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THE NEWSMAGAZINE FOR RUNNING SPECIALTY RETAILERS • RUNNINGINSIGHT.COM • JANUARY 15, 2015 • VOL.7, NO.1

Sheehan Joins MizunoIRRA Delays

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By Daniel P. Smith

No running specialty store in America sells more vacuum cleaners than Vac & Dash. Of course, Peter Asciutto acknowledges there’s slim competition for that honor.

“I know we’re a rare breed,” says Asciutto of the Albe-marle, NC-based shop he opened in 2004.

Rare, indeed. In addition to selling and servicing vacuum clean-

ers, Vac & Dash, which bills itself as “The South’s Most Unique Specialty Store,” offers UPS shipping and screen-printing services. For a time, it also repaired bicycles.

“More people called our local chamber asking about bike repairs than anything else, so that’s where the bike repairs came from,” Asciutto says.

If Vac & Dash seems odd – even comical – Asciutto understands. He’s accustomed to the quizzical looks. Un-like, say, a bicycle shop and a running store or a physical therapy clinic and a running store, there’s little – if any – synergy between vacuums and running shoes under the same retail roof.

Nevertheless, Asciutto, more then a decade into his Vac & Dash run, continues spotlighting the innova-tion and differentiation that many industry observers contend is necessary to succeed in today’s competitive

A Different Kind of Retail

RUNNING INSIGHT® is a registered trademark of Formula4Media, LLC. © 2015 all rights reserved. Running Insight is published twice each month, is edited for owners and top executives at running specialty stores and available only via email.The opinions by authors and contributors to Running Insight are not necessarily those of the editors or publishers. Articles appearing in Running Insight may not be reproduced in whole or in part without the express permission of the publisher. Formula4Media, LLC, P.O. Box 23-1318, Great Neck, NY 11023. Tel: 516-305-4710.

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How a North Carolina Running Shop has Scored Success Selling … Vacuum Cleaners?

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retail environment.As a longtime vacuum indus-

try sales rep, Asciutto says he frequently encountered unique retail concepts pairing vacuums with other goods, including one Tennessee outlet that sold vacu-ums and guns. Asciutto founded Vac & Dash to combine what he knew with what he loved.

“Ultimately, I’m just a simple guy trying to make a buck,” he says.

As Asciutto prepared to open his shop, however, trusted col-leagues urged him to focus his business: either vacuum cleaners or running shoes, they told him, but not both. But Asciutto was not convinced that Albemarle, the seat of a 60,000-resident county located about 40 miles east of Charlotte, could support one or the other. He held rm in his plans to create a retail spot unlike any other: part running store, part vacuums and all fun.

“That meant a lot of explain-ing over our rst 4- years, but our weirdness is part of our charm and it’s turned out to be one of our greatest assets,” says Asciutto, who plays up the quirky juxtaposition with a store logo that features a galloping male runner – race bib and all – pushing a vacuum.

“With a business like this, you can’t be too serious,” Asciutto says.

As wacky as the Vac & Dash concept seems, don’t mistake the store’s eccentricity for ignorance. Vac & Dash has strategically built a successful business and created a vibrant, connected and loyal band of runners. This February, about 200 of them will make the 180-mile trek to South Carolina’s coast to run the Myrtle Beach Marathon and Half-Marathon in Vac & Dash gear.

Some fun programming, meanwhile, has advanced Vac & Dash’s novel f lair and cemented the locals’ affinity. Each year, Vac & Dash hosts three free runs that conclude with a breakfast at Waf e House, while this year’s April Fools’ Day k Classic will literally run

through Asciutto’s home.“We’re tongue-in-cheek in

many ways,” Asciutto con rms.In Vac & Dash’s earliest years,

Asciutto says revenue was split evenly between running, vacu-ums and UPS services. Today, however, screenprinting and run-ning represent nearly 80 percent of his shop’s escalating sales. (Interestingly, the screenprinting extension was a happy accident that occurred only after Vac & Dash began selling t-shirts championing the candidacy of “American Idol” contestant – and Albemarle native – Kellie Pickler back in 2006.)

