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Feet Cold?  We’ve got the solution! All available at Fit Right NW.

1. Warm - Mizuno Breath Thermo Socks, $14

Breath Thermo is probably the most dynamic fabric on the wall that we have.  Dynamic in the sense that you can actually feel the polymers woven into the fabric heat up as you perspire on them.  There are sample packs of the fabric that any sales associate can show you in case you are an unbeliever like I was.  It will actually warm up as you put water on it!  That is why this sock gets the “warm” tag.

2. Warmer - Feetures Bamboo Sock, $13

Bamboo is a material that has really hit the market in the last 2 years, and Feetures arguably has one of the best socks using this material.  The sock has a more substantial touch to it, and is extremely durable.  If you are in between sizes and can’t decide which one to get size up!  They tend to shrink about a half size after washing and drying them.

3. Warmest - Darn Tough Merino Wool Socks, $14

If these cushioned socks don’t keep your feet warm then you might be out of luck!  Darn Tough is the ONLY manufacturer that actually offers a LIFETIME GUARANTEE on all it’s socks.  If you wear a hole through the toe of the sock send it back to the company and they’ll replace it for you!  They have the highest stitch count out of any sock that Fit Right NW carries, which makes for a cushioned feel because the yarns are woven so close together (this is also the reason why they last so long!).  Add some wool from New Zealand to your winter sock collection and your feet will thank you.

New shoes available at Fit Right NW!

Asics 2140 ($100)
The 2000 series lives on. The 2140 continues with the great cushion and support that has made it one of the industry’s most popular shoe.

Asics 2140 Trail ($100)
The 2140 Trail has everything the road version has but with a water-resistant upper and a slightly more aggressive outersole.

Asics 1140 ($85)
The 1140 continues with the great fit and feel of the previous 1100 series and still is at a great value.

Nike Structure Triax GTX ($115)
The Structure Triax GTX has a Gore-Tex XCR membrane that will keep your feet dry in the wettest conditions but still offering a similar ride to the road version.

Adidas AdiStar Ride ($125)
The adiStar Ride replaces the adiStar Cushion this fall. The adiStar Ride has a softer upper and a smother transition than the previous model.

Make sure to swing by Fit Right NW next weekend to attend our Annual Holiday Sale, December 5th - 7th.

Promotions:

• All currently stocked shoes 15% off
• Select clearance shoes up to 30% off
• All apparel 15% off
• Select sale apparel up to 50% off
• All accessories (excluding food items) 15% off

Peruse our holiday gift guide (pdf) featuring all of our new winter apparel.

Short sleeves?  Long sleeves?  Rain coat?  Sun screen?!?!?

Historical averages for October 5th in Portland include a high of 68 and a low of 51 - ideal marathon weather!  It will surely be brisk out there at the start line, remember that the 7am starting gun precedes sunrise by nearly fifteen minutes.  I definitely recommend wearing something warm while mingling about before race.

Conditions in 2007 were superb; decent cloud cover (to protect from the sun) and temperatures not exceeding 70.  Let’s hope for a repeat.

Or….

You don’t have to run 26.2 miles to enjoy October 5th. Take a look at the Portland Marathon’s auxiliary events.

Kaiser Permanente 5 Miler

• A chip timed race that will occur will marathoners are making their way out to the St. Johns Bridge. Register here.

Mayor’s Walk

• A 10km walk in North Portland that will feature great view points to watch passing marathoners. Register here.

Kid’s Run

• A two mile race for children 12 and under. Register here.

Sports and Fitness Expo

• Pick up race packets, mingle, shop, and test new products at the Downtown Hilton on the Friday (11am to 8pm) and Saturday (9am to 7pm) before the race. More info here.

Event Directors College

• A top notch training seminar for future race directors, covering topics such as sponsorship, event management, event directing, and marketing. This three day seminar will run from Oct. 2nd to Oct. 4th. More info here.

Only two American cities (both in Oregon!) can claim to have extinct volcanoes within their boundaries: Portland and Bend.  Portland’s Mt. Tabor, and it’s surrounding designated park land, is a true gem.  It’s nearly 200 acres include miles of trails, spectacular views (Downtown, Mt. St. Helens, Mt. Hood), and ample shade for lounging post workout.  Explore the map below!

The park is located between Belmont and Division, just east of SE 60th.  You can find more information (maps, amenities, history) about Mt. Tabor Park here.  Be sure to download the provided trail map to help plan your running and walking excursions.

The 2008 XTERRA Trail Running Series will conclude on September 27th with a National Championship Race in Bend, Oregon.

Bend was chosen to host this event after recently being named “America’s Best Trail Running Town” by Outside Magazine. The race will be an off-road half-marathon, starting and finishing in Bend’s Old Mill District.  The course (map below) will largely by an out-and-back, with a lollipop loop at the far end.

This race should draw some top notch competition, with prize money going five deep for both the men’s and women’s races.  Many big names have already signed on (Max King, Richard Bolt, Kami Semick, and Lisa Nye to name a few), and an open registration will allow all comers to test themselves against some of the nations best.

Registration is open online ($35) here.

The Portland Marathon course is a USATF certified course at the standard distance of 26 miles and 385 yards.  Only 21 turns, and a whopping 14 aid stations!

The short story: downtown start, five mile loop southwards on Barbur and Front, continue NW on Front, out and back section (wave to friends), snake through NW onto St. Helens, travel along Forest Park, up and over the St. Johns Bridge, Willamette Blvd. through NoPo, Greeley/Interstate through the industrial area, Broadway Bridge, back downtown for the FINISH on Salmon!

A relatively flat course as far as elevation goes: downhill start downtown, easy up and down along the waterfront, long flat on Front and St. Helens, the rewarding climb up and over the St. John’s Bridge, and a subtle downhill through North Portland back into downtown.

It’s finally less than one month away…..

The 2008 Portland Marathon will take place the morning (and afternoon, for some!) of October 5th, 2008.  The nation’s 9th largest marathon, with nearly 8,000 participants last year, is constantly touted as being one the best organized in the world.  It is extremely walker-friendly, with over 1/4 of participants solely walking and a course that is left open for 8 hours.

The official website warns that there are only a few hundred bibs left, so get off your duffs and register.

Stay tuned for updates regarding the race course, final training/tapering tips, and race day info.