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We are given one day a year to really put our feelings on display. This Valentine’s Day, we are giving you the chance to do just that. We’ve teamed up with running shoes maker Mizuno for this heart-filled holiday to give away two pairs of the 15th anniversary limited edition Mizuno Wave Rider.

We chose this specific model because of its color scheme—a crystal cranberry for the ladies and a very bright ruby red for the gentlemen. While these are truly the hues of love, we all know that there’s more to running shoes than the color. The latest generation of the Wave Rider is an amalgamation of greatness that the Wave Rider shoe has come to represent. It balances light weight, cushioning and stability with a super smooth ride.

Mizuno Wave Rider 15

Features

• Weight: 8.7 oz
• Limited Edition
• Mizuno Wave: Combines cushioning and stability
• Dynamotion Fit: Reduces lateral stress for optimal fit
• AP+: Increased rebound and a “bouncier” feeling, extending the cushion durability, while maintaining the light weight performance
• SmoothRide: Engineered approach to minimize the rapid acceleration and deceleration of the foot during transition, creating the smoothest ride possible
• Gender Engineering: Maximizes performance by tailoring footwear to the separate needs of men and women
• Mizuno Intercool: Full-length midsole ventilation system reduces heat and humidity buildup inside the shoe
• VS-1: Shock-absorbing cushioning compound found in the heel
• Mizuno Airmesh: Provides the utmost in breathability and comfort in the upper
• X10: Durable carbon rubber that allows for longer wear in high impace areas and supplements traction at heel strike

So, how can you win yourself a pair? All you have to do is answer the simple question below in the comment section of this post. Then the staff of RunningShoes.com will vote on their favorite answer.

What do you love about your running buddy?

Do they always say the right thing to get you motivated? Or do they make killer post-run smoothies? We know there is something about them that keeps you running with them (and not away from them!). Whether it is your best friend, your pet or your significant other, tell us what it is that makes them so darn special.

And if you’re buddy is of the human variety, they could score themselves a pair of new Mizuno kicks too!

This giveaway is open to U.S. residents only. The winner will be announced on Feb. 15, 2012.  

Congratulations to Aubrey Pollesch. She has been selected as the winner! Her inspirational story about her mom and running buddy won over the staff at RunningShoes.com. Please check out the winning entry below. Thank you to everyone who entered. There are some truly amazing running buddy stories out there!

My favorite running buddy is my mom. As of the summer of 2010, my mom could not even run a block. Using her competitive nature to my advantage, I challenged her to run a 5k with me. While I was away at college, she would run in the morning with our dog and call me every day to update me on her distance progress. I would come home almost every weekend to run with her as well. After we completed our first 5k, I challenged her to run 12 races within one year–including a half marathon. At first, it would be me pushing her on the long runs during the weekends- reminding her of what an accomplishment she was completing and how far she had come in just a few months.

Over time, my mom became the motivator. She became excited about running and was always there to push me when I had my rough days. She did her research and made sure we were always prepared with the best running gear and running fuel. She began looking up more races for us to do to meet our 12 races in a year goal. Within a year–together–we ran over 12 races including multiple 5k’s, 8k’s, 10k’s, a half marathon and a duathalon! And there is no end to my mom’s running now that she has completed her goals! While we may not be able to run side by side as we train for races, she is always a phone call away to motivate me to be just like her.

Some of my favorite memories over the past year include: long runs with my mom training for the half, running with my mom the day before my wedding this December (my last run as a single woman), running with my mom around the hospital as a way to clear our heads while my dad was in the ICU for over a week, running with my mom and best friends in a “Race to the Alter” wedding race this November, and the list could go on. At first I thought I would be the one to push and motivate my mom to become a runner. I have quickly learned my mom is the runner in the family, who is always there to push and motivate me to become a better runner and a better person. I am always excited to head home for a weekend to spend time on a long run with my favorite running buddy–my mom! She is the best motivator anyone could ever ask for!

If minimalism is all the rage among runners, consider Saucony the latest trendsetter. Their Spring 2012 line doesn’t just embrace the movement, it dumps the 12mm heel-to-toe drop entirely. In other words, as of May 2012, the entire Saucony line will be minimalist influenced.

