Feeling overwhelmed, yet?

Finding a perfect pair of summer sunglasses can be a daunting task. Not only do you wade into the mire of style and fashion, you need your glasses to function, protecting your eyes and face from harmful UV rays and debris. In order to help you find the right fit, we’ve put together a handy list of tips for selecting your summer sunglasses!

1) Pre-Prioritize

Before placing a single frame on your face, prioritize a few aspects of your new specs:

• Price – What are you willing to spend on a pair of sunglasses? You’ll find options from $40 to $160 in our stores.
• Aesthetic – If push comes to shove would you pick the pair that looks good or offers the performance features you need? Hopefully these considerations are not mutually exclusive, but the question is important to consider.
• Activities – What activities do you plan on doing while wearing these glasses?

Once you’ve figured out your price range, decided if form rules function, and chosen the activities you want to do in your new pair of sunglasses, it is time use this information to find the perfect lens package.

2) Choose a lens package

Your lens package should be determined by the activities and time of day you plan on wearing your glasses. Here is a quick no-nonsense guide to our most common lens packages:

• Single Lens – Typically the least expensive,  a single lens package is perfect if you’ll be using your sunglasses in just one set of lighting conditions.
• Interchangeable Lens – Interchangeable lens packages are a great deal if you want the best lens for a variety of lighting conditions without buying several pairs of glasses. These packages typically contain 3 different tints that can be swapped into the same set of frames to provide optimal protection for varying conditions.
• Photochromic Lens – These lenses are a blend of the single and interchangeable concepts. A photochromic lens is treated to become darker as it is exposed to sunlight allowing a single lens to adapt to different lighting conditions. The downside is that you can’t change the lens tint color like you can with a model with interchangeable lenses.

photochromic lenses: the right lens has been exposed to sunlight

Speaking of tint colors, here’s a quick and dirty guide to the most common tints and their uses:

• Gray or Brown – very bright conditions, brown will reduce blue hues increasing contrast
• Red or Orange – bright to low light conditions, reduces green/blue hues
• Yellow – low light conditions, reduces blue hues
• Clear – very low light conditions

Want more detail on tints? Check out this in-depth analysis from Ryders Eyewear.

If you plan on using your glasses for driving or near water, you may also want to consider polarized lenses which block light reflecting off of horizontal surfaces like water or car windshields. Some lens though not polarized are treated with a shiny coating which helps reduce glare.

Finally, consider the coverage you’ll need for your activity of choice. Runners will probably want a smaller lens which allows for better ventilation. Cyclists on the other hand need the extra protection from debris of a larger lens and since they are moving at higher speeds don’t have as many concerns regarding ventilation.

Our running frames feature Grilamid TR-90 a super-resilient plastic

3) Find your frames

Designed for different face shapes, the best thing to do is to start by trying several different frames to determine what fits your face well. Look in the mirror then ask yourself the following questions:

• Do these frames sit securely on my head?
• Does the frame obstruct your field of vision?
• Do the lenses provided the desired coverage?
• Do these frames fit the size and shape of my face?

You may want to try hopping on one of our treadmills to see how the frames feel while running.

Once you find a fit you like, a sales associate can help you find some with similar fits if you like. The associate can also help you match your desired lens package to frames that fit.

Does that de-mystify selecting sunglasses? Let me know in the comments below!

Replace nightmares of the 10th grade with new ones this summer in the New Balance Fun Run collection:

Sporting the Fun Run Tank and Short, our mannequin is ready for a long day of standing in a sunny window! She is also rocking the New Balance Minimus Trail (Women’s | Men’s), a minimal running shoe designed to promote a more natural stride.

While mesh running apparel might be a new trend, the Minimus Trail like every other running shoe features lightweight mesh in its upper:

Mesh has been used in running footwear for ages because it lets out heat and moisture allowing cooling air to circulate around the foot. Now adapted for the entire body, you can take advantage of mesh materials to keep you cool and comfortable throughout the hottest months of the year!

The Brooks D’Lite Mesh Collection offers the option of a finer, lighter mesh than the New Balance Fun Run Collection.

Fun and flirty, the D’Lite Micro Mesh Racerback can be worn with a sports bra or layered for a variety of effects. If translucent isn’t your thing, the D’Lite Mesh Tank offers a bit more coverage:

Thoughts on the collections? Ideas for layering with these new mesh pieces? Drop a comment below!

]]> http://www.fleetfeetchicago.com/blog/summer-trends-mesh/feed 0 http://www.fleetfeetchicago.com/blog/who-are-you http://www.fleetfeetchicago.com/blog/who-are-you#comments Mon, 30 Apr 2012 21:51:11 +0000 fleetfeet http://www.fleetfeetchicago.com/blog/?p=1157 Read Full Post >]]> When I came up with last weeks Fit Friday contest for our Women’s Half Marathon Facebook Page I had no idea what kind of responses it would enlist.

