Do you Run Real?

SKORA, based in Portland, Oregon, offers something different…a shoe company started by runners without the need to conform to conventional materials, marketing, or design.

Just a warning:
Don’t use the words minimal, natural, or barefoot-style to describe these puppies. SKORA won’t own those adjectives. Instead, they use the phrase “run real,” which I’ve come to learn means just that. Real. If it works, do that. Don’t put me in a box.

From their website:

Run Real is more than a statement, it is a way of conducting business. We believe runners are smarter than most brands give them credit for. We are free-thinking and challenge conventional wisdom. We believe in common sense, rational principles and challenging the status-quo.

Amen!

Find out more in this video:

SKORA Running Video from SKORA INC. on Vimeo.

I had a chance to catch up with Kyle Kranz, Social Media Coordinator from SKORA, to find out more.
SKORA shoes have some Real differences from traditional shoes:

• Zero-drop with minimal cushioning.
• An anatomical last and asymmetrical lacing to provide the most comfortable fit.
• And did I mention goat skin leather (Form & Core models)?

I know what you’re thinking.

An all leather upper? That sounds bad. Won’t it be heavy? And how is that going to wick moisture away from the feet?

Kyle assures me that the perforation in the leather achieves this. Along with the tanning process and microscopic ceramic coating on the leather, SKORA confirms the leather will remain both water resistant, breathable, and as soft and supple as the first wearing. And the leather conforms better to your foot, allowing that perfect custom fit.

Here’s a sneak peak at the laminated mesh upper of the Phase:

And a close-up of the Core with the Pittard’s goat skin leather:

The new models, the Phase and Core are due out this week…hopefully tomorrow! They are built on a new and improved platform with an 8mm stack height vs the 9mm for prior models. The Phase will have a laminated mesh upper (similar to the Base), and the Core will offer the leather upper option. Both models will have the asymmetrical lacing, unlike the criss-crossed straps on the Base. I have also heard talk that the new Core has a mesh lining in the toe box, which further aids in the wicking and comfort to those accustomed to “modern” running shoes. We shall see…

While supplies last, you can get 30% off select models and colors of the Base and Form plus FREE shipping!
Or…you can get excited about the new models and give them a whirl when they become available. Although SKORA is pretty certain you’re going to fall in love with their shoes, every package does come with a pre-paid FedEx label should you need to return or exchange them. How can you go wrong there?
Be sure to follow SKORA on Twitter and like them on Facebook. Kyle is always around to answer your questions!
And check out the SKORA blog and Kyle’s personal blog, Running on the White Line, too! Always great stuff!

Do you Run Real? Tell me about it!

*I have received no compensation for this post. All opinions are my own. I can’t wait to get my hands on the Core as soon as it’s available. Fingers crossed!

One at a Time

I’ve been trying to come up with a way to share all the great ideas I discovered and people I met while I was in Texas. And there’s only one way to do it…one at a time.

So let’s start at the beginning.

Last week I traveled to Houston, Texas for the Galloway Program Directors’ annual meeting. 60+ directors made the trip for an opportunity to meet each other, exchange ideas, and of course, meet up with Jeff Galloway and Chris Twiggs. The Woodlands Galloway group hosted this year’s meeting, and did a fantastic job. The area was great, with restaurants within walking distance of our hotel, and plenty of places to run. On Saturday, we ran right past the bike transition area for IRONMAN Texas! I could go on and on.

We had a variety of speakers on Saturday during our meeting, and I’d like to take a little time each day to highlight some of my favorites.

I met Andy Voggenthaler on Saturday, and was immediately inspired by his presentation. An athlete himself, Andy founded Race Guards as a way to give back to the running/ cycling/ triathlete community.

From their website:

“Race Guards was established in March 2012 in San Diego, California to provide in-race first aid for athletic events throughout the country with a focus on running and cycling races, triathlons and endurance events. Race Guards is comprised of volunteers trained in CPR, AED and First Aid who are committed to assisting race participants with any medical or physical support need in a race. Race Guards work in concert with the medical director and medical support team at the events to provide medical support from start to finish.”

Here’s how it works: Once you’ve completed the safety training, you volunteer to provide support at events. You wear their jersey and carry a first aid kit. You offer motivation and basic first aid if necessary. Although some Race Guards are EMTs and medical professionals, you don’t have to be. You just have to have a heart for people and a willingness to give back to your running/ cycling community.

The goal of Race Guards is to provide this service to Race Directors free-of-charge. The funds required to run the company come from sponsors, not from buying this service. Race Guards are all volunteers! How can you argue with that?

Race Guards started in California, but they want to build teams local to races across the country. As more people volunteer in different cities and states, Race Guards can cover more races in your community.

You can find out more information about Race Guards and Volunteer for the team on their website! And don’t forget to like their Facebook Page and follow them on Twitter.

Attention Ohioans: I volunteered this week to be a Race Guard. I would love to build a team in our community to cover races like the Capital City Half Marathon, the Flying Pig Marathon, the Cleveland Marathon, the Columbus Marathon, and more! Would you consider volunteering your time to help someone else?