GEAR 
Running togs for spring and summer to help you keep a spring in your step.
In the second half of
our Spring 2008 running shoe reviews, we look at a primo collection of trail
and road models produced by a mix of newcomers, classic running shoe companies,
and contributions from the knowledgeable world of hiking and mountaineering.
For many outdoor athletes, the
gear closet is the most important room in the house. Heck, some people even
fill their garages with so much gear that’s there’s no room for the car. But
that’s okay. Our gear makes our outdoor and sporty experiences that much
better. So what’s happening in the
$289 billion outdoor gear industry this year? We checked in with some local
retailers along with the Outdoor Industry Association (OIA), which is based in
Boulder, Colo. to get their thoughts and observations on what they’re seeing in gear
trends.
Springtime means warm rains, green grass and a fresh generation of new running shoes and updated favorites from which we can choose. This is part one of a two-part review, focusing on the classic running shoe companies and some of their latest stuff. Next month, we’ll look at some of the newer companies breaking into the running shoe market.
I’ll never forget when Lance Peters, chucking convention out the window, showed up for high school track practice one day wearing bright silver-colored running tights. The silence as he walked onto the track was deafening. In this Midwestern, early-1980s era, our lower-body clothing options were limited to two: shorts or baggy gray sweat pants.
I have been involved in several backpacking trips all over the world and the one constant is the importance of adequate gear for the environment — regardless if we are leading a group through the Wind River Range in Wyoming or hiking the Overland Track in Tasmania.
TYR Sport Inc., the long-time leader in competitive swimwear crosses the line into couture active wear with its new Crossback and Crossback Workout Bikini, the very first athletic training suit featuring the stylish new self-adjusting cross strap pattern.
Our monthly review of the latest and greatest gear and gadgets.
The Road is Calling
The road race season in Michigan kicked off in April with Spring Training Series Races in Ann Arbor and Waterford and the Ciociaro Can Am Challenge Series in Windsor. Now that roadies are all warmed up, it's time to stretch their legs in some good old-fashioned road and criterium racing. In the coming weeks road cyclists can look forward to the Grattan Race Series kick-off, the Cone Azalia Classic road race, the Tour of Kensington Valley, the Priority Health Tour De Leelanau, the Tour De Gaslight Criterium and in June, a race that is quickly becoming a favorite among all racers, citizen and professional alike - The Superior Bike Fest in Marquette.
Bad News, Good News, More Questions
I just received a grim e-mail to end an otherwise unremarkable day. The subject line read "Ryan Shay Autopsy Released."
Going Clubbing
I don't remember exactly when I joined my first running club, but I have vivid memories of the club itself. It was the Ann Arbor (Michigan) Track Club, and someone I'd met at a race must have persuaded me to attend a track workout.
Killer Intervals
Spring is here—time to defrost those legs. After hours of winter base miles, cyclists can start getting serious with short, intense intervals sessions targeted at addressing weaknesses and honing strengths.