This all started with the Kinvara’s debut in 2010, a response to the growing request for a shoe that offers barefoot running advantages without the risks. “We wanted to provide a responsible alternative to folks that wanted some of those benefits of barefoot running without the high risk of injury that may come from it,” said Tim Knowlton, VP of Sales at Saucony.

The Kinvara became such a  popular choice for minimalist runners that the 2011 Kinvara 2 maintained most of its predecessor’s structure, adding slight improvements to midfoot fit, toebox structure and more modern design elements. Because of the shoe’s extreme flexibility, it’s recommended that wearers ease into use to avoid muscle stress and fatigue.

Kinvara 2

Mirage

And though wildly successful, the Kinvara isn’t the only Saucony shoe manufactured for minimalism. The Mirage offers an option for the mild pronator, and the addition of a midfoot support bridge provides motion control while still allowing the runner to enjoy the advantages of a minimalist shoe. This is the safest minimalist shoe Saucony makes for those transitioning from a traditional running shoe, as the bridge helps balance the runner.

Hattori

Saucony also produces an option even closer to barefoot running: the Hattori, with a 0mm drop and weighing a mere 4.4 oz. The Hattori offers no pronotion support, but rather encourages natural movement without restriction. This is a great option for barefoot runners who want to build up their speed.

And as for the Saucony franchise? During Outdoor Retailer 2011, Tim explained how the brand is applying the minimalist successes to other styles. “Higher end traditional running shoes sometimes can be a little too bulky as they are today. We’ve taken some of the learning from these minimal shoes and brought them into our franchise models … kind of blending the different worlds into what we hope will become lightweight, little bit lower profile, new geometries and more efficiency.” Saucony tests found that runners can seamlessly move from a 12mm offset to 8mm without transition, enjoying the benefits that come with a lower offset immediately. As a result, the ProGrid Guide 5, the ProGrid Triumph and the ProGrid Hurricane will all sport 8mm midsoles in the new year.

Which minimal shoe will you sport in the coming year?

What’s the best possible way to end 2011 and kick off 2012? With a sweet new pair of running shoes, of course.

We’ve partnered with running shoes expert Brooks to bring you a very spectacular giveaway. Up for grabs is its No. 1 selling shoe, the Brooks Adrenaline GTS. In its twelfth iteration, the new Adrenaline is an attempt to perfect greatness.

Available in January, the stability shoe features a three density midsole with triple the support. As you roll through your gait cycle, the material is designed to become progressively more firm. This offers a superior amount of support that feels so natural you probably won’t even notice it.

Fans of the Adrenaline line will find a few differences in the new edition; however the fit and feel will remain the same. The latest style includes more mesh to increase the breathability, a friction-resistant heel, a crash pad that encompasses more strides and Flextra technology to optimize forefoot flex. It will be offered in six colors (including a black Gore-Tex version that is already available) and four different widths.

Brooks Adrenaline GTS 12

Features

• Surface : Road/Track
• Pronation : Moderate
• Build : Small, Medium, Large
• Arch : Flat, Medium, High
• Category: Support
• Weight: 11.3 oz
• Platform: Universal
• Construction: Combination
• Anatomical Brooks DNA
• Full-length BioMoGo biodegradable midsole

How can you be one of the first to sport the new Adrenaline GTS 12? Simply answer the question below in our comments section in order to enter. The winner will be selected at random.

What is your running goal for 2012?

Whether it be improving your PR or exploring new routes, we want to know what you have in the works for the new year. Your ambition will inspire others to create their own achievements in the coming 12 months.

How do you set a great goal? Make sure your goal is specific, simple, significant and strategic. Go a step further, and it write down. Keep it somewhere to review it daily. Now hop to it!

This giveaway is open to U.S. residents only. The winner will be announced on Jan. 15, 2012. Congratulations to Brandon Clubb, who won himself a pair of brand-spankin’ new Brooks Adrenaline GTS 12. Thank you to all who participated! 

