Cat Bowen
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Articles by Cat Bowen
I'm a mom of two teens — these gifts are what they want in their stocking this year
Teenagers are the hardest bunch to buy for. Their desires are as changing as the trends, and it can feel impossible to keep up. Not surprisingly, buying stocking stuffers for teens can feel like a chore, but don't worry — I've done the dirty work of text-chaining a too-large, too-eager-to-chat group of teens to find out what they really want in their stockings this year.
Hosting for the Holidays? These Shoe Storage Deals Can Tidy Up Your Entryway
Cat Bowen, senior editor of commerce; reviews, is a seasoned runner with more than 20 years of distance running experience, including dozens of marathons, half marathons, and even a few ultra marathons. For over a decade, she has tested parenting, fitness, home, and running gear and written in-depth guides to help readers with their next purchase. Holding multiple advanced degrees and currently studying kinesiology, Cat Bowen brings research-backed insight to all of her guides.
Mizuno Wave Rider 30 Review: A Comfortable Daily Trainer for Everyday Miles
Running shoes have gotten wild. We have enormous stacks of foam, carbon plates, increasingly elaborate rocker geometries, and enough proprietary materials to make a chemistry professor scratch their heads. (Serves them right—a B?!) And while all of that technology has produced some truly epic trainers, sometimes you just want to put on a pair of running shoes and get your butt out the dang door. That’s where the Mizuno Wave Rider 30 comes in clutch.
Apple Watch Ultra 4 Review: Is It the Best Watch for Most Runners? Maybe.
I’ve worn a lot of watches on a lot of long runs. In fact, I’ve tested nearly every running watch from every major brand from Garmin to Samsung to Coros to Suunto. When a new flagship arrives, I’m not looking for what the brand tells me or what it reads like on a spec sheet. I want to see how the dang thing works on my wrist, and what it tells me about my body on a random Monday morning run.
Apple Watch Ultra 4 Review: Is It the Best Watch for Most Runners? Maybe.
I’ve worn a lot of watches on a lot of long runs. In fact, I’ve tested nearly every running watch from every major brand from Garmin to Samsung to Coros to Suunto. When a new flagship arrives, I’m not looking for what the brand tells me or what it reads like on a spec sheet. I want to see how the dang thing works on my wrist, and what it tells me about my body on a random Monday morning run.
Saucony Endorphin Elite 2 is over half off for Prime Big Deal Days—and it's race-day ready
Buy this shoe. The Saucony Endorphin Elite 2 normally runs $290, and for Prime Big Deal Days the unisex running shoe is $129.95, a savings of more than $160. Yes, it's last year's model. It's still one of our testers' favorites (and one of my personal favorites), and at this price it's one of the best racing shoe deals you'll see all year. Why You Should Buy It Carbon-plated racers rarely drop below half price.
Saucony Endorphin Elite 2 Drops to $130 for Prime Big Deal Days
Buy this shoe. The Saucony Endorphin Elite 2 normally runs $290, and for Prime Big Deal Days the unisex running shoe is $129.95, a savings of more than $160. Yes, it’s last year's model. It’s still one of our testers’ favorites (and one of my personal favorites), and at this price it’s one of the best racing shoe deals you’ll see all year. Shop Amazon Big Deal Days Why You Should Buy It Carbon-plated racers rarely drop below half price.
Save $1,000 on the Peloton Cross Tread Before Prime Big Deal Days Ends
Hold onto your butts, fellow treadmill fans, because the Peloton Cross Tread treadmill is 30% off right now for Prime Big Deal Days. It’s $2,295, down from $3,295, which saves you a full $1,000. This is a temporary sale that ends tomorrow. Once Big Deal Days is over, the price goes back up, so if you’ve been waiting for the right moment to get this ‘mill, this is it. Shop Amazon Prime Big Deal Days I’ve run on this treadmill many, many times, and I’m a big fan.
Prime Day Big Deal Days Is the Perfect Time to Score This Year’s Hottest Toys
1 min read With holidays just around the corner, Prime Day Big Deal Days couldn’t have come at a more opportune moment. A ton of new toys have been released, and as luck would have it, a bunch of them are on sale, including kid favorites from Monster High, Lego, and Melissa and Doug. This season’s hottest toys are dropping their prices for parents when we need it the most. Whether you’re looking for pretend play, board games, outdoor toys, or something more soothing, Prime Day is the time to shop.
