Breath Thermo - The Renewable Energy Source You Wear

by Corporate on November 2, 2012

Stay warmer running this winter—only without all the bulky layers. Breath Thermo, a patented fabric that absorbs your body’s moisture and actually generates heat, regulating your temperature as you run in cold weather. It wicks away sweat and then uses it to keep you warm, so you can enjoy a Brilliant Run 365 days a year.]

What's the Wave Rider 16 all about?

by Seth Hasty on October 31, 2012

Mizuno Product Developers share what's behind the new Wave Rider 16 - in stores and online November 5th.

Mizuno Ambassadors Take on the LPGA's Mizuno Classic

by Iver Maple on November 1, 2012

The LPGA's Mizuno Classic starts tomorrow, and Mizuno has four strong contenders in the field. Here's a photo of Mizuno Ambassadors Stacy Lewis, Jiyai Shin, Mayu Hattori and Akane Iijima, taken at today's Mizuno press conference. This is an especially huge tournament for Stacy as she continues her quest for Player of the Year honors. Good luck to all!

Jennie Finch Still Undecided on Daughter’s Name

by Jennie Finch on November 1, 2012

For the first time, Jennie Finch is caught playing the name game.

But despite some indecisiveness on her choice for her third child — a girl due in January – the former Olympic softball star hit home runs when it came to naming sons Ace Shane and Diesel Dean — an accomplishment which she happily credits to Casey Daigle.

“My husband and I had just started dating and he was like, ‘Hey, I have to run something by you. I always told myself that my first boy would be named Ace, so I just want to make sure if this all works out, you’d be okay with Ace,’” Finch, 32, tells PEOPLE during a recent visit to the office.

“I was like, ‘Where did that come from?!’ In some ways it was super cute because he was already thinking down the road.”

An instant fan of Daigle’s choice, the couple were delighted to discover their first child would indeed be a baby boy. “Us both being pitchers, from [his] standpoint, Ace is the best of everything,” Finch says.

And when she learned they would be welcoming a second son a few years later, the proud parents turned to another all-time favorite.

“We liked Diesel when I was pregnant with Ace. We knew we liked those two names, but obviously our first was going to be Ace,” she recalls. “So we were like, ‘All right, he’s going to be Diesel.’”

The final decision on what they will be calling their daughter, however, has not been so easy. With “a couple” possibilities in mind, Finch reveals she is leaning toward the more traditional route the third time around.

“Everyone is expecting something crazy and outrageous with having Ace and Diesel, but we’re not sure,” she explains. “[One option's] a really sweet Southern name that we might end up with. That’s kind of in the lead right now, but we haven’t decided completely yet.”

Read the full article and watch a video clip on People.com

Congratulations to Mizuno Ambassadors Matt Cain, Jeremy Affeldt, Barry Zito and Eli Whiteside

by Corporate on October 30, 2012

We congratulate Mizuno Ambassadors Matt Cain, Jeremy Affeldt, Barry Zito and Eli Whiteside of the San Francisco Giants on thier World Championship.

The Giants swept the Tigers in 4 games to capture the title in the 108th World Series. They  have won seven World Series titles, and two in the past three years!

We are proud to have these Matt, Jeremy, Barry and Eli represent the Mizuno family.

Three Guys Golf Reviews Mizuno Outerwear

by Iver Maple on October 25, 2012

A blogger on the new popular golf website Three GuysGolf tested the ImpermaLite Flex Rain Top and ImpermaLite Performance Shell and Pant. Overall, the outwear was very positively received. To summarize the review, Three Guys Golf says “if you’re in the market at all, do yourself a favor, and at least give some consideration to Mizuno this year. They have a variety of rain jackets, pull-overs and pants, and they are simply amazing” and "this was the most impressed I'd ever been with a piece of rain gear."

Read the full review on their site: http://threeguysgolfblog.com/mizuno-impermalite-flex-rainwear/

Image courtesy of threeguysgolf.com

Weekend Recap - October 22, 2012

by Ron Wayne on October 22, 2012

Craig Curley Wins The Columbus Marathon

Sunday, October 21. Columbus, OH.  Competing in the second marathon of his career, Mizuno Racing Team Member, Craig Curley, won the Columbus Marathon in a time of 2:19.01.  In the field of 5,470 runners, Craig prevailed over 2 Kenyans and a stretch of dense fog covering the course to win the race.   At 24 years old, Craig is one of MRT's young developing runners, who 2 weeks ago placed 13th at the US 10 mile championships in 48.08, just 15 seconds behind MRT Member, Antonio Vega.

All Alone At The Finish, Craig Curley, Breaks The Finish Tape At The Columbus Marathon

Amanda Marino Wins The New York Road Runners Kurt Steiner Cross Country Classic Race

Saturday, October 20, Bronx, NY   Amanda Marino, Team Mizuno Riadha, won the Kurt Steiner Cross Country Classic Race on a very challenging Van Cortlandt Park Course.    Amanda's winning time for the 5K course was 17.59 and was good enough for 13th place overall in a field of 337 runners.   For the past several months Amanda has been living and training with Serena Burla.

Amanda Marino Wins The New York Road Runners Kurt Steiner Cross Country Classic Race 

Antonio Vega Places Second In The Des Moines Half Marathon

Sunday, October 21,  Des Moines, IA     In a field of 4,251 runners, Antonio Vega placed 2nd at the Des Moines Half Marathon with a time of 1:03.40.  Antonio, the 2010 USA Long Distance Runner Of The Year, is making a very nice comeback after almost 2 years on being injured.    Antonio felt great after the race, as he continues with his progress towards championship form.

Training for Training

by Clara Grandt on October 22, 2012

Each morning I wake up and put my feet on the ground, praying there’s no pain.  I recently took the longest amount of time off from running due to an injury, or anything, in seven years.   Now, I am back on my feet!  Not too fast though; I must take things slow.  A few short runs that could barely put the “s” on the end of “miles” got me started, but I am so thankful for those short runs because those are the first steps to more runs, longer runs, and races. 

