joy because even though I achieved the necessary time, I was hearing that people weren’t getting in, and that each year was harder, and you needed to run almost 4 minutes underneath the time listed on the Boston marathon website. I felt even more proud when I communicated the news to close family and friends and got immediate congratulations.

JR: Well, then this is an official congratulations from us as well. What first got you into Marathons? How have you evolved as a runner?

JA: My father has been a runner my entire life. Since before I was born, he started running at the advice of a friend, and immediately saw the benefits. When I was in middle school, I used running as a way to bond with my dad, as we would go out for short runs and that’s how we would catch up on our lives. It’s also the times he would teach me the important lessons in life. After a couple of 5ks, 10Ks, and half marathons, I finally decided to challenge myself to a full marathon when I was in college, with part of my motivation being to make my dad proud.

I’ve had a tremendous evolution in my running. For my first marathon, the goal was to just finish. Then my second one was to break 4 hours. And every marathon since has been about getting faster. I had to get more serious on my training plan and even do sprint workouts to get faster. To qualify for Boston, I had to run 7 minute miles for 26 miles so its not all about speed, but maintaining that speed for a long distance, so I had to balance speed workouts with long runs.

JR: We love that story! We find that for many people, being able to have a great running partner can be an amazing bonding experience. Now that you've qualified, how far out from the race will you start prepping for Boston?

JA: I’ve already started and because of recent changes in my life (relocating to New York City), it’s been difficult to have consistency in my training, but I did my first long run over 10 miles this past weekend.

JR: Once you finally get settled in NYC, what will your routine look like?

JA: My routine consists of shorter runs during the week, and hitting at least 6 miles on Wednesday, and then long runs on the weekends. I’ll start with 12-13 mile runs every weekend, adding 2 or 3 miles until I reach 20 miles.

JR: Will you be adjusting your diet? Cutting back or adding anything in particular?

JA: I’m trying to eat more carbs to have the energy for my long runs but don’t expect to change much of my diet.

JR: Since this is your first Boston Marathon, what are you expecting from the race?

JA: I’m expecting lots of fun and people cheering all 26 miles. I’ve already gotten advice from multiple Boston marathon veterans to “go and enjoy the race and not worry about ‘racing it’”. It’s almost like a city festival, where the whole city shuts down to cheer you on, which sounds awesome. I'm really looking forward to it!

JR:That's solid advice since it's easy to get caught up in the competition aspect of the race and forget to have fun! As you know, we love gear here at JackRabbit, so we have to know – What shoes will you be training in? Any other must-have training gear?

JA: Hoka One One’s helped me qualify for Boston. They have support, yet are lightweight, so I will be sticking to those. Specifically, the I'll be training in the Hoka Mach, and I plan to use longer sleeves in my training since it’s cold up north! I also just purchased the Apple watch and I have to tell you it’s a game changer. The fact that I can run with my watch, and still take calls and not have to take my phone, is really convenient! That along with the Apple Air pods should make it very easy for any runner to be connected, take calls and still have the regular things like Nike + Run app (that tracks my run and allows me to compete with others) and of course music! It’s a big (and expensive) addition to my training plan that will benefit me a lot!

JR:Best of luck to you Jorge! We'll check back in next month to see how training is going!

RUN WITH JORGE

Ride along with Jorge Almeida as he prepares for Boston, by following him on Instagram and LinkedIn.

KELLI CHRISTENSEN: MARATHONER, COMMUNICATOR, YOGI

Hometown: Chicago, Illinois
Current Location: Denver, Colorado
When She's Not Running: Communications Professional and Yoga Teacher
Mini-Bio:I’m a Chicago native who made the move to Colorado in 2008. I’m many things – a communications professional, a yoga teacher, a runner, a triathlete and an adventurer who loves to try new things. Moving to Colorado allowed me to connect with my “tribe” and I’m blessed to have friends who challenge me to try new things and push myself in ways I wouldn’t on my own.

During one of my very first trips to Colorado, I met an inspiring professional triathlete who always said, “If you’re not having fun, why do it?” I’ve adopted that approach to life and everything I do has to contain an element of fun.

JackRabbit: Hello Kelli! Thank you for sharing your Boston Marathon journey with the runners here at JackRabbit. Our first question is how long have you been running, and how long have you been dreaming of qualifying for Boston?