Image via Flickr

Dreaming of an ultralight, feature-packed trail runner? Look no further than the Single-Track Hayasa from The North Face, weighing in at a mere 8.9 ounces (7.2 for the ladies) while still offering the support you need. J.P. Borod, The North Face Product Director of Footwear, met up with Running Shoes News at Outdoor Retailer 2011 to give us a sneak peek at their latest single-track shoe.

Men’s Single-Track Hayasa

The North Face partnered with Japanese ultra runner Tsuyoshi Kaburaki to create the Hayasa, which translates to “speed” in Japanese. Though light in weight, this shoe is not light in features—the brand’s Cradle technology supports and cushions your heel and underfoot, the nearly seamless construction helps fight abrasion and the C-Delta metatarsal fit system provides medial and lateral stability. “The North Face Cradle technology provides the support you need without the weight you don’t to promote a biomechanically correct stride regardless of the terrain” says J.P. The result is a super light, race-ready shoe.

The Single-Track Hayasa is due out in Spring 2012, available in bright, eye-catching red and blue.

What do you think of the latest in lightweight running shoes?

Featured image via irunfar.com

Hitting their stride with the new Adrenaline GTS 12, Brooks builds on their model of success by adding even more support features to the updated stability shoe, due out in January. We met up with the running shoe company at Outdoor Retailer 2011 to get the lowdown on the 12^th iteration of their No. 1 selling shoe.

Brooks pioneered the three-density midsole, which provides three layers of support for ultimate comfort. The gradual progression through these materials results in a smooth, natural gait cycle for runners who tend to overpronate.

Runners who love the Adrenaline shoes will find the great same fit and feel in the GTS 12. New features include additional mesh to increase breathability, a friction-resistant heel and Flextra technoloy to optimize forefoot flex.

The Adrenaline GTS 12 will be available in three colors and four widths.

Will you be sporting the new Adrenaline GTS in 2012?

Ever wonder what you look like when you run?

For most, it’s a thought that doesn’t often occur. Yet it’s during those seconds and minutes where your mind is free to roam while your feet pound the pavement. You let go of all the thoughts that might hold you back and just go for it. You tap into the initial reason humans first picked up their feet so fast. You embrace the need to survive. You run like an animal.

And since that’s exactly what Pearl Izumi running shoes urge its wearers to do, it seems only natural that we would incorporate that mantra into this running shoes giveaway. So, please tell us:

What animal do you run like?

It doesn’t matter if your running style is a physical replica or a copy of the mental mindset of a beastly being. Maybe it’s just a creature that provides great inspiration. Whatever animal comes to mind, share it in the comments section of this blog post. You will automatically be entered to win a pair of Pearl Izumi Streak II to further enhance your running abilities. Include a link to a photo of either you or your animal clone for bonus points!

Pearl Izumi Streak II

Features:

• Weight: 7.9 oz
• 1:1 Seamless Upper creates an unparalleled fit with a seam-free interior
• 1:1 360° Lacing anatomically conforms to the foot for a tailored fit regardless of foot shape
• NEW 1:1 Energy Foam cushions the forefoot upon impact and then returns energy back to the runner
• Outsole-grade EVA and blown rubber outsole combines for great cushioning and weight savings
• Segmented forefoot for a smooth, efficient ride
• NEW Ortholite® sockliner for amazing step-in comfort and long-lasting cushioning
• NEW 100% recycled lace webbing and laces
• Heel/Toe offset: 19.0mm/10.0mm

This giveaway is open to U.S. residents only. The winner will be announced on Nov. 9, 2011.

Featured image via TriJim

Unless you’ve been living (and running) under a rock, you know that minimalism has hit the mainstream. This less-is-more movement will become even more apparent in the spring, when two new styles of New Balance running shoes are added to its low-profile lineup. We got up close and personal with the new kicks at summer Outdoor Retailer 2011.

MT110

The first newbie featured in the video above is the MT110, a new lightweight trail shoe that features a 4mm drop from heel to forefoot. Available in January 2012, the 110 isn’t exactly a “barefoot” shoe, but it certainly is a step closer to minimalism—especially when compared to the MT101. It’s built with the intention of trail racing.