Through this process of being injured, healing, and starting the baby steps into training again, I’ve also gotten more “training” in areas other than running or cross training.  In order to get back to running as soon as I could and prevent any future complications, I quickly trained myself into the habit of helping my body recover better and faster.  I wore “the boot”, rode scooters around the grocery store, and began a consistent stretching, icing, and vitamin supplement routine.  I even started wearing my Mizuno Wave Riders to church for better foot support since they are my most comfortable shoes- dressed in my Sunday best, you might say.

I also feel like I’ve gotten “trained” in the area of appreciation.  I’ve always been grateful for the ability to run, but there’s nothing like not being able to do what you love to make you realize HOW MUCH you appreciate doing it.  My short runs have been full of taking in the smell of fall leaves, feeling my body break through the cool and crisp air, and feasting my eyes on the vibrant colors of the changing leaves.  This is probably the closest I’ve been to being able to relate to an excited puppy being taken out of the house by his owner for a nice little jog.   Basically, I’m just excited and happy to be running.

Patience is the next thing that is being trained into me.  I feel I’m usually a patient person with most things.  However, I don’t have much patience for running over 7 minute miles, but I’m learning that it’s okay sometimes to run slower (sometimes).  Even though my mind and most of my body are itching to go faster, I’ve had to train myself to understand that since my foot had weakened, it might need a little more time to get as strong as the rest of my body so that it can all work together in peaceful and uninflamed unity (you can do it, foot!)

Through this process, there have been two more big and constantly trying “training” areas- faith and dedication.  When I still had pain walking after taking what I thought was plenty of time off, when the doctor told me to wait another week before running, and every time I go out for a run now, I still have to stay dedicated to continue doing what I learned in helping my body recover better, use a little more patience, and appreciate that I am running again!  All this I do with the faith that this training will pay off and I will be running and racing full strength again.

Mizuno Athlete, Amanda Stevens, Places 18th At The World Ironman Championships

by Ron Wayne on October 15, 2012

First Woman Out of the Water Again

October 13, Kona, HI - Over 1,800 triathletes answered the starter's gun at the World Ironman Championships.   For the second year in a row, Mizuno Athlete, Amanda Stevens, placed 18th Woman in

the Pro Division and for the second year in a row Amanda was the first woman out of the water.   Amanda was the 9th USA finisher and her splits were 55:09 for the 2.4 mile swim, 5:27.07 for the 112 mile bike and her Wave Precision's carried her to a 3:24.50 marathon. NBC will telecast the Ironman on Saturday, October 27.   

Waving To The Crowd, Amanda is First Woman Out on The Bike Course

Amanda Wears the Wave Precision

"Chicked"

by Serena Burla on October 19, 2012

About a year and a half ago I was at a runner friend’s wedding reception grouped at the “runners and triathletes” table when I was introduced to a new term: chicked.  The conversation went something like this:

Guy: You were saying you run on the trail off Old State Road by the kids train station; when do you run there?

Me: Oh, usually Thursday mornings and on Tuesday afternoons.

Guy: Ok. Good. Now I know what times to avoid running there.

Me: Why? I love seeing people I know on the trails.

Guy: Well, I don’t want to get CHICKED.

Me: Chicked? What is chicked?

Guy: It’s when a guy gets passed by a girl when running. I have never been chicked and I want it to stay that way.  So I have to avoid running that trail when you might be out on a run. 

Me: Are you for real?

Guy: Yeah, I mean some men choose to turn around before the possibility of being chicked can occur if they see it coming. 

Me: Grin and laugh wickedly with pride thinking about the power of a female runner.

Until a few weeks ago I had forgotten about this term. I try to be polite or encouraging to others on the trails and quite honestly am inspired by other runner of all ages and abilities. There is something so powerful about seeing other runners out on the trails at the break of day bettering themselves.     But, running is running and I am a competitor, and a few weeks ago something strange happened that made me think back to this term.  I was passed by a guy.  It was my second run for the day and I was running along in my own little world listening to my body when BAM. Low and behold footsteps grew nearer at a quicker pace and passed me.  I think my initial response was a deer in the headlights look and a dropped jaw. Then there was a split second of bitterness and me giving his back the evil eye.  Naturally there was a fleeting moment of instinct and wanting to chase him down, but I was on a recovery run and I had to be mature and smart about my training.  After a few minutes I laughed at myself thinking back to that wedding reception conversation- “Chicked” I muttered under my breath, obviously humbled. This quickly led me to wonder, is there was a term for a girl getting passed by a guy. What would it be coined? Duded? Guy’d? Man’d? One of my guy friends had the guts to reply “normal” which led me to rethink our friendship.  I couldn’t find an answer to my question.

Not less than a week later I was on a group run with my training partners when another situation occurred.  We found ourselves running behind this guy during our second loop around a local lake trail and he was holding the gap. He wasn’t extending it, we weren’t closing it.  After about 5 minutes my teammate Yihunlish said what I’d been thinking. She pointed to the guy indicating the gap he’d maintained and exclaimed, “What is happening?” We burst out laughing.  This gap was as noteworthy as the reverse chicked days prior.  We picked it up a notch, but rather than flying by when we caught him we complimented him and encouraged him to join our pack and pick up the pace.  If he fell a step off we were shouting, “Come on. Get back up here. Finish the loop with us. You can do it. Stay right here with us.”  If he was going to throw off our idea of normalcy out on the trails we were going to make sure we challenged him too.  I am pretty sure he’d never been happier to see the parking lot when we parted, him to stop, us heading out for another loop.