“Though the rst ve years were dif cult, the last ve have been wonderful,” Asciutto says.

So wonderful, in fact, that Vac & Dash will be ditching its 800-square foot showroom in February for a new , 00-square foot home in Albemarle.

“We can get the vacuum bags and belts out of our dressing rooms now,” Asciutto jokes.

For Asciutto, the move symbolizes Vac & Dash’s headway and growth, even against some remarkable odds. Though Asciutto knows selling vacuum cleaners alongside running shoes is not for everyone – or, more likely, anyone else – he says his zany retail pairing has helped make the shop unique, memorable and successful.

“In today’s retail environment, I truly believe you have to stand out and have a point of differentiation that nobody else can claim,” he says. “All of us in this business say we have great products and service, but what are we really doing to rise above all the noise and be something truly unique?”

And Vac & Dash, if nothing else, is certainly unique.

Vac & Dash owner Peter Asciutto has created a retail spot unlike any other: part running store, part vacuums and all fun.

Our weirdness is part of our charm and it’s turned out to be one of our greatest assets.PETER ASCIUTTOOWNER, VAC & DASH

A Different Kind of Retail (continued)

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A Different Kind of Retail (continued)

In Longmont, Colorado, Shoes & Brews is follow-ing Vac & Dash’s game plan of creating a highly

differentiated running store concept by bringing together two distinct retail concepts.

Opened last July, the running shop and nanobrewery serves up running gear alongside 20 Colorado-concocted craft beers. The running store inhabits the front half of the building, while the 4 -seat brewery lls the back, the two spaces separated by a glass wall.

“You see beer and running together at races all the time,

but we wanted to put these two things together in real life and create a community space for people to be active and social,” says Ashlee Velez, one of the

ve-person Shoes & Brews ownership team.

In its opening months, Velez has already witnessed the synergy she and her co-founders envisioned. She has watched running store customers venture to the brewery to enjoy a drink, while brewery customers have visited the running store to purchase items or participate in a fun run.

Yet, the hoped-for syn-

ergy shines best during special events. At its rst K event in November, for example, Shoes & Brews welcomed a sold-out crowd of 300 runners. In the spring, Velez says the store plans to block off its adjacent parking lot to accommodate even more.

“So many locals have latched onto this idea … and we’re excited about our future,” Velez says. “Though we believe each business could survive on its own, it’s exciting to see the dynamic of two businesses that work well together and support one another.”

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The running shop and nanobrewery serves up running gear alongside 20 Colorado-concocted craft brews.

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By Jennifer Ernst Beaudry

Mizuno is starting off 201 with a key new hire in the running world.

Industry vet Mark Sheehan has joined Norcross, GA-based Mizuno USA as VP of running product management. Sheehan, who built K-Swiss’ performance running division and has also worked at Nike, Reebok and Puma and most recently helped launch the Ampla brand, will be charged with “being a thought leader from a running industry perspective,” according to Mizuno USA president Bob Puccini.

Sheehan’s appointment comes at a critical time for Mizuno USA.

Last year, the brand saw the departure of several key executives in the running sphere, including Fritz Taylor, the running division VP and GM, and Rod Foley, who had been named VP of product management for

the running team. VP of sales Dave Lambert left the rm in December as well.

Mizuno restructured in 2014, appointing Dick Lyon SVP and GM of all product divisions and

naming Chris Walsh corporate VP of sales. It also opened its global running footwear center in Portland, shifting the product creation for the division from the Osaka head of ce. And it announced plans to open a new 20,000-sq. ft. distribution center

near its Atlanta-area of ces in 201 , with the aim of better service and ful llment for U.S. customers.

“Our brand direction is pretty clear and established — [we were looking for someone] to bring that to life in the running community speci cally,” Puccini said. Sheehan’s extensive experience in developing product and in working in Asia, he added, would be an advantage for the global brand: “He’s a really good merchant, and he understands how to merchandise a brand that’s in alignment with the brand positioning and understand different target and channel needs, as well as knowing how to get it all built and delivered.”

