Renee Metivier Baillie Selected to Represent The United States at the IAAF World Track and Field Championships

by Ron Wayne on May 14, 2013

USATF has selected Mizuno Racing Team Member, Renee Metivier Baillie, to represent the United States in the marathon at the World Track and Field Championships this coming August in Moscow.   Only 3 marathon runners were chosen to compete for the US, so this is an extremely prestigious honor.  Renee was selected because of her performance at last year's World Major Chicago Marathon where she placed 8th (1st American) in her debut marathon in a time of 2:27.17.  Track and Field News ranked Renee 5th in the United States for 2012.

Renee Metivier Baillie Approaching the Finish Line at Chicago

Stages of Grief

by Serena Burla on May 9, 2013

Several years ago I was struggling through a track workout when a good friend of mine, Tim, started saying things to me during the workout that were kind of out of character for him.  I remember feeling sorry for myself for an interval, getting really mad on another, and eventually finishing on a much better note.  As we talked while I stretched he told me he saw me losing the workout and used the stages of grief to try and push me through.  He said his thought process was, the faster I got to acceptance stage the more successful my workout would become. 

I bring this up because last week, two weeks post Boston Marathon, this workout popped into my head and I realized the events of the Boston Marathon truly had me going through the stages of grief.  Although I did not know any of the victims personally, I view the running community as my  family, and so I hurt.  That easily could have been me or my immediate family. I’ve stood where they stood a hundred times.  Races are my home away from home and mine had been attacked.  I was in shock and unable to turn away from the hotel t.v. less than a block from the site.  Who could do something like that? A terrorist attack on innocent people; my brain will never comprehend.  My shock, sadness, and anger were muddled. 

 When I was finally able to call my family, my four-year-old son told me, “Mommy, there were two explosions.” We kept telling each other we loved each other and we prayed for those who were hurt, scared, and sad.  When I returned home he was worried I was going to die.  This made me hurt even more. I scrolled through the ongoing news and photos in private, with my heart continuing to break. 

Back in Virginia at the grocery store I had a breakdown in the cracker aisle as I saw a man proudly wearing his 2013 Boston jacket.  I would usually approach such a person post marathons to congratulate them or inquire about their journey, but on that day I was too choked up.  Again I was angry and filled with sorrow that the bombings overshadowed the marathon, such an incredible feat.  I felt as if asking his time would have been like asking,  how far removed were you from the blast?  I wanted to give him a hug and ask how he was holding up more from an emotional standpoint than the physical you would associate with a person post marathon.

As I tried to work through my feelings and heal I went back to something my mom had shared with me the night before the race:

Mom: This is what my April 15th journal entry is from my book, Jesus Calling.

“TRUST ME, and don't be afraid. Many things feel out of control. Your routines are not running smoothly. You tend to feel more secure when your life is predictable. Let Me lead you to the rock that is higher than you and your circumstances. Take refuge in the shelter of My wings, where you are absolutely secure.

I lead you on from glory to glory, making you fit for My kingdom. Say yes to the ways I work in your life. Trust Me and don't be afraid.”

April 15 was definitely a day with circumstances that had me afraid and looking up to God for answers.  Situations like this are when I feel the urge to question, “Why.”  It’s when I wish He would throw down a map and say don’t worry this is exactly where I am going with this.  My life had been rocked, but I knew in my heart to keep the faith and pray.  Healing takes time and so I began focusing on what I could control. 

On multiple days I dragged myself out of bed, but as time went on I found comfort in the stories of the heroes.  The first responders, the victims themselves, the runners who donated blood, the people who stood strong and pulled together to show the strength of the running community.  When my running break ended, I laced back up my Mizuno’s and ran.  I ran for therapy, I ran for Boston, and I ran for those unable to run.  

Like our foot strikes as we run step by step, we runners have an uncanny ability to bouce back higher and with more passion and to recruit more runners in the process.  The ways in which we runners are there when we need each other most is truly a special thing.  The unity provides much needed hope for many of us.  As we pound the pavement, the trails, the treadmill, converse with a running partner, and line up again, we work through things.  For me personally, it is helping me move through the stages of grief to the later stages of acceptance and hope.   It’s taken me much longer to get there than my workout example at the beginning of this post, but I will get there. 

Be fearless, run for the love, and keep your faith.

Mizuno's Craig Leon's Big Breakthrough at Boston

by Bob "Wish" Wischnia on May 3, 2013

Going into the 2013 Boston Marathon, Craig Leon was just another anonymous American marathoner with minor-league credentials.

So much for anonymity. In the space of just a few hours, Leon, a 29-year-old from small town Ohio who now lives in Eugene and PR'ed in 2:14:38 at Boston, did more interviews than he had in the entirety of his running his career--combined.

Just as impressive as his PR, Leon, who had never placed high in a national-class race, finished 10^th and was the third American at the tragically historic Boston.

Even though the horrific events of Patriots Day, 2013 overshadowed everything and everyone, Leon's race on the big stage of Boston was a significant breakthrough for a guy whose biggest race to date had been at the Mississippi Blues Marathon.

“To finish Boston and be able to say I was within 30 seconds of seventh place,” said Leon who runs for Team Mizuno, “gives me the confidence that when I get into races like this in the future, I can run more aggressively and be more competitive. It just felt so good to run a complete race. Once I got over the hills and reached 24 miles, it was such a relief to still have my legs underneath me and not just be hanging on.

“But even though I PR'ed by a minute, I still feel like I left something out on the course  in terms of time. I am certainly happy the way Boston turned out and couldn't have closed any faster than I did, but I went out too conservatively and gave away too much time in the first 10 miles{his first half split was 66:38} to be truly competitive.”

Until Boston, Leon simply hasn't been competitive on a national stage and never quite believed he belonged in the lead pack with the big boys—because he didn't. Prior to Boston, his resume showed plenty of finishes in the top 25 in such races as Chicago, the Olympic Trials, Falmouth and Gate River, but his only victories were in regional races such as half marathons in Oregon in Eugene, Corvallis and Medford. Not exactly resume-building races.

But Boston changed that. More than anything, Boston gave Leon the belief that after years of slogging it out, that he was—finally--on the right track. “Boston gives me the reassurance that I am doing the right things with my training. I have been able to string together years of consistent training, but until you get the results to back it up, it can be pretty discouraging.”

Leon certainly has had his fair share of discouragement. Leon, who is from Van Wert, Ohio in the west central part of the state, near the Indiana border, wasn't even a star in high school (11^th in the state meet in cross-country and the 3200 meters) which didn't get him so much as a nibble from any Division 1 colleges. Eventually, he walked on to the cross-country and track team at Ohio University despite never having run as far as 10 miles without stopping. But somehow Leon survived and by his senior year, had qualified for the NCAA cross-country champs. After graduating from Ohio U., Leon had no idea what he wanted to do so he stayed in Athens as a graduate student and volunteer coach. (He earned a dual masters in 2009 from Ohio University in coaching education and athletic administration.)

Only problem was working, coaching, going to school and trying to train proved too much. “I was stretching myself too thin,” said Leon. “I remember in the winter of 2011, I was supposed to leave with the team for a meet on a Saturday morning and got up at 4:30 to do a long run in the snow and ice in zero degrees. When I finished, I just decided that I wasn't going to do this anymore.”

Leon had entered a few local half marathons in Ohio and did well enough that, “I just had an itch to see if I could take running any further,” he said. “I had some friends who lived in Eugene and came out here to see what could happen.”

What happened was Leon joined the fledgling Team Run Eugene (coached by Ian Dobson, a former star at Stanford) and began to churn out 110-120 mile weeks like clockwork. To support himself, Leon got a job at Eugene Running Company as well as another one at the University of Oregon Law School as a program assistant (he still holds down both jobs) and tried to establish himself on the roads.

But with fairly modest speed (29:49/14:23 on the track), Leon  knew he wasn't nearly as gifted as some of the other heavy hitters in Eugene. “I'm just not blessed with great natural foot speed,” says Leon. “I definitely can't break 14 minutes {for 5000 meters}, but my talent is to recover well from hard workouts and string together day after day of 20-mile days.”

