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Complete Runner

Running Store Flint Michigan

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Final Days to Register for Flint’s Pot O’ Gold St. Patrick’s Day Race

March 13, 2012 By Complete Runner 1 Comment

Pot O' Gold Race Medal

Time is running out to register for the annual Pot O’ Gold four mile run and walk downtown Flint on March 17.  Not only will you enjoy the fast, flat and scenic four mile course that runs through the University of Michigan-Flint campus and cultural area, but you won’t have to travel far after the race to partake in the biggest and best St. Patrick’s Day party in Flint!  We are super excited that St. Patrick’s Day falls on Saturday this year, and preliminary weather forecasts show the weather to be seventy-two degrees!  Could it get any better?

The Kid’s Blarney Trot starts at 5:00 pm followed by the four mile run at 5:30 and the walk one minute later. Every finisher receives a medal as well.

Online registration is open until March 15, or you can also register at the store the next few days and at the Masonic Temple starting at 4:00 the day of the event.  Find more details on the race website or register online today!

Hope to see you there!

Filed Under: News Tagged With: Pot O' Gold, race

Use Compression to Speed Up Recovery and Improve Race Performance

March 11, 2012 By Complete Runner Leave a Comment

CEP Compression Socks

What’s the big deal about compression?

It seems like everyone is talking about compression these days.  In fact, we’ve carried compression products for years and were a little ahead of the demand before customers started buying.  Now, we can barely keep compression in stock!  So what is compression, and how can your running benefit from it?

The theory behind compression

Compression is really two fold.  First, compression is great for recovery.  The theory is that compression forces the blood in your legs to flush out the lactic acid built up from racing or working out to improve and speed up your recovery.  Second, runners are now using compression during the race.  For example, compression socks will keep your blood flowing to help prevent your calves from cramping and knotting up to improve performance.

How to use compression

Whether you decide to use compression for recovery or during your race, you need to make sure you purchase the correct product for your needs.  Compression used for recovery is stronger and tighter than compression used during your race.  There are actually different grades of compression, from medical to athletic grades, and the kind you need depends on its use as well as performance.  Complete Runner carries compression from CW-X, CEP, Zenzah, and others including socks, calf sleeves, shorts, and three-quarter and full length tights, and we’ll be glad to help you decide what kind of compression is best for you.

Oh, and by the way, spandex doesn’t count.

Filed Under: Products Tagged With: Apparel, CEP, compression, CW-X

Bonk Breaker Named Official Energy Bar of Ironman

March 6, 2012 By Complete Runner Leave a Comment

Bonk Breaker

If you haven’t tried a Bonk Breaker Energy Bar yet you don’t know what you are missing.  Energy bars should provide you with nutrients to fuel your rigorous activity but they shouldn’t come at the expense of a horrible taste.  Bonk Breaker has figured this out, having their gluten and dairy free energy bars selected the best energy bar by Competitor Magazine four times.

Bonk Breaker is now the official energy bar of Ironman, in case you needed any more convincing.

We only carry the best products at Complete Runner, and that is why we stock Bonk Breaker Energy Bars on our shelves.  Don’t just take our word for it, pick up a few for yourself the next time you stop by our store and let us know what you think.

Filed Under: Products Tagged With: bonk breaker, energy bars, nutrition

How to Choose the Best Running Shoes for Your Feet

March 2, 2012 By Complete Runner Leave a Comment

When looking for a new pair of running shoes how do you know what ones are the best for your feet?  Obviously, your first impression of new shoes will be to see how sexy they look with the sleek new designs, styles, and colors since nobody wants to run in an ugly pair of shoes.  But, just like selecting a date or your future spouse, if you only decide on what you see on the outside you will probably end up disappointed in the near future.  In the same way, some running shoe purchases end in a quick and painful divorce that can cost you time, money, and potential injury.

What you may not realize when you buy running shoes is even though they may look nice and feel comfortable when trying them on there is a chance they aren’t right for your feet because of your gait.  Simply put, your gait is how you plant your heal when you run.  Some people have a neutral gait, having a stable foot and healthy arch, while others may have their foot roll to the right or left when running, having a medium or flat arch.  Running shoes are made for specific feet, arches, and gaits in mind, so it is possible to choose the best running shoe for your feet with a gait analysis!

How do I analyze my gait you may be asking?  Well, you don’t have to…we’ll analyze your gait for you.  That’s why we’re here!

