Runner's World Blogger Event Recap {Part One}

As part of the Runner's World Half & Festival, they hosted pre-race events just for bloggers.  Through my affiliation with FitFluential, I was invited to attend these meaningful sessions since they would be of interest my readers.  Below you will see some of the neat presentations that we were able to observe.  Plus, if you missed my review of the Thursday night BBQ held at the Runner's World headquarters, you can catch it here.

First, the people from Icon Health and Fitness spoke about their company and the many brands that fall under their umbrella, such as NordicTrack, Pro-Form fitness equipment, Weider, Freemotion Fitness, Reebok, Gold's Gym, and iFit to name a few.  Here I am on one of the Pro-Form bikes.  It was amazing because you can hook up an iPad on the special holder and it will take you on various virtual road courses. 

My new friend {Katie} from KatieRunsThis and I experimented on the treadmills while chatting away.  Their equipment is extremely compact and is the perfect addition to your home gym.  In addition, most pieces fold up for easier storage.

I got to meet another Oiselle teammate...Lynda from Hit The Road Jane.  She traveled all the way from Florida!

Freemotion Apparel gave us a few items to test out on our runs.  I can't wait to wear my new jacket for those cold, cold winter runs in PA.  It is heavier than most winter running outerwear, so all I will need is a base layer.  Yesterday, I wore their short sleeved t-shirt on my run.  It was nicely cut, the color was vibrant, and it was extremely comfortable to wear under a light windbreaker.
 

They had a light breakfast for us which included coffee, fresh fruit, bagels and cream cheese. 

Next, we were treated to a special presentation by Golden Harper, founder and creator of Altra Zero Drop Shoes.  A neat fact about Golden...he still holds the world record for a marathon run by a 12 year old.  That's right...he was 12 when he ran 2:45!   

The Icon/Altra team...

Golden demonstrated how their zero drop running shoes compare to regular 12mm drop shoes, and it was all very interesting.  For me, I will start by wearing my new Altra shoes around town before attempting any runs.  I have been wearing orthodics for over 20 years, so the transition to a zero drop shoe may be a slow one.

Some of the runners who already run in a minimalist shoe did a barefoot demonstration around the tent. 

iFit is a virtual way to track your workouts, participate in runs with friends on the other side of the country, compete against others in the iFit community, watch HD videos of places around the world while you workout, plus more.  Check them out at their site to see the many things that you can do {virtually} with this amazing application.  

This larger than life poster was a glimpse at December's issue of Runner's World.  It was front and center at the Runner's Expo for all to see when browsing the vendor tables and picking up packets. 

Tomorrow I will tell you all about my time with US Olympian, Shalane Flanagan.  She was very nice, and she even personally answered a question about an issue that plagues me before every race.  Have a great Monday!