We hear that the the NB Minimus 110 series will continue through 2012 though so that both a 4 mm and 0mm drop series will be available. EDIT: The series that will continue through 2012 includes the NB Minimus Zero (0 mm drop) and NB Minimus 10 (4 mm drop). While the 110 (4 mm drop) will also be included, it is not officially part of the NB Minimus collection. And to answer lingering questions on YouTube, the 110 will not feature a Vibram outsole. For those wondering the thickness of its sole, the stack height (midsole + outsole + insert + strobe, etc.) is 15.3 mm in the heel and 11.3 mm in the forefoot.

NB Minimus Zero

Another lightweight shoe blooming this spring is the NB Minimus Zero. With a weight of 4.5 ounces, it’s about as light as it gets. It features a 0 mm drop from heel to forefoot, which makes it completely flat. A Vibram outsole features as little rubber as possible and the EVA, which runs 5.2 mm across, is cored out so you can actually see the upper material. Its stack height is 13.5 mm all the way across.

Yes, but how do they compare to the ever-popular Vibram FiveFingers?

STORY: Minimalist Footwear Hits the Barracks

“The Vibram FiveFingers have articulated toes that give you a much different feel then having a whole shoe on,” said Bryan Gothie, Senior Product Manager for New Balance. “You are getting more EVA [in the NB Minimus Zero]. Some of the FiveFingers are going to be much lower to the ground. Our positioning has been that we still want a shoe; we want that barefoot experience. This is the most barefoot type of experience we can offer, but at the end of the day, you are still going to want some kind of shoe.”

Gothie recommends the MT110 as a great transition shoe for those looking to test the “barefoot” waters. However, you’ll have to wait a few more months before jumping in.

What do you think of New Balance’s upcoming minimalism additions?

This is especially true for runners. We constantly push ourselves: a faster time, a more challenging course and few breaks. That bar bumps a little higher with every run.

But have you ever wanted to run somewhere truly restricted? Like a place that’s roped off, fenced in or surrounded by armed security? We researched some of these top do-not-enter locations well-suited for adventurous runners. See if your favorite forbidden run made the list.

Editor’s note: These are purely what-if scenarios. Adventures as risky as these could result injury, death, imprisonment or much worse. Needless to say, don’t even try these running excursions.

1. Private Radioactive Course

Where: Pripyat, Central Ukraine

Why forbidden? Guarded, exposure to radioactivity

Resist it: Physical side effects of too much exposure to radiation include thyroid cancer, leukemia and non-thyroid cancer, cataracts, cardiovascular disease, damage to the nervous system, tumors, congenital deformations, endocrinal and metabolic illnesses. And death, of course.

If you crave a radioactive run, perhaps this Chernobyl-adjacent town is the place for you. Navigating through the apocalyptic landscape definitely calls to the adrenaline junkie. Aside from the occasional clean-up worker or guard, you’ll have the town to yourself and plenty of room to run. Obstacles like overgrown backstreets, debris and abandoned vehicles will litter your path, so be aware of your surroundings. Oh, and don’t mind that cloud of radioactive particles. It’s nothing a thorough biohazard scrub-down can’t fix.

2. Apple’s Mother Ship

Where: Cuptertino, Calif.

Why forbidden? Even though it doesn’t exist yet, this office campus will be restricted to Apple employees only.

Risk it: Who doesn’t want to frolic in the same vicinity as Steve Jobs?

You can’t run without your iPod. You track your progress with iPhone apps like Nike Plus GPS. You can’t seem to get enough Apple. Take that fandom just a bit farther by running laps in the new Apple HQ. There’s a tiny hiccup–it doesn’t quite exist yet. Steve Jobs joked that the massive, circular glass building will look like a UFO. Not a straight edge of glass in the place. Wouldn’t it be nice to lap it up in the Apple Mother Ship? Think of the Facebook and Foursquare check-ins. Beam us up, Scotty!

3. Area 51: The Military Base

Where: Nevada, north-northwest of Las Vegas

Why forbidden? Houses top secret info; authorized military/political personnel only

Resist it: If you trespass, you might just disappear… just kidding! Security personnel are authorized to use deadly force in the case of particularly unsavory transgressors. However, most offenders will be detained, pay a hefty fine and spend some quality time in the local jail.