His other talent is sheer determination. To prepare for Boston, Leon upped his training to as high as 140 miles for a few weeks on six days of double workouts and one long run of between 21 and 25 miles. For Boston, Leon averaged about 120 miles per week and tolerated it well without missing a day due to injury.

“I've always had to work hard for everything. I'm not a guy who has been given anything. I've  never had immediate success,” says Leon. “Doing well at Boston, gives me a lot of confidence and leaves me excited for my next marathon in the fall {probably Chicago where he was 20^th last October in 2:15:38}. I've only run six marathons and as I gain more experience in major races, I won't be quite so awed the next time.

“In other ways, Boston doesn't change anything at all for me. I know I'm on the right path, doing the right things. I can get better. I know that. I have a lot of room to grow and my improvement won't come from higher volume. It will come from developing greater quality in my training. If I can push that speed envelope and stay healthy, I don't see any reason I can't run 2:12.”

If Leon accomplishes that, he'd better get used to more interviews.

Craig Leon Busy With Community Promotions After The Boston Marathon

by Ron Wayne on May 6, 2013

Mizuno Racing Team Member, Craig Leon, who finished 10th (3rd American) in the recent Boston Marathon, has been very busy with events within the running community, since his return from Boston.  This past Saturday, for the second year in a row, Craig wore a Pancake Costume at the local Flapjack 5K Race.  In a field of 635 runners, Craig placed 6th with a time of 17:05.  All runners (5) who beat Craig, received a year's supply of pancake mix.  Craig vows to break 17 minutes at next year's race!   On Sunday Craig was the official starter at the Eugene Marathon, a race he won in 2010.   Later this month, on Saturday morning, May 18, Craig will do a "Meet and Greet" at Carrie Larcheid's account, Second Sole Cleveland, where Craig will discuss his Boston Marathon race and then from noon to 2 p.m at the Cleveland Marathon Expo. Craig will be featured  at the Rite Aid Cleveland Marathon Expo Booth that will be collecting donations for  the Boston One Fund.

 Running a 17.05 5K in a Pancake Costume, Craig Leon is the fastest Flapjack In Eugene

Craig Was The Official Starter Of The Eugene Marathon

The Planet Wave: Is Running Bad For Your Knees?

by Bob "Wish" Wischnia on April 25, 2013

How many times have you heard this one from some well-meaning, non-runner: “If you keep up with all that running, it’s going to ruin your knees. Pretty soon, you won't be even be able to walk.” If I had a breakfast taco for every single time I’ve heard that, I could compete with Taco Bell.

Heck, I’ve been running since fourth grade and my mother still insists on telling me before every marathon that all this running around I've done has trashed my legs and makes me too skinny. Not that I’ve ever listened to her. (Sorry, mom). 

Gotta admit though, intuitively it does make some degree of sense that the longer you run, the more wear and tear you place on the knee. One of these days it’s just gonna wear out, right?

Actually, no. Nor, does running lead to the onset of osteoarthritis or any other crippling disease. In fact, just the opposite. Inactivity is the crippling disease of millions of Americans, not running.

A study at Boston University School of Medicine looked at the continuous impact of the foot with the ground and the commonly accepted belief that running causes degeneration of the knee and can lead to all sorts of arthritic conditions.

Said lead researcher and epidemiologist David Felson of BU: “We know from many long-term studies that running doesn’t appear to cause much damage to the knees. When we look at people with knee arthritis, we don’t find much of a previous history of running, and when we look at runners and follow them over time, we don’t find that their risk of developing osteoarthritis is any more than expected.” Felson added that recreational running doesn't increase the risk of arthritis.

Yet another study—this one conducted in Sweden—found that exercise, including running, may even be beneficial. In this study, researchers took one group of older people at risk of osteoarthritis and had them engage in exercise, including running. The other at-risk group didn’t exercise at all. After looking at the joints of the participants in both study groups, they found that the biochemistry of cartilage improved in those participants who ran.

Multiple studies have shown that movement boosts the knee's cartilage. Running also helps people to maintain their weight which is another key to slowing arthritis. Lack of movement is the killer.

The one caveat is if you already have knee osteoarthritis—a slow, steady loss of the knee's cushioning cartilage—running is not recommended. Especially if you're already overweight. Running won't cause arthritis of the knees, but it may hasten or worsen the condition, once it started.

Without question, your muscles sustain some minor damage when you run, but, say researchers, exercise (or running) stimulates cartilage to repair much of the damage. It is theorized that the impact of your body weight when the foot contacts the ground, increases production of certain proteins in the cartilage that make it stronger in the same way that running increases bone and muscle mass.

This is especially good news for older runners who naturally lose some cartilage after the age of 40. But, says researcher Nancy Lane of the UC Davis Center for Healthy Aging,“If you have a relatively normal knee and you're jogging five to six times a week at a moderate pace, then there's every reason to believe that your joints will remain healthy.”

Lane, who has done long-term studies of runners of the 50-Plus Running Club when she was at Stanford University, adds: “We wanted to answer the important question of whether, if you continued to run into your 50s and 60s and even 70s, do you also ran the risk of damaging the knees?”

Her answer, based on years of studying older runners: Regardless of your age, running will not damage the knees.

But, there are a few caveats. Lane says that if you have suffered a knee injury, especially one that required surgery, running can increase your risk of knee arthritis. So can routinely running really fast — at a five- or six-minute-mile pace — or running a marathon.

Ooops. Maybe, mom’s right after all.

Patrick Rizzo Finishes 12th At The London Marathon. Craig Curley and Christo Landry Race Well At Mount SAC Relays

by Ron Wayne on April 22, 2013

Mizuno Racing Team Member, Patrick Rizzo Places 12, Top American, In The London Marathon

The London Marathon is one of 6 marathons that make up what is called the World Marathon Majors.   The other 5 races are Boston, Chicago, New York, Berlin and Tokyo.  Mizuno Racing Team Member, Patrick Rizzo, finished 12th (top American) with a time of 2:16.10.  Patrick's first half of the race was 1:06.15.  Here is what Patrick had to say about his race:  " It didn't end how I hoped but I did put it out there and did take some risks. I came through halfway at 66:15 and was working hard to maintain already. I got a wicked blister early in the race when someone tripped me up at two miles.  The blister burst in my shoes at 30km and it was the best feeling in the world! Someone took my first two water bottles from the table and drank from them, so at 5k and 10k I had to stop and pick up my bottles from the road to get the fluids. Overall, I'm glad I finished and I'm looking forward to mapping out what comes next."  

Mt. SAC Relays: Christo Landry Runner Up In 5000 Meters and Craig Curley 3rd In 10,000 Meters

In an effort to work on their leg speed for their upcoming road races, Mizuno Racing Team Members,  Christo Landry and Craig Curley raced at the Mt. SAC Relays Track Meet..  Christo, the 2012 Co-Champion of the USATF Road Racing Circuit, placed 2nd in the Olympic Development  Elite 5,000 meters with a time of 13:42.78.   Christo took the lead running the last half mile close to 2 minutes, but was edged out at the finish and lost by .89 one hundredths of a second.  Next up for Christo is the 10,000 meter Track Race at the Payton Jordan Track Meet at Stanford this coming Sunday.  In the Elite Invitational 10,000 meters, Craig Curley placed 3rd  with a personal best time of 29:03.45.

USA Today London Marathon Interview With Mizuno Racing Team Member, Patrick Rizzo

by Ron Wayne on April 19, 2013

Mizuno Racing Team Member, Patrick Rizzo, the top US entrant in this weekend's World Major, London Marathon, was interviewed by USA Today.  In the article Patrick discusses his emotions about the Boston Marathon and his approach to the London Marathon.  There is a photo of Patrick finishing last year's USATF Half Marathon Championships and the Mizuno Runbird Logo is visible on his uniform.  Click here to view the article.

Hello Mizuno Fans

by on April 22, 2013

I am so grateful for your interest and passion for this sport and to the company of Mizuno that does everything in its power to encourage this beautiful sport of running in all its forms.

This is my first blog post as a Mizuno Athlete, which would normally be reserved as an avenue for me to say “Hi!” and introduce myself as an athlete, give my much deserved thanks to Mizuno for supporting my endeavors, and to talk about my goals for the upcoming racing season.  I would love to blog about all those things.   However, the shocking tragedy at the Boston Marathon is at the forefront of my mind.