Retailers said they were enthusiastic about the changes ahead.

“In the last year, they’ve gone through some transitions, and that’s indicative that it’s probably time to make some changes to help drive initiatives and spur growth again,” John Rogers, owner of Fleet Feet Maine Running in Portland, ME, said of Sheehan. “Having lived in the Far East, he totally understands the culture, which is important for that brand, and besides that, Mark’s a great product guy. He’s such a great t for that brand.“

“Mizuno is ring on all cylinders right now,” Johanna Bjorken, merchandise director for New York’s JackRabbit Sports stores, said. “We’ve had some concerns about the future for Mizuno and are glad to see them making a strong commitment to running.”

For his part, Sheehan said he was looking forward to getting down to business — and to being part of a brand he’s long admired.

“What I’m tasked with is not just creating the vision for where the brand can be but on the innovation side, creating product the runner and retailer can appreciate,” he said. “Mizuno’s done an amazing job, but it gives all of us a chance to have a new set of eyes, and an outside perspective from someone who liked the brand from afar.”

And that will be a challenge, he said.

“The competition is really strong and there are no bad shoes out there today — you’ve got to come with a full team, great customer service and you need great product,” Sheehan said. “The game has risen in competencies — I’m just here to help ll in wherever I can.”

Mark Sheehan Joins MizunoIndustry Vet to Serve as “Thought Leader” for the Brand.

Our brand direction is pretty clear and established. We were looking for someone to bring that to life in the

running community specifically.

BOB PUCCINIUSA PRESIDENT

MIZUNO

Sheehan said he was looking forward to getting down to business and to being part of a brand he’s long admired.

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Mark Sheehan, VP of running product management, Mizuno

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By Jennifer Ernst Beaudry

Naperville Run-ning Co. is keeping customers moving this winter thanks

to a partnership with the Illinois city’s park district to fund the plowing of a popular local path.

According to owner Kris Hartner, the store started think-ing about ways to keep the popular two-mile stretch of trail that runs beside its south Naper-ville store clear after opening the location last February.

“The path is used by our neighbors and the [local] high

school kids, but the way the city works is, it just doesn’t clear that segment,” Hartner said. “So in the back of my mind, knowing that it’s shut down for several months, when it got to be early fall I gave a call to the park district.”

Hartner said the agreement, under which Naperville Running Co. will pay the labor and mate-

rials cost for the Naperville Park District to clear the path after every two-inch or greater snow-fall for the winter of 2014-201 , was inspired by the long-running partnership between Boston-based New Balance and Boston’s Department of Conservation and Recreation that sees the athletic

rm fund snow removal for a 17-mile stretch along the Charles River.

The cost for the season is yet to be determined, Hartner said,

but the store’s estimates — even for an unusually heavy winter like last year’s — won’t be “crazy,” he said. (The total spend will be worked into the store’s marketing budget.) And working with the city — which has the manpower and the equipment ready to go — was a more af-fordable option than contracting with a private rm, he said.

“I still hope it doesn’t snow much, but the cost was fair,” Hartner said.

And after the rst qualifying snowfall of the year, feedback, Hartner said, has been great: In addition to attention from Run-ner’s World and the local news, reaction from customers in-store and on the store’s social media channel have been overwhelm-ingly positive. Sample comments online include: “So inspired by how NRC consistently thinks of the needs of our [community],” a Facebook user wrote, and “paying to keep a path right by my house open. Love that store,” from Twitter.

Hartner said he’s glad things came together.

“We propose a lot of things — this is one of the ones that worked out,” he said. “It doesn’t hurt to ask.”

Naperville Running Co. Clears Path

“We propose a lot of things — this is one that worked out. It doesn’t hurt to ask.”KRIS HARTNER NAPERVILLE RUNNING CO.

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In Fall 201 , Hoka One One will expand into the hiking category with the launch of its MTN

collection. The five new styles range from high-top hiking boots to lightweight mountain runners. Broken into two categories, MTN Trek and MTN Run, the new collection ranges in retail prices from $130 to $230.

