I LIKE PIE 2012

Yes, indeed!

I Like Pie

Thanksgiving Day will bring the 5^th annual I Like Pie run and walk.  This is not a race, just a social Thanksgiving morning fun run/walk where you get a piece of pie at the end.

The Course

yumm, pie!

We leave from behind the FootZone, run down the alley, across Greenwood Ave, past the old Parks and Rec building, take a left on Portland Ave and head to the 1^st Street river trail.  You can turn around wherever you like but we’ll mark 2k, 5k, 10k and if you run all the way to the green gate and back, that’s 10miles. 

The Sign Up Weekend

Get festive if you like

November 9^th, 10^th, and 11^th we’ll host a special sign up weekend here at FootZone.  All donations to NeighborImpact this weekend will be matched up to $500 (t-shirt sales don’t count).  Plus… we’ll have the t-shirts here so you can try check them out, try them on  And… if you donate $10 or more to Neighbor Impact with your entry, you can take your shirt right then and there (instead of waiting until the day before Thanksgiving).   Obviously, you still have to buy your T-shirt on top of the donation.  Yes, these are all shameless ploys to get more cash in the hands of NeighborImpact. 

The T-Shirts

Women’s specific: we’re using the same style/cut that we have the past two years.  It’s called the Bella Favorite tee and people love this shirt, but it run’s really small.  That’s why we are staying with it because hopefully you know how it fits now and you can adjust accordingly. 

Men’s/Unisex:  we’re changing to a more normal fitting, 50/50 blend.  It’s the same shirt SuperDave has used as a volunteer shirt and we all love it (so hope you will to).  It feels great, fits great, doesn’t shrink, etc.  Not quite as soft as the ladies tee but we’re men so deal with it.

Kid’s Tee:  This one wasn’t on the flyer and is a bit under the radar but due to popular demand we will have some kids tees available in a youth small, medium, and large.  Same price as the adults and you can check them out on the sign up weekend.

Fun for the whole family!

The Cause…

Howdy, Pilgrim

Neighbor Impact gets every dollar that comes to this event other than what we have to pay for the t-shirts, porta potties, insurance, permits, supplies (forks, napkins, etc) and the $500 we contribute to the Bend High Culinary program for their help with the Pie Baking Contest.  The entry fee for this event is a donation to Neighbor Impact (we are able to cover all expenses with the t-shirt sales).  So, technically, you can participate for free if you want.  Of course we (and Neighbor Impact) would appreciate if you offered up a little donation.  Ideally, do it when you sign up.  We will also have a donation jar out there morning of.  Last year we (you) raised $5800 for NeighborImpact.

The Food Drive-

We ask every participant to bring 5 lbs of food for Neighbor Impact the morning of the event.  There will be a big truck directly behind the FootZone/Tower Theater.  Last year you brought almost 4000lbs of food.  Can we top that this year???

The Pie

We don't let this guy come any more (kidding).

choosing can be tough

no shortage of pie

Please consider bringing a pie to help feed the masses and possibly enter it in the pie baking contest.  You get to choose whether or not your pie is judged.  Sweet Home Alamode is taking over the Pie Baking Contest along with the Bend High Culinary Program.  They will break the pies up into categories and quickly pick a winner from each (that person gets a FZ gift certificate).  When you get back from your jaunt, we’ll have a piece of pie waiting for you! 

the man, the myth

Thanks to SuperDave

I Like Pie was SuperDave’s brain child.  Dave has good ideas and we’re thankful for them (and him).  Let’s face it, we didn’t really have anything going on Thanksgiving morning anyway;-)  Thanks SD.

Other Thanksgiving Day Runs

When I Like Pie started, it was the only Thanksgiving Day gig in town.  Now there are a few others and contrary to what many believe, we applaud that!  ILP isn’t for everyone and options are always good.  If you are looking for something else, we strongly encourage you to do the GBCCO Turkey Trot.  It’s down in the Old Mill and a great benefit for Girls on the Run and the Boys and Girls Club. http://www.footzonebend.com/events/bgcco-turkey-trot   Another great option is the Black Butte Turkey Trot.

