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

There’s no better way to start those New Year’s fitness resolutions than with brand new shoes. That’s right! It’s time to toss out those dirty, old sneakers! The right shoes are imperative to making sure your workout routine begins with the right support and cushioning.

Here are a few of our tried-and-true picks to get you started on the road to a healthier 2012:

Men’s:

1. Nike Free Run +2: Liberate your runs with the natural gait movement that come from these ultra-light minimalist runners.

2. New Balance MT20: The off-road enthusiast will love the flexibility and more natural gait from these trail runners.

3. Saucony Progrid™ Guide 4: These offer an extra layer of shock protection to soften the impact of your daily runs.

4. ASICS GT-2160™:  These offer the same cushioned support you’ve come to expect from ASICS with a couple of sleek design updates.

5. Brooks Adrenaline™ GTS 12: This updated version of the GTS 11 gives moderate over-pronators the stability and cushioning needed for a great run every time.

Women's:

6. ASICS Gel-Kayano® 17: Designed for the moderate over-pronator, these combine breathable cushioning with enhanced stability for running and gym workouts.

7. Nike Free Run +2: Ideal for the runner who is looking to strengthen with minimalist shoes. We love them for their super flexible, super lightweight construction.

8. Saucony Progrid™ Guide 4: The Comfortride™ sockliners not only provide superb cushioning, they are also antimicrobial and moisture-wicking, giving you a drier, more comfortable run.

9. New Balance WT20: These trail runners offer great breathability and makes a great introduction to the world of minimalist running.

10. Brooks Adrenaline™ GTS 12: This gives moderate over-pronators the stability they need without added bulk.

For even more running shoes and clothing to get you on your way to a healthy new year, check out the Zappos Running page!

They’re the brands you know and love, and this fall, you can work them right in to your ensembles without skipping a beat! I’m a huge fan of classic styles, particularly in casual shoes. From cool and laid-back Keds sneakers, to fringed and funky Minnetonka boots, some classics just never go out of style.

This summer, free yourself from the daily treadmill and concrete grind and take those daily runs on the trail. Trail running lets you push yourself harder by taking on rough and rugged terrain. It also requires the right gear in order to protect your feet from injury.

First off, make sure you have the right socks for the job. Look for socks with extra cushioning to protect your feet from blisters and impact. The Thorlos Coolmax Trail Running Quarter sock is a good choice for both cushioning and breathability.

Trail runners have trail-specific outsoles that offer more varied traction in rough terrain. Here are some excellent choices for both men and women:

Women:

ASICS GEL-Kahana® 4: These offer the same performance you’d expect from ASICS, but with a durable, trail-specific outsole that can handle all types of terrain.

Merrell Barefoot Pace Glove: For the minimalist shoe fan, the Pace Glove gives more freedom of movement and keeps you more connected to the trail.

Men:

Ahnu Woodacre: This versatile shoe is perfect for trail hiking and running.

New Balance MT915: The unique debris-free construction keeps all unwanted elements out of your shoe. It also has a moisture-wicking liner to keep your feet dry on warm-weather runs.

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.

Whether you are nestled in the tall buildings in one of the the country's largest cities, or you live somewhere in suburbia, you can always find ways to make your long distance runs a touch more interesting. The easiest way to train, and this goes for any true type of exercise, is to do so with a partner, or better yet, partners. Integrating your friends into your workout and making it not only physically challenging but socially enjoyable is doubly rewarding.

Now, if you are looking for a day of sheer intensity, one where you push yourself to new levels, this workout is not the one to pick. Instead, save this one for a recovery day, or a day that requires long, leisurely miles that maximize endurance rather than speed.

To begin, have each friend get ready at his residence. One person, and it really does not matter who, starts to run from his home to the next friend's. Once there, those two begin running to the next house, and so on, until everyone is now running in a pack. Obviously one person has been running longer than everyone else, and each other person varies slightly in terms of the time put in.

Set a destination or time prior to starting the run and once all of you are together, run that preset course. The variation, however, comes when you have completed the course. Now, on the return trip, the person who started the run gets dropped off first, and all others return home in reverse order. This way every person who participated trains the same amount, just at different times and levels.

Along the way, you get a quality run in and you spend time with