The agship of the MTN Trek series is the Tor Ultra Hi WP. Weighing slightly over one pound, the Tor Ultra Hi WP puts Hoka’s running shoe cushioning

and Meta-Rocker geometry alongside a supportive high-top upper. It has a Vibram MegaGrip outsole with ve millimeter lugs and an eVent waterproof, breathable membrane to keep feet dry.

In the MTN Run line, the new Speedgoat, designed with input from ultra-runner Karl Meltzer, is a trail running shoe retailing for $130. The Speedgoat is built for challenging, technical trails and has a Vibram rubber outsole with four-millimeter lugs and trail-specific f lex

grooves. The no-sew upper provides support through the forefoot, and a ground-rubber toecap offers toe protection. The Speedgoat weighs less than 10 ounces.

Also included within the MTN Run category, the Mafate 4, $170, is the brand’s most cushioned and supportive trail running shoe to-date. In addition to the new MTN collection, the brand is releasing updates to some of its most popular styles for fall, including the Clifton 2, Stinson 3 and Stinson 3 ATR.

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By Mark Sullivan

The Independent Running Retailers’ Association is delaying its election

for board of directors as it works through the nal stages of a re-organization. The IRRA is close to achieving status as a 01 C 6 organization and current board members said they thought it best to stay on to see the group through the

nal stages of the change.Elections were originally

planned for late last year with the goal of announcing new board members at The Running Event.

The group will be holding a conference call on January 22, 201 to establish a new time

frame for elections and the meeting the group traditionally holds in the rst quarter of each year.

Four board members will stay on after the change, serving the second year of their two-year terms. The four board members who are staying are: Chris Crowell of Gazelle; John Long of Marathon Fleet Feet Sports of Minneapolis; Scott Dvorak of Charlotte Running and Dave Welsh of Haddon eld Running in PA. The spots currently held by John Benedict of Playmakers; Renee Grant of Runner’s Depot in Florida; Kris Hartner of Naperville Running; Cathy Puglsey of Potomac River Running; John Rogers of Fleet Feet Maine; Rich Wills of FitNiche in Florida and Jenn

Wohlgamuth of Mojo Running in PA will all be open. IRRA member retailers interested in seeking election for the open spots should contact Parker Karnan, executive director of the group at parker@theirra.com.

The entity change comes at a time when the IRRA and the run specialty channel face a slowdown in sales after more than a decade of annual double-digit growth. The IRRA now has more than 200 retail members and has run a number of grass roots program over the past year, including National Runner’s Safety month. NRSM has been held the past two Novembers, and has involved more than 100 stores each year in a program created to help stores educate runners about safety issues and help sell safety product such as visibility gear and ID bracelets. In 201 , the group will also hold its

rst ever Apparel Summit June 28 and 29th, in Chicago, an initiative executive director Parker Karnan has described as critical to the group and the channel for this year. The group will also be creating a program called 28 Days of Run in February.

The IRRA has been criticized for not taking a more visible role with members and sponsors over the past few years and board members admit that the entity change has consumed time and energy that could otherwise be devoted to creating more programs. “Once this is done, we’ll be able to focus on creating programs that

IRRA Delays Board Elections Retail Group Is in the Final Stages of Entity Change.

Chris Crowell, Gazelle

Scott Dvorak Charlotte Running

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18 runninginsight.com © 2015 Formula4media LLC.

IRRA Delays Board Elections (continued)

“We’ll be able to focus on creating programs that are good for our members.”CHRIS CROWELLIRRA BOARD MEMBER

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are good for our members,” said Crowell of Gazelle. Until now, the IRRA has been run through a management company, owned by the partners of Formula4 Media.

The IRRA is not the only group of independent run store owners looking to organize and bolster the channel. Over the past several years, a group of major store owners have created an informal group known as The Alliance. Members of The Alliance, which includes a number of larger volume stores that are also IRRA members, have been talking to brands about creating programs that can bene t the entire channel. Some IRRA members have complained that such activity by those

members has created a con ict of interest. Karnan, the executive director of IRRA, says he’s in touch with those members on a regular basis and that the hope is to create programs that can be tested with Alliance member stores and then eventually be rolled out to other stores in the channel on a broader basis.

