Brooks Green Silence: Taking the Eco-Running Shoe to The Next Level

It has been argued that the greening of athletic shoes is often the most difficult because of all of the different components involved in creating a shoe.

That fact didn’t stop The Brooks Running Company who just released The Green Silence Running Shoe made from 75% post consumer materials and non-toxic soy-based dyes. In fact, the Green Silence uses less than half as many parts compared to a regular running shoe. The components are even biodegradable and whatever needs to be held together is done with water-based adhesives. Basically, when it comes to sustainability, this shoe has set the “Green Standard.”

All of these environmental strides are great, but only if the shoe really works. As you may know we’ve launched the We Run Green Campaign here on YDT as I train for the Los Angeles Marathon, so as a part of my training regimen I took these puppies out for a spin.

The first thing I noticed was how light weight the shoe felt; I use to think my Asics were pretty light, but they seem like clogs compared to these. I also enjoyed the breathability the shoe provided, keeping my feet cool and comfortable. There was plenty of cushion and support too, no different than my regular gear.

The verdict: Brooks achieved its goal of creating a shoe that “incorporates sustainability, without sacrificing performance.” I’m going to keep training in them and use them for the big day. After the 26.2 miles, I’ll let you know if I still like them.

There is just one request I have from a more stylistic perspective – more color selection please! Perhaps if I were part of the German national running team I might feel different, but red, yellow and black are not my favorite color combos.

You can purchase the Brooks Green Silence Online for $100.

Learn More: Check out Brooks’ commitment to the environment and what happens to the lifecycle of your shoe on its website.

Don’t forget, when you’re done with these or any athletic shoes, be sure to recycle them.

This entry was written by Soma Get Fit Guest Writer, posted on February 23, 2010 at 4:19 pm, filed under Green Lifestyle, Los Angeles, Products and tagged Eco, Green, Green Running Shoes, Running, Running Shoes, SOMA GET FIT, Tracy Hepler, Your Daily Thread. Leave a comment or view the discussion at the permalink.

Benefits of goat milk in Soma Get Fit spa products

by Lauren Johanson

All of us here at Chivas Skin Care are excited to be sharing our line of all-natural spa products with Soma Get Fit.  What makes our line unique is that many of our products are made with goat milk.  “Goat what?” you might ask.  Yes, goat milk is the main ingredient in the massage lotion used by Soma Get Fit’s bodywork specialists, as well as the goat milk bath salts and goat milk facial crèmes used for the Soma body treatments and facial treatments (as well as our signature goat milk soaps).

Goat milk has long been regarded as the ultimate skin luxury. It is said that Cleopatra’s beauty secret was bathing in goat milk.  And we now know why!  Goat milk is:

• Nourishing because it has more vital vitamins and triglycerides (fats) than either cow’s milk or water. It is packed with vitamins A, B, C & D as well as protein, calcium, potassium and magnesium.  Great for mal-nourished skin!
• Gentle because it has a pH level that is closest to that of our skin.  It contains Caprylic Acid which maintains this low alkalinity. Great for sensitive skin!
• Moisturizing because its short-strand protein structure allows it to be easily absorbed into the skin.   Great for dry skin!
• And recommended by dermatologists to patients who suffer from dry skin conditions such as psoriasis and eczema.

For more information about goat milk, including tips, news and recipes, visit our Chivas Skin Care blog.

This entry was written by ljohanson, posted on November 8, 2009 at 9:44 pm, filed under Products, Santa Barbara, Skin Care and tagged Bodywork, Chivas Skin Care, Chivas Skin Care Blog, Lauren Johanson, Lifestyle, Skin Care, SOMA GET FIT, Your Daily Thread. Leave a comment or view the discussion at the permalink.

Retreat Press from Your Daily Thread

In our everyday busy lives, our body maintenance is often the first to go. Unfortunately, without strong bodies we don’t work to the best of our ability. If you too have fallen off the workout bandwagon, then Soma Get Fit Retreats might be the cure.

