Today I would like to take you on a tour of the Brooks Adrenaline GTS 12 stability running shoe and make some comparisons to it’s sensational predecessors.
While attending the expo the day before the Chicago Rock-N-Roll Half Marathon in 2010, I was one of the fortunate few to win a free pair of Brooks Adrenaline GTS 10′s. Having been a supporter of Asics and New Balance, trying something new was not a concept I looked forward to embracing and my skepticism remained, even after slipping my feet into a pair. Nevertheless, they were free and there was no harm in taking them out for a test drive. After a few miles my assessment was complete and I was very impressed. These shoes were five-star quality. Six pairs later I have graduated to the new GTS 12′s and last weekend was the first outing in my new shoes. They were up to the challenge, with even a few improvements.
The GTS 10 and 11 are very similar shoes with excellent stability and cushion. I don’t rack up as many miles out of a pair of shoes as many of my friends but the GTS series has increased the life expectancy and brought them up to reasonable endurance levels. Getting more miles out of a pair of shoes equals saving money and that’s something we all can use. The durability of this model is beyond compare and the weight is equivalent to other brands in the same class. Coming in at 11.3 ounces for the men and 9.4 ounces for the women, you will not feel as if you strapped on two bricks by the end of your long run.
The 11 and 12 models come with a cushioned sole filled with Brooks DNA. I’m not one to fall for gimmicks but I was truly amazed by the show put on at the Brooks Run Happy® Cavalcade of Curiosities Tour to promote this new technology. There was a small pool of the greenish substance that had the consistency of pancake batter. When the announcer picked up a handful it oozed between his fingers and fell back into the pool. To demonstrate the abilities of this technology a man dressed in a lizard costume (don’t ask why) ran repeatedly across the pool without sinking. Each time his foot would make contact with the material it would solidify to the consistency of soft rubber. When finished, the announcer picked up a handful to show the crowd that it had reverted back to it’s original state. To demonstrate further, the audience was allowed to participate in the same test.
From the moment I put on the new pair of GTS 12′s I knew they were winners. They fit my foot like a glove and were extremely comfortable. But what is a comfortable shoe without excellent traction?. The GTS12 has it all, as I had complete command of each forward motion which translates into less energy expended during the run. The only negative attribute I can state for the record is the cushioning seems to be slightly less than the GTS 11. With that said, it was still more than enough to ride comfortably through my half marathon. For the $110.00 price tag you will not find a better shoe. Cushion, stability and durability work in harmony to provide a great experience for any runner.
And as always, “run for fun, but race to place”.
Everyone is looking for an edge these days to get that boost in performance during a race or practice run. There are so many drinks, pills, shakes and powders it can be a very expensive process of trial and error. Today I would like to examine some of the supplements that I have used and work well for me. For disclosure purposes I must inform you that NOBODY paid or gave me anything to mention these products and once again, I am NOT a doctor.
for energy production in the cells. This carbohydrate is what provides the energy needed for short bursts of power during physical activity. Four tablespoons before exercise is the recommended dose and I like to mix it with water because, while it is sweet to the taste, it is also difficult to swallow in powder form. This powerful particle helps strengthen all muscles, enhances athletic performance, aids in recovery and leads to overall increased energy levels.
half way through a 50k last year I ran across another runner and we started to talk. Long story short, he ended up giving me a few of these and I quickly took them at the next water station. I thought living a healthy lifestyle did not involve taking unknown drugs from a stranger off the street, but I guess not. It’s hard to tell if they had any real effect after one use but I did not suffer from cramps or dehydration and would be open to trying them again.
Ubiquinol COQ10 is a good supplement for everyday use and the health benefits are numerous. It helps to maintain a healthy cardiovascular system, promotes good oral health, renal health, fatigue reduction and reduces migraine headaches. Those are just a few of the positive effects of Ubiquinol. COQ10 is produced naturally in the body and most of us are severely lacking. That is why I take 2000mg daily and benefit greatly from the positive qualities.