Our Favorite Walking Pad Is 37% off for Prime Day Big Deal Days
I am someone with a tremendous amount of excess electricity living inside my body, and it has to go somewhere. (Thanks, ADHD.) Having a walking pad at my desk makes my life easier—movement helps my brain settle—and it’s just plain good for you. One of my faves is the GoYouth Walking Pad, which happens to be on sale for Amazon Prime Big Deal Days for nearly 40 percent off. So, if you’re looking to get more steps in, or, if like me, movement helps you focus, you can do it for well under $200.
These Comfortable Open-Ear Headphones Are Perfect for Long Runs—and They're 22% Off for Prime Day Big Deal Days
Gen Z was onto something with over-ear headphones for running, and JLab made the dream of comfort, cool ears, and safety come true. And right now the JLab JBuds Open Ear headphones are down to $69.99 for Amazon Prime Big Deal Days, a drop from the usual $90. If you love over the ear cans, but worried about how they’d feel on a run, now is an affordable time to try. Over-ear comfort and a sweaty run rarely go together.
Readers’ Favorite Shokz OpenRun Pro 2 Headphones Are 30% Off for Prime Big Deal Days
Shokz open-ear headphones are super popular for runners, but they’re also pricey. The Shokz OpenRun Pro 2 is 30% off for Amazon Prime Big Deal Days, and if you have ever wondered why these are among the most popular headphones on our site, this is the week to find out. At the $179.95 list price, it sells out. At $125? It’s going to fly off shelves. I came to bone conduction as a sincere skeptic.
Prime Big Deal Days Garmin Deals: Our Editors’ Favorite Discounts
Prime Big Deal Days has arrived, and the Garmin discounts are quite intriguing. Watches that usually make a buyer wince at the checkout screen are now marked down, and that might mean this is the moment to stop calculating how many pairs of running shoes that money could buy and finally upgrade. I’ve rounded up every worthwhile Garmin deal below, from easy entry-level picks for new runners to feature-packed models for anyone chasing a marathon PR.
Gli orologi da corsa per allenarsi al meglio
Pronti a dire addio alla semplice idea di contare i passi? I moderni orologi da corsa fanno molto di più che misurare la distanza percorsa e la frequenza cardiaca: possono aiutare a perfezionare l’allenamento, pianificare corse epiche e persino suggerire quando è il momento di spingere o di rallentare. Un orologio da corsa non è solo un gadget. È uno strumento che può influenzare significativamente l’allenamento e l’esperienza complessiva, come avere un piccolo e geniale allenatore al polso.
The Asics Gel-Kayano 33 Offers Support Without Feeling Stiff
Embarrassingly, I run like someone who isn’t sure their feet work with their body. I’m a lass who often needs support and stability, even if that means the shoe is a bit less, well, glamorous. But the gods of sneakers blessed me this past year with the Asics Gel-Kayano 33, a stability shoe that looks like it missed the ugly memo. It gives the guidance overpronators like moi need, but it feels light and airy underfoot, keeping me from edging into Phoebe Buffay territory on my long runs.
Coros Pace 4 Pro First Look: A Premium Running Watch Without the Premium Price
TL;DR: The Coros Pace 4 Pro landed today at $449. It's the premium tier of the Pace line, with a 1.47-inch AMOLED screen, a titanium bezel, sapphire glass, and up to 60 hours of GPS battery. New for this model: a fresh heart-rate sensor, offline maps, a thermometer, ECG, and the ability to record voice notes midrun. The Coros Pace 4 was one of my favorite watches of the last year; it’s light, easy breezy, and really puts running at the fore.
9 Best Strollers of 2026, According to Hundreds of Hours of Testing
Trevor Raab If you buy something from the links on this page, we may earn a commission. Why Trust Us? Best Strollers for 2026 Best Travel Stroller System What to Consider Let’s be honest: buying a stroller is one of the most overwhelming purchases you’ll make as a new parent, and it’s usually one of the priciest.
