New Balance

The running shoe company, New Balance, was a sponsor for the Flower City Challenge, held over two days in Rochester, NY (April 28,29). On Saturday athletes could choose to do a duathlon (5k run, 20m bike, 5k run) or triathlon (5k run, 20m bike, 3m paddle in the Genesee river). Sunday’s events were a 5k run or a half-marathon.

Nearly 4,000 people took part in these events. But that is not the news. The best part of the entire weekend was New Balance providing complimentary running shoes to paid staff of YellowJacket Racing, of which I am one.

Amazingly there are ten great reasons to love my FREE shoes;

1. Lightweight, only 9.6 ounces.
2. 4.5 stars out of 5.0 possible in Road Runner Sports customer reviews.
3. Retail price $99, my price $0.
4. The black color goes well with dress clothes for work.
5. The black goes well with all of my running clothes.
6. My feet were comfy while working 9 hours during the ½ marathon.
7. They make me feel like a fast runner.
8. Named Best Gear of the Year by Outside magazine 2011.
9. Did I mention they were free?
10. Mike Weinpress (MW) is jealous, really jealous.