With the growing trend towards minimalist footwear in the world of running, New Balance introduces the predecessor to the New Balance 100, the New Balance 101. The 101 is an extremely lightweight trail running shoe that combines elements of natural running technology with a minimal design for unsurpassed comfort and responsiveness on the trail.

Built to satisfy the world’s most demanding runners, those who tackle miles of tough terrain on a regular basis, the New Balance 101 was designed with the idea that less is more. By allowing your feet to move the way nature intended it to, wearing minimalist shoes mimics your natural gait when running barefoot.

The New Balance 101 is the antithesis to traditional cushioned pronation-control running shoes. Its deconstructed design both on the minimal upper and traction outsole creates an ultra-lightweight shoe with increased ground contact and ultimate foot flexibility. This allows the trail runner more freedom of movement, just as nature intended.

Preparing for a marathon can seem daunting, especially if it’s your very first one.  There are some key elements to a successful marathon that every runner, particularly first-time or rookie runners, should keep in mind during the training period and the day of: staying positive and motivated throughout, training smart, and maintaining proper nutrition and hydration. Keeping these things top-of –mind during your entire marathon journey will give you the best advantage towards personal success.

But, first things first, you can’t attempt to start the journey without the proper pair of running shoes. Luckily for you, Zappos Running Central is a one-stop shop for everything you need, starting with the bare essentials: the perfect pair of running shoes for your feet.

It’s always best to start your training period with a fresh new pair of running shoes, especially if you’re new to the game. The first thing you need to determine when shopping for a new pair of running shoes is your pronation type. This step is crucial for finding the proper cushioning and support.

Pronation is the natural flattening of your foot arch after your heel strikes the ground. This is illustrated by the foot's tendency to roll inward or outward at the end of each stride.

Runners with normal arches typically have normal pronation, which means the impact after the heel strike goes slightly inward toward the big toe and distributes evenly through the remainder of the foot.

Runners who have high arches are typically under-pronators, where the foot has the tendency to roll more outward, pushing off harder with the outer toes to begin another stride. Normal and under-pronators benefit from shoes designed for neutral to mild pronation such as the ASICS GEL-Nimbus®-12, ASICS GEL-Cumulus® 12, and and Brooks Glycerin® 8.

Runners with low to flat arches tend to overpronate, meaning the foot rolls inward. This puts more pressure on the big toe and ball of the foot as it strikes the ground. . Stability or motion control shoes will help stabilize and cushion an over-pronator’s foot properly. For stability, try the ASICS GEL®-2160, ASICS GEL-Kayano®, Saucony ProGrid® Guide, or the Brooks Adrenaline™ GTS11. For motion control, try the Brooks Beast® for men or the Brooks Ariel® for women.

As you start your marathon training, remember that it starts first and foremost with a positive attitude. It’s as much about mental stamina as it is physical. Staying motivated is key. Always keep in mind that it’s a journey that not only requires the right gear, like the right pair of running shoes, but also the right attitude.

Don't forget to sign up for the Zappos.com Rock 'N' Roll Marathon this year. It will be run on the Strip at night for the first time! Sign up HERE. Good luck, and may you have many healthy miles ahead of you!

Whether you’re training for a marathon, or just getting in your daily cardio session, the right running clothes make a world of difference. Go for running tops with the perfect combination of fit and performance. Look for stretchy, lightweight fabrics that move with you. Also look for moisture-wicking properties in the fabric to keep you dry and comfortable on those long endurance sessions.  Tops with flat seams or seamless constructions are also a great choice to prevent chafing and discomfort.

Brooks carries tons of different running tops in a variety of styles like racerback tank tops, short-sleeved, and long-sleeved tops. They also have a great selection of bra tops that provide great support and style.  Brooks running tops are not only built with the same attention to detail as their running shoes, they also keep you looking great, even on the most grueling training sessions.

For nighttime runs, choose a top with reflective fabric to increase your visibility in low-light areas. The Brooks Nightlife Equilibrium Short Sleeve Top is a great choice for these evening runs.