Kelli Christensen: I never expected to be fast enough to qualify for Boston, but while training for the Chicago Marathon in 2012 I realized qualifying was actually a possibility! I got injured during that race and missed my qualifying time by 15 minutes, so decided to try again in Chicago in 2016 and made it, with 10 minutes to spare.

JR: Ten minutes to spare! That’s a good ten minutes to have in the bank! Tell us what it felt like when you found out you had finally won a spot to run in the Boston Marathon!

KC:I was ecstatic. Ever since 2013, I have been hearing how hard it is to get in, even if you manage to make your qualifying time. The rolling entry process is based on how far under your qualifying time you were, and I had to wait for the third day of registration to enter. Once you enter, you have to wait for an email. I obsessively checked until I got the confirmation three days later.

JR: What drew you to the Marathon distance? How have you evolved as a runner?

KC: I started running in 1999 when I signed up for a 12-week learn to run program after reading “The Courage to Start” by John Bingham. The first week was very simple – run 1 minute, walk 4 minutes. Repeat twice.

I had always wanted to be a runner but until I signed up for that program, I was never able to stick with it. I was so excited the first time I ran 30 minutes without stopping you’d have thought I won a gold medal. As time went on, I started running longer distances and, on a whim, put my name in the lottery for the 2001 New York Marathon. One of my best friends from college, who was a much more accomplished runner than I was at the time talked me into it, and against all odds, I got in. I was such a new runner and had no idea what I was getting into. I tried to follow a training program I found online, but missed more workouts than I completed, and toed the start line totally unprepared for a race of that distance.

The race was only two months after 9/11 and while I struggled to complete the race in five and a half hours, I thought about the people who had lost so much and what a privilege it was for me to be there. There were many tears, from the spectators, the runners and those participating on behalf of those who couldn’t.

After New York, I continued to participate in shorter races and decided to attempt the marathon distance again in 2003, this time in my hometown of Chicago. I knew what I was getting into and took my training much more seriously, improving my finish time by an hour.

JR: Wow! Knocking an hour of your marathon time is impressive! A testament to us all that if you take your training seriously (and commit to what it takes!) what the results can be. Back to Boston, how far out from the race have you started prepping for Boston?

KC: I started building my base in November and officially started training January 1.

JR: What does your marathon training routine look like? You are also a triathlete, so does cross-training with other sports play a part?

KC: I have a fantastic coach who has me focusing on quality over quantity when it comes to running, and I supplement run days with swimming, yoga and resistance training.

JR: Are you adjusting your diet? Cutting back or adding anything in particular?

KC: Not really, I tend to eat healthy. I learned the hard way while preparing for New York that marathon training is not a hall pass to eat anything you want. When I indulge, it’s usually on red wine and dark chocolate.

JR: Since this is your first Boston Marathon, what are you expecting or hoping from the race?

KC: Boston will be my fifth marathon and I just really want to focus on having fun and enjoying the experience. It’s such an iconic race and I’m thrilled I get to participate. I was a spectator during the 2013 Boston Marathon and was very close to where the second bomb went off. It was a scary and surreal experience and I left Boston that year feeling like I would never return. As the saying goes, time heals, and I’m looking forward to returning this year as a marathon participant.

JR: We love gear here at JackRabbit, so we have to know – What shoe(s) will you be training in? Any other must-have training gear?

KC: I have been running in Brooks Launch since 2013. They are very lightweight and make feel like I’m flying. Plus, I love that the shoelaces say “Dig Deep” on them. It makes me smile every time I lace them up.

Other must haves are my Rudy sunglasses with the transitional lens and my CamelBak Marathoner vest when it’s hot.

JR: And finally, what are you three favorite songs to run and train to? Music gets us all going!

KC: My musical taste is all over the map, so it depends on what I’m in the mood for – sometimes it’s country, sometimes it’s rock, sometimes it’s cheesy eighties music!

JR: Best of luck to you Kelli! We’ll see you out there on the track with the run club and we’ll check back in next month to see how training is going!

Uncategorized

LOVE RUNNING? LOVE THESE NEW RUNNING SHOES

Post author By Melanie Mitchell
Post date February 12, 2018

LOVE RUNNING? LOVE THESE NEW RUNNING SHOES

NOW AVAILABLE & COMING SOON

Spring is almost here. Love is in the air. Love for running!

