Newest Obsession? Skechers GOWalk2 Sneakers Benefiting Breast Cancer Research

Now we know I test out a ton of different types of running sneakers, but I walk a ton during my work day and in my spare time with the family. So when Skechers offered me the chance to test out the GOWalk2 sneakers I jumped at the chance.

Note: I was compensated for this post, but all opinions are my own - ain't nobody got time for lyin'!

Normally Skechers isn't on my radar for either my running or walking needs. But the GORun and GOWalk series peeked my interest. Not just because the shoes looked super comfortable, but for the cause behind the shoes.

Cancer and Breast Cancer specifically affects families all over the world and even my own. My wife's mother is a breast cancer survivor so when I slip these shoes on I think of her. Her courage, her tenacity and her fight. It makes me want to continue to work on my own healthy lifestyle.

When I started my journey to shed 80 pounds, I wasn't a runner. I could barely make it to the gym. I started with a walk where one block led to two, which led to a loop around the River.

Add in a pup and the walk is heaven.

Now add the Skechers GOWalk2 to the mix and I am one seriously happy camper. ;)

I don't become obsessed with shoes easily so there must be something special.

So what sets the GOWalk2 shoes apart from the rest?

- V-Stride technology features unique angled outsole that complements a natural walking gait and promotes fluid stride transitions - Quick-Fit Portal on heel for easy on, easy off convenience - Go sockless - Integrated OrthoLite® anti-microbial sockliner helps inhibit odor and prevent slippage - Resalyte™ Midsole - proprietary lightweight injection-molded compound with memory retention helps absorb impact - Independent circular GOimpulse sensors offer flexibility and feedback for a more responsive walking experience - A multi-directional traction motif helps enhance footing control

Plus the tiny pink breast cancer awareness ribbon is a great reminder of why I am getting out to move.

Is it sad that I was psyched to find a sneaker that I could wear without sneakers that would take care of the odor attached to that idea? ;) It is the little things in life people. :P

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In addition to the “Awareness” footwear and apparel line, Skechers Performance Division is supporting American Cancer Society in several ways:

1. Skechers Performance Division is offering a donation to American Cancer Society, and all of the Skechers Performance Division Awareness apparel and footwear will feature the ACS logo and messaging.
2. Skechers is hosting the American Cancer Society San Francisco Making Strides Against Breast Cancer walk, and will be donating a percentage of proceeds from the sales of Skechers shoes on-site that day.
3. Additionally, Skechers is launching a register round-up program in Skechers Retail stores in which customers can round up their purchase to the nearest whole dollar to benefit American Cancer Society for the entire month of October. If consumers donate $5 or more, they will also receive a 20% off discount for their next visit. This will offer anyone shopping for any item in a Skechers retailer store the opportunity to give back and support the cause.
4. Furthermore, Skechers Retail stores are offering a gift with purchase for customers who purchase a pair of limited-edition Awareness shoes. The gift with purchase will be either a breast canvas awareness canvas tote back or a pink water bottle.

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I am proud to wear the Skechers GOWalk2 shoe in support of my wife's mom and the other Breast Cancer survivors around the world, as well as those that weren't so lucky against the Fight.

So now it is your tern to check out the Skechers GOWalk2 or any of the items featured in the "Awareness" line.

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Why you walk or run to a healthy lifestyle?

Join Me Weekly At Nike Run AND Walk Club at Assembly Row

Are you in the Somerville area? Have you been looking to get extra accountability to get out and run or walk?

Then look no farther than the Nike Run AND Walk Club every Wednesday night at 6:30pm at Assembly Row.

What a sweet looking crew right? :)

Each Wednesday the group tackles a 5k loop near the Assembly Row area in Somerville. The entire course is on a bike path so there are no street crossings. There is also a water fountain available twice on the first half of the course.

The group offers pacers for those running, run-walking or strictly walking.

ALL PACES ARE WELCOME!!

As I like to say no person is left behind.

One week I had the pleasure of pacing the group and made sure each person had a great time complete with high fives along the way.

Following the 5k, which starts and ends at the Nike Factory Store, Nike offers water and granola bars to refuel.

Once Slumbrew's American Fresh opens up at Assembly Row, I know I will be heading over there for a beer or two. ;)

My fellow Slumbrew Happy Soles and I! #SportTheFort

There is also free parking and at some point in the fall the orange line stop at Assembly Row should open, but Assembly Row is easily accessible via the orange line stops at Sullivan and Wellington.

So if you are a runner, run-walker or walker and want to meet some new workout buddies then join us each Wednesday at 6:30pm at Nike Factory Store at Assembly Row! :)

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Will I see you one Wednesday?

