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

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

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!

Left to Right: Nike Legend S/S Tee, ASICS Emma Singlet, Brooks EZ T Polka Dot Top 

Many of us here at Zappos HQ are starting to train for the Zappos.com Rock N’ Roll Las Vegas Marathon and Half Marathon in December. It’s exciting to see both experienced and beginner runners alike collectively embrace running as part of their weekly routine.

If you’re getting into running like many of us here, check out these simple and basic stretching exercises to make sure your muscles are flexible and ready for a good run. Hold each of these stretches for 20-30 seconds. Some runners prefer to do the majority of their stretching after their run to loosen up the muscles.  

1.  Calf stretch: Place both hands on a wall with one leg bent and knee closer to the wall. Keeping your lower back flat, straighten your back leg so that your heel is firmly on the ground. Hold then repeat on the other leg.  

2.  Groin stretch: Sit on the floor and touch the soles of both feet together, knees pointing in opposite directions. Wrap your hands around your feet and press against the inner thighs toward the floor.  

3.  Quad stretch: Stand on one foot with one hand on the wall for balance. Keeping your spine straight, take your right foot with your right hand behind you and gently pull the heel towards your backside. Hold then repeat on the other leg.

4.  Hamstring stretch: Sit on the floor and extend one leg out to the side and bend your other leg, touching your feet to the inside thigh of the extended leg. Grasp as far down your extended leg as you can and bend your upper body toward the floor. Switch legs and repeat.

For the best selection in running shoes and clothing, check out Zappos Running Central!

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.

Take advantage of the warmer weather by taking your running sessions outdoors. Start off with the perfect pair of running shoes like the ever-popular ASICS. Taking the time to pick the correct type of running shoes for your pronation type is key to avoiding injuries on those long runs on concrete and asphalt.

When running outside in heat and humidity, it’s essential that you pick lightweight clothing with moisture-wicking properties. For women, try the sleek Fizz Tank II from Sugoi and the Adidas Stella McCartney Running Performance Short. For men, pick a comfy muscle tank, like the Adidas Response Tee, to keep cool on your run. A pair of lightweight shorts like the Nike Four-Inch Woven Short is a good basic.

Running outside also calls for some extra safety precautions. Here are 5 tips to make your runs safer and more comfortable:

1. When listening to music, keep the volume low enough so you are able to hear cars and cyclists. Never assume that a car can see you.

2. Run facing the traffic.

3. Be careful not to run on paths where you are consistently on a slant. This is very hard on your hips and knees.

4. When running in low light conditions, wear reflective materials.

5. Wear sunscreen when running in the daytime. SPF 30 or above is best.

To get the latest and greaest in running shoes, clothing and accessories, check out Zappos Running Central.

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!

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!