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Complete Runner to Host Registration Day for 2013 CrimFit Adult Training Program

December 30, 2012 By Complete Runner Leave a Comment

CrimFit Training Program Registration Day at Complete Runner

Registration for the 2013 CrimFit Adult Training Program is now open to the public, and Complete Runner wants to kick off registration with a bang in the New Year!

The CrimFit Adult Training Program is a well respected 15-week training program for runners and walkers of all fitness levels. From beginner to advanced, the program is used to give participants the tools and confidence to meet their goals of finishing the Crim race of their liking or improving their race times.

“We are very excited to have adult training program registration open in time to kick-off 2013. For those individuals who are making health-related New Year’s resolutions, the new program options are a great opportunity to get started,” said Erin Lamb, Program Director for the Crim Fitness Foundation.

As a way to welcome in the New Year and help people succeed with their fitness goals in 2013, Complete Runner is hosting a CrimFit Adult Training Program registration event on Saturday, January 5 from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm. Along with store discounts, giveaways, and refreshments Crim Training staff we be on hand to answer questions and sign up people for the training program on the computers set up in the store.

If you have any questions or would like to learn more about the new and exciting changes made to the training program in 2013 please visit www.crim.org/adults/ or contact the Crim Fitness Foundation office at 810-235-3396 or Complete Runner.

We hope you will join us for an exciting day on January 5.

Filed Under: News Tagged With: Crim, CrimFit Adult Training Program, event

The Best of Pants and Tights for Running in Cold Weather

December 27, 2012 By Complete Runner Leave a Comment

running pants

Don’t be that person who runs in shorts outside all winter long. That is not cool; well, actually, now that I think about it you would be quite cool.

Since the quads are the largest muscle group of the body they provide some heat, making it easier for runners to potentially get away with running in cold weather with shorts or thin tights. However, this isn’t usually the best thing to do.

Since it is harder for your muscles to loosen up when it is cold outside, keeping your legs warm could also prevent muscle cramps or strains.

Curtis suggests wearing “pites” when running in the cold, his coined term for a combination of pants and tights.

Like pants, your “pites” should be wind proof to keep you warm in the chilly winter winds, as well as durable enough to protect your legs if you should happen to fall on a patch of ice.

Like tights, your “pites” should provide the benefits of wicking sweat away from your body to keep you warm and comfortable.

New Balance, Mizuno, Saucony, and Sugoi are the major brands that carry “pites”. Once you compare a good pair of “pites” next to a pair of regular running tights you will clearly see and feel for yourself how these will be useful for running in the cold. Stop in Complete Runner to see and feel the difference for yourself.

Filed Under: Products Tagged With: Apparel, pites, running pants, running tights

Running in Cold Weather

December 22, 2012 By Complete Runner Leave a Comment

running in cold weather Well, it’s here.

No, I’m not talking about the end of the world. Everything still seems to be in place after rumors of world destruction with the Mayan calendar ending on December 21.

However, December 21 was the first day of winter and it definitely showed up across a good portion of the United States with its snow, ice, and frigid winds.

Until now the weather has been somewhat decent in Michigan and you could run outside just as you had most of the fall. The harsh winter elements have now brought some challenges to runners and walkers, and we’ve compiled a list of articles to help you get the most out of your workouts when running in cold weather.

How to Stay Warm and Dry When Running Outside in the Cold

Running on Ice and Snow Safer, Easier with Due North Traction Aids

How to Keep Your Feet Dry When Running in the Winter

Be Smart and Don’t Get Sweaty Feet When Running

Filed Under: Tips Tagged With: winter running

Fitting Little Feet with the Old Newsboys

November 30, 2012 By Complete Runner Leave a Comment

It is not rocket science that you need a good pair of shoes for training and to give you the best performance during a race. You know how it feels when your knees start to hurt because your running shoes are falling apart and should have been replaced 100 miles ago. However, even when we let our running shoes get bad we typically replace them rather quickly, and most of us probably have a few (or more) good pairs of casual, dress, training, and running shoes lying around the house and garage. Now imagine those in our community, the kids, who don’t even have a decent pair of shoes to wear to school.

There are a lot of needs to be met in the Flint area, and many great organizations are working diligently to help those in need. One of those organizations is the Old Newsboys of Flint. Since 1924 they have helped over 770,000 kids, and we are glad to partner with them and New Balance in the Warm Hearts Healthy Starts Program, otherwise known as the coat and shoe program. Local elementary school teachers and counselors identify children who are in need of a new coat and/or shoes, and are invited to get a warm coat from Old Newsboys and bring a certificate to Complete Runner to get a new pair of shoes.

Old Newsboys Shoe Partnership with Complete Runner

We’ve been measuring a lot of little feet lately. Some come in the store with their old ratty shoes on, falling apart, without socks. It brings us joy, and even tears, to fit these little feet with a new pairs of comfortable New Balance shoes. The smiles on their faces are priceless, and we wish we could see them strolling down the halls at school wearing their new shoes, no longer embarrassed of their shoes, and no more cold or hurting little feet.