There are so many topics that I’d love to discuss on this blog, but the events in Boston demand my attention at the moment.  Like so many of you, I am at a loss of words for the acts of terrorism that occurred near the finish line of the Boston Marathon.  The person or persons behind this attack seemed only interested in creating chaos, mayhem, and violence.  The Boston Marathon, like so many other sporting events, celebrates acts of human achievement and charitable gains… in striking contrast to the destruction and brutality that we all witnessed on Monday.

It is my sincere hope that investigators find the perpetrator(s) behind this terrible crime, and that they feel the full weight of justice for their actions.  More importantly, I hope the victims of this atrocious act can find some measure of peace, healing, and serenity in the aftermath of this devastating incident.

As we keep all of those affected by this terrible tragedy in our thoughts and prayers, it is our duty to lace up our Mizuno training shoes and go out the door.  We keep on running… to show that our passion to run, compete, and live life to its fullest will not be deterred by those misguided individuals bent on violence and destruction.   With the aid of our trusty running shoes, we will rise above.

Carry on,

Renee

“The people that are trying to make the world worse never take a day off.  How can I?  Light up the darkness.” – Bob Marley

Post Race Boston Marathon Interview With Craig Leon

by Ron Wayne on April 18, 2013

Mizuno Racing Team Member, Craig Leon, placed 10th (3rd American) in Monday's Boston Marathon.  I caught up with Craig today for a post race interview.

This was your first Boston Marathon.  Did the race go as you had planned?

I would say that I executed my race plan very well on Monday.  The goal was to run conservatively through the first half of the race, and to avoid getting caught up in some of the early-race excitement.  I think having a group of guys to run with for the first 15 miles really helped me to run a smart first half.  The hills were tough, but I think I ran very well from miles 16-21 and I was able to feed off the crowd to finish strong.  I was surprised at how good my legs felt coming off the hills and that's when I knew I was going to be able to run well.  Of course, I had expectations of running fast and finishing high coming into the race, but I don't think I imagined being able to finish in the top-10.  Being top-10 at Boston still seems a bit unreal.

How did the weather affect your performance?

Runners were greeted with a beautiful morning in Boston on Monday.  The temperatures were ideal (low 50s) and the sun was out - I actually finished the race with a jersey-lined sunburn.  There was an annoying little headwind the whole way, and that might have slowed times down some, but all in all, it was a pretty good day to run.  And certainly, a marked improvement on the 2012 weather.

There's a series of  hills with the last one called "Heartbreak Hill" leading up to the 21 mile mark.   How did you feel going up the hills?

I was running so well, and in such a zone, that almost didn't realize we had even gotten through the Newton hills.  I remember going up a couple of what, I thought were small hills, and that I had not really slowed my pace before I figured out that we were to mile 19 and coming up on Heartbreak hill.  I felt good and wanted to make sure that I made it up and over Heartbreak without putting myself into too much of a deficit.  Going up the hill, I probably eased off the pace more than I needed to, but at that point, I just didn't want to screw up my race.  You hear people talking a lot about attacking the hills, and in some races, that's what you need to do, but I think it's more important to run the hills in Boston conservatively, and take advantage of the downhills afterwards.

What did you think about the crowds along the course?

The crowds support was unlike anything I have ever experienced.  The miles absolutely flew by and the closer you got towards the finish line, the larger and louder the crowds became.  Boston is Boston because of the crowd.  I remember running down Boylston Street thinking to myself how much fun that 2 hour run had been.

How is your recovery from the race progressing?

I'm feeling pretty good, actually.  I'm moving around well and enjoying the spoils of the post-marathon week: no running and lots of dessert!  I'll take 5-10 days off and then get back into some light running over the next few weeks.

Eugene Running Company, the store where you work, ran a contest for people to guess your Boston Marathon finish time on the store's Facebook Page.   The 3 closest guesses won Mizuno Prizes and if someone made an exact guess, they would win a pair of Mizuno Shoes.   How many guess were there and did anyone correctly guess your exact finish time?

There were 122 guesses on the ERC page, 10 on the store owner's page, 11 more guesses on my page for a total of 143 guesses.  There was one person who guessed my time exactly.  Ironically, he nearly correctly predicted my time (he was off by 1 second) when we had this contest for the Olympic Trials.  I guess I need him to guess a faster time the next we do this!

Have you been contacted by the media  for interviews or any other opportunities?

The last few days has been a whirlwind, really.  With everything that happened, both regarding my race and what happened in the aftermath, my phone and email has been buzzing and ringing non-stop.

Making Strides

by Clara Grandt on April 18, 2013

One week after racing the Cherry Blossom 10 miler, where I finished 10th place among the Americans, I am bent over on the side of the river rail trail coughing up a large bug that flew into my mouth with 4.5 miles to go of a hard 23 mile long run... the farthest I've run in... over a year? Pleased with the outcome of the run and tempo pickup on the end, I expel the bug and regain my composure enough to stagger toward the car and head to the nearby Sheetz to grab some chocolate milk and ice for an ice bath.  My younger self may have waited until I got home to have a recovery drink, eat, and probably decided not to put myself through more pain by soaking in ice water, but now I waste no time in starting recovery and increasing the benefits I get out of this long run.  

I only have a few weeks left of hard work before I run the Ottawa Marathon.  It doesn't feel like much time, but the pressure of feeling like I have big strides to make in only a few weeks makes it kind of exciting.  Each day I find myself thinking, "What else can I do today to be as prepared as possible for the marathon?"  I've felt I've been constantly working my way back from the foot injury that sidelined me in the fall and just a few weeks ago, I started dipping into the  real marathon specific training;  the kind of stuff that is long AND hard.  I've always been able to push myself hard in training runs and workouts, and now it's more important than ever that I get the most out of those hard efforts by making sure I recover and rebuild the muscles I tear down as soon and as healthily as I can.

Seeing a constant climbing improvement week by week in my fitness and speed has been enjoyable and necessary for my goals in the marathon.  I keep grasping more and more to things that will help me... Go to bed earlier, take a nap, eat well, massages, stretch, core work, practice fluids... There are so many factors outside of the hard running efforts that can boost you to the next level in the marathon.  I've had more impressive workouts and races before, but it’s been a long time since I've seen improvement this rapid in myself, so I have confidence I'll get there soon.  

Many times when I was younger, I've stood on the start line of a race feeling like I've done all the hard work, but also feeling like I could have done more of the "easier" stuff to make the most out of it.  That little bit of doubt is something I don't want to feel again.  I know that if I line up at the marathon having been disciplined in all aspects of training, I can be confident in my preparation and have no doubts that I will be ready to run well.  The rest of the factors, I’ll pray fall in my favor.

Mizuno Racing Team Member, Craig Leon Finishes 10th, 3rd American, In The Boston Marathon

by Ron Wayne on April 17, 2013

Despite the horrific tragedy that occurred at the finish line of the Boston Marathon, there were thousands of tremendous individual achievements and stories that day and a number of them included runners wearing the Runbird.  Finishing in 10th place overall (3rd American) was Mizuno Racing Team Member, Craig Leon.  Craig's time was 2:14:38 which was exactly one minute faster than his previous personal best.  Since it was his first time competing at the Boston Marathon, Craig ran conservatively and believes he can run faster next time.  Five Mizuno Employees competed and also ran very well and they are as follows:  Seth Hasty, 2:48.43,  Kevin Durkin, 2:49.01, Mike Moran, 2:54.41, Rick Patterson, 2:58.31, Alison Ritter 3:32.54   Congratulations to all on your great performances!

Craig Leon, Wearing The Wave Ronin 5, Approaches the Boston Marathon Finish Line

Serena Burla Boston Marathon Interview On WBZ-TV Boston

by Ron Wayne on April 9, 2013

Mizuno Racing Team Member, Serena Burla, will be running the Boston Marathon for the first time on Monday, April 15,  Ranked 4th in the marathon for  US women in 2012 by Track and Field News, Serena is one of the elite women invited by John Hancock to compete in the race.  In late January, Serena flew to Boston to familiarize herself with the Boston course.  When the BAA learned that Serena was coming to preview the course, they contacted CBS affiliate TV station, WBZ, the official TV station of the Boston Marathon, to interview Serena. 

