**By Andrew Palmer**

Several runners, both beginner and elite, have been gravitating towards “minimalist” shoes.  These shoes are designed to mimic running barefoot, and have very little support and cushioning.  They are supposed to strengthen your primary foot muscles and prevent injuries, but unless used right can increase your risk for injury.   Runners are supposed to ease into these shoes, and begin using them for shorter

The Nike Free was one of the first minimalist shoes to hit the market

runs and work their way into longer runs. 

Nike was one of the first companies to introduce this idea, with the Nike Free.  This shoe has a minimalist mesh upper an extremely flexible bottom.  The shoe is extremely neutral and provides extremely minimal support.  It retails for $85.00.

Reebok has also come out with a minimalist shoe recently, with the introduction of the Zig shoe.  It has a little more cushioning then the Free does, and rises up a little off the ground in the heel so it is not as minimal as the Free.  It has a mesh upper as well to cut out weight.   It Retails for $99.00.

The most minimalist of the shoes that have recently come out is the Vibrum 5 Finger shoe.  It fits the foot like a glove with certain places for each toe.  The shoe is designed for extremely efficient neutral runners, and is not suggested for most people.  For this shoe to be successful and not injure someone, a runner needs to ease into it.  It retails for $75.00.  (continue reading…)

The Strassburg sock is an essential tool for injury prevention

**By Andrew Palmer**

One of  the key ways for a runner to be successful is to stay injury free.  There are several tools for staying injury free as well as for repairing an injury as quickly as possible.  Most of these devices and be purchased at any running store.

“The Stick” is a massage tool that is divided into small sections and designed to press and roll up and down your legs.  It compresses and stretches your muscles, loosens up your legs and improves flexibility before and after runs.  I have also found that it speeds up recovery between hard runs.  It comes in a 14 to26-inch sizes.  They retail for $21.50 to $42.50. (continue reading…)

**By Andrew Palmer**

This past year Under Armour has made a push to enter the specialty running business.  They have started designing and producing clothes for running, as well as running shoes.  They have assigned a new team that is made up of runners to work on this line, and are in the process of building some competition gear as well.

The Under Armour Revanant is a great shoe for runners who need a lot of support.  It is designed for sever over-pronators who need a wide toe box.  Wear testers liked the fact that it has an elastic lining inside the shoe that holds the shoe in place.  The Revanant retails for $120.00. (continue reading…)

The DS Trainer 15 has decreased in weight from last spring. Photo courtsey Road Runner Sports

**By Andrew Palmer**

There are several new running shoes that have come out for spring 2010.  Here is a look at a few of the ones that are receiving the highest reviews.

The Mizuno Wave Creation 11 is a heavy shoe that is made for neutral runners that want a long lasting, cushioned shoe.  The shoe has Mizuno’s normal “wave” technology that runs throughout the shoe and cushions the shoe through rebounded energy from the runner’s initial impact.   The shoe retails for $135.00. (continue reading…)

As the 2010 NCAA tournament begins, many people are wondering how to fill out their brackets. Here are the Spectator’s picks: (continue reading…)

Campbell threw 20 touchdowns to 15 interceptions last season, and had the 15th best passer rating in the NFL. Photo courtesy of thestartingfive.files.wordpress.com

Now that the Redskins finally seem to be making logical personnel decisions with the hiring of new coach Mike Shanahan and General Manager Bruce Allen, the need for patience and consistency should be stressed. Whether the Redskins are truly reforming their ways will become evident in the debate over Jason Campbell: should he start at quarterback next year, or should the Redskins look elsewhere?

Currently, Campbell has been tendered by the Redskins, meaning that another team can sign him only if they can eclipse the current contract offer and give up a first round draft pick. In other words, Campbell will likely be on the roster next season, but not necessarily at the top of the depth chart.  (continue reading…)

Pittsburg Steelers owner Dan Rooney was the pioneer of the rule that promoted racial fairness in the search for a head coach. Photo courtesy of the Associated Press (Gene J. Puskar)

One of the most frequently used, yet unknown, active policies in the NFL is the Rooney Rule.

The Rooney Rule was first established in 2003, by Pittsburgh Steelers owner Dan Rooney, the current chairman of the league’s diversity committee and was then immediately enforced for the next off-season. The rule’s main objective is for all teams in the NFL to interview at least one minority coach while interviewing for the head coaching position. Though the rule has been around for seven years, it has yet to make a real impact on the league. The NFL should reconsider this policy as it barely provides any influence for a team’s head coaching search. (continue reading…)