Last weekend on a two hour fifteen minute run I was way out on the trail plugging away seeing fewer and fewer people. After a mile lapse of people I was rejuvenated to see a group of guys running up ahead.  As I offered my verbal warning of “On your left” to pass, I heard a quiet groan and then a plea of male pride, “Please don’t tell us you started under the Rosslyn Key Bridge too.” “Yes I did” I replied with an extra bit of cheer.  Then the group let out a loud defeated “Awe” in unison and I knew I had stamped them with my chicked print.  We exchanged pleasantries united in distance and the extra mile and I continued on, thinking, “It is far more fun to do the chicking, but I guess in running, the sexes are equally motivated by one another”.   I am so proud and thankful that I have the opportunity to be a female runner and that the guys on the trails have to have a term for us cruising by them on foot in running shoes rather than high heels.

In the meantime watch out guys or the old Hall and Oates song Maneater is going to get stuck in your head….

I know what she can do

She's deadly man, she could really rip your world apart

Mind over matter

Ooh, the beauty is there but a beast is in the heart

  (Oh-oh, here she comes)  Watch out boy she'll chew you up

  (Oh-oh, here she comes)  She's a maneater

  (Oh-oh, here she comes)  Watch out boy she'll chew you up

Golfwrx.com Members Praise Mizuno's 2-Day Custom Turnaround

by Iver Maple on October 17, 2012

A member of the Golfwrx.com community posted a comment in which he shared his story of how he ordered his set of new custom fit MP-59 irons and MP-T4 wedges on a Friday and they were in on the following Wednesday.  Shortly after, he bought a new set of MP-69s to mix in with his MP-59s. He explains that he ordered this second set on a Monday and they were in on that Thursday.

His question to other Golfwrx members: "Is it normal for Mizuno to be that fast?"  

Here are just a few of the responses:

"Got custom fit for my left handed MP-59's and ordered on a Friday...had them the following Thursday - best iron purchase ever for me..i was pleased with how quickly Mizuno got them to me."

"Yuuuuuup. Super fast.  I'll never touch another iron."

"I was surprised, My MP 64's only took five days after I ordered them , That says alot about  thecustomer service at Mizuno !!   Fantastic !!"

"I ordered JPX 800 Pros with PX steel and some basic loft/lie adjustments and custom grips. Ordered Monday and picked them up at the store on Friday - and the sales guy said they came in the evening before! I was pretty astonished. Same thing happened when my dad ordered his."

View post on Golfwrx.com

Through our unmatched Custom Department, we can build and ship your custom set of irons in just two-business days. In other words, if you get fit on a weekend, you will have your new irons by the following weekend. That's the fastest in the industry!  Visit any one of our 1,500 Performance Fitting System locations to receive the best custom fitting experience available.

Mary Davies takes wins at Scotiabank Toronto Waterfront Marathon

by Barbara Mitchell on October 16, 2012

Thousands of runners took to the streets for the Scotiabank Toronto Waterfront Marathon Sunday, making for thousands of stories.

Mary Davies, a New Zealander who lives in Ottawa, was the surprise winner of the women’s race with a big personal best time of 2:28:56. As a Mizuno Brand ambassador we were thrilled with her win! She trains with the Ottawa Athletic Club Racing Team, while being coached by New Zealand-based Ian Babe. In the June 30 edition of iRun: The Running Show, Davies told Mark Sutcliffe that she wanted to use the race to try to qualify to represent New Zealand at the 2013 World Championships in Moscow, and at the time said she needed to run under 2:32 to be in the running.  She accomplished this on Sunday! 

Mary set a course record at the 5 km Emilie’s Run in Ottawa in June and finished second at a half-marathon in Edmonton.  Davies hopes to run for New Zealand at next year’s world championship in Russia. She also has the 2016 Olympics in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil on her mind. Her husband was born in Brazil. Davies hopes to run for New Zealand at next year’s world championship in Russia. She also has the 2016 Olympics in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil on her mind. Her husband was born in Brazil. Davies hopes to run for New Zealand at next year’s world championship in Russia. She also has the 2016 Olympics in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil on her mind. Her husband was born in Brazil.  

Davies hopes to run for New Zealand at next year’s world championship in Russia. She also has the 2016 Olympics in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil on her mind. Her husband was born in Brazil. 

Renee Metivier Baillie Shocks The World (But Not Herself) at Chicago Marathon

by Bob "Wish" Wischnia on October 15, 2012

Two nights before the Bank of America Chicago Marathon, Renee Metivier Baillie and Austin Baillie, met some friends for dinner. The couple had just flown into Chicago that evening from their home in Bend, Oregon and Renee was absolutely bubbling with excitement that she was ready to nail what would be her first marathon.

Over a huge slab of beef, Metivier Baillie spoke openly of her goal on Sunday: She wanted to break Kara Goucher's American record of 2:25:23 for the fastest debut marathon.

A lofty goal for any elite runner, but possibly even more so for Metivier Baillie who had only run a handful of road races in the past two years. Toss in the fact that she had only decided to run Chicago in late August and Metivier Baillie's goal seemed especially bold. (To clarify, her name is pronounced Meh-tee-vee-ay Bailey.)

But, as Muhammad Ali once so prophetically said: It ain't bragging if you can do it.

To be sure, Metivier Baillie fell short of breaking Goucher's American record, but her time of 2:27:17 is still the fifth fastest first-time debut marathon by an American and was good enough for eighth place and top American in one of the most prestigious races in the world.

“I knew I was in really good marathon shape,” said Metivier Baillie, the newest member of Mizuno's racing team. “I tried not to be too overzealous before the race, but I also didn't want to sell myself short.”

No chance of that because if there is one attribute Metivier Baillie isn't lacking in it's confidence. But after a deeply disappointing Olympic Trials where she didn't qualify for the 5000-meter finals, Renee and Austin—her coach, training partner and masseur—decided to reboot. Instead of slogging her way back on the track, they decided to make a full commitment to the roads. Once the decision was made, Metivier Baillie quickly set road PRs of 10-K (32:31) and 20-K (1:07:08).