Weekly Workout Wind Up (6/6-12/13)

During this week, I realized workouts are harder for me when I don't have a training plan written down. So I am taking time this weekend to write down a Sprint Triathlon training plan mixed with half marathon training plan mixed with marathon training plan. :P You can see towards the end of the round-up I am really working on two or three mini workouts a day to get ready for the triathlon.

Thursday, June 6: Day 19 of Jillian Michaels 30-Day Shred

Friday, June 7: Day 20 of Jillian Michaels 30-Day Shred

Saturday, June 8: Freedom Trail Run (3 Miles) and Day 21 of Jillian Michaels 30-Day Shred

Sunday, June 9: Walk/Stairmaster/Elliptical with Lindsey

Monday, June 10: Day 22 of Jillian Michaels 30-Day Shred, 5k Run and 50-Minute Spin

Tuesday, June 11: Day 23 of Jillian Michaels 30-Day Shred, 4-Mile Run and 45-Min Stairmaster

Wednesday, June 12: Day 24 of Jillian Michaels 30-Day Shred and 3.19-Mile Run

Due to health reasons there was no swimming this week ... it will return next week!

Weekly Workout Wind Up (5/23-29/13)

This was a tough week. The back started acting up on Tuesday so I had to take some downtime near the end of this wrap up... Better to listen to the body than push through and hurt yourself more! I had to take a couple days off from Jillian Michaels 30-Day Shred, but I will be sure to do all 30 days in the end!

Thursday, May 23: Day 13 of Jillian Michaels 30-Day Shred and 5k Run

Friday, May 24: Day 14 of Jillian Michaels 30-Day Shred and 2-Mile Run

Saturday, May 25: 3-Mile Run and Day 15 of Jillian Michaels 30-Day Shred

Sunday, May 26: Boston's Run To Remember Half Marathon and Cambridge 5k Freedom Run 

Monday, May 27: 4-Mile Walk and 35-Minute Elliptical Session with Linds

Tuesday, May 28: Day 16 of Jillian Michaels 30-Day Shred

Wednesday, May 29: Rest Day

Savannah - Day Two - 11/3/12

Now what the HECK did I do on Day Two in Savannah? There was some major life-changing event in the morning, but for the life of me it's slipping my mind. Oh wait!

It was that little Rock 'n' Roll Savannah Marathon. Duh!

Here's the recap for that... ENJOY!

We left the Finish Line area by 1pm, which meant there was a WHOLE lotta day left to be had.

So what do you do once you finish the marathon?

Find beer ... and food!

Cuhlearly you know the priority for me :P

But, first we stopped at the hotel to change and somehow this was the outfit my peeps let me out of the room wearing:

I mean it's sexy, right?

And you are seeing it correctly - Lululemon cardigan and pants, compression arm and leg sleeves, a Sparkly Soul headband, flip flops and of course my race medal.

HOT. It will be all the rage next season.

We actually ended up going back to Molly Macpherson's for lunch. It was good food and it was one of the few places that didn't have a line out and around the corner.

After filling our bellies with food and beer, Michelle and Tori decided they needed to relax for a little while and wanted to head back to the hotel. I was feeling the opposite. I thought if I went back and laid down - my legs would tighten up or cramp.

So my dad and I dropped them off at the hotel and the two of us roamed the city. He didn't have a chance to check it out the day before since he got in so late so it was nice to show him River Street, Bay Street, etc. He also enjoyed that we were able to stop at a local watering hole, pick up a beer and keep on walking. :) We also hit up one of many candy shops so he could get a praline, what Georgia is known for. I opted for some delicious homemade fudge that was in a word - heavenly!

We made a big loop around the city before heading back to each of our hotels to rest up/shower/get ready for the night.

We had made a reservation for Tara Haunted Tours at 8pm that night. A walking ghost tour around historic Savannah entitled "Boos and Brews."  You guessed it folks - you got to carry a beer while you walked around hearing about ghosts. So there were ghosts for the wife and beer for me/my dad.

And yes you read that right, we are the people that ran that morning and signed up for a walking tour for the same night. Funny enough, we weren't the only racers in the group that night. :)

We were running late so we were only able to grab some chips & salsa at McDonough's Bar where the tour started, which meant we would have to eat at the final bar.

I don't like ghosts, but it was interesting learning about some of the history of Savannah and the wife was happy.

These bricks had people's fingerprints in them from when they were made

We also got to stop in three local watering holes along the way

We finished the two-hour tour at Moon River Brewing Company, where we enjoyed a late dinner and a few more brews. :)

After that the fatigue from the race really started to set in for me so we headed back to finally get some rest. But of course, I made sure to get my situps and #plankaday in before I hit the sack.

Overall, it was one perfect day in Savannah. I highly recommend Tara Tours to anyone looking for a little history of Savannah with a possible ghost sighting thrown in!