Under Armour Running Shoes by Shauna Harrison

Shauna's shoes (most of them)

Hi, my name is Shauna and I’m an Under Armour® trainer and yoga instructor. Thanks to childhood memories of not even being able to run a whole mile in PE, I often grapple with identifying myself as a “runner.” But I do run! I run hills, stairs, sand dunes, trails and streets (sometimes all in one training session). According to MapMyFitness, I run a total of 20 miles/week. And I love it. So, ok…I’m a runner, too.

I just happen to be a runner with not-your-average-shoe needs. Thanks to Under Armour, I’m also a runner with a not-your-average-shoe closet.

Wait UA makes running shoes? YES! And great ones! Below are a few of my favorites.

First, my feet – that way, you can see if my needs might be similar to yours. I have low arches and hypermobile feet (surprise, surprise, yogi). I’ve been wearing medical orthotics since I was about 8 years old. I need stability, structure and cushion. The minimalist trend is not for me. Here are some of my UA favorites:

UA Speedform Apollo, Micro G Spine Evo & Monza

Speedform™ Apollo

·      Design/Technology: UA’s latest running shoe with sweet technology. The Speedform was actually manufactured in a clothing factory, which gives them a performance apparel type fit!

·      Fit and Feel: These bad boys are super light, flexible and comfortable. Generally for my needs, “flexible” isn’t all that appealing. However, I had no problems with the Speedform right out of the box (I don’t usually recommend that, but couldn’t help myself!)

·      Wear: I’ve worn the Speedform for conditioning runs (hills, stairs, some trail, minimal flats) and one flat, short (4-ish miles), speed run. I was happy with them for both types of runs, but I could really feel the benefit of the lightness in the shorter, faster run. They earn their Speedform name.

Micro G® Spine Evo

·      Design/Technology:  Very durable. Good traction. The “spine” provides a ton of stability. The Micro G foam midsole supplies cushioning. Sometimes rocks get stuck in the spaces on the soles.

·      Fit and Feel: The UA Spines have been my favorite UA running shoes since the first version emerged. For my needs, these shoes are perfection. I love their stability and support.

·      Wear: I use the Spines for almost any kind of run. Bonus: I use them for other training as well. They work well for jump rope, circuit training and even some minimal lateral training. This is essentially unheard of for running shoes, which makes me love them even more.

Micro G® Monza

·      Design/Technology: Lighter than the Spines, not quite as light at the Speedform. The suede mid-foot overlay gives these shoes some extra support. The outsole is made to stay in contact with the road.

·      Fit and Feel: These do give a smooth run. The stability is a close second to the Spines. The Micro G® makes them feel cushiony.

·      Wear: The Monzas work well for most of my running workouts. I mix these in with my Spines for a go-to shoe. I will use them for other workouts as well, but they are not quite as stable, laterally.

The rest of the guys in my shoe collection have also done their time on the streets, trails and sand. Many of them are great but hopefully focusing on these three gives you a starting point and helps you find what works for you. Remember, take your time, work with someone with can dissect your stride and identify your needs, and get out there and sweat every day!

Shauna drops a forearm stand in the UA Micro G Spine Evo

Thanks to our guest blogger, Shauna Harrison. Get more Shauna in your life on Instagram (@shauna_harrison), where she is well known as the inventor of and inspiration behind #SweatADay. She also is the creator of Hip Hop Cycle® and Muscle & Flow fitness classes. This blog was not reimbursed in anyway in exchange for this post. Just giving a different perspective from a recognized athlete. Happy running!

Nike top best for yoga?

A gift from a friend means I have more new top in the gear test kitchen this month: Nike two-tone T with cutouts. Today I wore it rowing. It's a bit snug under the arms, so more testing is needed to see if it is irritating for sports involving repetitive arm movement (running, rowing...boxing?). 

I'm thinking it might be perfect for yoga. I did a long headstand and, because it is fitted, the top stayed up while I was down.

It is cute, with the keyhole cutouts over the shoulders and down the back. But, in gear as in people: cute isn't everything.

Yoga + Running = Perfect day

The older and achier I get, the more it takes for me to maintain a running practice. For example, I actually stretch (sometimes) now. There's also a mental component to staying in active; I find inspiring places and run them. This place in Pacifica, Calif., provided both inspiration and some cool places to do yoga. Thanks to my Brooks shoes for handling the terrain, Icebreaker top for keeping me warm in the sea breezes and Under Armour tights for being tough enough to handle to rough surfaces.

Small tip: when combining yoga and running, start with a bit of running or a hike. There's a risk of injury if you stretch before warming up.

What to Wear for Yoga...on the Golden Gate Bridge

If you happen to be planning on doing some yoga on the Golden Gate Bridge, this post is tailor made for you! If you just like to see awesome feats of strength and flexibility, you'll enjoy it also.


The event: My friend Shauna is doing Under Armour's "What's Beautiful" competition. One of her challenges led to her doing yoga on San Francisco's most famous landmark. I volunteered to  document the event with photos.

What she wore: the temperature changes fast out there, so Shauna came prepared with some LMFAO-style UA tights (bright blue with a zebra waistband - hot!), a fitted tank and a long-sleeve top that had a hood and thumb holes.