Two days before winning the national 20-K title in New Haven, Metivier Baillie did the unthinkable: She entered the Chicago Marathon. “I was terrified of the marathon,” said  Metivier Baillie who has short dyed platinum blonde hair and a huge tattoo on her right hip. “The marathon was just way too long for me and I was so intimidated by it. I had only run one half marathon {in 2010} and it was a bad experience. Eventually, I knew I'd run a marathon but I had heard so many horror stories about it.

“I can promise you my decision to run Chicago was not part of a long-term plan. But my foot couldn't handle the turns on the track since my foot surgery {on her right Achilles} and I just didn't want to go back to the track. I was healthy and decided to just focus on building strength, rather than speed. I started doing longer runs and found myself wanting to run longer and longer. I was really enjoying myself and starting to feel like my old self again. So I decided to run the New Haven 20-K and at the same time, decided to run Chicago.”

Certainly, training for Chicago necessitated a quick transition in her training. With only five solid weeks to go before Chicago, Austin jump started her track-oriented training from about 70 miles a week to 90 with one week topping out at 100. (Metivier Baillie takes every Monday off from running; instead, she aqua jogs.)

With Chicago just down the road, she couldn't afford a leisurely mileage buildup. Austin planned her progression carefully with ascending weekly mileage and ever increasing long runs, culminating with two key workouts. Three weeks before Chicago, the couple entered a local 10-K in Bend. Before the race, they did an easy 3-mile warmup and then ran 8-miles at her marathon goal pace. With just five minutes rest before the start of the 10-K, Metivier Baillie jumped right in and ran 32:48 (just 17 seconds slower than her PR). She ran right through the finish and added on another four miles for a 22-mile total—much of it at race pace.

Then, the following weekend, just two weeks before Chicago, Austin and Renee used the Rogue Half Marathon in Medford, Oregon as another marathon simulation run. The couple warmed up with five miles and then ran 1:12:58 together, adding on another three miles to give her 21 for the day.

“I still had a healthy apprehension about Chicago,” said Metivier Baillie who will be 31 on Christmas Day, “but I began to see that I could handle the distance. I believe in myself and this is something I have fought my entire career. Throughout my life, I have had people say that I'm not built right or talented enough or whatever. My husband has never doubted me, but I wanted to prove that some people—who were always talking me down—were wrong.”

As Chicago approached, Austin and Renee set an ambitious time goal of 2:25. But, says Renee, “I was told by a few people to lower my expectations. They told me I was shooting too high. Nobody but Austin knew what I was capable of running and to be honest, I really thought I'd run faster than 2:25.”

She nearly did.

On a cold, calm, overcast morning in Chicago, Metivier Baillie settled in comfortably in the middle of a pack of regional-class men and went through halfway in exactly the time she and Austin had planned: 1:13. Running relaxed and under control, everything was working according to plan except she kept missing her water bottles at the aid tables. Inexperienced at drinking on the run, her pack didn't slow down for water and she whiffed several times as she tried to pick up her bottles without losing stride

About 15 miles, her pack started to pick up the pace a bit (down to 5:28 per mile) and doubts began to creep in. “I was a little nervous I was going too hard,” she said. “It didn't feel too fast at that point, but I knew we still had a long way to go.”

Rolling along with her pack through 18 miles, Metivier Baillie didn't back off but began to get a little ahead of herself. “I began to see a 2:25 at the finish and got a little too excited when I should have been more patient. I still felt good though.”

But it was too early to start thinking about the finish and projecting a time because, as any seasoned marathoner knows, it isn't over 'til it's over. Metivier Baillie found out about that maxim at 22 miles when her calf muscles began to cramp, her stride shortened and she struggled up Michigan Avenue.

Her final 5-K split was 18:09 and Metivier Baillie lost, by her own admission, at least a minute. But by hanging in and finishing in 2:27:17—tying Amy Hastings for the fourth fastest time of the year by an American--Metivier Baillie immediately thrust herself into the conversation of the top echelon of US marathoners.

“Do I see myself as a marathoner now? Sure, I am a marathoner now,” says Metivier Baillie who took a two-week vacation in Kauai right after Chicago. “My whole focus has shifted away from the track. I really enjoyed Chicago and what excites me the most is I can see where I have room to improve. I made mistakes in Chicago and if I had trained for even a few more weeks, I could have run the final 10-K much better. So I know I can be better, much better next time.

“The minute I finished Chicago, Austin and I already began thinking about my next marathon in the spring. I'm not sure which one it will be {it might be London, Rotterdam or Boston} but I'm very excited about my future. Right now, I just want to keep the momentum going.”

Chicago Reflections

by Patrick Rizzo on October 11, 2012

Insanity: Doing the same thing over and over expecting different results.

Marathon training: Doing the same thing over and over EXPERIENCING different results!

Good or bad results, I find it absolutely valuable to hit the reset button after a focus race. In my current case, that was the Chicago Marathon, where I ran a 2:15:44 for 21^st place.

Outwardly, that might seem like an great marathon. After all, I've only run faster once...and that was also this year (my personal best came at the US Olympic Trials in January in Houston). To me, it was a missed goal. I was training to run in the 2:12 range or possibly faster if weather was on my side, which it was! There are only a few times in a runner's career when the prep work goes well and the weather comes in to help polish the finish.

Chicago was the day where the prep work and weather were on my side. The enemy? My legs? That seems unlikely and I really have no finite reason why all the training and a carefully planned taper don't always get to showcase themselves on race day. This was just one of “those days.”

Years of running have taught me that there are some times when training takes a huge jump forward but racing doesn't follow. I've trained for the 2:12 marathon; that's undeniable. I put in the marathon-specific work at that pace; I got in the volume; I strung together the weeks, healthy, leading into the marathon. I've just taken that leap before I'm ready for it to translate into my racing.