Click to see interview.

Spring Training

by Patrick Rizzo on April 9, 2013

There are months at a time where I swear my biggest nemesis is the weather. Overall, Boulder has excellent weather year-round. Our winters are mild; our summers are sunny and dry; spring and fall are short but beautiful! I really can't complain as this has spoiled me since leaving the midwest 3 years ago.

This training buildup has been a real weird one. I haven't been able to get my long runs in as hard as I want and my longer workouts keep getting cut short due to lack of dry pavement (non-icy pavement really) for any real distance. Until last week, I had only done one workout longer than 3k intervals! It seems like the weather patterns are spacing out perfectly to try to sabotage my marathon next month in London.

Fear not! I have been piecing together a great block of training in spite of the weather! For 4 weeks now, my mileage has stayed over 130; I've gotten long runs over 20 miles now about a dozen times, sometimes twice in a week and always trying to keep them on hilly, tough courses. If I can't go fast, I'll be damned if I let my intensity slip up.

My college coach used to tell us (at least 5 false proclamations thereof along the way) once the weather broke for Illinois springs, “We've beaten winter, gentlemen!” I used to hate hearing that because inevitably that means there was a freak storm pattern later in the week that would kick us back off of the outdoor track and onto the long road tempos that make us tough through the Chicago winter.

This year is taking me back to my college days a little too familiarly. I have had to push some of my Wednesday runs together to get a second weekly long run in because the first was in a 12-15” snowstorm (which several of us met up to run outside in anyway!). My first structured, long tempo was last week. I would be lying if I said I wasn't nervous. You just never know how something like this is going to go when you pick up the pace and distance as if it was any week 7 buildup workout. Normally I'd have done 20-30km hard at LEAST twice by now. Here I was doing it for the first time, shooting for 5:00/mile effort on a road loop.

Much to my surprise, and I'm no pessimist, the workout went great and I felt awesome! This week was similar. I ran 4x3km on the same road loop and averaged under 5:00 pace again. What a relief! We're still 2 weeks away from my first fitness test of the training block, so I don't want to build it up too strongly. I really believe that doing more, shorter interval workouts may have helped me to make 5-minute-miles seem so much easier and more relaxed. Even over the longer distance workouts I'm back to doing, there seems to be a greater float at the paces I'm hitting and less strain. Who knows, maybe Old Man Winter had a trick up HIS sleeve to teach ME!

As always, if anyone has any questions or comments, please direct them straight to me on facebook (http://www.facebook.com/patrickrizzorunning) or Twitter (@runPRizzo) and I'll do my best to get back to you quickly! Happy training--and happy spring--everyone!

Mizuno Athlete Weekend Update

by Ron Wayne on April 8, 2013

Caroline Rotich Wins The Cherry Blossom 10 Mile

Clara Grandt Finishes 10th In USA Women's 10 Mile Championships

Mizuno International Athlete, Caroline Rotich, who lives and trains in Albuquerque, New Mexico, won the prestigious Cherry Blossom 10 Mile in a time of 52.46.   This race, which had over 17,000 finishers (over 10,000 were women) was also the women's USATF Women's 10 Mile Championships.   Mizuno Racing Team Member, Clara Grandt , placed 10th in the US Championships in a time of 56:40.  In the men's division, Mizuno Race Team Runner, Patrick Rizzo, placed 9th overall and 2nd American in a time of 49:25.  The Cherry Blossom 10 miler was a good tune up for Patrick who will be competing in the World Major London Marathon in two weeks.

Mizuno Runner, Caroline Rotich, Receives First Place Award

 Clara Grandt and Patrick Rizzo Display Their Awards

 Clara and Patrick Wearing The New 2013 Mizuno Racing Team Uniforms

Mizuno Shoe Guy Answers Your Footwear Questions—April, 2013

by Bob "Wish" Wischnia on April 5, 2013

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. If we pick your question for the Mizuno Shoe Guy to answer, we’ll send you a beautiful Mizuno DryScience T-shirt.

Nirvana fan

Q: I love the Wave Nirvana and still have a few pair left. I have heard they will be discontinued. If so, will it be available in next generation of Mizuno shoes? Also, what is the closest current Mizuno to the Nirvana in terms of support? Phil Franklin, Nashville, Tennessee

A: You have heard correctly: The Wave Nirvana has been discontinued and it will not be available in the future. But there is a new support shoe in the pipeline which will be out in January, 2014. Until then, the most comparable Mizuno to the Nirvana is the Wave Alchemy. It is just as supportive as the Nirvana was, weighs about the same and is just as durable.

Need more support?

Q: Hi MSG. I am 35 years old and run three or four half marathons a year and want to move up to a marathon. I am not pleased with my current shoes and want to switch to Mizunos, but I am confused which one is the best for me. I have knee issues and think I need greater support, but I don't know the difference between stability and neutral shoes. Can you explain the difference and recommend a specific shoe for me? Chrysostomos  Eliades, Athens, Greece

A: Stability is synonymous with support. A stability shoe offers some degree of medial support (the inner side of the shoe) to reduce the amount a foot pronates which is the distinctive collapse of the arch. Some pronation is normal; too much can be injurious. A neutral shoe emphasizes cushioning, rather than support. Runners who are biomechanically efficient in their gait—don't pronate to excess—usually are more comfortable in neutral shoes. Which type of shoe would be best for you? Probably support. Often knee issues occur because of lack of lower leg stability which would be addressed with a more supportive shoe. I would definitely recommend the Mizuno Wave Inspire 9 which is moderately supportive, flexible and well-cushioned.

Big, fast man

Q: Mr. Shoe Guy, I have problems finding shoes that will hold up well for me because of my size (6-3, 215 pounds) and speed work  (5:30 to 6-minute pace). I used to like softer shoes such as as the Nike Pegasus and Brooks Ghost, but after getting a pair of Wave Rider 15s last year I switched to the firmer ride. I would like to get another pair of more cushioned Mizuno shoes for longer runs and trying to decide between the Wave Creation and Wave Enigma. What would you suggest? Phillip Jones, Buda, Texas

A: Both the Creation and Enigma are extremely well-cushioned shoes that are fine for long runs. The difference is the Creation has a full-length Infinity Wave which provides great arch support and rearfoot durability. The Enigma also has a full-length Wave plate, but it doesn't have the same arch or rearfoot cushioning as the Creation. But the Enigma is slightly lighter than the Creation and has a softer midsole. And even though both shoes are classified as maximum neutral shoes, the Enigma has a more supportive ride than the Creation. If I had to choose between the two as a long run shoe which is most compatible with the Wave Rider, I would go with the Wave Enigma. In fact, I do. I use it as my long run shoe because of its uncompromising cushioning.

Minimalist for ITB issues?

Q: I saw your thread on the Runner's World Shoe Forum and I'm hoping you can make a recommendation. I don't live near any running stores to try on shoes and get advice so I thought I would ask you directly. I normally wear Vibram Five Fingers and recently moved to Altra shoes, but I overpronate and have had ITB problems. I'm beginning to think I am in the wrong shoes and need to back to a more traditional shoe. Do you agree and can you suggest a Mizuno for me? Liz Killian, Troup, Texas

A: Liz, minimalist shoes such as the type you have been wearing are not for every runner. In fact, only a small percentage of runners can safely wear them due to lack of support and cushioning. If you overpronate, they are definitely not for you. My guess is the ITB pain you are suffering from is probably attributable to a lack of shoe support. Instead of seeking the lightest shoes, I would suggest wearing more conventional shoes such as the Mizuno Wave Inspire 9 or the Wave Rider 16. Both have a normal heel heights, are relatively light and are well-cushioned. The difference between the two is the Inspire is more supportive than the Rider. If you overpronate, I would go with the Inspire.

Need wider toebox

Q: Bob, I normally run between 40 and 50 miles per week and love my Mizunos. My only complaint is narrow toebox. Cough, cough...hate to gripe, but my Mizunos just aren't wide enough for me and I have blisters to prove it. I would really like to see Mizuno make some women's shoes with a wider toe area. Any chance of that happening?  Christina Minch, Holly Springs, North Carolina

A: Your wish is our command. Actually, our two popular shoes—the Wave Rider and Wave Inspire—are both available in an extra wide width (D) for women. Not all running stores carry the wider width in stock, but they can certainly special order it for you without any extra charge.