Retail Briefs Fleet Feet Sports Chicago has opened its fif th store, a location in Lakeview, and plans to open its sixth store in Oak Park in March. Dave and Lisa Zimmer, owners of Fleet Feet Chicago, also plan to open a Lole Concept store in Lakeview later this year. In other retail news, Lululemon has opened its first men’s store on Prince Street in Manhattan.

Parker KarnanExecutive Director, IRRA

www.wahoofitness.com/ri

20 runninginsight.com © 2015 Formula4media LLC.

New Balance Names New EVP Sales

New Balance has promoted Jon Ram to Executive Vice President, North America, assuming responsibility for the U.S. and Canadian marketplace. Ram has been with New Balance for more than 12 years, running the Canadian market and most recently the EMEA region.

Ram takes over sales responsibilities from Chris Quinn, who is leaving the company. Quinn had been with NB for the past six years as EVP North America.

Under Armour Adds to its Digital Network with UA Record

Under Armour has unveiled UA Record, the latest addition to its growing health and tness network. The announcement was made at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas. UA Record simpli es your personal health data with tness activity tracking tools, connects

you to your digital community and keeps you synced with your tness goals 2 . t s available now for download on the App Store or from the Google Play store.

By syncing the thousands of tness tracking devices and apps onto its open platform, and creating a visual dashboard of your data, UA Record is “a simple and empowering tool designed to help people lead

healthier and more active lives,” according to Under Armour CEO and founder Kevin Plank.

Data features include motion and GPS activity tracking from mobile sensors and third party devices, analysis from individual workouts and a total snapshot of your progress – including steps, sleep, caloric burn, heart rate and weight.

Members can invite up to 20 friends within their network to

compete in customized health and tness challenges centered on speci c goals. Challenges are based on workout count, total distance, total steps and calories burned. These daily, weekly or monthly competitions provide real-time updates, leaderboard progress and an open conversation forum for group participants.

The ability to share content, such as videos, photos and workout stories is built into the app along with access to original content on nutrition, training methodologies, injury prevention and more directly from leading health and tness experts.

Tifosi Adds National Management

Brad Abbott has joined Tifosi as National Sales Manager for Optical and Sunglass Specialty. And Adam Brim is Tifosi s new National Sales Manager for the Golf and TacticalShooting Sports markets. Abbott is a sunglass industry

Running Shorts

UA Record is the latest addition to the brand’s digital offerings.

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Running Shorts (continued)

Youth runners are getting support from Brooks.

Daniel Suher as Specialty Sales Coordinator.

As Marketing Manager, Brantner will be responsible for developing and implementing marketing, advertising, public relations, retail marketing, athlete and event sponsorship programs and social media campaigns. Previously, he served as Marketing Specialist on the Outdoor Fitness Team at Garmin International where he directed marketing strategy for consumer electronic products, including the VIRB action camera, fenix GPS adventure watch and the Forerunner 610 running watch.

In his role as Eastern Regional Tech Rep, Feldman will support the expansion of NATHAN’s eastern regional retail partners and serve as a key resource for them working to grow the “essentials” category as a whole. Prior to joining NATHAN, Feldman was the General Manager at running specialty store Lucky Foot.

As Specialty Sales Coordinator, Suher will be working with the brand’s specialty retail partners to drive revenue and pro tability. He will be supporting the sales team to drive merchandising through educational and sales programs. Suher has industry experience, stemming from his time at Saucony, Inc. functioning as a Tech Representative and a Team Sales Representative, as well as time spent working at New Balance Brandywine and FloTrack.

In other news, NATHAN has been ranked as one of the fastest-growing, privately-held businesses in the Philadelphia region in 2014 by the Philadelphia 100, the Wharton Small Business Development

Center, the Entrepreneurs’ Forum of Greater Philadelphia and the Philadelphia Business Journal. The growth of retail partnerships played a signi cant role in this achievement, as well as overall brand growth.

