The following video, which can also be found on the Saucony web site, highlights the main features of the Kinvara and explains the technology behind the shoe. You can also read more about Saucony’s latest offering over at the DailyMile Community Blog, where good friend and fellow DailyMiler Thomas Neuberger and I compare the Kinvara with another of our favorite shoes, the Newton Gravitas. Click the link below to read the full review:

Running Shoe Review – Saucony ProGrid Kinvara vs Newton Gravitas

The Newton line-up is now more comprehensive than ever and includes the Sir & Lady Isaac, Motion All Weather, Gravitas, Motus, Distancia and Distancia S.

Click the image above to view their complete range.

The main difference is the beveled lugs in the forefoot area of the shoe, which *should* help runners make the transition to a more efficient midfoot/forefoot technique.

From the Newton web site:

How does the Guidance Trainer differ from the Performance Trainer?

Beveled Heel and Toe: helps guide runner easily into the midfoot/forefoot
Beveled Lugs: smoother, stable feel that is more gradual in the forefoot
Wider midfoot/forefoot and lugs: adds stability and creates a softer feel
Midfoot Chassis/Shank: adds support and stability
Carbon Rubber Outersole: increases durability
Closed Mesh on Upper: keeps small debris out

UPPER

Highly breathable, fast-drying, closed mesh
Slip-proof laces with heel-securing double eyelets
Lightweight ergonomic support strapping
Metatarsal stretch panels
Reflective logo and heel tab

MIDSOLE

Single-density, high rebound EVA that stabilizes all foot types
Second generation Action/Reaction Technology™ forefoot and heel
Midfoot/rearfoot support chassis for added stability
Beveled heel and toe
Met-flex enhanced forefoot flexibility
Enhanced sock-liner that increases energy return and protection
Accommodates orthotics

OUTERSOLE

Second generation durable, high traction actuator lugs
Increased toe spring
Pronounced heel rocker
High-wear carbon rubber with traction tread

GREEN FEATURES

100% recycled laces, webbing, insole top cover
100% recycled box, packaging
10% recycled outersole rubber

At $149.00, the Isaac is also a little cheaper than their two performance trainers — the Gravitas and Motus are both priced at $175.00 — which will probably entice quite a few more people to jump on the Newton bandwagon so-to-speak. Newton Running are currently offering a FREE shipping promotion on the Isaac too – click on the image above to take advantage of the offer.

Don’t forget, you can always take advantage of their 30 Day Return Policy and Guarantee. If you are not completely satisfied with the shoes, simply contact Newton Running right away and explain why you would like to return them. The shoes can be returned within 30 days from the delivery date for a full refund. Can’t say fairer than that….

To get started I did my usual 5 minute walk/1 mile run (7:22) but to mix things up a little decided to run a few “brisk” miles. The first one was a 7:08 which (a) really surprised me and (b) sent a wave of adrenaline through my body. At 6:35, mile two surprised me even more and from this point on my confidence only grew. I finished up with a 6:24 and walked back to the car with a big grin on my face.

It’s nice to be getting back into the groove, although I’m totally aware of the need to not push too hard. Too much too soon will probably set me back a long way. However, today was an excellent one and definitely another step in the right direction. Will be good to take tomorrow off and run/walk some more on Wednesday…..

If you’re a regular Run Bulldog Run reader, you may have gathered I’m still loving the Newton Experience and looking forward to kicking off my Richmond Marathon training in the Newtons on July 6th. If the fairly high price point has put you off ordering the shoes, the following July 4th special offer may just entice you to try them out.

Newton Running are currently selling the following package for both men and women: Motus = Motion Stabilty Trainer (reg $175), short sleeve tech tee (reg $30), race hat (reg $20) and ankle socks (reg $10) for just $205, which in my opinions is pretty good value. Basically you’re getting the shoes for regular price and the three apparel pieces for 50% off regular price.

Just before I left for vacation last week, I received a couple of pairs of the socks, two of the Newton tech tees and a black Newton hat (made by Headsweats) – I’m happy to pass on the news that all of the apparel is great quality, super comfortable and looks pretty cool too!

If you’re interested in either of the mens or women’s special offer packages, click on the image above and you’ll be taken to the Newton Running web site where you can choose shoe size, tee size and sock size.

I know for sure my wife Ally will be ordering in the next day or two. She’s been following my training closely and also reading about the benefits of forefoot/midfoot striking and watching the many videos on the Newton Running web site. Think she’s definitely convinced about the great Newton experience……

Start of race:

Note how fast 11 year old Travis Redmond takes off for his brief moment of glory. Also note how quickly I drop back into about 12th position in an attempt to establish a good pace.

