Skechers GoBionic2 Review

I did never tried the first version of Skechers GoBionic. 0mm drop was never an attraction for me and I was very happy with my shoe rotation last year. I read and heard  really good things about the Bionics and during NYC Marathon expo, I received lot of questions from runners when the new Bionic2 was going to be released. I was asked by Skechers Performance Division to log some miles in the new Bionic2 and I have to say I was excited to finally get to test the Bionics. Over the winter I have been logging about 250 miles in the new Bionic2, as a part of Skechers Performance Division wear tester program.

Skechers GoBionic2 

Whats new
SkechersBionic2 carries over the same mid sole unit as the first Bionic. The big changes comes to the upper. Skechers also  offer a 2:1 insole system. For the Bionic2 that means that you can chose between 0mm/4mm drop.

Upper
The upper on the Bionic2 is like a stripped down version of Skechers GoRun3. You get the same stretchable mesh in the front, which gives your toes lot of room to spread out. The mid foot area has less overlays and a lighter mesh then GoRun3. The lace system is also different from GoRun3. You will find less rows for the rounded laces. At times I have found it hard to get an even pressure from the laces and they can create hot spots on top of your feet if you're not careful with the lacing. The mid foot area offers a really snug fit and you can go sock less in these. Due to the cold NJ weather I have only tried this a few times. Over all the upper is really snug with minimal overlays that interfere, go sockl ess if you want, the upper wont cause any problems for you.

Midsole/Outsole
Bionic2 carries over the same  mid sole  unit as the the first edition. You will find the same deep open flex grooves. The whole unit is build around 18 different Resalyte pods, this makes shoe very flexible in every possible direction. Some blown rubber are placed at strategically places. For some runners including myself, the rubbers might be placed on the wrong pods. I could have used more blown rubber in the mid foot front area.  You can see my wear and tear on the pictures below.

Performance/Conclusion 
I have really enjoyed the close to road feeling of the Bionic2, this and  the really close snug fit has made the Bionic2 one of my favorite shoes in my current rotation. I have used the Bionic2 with the insole for a 4mm drop on most of the runs, this gives you some extra cushion, but still you have that great road feel. Bionic2 can be used  for all different kinds of runs.  Longest run for me has been a 16 miler. In the end I could feel that my feet and legs got a bit fatigue from the flexible mid sole unit. In my experience it takes a bit to get use to the flexibility of the Bionic. When going 0mm drop I could feels some tension in my calves as I'm not use to this drop level.  The Resalyte makes the Bionic2 very responsive and the grip of the road is great.  I have been thinking that this could be a shoe for shorter races as it is very responsive and I get a fast feeling, but the fact that the deep flex grooves pick up every pebble you pass, its a bit of a problem on a race day. Over all I have really liked every run with Bionic2, they kind of makes you happy when you lace them on.

Pros
- Great upper, with a really nice close to the feet snug feeling. Offers plenty of room for your toes
-Very responsive and flexible.
-Outstanding road feel.
-2:1 insole system. 0mm or 4mm drop options

Cons
-Flex grooves, is a pebble magnet. After each run I have too clean the shoes from stones and pebbles.
-Durability of the out sole. Some of the pods goes down really quick.
-Probably not the best pick on a snowy day, due to the deep flex grooves.
-Laces could create hot spots on top of your feet.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I receive Running shoes from Skechers Performance Division as part of their Skecher Performance Division brand ambassador program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

6 weeks to Boston!

Here we are, and its 6 weeks left to Boston. Training goes well and I have now started to do more Boston specific work outs. Trying to focus a bit on the downhills, getting more speed in. Last week I got 85 miles in, which is really good for me. I hope to continue to log miles over 80 per week. Legs has responded well but I feel its hard to tell how my pacing and speed form is. The chilly and windy weather here in NJ makes it so hard. So far we had one really nice day, that's it. Its a real test for the motivation for sure. Hamstring has been working really well, at times it has been firm but using the Rumble Roller has helped to ease it up.

Next weekend its time for the tune up race. Im doing "Miles for Music" 20K in New Brunswick NJ. I hope to get a great result in before I start the taper before Boston. Its not so much about time, I just need the right feeling that I'm on the right way.

Race gear from Skechers Elite Team came in. They look really great, Red, Blue and White!