We are also delighted that a portion of the proceeds from the recent Run4Wine race were given to the Old Newsboys to make sure no child is forgotten in the community.

Run4Wine Donation to Old Newsboys

If you would like to get involved and help put a smile on some deserving faces this Christmas, here are a few ways you can help:

Look for volunteers “selling” newspapers at most major intersections in Genesee County on December 14 at the Old Newsboys annual paper sale. When everyone chips in great things can happen.
Next time you are at our store consider sponsoring a child through the Old Newsboys Christmas Box Program. For only $20 a local child in need will receive a box filled with basic necessities, hygiene items, and a toy.

To learn more about the Old Newsboys, the programs they offer, and how you can get involved this Christmas please check them out at www.onbflint.org.

Filed Under: News Tagged With: Old Newsboys of Flint

6 Reasons to Ask Santa for a GPS Running Watch

November 30, 2012 By Complete Runner Leave a Comment

NIke Plus SportWatch GPS

GPS running watches are no longer just for running geeks (you know who you are). Great strides in technology have been made to make GPS watches more user friendly, and prices have dropped to make them more appealing to all budgets.

Here are a few reasons why you should ask the man in red for a GPS watch this year:

Training Flexibility

No longer are you stuck to your familiar routes that you measured with your vehicle’s odometer a few years ago. With a GPS watch you can venture off into new areas to change up the scenery and discover different parts of your town, all while tracking your mileage and other essential stats without retracing your run later in the car.

Safety in Training

Many people know they should increase running mileage slowly to keep from getting injured. A GPS watch will keep track of all your mileage and you will be able to rely on the stats to make smart decisions about your training.

Less Hassle

GPS watches make it easy and convenient to track your workouts. The alternative is carrying around your iPhone with the GPS app, praying you don’t drop it or it doesn’t get wet in the elements. Some people still run or walk with a running watch or timer and a pedometer, but why not make it easy on yourself with a GPS watch so you can concentrate on your workout, and not the technology (or lack of).

Know the Mileage of your Shoes

Depending on a variety of factors, a pair of shoes may need to be replaced around 300 to 400 miles. When we ask people how many miles are on their shoes most of the time they aren’t sure, but with a GPS watch you would easily know this number at any given time.

Track Progress

A GPS running watch will not lie to you. It will honestly show your improvement or decline as a log of your historical progress is being recorded with each run or walk.

Pacing

Not only will a GPS watch help in your training, but also on race day. Use it to stay on pace of your desired end time, and even tell you when it is time to walk and then run again if you are using the run-walk method.

What GPS Running Watch Should I Get?

When considering a GPS running watch, first ask yourself what you want to get out of it. Some people want all the bells and whistles, while others are just fine using the basic functions. The requirements of a triathlete’s GPS watch will be different from someone in the Crim Training Program. Just like we measure your feet and analyze your gait to find the perfect pair of shoes for your feet, we will help you find the right GPS watch for how you want to use it, as well as show you how to use your watch if needed.

If you have any specific questions or would like to review the options available, we will be having a GPS Tutorial at the store Wednesday, December 5 from 6:00pm – 7:00pm. Please feel free to stop by.

Filed Under: Products Tagged With: Equipment, GPS Running Watch

4 Practical Gift Ideas for the Runner or Walker Who Has Everything

November 28, 2012 By Complete Runner Leave a Comment

Runner Gifts

It is that time of year again when most of us are looking for ideas to get our friends and family for Christmas and the holidays. It seems like there is always at one person who is difficult to buy for, who seems to have everything. If you don’t want to take the easy way out and get them a box of chocolates, here are a few unique gift ideas for runners and walkers to show them you care.

Runner Jewelry

For the jewelry lover running charms are becoming more and more popular to share your passion and accomplishments with others. Stop in the store to see what we just got in, before they get snatched up.

Race Medal Hanger

A medal hanger is a good, practical gift for anyone who has competed in a number of races. Instead of getting hung on door handles, hooks, and scattered all over the house, race medals can be kept in one spot and nicely displayed for all to see.

Race Bib Album

A race bib album is a great gift to organize and keep important race bibs (numbers) together. Just like metals, many runners and walkers like to keep race bibs of big or important races but don’t have a good way to keep them together.

Gift Certificates

If you are about to give up, why not get them a gift certificate to Complete Runner and let them put it towards a new pair of shoes, apparel, equipment, or nutrition products of their choosing? Just tell us you would like a gift certificate and for how much you would like it to be fore and we’ll take care of the rest.

Feel free to add any of your runner gift ideas to this list by sharing in the comments.

Filed Under: Products, Tips Tagged With: race bib album, race medal hanger, runner gifts, running jewelry

Black Friday Shoe Sale at Complete Runner All Week Long

November 19, 2012 By Complete Runner Leave a Comment

Cross off some items on your shopping list by stopping in to Complete Runner for our Black Friday Shoe Sale all week long! No need to wait in long lines on Black Friday to take advantage of top quality running and walking shoes starting at $29.99. We also have a wide variety of stocking stuffers and awesome gifts for the runners and walkers in your family – come check them out!

