You’re fast asleep in your warm, cozy bed, then, like a rude jolt, the alarm clock buzzes in your ear. It’s time to hit that morning run you’ve been putting off for weeks…

If this scenario is part of your new fitness routine, consider rewarding yourself a dose of lively color with bright running shoes! There’s just something about a cool pair of shoes that makes even those pre-sunrise runs a little more fun and vibrant.

Check out a few bright and colorful picks from our great selection of running shoes for every type of runner.

Women's: 1. Reebok DMXSky Run in Party Purple, 2. ASICS GT-1000 in Lite Bright/Grape/Pink, 3. Under Armour Women's FTHR Radiate in Poison/White/Black

Men's: 4. ASICS GT-1000 in Highlighter Yellow, 5. New Balance M890V3 in Green/Yellow, 6. Zoot Sports Ultra TT 06 in Blaze/Safety Yellow/Black

Feel-good endorphins. There are a couple of good ways to get them pumping; you can catch a brisk morning run before work OR you can give great gifts that make the runners on your list very happy.

These gifts should put everyone in a great mood! Now that’s a win-win situation!

Check out some of our top gift picks that’ll put a spring in any runner’s stride:

Women's: 1. Muzuno Wave® Rider 16, 2. Brooks Utopia Thermal Hoodie II, 3. Newton Running Women's Terra Momentum, 4. inov-8 F-Lite 215 (also ideal for CrossFit™!), 5. Nike Skapri  6. adidas Running Thrasher TR W

Men's: 7. Under Armour ColdGear® Fitted Longsleeve Mock, 8. Merrell Bare Access 2, 9. Brooks NightLife Essential Run Jacket II, 10. Tifosi Optics Radius Interchangeable Sunglasses, 11. Mizuno Wave ® Rider 16, 12. Nike + Sportband

For more running shoes, clothes and accessories, visit the Zappos Running Central page!

Living a healthy lifestyle is just that…a lifestyle. There’s no reason why your healthy routine should end with the summertime. With the kids heading back to school and your schedule getting more hectic, it’s more important than ever to claim your “me time”.

Go for a relaxing jog, a brisk walk or head back to the gym to try that new cardio class. Grab a pair of new Skechers and go!

1. Skechers Go Train, 2. Skechers Tone Ups Run, 3. Skechers Go Run Ride Ultra, 4. Skechers Liv-Smart, 5. Skechers Go Run, 6. Skechers Go Walk

Whether you’re starting to train for that big marathon this year or just getting back into running, the right pair of running shoes is definitely of the utmost importance.

Check out the super sleek and lightweight Reebok Ziglite. This new and improved version offers maximum cushioning while staying light and responsive. You’ll feel the difference with every stride.

The inspiration behind Newton Running®, as well the brand’s name, was Sir Isaac Newton and his third law of motion, which states that for every action there is an equal and opposite reaction.

A leader in natural running, Newton believes that maintaining natural running form without being barefoot requires a shoe that allows the foot to connect with the ground as though it is shoeless. Any geometric change interferes with the natural gait, which is why every shoe is built on a level platform that mimics the foot’s natural geometry. Unhindered, flexible movement is essential, as long as the shoe is still protective enough to prevent injury over harsh terrain.

So who are Newton running shoes for? They are for runners who are already mid-foot or forefoot strikers, as well as those who are working on transitioning from heel striking to a more natural running form.

Slip into a Newton running shoe and experience the science of motion.

Break free of that old treadmill rut and take your runs on a more scenic trail this season with Vivobarefoot’s patented minimal trail runners. From the beach to rocky riverbeds, trail running with one of their lightweight shoes allows for a more natural range of motion with maximum sensory feedback-- all while staying protected from the elements.

Styles featured: Vivobarefoot Neo Trail, Vivobarefoot Achilles, Vivobarefoot EVO II, and Vivobarefoot Ultra

Here at Zappos, there’s definitely no shortage of runners from every level—from seasoned triathlon athletes to beginners who are just getting into running. That’s why this week, we’re featuring four Zappos employees on the home page along with their picks for colorful running shoes. We think there’s no reason why you can’t look good while putting in those miles every day! Running is just more fun with cool running shoes, right?

We asked our Zappos “models” a couple of questions to delve into their running routines:

Describe your workout style in three words.

J: Loose, relaxed, maneuverable 

What three songs are always on your running playlist?

J: “Push It”- Salt n’ Peppa

   “Supermodel” –Ru Paul

   “I’m Too Sexy”- Right Said Fred

Describe your typical running routine.

J:  Stretching before and after every run is a must, and so is staying hydrated! 

What are your top 3 favorite Zappos brands?

J: Nike, Vans and Adidas

Describe your workout style in three words.

K: Comfy, trendy, all-purpose 

What three songs are always on your running playlist?

K: “Beautiful Day”-U2

     “Pump It” -The Black Eyed Peas

     “Redemption Song” -Bob Marley

Describe your typical running routine.

K: Two miles on the treadmill jamming to my iPod.

What are your top 3 favorite Zappos brands?

K: Nike, Adidas and Brooks

Describe your workout style in three words.

K: Technical, functional, memorable.

What three songs are always on your running playlist?

K: “Free Yourself” –The Untouchables

     “Sexy Back” –Justin Timberlake & Timberland

    “Cuddly Toy” –Roachford

Describe your typical running routine.

K: Wake up, down a PowerGel and a glass of water, easy 45 minutes with focus on form, walking cool down for 15 minutes then recovery with ramen noodles!

What are your top 3 favorite Zappos brands?

K: K-Swiss, Pearl iZumi, Zoot.

Describe your workout style in three words.

S: black, white, and something bright.

What three songs are always on your running playlist?

S: “Let the Drummers Kick” –Citizen Cope

    “How I Roll” –Britney Spears

    “Last Night of the Dynasty” –Shanghai Restoration Project

Describe your typical running routine.

S: Stretch for a little bit. Walk for a little bit.  Run for a lot of bits.  Stretch a medium bit. Ice knees.  Eat lots.

What are your top 3 favorite Zappos brands?

S: CW-X, Any brand that offers highlighter-colored shoes –Nike and Saucony do neon really well--, knee-high socks from Injiniji

Left: K-Swiss Blade-Max™ Glide in Silver/Black/Fiery Red, Right: K-Swiss Blade-Max™ Stable in Fiery Red/Optic Yellow/Black

The K-Swiss Blade-Max™ Glide  and Blade-Max™ Stable were both featured in the Runner’s World 2012 Spring Shoe Guide. If you’re looking to add some trails in your running routine this season, check out Blade-Max™ Series with its Superfoam® technology. The anatomically-placed “blades” give the outsole progressive cushioning against impact. Happy running!