Upon your gait request, we’ll watch you walk down the aisle in the store and analyze your gait for you before you start looking at shoes.  We may also take a look at your feet to see your arches.  After determining your gait and arches, we’ll recommend the best shoes for your feet.  Once you make your selection from the few pairs we suggest we’ll take it a step further and let you try them out on the treadmill.  It’s one thing to walk around in a pair of new shoes to see if they are going to work but it’s another thing to actually take them for a test run before you buy them to make sure they are going to work for you.

Not only will you benefit from knowing you selected the right pair of running shoes for your feet but our expert gait analysis will save you time, money, and discomfort in the long run.

A Recent Testimonial

Here is a real life example why gait analysis is so important!  Jeff came into Complete Runner a few weeks ago because he found out we offered complementary gait analysis and his previous running shoes weren’t doing the job. After we analyzed his gait and helped Jeff pick out the right pair of shoes for his feet he tried them out right away and was amazed with the results!  Jeff boasts of a faster pace with happy, comfortable feet. He also said it was easier to run with his new shoes than with his old ones.  That is the difference a pair of proper shoes makes!

If you are like Jeff and wondering how to choose the best running shoes for your feet please stop by Complete Runner for a free gait analysis and expert advice – your feet will be happy you did.

Filed Under: Products, Tips Tagged With: gait analysis, running shoes

What to Wear, Pants or Shorts?

February 28, 2012 By Complete Runner Leave a Comment

A question Curtis has heard often is when is it time to leave your winter gear behind?  On I Run Flint today Curtis discussed this question, basically stating when you are uncertain on what to wear you can wear shorts with a warmer top that can be shed later if desired.  To learn the reasoning why, read the entire article for more details.

Spring is right around the corner so you will need to check the weather to help you make an informed decision on what to wear during your runs.  By the way, we are getting in some sweet spring apparel daily so stop by Complete Runner today to see what’s new from all your favorite brands!

Filed Under: Tips Tagged With: ask the expert

Should I Run When I’m Sick?

February 25, 2012 By Complete Runner Leave a Comment

It is that time of year when everyone you know is sick.  Being sick isn’t fun for a lot of reasons, and you often don’t feel like doing anything which can really mess up your training schedule.  So, is it okay to run when you are sick?  The answer probably depends on how sick you are.

Sick with the Cold

If you only have a cold, some people believe they can “run the cold out.”  Running under five miles when you have a cold can be good to clear your sinuses and sweating is good to release toxins from your body.  However, make sure you take it easy and drink plenty of fluids when running with a cold.  You may even want to take a towel with you to spit, cough, and clear out your nose and throat as long as you don’t gross out your running partners!

Sick with the Flu or Fever

If you have the flu or a fever, you will probably want to wait until you feel better to run.  It makes no sense to force yourself to run when you have a hard time getting off the couch.  It is best to get over your illness as soon as you can and run cautiously as you are able until the illness passes.

Proper Nutrition Can Prevent Illness

Natural VitalityOrganic Life Vitamins from Natural Vitality are a great supplement to meet most of your daily nutritional needs; more specifically, it is an athlete’s version of a multi-vitamin.  This whole-food-based blend of essential vitamins, minerals, veggies, super fruits, and berries will give your body the nutrition it needs every day to improve your overall health and help prevent you from getting sick in the first place.

Whether you decide to run while you are sick or decide to hold off until you feel you can handle it, the choice is up to you and your doctor.  If you currently take a “regular” multi-vitamin or decide you should start for the nutritional benefits stop on in to Complete Runner in Flint and we’ll help you pick out the right dietary supplements.

Disclaimer: This post is based on our personal experience of running when ill; we are not doctors and are not offering medical advice.  The choice to run when you are sick is ultimately up to you and your doctor.

Filed Under: Products, Tips Tagged With: Natural Vitality, nutrition, sickness

Move Over Winter, Spring Has Arrived at Complete Runner

February 4, 2012 By Complete Runner Leave a Comment

Just because the groundhog saw his shadow and we are planning on several more treadmill, elliptical, or indoor track workouts in the near future it doesn’t mean we can’t start thinking about spring!  In fact, spring has arrived at Complete Runner in Flint!

Winter Clearance

Complete Runner is saying “bye, bye” to all its winter running apparel by reducing prices up to 50% to make room for spring items.  When they are gone, they’re gone so hurry on over to get some great deals before they disappear until next year.

Track Spikes

Flint and Genesee County area High School athletes will be glad to know that new sprint, mid-distance, and distance spikes have arrived at Complete Runner!  We have a wide selection of the latest Nike, Puma, Brooks, and New Balance track spikes in stock.  Not sure what kind of spikes you need for track this year?  Not a problem.  Come on in and we’ll help you pick out the perfect pair for your feet and event.

