Q announced last week that the Men's 1008 arrived.
We now also have it in black. This is the first time New Balance has made this series in black, it used to be a navy combination. Same great shoe, different color.

- Michele

Shipping at New Balance Tampa is a great deal. I went shopping at some of the other New Balance dealers and I found that we have the best shipping going!

At New Balance Tampa shipping is $1.95 for UPS ground shipping anywhere in the continental USA.
This is a flat rate. No special situations, no dollar limit, no size limit, no weight limit, no special days!
Just $1.95, that’s the deal - everyday, any dollar value, any size, any weight on all UPS ground shipments!

Here’s what some other dealers are charging to ship an order:

If you are new to our blog, you will soon see that one benefit of reading our blog on a regular basis is the fringe benefits that you receive. We post all of our private sales, coupon codes and up to date info on New Balance products and news here at New Balance Tampa.

Well, today I am posting a coupon code just so you can save 10% on your next purchase. When you are checking out, you will see the below entry box, in the box enter, Ocean State Marathon.


Not sure if your coupon is valid, click on the Coupon Code Checker. This screen will appear:


Once you enter your code, you will receive one of two messages. This message will pop up if your code is valid.


And this message will pop up if your coupon is not valid:


If your code is not valid, check our categories on the blog and under deals, you will surely find a valid coupon code!

- Michele

Ladies & Gentlemen, you might have thought it was just a myth, an urban legend in Shoeland, but Michele posted about 1008 for women and mentioned that the men's version was right around the corner.

Well, it's here! Check out New Balance spiffy MX 1008 with N lock technology and all.

The technology in this shoe can help with the following conditions: Knee Pain, Metatarsalgia, Pes Planus and Posterior Tibial Tendonitis but if you're not sure whether or not you have these conditions or you just need the plain old definition,check here.

Enjoy

-Q

Ladies, New Balance wants you to make time for yourself, so stop making excuses!
Check out Madame Balance and tell her why you can't exercise today.

This website is geared to inspire women to exercise.
- Michele

We've got a new shoe for hikers and those who prefer some 'adventurous terrain', it's the waterproof New Balance MW977BR for men and the WW977WA for women.


It's predecessor is the 976 and to be honest not much has changed except now it's a better-looking less bulky shoe.
If it's not broken don't fix it right?

It still has all the good stuff that makes for a sturdy off-road shoe, like ABZORB cushioning in the heel, C-Cap for flexibility in the midsole, and a Rollbar to provide stability throughout.

It's selling for less than $100 on our website, whether or not you own the 976 it just might be time for an upgrade.

-Q

October is quickly reaching its end and the candy corn is flying off the shelves but more importantly there's still a week left to make a difference through Breast Cancer Awareness month (not to say you shouldn't during the year!)

The "Making Strides Against Breast Cancer" walk is one I personally have done two years in a row. A 5k walk through downtown Tampa and in the backstreets of Bayshore, it's more leisurely than laborious and if the weather stays cool, a philanthropic move that will be a pleasure.

October 28th @ 7:30am the walk will kick-off from the St. Pete Times Forum Plaza.
To register yourself or your team visit: Making Strides

It's a last minute decision but i'll definitely be trying to put a team together before then...hopefully i'll see you there!

-Q

A special sale for members of our mailing list and blog readers:

For the remainder of
October National Breast Cancer month (now until Oct 31),
New Balance Tampa will give a 10% discount on the Pink Ribbon Collection.

All pink ribbon apparel and accessories will be reduced at check out when you enter the following code in the Running Club Discount box during your check out.

PinkRibbon

- Michele

By now I'm sure some of you are at least motivated to go out there and get a pair of running shoes, if you're not actually signing up for a race. And if you've already started, staying motivated is the key to success, and we all know that keeping the adrenaline pumping can be easier said than done.

Subscribe to Runner's World's tips of the day and get that daily one-liner that will keep you going.

Mine for the day?

"If you're a beginning runner, get past the point where you usually slow down on a run by picking up the pace gradually and telling yourself that you're breaking through"

-Q

What is it? How good is yours?

Ride according to most sources is subjective, however, the type of shoe you wear, the amount of cushioning put in the heel and mid-sole will determine the impact you feel when your weight comes down on your heel and transitions to your toe area; also know as "heel strike toe off".

Not to get too technical but basically more cushioning = less impact, and great ride!

In New Balance speak the Abzorb technology delivers the cushioning but other things go into having a good ride, like being measured for width as well as instep height. So if you're serious about this running thing, get measured for a shoe that fits YOU but most of all...

enjoy the ride!

-Q

The shirts (MTT1490) and shorts are both moisture wicking, which I feel is really important for comfort on long distance runs. They also keep me cool!

My shoes are the mens 1060 and they are cool because they hug my arch really well, provide a lot of supprt, and are lightweight. This sounds cheesy, but when I'm running with those, I feel like I'm running on air!

All of my different New Balance socks are great because they are moisture wicking as well, but my favorite pair are the ones with specific left/right feet
SK446 because they grab my arch and they are really thin, so I get the confort without the bulkiness.

