Happy Birthday, NaturaStride!

Oh, NaturaStride! You’re getting so big! 

(photo source!)

Happy Birthday to the natural-nutrition-website-for-endurance-athletes-that-could. It has been a rewarding, challenging, and incredibly fun year. It has been quite the learning experience, with how much there is to know about the natural nutrition and running industry, however I have truly enjoyed every step of the way.  It has not been easy; however doing something that never feels like “work” is how I know this is a true passion of mine. We are more confident than ever in the need to bridge the gap between natural foods and nutrition for athletes. Thank you all for your continued support.

Looking forward to 2012, we’re super excited about what NaturaStride can grow into. We have met many excellent people and companies over the past year – and we love the idea of supporting other small businesses in the natural nutrition and running industries. We’re looking forward to offering some new product lines in the upcoming year and are interested in new product ideas that our customers demand to help YOU meet your running and endurance sport goals. If you have any ideas or suggestions of products you love and would like to see on NaturaStride, please let us know!

In other news, guess what: I got new running shoes! It only took me a WEEK of pouring through product reviews and lurking in City Sports until I decided to try something new. So, I was looking for a “recovery shoe” to accompany my Altra Eve’s which I still love. However, I like to alternate using my Altra Eve’s for harder workouts, with something with a *little* more cushion to give the muscles a break. As I’m not training for anything right now, and won’t be until February or so, I decided this winter would be a good opportunity for me to focus on my form, and try to improve upon my mid-foot strike. I definitely have noticed that when I wear shoes with more cushion, I tend to become “lazy” and start landing on my heel. So, I knew I wanted to stick with as minimalist as possible, with just a little more drop heel-to-toe drop than my Altra Eve’s.

If you guys haven’t checked out Natural Running Store yet – do it. They have an excellent inventory of minimalist running shoes, many of which can’t be found in your typical sporting goods store. The best part is they have TONS of product reviews, photos, and video testimonials of their products. I personally do a ton of (excessive?) research when looking for new shoes because I know I’ll spend a ton of time in them and know they will directly affect my running. Plus, I’m willing to invest a few bucks on good running shoes, so it’s important for me to make sure what I’m spending my money on is worth it! Our friends over at Natural Running Store have put a lot of effort into the product details and reviews, which I personally appreciate.

Anyways – I went with Inov8 F-Lite 220’s! Check out Natural Running Store’s description and reviews.

Pretty excited about these.

Also, check out my video review of Altra Eve’s here! 

Anyways, have a great weekend, guys. And please join us in celebrating our birthday by going running. And by having a cupcake.

Cheers!