New SmartWool® PhD Performance Socks

The highest degree of performance for your feet. The smartest thing to ever happen to socks, SmartWool introduces its brand new PhD line of sport-specific cycling and running/walking socks. Designed for maximum fit and protection with minimum weight, the new PhD socks use science and physiological research as the base for the 15 styles that are new for Spring 2008.

Athletes have unique needs and these socks address those needs. The SmartWool product development team collaborated with the scientists at The Timberland Company’s famous Invention Factory to evaluate improved fit and comfort in a performance sock. The new SmartFit System II was created to address these redefined needs with a proprietary four-point banded sport compression system. SmartFit System II provides an incredibly secure and comfortable fit above and below the heel, under the arch, and across the instep, offering second skin comfort.

Comprised of 10 new walking/running styles, the PhD line offers something for everyone and every preference. The walking/running styles come in all-around and trail styles with unisex and women’s specific fits in both categories. Two percent of the proceeds from online sales of the women’s specific running socks go towards SmartWool’s Breast Cancer Fund. Visit www.smartwool.com for more information

Walk Strong on the Treadmill

Walking Strong, an exercise DVD featuring fitness pro Tracey Staehle, is an upbeat, energetic treadmill workout designed to keep you motivated — no matter what shape you’re in.

Staehle and her team take you through a challenging interval routine that works your lower and upper body and strengthens your endurance. The workout is never boring; every 30 to 60 seconds you change what you are doing: You’ll climb some hills, do upper body weight training and lower body conditioning — and best of all, you’ll have fun doing it.

This workout is about making fitness fun for everyone. Better yet, you don’t even need a treadmill to follow along. For ordering information, visit www.fitbytracey.com.

Italian-American Hybrid

The 155 RICA GT women’s hiking shoe is the result of a collaboration between American technology and Italian design. The low-cut hiking shoe is built on a women-specific last using premium-quality Hydrobloc™ treated water-resistant split-leather. The waterproof, breathable GORE-TEX® membrane, and gussetted-tongue construction keeps water out while still allowing your foot to expel moisture from within. The exclusive Zamberlan A.M.S. sole package has a nylon shank to ensure underfoot comfort and overall stability, a removable moisture-wicking anatomic footbed, and a grip-rubber multi-directional lugged outsole that ensures traction on those muddy, smooth, and slippery surfaces.
For more information visit www.zamberlan.com.

Portland Sunday Parkways

Mark your calendar for June 22, 2008: The Sunday Parkways is a chance to get out and meet new people and try new things like juggling, and stilt walking. Participants can walk, bike, and spend time together exploring local parks and enjoying the fun activity areas. The event is free.

This event has many benefits. The six-mile traffic-free route is designed to connect several neighborhoods with entertainment and activities in several parks.

Sunday Parkways is patterned after Ciclovias, a Spanish term meaning “bike path.” The event first became successful in South America, where every Sunday the main streets of Bogota, Cali, and Medellin were closed to cars so that people can bike, run, and stroll safely without interfering with traffic.

The Sunday Parkway route is a two-way directional flow with no start or finish. Several options for smaller routes and loops will connect you to one or two of the featured parks. You won’t need to drive to the event. The route is located on several bus lines and Interstate MAX, the Yellow Line. TriMet will run its normal routes and schedules.

For more information on Sunday Parkways contact Linda Ginenthal, 503-823-5266, or visit www.GettingAroundPortland.org, and click on Sunday Parkways.