All of these products are a huge help with making my training successful and enjoyable! Hopefully they will help you guys out there too! That's it
for now, talk to you soon.

Always Running,
Daniel

Questions like these, juicy and debatable are all on Club New Balance for you to read, vote and discuss with like-minded sports lovers as yourself.

There are over a dozen, ranging from suspended players to losing coaches and you'd be surprised at some of the answers.

My favorite answer to the above question,

"Depends on who hit the homer. If it was say...Barry Bonds, I'd sell it on ebay. Any athlete that is as selfish as 'ol Bonds needs a dose of their own medicine. He can buy it off ebay if he cares. However, a selfless athlete and good guy like...Marcus Giles (I know he isn't going to set any HR records...just an example of a selfless athlete) I would definitely give it back. I guess the moral is, "You reap what you sow."

-Q

October is still 'pink' month and i'm extremely pleased to announce that Tampa Bay did it's part this past weekend to raise money for the breast cancer cause.

$4.5 million!!! raised by over 2,000 walkers, hundreds of volunteers and countless other supporters.

The 3-day 60mile walk started in St. Petersburg and ended in Clearwater. Atlanta is up next (Oct 20-22) and I dare them to beat our total.

Remember it's never too late to start planning for next year's event. To find out more about the walk and training check out the 3-day walk site

Congratulations to everyone who participated in some way...you are a hero.

-Q

Running has never been my favorite sport and here I am writing about it. I've always admired runners, wanted to experience 'runner's high' but my teenage athletic years stomped out that desire.

Over the 7 year period that I practiced martial arts, running was an integral part of our training. The problem? As black belts we would go on cross-country morning runs that would go on for miles. No predetermined endpoint. A single line of runners and myself dragging behind.

It was painful. I got shin splints almost immediately and would cramp because it was too much too soon. Plus I wore whatever sneaker I owned at that time.

Now while researching I found out that flat feet or 'over pronation' could've been my cause for discomfort. It occurs when a person's arches collapses under weight pressure.

Obesity, pregnancy, or constant pounding on a hard surface can cause overpronation. It can be corrected using over the counter inserts.

New Balance also incorporates ABZORB cushioning and Dual Density Medial Posts in their sneakers to accommodate mild to moderate overpronation.

Hopefully this helps some of you out there who've been suffering through it all this time.

Check back to see what else I learn in the big grand world of running.

-Q

We might be looking forward to a cold snap here in Florida, but for those of you in Chicago and the mid-west facing one of the earliest cold snaps ever, I'm thinking you may be looking for a pair of waterproof hiking boots.

The best thing about these Dunham 6" high Structure Insulated Boots is that the New Balance Rollbar technology has been incorporated into this waterproof, oil/slip resistant, all leather boot providing stability for all of that terrain walking and climbing.

A great savings on this boot also at $99.99.

The Women's New Balance 1008 Cross trainer has arrived replacing the 1007.

How does the 1008 differ from the 1007?

The major change has been that the 1008 has the N-Lock technology. This means that when you pull the laces they will lock on the instep, holding the arch and instep securely in place making it better for lateral motion.

I'll keep you posted on the Men's arrival, any day now!

-Michele

Tired of standing in the sidelines cheering your friends on?

Does the idea of participating in a triathlon thrill you?

If you're anything like me, an athlete with commitment issues, pumped up to test your limits but scared that the masses will laugh at your first muscle cramp, I found this really cool tool called, "Smart Coach" at Runner's World e-zine.

It's a, "free, interactive tool that combines science, mathematics and 40 years of collective running wisdom to bring you a proven, individualized training program," that lets you customize a workout just for you.

And when you feel you're ready, strap on your New Balance shoes and click on 'Race Finder' to find a race nearest you.

Hey guys! 7 miles down, 6 more to go! When I was finished with the 7th mile, I felt like I could keep going. I think the fact that I got past the halfway mark motivated me even more. I forgot about any of my
discomforts and I wanted to keep running. It was a great feeling! I haven't run for a week and a half so I was skeptical about making 7 miles but I found the strength and got through it. I am also starting to run
outside on some evenings as the weather is getting cooler and I actually like seeing a finishing point in front of me instead of numbers on a treadmill.

On a side note my cross training activities have recently included swimming and biking. Those are hard work too, but funnonetheless. Feel free to ask questions and give some suggestions!
Talk to you soon!

Pink, pink and more pink. I bet you are seeing pink ribbons everywhere this month. That is because it is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month
Well, here's a few more for you.
This New Balance, long sleeved pink ribbon top has just been added to our Pink Ribbon Collection page. These tops have a great shape with a V-neck, I really liked how this shirt fits.


More information on Breast Cancer Awareness

- Michele

While I'm out of town for the week-end our Team New Balance in Tampa Bay will be doing the 8th Annual Komen Florida Suncoast Race for the Cure @ Vinoy Park, St. Petersburg starting at 8 am.
It's a 5K walk/run with over 15,000 participants, including 700 survivors proudly decked out in their 'pink ribbon gear' with only one goal in mind, to raise over $1 million for breast cancer research. Read more about the "Race for the Cure" here. And share some of your greatest memories of this and other walks for a cure with others here at New Balance Tampa blog.
- Q

I’m still very new to the whole New Balance team, but I’ve always been a fan. I even own a pair.
In my journey to become a better, more informed blogger, I’ve stumbled on the corporate New Balance site and I can’t help but be intrigued by their tagline, “for love or money?”