Garmin Fenix 9 Review: The Ultimate Trail-Running Watch
The Garmin Fenix 9 Pro Solar is the best Fenix for trail runners, multisport athletes, and ultra runners who want extraordinary battery life, built-in inReach safety features, and a highly readable display. I tested it for 180 miles over three weeks and charged it once. Three weeks, 180 miles, one charge. That’s not something I ever thought I’d say about a Fenix running watch. A Garmin Enduro? Sure, but the multisport baddie Garmin? Never.
6 Budget Running Watches That Deliver Accurate GPS, Long Battery Life, and Much More
I’ve spent the last several years testing running watches, from the $800 flagships with topographical maps and training-readiness scores to the ones that do almost nothing except tell you how fast you’re going. Both have their place. “Basic” has become an insult, and I’d like us to cut that right the heck out. A basic running watch isn’t a cheap, crappy watch—it’s a watch that does what it was meant for.
Norda 055 Review: The Plateless Trail Super Shoe That Performs Under Pressure
The short version: The Norda 055 is a lightweight (sub-8-ounce), plateless trail super shoe with a poppy TPEE midsole, a single-piece Bio-Dyneema upper, and a sticky Vibram Megagrip Elite outsole. It’s fast, shockingly planted on technical terrain, and built to last—but it's $325 and it runs short, so go up a half-size. Rachel Entrekin made the Norda 055 famous by strapping them on and breaking the record to win Cocodona.
The Hoka Tecton X 4 Review: They’re Fast, Light, and Ready for Rocky Trails
The Hoka Tecton X 4 is best for trail racers and ultrarunners who want carbon-plated speed without giving up stability on technical terrain. It has excellent grip, drains quickly, and fits securely, but the tight opening is frustrating and the forefoot still runs somewhat tapered. Hoka has been all over the trail running world lately, and their new releases reflect just how much they’re putting into that dedication. If you watched any of the UTMB coverage, you’ll know all about it.
Wahoo Launches a Training App for Apple Watch
Runners who know treadmills know Wahoo. It’s one of the biggest brands in the industry, making some of the most dynamic treadmills you can buy for your home or gym. Now, it’s helping athletes dial in their training with the Wahoo Apple Watch app, which combines the brand’s structured workouts and training blocks with your wraret. Wahoo set out to make an app which was fully loaded for runners and cyclists to get the most from their training.
Le migliori scarpe da camminata che ti regalano supporto e comfort tutto il giorno
Dalle passeggiate rilassanti alle corse rigeneranti, indossare un paio di scarpe da camminata comode può davvero rendere più piacevoli i tuoi spostamenti quotidiani. Che tu stia pensando di iniziare a correre o che tu sia un maratoneta che si sta riprendendo da una gara impegnativa, delle buone calzature non possono mai mancare.
The 8 Sleekest, Comfiest Workout Leggings for Women Runners
Material Look for leggings woven with materials, like elastane, which are stretchy and moisture-wicking, unlike cotton, which is not. Mesh panels and cutout perforations are details to consider for ventilation, especially if you wear leggings in warmer weather. In cooler conditions, leggings with a fleece interior provide insulation. Length Leggings come in various lengths, from below the knee to covering the ankle.
The Salomon Genesis 2 Brings Stability and Style to The Trail and City
Salomon has experienced a weird renaissance lately that has positioned its shoes as the favorite footwear of fashionable urbanites, and yet it hasn’t lost its trail cred at all. That’s hard to do. Somewhere between the muddy switchbacks and the coffee-shop commuters, Salomon figured out how to combine style and substance in a way only it can. The Salomon Genesis 2 is perhaps the best example of this.
The Salomon Genesis 2 Brings Stability and Style to The Trail and City
At 43, I was a fit marathon runner – I never expected to have a heart attack The hardest thing to admit is that I ignored the warning signs because I simply couldn’t believe someone like me was at risk. If you had asked me who …
Ride Uphill in Your Own Home With the NordicTrack X24 Stationary Bike
Have you ever gone uphill on a stationary bike? Not just increased tension, but actually tilted back? Probably not, as there are only really three bikes on the market that do this, and only one made for your home. The NordicTrack X24 stationary bike is that bike. It’s one of the most fun, and arguably strangest rides I’ve ever taken on a stationary bike, and I’ve tested well over 30. And it’s not just novelty; you’re getting a serious workout uphill with its 20 percent incline.