What do I have to do to get to parity where racing and training are equal? It just takes some time. There is no way to expedite time so there may even be another frustration or two along the way. I solemnly feel that my racing WILL find a happy medium with my training. This scenario has happened time and again. I'll be back, but for now I'm regrouping and focusing on getting back to my basics. Good luck to everyone with fall marathons still to come. Stay healthy and most importantly, HAVE FUN!

Washington Husky Softball Take on National Pro Fastpitch

by Corporate on October 11, 2012

Come see Washington Husky Softball take on NATIONAL PRO FASTPITCH (NPF) this Saturday on the Husky Softball Field! Mizuno Ambassador Jenn Salling will be playing and will participate in a autograph session. We will be there with the Mizuno tech van!

2013 Mizuno Pro-Am at Pebble Beach

by Iver Maple on October 11, 2012

Come join us at the 2013 Mizuno Pro-Am at Pebble Beach. Four incredible days of golf at Pebble Beach, Spyglass Hill and Spanish Bay. Check out the details, we'd love to see you there!

Contact information at the end of the video.

USA Volleyball Opens New Headquarters

by Brynn Murphy on October 11, 2012

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (Oct. 5, 2012) – USA Volleyball, the National Governing Body for volleyball and beach volleyball in the United States, held an open house celebration of its new headquarters building located at 4065 Sinton Road in Colorado Springs, Colo., on Oct. 5.

USA Volleyball Chief Executive Officer Doug Beal led a dedication and ribbon-cutting ceremony that included five of the past six USAV chief executive officers. Al Monaco (1973-1988), Cliff McPeak (1989-1990), Kerry Klostermann (1997-2002), Becky Howard (2002-2004) and Beal (2005 to present) held the ceremonial scissors for the ribbon cutting with current USAV Board of Directors Chairman Adam Rymer, while Kerry Klostermann, USAV CEO from 1997 to 2002 and current USAV secretary general, was present at the ceremony.

The Open House attracted USA Volleyball staff and board members, regional volleyball leaders from across the country, United States Olympic Committee leaders, other Colorado Springs-based National Governing Body executives, City of Colorado Springs representatives and community business leaders.

USA Volleyball, which has been located in Colorado Springs since 1978 and has expanded to a local staff of approximately 50 individuals with an approximate operating budget of $20 million, completed the building purchase on Dec. 9, 2011, and moved into the two-story facility on March 20, 2012. Since then, USA Volleyball has partnered with three other National Governing Bodies – USA Archery, USA Fencing and USA Table Tennis – in offering office space on the first floor of the building.

“USA Volleyball has been an active member within the Colorado Springs community for the last 35 years, and the purchase of this building continues our long-term commitment to the City of Colorado Springs and the Olympic presence in this town,” Beal said. “This building also represents a wonderful statement about the overall growth of our sport, our organization and our abilities to service our members and wide-ranging constituent populations.”

“The sport of volleyball is thriving in the United States, and under Doug Beal’s leadership, USA Volleyball has done something every business hopes to do; they outgrew their space,” USOC CEO Scott Blackmun said when USA Volleyball announced the property purchase last December. “This move is good for USA Volleyball and will no doubt ensure Doug and his team will continue to succeed.”

At the recent 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games in London, USA Volleyball came away with the gold medal in women’s beach volleyball and silver medals in women’s beach volleyball, women’s indoor volleyball and women’s sitting volleyball. USA Volleyball has earned at least one Olympic medal since the 1984 Olympic Games and is the only country to earn at least one gold medal in beach volleyball since the inaugural event at the 1996 Olympic Games.

Read the Full Story

Chicago Marathon Media Day

by Ron Wayne on October 6, 2012

The Chicago Marathon is one of the 5 Major Marathons in the world and Mizuno Racing Team Athletes, Renee Metivier Baillie, Patrick Rizzo and Craig Leon were  3 of the 10 athletes that were featured at the Chicago Marathon Media day attended by over 100 sports writers and NBC, the network that is covering the race.  To kick off media day, Renee Metivier Baillie was one of 3 women runners who were featured on stage.  This was followed one on one round table interviews with Renee, Patrick and Craig.  In addition, NBC did a human interest segment with Renee that will be shown during the live TV coverage of the race.

Renee On Stage To Kick Off Media Day  

 Renee One On One Interview 

Renee With Larry Eder From The Runners Network    

Flotrack Interviews Renee 

Renee Being Interviewed By NBC

Craig Leon Interview By Flotrack 

Patrick   Rizzo Interviewed By Local Chicago Media

Media Day Smiles - Austin Baillie, Renee Baillie Patrick Rizzo and Craig Leon

Renee Metivire Baillie Debuts In 2:27.17 And Is Top American Finisher At The Chicago Marathon

by Ron Wayne on October 9, 2012

October 7, Chicago, IL   Running  2:27.17 in her debut marathon, newest Mizuno Racing Team member, Renee Metivier Baillie realized many great achievements.  Wearing the Wave Ronin, Renee finished in 8th place overall and was the top American finisher.  She ran  the 3rd fastest debut marathon ever by an American Woman. Through 30K (18.6 miles) she was on pace to run the fastest debut marathon by an American ahead of Shalane Flanagan's, in 2:25.38.  Renee is already looking forward to her next marathon!

Newest Mizuno Star, Renee Baillie, Being Escorted From The Chicago Marathon Finish Line

Mizuno Ambassadors Wichita State Volleyball Upsets #14 Oklahoma in 4 Sets

by Brynn Murphy on October 4, 2012

Courtesy:Wichita State

Release:10/03/2012

NORMAN, Okla. - Sam Sanders tied her career-high with 17 kills to lead the Shockers to a 3-1 win at Oklahoma.  Wichita State won by scores of 25-21, 25-21, 22-25 and 25-14.

Emily Adney added 11 kills and 10 digs, while Chelsey Feekin had eight kills, 42 assists and nine digs and Jackie Church had 25 digs.