The first mile felt comfortable despite several 90 degree turns and a quick 180 thrown in near the start of the race. Split was 5:43 and at this stage in the game I found myself sitting pretty in 6th place and feeling good. I surged slightly, passed a couple of runners who were already fading but then struggled badly with a right turn on the gravel. I was wearing my Newtons Racers and one thing I’m not totally happy with is the way they handle around sharp corners. The four forefoot lugs are much better in a forward dynamic than on a lateral plane and I ended up running against all the other runners who were heading out on their loop around the small Mount Trashmore hill. Sorry everyone! I made sure to run way off the side of the road and crossed over to the correct side when there was enough of a gap to not cause a problem, but still felt a little guilty…

Heading towards the second 180 turn, I still felt strong and had hopes of catching the guy in second place who was 45 steps ahead of me. The turn seemed to be in a slightly different position to last year, but the volunteer was in place with his flag and waved me round the cone. As we headed back towards the start line, hopes of catching runner #2 faded and my third place disappeared too as a stealth-like runner breezed by me at the two mile mark. The second mile split was 5:36 and despite dropping down to fourth, I still felt pretty good.

I crossed the start line at about 14 minutes and told myself I just had about 4 minutes of running left in the race (2 minutes out, another 180 degree turn, and 2 minutes back to the finish. In the 2 minutes out I managed to catch runner #3 who may have not realized there was another out and back to run. However, when he saw how close behind I was, he kicked for home and finished about 5 seconds ahead of me. My official finish time was 18:10, but the course turned out to be about one tenth of a mile long giving me an adjusted time of somewhere in the 17:30′s. Not too bad considering the week off and a nice time from which I can base my marathon training.

Finish of race:

YMCA Independence Day 5k – Finish from steve speirs on Vimeo.

Race video courtesy of my wife Ally and the FlipUltra HD Camcorder (currently on sale for an incredible $180.37!).

The revolutionary technology of Newton Running shoes has brought the fun back in running, I can’t wait to get out the door. Now at 41, I am running as fast as ever.

The shoes are awesome. You can definitely feel that they get you up and onto your forefoot. I have to keep slowing myself down because I just want to run fast in them!!!

An easy 4 miler that somehow morphed into a progressive 6 miler. Would have run more, but ran out of time before work. Temperature was almost perfect and the morning breeze made the run a real pleasure.

Splits: 8:06 7:37 7:31 7:26 7:08 6:44 – 6.2 miles in 46 minutes.

Afternoon:

Nice relaxed 2nd run of the day. No Garmin Virtual Partner, but planned to average 7 minute miles for the best part of an hour.

Splits: 7:05 6:53 7:04 6:58 6:56 6:56 6:58 6:54 – 8 miles in 55:47

Humidity much higher than this morning and it looks like it’s going to storm [again].

Feeling pretty good despite 14 Newton miles for the day. Looking forward to the Ed Lowery XC 5k in the morning, but as I posted yesterday, I’m not really expecting anything special. Definitely not a priority race for me….

Newton Running claim that their shoes should last as long as a regular training shoe. For me, that equates to about 400 miles and means there’s still plenty of forefoot running left in the orange and yellow shoes. My only question would be I wonder how I’ll “know” when they’re done? Anyone have any input on this?

In case you haven’t got the message from previous blog posts, I simply love wearing the Newtons. They’re so comfortable that out on the road they almost feel like a carpet slipper. In fact, they are so comfy, quite often I’ll forget I’m wearing an actual training shoe and not a minimalistic racing flat.

As for training, now that I’ve totally found and experienced the “Newton Sweet Spot”, I’m able to run longer and faster and am confident I’ll be able to wear them with great success at the Richmond Marathon in November. Last Wednesday’s longish run was a prime example: just over 13 miles in 1 hour 26 minutes – a time that would have put me in the top 80 at last years Rock ‘n’ Roll Half Marathon in Virginia Beach! Actually, now that I think about it, it wasn’t too many years ago that I was struggling to break 1:30:00 in a half marathon, so to go out in training and run this fast is pretty sweet.

Thank you Newton Running for the boost! Coupled with the motivation and inspiration I’m taking from DailyMile.com at the moment, I predict the second half of 2009 is going to be even better than the first half! Here’s to a couple of hundred more miles in the ’08 Gravitas, and then onto the next pair. And the next. And the next…..

Anyway, onto the workout:

Moderate warm up, 5x400m each one with 2:30 recovery, 400m recovery, 5x400m each with a 2:30 recovery, cool down

I took advantage of the warm up to measure out a couple of quarter mile sections of Sportsplex parking lot. The local high school track was busy, the grassy soccer fields recently aerated, so parking lot it was to be.

The first couple of quarters were all about finding my pace. A stray dog didn’t help the first one (83 seconds) – thanks lady in the Subaru! The second quarter was a bit quicker, but still too slow – 78 seconds. Finally, on the third one, I found my Newton groove! 75 seconds and it felt comfortable. I followed up with a 74 and 73 and then “enjoyed” a 400m jog recovery.

I was determined to run quicker in the second set (after all, I didn’t want to let the dailymilers down, did I?) and clicked out some quick quarters – 73, 73, 73, 72 and a 71 to finish. I won’t say they were easy, but I’m confident I can run a little quicker next time, especially if the 400s are on a track.

I finished off with an easy couple of miles and used The Stick for about 10 minutes to help roll out a few knots. The Newton Gravitas and Newton Racer both performed very well, and the new Newton socks were surprisingly comfortable too. Good workout! What’s up for tomorrow?