Just to give you the back story… At the core of our Chicago Women’s Half Marathon ad campaign are 10 women who were chosen because of their stories. Their taglines answer the question Why will you run? and we spent the better part of April introducing each woman through Facebook.

It occurred to me that I fall into the same boat as 3 or 4 of the women and I started to think who I would choose if I was asked to identify the one woman I related to most. Wondering what other women’s responses would be I decided to ask them. Thus the Who are you? contest was born.

Last  Friday I posted the above photo to our page and asked women to tag themselves onto the woman they identified with the most. I wish I could take a screenshot of all 50 tags but what was more powerful to me was that the women didn’t stop there. Instead of just tagging themselves they were motivated to share why they tagged who they did in the comment feed.

These stories were so moving and captured the essence of this race and running so well, that I wanted to share them here with all of you. Thanks to everyone who participated and shared their story. Enjoy!

Amanda: I relate to all of these women!

Lily: enthused = ) very much relate to the one I picked, truly don’t just run to race I run for the accomplishing feeling it gives me every time I run. = )

Ellen: Oh, I had to go with “40 is just the beginning” – because 4 years into that decade (with people still guessing that I am 34) IT TOTALLY IS!

Janelly: I chose the Empowered because I am a runner and love to challenge myself into things I have never done before especially RUNNING! I will be running a 10k pretty soon and lately have been running 5k’s and It’s just an amazing feeling when you are on your way the finish line. It’s amazing how far your legs can take you and how much energy we all have inside us : )

Lis: “The Empowered” – When I push myself, it makes me feel empowered. I feel confident. I know I can do anything if I put my mind to it. Nothing will stop me.

Carol: I feel empowered because when I’m out there, whether running alone or in a race, I feel like I am my only opponent…and when I finish, that sense of accomplishment gives me that empowerment to know that I can surpass my own mental blocks or perceived obstacles in other areas of my life as well.

Jeanine: For me it really is all about attitude and putting my mind to it. I hardly do anything if I don’t have a plan, so I figured if I had a plan to run a half then I would follow through with it.

Yani: I tagged myself with “to prove I can do it” because I am motivated to try my best and prove that if you set your mind to something, you can do it. Running is activity for anyone who has the passion and motivation.

Efe: I definitely identify with Arlyne because we have similar goals.I am planning on running 30 races in my 30th year!

Fuerza: I identify with Jessie Duran! She is a true leader and motivator helping the people around her to feel empowered!

Deborah: i run because i was never thought I could. I didn’t get into racing until i turned 30, but now people identify me as an “athlete” and often look to me for advice or tips. (however, i someday hope to be an “expert” like Erica Agran!!!)

Nikki: How could something SO easy, be SO hard! Ultimately I tagged Jamie, because my dedication for running developed out of the desire to help others. I began running in 2010, and decided that I would run Chicago Marathon as a charity runner for the Children’s Tumor Foundation to raise funds and money for NF, a disease that the nephew of one of my closest friends has. I was done. Thought I’d never run another marathon. Two weeks after finishing the Chicago Marathon, my own son was officially diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder. After processing the information I decided that if I can run for someone else’s child, I can run 26.2 for my own and signed up again for 2011 as a charity runner for the Organization for Autism Research! I will be running again for OAR in this and about 12 other races this year (including this one) wearing my OAR singlet proud! So yes, I run to prove I can do it. I run for the medal. I run to lead by example. I DEFINITELY run to find my Zen! And, I’m turning 40 this year (yippess) I run because I can. I run to feel empowered. I run to share the experience with everyone else. But my main inspiration, is that I run in honor of his battle! Kudos to you all. Girls ROCK!

Constance: Because 50 is just the beginning!

Jess: “To prove that I can do it”. I want to show all of my friends and family that I can do something like this. No one believes that I can or has faith that I will finish the race or even make it there. I know that I will. I want to set an example for my younger sister to show that whatever you put your mind to can be achieved with hard work. Like my favorite quote says, “You become successful the moment you start moving toward a worthwhile goal.” This goal to me is definitely worthwhile and crossing that finish line will feel incredible.

While in that meeting, I thought to myself… I should participate in this. I’m not running Ravenswood 5k race, though I will be out there cheering everyone on Sunday morning, I could benefit from speed training in my weekly running schedule. The last time I did any sort of organized speed training was 6 – 7 years ago. This was my chance to get back at it!