The Planet Wave: Open Up the Boston Marathon

by Bob "Wish" Wischnia on March 26, 2013

That the Boston Marathon is the greatest road race in the world is incontrovertible. Boston is one of those one-word iconic events like the Masters or Wimbledon.  No further explanation is necessary.

Boston certainly isn’t the biggest marathon, but it’s the oldest (April 12^th will be the 117^th) and most tradition-laden race in the world. It’s the one race every marathoner aspires to run.

Just last weekend after a final long run before Boston, a bunch of the recent class of Boston survivors were exchanging war stories of the death march that was Boston, 2012. Meanwhile, standing just a few feet away, was a friend of mine who was looking on with great envy at all the Boston runners who were sporting various Boston gear from last year’s race.

My friend is certainly no slouch, but simply doesn’t have the wheels necessary to nail his Boston qualifier. He’s tried several times, but has been plagued by the vagaries of marathoning (rotten weather, bad luck, injuries). If everything came together for him on a flat course in perfect weather, he might be able to run a highly respectable 3:30, but that would still leave him 20 minutes short of his BQ.

“I’ll never get in,” he moaned after running 3:35 in February on a difficult, windy course. “Never.  All I want is to just run Boston once.”

I’ll you something that I know won’t make me real popular: He should be able to run Boston once. Every red-blooded American marathon should have that same chance—qualified or not.

Now I know what all you Boston qualifiers are probably saying: “I had to qualify. He should too. Boston isn’t a race for everybody.”

(Before anyone gets too smug, it wasn’t all that many years ago that the BQ was 2:50. Chew on that for a moment.)

My point is simply this: Boston should have some sort of lottery every year which allows a select number of non-qualifying marathoners (say, 5000) the once-in-a-lifetime chance to run the race. But just once.

Hold your objections for a moment and allow me to point out that approximately 5000 non-qualifiers run Boston every Patriot’s Day as charity runners who get in by raising a certain amount of money.  They don’t have qualifying times (some have never even run a marathon) and yet run as full-fledged Boston marathoners. Last year, I met some friends at the Boston finish line on Boylston Street around 5 p.m. and watched numerous charity runners struggle across the finish line in five and six hours. Their struggle was just as difficult as folks running 2-3 hours faster.

I say: Good for them.

I also say Boston could easily afford another 5000 non-qualifiers (all who have run previous marathons) that same once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. A fourth wave would have to be added and all the lottery runners would start in the back of the back of the pack. (If there’s any doubt, I remind you of the Centennial Boston—1996—when about 40,000 ran.)

How would this intrusion of non-qualifiers impact all the Boston qualifiers in the first three waves? Not in the least. Those with hard-earned BQs would still get a preferred start in one of the first three waves and the slower, lottery runners would be 30-40 minutes way in the back.

Would this inclusion of slower, non-qualifiers somehow diminish the accomplishment of attaining a coveted Boston qualifying time? Of course not.  You would still be in exclusive company and certainly deserving of a premium spot on the starting line in Hopkinton.

If you’ve been fortunate enough to run Boston (and I have), you know what makes Boston so great. It’s the history-laden, point-to-point course through Ashland, Framingham, Natick, Wellesley, and Newton in front of thousands and thousands of passionate marathon lovers. It’s Wellesley College, the Heartbreak Hills, Cleveland Circle and Kenmore Square. The John Kelley Statue, the Citgo sign and Fenway Park. It’s that tiny, last uphill (Hereford Street) and the fire station at the top of it before the joyous run down Boylston to the finish.

All of that is what makes Boston so special. Not the qualifying times.

Boston is the birthplace of liberty and freedom.  It’s also the birthplace of modern marathoning. Opening up Boston to all American marathoners would make Boston the most democratic of all major marathons. Every marathoner should have that one chance to run Boston.

Remember

by Serena Burla on March 27, 2013

I find myself running the wrong way from the starting line when the gun goes off.  I am frantically trotting with one foot in my Mizuno Wave Ronins and the other in my Nirvanas.  I am not even sure if they are tied.  Somehow I catch up to the field only to find myself running through a stairwell.  My legs get so tired that I have to pull myself up with a rope, andseveral times I stop to talk to people I have never seen before.  Even though I am going up stairs I eventually find myself on a grassy field. Huh? I open my eyes briefly, shake it off, and realize it was a dream, orwould this qualify as a nightmare?  I guess it would depend on how I finished.  Call it what you want, for me it was atelltale sign I wouldbe racing within the week. 

Crazy running related dreamsthat makeno sense areone of the many things that hoist me into race mode.  You guessed it, this was not the first time I’ve woken with the thought, did I race already?  Talk about expecting the unexpected in a race-ha. 

This past weekend I ran the New York City half marathon as a stepping stone inmy journey towards Boston.  It was a race to remember.  Not in a fantastic, memorable, and career defining sense, but becauseit had been a while since I had laced up and towed the line.  Therefore, I used the race as an opportunity to rememberhow a race feels mentally andphysically. Not only during the race, butin the lead up as well.  You aren’t the only one who is grateful when the “go” signal finally sounds and the race begins.  I think my heart rate might actually decrease slightly at the start.

I had to remember what it was like to travel to the race.  Always bring more than enough food and water on the trip since you never know what might occur. Case in point, we stopped and picked up the passengers from the train in front of us which had broken down.  The two dollar water from the station was well worth it.    I remembered what it was like to sleep in a hotel, searching for the pillow most like home, and what to do to relax. Down time in a hotel away from my four year old is quite different than down time at home.  I made a mental note to pack more gum next time, calms the nerves.  Although I do not come from a swimming background, I went through the routine of carefully shaving my legs the night before, a reminder to allow extra shower time.  The freezing weather reminded me your cannot control it, but you can race through anything.  Just pack appropriately. Hats, gloves and arm warmers no matter what the forecast.  The daytime high isn’t typically during a morning race time.  Post-race I was reminded of the importance of body glide for my common chafing areas-ouch.    

During the race I remembered what it was like to race.  To race the competition, to go through good and bad points, to stay awake and alert. I was reminded how a three second gap should never have been formed, how a tight turn should have been executed differently, how you can use the crowds, cheers, and music as fuel (Mama Mia down Times Square was really awesome), the importance of running a tangent on the course, how you can always dig deeper and be stronger mentally, andhow running the same pace requires much more effort as the race progresses.  I crossed the finish line initially dissatisfied.  After a little time I was actually glad I had that burning sensation in my heart.  Personally, it is good fuel to want more, a little extra incentive to push harder next time. A reminder of my desire and hunger. 

Three weeks until Boston.

~Serena

The Starting Line

by Clara Grandt on March 19, 2013

My racing season is opening this weekend in Virginia Beach at the Towne Bank 8k.  I'm looking forward to getting on the starting line in a competitive setting again and seeing the masses of runners who will be there for the marathon that it is associated with it the next day.  Something about seeing all the enthusiastic race goers preparing to conquer a goal they've set probably months ago motivates me to be an example as one of the leaders in the race of putting everything you've got into a race.

The setting of a road race, and especially one centered around a marathon, is an atmosphere I've always enjoyed.  The energy level of the crowds and the runners is so lifting to be around.  I love the unity of the elite athlete to the local runners and the diversity that comes together to enjoy the entire experience.  Everyone just seems to be enjoying themselves, whether they're out there to challenge themselves with other runners, themselves, or complete the distance of the race.  This is something unique to road racing, and its going to be a good start to my next phase of running.

Knowing my ultimate goal is to prepare for and run a great marathon in May, I am approaching this race as a starting point to the biggest weeks of marathon preparation.  Whatever the outcome, I will be happy to feel that energy of racing and the atmosphere again, knowing this will only help motivate me as I enter the biggest phase of marathon preparation.

-Clara

Mizuno Racing Shoes 2013: Which Mizuno You Should Wear In Your Next Race

by Bob "Wish" Wischnia on March 25, 2013

One of the most frequently asked questions runners have is whether or not they should buy racing shoes for an important, upcoming race. It’s a good question, especially among serious road racers who want to PR, contend for age-group honors or just get a little extra race-day boost.

