A few of my favorite running shoes

These Puma Descendant running shoes aren't Puma's most famous model but they are getting me through this snowy and cold winter in Toronto.  They have a fairly neutral ride and promote the forefoot running style that I now favour.  What I really like though is the tread pattern that provides a lot of grip in the snow and on ice. That's been a savior this winter in Toronto!

These PureConnect Brooks running shoes are absolutely fabulous to run in. I picked up this bright orange pair late last fall and just love them.  Although I was slow in Reggae Marathon, they proved to be super comfortable.  They feel like 'Im not wearing any shoes at all'.  They have a particularly interesting outer tread that does take a few runs to get used to but then they are a smooth, neutral ride.  These have been languishing in the closet this winter and I can hardly wait to get back into them this spring.

These Asics took a lot of abuse last summer and fall.  Asics are known for a wide toe box and these shoes were definitely comfortable to run in.  A neutral ride that promoted forefoot running.  My only concern was that the outsole wore down fairly quickly.  I may have worn them too long though so that's not really a big complaint.

These Puma Faas 500's started my journey in forefoot/mid-foot running.  They look odd at first and are farily narrow but the running was simply superb.  Neutral ride with outsoles that seemed to wear forever.  Plus they seemed to get more comfortable as the miles piled up.  After Reggae Marathon in 2010 where I coordinated my tights and top to match the bright red colour of these Pumas, I ran directly into the ocean while wearing them.  Bad idea unfortunately...thankfully they were at the end of their life cycle.

What's next?  Brooks, Asics, Puma?  I dying to try a pair of the Puma Mobium running shoes.  They look to be super-responsive and the reviews have been great.  I've always had had success with both the Asics and Brooks models...wide toe-boxes that provide a comfortable ride especially in the summer.  Decisions, decisions...

Until next time...

ThatRunninGuy

Dx3 Canada 2013 Re-cap

Dx3 Canada is a showcase for Digital Marketing.  As a recruiter working in the Digital Marketing space, I learned a lot at Dx3 in 2013 and am looking forward to an informative day at Dx3 2014 on Wednesday, March 5.

And I got my photo on the front page of the Globe and Mail!  OK, it was only a promotion to highlight their recent success in online publishing but I loved it just the same.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Chris Morales

chris.morales@bell.net

647 393 3855

Linkedin:  Chris M Morales 

Just a little faster...

Navin on Track at his Ecstasy 8

It's Navin's fault! He's totally responsible for helping me to run faster this year.

If you've followed along over the past few years you know I've been hobbled with some nagging foot injuries.  From Plantar Faacitis to broken bones.  All related to the challenge of trying to run faster.  With a few more years on the chassis along with more than a few pounds on my frame, it was an unreasonable expectation.  But that didn't stop me from trying...and injuring myself multiple times in the process.  And although I've enjoyed the friendly ribbing for my last place finishes at the last two Reggae Runners Challenges, I'm determined to change that this year! Once again I'm working on running faster and this time it's Navin's fault!

Back in Negril at Reggae Marathon last December Navin burned up the Full Marathon course.  He told us his target time which was aggressive. Then with a really simple mental technique, he beat his time by nearly 20 minutes!  And that got me thinking...rather than going out and purposefully trying to injure myself with specific workouts that I attack with foolish abandon, let's try the 'Navin Way'.  And it's working!  What's his Jedi mental technique?  Talking to himself:  "Just a little faster, just a little faster, just a little faster...".

My immediate race goal this spring is to run the Sporting Life 10K with a negative split.  Challenging on the best day; extra difficult for this race as the first 6km is downhill.  I've been training hard through the cold and snow, following a great leg strengthening exercise routine from Olympian Carrie Tollefson and using Navin's Way to run 'just a little faster'.  So far so good.  Race day will tell.

When you see me running along the Kingsway in Etobicoke this Spring listen out for 'Just a little faster, just a little faster, just a little faster..."

Until next time...
ThatRunninGuy

B2B Social Selling

I went to an informative session last week put on by Edelman Digital in their Toronto office.  The topic, "The Case for B2B Social" caught my attention personally as an Executive Recruiter in Digital Marketing and professionally on behalf of my Clients in the B2B space.  A key insight:  even though it's B2B, people are having conversations about your business in Social Media.  Not having a presence is ignorance and ignorance in this case is not bliss!  Social Media Marketing is an effective tactic in creating awareness, preference and consideration...and in the case of business owners looking for results Social Selling can drive sales and revenue.

Recently I connected with a company operating in the B2B space.  They are a leader in their business sector and have been in business for many years.  Their success traces back to a culture that is puts customers first. They use technology to empower their entire operation;  they use Social Media technology to connect with their customers.  Think Zappos.  

So how does Social Selling work in the B2B space?  The Infographic below outlines the Social Selling Anatomy of a B2B Decision Maker.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Chris Morales

chris.morales@bell.net

647 393 3855

Linkedin:  Chris M Morales