Monday, April 2^nd rolled around. Our first Intro to Speed workout was here! I met at our Fleet Feet Sports – Old Town location for the training run and even convinced my Dad, Sister and Husband to join in the fun. We headed to the Lincoln Park Zoo parking lot for our dynamic stretching routine and then muscled out 400 repeats. Best part of these workouts? 40 – 60 runners between the two locations came out each week to push themselves and encourage those around them during the workouts. We, at Old Town, also had Fleet Feet Sports staff members, Mark and Nadia along with Sean from Mizuno, giving out high fives and cheering the group on as we past them. Lincoln Square had Rachel and Nick along with Matt from Mizuno to keep everyone wanting to come back each of the four weeks this program was available.

The coaches focused on 400 repeats one week and then 800s the next week, building the number of repeats completed in a workout during the four week program.

Despite the weather always calling for high winds on Monday nights, I looked forward to the workout and so excited to have made it all four weeks feeling accomplished and of course, stronger. Now, I just need to find a 5k race to see the results of incorporating speed work into my running routine!

I’d like to THANK our friends at Mizuno for sponsoring the Intro to Speed workout program the last four Monday nights at Old Town and Lincoln Square. These runs would not have been possible without our partner and sponsor of the Raveswood 5k race, Mizuno!

Inspired to find a group to do speed workout with? Our Nike/Fleet Feet Racing team is just what you are looking for.

Images like this one seemingly speak to the runner in each of us calling us from our concrete and asphalt running routes to something much more sublime. Often our minds tell us to run while our aching bodies poignantly and repeatedly tell us to stop, reminding us that we weren’t designed to slap our lower limbs against flat, hard surfaces for tens of minutes at a time.

Unfortunately our most convenient options for a trail run are the small strip of crushed limestone along the Lakefront bike path or involve finding a vehicle, 30 plus minutes of driving, and possible tolls and park entry fees. Despite this grim outlook, let me give you hope for enjoying many surfaces within the Chicago city limits!

This past Sunday, Montrail gave us Fleet Feet Sports staff members a unique opportunity to go try out their shoes on a multi-surface trail run starting right here in Chicago, in the parking lot at Wilson Avenue and Simmonds Drive. Check out our planned route below (Run this route at your own risk! Use caution when attempting any sort of athletic activity.):

Dedicated to making the best running shoes for all surfaces and all conditions, Montrail has been shifting their focus from hiking inspired running footwear to running inspired running footwear. The shoe I tried was the Badwater Hybrid (Men’s | Women’s) featuring a “seamless” upper, it was designed for running on mixed surfaces, a great option for the urban off-roader. Some of the other staff members tried the Bajada (Women’s | Men’s), an aggressive off-road running shoe. The Men’s Bajada:

Once running, we were able to stay on pretty soft surfaces, and even experienced some of those breathtaking vistas we look at longingly in magazines.

We didn’t have 50, 10, or even 5 miles of “trail” at our disposal, but we were able to run a variety of surfaces and inclines in our own backyard. We also received as our reward a beautiful urban vista and a respite from the concrete. All it took was some creativity and a little push to get together for a run!

Are you looking for trails to run in your neighborhood? Do you have any favorite routes, tips, or tricks to keeping it soft in urban areas like Chicago you’d like to share? Post a comment below!

Named after the super successful Jackie Knicker, the Jackie collection makes up the core of the Sugoi Run Collection for women. Made of pieces that easily go from training runs to races, the Jackie collection is built for the runner who is serious about performance and value.

The Jackie Short Sleeve replaces the Ready Short Sleeve, offering a new, clean look with fun colors and flat, contrast seams. Raglan sleeves and a crew neck ensure you get great range of motion and fit in this tee.

The Ready Short Sleeve updates to the Jackie for Spring 2012

Shorts also get an overhaul this spring. Sugoi replaces the perennial favorite 42K Split Short with the RSR Split Short in both the Men’s and Women’s Run Collections.

The RSR (Racing System Run) collection is made up of pinnacle pieces for use on race day or during intense training. RSR makes use of the lightest materials and the best technologies to ensure breathability and the best possible performance.

Offering a surprising amount of coverage, the RSR Split Short updates the fit of the 42K Split Short. This split short also offers a unique set of updated features like bonded detailing for a lightweight chafe-free fit, a sweat resistant back zip pocket, and laser cut venting for optimal temperature control.

Rounding out the new spring Run Collection is the addition of the Verve pieces for women. Designed to look good and compliment an active lifestyle, the Verve collection combines the textile expertise of Sugoi with some really great fashion elements.

The Verve tank for example is a great new silhouette with a shallow v-neck, racer back, and unique use of lightweight mesh.