Soma is the Greek word for body and at Soma Get Fit your body becomes the number one focus. Located in Santa Barbara between majestic mountains and a peaceful coastline, it is the perfect location to work on your self from the inside out. Soma Get Fit was created by Scott Crawford, an elite fitness specialist who is dedicated to providing holistic wellbeing. He and the Soma team create personalized experiences that integrate outdoor fitness with wellness practices, bodywork, relaxation activities and nutritious organic eating. In other words, Soma retreats aren’t cookie cutter – you get to discuss your preferences with the team before you arrive to make sure they book exactly what you want.

YDT was lucky enough experience a Soma Get Fit weekend retreat and here’s a snapshot into our 3 amazing days. By far, the best thing about Soma retreats is that we didn’t have to worry about anything—we just showed up and it was already planned, organized and scheduled for us.

DAY 1: When we arrived in Santa Barbara, the Soma Team met us at a local wine bar to grab a drink and discuss the weekend’s agenda (per the preferences form we had filled out a week prior). Afterwards we were whisked away to do some light yoga and receive amazing massages that targeted our problem areas. For dinner our personal chef Jennifer prepared—wild Alaskan salmon served with delicious Israeli couscous followed by tasty organic soy ice cream for dessert. Local Santa Barbara wines were plentiful as well. The night ended shortly there after as we had an early wake-up .

DAY 2: The morning started off with a healthy breakfast of goat milk yogurt, organic peaches, and blueberry muffins. After breakfast, we met with our chef at the largest farmer’s market in town to pick out our dinner (we wanted it to be as fresh and local as possible). Once dinner was settled, the training staff took us up to the hills of Montecito to do some hiking and see breathtaking views all the way from Summerland to Northern Santa Barbara. The hike was challenging, but not too steep for novices. Little did we know that this was only the beginning.

After our hike, we were transferred to the beach for some serious Pilates and core work all while looking at beautiful Butterfly Beach. Exhaustion did not get the best of us however, especially when we heard that we were getting local lobster tacos for lunch. After our massive tacos, we headed to the Santa Barbara Harbor for a three-mile kayak ride around the Santa Barbara Pier. We were greeted by sea lions who we fighting amongst themselves to get on a warm dingy, one of which toppled Lauren over in to the cold water.

Slightly tired, wet and sore, we headed back for some soothing yoga followed by relaxtion time in the spa and sauna . Santa Barbara local Jaqua products were used for a foot soak and facial, which was followed by another round of bodywork and massage. By the time all of our pampering had finished, our dinner was ready. Our meal consisted of grass fed beef skewers, organic spinach and beat salad, savory olive bread and of course, more local wine. It was a perfect way to end an enjoyable, but physically challenging day.

DAY 3: Normally after being so active one would would wake up quite sore. Not the case thanks to the bodywork and massages we received the night before. This was also ideal as we were about to go and try paddle boarding for the first time ever. Paddle boarding is often best early morning while the water is calm. So after our organic breakfast we were quickly taken to the beach for our personal lesson. If you’ve never tried paddle boarding before, it’s sort of like standing on a giant surfboard, only you have a paddle and move around like you’re in a canoe. Unlike with surfing, from a standing vantage you can see all the way down into the ocean (which is cool, but kind of scary.) We spent about an hour and probably ventured a good mile and a half past shore. We we’re able to see some dolphins swim by too.

After a final stretch and meal on the beach, our retreat was sadly over. But thankfully Soma Get Fit helped reinvigorate my workout habits and I’m currently training for a half marathon.

What we gained most from the Soma Get Fit Retreat was the ability to turn off the technology, the crack berry, the constant need to stay “connected” and really just connect with ourselves. Each day we get 24 hrs and there’s no reason that one of those hours can’t be used to improve our body and spirit. So if you’re looking to make an escape, get in focus and in shape, head north to Santa Barbara—and let Soma Get Fit get you focused on your own Soma.

This entry was written by jcampagna, posted on August 18, 2009 at 11:02 pm, filed under Press, Retreats and tagged Bodywork, Farmers Market, Hiking, Kayaking, Lauren Johanson, Pilates, Retreat, SOMA GET FIT, Summer, SUP, Tracy Hepler, Yoga, Your Daily Thread. Leave a comment or view the discussion at the permalink.