infomancer

I’m not a super elite runner.  In fact, I’ve been out of practice for so long that I do run/walk intervals.  While I feel great after running, I have always felt I just wasn’t built for it.  I tend to get injured a lot, and my short little legs don’t take me very far very fast. 

But my world has just been turned upside down.

I had read about Newton shoes before, but I wasn’t too sure about trying them out.  I overpronate, and I worried they wouldn’t have enough support.  A couple weeks ago, I went to a local running store and tried them on.  We popped a supportive insert in, and I was sold. 

They’re easily the most comfortable running shoes I’ve ever worn.  On top of that, they’ve completely revolutionized my running. 

With a name like Newton, perhaps you can guess – there’s a lot of science behind this shoe.  12 years of research and 9 patents make it completely unlike any other.  The key is the midfoot lugs.  For someone like me, they help to train you to land on that your midsole.  It’s much more efficient than a heel or toe strike, and leads to fewer injuries. 

But the lugs move.  Independently.  When you land, they recess into the sole.  As you start to lift your foot, they push you forward.  Don’t believe it?  Check out the tests.  Newtons have less impact, higher energy return and better cushioning than all the other shoes tested (by a third party).

They say you’ll be running better in no time, and they mean it.  For my first few minutes running yesterday, I stuck with my old habit – the heel strike.  It was inefficient.  I was tired.  For my next running interval, I let the shoe lead. 

Holy cow.  Suddenly running was less of a chore, easier and fun.  For the rest of my workout, I ran longer than my predetermined running intervals.  I felt like I had gained weeks of fitness.  I felt phenomenal.

On top of all this, they’re a responsible company (which sometimes matters to me more than my own comfort).  A significant portion of the shoe is recycled, and they  work with a multitude of charities.

My only regret?  I got a trail shoe from another company.  I don’t know how I can go back now that I’ve discovered running nirvana.

[all images via Newton]

I don’t have children.  I have no immediate plans to have any.  But every once in a while, I come across something so truly adorable that I (almost) wish I had a child.

Case in point:  this uber cute owl.  Not only is it just about the cutest thing I’ve ever seen, it’s also hand-made by a collective of knitters in rural Kenya, imported by a company that monitors their working conditions, and sold by a company that only sells sustainable items.

And look at these sting rays!  What an unusual choice!  I love it.  This is also a fair trade item, made in Nepal.  Look at the bellies!

Hilarious!  Apparently these were designed to be chew toys, so if  you have a pet that appreciates oddities, this would be a perfect gift.

Branch has plenty for adults, as well.  Most of their furniture is typically out of my price range (a side effect of being well-made of sustainable materials), but they have a lot of stellar house wares and accessories.

One of my favorites is the (not exactly affordable) off pitcher and cup.  Gorgeous, a bit quirky, and 100% sustainable.  It suits me perfectly.