Temperature: starting off, it was about 75F, sunny and breezy. By the end, the fog was rolling in and it was closer to 60-65F.

Shauna stayed warm, wowed the crowds and put her gear through its paces with a series of asanas in four locations. Here are some of the highlights:

Dancer goes perfectly with the drama of the bridge and sky.

Classic down dog. Love the blue and bridge red.

I saw the fencing and it sparked this idea. Not yoga. More like urban escape.

Mountain meets GGBridge

Tripod head stand with split legs.

Reverse warrior. Notice grounded feet.

Walk, Don't Run

It's almost 2012. It might not seem like it if you just started something new, like the school year, but I'm about to end something big and for me, as the street doomsday men like to say, "The end is nigh."
On January 1, 2012, I will no longer be a runner. I'm giving it up for the sake of still being able to walk, bike, play tennis (gently) and do yoga 10 or 15 years from now. Maybe cord blood stem cells will return the knees and ankles of my teens to me one day, but for now, I'm preparing for the worst.
And for all who know me, yes I have wondered what I'll do with my blog; what will I do to stay fit; how will I work out my inner demons and excess energy. And yes, I am worried I'll gain a lot of weight.
As I go through the 7 stages of mourning (I'm a preemptive mourner - when I was a kid, I would cry for hours about my grandparents death even though they all were very alive in Colorado), I keep getting sucked into bargaining. I think, maybe I'll just ease up, only run once a week, only run a mile or two, only run slowly. A friend who is a physical therapist offered to look at my stride. I'm taking her up on it because hope is another stage. Maybe she'll see something I can change that will allow me to continue...
The reality is, in fewer than 4 months, while I may still sometimes run, I will no longer be a runner and, despite getting a jump on the mourning, I'm still going to be shocked.

And now, if you'll excuse me, I need to go lay out my gear for tomorrow's run. 

Marathon. Yoga. Same thing?

Running a marathon and doing yoga might be pretty much the same thing. Strange, but true.
Me, sitting with my legs crossed going Ohm might not look like me dragging my bum across a finish line, but they're actually a lot alike. Here's why:
1) "I've been thinking about doing that."  If you tell someone you've run a marathon or do yoga, the response will often be the same.
2) Mind over matter.  Both practicing yoga and training for a long, hard run will make you want to quit, at some point. In both cases, the only reason to continue is because you decide to you can and will.
3) Sweat.  They're both exercise; get ready to sweat by drinking a lot of water.
4) Stretching.  Both yoga and running are better if you stretch. Note: yoga, in and of itself, is not stretching. See photo. This position is called "Flying Monk." It is a stretch of my skills, but not my muscles.

5) Admire, strive but don't compare.  Seeing someone do a sport well is inspiring and, I think, worth watching. But, we suffer when we compare ourselves to others. When doing, look inward. When seeking a new goal, look out.
6) Dress for success.  Take yourself and your sport seriously. Wear the right gear for the exercise and you'll be more comfortable and able to go longer.
7) Breathe.  Deep, steady breathing is key to both yoga and running.
8) Nice bod! After training for a marathon or doing yoga for 4 months, a new you is going to be walking around - leaner, stronger and able to do things you only once imagined.
9) Anyone can do it. Pregnant women, heavy-set guys, amputees and you all have something in common - you can do a marathon and yoga. A couple of weeks ago, an 80-year-old man completed the Pikes Peak Marathon the day after running the Pikes Peak Half Marathon. Do you still think you can't do it? See number 2.

Newsday team before a Long Island Summer Run

10) Solo or group? To improve your form, get motivated and maybe share a few laughs, practice yoga or run with others. For a more introspective, quiet time, leave the crowd behind. 

If you think of more, share!

See you on the trails!

Yoga & Running

I've been a runner for more than 10 years. During that time, I've sporadically done yoga and Pilates. Last year, I started consistently practicing yoga once a week. I'm still incredibly inflexible (physically) but my upper body is very toned and I've shaved almost a minute off my time.

Yoga gear for runners:
Some gear is best for just yoga, but if you're a runner, you probably already have pieces that can go both ways.

Top: Sleeveless tank or singlet
I prefer a tank with built-in sports bra. One of my favorites is Power Y Tank by Lululemon. It has removable padding that hides "headlights," and the Y shape of the straps makes them comfortable in every position. The guys in my practice usually wear Under Armour or Nike singlets.
If it is cold in the studio, I might start with warm-up jacket, but good yoga is not just stretching; it's fairly active and I warm up quickly.
I don't like sleeves when I do yoga because of the wide range of arm movements being practiced. I want to feel free to do my best. I also wouldn't go shirtless, if I was a man or wear just a sports bra - the feeling of the mat against bare, sweaty skin is not nice.

Bottoms: 
In the summer, I wear fitted, stretchy shorts. My current favorites are the Chaturanga Yoga Short by Athleta. They have a 3-inch inseam, are very stretchy and usually don't get wet marks from sweat.
In the winter, I usually wear a boot-cut yoga pant or Nike's Dharma Yoga Capris. It's tempting to bundle up with a thick material, but I don't recommend it - when you sweat, it will get saggy and soggy. Stick with a wicking material that moves with your body and covers your bottom, even if you have your feet behind your head.

Happy running, yogis!