Wanna Help??

Email teague@footzonebend.com and I’ll find a place for you.

Asics GT-2000: A Smooth Evolution

GT-2000

The past 20 years of my life have focused around running shoes.  For the first 18 or so of those years the changes in running shoes were incremental.  Fits improved, shoes got generally farther off the ground, softer (up until a few years back, that’s all anyone wanted).  Enter the trend toward “natural movement” (or minimalism or barefoot running) and we’ve seen a crazy amount of change in just 12 months.  Keep in mind that a year ago there were only a handful of shoes that truly fit into this natural movement category.  Now there are dozens and this will continue to evolve in the months and years to come. 

Despite all that change it’s probably not surprising that we (like most running stores) still sell far more “traditional” shoes than anything else.  The Asics 2000 series and Brooks Adrenaline continue to lead the way despite the fact that other shoes are chipping away and gaining on them.  Our goal is to get people in the shoes that will work for them, keep them free of injury, and help them meet their goals. Regarding this task we’re realists more than idealists.  We know that runners, first and foremost, want to run, and they certainly don’t want their shoes to hold them back. 

Asics GT-2000 Trail

What I really want to talk about however is how the natural movement trend in running shoes has impacted even one of our most tried and true shoes.  The latest edition of the Asics 2000 series has been in the store for about a month now.  The Asics GT-2000 series originated back in 1995 (the year I opened FootZone) with the GT-2000.  The name has grown sequentially by 10 each year (2010, 2020, 2030, etc) through the 2170.  Breaking from this pattern, they will now maintain the name GT-2000 and every year go to version 2, v3, v4, etc. 

Regardless, this is the shoe that replaces the 2170 and it seems like a winner.  It continues to be a mild to moderate stability shoe.  Like any change in a running shoe, there are people who will be disappointed but our general feedback has been very positive.  The fit is relatively low volume and secure, much like that of the 2170 (which was one of our best fitting shoes in 2012).  The two biggest changes will go un-noticed by many but they are at least notable.  First of all, the heights on the shoe have come down a tiny bit.  Asics removed 2mm of foam in the heel and forefoot bringing it ever so slightly closer to the ground (now 21/11mm vs. 23/13mm).  As a result, (and the 2^nd big change) they were able to de-emphasis their midfoot support piece (Guidance Trussic System) to make the shoe quite a bit more flexible which ultimately results in a smoother ride. 

 I’m talking like a shoe geek here and just to re-emphasize, most people will not notice a difference.  However, make no mistake, these are changes brought on by the trend towards smoother riding, less cumbersome shoes and generally, I applaud Asics for their efforts (and their willingness to tweak things).  The GT-2000 and the GT-2000 Trail version are very good shoes that will give many runners happy miles.  As always, the test will be whether runners come back for another pair after they get 300/400 miles on these.  Time will tell and we hope you’ll let us know what you think.  Cheers-Teague

We're Back

To say that we have been deficient bloggers would be an understatement.  For some reason we’ve used Facebook and all our general busyness as an excuse not to blog.  Thankfully, we’re over it.  We’ll still use Facebook of course but we’ll also be filling up the blog with tidbits about running, about shoes, and we’ll be giving you perspective from some of the great voices in this active community.  Hopefully you’ll like it and if there’s anything you want to hear about, let us know!  Cheers

Beware the Offset

Or at least be aware of the offset. Offsets are the buzz in the world of running shoes. This isn’t new but you’ll soon hear a lot about it. You’ll also see many more options added to the current offerings from Inov-8, Saucony, Altra and Brooks. First, a little context; the offset is the difference in height from heel to toe of a shoe measured in millimeters. Traditionally (at least for the past 30 years) running shoes have been 10mm or 12mm. There have been exceptions in the form of racing flats and in the past decade from the UK brand Inov-8. Now there is an ever expanding selection of 8mm, 4mm, and zero drop (even from heel to toe) shoes.