Located within the U.S. Air Force’s vast Nevada Test and Training Range (formerly Nellis Air Force Range), Area 51 is a place so shrouded in secrecy that it wasn’t until 2003 that the U.S. government even acknowledged its existence. It’s rumored to contain aliens, UFOs and top secret military aircraft. Any super sleuth would enjoy running from laboratories to hangers for a glimpse of the rumored experiments dealing with time travel, teleportation, weather control and energy weapons. Not to mention you might even be able to hang with E.T. and snack on some Reece’s Pieces.

4. The Republic of Cuba

Where: An island in the Caribbean

Why forbidden? Trade embargo; lingering Cuban Missile Crisis awkwardness

Risk it: Time heals all wounds—even those caused by threats of a nuclear war against the U.S. Well, at least try to ignore those feelings of malcontent, and enjoy this island full of lush vegetation, exotically delicious food and a vibrant culture. Cuba actually encourages American tourism through educational, guided People-to-People Groups. You might want to keep your thoughts of democracy to yourself here. One American tourist, Alan Gross, was arrested for trying to establish an Internet platform in Cuba. Jailed in 2009, Mr. Gross, 62, was sentenced to 15 years in prison for his pro-democracy efforts.

Don’t let a little thing like trade embargos and the occasional imprisonment deter you from considering vibrant, beautiful Cuba for a run-cation. At its narrowest point, Cuba only measures 21.8 miles wide. Essentially, if you have ever put down a marathon, you can easily run the breadth of this island. After that cross-country run, you can kickback at a beachside cantina and take in the sunset.

5. Journey to the Stars

Where: International Space Station, Space

Why forbidden? Astronauts only; dangerous living

Risk it: Stellar sights; major bragging rights. How would you like to be the Mayor of ISS?

Who wouldn’t want to look at the stars while they’re running? Errr … we mean planet. Imagine running on an escalator and gazing on the blue and green beauty of the Earth—from space! It’s much more complicated to run in a weightless state than you would think. It’s not even possible to run on the Treadmill Vibration Isolation System (TVIS) without being strapped in with a bungee harness.

There’s one catch… this particular TVIS is on board the International Space Station. So if you want to run in space, you may have to consider a career change and years of training. It’s OK … we hear NASA is looking for more astronauts.

6. The Holy See Library

Where: Vatican City, Italy

Why forbidden? Houses all the dirty (and not-so-dirty) secrets of the Catholic Church

Risk it: Knowledge. Reportedly, the oldest document goes back to the eighth century, but some theories state that pre-eighth century documents outlined heresies. It would be nice to know if Dan Brown was on to something…

Unlike many of the other places on this list, the Vatican Secret Archives would necessitate indoor running. Especially appealing to those Da Vinci Code fans, the rows and rows of ancient Catholic Church documentation goes back hundreds of years. Racing down the aisles of these historical documents is certainly more than frowned upon. You may be repenting in a jail cell.

7. Korean DMZ

Where: Border at North Korea and South Korea

Why forbidden? Independent travel into North Korea is prohibited.

Resist it: The checkpoints along this border are guarded and unauthorized entry, particularly into North Korea, is not recommended as it may result in death, injury or imprisonment. Even after countless reconciliation efforts, there is a high political tension between North and South Korea.

With the history of violence between the two countries, it’s not really unreasonable that both countries feel the need to stop anyone from entering. North Korea has allegedly kidnapped four high-ranking South Korean military officers, fired on a South Korean island, sunk a naval vessel and been behind numerous bombs. Obviously, running from one side of the Korean Demilitarized Zone to the other is not just a legal liability–it could get you killed! Guards are armed on the North Korean side, and they have been reported as firing at those trying to escape or enter without authorization. While accounting for all the dangers running across the DMZ presents, you have to wonder how cool it would be to high-five the guard upon reaching the other side.