Stop by soon to take a look at the full updated Spring 2012 Running Collection from Sugoi!

For the women, Mizuno has gone with some really nice, unique colors:

In the image below, Rachel one of our Race Ready: Intro to Speedwork coaches is modeling the sporty Enigma Tee with its contrast modified v-neck and the “not too short” Mustang Short which offers an improved fit this season. (She’s also wearing the Mizuno Wave Rider 15 in case you were wondering!)

On the men’s side we also get relief from the tried and true, reds and blues:

Finally, we have Nick modeling the Renegade Crew featuring contrast stitching in Sun Orange, the great “not too short” Mustang Short, and for the record he is also wearing the Mizuno Wave Rider 15.

I’d like to take a moment to remind you that taking care of your feet and legs before and after your workouts is also important!

Consider the time spent before and after workouts. An active person spending an average of 1 hour working out 5 days a week is only logging 5 hours per week wearing their properly fit running footwear. Assuming you spend a fair amount of time somewhere that requires footwear, you are wearing something else on your feet upwards of 40 hours per week (8 times the amount of time you’re probably spending in your running shoes)!

In order to help you properly support your feet before, during, and after your workouts, we’ve brought in a selection of products specifically designed for your needs.

Men’s and Women’s Easy Fit ¾ Inserts from Superfeet

These firm plastic inserts provide legendary Superfeet support in tighter fitting dress and casual shoes. Superfeet inserts cup the heel and support the moving parts of the foot in order to keep your feet, legs, and back healthy.

Montrail Lithia Loop (Men’s | Women’s), Molokai, and Molokini Flips

As the weather warms up, we tend to shed our protective boots and shoes for flips and sandals. Not all of these warmer weather shoes are created equal. Many flips while functional don’t actually provide any meaningful support to your potentially sensitive feet, legs, and back. You may notice this while waiting for the El or walking to the Lakefront. Montrail’s recovery flips are designed to support your beat feet. Don’t like the aesthetic? We also have flips by Teva, Olukai, and Chaco…

Montrail Badwater, Bajada, and Rogue Racer

No longer just focused on trail running footwear, Montrail running shoes offer a great hybrid road and trail running experience perfect for the city athlete looking to go off road every so often.

Badwater (Men’s | Women’s)

A neutral running shoe designed as a hybrid between a road and trail shoe divide. Offers great cushion and unique laminate seamless overlays to keep your feet secure.

Bajada (Men’s | Women’s)

A trail shoe for neutral runners, the Bajada offers superior traction through Montrail’s three-point lugged outsole design.

Rogue Racer (Men’s | Women’s)

Developed with Montrail elite athlete, Max King, the Rogue Racer offers lightweight support in a race ready package for many types of terrain.

Craft’s Stay Cool collection has been engineered to provide you with great freedom of movement and protection from the elements when things start to heat up. Specifically targeting temperatures above 60۫F, Stay Cool pieces are more than just “wicking” clothes, they use technology to cool your body!

Basic warm weather apparel advice says that you should wear tops, bottoms, and socks made from “wicking” fabrics for running and other outdoor activity. These “wicking” fabrics are supposed to dry faster than cotton keeping you more comfortable. The important thing to note is that not all “wicking” fabrics are created equal. Some “wicking” fabrics are too closely knit to perform well or too coarsely knit to wear in adverse weather conditions. Not to get too technical but the type of synthetic fiber also can make a difference.

Craft Stay Cool’s “wicking” fabric is without a doubt one of the best on the market today because it is constructed from multi-channeled fibers. Hexachannel fibers maximize the material’s surface area which is the key component to using evaporating moisture to cool your body. More surface area means more moisture and heat can leave the garment, cooling you down! On top of this, the knit fabric also gives you UPF50+ protection!

Running brands such as Pearl Izumi incorporate technologies into their running gear with the intent to make runners more comfortable in any climate he or she will be exercising in. Pearl Izumi’s spring 2012 apparel line just hit our two stores this week and included in this shipment is Pearl Izumi’s In-R-Cool collection.

What is In-R-Cool Technology? It provides active cooling as you perspire and lowers the fabric’s temperature to reduce body surface temperature by up to 5%. Basically cools you down as you start to heat up during a workout. Who wouldn’t like that especially as we transition to warmer temperatures here in Chicago?!

In-R-Cool technology is found in Pearl Izumi’s top  silhouettes like their singlet/tank, short sleeve and long sleeve. The In-R-Cool collection also offers a UPF rating of 50+ to keep a runners safe from the sun’s harmful rays.

Men's Infinity In-R-Cool SS - Great venting through upper back