So what gives, and why should you care? First of all, you don’t have to care. Many people don’t get injured and are happy with their shoes. Assuming that’s the case, it would be difficult to make a compelling argument that you should change anything. Fortunately, you don’t have to. Most companies have shown no sign that they will change the offset in their franchise shoes. You’ll be able to stick with them and run your brains out.

Saucony, most notably, is choosing a different path. With the tagline “a new angle on running” they will come down to an 8mm (or less) offset on all new shoes that come out going forward. This will take some time as many of their shoes won’t update until Fall 2012 or even Spring 2013 but within the next 18 months they plan for all their shoes to be either an 8mm, 4mm, or no offset. Even in a time of ample change in running shoes, this is a gutsy move by Saucony. Other major shoe companies are on board. We saw Brooks make a splash in October with the introduction of their Pure project shoes (all 4mm offset) but Saucony’s willingness to move ALL their shoes shows some serious commitment.

Our take at FootZone is a positive one. This is a lot of hubbub over 2-4mm (if you take the difference from 10 or 12 to 8mm). Look on a ruler, that’s not very much. Saucony feels confident after testing that moving to 8mm will not require break in for the average runner and will improve the ride and stability while allowing for a less emphasized heel strike and encouraging a more natural stride. They would advise that switching to a 4mm or zero drop shoe may require a more gradual transition to avoid calf strain and injury. Based on personal experience and watching many runners experiment with different shoes, we would have to agree. The 8mm offset will not even be noticed by many runners and if they choose, the 4mm offset will also be an option. The zero drop shoes require a bit more patience and practice and for some runners simply feel too strange.

Of course, the frustrating part of all of this is that there is no science supporting any of it. The idea of natural running makes some inherent sense and appeals to many but has already proven that it’s not simple for most runners. Many are calling for a more definitive study and surely there will be many on that task in labs across the country. Given all the variables of different runners with different histories, foot types, biomechanics, and efficiencies, I struggle to think that we will come up with anything TOO definitive. Regardless, I trust that runners will do as they always have and buy the best running shoes available that work for them. Whatever the slope from heel to toe will be interesting to talk about but will ultimately mean less than our ability to go out and enjoy our run. Cheers-Teague

Back to Bend

Rob, Melanie, Max and I are just back from Austin, Texas where we attended the Running Event. This is an annual conference and product expo for the specialty running industry. It is primarily a gathering for independent running stores (like FootZone) and the vendors that we buy our product from. This was our third year attending and it is always an opportunity to not only see product for upcoming seasons, but to meet other great people in the industry, learn new things, and share ideas. There are some great running stores out there and many that I greatly admire. As you might expect, all stores share similarities but are surprisingly diverse at the same time. It's not really surprising since running can be really different depending on where you are. Some of that is simply geography and climate. Where there are lots of trails, people run on the dirt and ­runners want trail shoes that don't sell in big cities, while in Florida, warm tights and Yaktrax aren't much of a contemplation. In Bend, it’s difficult to overemphasize how fortunate we are to have so many trails and beauty around us to be explored.

Perhaps the most interesting thing is that stores really do seem to have a personality. I had another store owner from back East tell me that he had been in FootZone last year while visiting Bend and how impressed he was with our selection but mostly what a great “feel” the shop has. It’s not the first time I’ve had customers and folks in the industry compliment the comfortable “feeling” of FootZone. Of course I beam with a bit of pride when I hear such things but I’m also trying to put my finger on what exactly that “feel” is. Not sure I’ll ever know entirely but I think we have two advantages that I don’t see everywhere.

First, we live in an amazing community with a very sophisticated customer who places value in something different. Many have chosen Central Oregon over someplace else for a reason and they appreciate what makes this community different from every other place in America. We hope that FootZone is a tiny part of that or at least that the person who is drawn to Central Oregon is also drawn to a local, healthy, fun running store.

Second, we work to treat our customers with the respect they deserve. Even as I type it, that comes off as a very generic and benign statement but I’m speaking from the perspective of creating a culture at the FootZone where that respect is constantly at the forefront. Sounds easy and in some ways it is but the longer we’re in business and I note all the examples around me, I realize what a complicated thing that “culture” is. First of all, you can’t fake it-- people are smart. Secondly, it is obviously all about the people who work at FootZone and the fact they are good people and very much valued in this equation. I wish I could say that they are all incredibly well-paid and will eventually live well on their FootZone retirement plans. That would be a stretch, but working at FootZone provides a livable wage which is shockingly rare. A decent wage is an important start, but it’s only a start. The essential part is not taking for granted the modest success that we have. Thinking of each customer as an individual deserving our time and respect. We often joke that it would be so much easier to get things done at FootZone if we didn’t have all these customers interrupting us. That ironic twist is what reminds us that the customer is the ONLY thing that matters. Everything else we do is meaningless by comparison. On every level at FootZone, we believe in that idea. We certainly make mistakes but at our collective core is the understanding that we have a simple job to do. If we get people in great products that will help them enjoy their running, walking and fitness, they will keep coming to see us. That gives us the opportunity to work in an environment with fun people supporting the activity we love. Plus, we get to live in a place we want to be. Hopefully, somewhere in there is that “feeling” that we often hear about. Of course, it could just be a great downtown space with brick walls and wood floors. Either way, we’re grateful for the opportunity. Cheers-Teague

Brooks Pure Project

Brooks launches their Pure Project this week. Marketing blitzes like this can be a bit much and I often meet them with eyes rolled and minimal enthusiasm. However, I'll argue that the Pure Project is a little different, and here's why:

I've been selling running shoes for the past 20 years, buying running shoes for 15, and owned FootZone for 13 years. I've seen a few things come and go in this industry and always looked to cut the crap and get to what actually means something to my customers. But honestly, in that 10 years the running industry has followed a fairly consistent course. The objective has been to make better fitting shoes that offer cushion and support. Honestly, especially as I look back. there hasn't been much variety. Most of the shoes have been the same offset from heel to toe (10-12 mm) in either stability, neutral, or motion control categories.

When Born to Run and Vibram Fivefingers came along they introduced many to at least the concept of less is more when it comes to shoes. This got a lot of play in the media and it made sense to people so they started asking for new options. Meanwhile, runners, running stores and vendors started challenging what they've always thought and realized that this isn't just a fad. Minimalism works for many runners. The challenge has been defining what minimalism means to runners and what is sustainable and what isn't when it comes to shoes. I'm well aware that many will argue for purity when it comes to minimalism. I've also watched many ride that bandwagon only to end up back in what allows them to get out for their daily run (minimalism be damned). Seems the holy grail is footwear that borrows from lessons of minimalism but will allow people to log their miles without getting injured. Runners want smooth, simple shoes with a de-emphasized heel but most still want some cush.

So... Fivefingers made a huge splash and they make great product but it's not most runner's new pair of everyday runners. The Nike Free has been around for years and fits into this conversation (they almost bailed on the whole thing before the minimalist craze boosted it back into the limelight). The shoes are great and have been a valid option despite still being pretty high in the heel. New Balance nailed it with the Minimus Trail as a great piece of footwear that some folks can run in. However most still utilize them as a workout shoe or everyday footwear. I'd argue that Saucony has led the way for shoes that most runners can actually log daily miles in with the Kinvara and Mirage. These are both shoes with a 4mm offset from heel to toe, a de-emphasized heel, plenty of cushion and a very smooth ride. Saucony doesn't get enough credit for being the first to bring to market viable running product that realistically addresses the minimalist ideal for runners in an everyday running shoe.

Now comes the Brooks launch of the Pure Project. It's relevant because they have a shoe for every type of need (stability wise) all with a 4mm offset and enough underfoot for everyday running. It's also relevant because it's Brooks. They're the strongest brand in specialty running these days and they execute product incredibly well. The whole company oozes the running vibe that most runners relate to and they back it up with consistent product that works for real people.

We're anxious to see what it means and excited to be included in the launch. Please come and let us know what you think.

Cheers-Teague

What's the FZ crew up to?