Gear Im using right now are:
Skechers Ride4 (prototype).... Easy, recovery and longer day
Skecher GoMeb Speed2....For faster day work outs
Skechers GoBionic2.....Easy days and some Speed work outs
Skechers GoRun3....My every day "go to trainer" Can be used for anything!

Socks has been Feetures! Elite wools socks all winter (and it has been quite a brutal winter), they have kept my feet toasty really well.

Nutrion: I tried tailwind for a while, but i did not sit really well in my stomach. Honeystinger as always worked really well for me and it gives me sustained energy and no issues with stomach. And they taste really great!
I have always been a big fan of Beet Juice, it leaves a mess in the kitchen. This year I'm trying a new approach. Beet powder and Beet shots from Beet-It. Beet-It shots works really well and also easy on the stomach

Boston Training

About 8 weeks to go and finally I feel I'm on the right way. About a month ago, jogging home from a workout, I started to feel tight in my left hamstring. Did not think much about it until the next day when went out for a recovery run. Again it started to cramp up around mile 5, this time more painful. I decided to stop and walk back home....Following day, same tightness and cramp but even more painful. After talking to Caleb I decided to take a few days off, doing some cross training, a few days became two weeks...but I'm back running again. I was afraid that I had hamstring tendinitis and a good bye to Boston Marathon but in the end it was "probably" just a small pull. It really started to ease up once I started to use trigger point massage. So what did I learn from this one? Well during the first winter months I got to lazy and stopped with my core work outs. That could be the most important reason. So now I'm not skipping the core stuff, plus I have added some hamstring work outs, to strengthen up does puppies!

Where is the Sun!

The last month the weather has been brutally cold and it has been snow storm after snow storm. Usually I do all my training out side, but this winter I have been at a gym three times so far. basically because I want to make sure I get the right quality in. Freezing poring rain and -13 is not really great weather for mile repeats!

This weekend I did a charity race at the local gym. 13.1 on treadmill. I knew before hand that the biggest battle would be the mind game being stuck on the treadmill. The goal of the day was to keep marathon pace 6:45 ish. I ended up doing 6:44, with a push last few miles. I have started to break in a pair of Skechers GoMeb Speed2, great fast shoe, that I will use at Boston Marathon. Also I was using brand new Feetures! socks. I have to say, its like the GoMenbs and Feetures! was meant for each other. What a great combo! It was a great effort going in to this work out with rough legs and I got a great week in.

This week will be more Boston Specific work outs!

#bonkproof #golikeneverbefore

Skechers GoMeb Speed2 Review

Last year I was all set for Boston Marathon, shoe of choice was Saucony Fastwitch6. I had no doubt that Fastwitch6 was going to be the greatest flat for me. Enough of protection in a lightweight package. I have a small obsession for racing flats I have to admit, so I had been keeping my eyes open for Skechers GoMeb Speed. Anyone who has an interest in racing flats should have, it was #4 at the London 2012 Olympics. One problem, it was not going to be released in time for Boston Marathon. I contacted Skechers Running Division and asked about release date and they responded "we can send you a pair for you to try, plenty a time before Boston Marathon" Since I got the my first pair of GoMeb Speed, I  have never looked back and I did set a new PB at Boston Marathon. So of course I get a bit worried when Skechers Running Division announce that they are going to release GoMeb Speed2 at the NYC Marathon expo only 7 months after the first edition was released!

NYC Limited Edt

Whats New:
The GoMeb Speed2 carry over the same midsole unit, no changes here. You will get the same firm, responsive ride. The big changes are the upper and the tongue. The weight is a bit lighter size 9 comes in right under 7oz at 6.8oz

To break it down:

Midsole/Outsole
No changes here. You will get the same firm responsive ride. What impressed me most during Boston marathon is how I really could feel the energy the shoe was giving back. I really needed it when my form and legs started to get fatigue in the end. I had to dig deep last to miles and I remeber how great the shoe responded.  The Resalyt Midsole is a lightweight injection-molded compound with memory retention helps absorb impact. (from Skecher website). The Stability plate in the midfoot secure the run and gives you a bit of support. Also it gives you a faster transition to toe off.

Upper: and Fit
Here is the big update. The upper is now almost seamless, with printed overlays. The material is firmer mesh that really snugs your feet. The printed overlays gives you a bit of support but really the mesh itself hugs your feet really well. With GoMeb Speed2 you have to be careful with your sizing to get the snug feel. With my normal size 9.5, I had way to much mesh in the forefoot, it folded unnaturally during my workouts. I would say its the down side of using almost only one piece of mesh to create the whole upper. After sizing down a half size the fit was perfect! The tongue has now more structure and wont create and hot spots or folds, great update. The laces is something I personally often switch out quick. For the GoMeb Speed2 I used Sure laces to improve the fit.

Conclusion/Performance
I'm happy to find the same energetic and responsive ride with GoMeb Speed2. The upper has a greater snug feel that really raps you foot great, if you get the right size. The sizing of GoMeb Speed2 is the key for the upper technology and mesh features. You really want to lock down your feet to avoid the spare mesh that could be an issue in the front. If you get the right size you have nothing to worry about the upper update is great. Many runners had an issues with the tongue on Speed1. Skechers Performance Division paid attention and di a great job. It gives protection on top of your feet and will not fold. Again GoMeb Speed will be on my feet at Boston Marathon,GoMeb Speed2 is a shoe that I can trust and I know will respond well the whole 26.2 miles!

 

 

 

  More Speed2 Reviews:

http://www.believeintherun.com/index.php/2014/01/30/skechers-gorun-speed-2-gomeb/

 

Disclosure of Material Connection: I receive Running shoes from Skechers Performance Division as part of their Skecher Performance Division brand ambassador program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Skechers GoRun Ultra

I have to admit, before trying the Ultra. I had zero experience with maximum cushioned shoes. Sure I have checked out Hokas but could never see myself wearing them, So I was a bit skeptic when I first heard that Skechers Performance Division had a new maximum cushioned shoe in the loop. I am not an Ultra runner and as Im building up for Boston Marathon I have not done much trail latley. So how did the Ultras fit in, in my rotation? With Polar Vortex weather forecasts, snowy roads and stiff temperature here in New Jersey, I had found a perfect shoe for my winter running and recovery runs!

The GoRun Ultra was inspired by Ultra runner Robert Youngren, here you can read his blog and how Ultra was designed: http://youngrenepics.blogspot.com/2013/11/skechers-gorun-ultra-from-drawing-board.html

To break it down

Midsole/Out sole unit:
Ultra use a combination of a soft Resalyte midsole and more rigid Resagrip outsole to provide cushioning and support. Information from Robert Youngren blog:

Stack Heights 

  Forefoot =  23.0 mm
  Midfoot = 29.0 mm
  Heel = 27.0 mm 
  Net Drop = 4.0mm
  Sockliner = 3-7 mm (tapers from 7mm at heel to 3mm at forefoot)
 
Outsole offers a pattern of medium sized lugs, shaped as triangles almost. Although I have not tried the Ultras on the trails, I have tried them on pretty rough, slushy winter condition roads. And the runs have been safe and secured. Truly I feel this works as well as a road shoes as it does on the trails. The cushioning is very well present, although I enjoy a road feel shoe, I have actully found the cushioning  being pleasant the day after a hard work out when your legs are beat up.  

The running feeling is very "poppy" and the midsole flexes well. I have no problems picking up paces with the poppy feeling.

Upper/Fit:
The upper is very roomy. I have no problems getting a extra thick sock in them on a very cold day. In the front, the mesh is a bit stretchy, for toe display and a tighter mesh in the arch area to secure the fit. A couple of overlays add to the structure of the upper. Nothing to fancy, just simple functional design. The roomy upper is probably very useful if you're are planning to go the Ultra distance where your feet gets pretty swollen and beat up.

  
Performance: 
 As with all maximum cushioned shoes, you get a good stack height. You would think that the shoe therefor have sacrifice the energy return and the "pop" feeling. Ultra does not. I was pleasantly surprised how "fast" they actually felt and how flexible they are. They offer you ton of protection at the same time. I have heard from other runners who had used Ultra and rolled their ankles. This has not been an issue for me.

Sum up :
Im not a trail runner and Im not an Ultra runner, still I found a great place in my running shoe rotation for the Ultras! With a simple roomy upper, and a well cushioned ride the Ultras has given me great protection from Mother Winter nature. The stack height has given me good protection from the slushy wintery roads and the roomy upper has allowed me to add a thicker socks
Out sole lug pattern has protected me from sliding around and I have been able to focus on the running. I really like how I can pick up paces whenever I want without feeling the shoe is in the way.
Even if you're not an Ultra runner, you can find a place for Ultra in your rotation. Its a great versatile shoe that works for many purposes, you just have to explore the shoe and find your way!

 Disclosure of Material Connection: I receive Running shoes from Skechers Performance Division as part of their Skecher Performance Division brand ambassador program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Skechers GoRun3 review

I have to admit, I had a love affair with the Skechers GoRun2. With the GoRun2 I did most of my runs building up toward my Boston Marathon 2013 sub 3 PB. I loved how the GoRun2 kept me low to the ground with superb road feel ( a feeling that I had been looking for, for years), a snug upper that wraps your foot without bells and whistles! So I was a bit worried when I first opened the GoRun3 shoe box. I have now 160 miles in the GoRun3 and I'm convinced, this is for the better!

What has changed and whats new:
The upper is totally redone, without loosing the snug fit over the arch area. The front of the shoe offer now a more airy stretchable mesh. This makes your toes happy as they are able to spread out more. If you play around with the laces you can get a really snug feeling, having all the different mesh styles working together.
With the GoRun3 Skechers offer a 2 in 1 insole. This means that you can choose your drop between 4mm or 8mm. With the 4mm option you get lower to the ground and you have a more road feeling. the 4mm is the option I prefer. With the 8mm option, you lose some of the road and the experience is a more a cushioned ride. Its really a matter of taste, I prefer as I mentioned above the road feel. The road feel is still there with the 8mmm option but you get a much softer and cushioned ride.

To break it down

Mid Sole
GoRun3 carry over the same mid sole console as GoRun2. The difference is the insole and the 2 in 1 option. With 8mm you get a more cushioned feeling and ride. If you take out the insole for the 4mm option you get the same feeling I liked with GoRun2. Great flexible road feeling, you stay close to the ground.

Upper: The upper has been totally redone. Skechers are working with several different mesh styles to give you a secure fit and at the same time giving enough room in the front for your toes to display. This works really well and the different mesh styles almost feel like they were meant for each other. In the front you have the 3 layer Power-prene mesh on front panel. This is a very open mesh. This will most likely be a winner on a warm day but could be cold and trap snow on a cold snowy day. With some smart overlays and a tighter mesh in the arch area, the foot is secured. I was a bit afraid of loosing the sock like feeling you have with GoRun2, but its still there. Nice and smooth feeling but at the same time the foot is locked down.

Fit: Here you have to careful. With the new 2:1 insole sizing might differ for you.  My advice is to try them on and decide what option you like and are going to use. If you take out the insole the shoe will get bigger. Like the old trick my mom used when I was a kid to save a few bucks. Buy to big shoe and slide in an insole and they fit. If you take the insole out the shoe will run bigger.

Performance: With the 4mm option, as mentioned above you get the close to the ground feeling. Very responsive without being mushy. If you like to pick up the paces the shoe respond well and gives a lot of energy back. I find the 4mm option being a very fun shoe to do work outs in. For me the 4mm option is enough to go the full 26.2, but if you don't thing it s enough you can choose the 8mm option as it feel like more shoe under your foot. Still with a very responsive and energetic ride.

Sum Up: I was  afraid at first but the GoRun3 is a great update to GoRun2. GoRun3 feels more like a complete shoe, still without loosing the feeling from GoRun2. GoRun3 offers a new 2 in 1 insole system. When you try them on be careful with you sizing. With GoRun3 a have a shoe that I can use for all my workouts toward my goals 2014. And for the price of $80 you get the best valued running shoe on the market!

Other Reviews: http://runrepeat.com/skechers-gorun

"Disclosure of Material Connection: I receive Running shoes from Skechers Performance Division as part of their Skechers Performance Division brand ambassador program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Winter Running 2014

First post of the year! Of course it has to be weather related and running in really cold weather! Temperatures and weather has not really been kind to us here in NJ, but hey it can be worse. We are not living in Maine! I always try to complete all of my runs outside and for this year that equals a lot of layers of clothes! This blog is a sum up of how I dress before a really cold run!

Head: As head wear I use a beanie from Gore with wind protection in the front. On really cold days I add an extra headband, also with wind protection to keep my head warm. Sunglasses gives a great protection of your face and eyes. On really cold runs I use a Buff to cover my face and neck, but you might also want to try a face mask. Friends of mine has recommended a face mask from Under Armor.
The fix: Wind proof beanie

Upper body: Its so easy to over dress and get to warm during your run. It is ok to freeze the first couple of minutes of running, but once you get going your are going to get warm. I usually use base layers from CRAFT of Sweden, to me they are outstanding and has always kept me warm and dry. Cold days I use two layers of CRAFT and a weather proof jacket from Sugoi, not to heavy just enough to break the wind. Yes Craft is expensive but they will keep you dry and they last for decades.
The fix: Layers and Keep upper body dry

Hands: I have really cold hands and I cant take a run with cold hands. I always double up on the layers on my hands. Really cold days I use Gore Tex mittens with a wool liner glove. This solutions has kept my hands warm even on the coldest days with really stiff temperatures. Milder days I use a windproof glove from Sugoi.
The fix: Mittens

Legs: I hate to repeat myself, but the trick is really to use layers smart and keep the winds away from your body. Again I use base layers from CRAFT of Sweden, together with wind proof underwear from Asics or New Balance. As for the tights I use a really old pair of Nikes with Wind proof front. This solution is for really cold days. Milder days it might be enough with just the wind proof underwear and a pair of thinner tights.
The fix: Wind proof underwear

Feet: As with the hands, the feet is something I want to keep warm. This year we have been using different shoe models from Skechers Performance Division . All with the "All Weather" protection mesh:

• Special All Weather GOdri three layer edition
• Layer 1: Water resistant protective exterior barrier
• Layer 2: Micro-porous membrane allows air to pass through while keeping water out
• Layer 3: Form-fitting and moisture-wicking mesh interior

The All Weather models, GoRun2, GoRun Ride2 and Bionic Trail has been used in pretty nasty conditions. All from heavy rain/snow and temperatures down to real feel -2. On a really cold days you want to keep the winds away from your toes. If you use a shoe like Skechers All Weather and a pair of really nice wool socks you are good to go, I have been using Elite wool socks from Feetures!. So far my toes has been toasty and warm. If you want to add some traction on a snowy day, the Bionic trail is the shoe to pick. Although its a trail shoe it works really well on the roads and gives you great traction on the snow.  The All weather protection keep your feet dry in most conditions but if you stay out for 60 min+ in heavy rain, no shoe in the world will keep your feet dry. The All Weather mesh is not as stretchy as the regular GoRun mesh but it does wrap your feet really well. The feeling is the same as the original GoRun series.
GoRun series reviews here:
GoRun2
Ride2 
Bionic Trail
The Fix: Windproof shoes and wool

My Winter running blog from 2013:  

Disclosure of Material Connection: I receive Running shoes from Skechers Performance Division as part of their Skechers Performance Division brand ambassador program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Skechers GoRun3 Released

 Just in time for NYC Marathon, the brand new GoRun3 has been released by Skechers Performance Division! With the exact same midsole/outsole as the GoRun2 but with an improved more breathable upper. Three colors has been release on Skechers.com:

Blue/Green

 Black/Red

 NYC Marathon Edition

 Review is coming soon! #Golikeneverbefore

Skechers GoRun3

Here is the first official picture of GoRun3. Posted by Skechers athlete Madi Serpico!
This seems to be a Madi Serpico limited edition color. More info soon........
#golikeneverbefore

GoRun Fall

Fall is here with full force and also some SKECHERS Performance Division news:

Bryan Morseman blew away the competition this past weekend at the Mohawk Hudson River Marathon in Albany, NY. Morseman finished with a time of 2:24:24—the 5th fastest time in race history and 7 minutes faster than second place. Since joining our team in August, Bryan has won the Glen Iris 5k and would have won the Mill Race Marathon in Columbus, IN if the lead biker didn’t guide him off the course. Bryan has a marathon PR of 2:20 and hopes bring that down to the Olympic Trials qualifying standard of 2:18. Congrats Bryan!

Are you planning to run Houston Marathon? Here is your opportunity to win a free entrance, air fair and 2 hotel nights with SKECHERS Performance!  

                                                 Enter now! http://bit.ly/GK0rsB

Please follow Happy Feet blog. Great guy who is really passionate for running and Skechers GoRuns!
http://happiefeet.blogspot.com/
Here are some great reviews from Happy Feet!
http://happiefeet.blogspot.com/2013/09/skechers-gobionic-trail-initial-review.html
 http://happiefeet.blogspot.com/2013_10_01_archive.html


SKECHERS Perfromance is now on Instagram:
http://instagram.com/skechersperformance#

ALWAYS! 
 Run Safe/Run Smart…Check out the photoluminescent glow technology in our new Skechers #NiteOwl: http://bit.ly/19Sa19q

GoRun Douglas McCarthy & Hazel Hill

A couple of months ago my friend and musician Douglas (Nitzer Ebb, DJMREX) contacted me and asked about my opinion regarding zero drop shoes, Douglas had Merrel's in mind. I asked Douglas if he would like to try Skechers GoBionic's instead and my friends at Skechers Performance Division, fitted Douglas and his wife visual artist Hazel Hill McCarthy III   http://www.hazelhillmccarthyiii.com/ in some GoBionics. So far Douglas and Hazel really like the feel of the GoBionics and are now on their second pairs, also trying the Trail version.

Douglas and Hazel lives and works out of LA where they often run and hike the trails around the LA surroundings. 

Hazel Hill rocks the Bionic Trail version

After the busy summer/fall touring, remixing Depeche Mode "Should Be Higher" and now in the studio with DJMRex.



Douglas has promised to post some more pictures and write his own GoBionic review!
To be Continued.....

GoRun MoveOn edt maybe............


#Golikeneverbefore Douglas & Hazel!

 http://www.douglasjmccarthy.com/
 http://www.hazelhillmccarthyiii.com/
 http://www.fixmermccarthy.com/
 http://djmrex.com/
 http://www.nitzer-ebb.com

Last week

One week to go....Saturday I had a small setback, inner thigh cramped up again. Not sure why this is coming back.It might have to do with my hydration as it has been really humid lately. I have to be more careful with my warm up and cool downs also add more time with ice. Sunday it was back to normal, a bit firm and stiff but I could run without any pain. The humidity killed me although and I was really tired in the end. Now the last week I'll be focusing on easy shake out runs, some speed involved for turn over. As usual lot of help from Caleb, #teamwickedbonkproof and Skechers Performance Division

Nothing beats the colors of the fall here in NJ. Really hard to beat a run when the colors are on fire!

Our beloved Cat Apelsin is missing. During my runs over the I have been running all our back roads several time in hope to find him. Unfortunately not luck yet...

Taper, Speed and Beet Juice!

Less then two weeks until SteamTown Marathon, the Taper has started full force. Like for the most of the runners the taper is a really monster for me. Lot of thoughts are spinning in my head, a specially since I was injured and missed out some important runs close to the race. I got a really good week in with 80 + miles on vacation which was a good motivational and confidence booster. This week I have done some marathon pace and half marathon pace runs and been able to recover well from them. Caleb and #wickedbonkproof has been a great help during injury times and  for the the whole Steamtown training. Caleb has been there to answer all my stupid question which has been a huge help....

As always before my marathons I plan to drink Beet Juice, this year I have found some interesting options, called Beet-It  . A Beet Juice shot, with beet juice concentrate, read about it here and how many athletes used it successfully during the 2012 London Olympics! So if you wanna try something new that might help you on the race day, try Beet Juice!
Some good articles about Beet Juice:

http://www.theglobeandmail.com/life/health-and-fitness/fitness/why-elite-athletes-guzzle-beet-juice-before-a-race/article12747831/

http://www.runnersworld.com/nutrition-for-runners/beet-juice-how-much-and-when?page=single

http://running.competitor.com/2013/09/nutrition/got-beetroot-juice_17653

http://beetit.com/science-research/why-beets-superfood/

A big part of my running is shoes. The last years I have been running all my runs in Skechers Performance Division GoRun shoes. This includes GoRun2, GoRun Ride 2 and GoRun Speed. For the SteamTown Marathon I'm breaking in a new pair of GoRun Speed. For me Speed is the running race flats that works best. Speed has such a great snug feel with a  responsive out sole  for a fast turn over. I use GoRun Speed for all my faster work outs and Speed was a big part of my personal best run in Boston Marathon this year. So for SteamTown marathon I'm lacing up a brand new pair of yellow GoRun Speeds! #GoLikeNeverBefore