MapMyFitness is proud to announce the first of an upcoming series of features meant to make our sites more community-driven. Our new Community Forums are an excellent way to get the scoop on the latest gear, the best routes, and more by actively engaging with fellow fitness enthusiasts. Forums are sure to make your visit to MapMyFitness sites even more informative and enjoyable than before!

We're looking for active MapMyFitness users to step up as moderators for our user-led forums. If you are interested in becoming a moderator, or just have feedback regarding our categories or topics, please drop us a note.

In addition to community forums, MapMyFitness is also rolling out the following new features:

• Gear Deals -- We are partnering up with several companies in order to provide exclusive deals and online promotions. We will start sending out our Gear Deals email on the 15th of every month (only to users who have opted to receive it). This is part of our new goal to get our users the best deals on the Web for running, hiking, biking, walking, and triathlon gear!
• MapMyPoints -- MapMyFitness has teamed up with Backcountry.com on its MapMyPoints user rewards system. Backcountry.com provides high-end gear for outdoor enthusiasts and has provided MapMyFitness with some great giveaways! Act fast -- We've already awarded our first three 10,000 point winners!
• Help Videos & Discussion -- We have added more how-to videos to our help section. We have also added a Help Discussion area to our new forums so that users can post their questions.
• Discussion of the Month Contest! -- To help get our new community forums going, we are sponsoring a discussion of the month contest. The person who creates the most interesting and active discussion thread will receive a free piece of MapMyFitness gear (hat, t-shirt, etc.). The winning discussion will be featured in the community forums and mentioned in the monthly newsletter.

In other news, MapMyFitness is pleased to report that our interactive Tour de France maps and profiles were a big success! Our interactive stages coupled with VeloNews’ in-depth coverage reached hundreds of thousands of cycling fans across the world!

We've once again found some great contributors for this month's newsletter. If you would like to submit an article or story to be included for our upcoming newsletters, please send us your proposed topic by email.

Thank you for your support and we hope you enjoy this issue of the MapMyFitness Newsletter!

The ABC's of Running Apparel

From Brooks Running
A MapMyRun.com Partner

Many new runners wonder what they should wear when they run and whether so-called technical running apparel is worth the extra cost. Just like when they first started school, new runners will benefit from learning their ABC's; in this case, "Anything But Cotton!"
Read More...

Triathletes -- Improve your Swimming

From Brent E. Bentri
A MapMyTri.com Contributing User

Last month, an interesting United States Masters Swimming Discussion Forum thread was posted complaining of "Masters Swimming Overrun by Triathletes." As I read through the posts, it struck me, as a former age group and collegiate swimmer, that both the "swimmers" and "triathletes" held views that were based upon an incorrect notion that swimming workouts for a triathlon are different than swimming for USMS competition.

As far as I am concerned, the more, the merrier! However, in order to ease any friction that might be involved, I want to share some pool etiquette and training philosophies to assist my fellow triathletes in joining and obtaining the benefit of swimming with a local masters team. I believe the number one reason that swimmers dislike triathletes stems from the fact that pool space is at a premium. Unlike running or riding, where you can walk out your front door at your convenience and get in a workout, finding a pool and its designated lap swimming time is not as simple. Read More...

Crocs? What's All the Hype About?

From Kevin Fonger
A MapMyFitness Staff Member

So, I have tried on my first pair of Crocs. I have found that those shoes and sandals that are loved by many and are thought of as not too appealing by some are actually very comfortable! Whether you’re sliding them on after a run, ride, hike, triathlon, or walk, Crocs offer a comfort that is hard to find. For those that say, I would never wear those things, I urge you to give them to take a test drive. I was in the same boat until I tried on a pair for myself. Read More...

MapMyFitness announces a special program for our members in which we now can purchase the most advanced line of sports drinks, energy gels and recovery drinks and receive a 30% discount on all purchases. I'm sure you are familiar with the Accelerade, Accel Gel, and Endurox R4 brands. These products are unique in that they contain a patented 4:1 ratio (4 grams of carbohydrate to 1 gram of protein). This ratio has been shown to provide significant benefits to endurance athletes including extended endurance, speeding muscle recovery, reducing muscle soreness, and improving re-hydration. Receive a 30% discount and pay a flat rate of $5.99 for shipping regardless of size. Limited time offer - SAVE 30% and get a FREE WATER BOTTLE until Aug 15th.

Spotlight City: Boulder, CO Boulder, CO is a mecca for outdoor enthusiasts. With the Rockies meeting the Great Plains, Boulder is surrounded by outdoor splendor ... this is evident through the abundant hiking, running, and mountain biking trails. Highlighted Routes in Boulder, CO St. Vrain Lefthand Canyon Loop Marshall Mesa Loop South Boulder Peak - Bear Peak Loop Boulder Creek Trail Bolder Boulder

Featured Partner : Hiking in Colorado Hiking in Colorado contains more than thirty trip reports, more than 500 photos, and a hike difficulty calculator - all of which can assist in planning your next hike in Colorado. Visit the site here...