Intuitively, wearing a lighter shoe in races will help you race faster. But it’s not quite that simple and there’s no single answer on the road-race shoe question that fits for every level of racer.

Generally speaking, extremely lightweight road racing (or road flats, the terms are synonymous) are not recommended for the average recreational runner. And racing shoes are absolutely not for the newbie who is merely trying to finish a marathon or half marathon for the first time.

Why not? After all, racing shoes are as much as five ounces lighter per shoe than conventional training shoes and it stands to reason with less shoe on your feet, you should be able to run faster.

That much is true--a lighter shoe is a faster shoe—but racing shoes have much less cushioning and support than training shoes. (That's why the shoes are lighter.) Most beginning racers can’t sacrifice cushioning and/or support for lightness without risk of injury. Additionally, if you aren't racing at least seven minutes per mile or faster, you aren't running fast enough to capitalize on wearing racing shoes.

But, many experienced, faster racers can afford to give up some cushioning and support in an effort to squeeze every second out of their race. For the faster guys and gals at the head of the pack, every second counts as they battle for top finishes and age-group awards.

If that doesn’t sound like you and you aren’t geared to run seven-minute pace (or much faster), you probably shouldn’t consider racing shoes. Flats aren’t worth the higher risk of injury and beside, won’t make a major difference in how fast you run.

However, if you are a skilled, fit racer who is biomechanically efficient—i.e., doesn’t pronate to the extreme—racing shoes can make a difference. How much?

For every ounce of weight you can eliminate from a training shoe versus a racing flat, you save about one second per mile. That's not a lot, but it can mean shaving a few seconds off a PR.

If you are contemplating whether to wear flats for a major race, you will gradually need to adapt to the different weight and lower heel heights. Buy racing flats at least a month before a key race and wear the racers in a few of your tempo runs to get a feel for the extreme lightness that will allow for a faster leg turnover.

Even some experienced racers find out that racing shoes are not for them. Instead, many use a light performance trainer-racer which are lighter than training shoes, but heavier (and better cushioned) than flats.

If you are a recreational racer who wants a lighter shoe for road races, but can't go to the extreme of wearing a road flat, try a lightweight trainer-racer such as the Mizuno Wave Precision or Wave Elixir. Both are lighter and more flexible than training shoes, but have the same level of cushioning as conventional shoes. In July, Mizuno will unveil the Wave Sayonara. This go-fast, high performance shoe is even lighter (8.1 ounces for men; 7.1 for women) than either the Precision or Elixir, but still has exceptional cushioning and just the right amount of support.

Here are some helpful guidelines that will assist you in making a decision whether to wear racing shoes or not:

1) Racing shoes will allow you to run faster, but they won’t make you run faster. Research shows that for every ounce that you shave off the weight of a training shoe, you will run one second per mile faster. If you extrapolate that from a typical 11-ounce trainer to a seven-ounce racer, that’s a savings of four ounces per shoe which translates to four seconds per mile. That equates to 12 seconds in a 5-K or nearly two minutes in a marathon.

2) Racing shoes make you feel faster. Race morning is different from a normal training day and chances are you want this day to feel special. That’s why you wear a singlet with a number and that’s why many racers also wear racing shoes. They want to feel faster and racing flats allows them to feel like there’s almost nothing on their feet to slow them down.

3) Use racing shoes for a few shorter runs before wearing them in a race. Racing in flats is an acquired feeling and you must get accustomed to the extra pounding your legs will take. Racing shoes weight less because there is less shoe. Plus, racing shoes have lower heel heights than conventional trainers.

4) If you need plenty of cushioning, racing shoes are out. Most racers offer about 20 percent less midsole cushioning than training shoes. If you need that extra comfort, stick with trainers.

5) If you need support and stability, stick with your trainers. Racing shoes have almost no support features. If you overpronate and need those added support features, stick with your trainers. Or try a lightweight performance trainer.

6) If you’re a big runner, racing shoes are not for you. Simply put, bigger, heavier runners need all the support and cushioning they can get. Especially in the final 10 miles of a marathon. Wear training shoes that have worked for you in the past.

7) Racing shoes have lower heel heights. Typically, training shoes have heel heights of 12 mm, but road racing shoes are in the 5-9 mm range which aids in midfoot or forefoot running. But the lower heel heights do take some adaptation.

Mizuno is renowned for its roster of exceptional road-racing shoes: The Wave Ronin 5, Wave Musha 5,  Wave Universe 4 and the new Wave Ekiden. Mizuno also makes two popular lightweight performance that are suitable for racing-- the Wave Precision and Wave Elixir—and in July will introduce the Wave Sayonara.

Road-racers: Intended primarily for road-racing. Extremely light and flexible with lower heel heel heights.

• Wave Universe 4 (3.8 ounces) is a stripped down racer built purely for speed. The lightest racing shoe on the market, the Wave Universe weighs about half of what most conventional road-racing shoes weigh. With a heel-to-toe ramp of only 5 mm, the Universe has a very low, fast profile which has gained considerable following among minimalist enthusiasts as a training shoe. Available in unisex sizing. In July, Mizuno will bring out an even lighter Wave Universe which will weigh an unbelievable 2.8 ounces as well as for the first time have a women's Universe (2.2 ounces). The new Wave Universe 5 will also have a lower heel ramp of only 3 mm. Best suited for sub-marathon distances.
• Wave Ronin 5 (m: 6.9 oz; w: 5.8 oz.) is Mizuno's flagship road flat. The Ronin is a fast, flexible racing shoe designed primarily for biomechanically efficient racers who want a snug-fitting, light flat. Although it’s extremely light, the Ronin has most of Mizuno’s top technologies found in its trainers, including Dynamotion Fit, AP+ midsole and SmoothRide egineering for fast heel-to-toe transition. The Ronin’s G3 outsole works especially well on wet, slippery roads (particularly at aid stations) as it grips the road—even at high speeds. Heel-to-toe ramp is 9 mm. Suitable for all distances up to the marathon.
• Wave Musha 5 (m: 7.4 oz. w: 6.3 oz.) is different from the Ronin in several key aspects. The Musha is slightly heavier, offers a hint of support and has a broader fit than the Ronin. With a light, highly flexible midsole (AP+ cushioning) and outsole, the Musha has also gained popularity as a lightweight trainer for fast days as well as race days. Heel-to-toe ramp is 9 mm. Suitable for all distances up to the marathon.
• Wave Ekiden (4.6 oz.) has been in Mizuno's Japanese line for years.  For the first time, it is available to American racers. The Ekiden is lighter than the Ronin, but a bit more substantial than the Universe. A fast, comfortable shoe with a snug fit, the Ekiden is designed for racers who want to fly at high speeds.

Performance trainers: Many runners prefer a lightweight trainer for daily running. Others use lightweight performance trainers as a “second” shoe for fast, tempo days, interval workouts and races (especially marathons). Mizuno’s performance trainers offer a quantifiable weight savings over conventional training shoes without sacrificing cushioning, comfort and durability.

• Wave Elixir 8: (m: 8.8 oz.; w: 7.4 oz.) defines the lightweight, support category with its firm, moderately supportive ride. If you have support concerns about most lightweight shoes, the Elixir delivers just the exact amount to reduce overpronation. Its low profile has a racing shoe feel, yet it has the cushioning and comfort of a training shoe. With a snug fit and great flexibility, the Elixir lets you get up on your toes for top speed at any distance. A great marathon shoe for sub-elites. Heel-to-toe ramp is 12 mm.
• Wave Precision 13: (m: 9.6. oz.; w: 8 oz.) is the perfect companion (or second shoe) for Mizuno’s neutral trainers such as the Wave Rider, Wave Enigma or Wave Creation. The Precision is lighter, has a bouncier midsole and is more appropriate for faster running than its neutral brethren. But it still has the comfort, fit and cushioning of a daily trainer. Also suitable for races of any distance. Heel-to-toe ramp is 12 mm.