Summer is in full swing and the FootZone Crew (Zoners) have been doing the juggling act like all the rest of you. We're fortunate to have a busy shop to take up many of our days but we're also balancing all our active pursuits with family, friends, travel and all the expectations of summer. Specifically, here's what's going on:

Colleen - Just ran the Speedgoat 50K in Utah with her husband Jason (they rocked it). Now she's planning to just enjoy her running for the rest of the year focusing more on adventures than events. Current Favorite Shoe- Mizuno Ascend

Rob - Recently moved into a new house. Running, skiing(!) biking and going to South Dakota for his annual “working vacation” on his family’s farm; pouring concrete, building grain dryers, repairing miles of fence following spring flooding, and spending time with his niece and nephews. Current Favorite Shoe- Scott T2C

Dave-Building a fort for a four year old. Planning a 5k and a trail festival. Hoping to get some miles in so he can run "fast" at some races this fall.

Chris - Mtn. biking and running pretty regularly and using his new Panini maker a lot. Umm...Oh yeah, he and Tracey got married on July 14th....He's planning to run The Twilight Run and possibly the Dirty 2nd Half. Current Favorite Shoe - NB 101

Tonya- Recent trip to South Africa for the Comrades Marathon with her husband was the highlight. 56 miles of fun. She continues to be inspired daily by BendFit, the marathon training group she organizes. Next on the schedule is Cascade Lakes Relay and Flagline!

Nancy- likes to point out while Max is preparing for the Olympics and Colleen is finishing yet another ultra, she's preparing for her colonoscopy (it is what the elderly do!) and sending her last child off to college. She just got back from a great time in Minnesota with the family. I continue to run with her morning running group more days than not. Current Favorite Shoe- Brooks Glycerin

Max- Just back from a week at Steen's Mtn Running camp where he's inspired every year by what cross country athletes can put themselves through. While up there he was also able to teach Good Form Running to 350 high school runners. Just helping spread the good word. Next it's off to Switzerland for the 19 mile Sierre-Zinal mountain race. Should be a doozy of a climb. 6000ft in 10 miles then it's all downhill after that. Current Favorite shoe - Montrail Rogue Racer

Jenny- Currently training to be able to push a baby out of her body and eventually two children up Pilot Butte. She and Owen (son) have been on the constant lookout for the BEST playground in Bend (pretty sure we’ve found some of the best ones) current favorites include a park where fresh fat worms are available in abundance and another park where Owen can fly anywhere in the world in a matter of moments. Their locations are top secret however. Current Favorite Shoe- Brooks Ravenna

Melanie-Training to feel healthy and to really enjoy running by going to the "core". She's realizing that building some true core strength is essential and finding that Pilates is giving her that missing element. Current Favorite Shoe - Saucony Mirage

Kristy- Watching the snow line religiously....awaiting the opening of Flagline and trying to stay upright on her mountain bike when she's not massaging folks or teaching yoga.

Kristen- Recently ran the SOB 50k in Ashland. The summer has been lots of camping, pool time, and bike riding. The girls (Kristen and her daughters) roll without Dad as he is very busy training for Ironman Canada- Go Todd! She can't get enough our of the stand up paddle board mania!

Ryan- Lots of cross training on the road bike and Mt bike to get stronger for running. Looking forward to running CLR for the first time (he's got the costume leg)!

Marybel- Running Haulin Aspen race this Sunday and maybe the Half at flagline. Current Favorite Shoe- Brooks Adrenaline

Katie- Chasing around her 2 and 4 year old boys. She's loving helping out with the Women's running group and meeting new people along the way. Otherwise just making time for running whenever she can. Current Favorite Shoe (s) Brooks Ravenna and Cascadia

Teague- Keeping up with the family and enjoying the trails as much as possible. Summer bustle has made for some inconsistent training but no complaints... too many fun summer activities. Mt. biking has been offering up some great cross training. Twilight 5k, Flagline and Mac Forest are all on the radar. Current Favorite Shoe - N.B Minimus Road