It’s never too early to spring into brand new running shoes. There’s always something new coming out, and this month some of our favorite running brands like Brooks, Nike and Adidas and Hoka One One are celebrating classics and offering completely new shoes to fit all different kinds of runners.

Look through the new shoes launching this February and get ready for new technology, fit, and style. Plus, we have new colors coming out of our popular shoes!

ADIDAS OG ENERGY BOOST LIMITED EDITION 4

The original Energy BOOST is back 5 years later in a celebration of the beginning of BOOST, a revolution in cushioning.
NOW AVAILABLE!

ENERGY BOOST ANNIVERSARY PACK

5 years later, this comfortable shoe continues to perform with BOOST cushioning and great flexibility that makes it ready for running mile after mile.
NOW AVAILABLE!

ULTRABOOST LTD
Stylish and comfortable, celebrate the 5 years of BOOST with a limited-edition pair of one of the hottest shoes around.
NOW AVAILABLE!

ADIDAS STELLA ULTRABOOST PARLEY

Designed by Stella McCartney, this training shoe also contains yarn woven from Parley Ocean Plastic, made from recycled waste intercepted on beaches before it reaches the ocean.
NOW AVAILABLE!

BROOKS PURECADENCE 7
Cushioned and lightweight, this shoe has Guide Rails that keep your body in its natural alignment so you can attack those runs and workouts like the champ we know you are.
NOW AVAILABLE!

BROOKS RAVENNA 9
Bound bound bound along on your run in this light stability shoe that will keep your toes happy, thanks to plenty of breathing room from the mesh upper.
NOW AVAILABLE!

BROOKS PUREFLOW 7

“Flow” begins here, as the lightweight and flexibility of this shoe encourages you to run, jump, skip and hop to your heart’s desire (just like a certain rabbit we can think of)
NOW AVAILABLE!

HOKA ONE ONE ELEVON
Ever wonder what standing on marshmallows feel like? These aren’t made from real marshmallows, but step in one to experience an exceptionally lightweight shoe built to cradle your foot in the best of ways.
NOW AVAILABLE!

HOKA ONE ONE MACH

Fly your fastest in this shoe, which is built with the combination of Hoka lightweight feel and exceptional cushion to help you excel at any activity as you reach for the clouds.
NOW AVAILABLE!

HOKA CAVU
We know that your Ceiling And Visibility are Unlimited (what CAVU stands for), so use this versatile shoe to do it all with its remarkably lightweight and low-to-the-ground feel.
NOW AVAILABLE!

NIKE FREE RN FLYKNIT 2018
Let this shoe bend and breathe with you from the Flyknit upper to the flexible dual-density midsole as you conquer any activity in your path.
COMING SOON!

NIKE EPIC REACT FLYKNIT

Springy softness and lightweight durability go hand-in-hand in the new foam technology called Nike React, all packaged in this comfortably stylish running shoe.
NOW AVAILABLE!

New colorways of your favorite running hoes

Express your running personality with some new fresh colors arriving in your favorite runing shoes ready for the warmer spring days ahead.

– New Balance Women’s Cruz – NEW COLORS COMING SOON
– New Balance 990 v4 – NEW COLORS COMING SOON
– Nike VaporMax Flyknit – NEW COLORS COMING SOON
– Adidas UltraBOOST – NEW COLORS COMING SOON

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Running Gear Training

THE MOST EFFICIENT AND BEST FOAM ROLLING WARM UP BEFORE YOU RUN (VIDEO)

Post author By Melanie Mitchell
Post date February 9, 2018

THE MOST EFFICIENT AND BEST FOAM ROLLING WARM UP BEFORE YOU RUN (VIDEO)

In the majority of all sports, running is at least a component. In many of the most popular professional sports, it’s a fundamental element. Whether you brand yourself with the official title of “runner”, or you’re just need to move quickly from one part of the field/court to the other, learning a proper runner’s warm up can benefit us all.

Follow along with this video from Hyperice, as they take us through a warmup that encompasses both myofascial release and dynamic movement. Taking only a total of 5 minutes, you can both loosen and activate muscles needed to perform optimally.