8. The Abandoned Resort Town

Where: Varosha, Cyprus

Why forbidden? Turkish forces invaded Cyprus in response to Greek military coup; shut down town

Resist it: Probably one of THE places to go for a little peace and quiet, the beautiful desert beach will have only one minor drawback… jail time in a Turkish prison.

Just a few decades ago, Varosha was the resort spot in the Eastern Mediterranean. Celebs such as Elizabeth Taylor vacationed here. Alas, in 1974 Turkish forces occupied the booming site and established a strict no-entry order. The entire area is surrounded by fences, guards and “Forbidden Zone” signs. But it seems to call your name, doesn’t it? Running on the clean, warm sand without all that usual beach-associated noise seems like a daydream come to life. Although the exact punishment is case-dependent, cell time in a foreign country cannot be a good thing for the vacationing runner.

9. White House Green

Where: Washington D.C.

Why forbidden? Presidential security

Resist it: You might be shot or, at the very least, fined.

Every person who has stood on the sidewalk along the White House has imagined running across the lawn on the other side of the fence. Tennis shoes wouldn’t even be necessary. The plush green grass would be enough cushion impact of your foot strike. Unfortunately, that brief ecstasy of sprinting across the South Lawn would be short lived. Secret Service agents would swarm the area moments after you set foot on the green.

Trespassing would be the least of your legal worries here. Just ask James Dirk Crudup, the homeless man who jumped the White House fence and was immediately apprehended by assault rifle-toting agents. He was taken to the Washington police station and charged for unlawful entry.

10. The Neverland Ranch

Where: Santa Barbara, Calif.

Why forbidden? Although it’s now closed to the public, the over-the-top, kid-inspired utopia was only open to select guests. And Michael Jackson had a very strict V.I.P. list. No adults allowed.

Resist it: Does this really need an explanation?

The Neverland Valley Ranch is the prime running location for the kid at heart, especially during the reign of the King of Pop. Michael Jackson appropriately named the 3,000-acre amusement park/mansion after the fantasy island of the ever adolescent Peter Pan. In its prime, the estate housed a Ferris wheel, bumper cars, zoo buildings and an assortment of other rides and attractions. Sounds great, right? Unfortunately, Jackson generally only encouraged the attendance of children. No adults allowed.

Upon Jackson’s financial problems and then subsequent death, the majority of the property now belongs to Colony Capital. Basically, you aren’t getting to run the course of this estate unless you’re attending the Colony Capital Christmas party.

What’s your Holy Grail of  “off-limits” running locations?

Less is more when it comes to running shoe trends. Barefoot footwear is the largest growing segment in the athletic shoe industry. As far as those creating that type of footwear, hiking boots specialist Merrell has already thrown its hat in the ring.

Merrell launched its barefoot line in spring 2011. Its collection currently includes several styles for men, women and kids who are looking to train barefoot on the track and trail. The shoemaker’s site also dedicated a blog and how-to guide in order to school people on this new take on a very traditional way of running.

At Outdoor Retailer 2011 Summer Market, Merrell unveiled a new style of barefoot shoes and a “gateway” type shoe for the barefoot curious. Featured in the above video, the Dash Glove for women and the Road Glove for men give yet another alternative for those seeking to step even closer to the ground.

Story: Brooks Pure Project Preview [Video]

“The idea of the barefoot product is to really get you back to the zero drop scenario—so your toes and heels sit at the same level,” said Hy Rosario, VP Merrell Product Development. “Also, by doing that, you’re reactivating and strengthening muscles in your foot, and you are aligning the body as well, which is all a good thing.”

Merrell Road Glove

In addition to the Dash and Road Glove, a more minimalist shoe will be making its way to the trails and roads next spring. While it doesn’t feature zero drop, the Bare Access for men and the Bare Access Arc for women does provide a type of trail shoe that is closer to the ground.

Merrell Bare Access

“Runners are extremely paranoid about getting injured, so what we’ve done for those consumers [is create a type of shoe for those] who want to get into the barefoot atmosphere, but want to do it in a safer way,” Rosario said. “[Bare Access] is a thicker cushion version of zero drop.”

Keep an eye out for the new offerings from Merrell due out in spring 2012.

Have you tried Merrell’s barefoot line? If so, what did you think?