Spring Apparel

Along with track spikes, we are getting in brand new spring running apparel every day!  Technical and fashionable, this apparel is comfortable and great looking.  Want a sneak peek?  Check out the new Nike Vapor Jacket in the video below.

St. Patrick’s Day Race

Nothing says spring like St. Patrick’s Day, and we can’t wait until this year’s Pot O’ Gold 4 Mile run on March 17.  Since the big day is on Saturday this year we are expecting a much larger turnout and even bigger after party, so don’t miss out on all the excitement!  Visit the race website for more information or register online today!

We can’t wait until spring…can you tell?  What excites you most about spring?

Filed Under: Deals, News Tagged With: spring

How to Get Motivated for Treadmill Training

February 2, 2012 By Complete Runner 1 Comment

According to the groundhog we will have to endure six more weeks of winter!  However, we really haven’t had much of a winter yet so who knows what the next few weeks will have in store for us and our running.  We may luck out and continue with abnormally high temperatures or we could get dumped on with a foot of snow.  Remember, we live in Michigan.

Regardless of what the weather does or doesn’t do, it is likely we will have opportunity for several more treadmill or elliptical workouts before the weather finally breaks for good.  If you’ve been training on the treadmill all along you may start to get a little antsy this time of year as spring is in sight but not yet close enough to grasp.  We need to change things up a little and get motivated!

Getting Motivated

Did you know that some people come off from the winter in better shape than ever due to their treadmill training? The good treadmills have a built in coach to keep you motivated and on track, as well as heart monitors to keep you in your target zone.  It is really easy to control your conditions on a treadmill by simply adding inclines or increasing the speed for a harder workout, or set it up for interval training with five hard minutes followed by a minute walk.  Runner’s World recently posted a few videos of different workouts by Jeff Galloway that you could add in your training rotation to keep things fresh and new in your workouts.

Virtual Running

Something cool to really change it up and get you motivated on the treadmill is Web Racing, which allows you to “turn your fitness equipment into a fitness experience.”  Just connect a sensor to your treadmill or bike and watch yourself on a TV screen compete against other athletes around the world.  Move over Wii, this is the real deal and can really help to keep your workouts fun, interesting, and different when cooped up inside!  Check out the video below to see Web Racing in action.

Whether you are trying to determine a new workout or interested in Web Racing to spice things up, Complete Runner is always here to help.  We can show you how to get the most out of your treadmill to make your workouts the most effective they can be.  Stop by today to get motivated and get through the unpredictable Michigan winter!

Filed Under: Tips Tagged With: motivation, treadmill training, web racing

Use Interval Training to Start Running Again

January 29, 2012 By Complete Runner Leave a Comment

Curtis was recently featured on I Run Flint’s Ask the Expert column answering the common question “How do I start running again after an injury or taking a break?”  The simple and easy answer is to use interval training.  As quoted from his response:

“The tip to get started again is quite simple: take it slow.  One way is to start with interval training.   Try running for a minute followed by a minute walk, and gradually over time move to two minutes running and one minute walking.  After you can handle four minutes of running and one minute of walking start to wean yourself off the walk until you are running continuously.”

Read the entire article on I Run Flint for more information on this topic.

If you desire to start running again or are coming off an injury and want to give interval training a try, check out the interval timers and GPS enabled watches that we have available at Complete Runner to help with your interval training.  Stop by the store to learn more and get back to running the correct way.

Filed Under: Tips Tagged With: ask the expert, gps watches, interval timers, interval training

The Last Pair of Running Socks You Will Ever Buy

January 23, 2012 By Complete Runner Leave a Comment

Socks will go a long way in keeping your feet dry and warm when running in the winter.  Along with having a pair of good running shoes that are waterproof, have good traction, and have protected covering over the toes, a good pair of socks are the perfect complement. feetures

Feetures Bamboo & Wool socks are wicking, have a seamless toe, and help to prevent bacteria and odor.  Now only are they a thicker, comfortable sock that is perfect for winter running, they also have a lifetime guarantee!  Their website states:

“Feetures! products are designed to withstand repeated wearing and washing, and to maintain their fit and feel over the lifetime of the product. If your socks fail to live up to this standard, then you can return them for an exchange or a full refund.”

All of you who get holes in your socks better check these out!

By the way, these socks can be worn all year round for casual comfort and with the lifetime guarantee why not see if you can wear them out, eh?  Well, they are super high quality so good luck with that.

Stop by Complete Runner to check out our full line of running socks to help keep your feet warm and dry during the winter, including the Feetures brand.

Filed Under: Products Tagged With: socks, winter running
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