Mizuno Racing Shoes 2013: Which Mizuno You Should Wear In Your Next Race

by Bob "Wish" Wischnia on March 25, 2013

Serena Burla and Clara Grandt Kick Off 2013 Racing Campaigns With Strong Performances

by Ron Wayne on March 19, 2013

Mizuno Racing Team Member, Serena Burla, placed 13, 4th place US Woman, in the New York City Half Marathon this past Sunday. In cold and windy conditions. Serena's time was 1:11.24.  This was Serena's first race in 2013 and was a good tune up for the Boston Marathon next month.    Also, competing for the first time this year, was Clara Grandt, who placed 5th in Shamrock 8K (4.97 miles) in Virginia Beach on Saturday. Clara's time was 28:03 (5:39 per mile).  Next up for Clara is the USATF Women's Cherry Blossom 10 mile Championship in Washington DC on April 7.

Stacy Lewis Takes Over World #1 Ranking With LPGA Founders Cup Victory

by Iver Maple on March 18, 2013

Mizuno Brand Ambassador and 2012 Rolex Player of the Year Stacy Lewis continued her impressive streak of tournaments in 2013, fighting back from a three-stroke deficit down the stretch to capture a three-stroke victory at the RR Donnelley LPGA Founders Cup. The 8-under 64 in the final-round was highlighted by nine birdies prevailing her to her second consecutive LPGA Tour win.

“It's awesome,” said Lewis of the win. “I played great today. Myself and Ai we just went back and forth all day; she was making putts, I was making putts.”

The win didn’t come easy for Lewis as she found herself going into the final round trailing Ai Miyazato by four strokes after an unfortunate two-stroke penalty on Saturday. Stacy is a fighter though and she wasn’t going to let anything stop her in her mission to take over the #1 spot in the world.

Lewis becomes only the seventh player to hold the coveted top spot in the Rolex Rankings alongside Yani Tseng, Annika Sorenstam, Lorena Ochoa, Jiyai Shin, Ai Miyazato and Cristie Kerr. Despite always having the goal of holding the No. 1 ranking, Lewis admitted to being surprised of her rapid climb to the top.

“It's crazy,” said Lewis with a smile that could light-up a room. “That was my goal kind of since the middle of last year and I really didn't think it would be possible this quick. We've only played four tournaments this year and it's just crazy.”

The number one ranking is even more surreal for Lewis who nearly 10 years ago was undergoing surgery to correct scoliosis. The always optimistic Lewis understands now more than ever that everything happens for a reason.

“Yeah, it's almost 10 years ago I was having surgery, I was going into surgery to put a rod and five screws in my back,” said Lewis. “That was just 10 years ago. That's not normal, that's not supposed to happen. I mean, I'm not ‑‑ I'm really not supposed to be here.

“People with metal in their back, how do you play golf,” she added. “I don't know, I don't know how, I don't know why I'm here. I know that there's a reason and I know that everything happens for a reason. Every setback you have along the way, everything good that happens, it all happens for a reason. I don't know, I couldn't have dreamed the kid growing up wearing a back brace 18 hours a day that is the No. 1 player in the world. I don't know, I don't know what to say.”

Another Award for the Wave Rider 16

by Corporate on March 15, 2013

Wave Rider 16 has racked up another award this spring - selected by FitnessMagazine.com as a top road running shoe that provides a "surprisingly well-cushioned ride." Spring styles. in Men's and Women's. are available today with cool color schemes tto add some flair to your running style. The shoe is available at most sporting retailers and online at mizunorunning.com.

Men's Wave Rider 16

Women's Wave Rider 16

The ImpermaLite Jacket: Lightweight Versatility

by Bob "Wish" Wischnia on March 14, 2013

Spring is here—finally. And one of the beauties of spring running is the sunnier, warmer weather. But dressing properly for running in springtime weather has its unique challenges as conditions have a way of changing quite quickly.

A springtime run can certainly be joyous, but—depending which part of the country you live—the weather can make an abrupt change just when your miles from home. For example, you might be appropriately dressed for a cool-weather run, but halfway through, the sun comes out and temps rise drastically…and you’re way overdressed. Or, there’s a slight chill in the air at the start, but a cold front comes screaming through and the wind chill drops 20 degrees before you know it. Even worse, a light drizzle turns into sleet, making every step of your run home utter misery.

Sound familiar? It should because spring is the trickiest time of year for safe, comfortable running. Wear gear that is too heavy and you roast. Too light and you can freeze.

Fortunately, Mizuno offers two terrific, stylish pieces of outer wear that are essential for spring running: The ImpermaLite Jacket and the ImpermaLite Vest.

The jacket, from our Drylite Collection, (there’s one for men and one for women) uniquely stands out from any other running jacket you may have worn.

If you’re at all like me, you’ll agree that many of the running jackets are too bulky—and way too warm (especially for spring running). Newbie runners might think extra warmth is a good thing, but as experienced runners know, the body generates so much heat that the problem isn’t staying warm enough on a long run—it’s staying cool enough so you don’t overheat.

The ImpermaLite Jacket was developed specifically for the vagaries of spring running weather. Most of us need a lightweight shell for the first few miles of a chilly spring run, but once you warm up and the temps climb, we often wish we hadn’t worn one. But what do you do with it? The only solution is to tie it around your waist until you get back home.

Not so with the ImpermaLite Jacket. 

Once you warm up and want to ditch your jacket, the ImpermaLite has a handy feature. In a matter of seconds, it packs easily into a zippered back pocket and then, instead of having to carry it, an elastic strap allows you to comfortably wear the pocket around your arm. That way it won’t get in the way of your run. (It doesn’t chafe either.) Then, when you finish the run and are starting to get the chills, the ImpermaLite is right there for you and unpacks in an instant. The entire jacket only weighs about  two ounces, but that’s enough to give much needed protection from spring showers—or a biting wind.

The ImpermaLite Vest is similar to the Jacket in terms of materials and weather protection, except—of course-it doesn’t have sleeves. Nor does it have a back pocket for storage like the Jacket does.

But the true beauty of the ImpermaLite Jacket is the incredibly versatility. I travel quite a bit and use the ImpermaLite for morning runs in all types of unpredictable spring weather. Not only does it work well on cold, wet, windy runs, the ImpermaLite Jacket flat out looks great.

Women's Impermalite Jacket

Women's Impermalite Vest

Men's Impermalite Jacket

Men's Impermalite Vest 

Mizuno Golf Treats Average Joes Like Pros

by Iver Maple on March 11, 2013

Mizuno is helping golfers nationwide improve their game while offering the opportunity to be treated like a pro as an exclusive member of “Team JPX.” Play Famously will champion the cause and determination of the “everyman” golfer using Mizuno’s JPX-825 line of game-improvement irons. Pittsburgh, Penn. native Lee Baughman was selected as the first of a 12-member team of Mizuno “game-improvement professionals.”

Baughman was selected as the face of Team JPX through a separate “casting call” process lead by Golf Digest through its popular GolfWRX online forum. As the official spokesman for Team JPX, Baughman participated in his first “tour” experience in South Florida with fellow Mizuno professional staff members Luke Donald, Charles Howell III, Jonathan Byrd and Stacy Lewis. 

“It’s pretty awesome that Mizuno would give a national spotlight to a bunch of everyday amateurs and let us experience what it’s like to be treated like a pro,” said Baughman.  “I never thought in a million years I’d be hitting range balls with one of the best players in the world Luke Donald, but Mizuno made that possible with a campaign for the ‘everyman,’ like me.”

The remaining 11 members of Team JPX will be selected through an online contest at www.playfamously.com where golfers are encouraged to try the new JPX-825 irons at a participating retailer, and provide their feedback on the high performance game-improvement irons through a brief essay, photos and/or videos demonstrating their passion for the game and why they deserve to be on Team JPX. Winners receive a complete JPX-825 golf package including custom fit JPX-825 irons, JPX-825 woods, JPX wedges, a Mizuno staff bag personalized with their name, a season’s worth of Mizuno apparel and accessories and customized instruction from Team JPX’s “Swing Coach” and PGA Master Teacher, Dr. Gary Wiren. The Team JPX season will culminate with the ultimate tour experience at the JPX Invitational, the first “tour level” event for amateurs at the home of Mizuno’s R&D Center, the Country Club of the South in Atlanta.

