Chapter 2.

What's in Store

1. Quote of the Week

2. Community

3. Workout of the Week

4. Something We Learned this Week

5. Recommendation of the Week

Quote of the Week

Align yourself with people who care more about progress than pride, who have a bigger work ethic than ego.

Community

Join our Strava Run Club → Join

Workout of the Week

Being smack in the middle of summer, here’s a treadmill VO2/HIIT workout for when it’s too hot outside.

Something We Learned this Week

How many different types of running shoes do you actually need?

The answer depends on various factors including your running frequency, the types of runs you do, and your specific needs. Here’s a breakdown of different types of running shoes and why having multiple pairs can be beneficial.

1. Racing Shoes

Racing shoes are designed for speed, offering minimal cushioning to keep them lightweight. If you participate in races or track workouts, having a dedicated pair like the Nike ZoomX Vaporfly Next% or the Adidas Adizero Adios Pro can give you a competitive edge.

2. Casual Trainers

These versatile shoes are perfect for everyday runs and casual wear. Models like the Nike Air Zoom Pegasus and the Adidas Ultraboost provide a balance of comfort and durability, making them essential for your regular training sessions.

3. Trail Running Shoes

For those who enjoy off-road adventures, trail running shoes are a must. They offer enhanced grip and protection to handle rough terrains. Consider the Nike Air Zoom Terra Kiger or the Saucony Peregrine for your trail runs.

4. Stability Shoes

If you need extra support to prevent overpronation, stability shoes are your go-to. Brands like ASICS with their GEL-Kayano and the New Balance 860 provide the stability needed for injury prevention and a comfortable run.

5. Cushioned Shoes

Long-distance runners or those who prioritize comfort might prefer cushioned shoes. These shoes, like the Nike Air Zoom Vomero and the Saucony Triumph, offer maximum shock absorption, making them ideal for long runs or recovery days.

6. Minimalist Shoes

For runners who favor a natural running style, minimalist shoes offer minimal cushioning and support. The Nike Free RN and Vibram FiveFingers V-Run are popular choices for those looking to enhance their running form.

7. Motion Control Shoes

If you have severe overpronation, motion control shoes provide the highest level of support. The Brooks Beast and ASICS GEL-Foundation are designed to keep your feet stable and supported.

8. Recovery Shoes

Post-run recovery is crucial, and recovery shoes can aid in this process. Shoes like the Hoka Ora Recovery Slide and OOFOS OOmg Low Shoe are designed to help your feet recover after a long run.

Recommendation of the Week

Two months ago, Ethan and I changed our business model.

We added a password to our store and began launching new products about every three weeks. Although we’d love to have a 24/7/365 store, the new model has worked well for three reasons.

Conserve Resources
To ideate, plan, ship, and execute on a big collection like we did for Collection I takes a lot of money and time.

Both Ethan and I train and have full time jobs outside of Monarx. In order to give the product the care and justice it needs, decreasing the scope has given us the privilege to deliver what you all and the product deserves.

The Feedback Loop

Another benefit has been the increased feedback loop. Ethan and I were able take six month cycle (Fall/Winter & Spring/Summer) and crunched it into a three week cycle.

Launch to launch we learn what you all like product wise, how to improve communication, and how to improve content. All this helps us execute on our vision and brand, 8.67x quicker than what we would be able to otherwise.

Tailor our message to the Audience

Since Tik Tok came onto the scene social media companies have optimized for content engagement rather than creator engagement. Our feeds are no longer chronological based on who you follow. The default algorithm is serving things they think you might like not content from people who you already like.

From the creators perspective, Instagram has been optimized for reach and there is no guarantee that your existing followers will actually see your content.

This lead us to driving to other platforms like this newsletter and our Strava. We can control the lines of communication with our community rather than being at the whim of Instagram algorithm.

Thank you for being a part of community, subscribing, and reading.