OU took an early 8-5 lead in the first set, but the Shockers finally tied it at 13 on a kill by Elizabeth Field.  The first Shocker lead came at 15-14 on a kill by Ashley Andrade and the two teams traded points until the Shocks took a 20-17 lead on a service ace by Ashlyn Driskill.  A kill by Driskill gave the Shocks the 25-21 win.

The second set went back-and-forth until back-to-back kills by Driskill put WSU in front 13-10.  WSU increased the lead to 17-10 on a kill by Sam Sanders and the Shockers held on to win the set 25-21 on a kill by Andrade.

A kill by Adney gave WSU an 8-3 lead in the third set, but the Sooners responded with a 5-0 run to tie it at eight.  The teams traded points until OU grabbed a 17-14 lead after back-to-back kills. The Shockers used a 3-0 run to tie it at 19, but the Sooners won the set 25-22.

The Shockers took control of the fourth set with an 8-0 run to go up 13-4.  OU used a 4-0 run to pull within 19-12, but the Shockers scored the final four points to win 25-14.

The Shockers are next in action on Fri., Oct. 5 when they host Illinois State at 7 p.m. inside Charles Koch Arena.

Read the full article on goshockers.com

Chipper Jones' Surprise Retirement Gift from Mizuno

by Corporate on October 2, 2012

After his career-long affiliation to Mizuno and its products, Chipper Jones was honored by Mizuno with a gift unlike any other he has received during the variety of festivities associated with his retirement, after 19 seasons as a member of the Atlanta Braves. The one-of-a-kind, all electric, Stealth 4x4 UTV adorned with Jones' custom retirement logo was presented to Jones by Bob Puccini, President, Mizuno USA following batting practice at Turner Field.  The unique gift was associated with arguably the only pastime that rivals Jones’ love for baseball, and one that he will be heavily engaged in after his retirement - hunting.  

In an era when many athletes are swayed from one manufacturer to another based largely on compensation. Jones has focused on quality and performance, remaining loyal to Mizuno and unwilling to sacrifice the superior design and performance of its products. Thank you for being a long time ambassador Chipper!

The Planet Wave: When Do You Run?

by Bob "Wish" Wischnia on September 30, 2012

I tend to have a very myopic view of the world. At least my little corner of it. And in my world, I divide people up into two categories: Morning and evening runners. You’re either one or the other.

One isn’t necessarily better than the other; we’re just different species of the same running animal. But when we run, tends to shape our running persona. It doesn’t change how we run or what we can accomplish, but there are subtle distinctions between the two subspecies.

Me? I’m a morning runner. Always have been, always will be. I grew up as a swimmer and even as a kid, early-morning workouts became as habitual as brushing my teeth. I got up; I swam. It was pitch black when I arrived at the pool and the water was always cold, but by the time the workout was finished, my muscles were so oxygenated that, after inhaling a huge breakfast, staying awake in school was a breeze. Just when the other kids were fading, I was still pumped.

When I transitioned from staring at a black line in the pool to running, I was already hard-wired to run first thing in the morning before anyone else was stirring. It just seemed so natural and quickly discovered this was my favorite time of the day. The air smelled and tasted so much fresher, cleaner and cooler and the only traffic I had to worry about were the paperboys on their morning rounds.

My early morning runs became as ingrained in me as breathing. And even at an early age there was simply no better way to start a day. That feeling lasted until college, skipped a few years and resumed soon after my children were born. I had a choice: Either run before they got up or forget about it.

I rarely forgot about it. By necessity, I had to run even earlier and soon found the earlier, the better. No alarm clock was necessary; my body’s rhythms told me when.

These days I have been known to get up as early as 4 a.m. to get a short run in before a long plane flight. Not to keep a streak going, but to keep my sanity going. Occasionally, I will miss a morning run and if I do, my entire equilibrium is thrown out of whack. Even if I get a chance to run later in the day, it never feels quite right and I struggle with even a few miles.

I make no bones about it: I’m a morning person. Starting before dawn affords me the glorious sight of the first streaking of the morning sky. Usually just when I finish, the sun is just starting to rise. It’s easily the most beautiful time of the day and I bask in it.

Obviously, not every runner is as nuts about morning runs as I am. For some, a morning run is an impossibility, due either to logistics, responsibilities or body rhythms. Others, consider a post work/school run a necessity and undoubtedly are just as passionate about that time of day as I am about the predawn. For them, the sunset is as special as the sunrise is for me.

Then, there are those who can’t even think about a run until even later. A long-time friend of mine—we’ll call him The Ghost--was a world-class runner in the ‘80s. Only problem was he couldn’t get moving until late, late afternoon, just when everyone else was finishing. He’d mope his way around for an hour and then, after Letterman, The Ghost would do his second, serious workout all by his lonesome.

Once we were at an international road race together in Indonesia and first place was worth $75,000. Only problem was the race started exceptionally early at 6 a.m. to avoid the heat. Not good for The Ghost who ordinarily would be halfway through his third dream at that time of morning.

But with so much money on the line, The Ghost came up with a stunning  solution: He would stay up all night--and then race.

I’ll be darned if it didn’t work as he took home the big paycheck and then picked up the tab at the poolside party before going to bed about noon. (BTW: The Ghost held the 10,000 road record for many years so he somehow made his bizarre training regimen/lifestyle work for him.)

Most of us aren’t quite as wacky as he was in our devotion to running, but to the rest of the world we probably are. I certainly am.

When it comes right down to it, whether you are a morning or evening runner (or that subspecies, known as lunchtime runners), doesn’t really matter. What truly matters is the simple act of movement, not the time of day.

Which type of runner are you: Morning or evening?

Returning To Racing

by Antonio Vega on October 2, 2012

I must admit: It feels great to finally be back training full time. This is what I do and what I love. The road bike that I bought to get me through my injuries when I couldn’t do much more than cross-train has been retired--hopefully for good. 