Black Friday 2012

Filed Under: Deals, News Tagged With: black friday, sale

3 Tips for Staying Safe When Running in the Dark

November 4, 2012 By Complete Runner Leave a Comment

Running in the Dark

As the days get shorter and the clocks are set back an hour as Daylight Savings Time ends, local runners not only encounter cooler temperatures but also a reduced number of daylight hours in the day. If you work a traditional 9-5 job it is highly likely it will be dark when you are running, unless you are able to during your lunch break or running inside.

To make sure you stay safe running in the dark, we’ve put together a few tips for running in the dark.

Wear reflective clothes

Your bright orange neon jacket won’t do you much good in the dark, so make sure your jacket and apparel are reflective. As light from vehicles and other sources hit your reflectors, you will be easily seen by drivers and pedestrians. Most running apparel and shoes come standard with reflective material, but it is always best to add additional reflectors or carry a light stick. Saucony offers a nice jacket with a built in LED light that blinks to ensure you are visible in the dark.

Run against traffic

It is a common rule for runners to run against traffic, but even more important to do so in the dark. It is important to be able to see vehicles to stay off to the side and stay out of their way, something you can’t do if they are behind you. Unless you have eyes in the back of your held, run against the traffic.

Tell someone where you are running

Before you venture out into the cold and dark air make sure to tell someone where you are running and when you expect to return. Not only will this give your spouse or friends piece of mind, but will act as a safety precaution if you don’t return when you expect to.

Please be safe and visible when running in the dark by following these tips with a dash of common sense!

Filed Under: Tips Tagged With: reflective gear

Imagine, The iPad App That Controls Your Treadmill

October 31, 2012 By Complete Runner Leave a Comment

Imagine App

A lot of treadmills are coming standard with a small ledge to hold your iPad, allowing you to watch a movie or listen to your favorite playlist while running. Bodyguard has taken this a step further with their iPad app Imagine.

Imagine allows your iPad to control any of the compatible Bodyguard treadmills, fully integrating with your treadmill like you’ve never seen before.

Some of the features of Imagine are:

Custom Workout Screen – Easily control the metrics you want to view of your workout

Workout Entertainment and Music – All the multimedia fun of your iPad integrated into your workout, including movies, music, TV, and web browsing

Social Fitness – Share workouts with you friends, video conference with friends or your trainer, or join online fitness groups for encouragement and tips

Unlimited User Profiles – The workout data of multiple users is stored on your iPad’s memory and easily accessible

Beat My Race – Replicate all aspects of a previous training, including speed, intensity, and incline changes to beat your previous time

Advanced Workout Data – Have your workout data to review at your fingertips, making it easy to analyze or share with a trainer or doctor

Don’t just use your iPad multimedia during your workout, have the Imagine app let your iPad control your treadmill workout. Stop in the store today to ask the staff at Complete Runner your questions about Imagine and the compatible Bodyguard treadmills.

If you are looking to buy a treadmill soon, check out our helpful article: The Runner’s Guide to Buying a Treadmill.

Filed Under: Products Tagged With: bodyguard fitness, Equipment, Imagine app, treadmills

Exercise Equipment to Improve Your Core

October 31, 2012 By Complete Runner 1 Comment

Maybe you are looking to lose those love handles that aren’t that lovely, or get the six pack back that you had in your prime. There is no better time to improve your core like right now!

As it gets colder it gets harder for some people to continue running outside. Wind proof and wicking running jackets have made it possible to run in single digit temperatures and still stay warm and dry, but some people just don’t like the cold.

With the tendencies to be a home body over the winter, don’t put on pounds like most of the population but instead be intentional and work out your core. That way when you get back outside and running the miles you are used to you will be in a good place and on track to reach your running goals.

Improving Your Core

According to an article in Runner’s World, “They [the core muscles] provide the stability, power, and endurance that runners need for powering up hills, sprinting to the finish, and maintaining efficient form mile after mile.”

Elite runners know this to be true and intentionally strengthen their abs, glutes, and lower back since these muscles are the foundation of your movement. A strong core can make the difference between being a good runner and taking your game up to the next level.

Equipment to Improve Your Core

Two new and impressive pieces of equipment are now available at Complete Runner that will help you to improve your core this winter.

Ab Coaster

The first is the Ab Coaster Black. This machine is similar to a vertical knee raise, but more compact and easier on your body. All you need to do is move back and forth with your knees on the base to work out your abs, and swivel the base to your right or left to work your oblique muscles. There is a digital counter on the machine that will keep track of your reps for you, and you are able to add more weights to increase the resistance.

Core Stix

Also new in the store is the Core Stix, a nifty platform with resistance rods to do a number of exercises. It boasts of being an all-in-one home gym that combines core, cardio, and strength training into a convenient platform that doesn’t take up much space. Used by a variety of trainers, celebrities, and runners, the Core Stix is sure to help improve your core and get your body in awesome shape this winter.

Take advantage of the cold and make a plan to improve your core with new and innovative equipment at Complete Runner.

Filed Under: Products Tagged With: Ab Coaster, Core Stix, Core Workout, Equipment