BodyGlide Names New NSMRyan Bodlaender has been named National Sales Manager for BodyGlide working out of Seattle. He previously ran international sales.

Brooks Launches the Brooks Booster Club for Young Runners

Brooks has announced the launch of the Brooks Booster Club. A need-based grant program, the Booster Club will provide gear and funds to 2 under-resourced high school cross country and track teams across the U.S. and Canada.

The Booster Club will support 2 high school teams by out tting athletes with training and racing shoes, racing uniforms, and sweats. Additionally, the schools will receive $2,000 in cash to help with expenses including pay-to-play fees, meet entry fees and transportation costs. Coaches and athletic directors can apply for a Brooks Booster Club grant online at brooksrunning.comboosterclub now through May 1. Brooks will announce the winners in June.

Brooks also invites the running community to pay it forward with the opportunity to expand the program’s reach beyond 2 high school teams. Proceeds from the company’s new ebook, ”Running Through the First 100 Years,” and Booster Club promotional items coming later this year on

Brooks’ website will go directly to additional Brooks Booster Club grants. For every $ ,000 raised, Brooks will add another school to the Booster Club grant list. Runners can buy the ebook on Amazon and the iBookstore for $9.99.

On top of launching the Booster Club, in 201 Brooks will expand its Inspiring Coach of the Year Award program to Canada. Brooks will recognize 10 coaches from the U.S. and three from Canada for their work in inspiring young athletes to run and be active. The winner will receive $10,000 in gear and $2, 00 in cash. All nalists receive $2, 00 in gear and $ 00 in cash, and each of them will be honored in June at the 201 Brooks Inspiring Coach of the Year awards banquet.

Brooks is calling on high school runners, their parents and family members, colleagues, school administrators and the running community to nominate a current high school cross country or track coach for the Inspiring Coach of the Year Award. Nominations close May 1; more information is

available at brooksrunning.cominspiringcoaches.

Craft Sportswear names Schenker as CEO

Craft Sportswear North America has named Eric Schenker as Chief Executive Of cer. Schenker previously held the position of Director of Sales and Marketing and will take over the role of CEO on his 10-year anniversary with Craft.

“I am proud of what we’ve accomplished in the last decade,” Schenker said. “Knowing the products that we have in the works and the fantastic team around me, the next 10 years should be pretty amazing. Craft’s brand statement is ‘Enjoy The Hard Work’ and that couldn’t be truer for me.”

Under Schenker’s direction, Craft will implement an aggressive ve-year strategic plan with major investments in inventory, marketing and sales leadership. In addition, Craft will be launching into the corporate apparel category with a new athletic collection of products speci c to the North

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26 runninginsight.com © 2015 Formula4media LLC.

American marketplace.The transition also coincides

with the launch of Craft’s newest base layer collection, Active Comfort. The contemporary collection offers

high performance with a casual feel and a great price point.

Huub Valkenburg, who established the Craft distribution in North America, will relinquish all executive responsibilities and join the management board of Craft North America.

GU Boosts Sales TeamBlair Clark has joined GU

Energy Labs’ executive team as Vice President of Sales. The company also announced that Jon Parker has been hired as Senior Regional Sales Manager for the East Region and that Laura O’Meara, formerly GU’s National Sales Manager for IBD, has been promoted

to Regional Sales Manager for the West Region. Moritz Hoemke continues to lead GU’s expanding international business.

For the last 11 years, Clark

served as Senior Vice President of Sales and Marketing for Smith Optics in Ketchum, Idaho. Clark has long been a contributor to outdoor and cycling communities. He currently serves as Chairperson of the Foundation Board for “People for Bikes,” which recently eclipsed 1 million members.

Jon Parker comes to GU with over 20 years of sales experience in the sports and outdoor industries. Most recently he was the National Sales Manager at Montrail Columbia Sportswear.