“The passion of amateur golfers is at the heart of our sport.  It’s what drives our sport and it’s really special that Mizuno is going to these lengths to celebrate them with this campaign,” said Donald. “Let’s be honest, I don’t think any of us pros are at risk of losing our jobs. For guys like Lee, consistently breaking 90 can be life-changing, and the right equipment makes all the difference.”

At the heart of Play Famously is the newest addition to the JPX line of game-improvement irons, the JPX-825.  The JPX-825s utilize an ultra-thin, Hot Metal face which delivers an enhanced ‘trampoline effect’ for the extra distance that all players desire. But because distance is nothing without forgiveness, the JPX-825s also feature an enormous sweet area, providing players with more consistent results that will leave even their mis-hits closer to the pin.

“A lot of people still view Mizuno as a brand for only elite players, but that’s a misconception,” said Dick Lyons, Vice President and General Manager, Golf Division for Mizuno USA. “We know that we have the longest and most forgiving irons on the market in the JPX-825s, but we’re not asking golfers to take our word for it. We challenge any mid to high handicap players to put the JPX-825s up against anything they are playing now, and they will see for themselves.” 

Applications for a coveted spot on Team JPX will be accepted during select periods from March to May 2013.  To see how the JPX-825 irons stack up against the competition and learn more about the campaign, visit www.playfamously.com.

Christo Landry and Craig Curley Place 5th and 7th At USA 15K National Championships

by Ron Wayne on March 11, 2013

Billed as the largest 15K (9.3 miles)  in the United States (over 17,000 registered runners with 15,569 finishers), Mizuno Racing Team Members, Christo Landry and Craig Curley opened up their 2013 competitive road race campaigns with very solid efforts, as Christo placed 5th with a time of 43:46 (4:42 per mile) and Craig Curley was 7th in 44:04 (4:44 per mile).    Christo, who was the 2012 USATF Road Circuit Co-Champion and runner-up at this race last year, was very pleased with his performance as his time was almost a minute faster than last year and he was only 8 seconds behind the winner. Craig Curley, who ran a personal best time, was only 18 seconds behind Christo.   A third Mizuno Racing Team Member, Craig Leon, who is in marathon training mode preparing for the Boston Marathon next month, placed 39th in 46:31 (5:00 minutes per mile).   Also wearing the Runbird colors were Mizuno's own Running Brand Specialists, Craig Sinbine who placed 87th in a time of 52:40 and Allison (Ali) Ritter was 448th in 1:03.42.   This was a great tune up for Ali who will be running the Boston Marathon on April 15!

Christo Landry Placing 5th US 15K Championships 

Post Race Smiles - MRT Members, Craig Leon (Wave Ronin), Christo Landry (Wave Ekiden) and Craig Curley (Wave Ekiden)

Award Ceremony, Craig Curley (2nd from left) and Christo (4th from left)

Christo Landry Post Race Interview With RunnerSpace.com

Wave Elixir 8 is Competitor Magazine Editor's Pick for Best Lightweight Stability Shoe

by Corporate on March 11, 2013

The Wave Elixir 8 adds another award to the Mizuno Running list of accolades - it was selected as an Editor’s Pick for Best Lightweight Stability by Competitor Magazine. Highlighted for its lightweight feel and flexibility, the shoe "feels like a fast shoe from the second you step into it" and is recommended to be "substantial enough to use as an everyday stability trainer for runners with neutral mechanics or mild overpronation." Check out the full feature in the March issue or the shoe online at www.mizunorunning.com. Suggested retail price is $120. Click to view: Men's | Women's

Chipper Jones Honored at State Capitol

by Corporate on March 6, 2013

Georgia lawmakers may be busy but there's always time to recognize retired Atlanta Braves player and Mizuno Ambassador, Chipper Jones.  Yesterday, Jones was honored at the Capitol for his commitment to Georgia, the city of Atlanta and the sport of baseball.  Mizuno could not be more proud of Jones and his contributions throughout his 20 year career. He retired as one of the most accomplished switch hitters in the MLB and is a favorite for selection into the Hall of Fame. As noted in the AJC, there is a chance we could see him on the diamond once again!

More photos from the event on ajc.com.

(Photo credit: AJC)

Stacy Lewis Wins HSBC Women's Champions

by Iver Maple on March 4, 2013

Mizuno brand ambassador and 2012 Rolex Player of the Year Stacy Lewis  held on tight for her first victory of the 2013 season, making par on the 18th hole to capture a one-shot victory over Rolex Rankings No. 2 Na Yeon Choi (@nychoi87) at the HSBC Women's Champions. Lewis watched a three-shot lead shrink over her final few ones to just one as she headed to the 18th hole at Sentosa Golf Club's The Serapong Course after bogeys on 15 and 17. But the player known for her grit and determination while battling scoliosis during her youth showed no signs of letting her nerves get the best of her on the final hole.

After watching both of her playing partners hit their drives on 18 with the aid of a down wind, Lewis belted a driver down the middle of the fairway on 18. She then hit a hybrid to the back of the green in two, giving herself a lengthy putt for eagle. She lagged her putt down to about 10 feet for birdie while Choi had a 12-foot birdie putt that could have potentially forced a playoff if Lewis had missed. Choi just slid her birdie putt by before Lewis missed hers and was left with a foot-and-a-half putt for par to win.

A birdie by Lewis on the ninth then moved her to 17-under-par and stretched it to a three-shot lead before some late troubles made the gap much closer. It was quite a battle down the stretch between three of the top players in the world in their hunt to be crowned the "Champion of Champions" in Singapore and Lewis certainly looked a little worn out after capturing her sixth career victory on the LPGA Tour.

"The last four or five holes, I was pretty nervous, I'm not going to lie," Lewis said. "That golf course is hard and it can jump up and get you at any second, and to have to play with two great players on your tail all day, and they played unbelievable, and none of us really we just couldn't get any putts to fall on the back nine. I don't know what it was. Edges just seemed a little bit tighter. Paula had a couple on the edge.

"I don't know, I just played hard and put my head down and tried to make as many putts as I could, and fortunately I came away with the win."

What's in Stacy's Bag:

MP-650 3 Wood  (15.0 deg.)

JPX 825 Hybrid  (19.0 deg.)

JPX 825 Pro  (4-pw)

T-11 Wedges  (52, 56, & 60)  White Satin

Fueling a Runner

by Clara Grandt on February 28, 2013

Coming home from my morning runs, I usually look forward to breakfast, something like a bowl of hot cereal with things like cinnamon, flax seed, and some sort of berries added to it.  Then at some point throughout the day I have lunch and start some dinner preparations so that most of dinner is ready when Jason and I get home from our evening run.  Apart from time running and working out, I realize that I spend a lot of time planning, preparing, and eating.  In training, I think the second most important thing next to actual running and working out is eating, followed closely by sleeping.  That’s the life of a distance runner, and most athletes. 

When my mileage increases, I always notice my apatite increases as well.  Shortly after finishing a long run I usually raid the kitchen for anything immediately eatable.  This is why planning meals and nutrition has become more and more important to me past just eating a large amount of anything to refuel.

I also believe some of my upbringing built my interest in food as well.  My mom did an awesome job of raising my five siblings and me with the best quality food she could.  My family didn’t have a lot when I was growing up and for a long time, I thought food stamps were just money specifically for food that everyone had.  I didn’t realize it was government aid for poor families.  My mom never resorted to Wonderbread and bologna sandwiches, though.  Instead, she learned how to make meals by buying bulk whole grains, gardening, raising chickens, and cooking deer meat that my dad shot.  This, along with the ample time I had playing and hiking around the hills when I was young, is what I believe built a good foundation for me to run well later on. 

With this past, my interest in food and the apatite I get from running many miles makes the process of fueling and refueling my body a neat learning experience.  I continually grow in learning to appreciate what effects the types of food can have on your body.  I’ve learned things that work for me and things that don’t.  Things that I like and will do, and things that sound like good ideas but I don’t really like and won’t do.

I definitely still believe that the best way to become the best runner I can be is through working hard in training, but learning to fuel my body with the best fuel I can, helps me work better.  I look forward to seeing the benefits of this improved area of training in the upcoming racing season. 

~Clara