There’s no getting around it, workouts can be grueling and intense, but the right workout clothing really can give you that added edge it takes to go the extra mile and power through another set. A good starting point for an efficient and comfortable workout session is Asics Shimmel workout tank top. Its breathable and lightweight compression material offers plenty of support and ventilation through arduous workouts.

Whether you pick basic black or a one of the fun bright pop colors, the Asics Shimmel top is always flattering with its empire seam and racerback detail. It provides great support thanks to the internal shelf bra built right in. It even comes with a handy zip back pocket to hold your gym ID! What’s not to love?

So the next time you find yourself dreading that impending gym session, just throw on the cute Asics Shimmel tank top and you’ll find yourself breezing through those reps and running those miles in comfort and sleek style.

To see the entire line of Asics clothing, shoes and accessores, check out the Zappos Running Central page!

You heard correctly! The 2011 Zappos.com Rock 'n' Roll Las Vegas Marathon will be held on December 4th, 2011 at 5pm PST. It has been a dream for everyone involved with the race to run the race at night under the neon lights of the world famous Las Vegas Strip. Finally, runners of the 44-year-old race will gather at the starting line under much warmer conditions and many more spectators are expected to participate now that waking up at 4am on a Las Vegas Sunday is no longer a requirement. For more information go to stripatnight.com!

Here is a video from the official press conference at the Fashion Show Mall in Las Vegas on March 8th, 2011.

Orca is a creator and developer of cutting edge sports apparel, born out of our success in the grueling and technically advanced sport of triathlon. For over 15 years, Orca has been leading the pack with innovation and design. 

Now Orca wants to offer customers products that will enable them to perform anytime, from the pre-dawn jog to running the gauntlet within the workplace. The chosen fabric for this new collection is premium New Zealand performance Merino wool – one of nature’s true superfibres. They’ve selected Merino because it is naturally thermo-neutral, meaning that the fabric responds to changes in the micro-climate around your body. Because Merino can absorb and release moisture, the garments cool when you sweat and warm when the temperature drops. It is also antibacterial so it won’t smell. And because Merino fibres are so fine, the fabric feels great next to your skin. Cross the finish line in Orca from Zappos.com.

We all know that Jillian Michaels means business. When she isn’t helping average Americans accomplish their fitness goals on The Biggest Loser, she offers her expert advice to those who are trying to take their fitness to the next level. Jillian Michaels and the team at K-SWISS have started an online video series where Jillian jumpstarts your workout and offers tips for top performance. Before you jump into a new regimen, protect your feet with the revolutionary technology that’s sure to change your approach to running. The Tubes™ Run 100 from K-SWISS® provides an amazingly responsive heel-to-toe transition and features full-length cylinders for excellent flexibility, support and stability. Head over to our Running page to try on a pair of Tubes™ Run 100 and check out this video with Jillian Michaels explaining the importance of upgrading your gear:

The second annual Zappos.com Rock ‘n’ Roll Las Vegas Marathon & ½ Marathon, to benefit the Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation of America, was held on Sunday, December 5th on the world famous Las Vegas Strip. The entire ½ marathon course as well as the first 12.6 miles of the full marathon course was on the Las Vegas Strip so runners could enjoy the excitement of the Strip, including watching live coverage of the race unfolding on the hotel marquees as they passed by.

The inaugural Rock ‘n’ Roll race in Las Vegas Marathon took place December 6, 2009, and sold out with more than 28,000 registered runners descending on Las Vegas from all 50 states and 39 countries. This year’s race drew 28,700 participants with over 250 Zappos Family volunteers and 100 Zappos Family runners. Running Elvises, nuns, Santas, Simpsons, cavemen and much more enjoyed music from live bands and local high school cheerleaders every couple miles throughout the race and a celebration concert with rock n’ roll bad boy Brett Michaels at the finish line.

This year’s Zappos.com Rock ‘n’ Roll Las Vegas Health & Fitness Expo presented by Power Balance was held at the Sands Expo and Convention Center throughout the weekend.  The Expo featured the latest health and nutrition information with a variety of products for sale and sample as well as offer free fitness related clinics. Check out the video below and make sure you run with us next year at the third annual annual Zappos.com Rock ‘n’ Roll Las Vegas Marathon & ½ Marathon: