New Skechers Reviews

Skechers Performance Division has been recognized in Runners magazines lately.

GoRun Speed
Running Times Magazine:

http://www.runnersworld.com/shoe/skechers-gorun-meb-speed-mens
http://www.runnersworld.com/shoe/skechers-gorun-meb-speed-womens

Another great Blog review (not new, but still really good!)
http://schrupthink.wordpress.com/2013/05/01/skechers-gorun-speed/

GoBionic Trail All Weather

Competitor
http://running.competitor.com/2013/09/shoes-and-gear/fall-2013-trail-running-shoe-review_84020/11

 

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

Boston Marathon 2014

Here we go again.....Of course I get nervous every year when it get close to sign up for Boston marathon. A specially this year as every runner on mother earth wants to run Boston 2014! I was 16 minutes under my BQ time of 3:15 for my age category and I shouldn't have to worry.....but as said 2014 is going to be special. So on the 11th I could sign up and pulled the trigger 10am sharp.  Two hours later I got the acceptance email from B.A.A, I'm in!!!!

"Dear Stefan Albinsson,

This is to notify you that your entry into the 118th Boston Marathon on Monday, April 21, 2014 has been accepted, provided that the information you submitted is accurate.

A Confirmation of Acceptance card will be mailed to you via US Postal Service mail in October."

I'm in the middle of my Steamtown Marathon training and i have to admit its a bit hard to sign up for the next marathon before you have finished the one you re training for. In the middle of the peak you re mentally tired and for me its hard to focus on a race next April. But Boston marathon is my favorite race all time and Im always stoked and thrilled to get the opportunity to sign up. As I see it, my next big race Steamtown its a part of the plan for a perfect Boston Marathon.
Again I hope to be a part of the Skechers Performance Division team in 2014 and Boston Marathon.

Bringing my Skechers GoRun Speed to Steamtown and Boston

Proud member of Skechers Performance Division

July 2013

What a brutal month of July! Smoking hot and super humid. This made the running extra hard and you had to plan your runs carefully. I have loaded up on salt tabs and been doing short loops in order to pass by water, brook and a pool and get the chance to cool off Lot of quality and I was able to complete all my scheduled runs. 296 Miles completed in July. Now we move on with the SteamTown Marathon Training, hopefully August offers some cooler weather. Weapon of choice for July has been Skechers GoRun Speed (for all tempo/interval runs) Skechers GoRun2 (Longer workouts) Skechers GoRun Ride (Recovery mood). Also a wear test Skechers GoBionic2.....All shoes has performed fantastic, feet has not been over heated and they have drained my soaked feet from sweat well!

Hot Dog at Flatbrook, water stop!

5K's and Poconos Marathon

The 5K season has started here in NJ for sure. In Sussex County were I'm located they have a few good ones so I have been able to get to ones in already. Cinco De Mayo 5K in Lafayette two weekends ago and this past weekend Dora Pederson 5K. I never been a good 5K runner and without any 5K speed training, they have been a bit painful for my lungs. Add the allergies season comes with the start of the 5K season as well. The grass kind of bothers me and the breathing during higher speed does not feel smooth and comfortable. last week I also strained my quad, it does not effect my speed but it tightens up a little bit. Ive been able to place second and third but not been happy with my times. I should be able to get in a sub 18 pretty soon when legs and lungs has recovered. For the 5K's I have been using my SKECHERS GoRun Speed. Its not only a great marathon shoe, it works fantastic as a 5K shoe as well. They give back ton of energy and the respond is amazing.

This weekend Poconos Marathon is coming up. I will be doing it as part of a relay team, Team Space Running. We will compete in the co ed category, the goal is to win the category and break sub 3 as a team. Last year I ran the full Poconos Marathon and it was around 90 degrees, hopefully the weather is a bit kinder to us this year. The course is very scenic and has a lot downhills. It should be a fast one. I'm not sure how my legs and lungs will respond to this one. Hopefully I can log my half around 1:22.

Back to racing again

Saturday I did the Cinco the Mayo 5K in Lafayette, NJ. A small local race in northern NJ. I did not have a goal really just needed to get some speed back in my legs. This was my second race representing SKECHERS Performance Division, using the all black gear and the great SKECHERS GoRun Speed.

The race opens up with a mile long hill, a bit steeper in the incline then Heartbreak Hill. A really tough start and you get really heavy breathing already from the start. Second mile is flat with some downhills but I found it hard to recover from the first hill. Third and the last mile is on trails, unfortunately the trails were to soft and it was hard to keep the pace. My SKECHERS GoRun Speeds had good traction but the softness of the trail drained the legs. Right quad bother me a bit and it slowed me down some as well, as I didn't want to push it to hard. I had hopes to do a sub 18 but got 18:42 on my watch, official time was 18:51. Place second. A decent race with some good speed.

It was nice to be back in the all black SKECHERS gear after Boston, getting some nice speed. I could definitely feel the marathon still in my legs as they were very saggy, but overall I'm happy with the performance.

SKECHERS GoRun Speed

When SKECHERS announced the sponsorship signing of top American marathoner Meb Keflezighi a lot of runners laughed and questioned Meb. Now we think different. The SKECHERS designers created a shoe just for Meb and the London 2012 Olympics, at first  known as GoMeb. As we all now know, Meb finished fourth in the Olympics, an incredible achievement. Runners, including myself, started to be more curious about this racing flat. Later SKECHERS announced that they would release the shoe now named as GoRun Speed.

What SKECHERS says:

Details:

• Independent circular GOimpulse sensors for a more responsive running experience
• M-Strike Technology™ promotes a midfoot strike
• Lightweight - No extra material, no extra weight, nothing to slow you down
• 4mm heel drop keeps foot in a nearly neutral position
• Resalyte™ Midsole - Proprietary lightweight injection-molded compound with memory retention helps absorb impact
• Stability plate in midfoot for a supportive and secure run
• Seamless interior with microfiber lining maximizes comfort

Construction:

• Nearly weightless synthetic and mesh fabric upper
• Bold side S logo detail
• Lace up front
• Weight: Radically lightweight 7.5 oz. per shoe based on a men's size 9

First Impression
The GoRun Speed has bold colors, for sure, The ones I have used are red/lime. The upper feels light and it almost seem less. When looking at the shoe,you get an impression and feeling of speed.

Upper/Interior
The upper is constructed by an open flexible mesh  and mostly welded overlays. Most areas around the arch is supported by SKECHERS logo type "S"that has been welded onto the mesh. The laces row and some areas that need more support has extra suede look alike material. The upper breathes very well and the fit is snug and preform without cramping your toes during fast runs and marathons. The suede parts in the fore foot were noticeable the first couple of runs but after a few "break in runs" it was not a concern as the soften up. The inside of the heel cup has also  suede like material that offers a secure fit, it actually adds a faster feel to the shoes.

Midsole/Outsole
The GoRun Speed has a 4mm drop midsole, the same as the GoRun2. The biggest difference between the both shoes is a carbon fiber plate, placed in the GoRun Speeds mid sole. This plate provides extra support, firmness and responsiveness. The mid sole offers great protection and an easy toe off. The transition is smooth and you get a sort of "snap" sound when pushing off.
The outsole carries the same "sensors" as other shoes in the  Gorun series but has more blown rubber under it. Some of the sensors in the center of fore foot area  shows more wear then others after 75 miles of running (which included Boston Marathon). This is an area that can be improved for better durability.

Final Word
I have been mainly using the GoRun 2 for my Boston Marathon build up. When I recevied the Go Run Speed, I knew this was going to be my Boston Marathon Racer. The GoRun Speed offers a less flexible run then the GoRun 2 but a faster and secure feel. GoRun Speed is a true "old shool racer" that makes you feel fast on race day. The shoe is built low to the ground and the road grip is secured. You get a smooth and fast toe off and I love the "snap" sound of it. When I had to dig deep the last couple of miles in Boston, I really put a trust in my GoRun Speed. They did not let me down! As my own preference, I have replaced the laces with lock laces. To me the lock laces brings the Go Run Speeds to the next level. 

Meb told the designers of SKECHERS what he needed for the London 2012 Olympics.The result is the really fast GoRun Speed. A great racing flat that keeps impressing me!


Other great reviews of GoRun Speed:
Coach Caleb
Runblogger

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.”

 

Boston 2013

 

Althoughcat this year's Boston Marathon I did a personal best; a sub 3, my most perfect race and for the first time representing Skechers Performance Division, none of that feels very important in the face of the tragic events that ended the race. My thoughts and prayers go out to all the victims in Boston! 

How do you really respond to such a horrible act? I would love to be happy about my time and performance but my feelings are bittersweet. I know the best thing to do is, to honor the victims with your hard work and running, to come back next year doing your best and run stronger then ever!

I had a perfect day, I had done all the preparations right and the weather was just right and for the very first time I was representing Skechers! For Boston I was wearing my black racing outfit and a pair of Go Run Speed. I knew I had the best possible gear out there, thanks to Skechers. I had decided and tested the Huma Chia seed gel before the race, which is such an awesome gel. In my opinion the best tasting gel out there, so natural and you can really feel the "kick". Its the first gel I actually can say you can feel the difference. I also like to mention Bolle eyewear, the Vortex felt great in the sun, no issues with fogging up. Nice shades!

 

 

In my past Bostons Marathons, I have been opening up a bit too fast. Boston Marathon is known for its brutal start with all the downhills. Its during the first 10 miles that you blow your legs up but this year I was able to control my pace. I was careful and it actually felt really good, very easy.. The temperature  was right but I could tell it was getting warmer. Half way I passed right under 1.29, maybe to close to 1.30 but I felt it was under control and I was hoping to do negative splits. right after mile 13 I knew my family and wife Erin would be cheering. That's always a motivational booster to see them and get some extra energy! Mile 13-16 is relatively flat and I was hoping to save some energy, but around mile 15 I started to feel a bit of fatigue. I was getting worried and negative vibes started to act up in my head.  But over the hills in Newton I managed to get energy back, just by controlling my pace and cruising past some of the runners who had opened up too fast. My legs felt better and I kept a decent pace over the hills (thanks to my friend and coach Reno who has been drilling me hard over the hills all winter long) After Heartbreak its mostly downhill and I tried to open up my gait and loosen up. I was focusing on the mile marks, setting up new goals to keep pace. I was counting down and was looking forward to seeing famous landmarks like Fenway Park. At this point shoes are very important and my Skechers GoSpeed run was like an extension of my feet, I could not notice them and they gave me such a great response. At one point around mile 23 I thought it was going to be an easy last three miles to complete the sub 3, but the time was flying by, I had to pick up the pace! The last two miles I had to finish hard to reach my goal and on Boylston Street finally finished  my first sub 3! The feeling was incredible to finish strong and to see the 2:59:47. No terrorist in the world can take that feeling away from me!

Im still shocked after what happened to all those innocent people and kids. I'm sure Boston will come back stronger then ever to honor those victims. I know I will, stronger then ever to honor them! Im looking forward to meeting all those fantastic Bostonian's again and high five all those happy kids!
 

Proud member of Skechers Ambassador Program ( I couldn't have asked for a better support and gear from the team!)
Stefan

Skechers GoRun Speed Review

From Coach Caleb......Great review! RunningSwede Skechers GoRun Speed review will be up soon as well!

http://www.coachcaleb.com/training/tips/shoe-review-skechers-gorun-speed-my-choice-2013-boston-marathon

My shoe list for 2013

So I'm trying to transition toward a more Midfoot stike. So far so good. My legs feels better, shins fresher and I recover faster after my runs. Part of the transition have been 4mm drop shoes. They have really been working great for me and it seems like 4mm is the sweet spot and the way to go. Since December 2012 I have been using Saucony Kinvara 3 and Skechers GoRun Ride (Review is coming soon). So my list for 2013 will cover 4mm shoes, during 2013 I might try zero drop shoes but at this point I dont see a need for that.

In no particular order:

• Saucony  Fastwitch 6 ( Runningwarehouse sneak peak). Saucony has shaved of apx 1oz of Fastwitch 5. It come naturally to me to go with the same brand as my to go shoe Kinvara. ame drop and hopefully same feeling. The 6th edition carry over the midsole unit from 5. The changes are in the upper. Lighter mesh and Sauconys Flexfilm technology. Fastwitch 6 comes in right under 7 oz, release date early Feb 2013 . 

• Pearl Izumi E:motion N1. PI's new running shoe line I have presented earlier here on the blog. The dynamic offset sounds really interesting to me, but a big question is what the really heel drop is. Not that it really matter if you really have a mid foot strike, but I believe it has for me as I'm in the middle of a transition. On my blog you can find most of the Emotion and N1 information here: http://runningswede.blogspot.com/2012/12/pearl-izumi-emotion-project.html . Ni is the one I have my eyes on and it might be a Boston Marathon 2013contender.........

• Skechers Go Run 2 has already been released. Now with a less aggressive Midfoot strike "bump". The pods on the outsole has been remodeled in order to collect less pebbles during your run. Both this upgrades are very welcomed by me. The upper has also been a updated. I'm very impressed by my Skechers GoRun Ride and its upper. The upper has a sock like feeling and it snugs your foot perfectly. If they have succeed to do an even better upper on the GoRun 2 the shoe might be a 2013 best shoe contender!

• Skechers Go Speed/ Go Meb. What! Skechers gets two shoes on the list! yes that is right! While other shoe companies are laughing at Skechers, they better start to take Sketcher seriously. Skechers will take shares on the market for sure. By adding Mebs Olympic racer to the line, they will have a more complete performance shoe line with five really good shoes. Not much info has leek about racer but it was on Meb's feet during the London Olympics 2012, placing fourth and best American! Some info here from runblogger: http://www.runblogger.com/2012/07/skechers-go-race-mebs-olympic-marathon.html. Another contender for Boston Marathon for me, if it gets released in time. Skechers says April for the release.