It’s always been my personal belief that passion breeds happiness and then in turn success and New Balance in the 100 years they’ve been around has definitely turned its passion for selling quality running shoes into a successful business. But even more than that, their team members, working in their stores seem to be satisfied as well.

I found this cool article about a team member Julian Suga, who was interviewed about his job at a retail New Balance store and that sent me thinking, how much better would our lives be if we did everything for ‘love and not money’?

CEO of New Balance Jim Davis says, “Our goal is not to be the biggest, but to be the best”. There’s passion for ya!

-Q

Hello college football fans - I was checking out some of the teams with new uniforms this season and I stumbled across this ESPN article.

It takes a look at all the schools new uniforms. Most of the new styles are put out by Nike but some schools have opted for New Balance designs. The Ducks by far have the most outrages uni's.

I had no idea that college football fashion was such a big deal?! Has this always been the case?

- John

Did anyone watch this mornings sportscenter? John Kruk the three time all-star and ESPN anaylist was talking to the Toronto Blue Jays Vernon Wells about MLB playoff match-ups; as the camera pulled out a little Kruk was wearing the gray New Balance 992's. They looked great with his suit! Comfort and style - way to go Kruk.

- John

It's October once again and I've got pink on the brain.
Recently Michele mentioned some great incentives for getting involved with the Breast Cancer Awareness cause, a free visor sporting the pink ribbon when you spend over $84.99 as well as other great clothing to show your support.

As a corporate sponsor of the Komen Foundation, New Balance has recognized that a cure for this devastating disease is essential.

Did you know that 211,200 women and 1,720 men in the U.S. will be diagnosed with breast cancer this year?
Although we might shudder to think about it, one of those victims could be your mother, your sister, even your husband.
In my research about this year's events geared towards the cause, I found a great program that anyone could participate in.
"Passionately Pink For the Cure" encourages supporters to don your favorite pink outfit, donate $5 and remind others that cancer is still a harsh reality that we shouldn't have to live with.
With the new pink fashion trend for men, I'm challenging especially the guys to participate. Hey, you know you're in sync with your masculine side!
For other easy ways to make a life-saving difference go to:
www.komen.org.

Komen's founder Nancy Brinker asks, "Could one person really make a difference?"
What do you think?

-Q

“Hear Ye, Hear Ye, Walkers give me your ear”

So I wasn't completely upfront about my athleticism in my 1st blog, but now, the truth. I'm a walker.
I know some people who can bust out a 5-mile run barely breaking a sweat, but it would kill me. A 5-mile walk, maybe even a brisk one, I could handle. And I'm okay with that (you should be too), because hey, it's
an Olympic sport now. Since walking is such an integral part of so many of your fitness routines, the Consumer Reports recently tested over 20 different walking shoes, looking for the most flexible and best cushioning. Among the tested were New Balance, Asics, Nike and Reebok. Besides using a machine to test shock absorption, testers also walked over 1,000 miles in the shoes before making a decision.
We're happy to report that across the board New
Balance 791 got rave reviews for having good flexibility and removable insoles that offer top-notch
support.

In the slightly lower $60 price range, the Asics Gel Walk-Tech took it for the men, but the New Balance 557
was found a good buy for both Men and Women models.

You could read the
article here.

If you're a serious walker, or a hobbyist as myself, check out New Balance Tampa for these great shoes.

- Q

Next Saturday, October 7 is the Suncoast Race for the Cure. We started a team this year called Team New Balance Tampa. Though we got off to a late start we managed to put together 30 women who are going to Race for a Cure. We all have someone special in our hearts during our walk either in support or memory of who has battled breast cancer.

We would like to know of any of our readers (first name is fine) that would like us to keep in our thoughts and prayers as we walk next Saturday. Feel free to leave a comment below and we will lace up for you.

Who do you lace up for? Tell us your story.

- Michele

October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

To kick off the start of October, New Balance Tampa
will give away a free
Pink Ribbon visor with the purchase of $84.99 or more while supplies last.
A $13.99 value.

New Balance is a partner of the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation
through their sponsorships in the Komen Race for the Cure Series and the
Breast Cancer 3-Day Walk.

New Balance has a line of shoes and apparel
bearing the Pink Ribbon in support of breast cancer awareness.

The pink ribbon is worn to remind women to be aware of breast cancer,
learn prevention, seek early detection and to show support for those
fighting this disease.
For more information visit our Lace up for a Cure page.

Show your support by wearing this free pink ribbon visor or give as a gift
to someone that you love to remind them to seek early detection and
screenings.

For more information on screenings, visit the Komen website.

Check back from time to time this month to see what else is happening with our Pink Ribbon Awareness.

- Michele