I’ve taken my training slowly and gradually but my workouts of late have been much better then I ever anticipated. In fact, my training has been going so well that I have decided to race the Twin Cities 10-Miler (October 7).  Originally, I had planned on just training through the fall with possible races sometime in the winter.  

But the TC 10-Miler is literally just around the corner and it’s a great opportunity to race in my backyard and get my racing mentality back. I feel good about it.

A couple of weeks ago I was at a high school cross-country meet and at the end of the meet, there was an “Old Timers Race”. Now I don’t necessarily feel old enough to be in a Old Timers, but it was a race nonetheless and I wasn’t even the youngest guy in it.

It was only a 2-miler, but it felt like a step back in time. As my old high school coaches happened to be at the meet, I was able to pick out their distinctive voices as I passed the one-mile mark. At one point, I remember thinking all this race needed was my dad running next to me with a camera yelling “Go-go-go,” and I would be right back in high school. 

Aside from those flashbacks, I was happy with the way I raced considering it was nothing more then a cross-country time trial. The best part though was it lit a mental spark in me to get back into racing mode.

With me, all I really need is to put on my racing flats and uniform and I’m ready to run hard again and push myself. It felt great to do so again.   

We’ll see what happens at the TC 10-Miler. My workouts with my teammates have been going well and I feel ready to have a great day at the TC 10 mile on my home turf.

Nebraska Huskers Softball Renew with Mizuno

by Corporate on October 2, 2012

We are thrilled to announce the Nebraska Huskers Softball team has renewed their contract with Mizuno for multiple years. They utilize our bats, bags, protective, helmets and custom fielders gloves. Glad to have you part of the Mizuno Family!

University of Washington Huskies Softball Renew with Mizuno

by Corporate on September 20, 2012

Mizuno is pleased to announce our partnership with University of Washington Huskies Softball program will continue. The Mizuno Ambassadors won the 2009 National Championship lead by there incredible head coach, Heather Tarr.

"I am pleased to announce that we our continuing our partnership with Mizuno. The University Of Washington Huskies softball program will continue to use Mizuno bats, protective gear, fielders gloves and bags. They helped bring us to the 2009 National Championship and we believe they will help bring us there again. The service and products provided by Mizuno are the standard of the industry. We are proud to be associated with Mizuno again for this multiple year contract". - Heather Tarr, Head Coach University of Washington - Softball

Run Momma Run Running Retreat: McKenzie Mtn. Track & Trail

by Corporate on September 25, 2012

RunMommaRun.com is currently taking registrations for their up coming Women's "Track & Trail" Running Retreat! A little track and a little trail, it's set in the gorgeous McKenzie River area of Oregon. It's a 2-day, 1 night cabin stay with fab food, wine tasting, Cathie Twomey Bellamy coaching on the track, ultra-runner guided trail run in the woods. All levels, total fun, brilliant runs! Oct 20-21, 2012. So who needs a getaway!? For more info and to register click here.

Meet Mizuno Master Craftsman Ko Kishimoto

by Corporate on September 24, 2012

Mizuno celebrates 100 years of glove craftsmanship. Meet one of Mizuno's Master Craftmans Ko Kishimoto on his visits to 2012 MLB spring training camps while works on Chicago Cub Adrian Cardenas' and San Francisco Giants Matt Cain's game gloves.

Mother-Runner-Strange Dinosaur

by Serena Burla on September 24, 2012

I am a mother runner.  Most days when I walk through my back door lugging my backpack, sweaty clothes, and typically two 16 pound bags of ice, in addition to my post workout body, I am greeted withthe most welcoming sound, a shrieking, “MOMMY.” It gives me a burst of energy similar to someone cheering foryou loudly by name in a big race.  After a quick analysis on his part of how sweaty I am or perhaps whether or not I will fall over, my son Boyd and I usually share a snuggle hug and start talking about the morning as I fill the tub for an ice bath and grab something to eat.  A week ago our morning chit chat was halted by Boyd wrinkling his nose and exclaiming, “Mom, you smell like a strange dinosaur.” High humidity coupled with a 70minute medium paced run on that particular day had made for a stinky me.  As a busy runner mom I had to stop and question whether or not I’d managed to swipe on some deodorant in the past 12 hours-yes, perhaps just not enough.  As I switched from tough runner to mom mode I searched for details about this strange dinosaur and its scent that we supposedly share.  I came to learn that a strange dinosaur smells like rotten candy.  When I asked Boyd to draw me a picture of it so I could have a visual he drew this...

It took my breath away, as it was one of the few pieces of art he has created thus far that’s had clear features.  This creation now proudly resides on the refrigerator as just one more reminder of how lucky I am to be a mother among my run-eat-sleep repeat schedule as a professional runner.  Yes, there are times during heavy training that I am not always on my “A” mommy game.  If you have ever bribed your child in order to get them to nap even though you are the one that needs it, you are not alone. Also, if you have a high energy child like mine who can run circles around you especially when your legs are throbbing after a long run here is a tip, find a great playground that is fenced and assign yourself a role that makes you be home base.  I have been the dispatcher and Boyd the firefighter this week.  In both running and motherhood I am committed to enjoying the journey while working/playing incredibly hard and loving what I do, even if I smell like a strange dinosaur in the process.

~Serena

Life in the Fast Lane

by Clara Grandt on September 24, 2012

Recently I’ve been diagnosed with my first injury since 2005.  I started having pain in the bottom of my foot and after it didn’t go away, I got an MRI which revealed a partial tear in my plantar fascia.  I’ve been fortunate to have had such a long stretch of time without an injury, but it’s still a hard thing to swallow when it does happen.  However, I knew the best thing was to accept that athletes don’t go through careers without injuries, and take it as a blessing in disguise and do everything I could to use this time to heal and come back better. 