Laura O’Meara has worked at GU Energy Labs since mid-2013, managing twelve agencies and 34 independent reps in

Running Shorts (continued)

Active Comfort base layer from Craft. GU Salted Watermelon energy gel.

For exhibitor and sponsor information, contact Beth Gordon, VP and Show Director: 949-293-1378, bgordon@formula4media.com

For retail information, contact Mark Sullivan: 646-319-7878, msullivan@formula4media.com

Updates on 2015 speakers and trade show happenings: therunningandfitnesseventforwomen.com

June 29 - July 1, 2015Navy Pier & W Chicago Lakeshore

Join us in Chicago for the business-to-business conference and

trade show designed to focus retailers and brands on the most

powerful consumer in the market place.

Conference Presentations Networking Trade Show

The Running & Fitness Event For Women is proud to host...

Scheduled to Appear at the 2015 Event

Unconventional Strategies and Tactics for Today’s Business Climate

Erika Napoletano, is a branding expert who

happens to be an ACE and NASM-certified

personal trainer and group fitness instructor.

She is the founder of unstuck.LIFE, a

destination for restless brands and the

people brave enough to lead them. And if

you’ve ever felt stuck, well, Erika’s the one

you call to get unstuck and over all the

annoying things that keep you and your

business from being awesome. Erika is also

the award-winning, twice-published author,

including “The Power of Unpopular.”

Capture the Mindshare and the Market Share will Follow

Libby Gill shares techniques from her latest book.

Every participant will receive immediately applicable

takeaways to:

• Identify the authentic value that makes you stand out.

• Powerfully articulate your unique value proposition.

• Master the art of emotional connection to create deep

and lasting customer relationships.

Libby is the former head of communications

for Sony, Universal, and Turner Broadcasting.

She is now CEO of her own consulting firm where

clients include AMC Networks, Disney-ABC, GoDaddy,

Intel, Kellogg’s, Microsoft, PayPal, Royal Caribbean

Cruise Lines, Safeway, Wells Fargo, and many more.

IRRA Apparel Summit Presented by

She Runs Retail Summer MeetingPresented by

Running The Next GenerationPresented by

Erika Napoletano Libby Gill

28 runninginsight.com © 2015 Formula4media LLC.

RUNNING INSIGHT

Running Shorts (continued)

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the cycling world. She is an outstanding endurance athlete who won The North Face Endurance Trail Championships

0k in 2013 and raced in the XTerra Triathlon World Championships.

Suunto Releases Sport Sapphire GPS Watch

The new Suunto Ambit3 Sport Sapphire, a premium sports watch in the Suunto Connected Family with Ambit3 features a design inspired by feedback from hundreds of women. The Ambit3 Sport Sapphire is designed for women to wear all day, not only for their sports activities. This high-powered GPS unit monitors training and competition activities and

allows women to see how many calories they’ve burned for the day and week.

The Suunto Ambit3 Sport Sapphire offers applications for running, cycling and swimming. Many more features can be added via the Suunto App Zone.

With the free Suunto Movescount App (currently available for iPhone, and released for Android in 201 ), phone push notifications can be sent directly to the Ambit3 Sport Sapphire. Users can quickly see who is texting or calling, allowing them the freedom to continue their activity unimpeded by phone calls or messages.

The watch’s built-in GPS provides accurate speed, distance and location throughout exercise. Navigation capabilities include a full range of options, like the handy Track Back app that guides users back to the starting point, ensuring

worry-free exploration.The Suunto Smart

Sensor, included in the HR package option, provides accurate heart rate monitoring and

calorie measurements even when the watch is

not being worn, according to the brand.The Ambit3 Sport Sapphire

features a white, minimalistic look combined with stainless steel and 18 karat rose gold. A soft, silicone strap is sized to fit smaller wrists.

Timo Yliluoma, designer of the Ambit3 Sport Sapphire, says: “We aimed for a design that is as striking out on the town as it is on the mountain trail. I believe we achieved that.”

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The Only Conference & Trade Show Endorsed by

DECEMBER 1-4, 2015SAVE THE DATE

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therunningevent.com

THE RUNNING EVENT®

2015