Do any of us really pay attention to where your money ends up when we enter a race? Water, timing systems, employees and awards are all part of the overhead when your local 5k is in the planning stages. Also, many charities are beneficiaries of the race day revenue. I have been looking into this issue for a while and have come up pleasantly surprised with, of course, a few exceptions. The Seattle Marathon in 2007 donated 0% of the entry fees to charity while the bulk of the profit went to a few major companies who organized the race. I don’t see any problem with this as long as the race is not pulling a bait and switch with my money. The Seattle Marathon did just this when it’s website touted the fact that the money went “to benefit UW Medical Center Patient & Family Housing Fund”, when in fact, the only money that went there was cash donated by runners above and beyond their entry fees.
before tossing a few bucks their way. Regardless of what side of the aisle you fall on, it is a good idea to be informed as to who your money is “benefiting”. For instance, the Susan G. Komen Foundation recently found itself embroiled in controversy over the funding of Planned Parenthood. The organization waffled back and forth for weeks but it is up to you to decide if they are worthy of your hard earned money. Personally that issue is one I will not debate here. I happen to like The National Cancer Society who is the recipient of many race dollars throughout the year and does great work to fight cancer in all it’s forms.
The 
Extinction 5k in Boston, MA. is a good example of what I am speaking about. We all love animals and I am absolutely no exception, but I will not participate in a race that supports and gives free membership to participants to the World Wildlife Federation (WWF) and some of the crackpot ideas that have been given unwarranted consideration. I draw the line at letting my dog sue me or issue a restraining order.
The Legs Against Arms 5k in Philadelphia is heavily supported by Joyce Resources Inc., which is rabidly anti-gun. Held yesterday, they brag about “attracting runners, walkers, wheelchair rollers, children and adults who are committed to changing the social norm that celebrates violence by focusing on violence prevention, honoring loved ones lost to gun violence and modeling healthy life choices”. The City of Philadelphia has incorporated this important event as one of the city sponsored events to stem the epidemic of violence in Philadelphia. What? I barely know where to begin. Many pretty, but deceiving, words that mean absolutely nothing. Sorry Philadelphia, this will not reduce your violent crime rate. Even the winner of the race, with an admirable 16:15, can’t outrun a thugs bullet. I’ll save my money for more ammunition rather than participate in a race such as this.
I am not a dietitian or a doctor. I am simply the unappointed food police of our running group and my diet can be pretty strict when March training begins. Over the course of time our group leader coined the term “The Dave Diet” and it has now evolved into a plan that works great for weight loss and spring training. Some of my friends have, albeit reluctantly, opted to take the plunge and are having great success. One member in particular says the she has never felt this good.
offended you will not eat a piece of cake with them, they are really not your friends and have no respect for the goals you are trying to reach. This is a lifestyle change and you must separate yourself from the places that try to draw you over to the unhealthy way of living.
You have to start thinking about what you are putting into your body. I can not stress enough the importance of reading labels on packages before buying. That cheesecake will make you feel good for ten minutes but will make you feel bad for far longer. This may sound overwhelming but it can be accomplished when you decide that you want a better way of living and feeling. Before you know it you will find that your desire for unhealthy foods has all but disappeared.
after a week or two of eating healthy and losing weight, it is easy to fall into the “a little bit won’t hurt me” trap. This is the wrong path to choose because it can snowball and unravel everything you have already worked so hard to accomplish. Be alert and strong during this period and the road to a healthier, happier you will be much smoother. If you do falter, get back on that horse and don’t use that momentary weakness put you right back to square one. It’s only one mistake and there is no need to be depressed and give up. Good luck, good health and remember, run for fun but race to place!
I am about to make a sweeping generalization, so please spare me your comments such as, “I’m not like that!” or “We have never done that.” I realize there always exceptions to any rule. The rule I speak of today goes like this………cyclists are self-absorbed, elitist snobs. I am not the only one that thinks so. Perform a Google search with “snobs” and “cyclist” and you will quickly understand that this is a widespread concept. They have a chip on their shoulder as they race by with their pointy heads and fancy cycling uniforms, all the while thinking they are better than everyone. Let’s get one thing straight cyclists, you are not Lance Armstrong and you will never be in the Tour de France.
They ride in packs on the road that they believe they own and have a blatant disdain for traffic laws. If you don’t believe me, read this 
Finally, last weekend I was running a half marathon where four cyclists crashed the course at the mile nine turn around and expected all the runners to stop just for them. Words were exchanged once again. So please cyclists, for your own safety, I implore you to be more respectful of runners because my patience has reached it’s end. Had the leader of the four from last week been a man the outcome of that confrontation would have been much different. Maybe loosen your helmets just a little to allow some oxygen to your brains.