So here I am actually staying quite busy working on things I may have been too tired for or just had gotten so into a routine that I didn’t allow time to make changes that could help me.  I’ve always worked hard when it came time to work because I love how hard work pays off and I love feeling the mind over matter phenomenon.  I like to push myself daily, but I’ve also neglected some of the things that would help that hard work to pay off.  Things like nutrition, stretching, running log data organizing, and near and far goal setting have been some of those things getting more attention. 

When I first realized I needed to heal and take time off from running, I let my body fully rest for a couple weeks while doing all the treatments I could think of.  Just recently, however, I have started to do a bit of cross training on top of this to make the transition back into running a little easier. 

 I have been able to satisfy that hunger for working and moving my body without the pounding, and that’s thanks to this wonderful machine called a Fast Lane.  I’ve started to get into the pool at the therapy and fitness center where I work to swim against the current that this machine creates.  It’s a lot like a treadmill for swimming, and includes a remote control to go faster or slower.  Naturally, I’ve gotten competitive with it and have been slightly increasing my speed over distance.  So, although swimming isn’t my first love, it is helping me exercise that same competitiveness and same desire to be better than I have been.  Therefore, during my time apart from running, I will be working on becoming better than I was the day before and living life in the Fast Lane.

~Clara

Mizuno Shoe Guy Answers Your Footwear Questions — September, 2012

by Bob "Wish" Wischnia on September 24, 2012

Do you have a shoe-related question? Or a running shoe question, specific to Mizuno for the Mizuno Shoe Guy? If you have a question you’d like him to answer, send it to Shoeguy@Mizunousa.com. He'll pick five questions a month to answer and if he picks your question, we'll send you a beautiful Mizuno tech T-shirt.

Inspire Fan

Q: Hi Shoe Guy.I absolutely love my Wave Inspire 5. I will never run in any other shoe, but they are worn out and I need a new pair. Unfortunately, I can’t find them anywhere. What is the closest model you currently have to the Inspire 5? Pia Ahn, New York City

A: You’re right: The Wave Inspire 5 was a great shoe and I’m glad you did so well in it. But we haven’t made the Inspire 5 for nearly five years. Fortunately, the Wave Inspire 8 and the soon-to-be 9 are even better versions. What about them are better? The 8 (and 9 when it is released in November) are lighter, have better flexibility and fit than the 5 ever did. The support is approximately the same and so is the cushioning, but the ride and overall comfort of the 8 are improved. I doubt you’ll find the Inspire 5 anymore, but I’m pretty certain you will like the Inspire 8 (or 9) just as much—if not more.

Rider for Marathon Training

Q: I am training for my fourth marathon which I will run in Philadelphia in November. I’m 57 years old and running 40-50 miles a week and have been using the Asics Cumulus, but want to switch. My son ran in college and swears by your shoes. I am looking for a good, lightweight, cushioned Mizuno. Can you help with a good suggestion for me? Karen O’Connor, Poughkeepsie, New York

A: You bet I can. I think we have exactly the shoe you’re looking for: The Mizuno Wave Rider 15. It’s lighter than the Cumulus, has better cushioning and, in my opinion, a smoother ride. One of the great aspects to the Rider is its fit. It practically wraps around your foot with such a comfortable upper, you tend to forget you even have a shoe on. Good luck in Philly. It’s a terrific race.

Mizuno Control Shoe

Q: All my running friends say Mizuno shoes are the best. I have never worn a pair, but need a good support shoe to correct for my overpronation. Which Mizuno would you suggest? Diane Vanasse, Mountain View, California

A: I like what your running friends have to say about Mizuno!I couldn’t agreemore.Mizuno has three exceptional support shoes: the Wave Inspire, Wave Alchemy and Wave Nirvana. Of the three, the Inspire is the lightest but it’s only moderately supportive. The Alchemy and Nirvana are both extremely supportive shoes (more supportive than the Inspire) and recommended for severe overpronators. The differences between the Alchemy and Nirvana are the Nirvana has better full-length support, a more cushioned rearfoot and, in my opinion, the upper is more stream-lined and comfortable. I would suggest you try all three on and go with the one that fits and feels the best. My guess is it will be the Wave Nirvana.

Love Struck

Q: I emailed you a few months ago about getting another pair of Wave Creations and since I’ve been running in them, I am love struck. Not a day goes by that I don’t rave about them to another runner. Right now, I’m looking to add another pair of Mizuno trail shoes for my runs on state park trails in the middle of North Carolina. If possible, I’d also like to use this shoe for cross-training in the gym so it can’t be too heavy. Do you have a versatile trail shoe for me? Molly McKinley, Raleigh, North Carolina

A: I’m so glad the Wave Creation has worked out so well for you and appreciate all the comments you can send along to your fellow runners. That always helps. As for a good trail shoe, I would definitely suggest the Mizuno Wave Ascend. It has the comfort, cushioning and feel of a road shoe, yet has added outsole traction which grips the trail well. Although the Ascend isn’t designed specifically for cross training, it’s so comfortable and light that I often wear it to my gym for my bi-weekly strength training. Plus, the Ascend simply looks nice.

Returning Runner

Q: I am finally returning to running after being injured. Last year, I wore the Brooks Adrenaline ended up with a tear in my posterior tibial tendon. Even though I liked the Adrenaline, they wore out quickly and I feel like I need better support. I wear orthotics and heard they fit well in Mizunos. True? I don’t overpronate too badly so which shoe would you recommend for me? Ann White, Novi, Michigan

A: Yes, that’s true. Although orthotics tend to differ a great deal, they generally fit well in Mizuno shoes (once the insole has been removed) due to the snug heel counter. I’ve worn orthotics most of my adult running life and have never experienced any heel slippage in Mizuno shoes. Which shoe would work best for you? My best bet is the Wave Inspire. It’s similar to the Adrenaline in terms of support, but it’s lighter and more flexible. But, in my opinion, the Inspire has a better, smoother ride than the Adrenaline.