Dumpster Dash

Shoe finder

[LINK] Runner's World

Only concrete is worse than asphalt for a running surface, and not by much.

By using the shoe selector at Runner's World, and selecting the Cushioning criteria, you can find the top 30-35 shoes (in varying price ranges) which minimize the damage.

Pick three in your desired price range which are rated at 4-5 stars by other runners, and click on "compare" to compare them.

If you have "issues" such as pronation, you'll need to select the option for shoes with more control.

Reviews of the best cushioned shoes

Technically speaking, you should use shoes with cushioning for training, and racing "flats" for the actual race.  But, since the Dumpster Dash is not exactly the Olympics, I'd just run it in the training shoes to minimize the risk of injury.

Design your own gear

[LINK] Nike ID

Nike lets you design your own clothing and shoes, for a premium, of course.

Garmin Forerunner 305

[LINK] Garmin

A Timex Ironman Triathlon watch with separate GPS and recorder units (to be worn on the belt) was featured in an earlier DD post.

The Garmin 305 takes a different approach, integrating the GPS receiver into the watch itself. This makes for a much larger watch -- one you wouldn't want to wear regularly -- with a graphical as well as digital display.

The Garmin does show graphs in the large watch display in real time, while the Timex Ironman data must be linked to a PC to see the graphs.

Both enable instantaneous elevation, speed, distance and location (lat/lon) display -- something watches without GPS simply can't do.

An optional pickup device enables the watch to record and display bike pedal strokes. (While biking, the watch can be mounted on the handlebar.)

Like the Timex, the Garmin can transfer data to a PC program, and download exercise plans developed on the PC.

All-in-all, a very impressive unit -- albeit pricey.  REI is selling it for $349.

See the video at the link, if interested.  If  you're REALLY interested, read the Quick Start Guide and even the Quick Start Guide and Manual in pdf).

According to an ebay user review, it doesn't give perfectly reliable readings.

Fancy smancy

Beautiful shoes, but the question is: Would they help you win the Dumpster Dash?

You see, unlike figure skating, no style points are awarded for the Dumpster Dash. You either cross the finish line first, or you don't.

You can even wear a shirt with a hole in it, if you like.

Regarding running shoes, have you ever wondered why there's more padding (air cells, gell, foam, or what have you) in the heel than in the toe?  Runners rarely make contact with their heels, except when they are stopped. 

Is shoe design a science, or the art of marketing?