The combination of these two portions of the warmup will lead to better movement and increased performance on your run, or whatever your workout entails. With the Hyperice Vyper and Hypersphere vibration technology, get ready to shake, rattle, and roll your way to a happier and faster body!

THE HYPERICE RUNNER’S WARM UP

* Spend 30 seconds to 1 minute per section *

Step 1: Foam roll the bottom of your feet
The feet are the foundation to all movements, obviously including running. We don’t notice it typically, but we hold a lot of tension in the foot causing strain on the achilles. Flexible feet function fantastically.

Step 2: Achilles and Calves
If you have a heavy “heel strike” you may experience more strain in your calves, due to increased range of motion. To roll your calf and achilles, move 1 inch “north and south, then east to west” (up and down, and side-to-side) every 10 seconds, applying and holding pressure on the areas that are more tender, letting the vibration do the work.

Step 3: Hamstring and Glutes
“Pain the rear” will prevent you from expanding your stride, limiting your ability to properly propel forward. Start at the bottom of the hamstring (behind the knee), and work your way up to the gluteal fold (bottom of your booty). Next, roll your bottom in three different parts: The Gluteus Maximus, Gluteus Medius and Gluteus Minimus. To achieve this roll up and down your tush, starting closest to your spine, and slowly rolling out towards your hip bone. Focus on the outer part of the glute especially if you experience tightness in the IT Band (sides of your legs).

Uncategorized

SPRING 2018 NEW BALANCE SHOE RELEASES

Post author By Melanie Mitchell
Post date February 8, 2018

2018 RUNNING SHOE RELEASES FROM NEW BALANCE

NOW AVAILABLE

New Balance are pushing off from the starting blocks this year with a fresh new selection of shoe releases to start the 2018 season on good footing.

Whether you’re a 5ker, a marathon runner, a cross-fitter, or even a runner who’s obsessed with their laces just being right, New Balance has a wide range of running shoes and lacing systems to please everyone.

NEW BALANCE AGILITY V2

New Balance based the design of the Agility V2 using data stemmed from HIIT. The result is a cross training shoe that gives you more protection and support with specifically-placed tighter woven areas

Being mindful of the training environment, New Balance designers added in strategically open-woven areas into the Agility V2 to give proper ventilation and freedom to move in multiple directions; a key to any HIIT shoe.

Plus, the midsole gives you rapid rebound for that extra boost in training – and you can’t deny that’s a good thing.

NEW BALANCE VAADU TRAINER

Get down low. The Vaadu is a new low-drop training shoe from New Balance with a bootie construction; an ideal trainer shoe for most workouts.

The comfort around the ankle is unparalleled, with a sleek look for rocking the gym and your intensity workouts. Hands down, this is a sleek looking New Balance shoe!

Fresh foam keeps the Vaadu trainer both stable and comfortable as well as on-trend.

NEW BALANCE 1500

New Balance 1500 is designed for SPEED. This sleek looking fourth release edition from New Balance has no-sew overlays and a full bootie construction. A 4mm drop means you’ll be on your forefoot running like the champion you are.

A huge added bonus to the new New Balance 1500 v4 is the Boa Closure System. The latter creates a custom fit, perfect for quick transitions out the front door, or in T2 in a triathlon. Your long runs are about to become more comfortable as you dial in (or out) your laces with micro-precision.

The New Balance 1500 v4 is suitable for racing your 5k all the way to a 26.2.

NEW BALANCE Crush v1

Step aside for the ladies. The New Balance Crush v1 is designed for high intensity crossfit workouts and specifically engineered for a woman’s foot.

You need more control over lateral foot movements in a cross training environment, and so the New Balance Crush v1 are designed to give stability, ankle protection and traction, to keep your feet literally on the ground.

The Crush v1 has plush cushioning with a foam-molded upper specifically for foot stability foot and to accommodate lateral movements. Added bonus? Great breathability.

SIGN UP FOR NEW BALANCE NEWS

Are you a New Balance fan/guru/lover/nerd? Guess what? We are too! So much so, we’ve created a running clan just for us.

Sign up below to be added to our New Balance News Club, and you’ll be the first to know as soon as the new release of New Balance shoes arrive at our JackRabbit stores, PLUS you’ll get sneak peaks to select New Balance sales.

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