I migliori tapis roulant professionali da acquistare online
Dall’ottimo rapporto qualità-prezzo, lo Z-Tech di Reebok ripaga l’investimento con prestazioni professionali. Grande potenza, inclinazione automatica e facilità di impostazione dei parametri si aggiungono infatti alla presenza di un grande supporto per dispositivi tech come un tablet, che varia la sua angolazione per permetterti di alternare corsa ad altre attività come circuiti di forza, stretching e yoga.
Le migliori cyclette per un allenamento a basso impatto in casa
In termini di ottimizzazione di allenamento, la Schwinn IC4 è al top grazie al suo profilo relativamente compatto, ai doppi portaborracce e ai supporti per i manubri inclusi. Inoltre, offre una delle regolazioni di resistenza più precise di questa lista, con 100 livelli di resistenza unici che rendono più agevole la transizione tra le velocità. Lo schermo LCD della cyclette non è enorme, ma monitora comunque resistenza, frequenza cardiaca, calorie e distanza.
Norda 002 Trail Running Shoes Are Built for the Hard Scrambles
On my first run up Anthony’s Nose down to Peekskill in Upstate, New York, wearing my Norda 002 trail running shoes, I was sold. If you’re unfamiliar, this trail has 1,900 feet of gain with gnarly passes up and down the peak, and the majority of the climb and descent are both narrow and uneven. We’re talking steep inclines and declines where your poles have a hard time finding purchase.
Norda 002 Trail Running Shoes Are Built for the Hard Scrambles
The Lululemon SeaWheeze is back in Vancouver: Here's what to know What could be more Vancouver than an event that brings together running, yoga and live music?The three will be featured front and centre during the …
On Cloudboom Strike 2 Review: A Complete Redesign That Pays Off
When a brand announces a total redesign between generations of shoes, we, the gear editors of Runner’s World, bite our tongues and cross our fingers hoping for the best. Often enough, we are let down, but I am happy to report that the new On Cloudboom Strike 2 evolution is shockingly good. From the completely redesigned midsole to the firmer, bouncier Speedboard, On tossed the bits of the previous iteration that were less than stellar into the suck it bucket, and made a killer supershoe.
The Hoka Clifton 11 Is the Best New Walking Shoe, and No, I Won’t Be Taking Questions
I routinely walk well over 10,000 steps per day across New York City, living my life, and walking my German Shepherd, so I expect a lot from a shoe. The Hoka Clifton 11 can handle all the steps I take, and so can my feet, legs, and back when I wear it. If you suffer from achy soles on vacation, or you just want to give a walking shoe with more support a try, here’s where I steer you toward the Clifton 11.
Smartwool Active Shorts Are Built for Runners’ Thighs and Have Real Pockets
In a world with ever-shortening hemlines and disappearing pockets, Smartwool made active shorts for ladies like me with powerful thighs and crap to haul around. I’ve had these for three months and washed them about a dozen times, and they’re now the pair I reach for first. That’s not something I say lightly about activewear, which usually disappoints me in at least one specific and predictable way.
The Urevo CyberMega Is Built for Marathoners Who Hate the Treadmill
The rundown: The Urevo CyberMega ($899 to $999) is an affordable, marathon-specific smart treadmill that fights treadmill boredom with real race-course simulation, structured AI coaching, and terrain-matching incline. It’s the first machine I’d hand to the treadmill-haters in my running group. Let me get my bias out of the way first: I don’t hate the treadmill. I'll happily knock out a tempo run on one and never think twice. But I know I’m in the minority.
The Apple Watch Ultra 3 is one of the best Prime Day deals going — but it won't last much longer
iOS fanatics, it’s your time to shine for Prime Day. If you’re a runner who’s been eyeing the Apple Watch Ultra 3, Prime Day just gave you a fab excuse to stop waiting to grab a new running watch. From June 23 to 26, it’s down to £649 from its usual £749 — 13% off and the lowest price we’ve seen in several months. Is it the deal of the century? No, but if you were on the fence about an upgrade, it’s a dang fine time to grab it. So what does the Ultra 3 actually do for runners? Quite a bit.
Garmin's new Cirqa smart band takes on Whoop—without the monthly subscription
Garmin has long been in the business of wearables, but it's always leaned towards functional GPS and lifestyle watches . Now, Garmin is making a splash in the health wearable market with the launch of the Cirqa smart band . It looks and feels much like the popular Whoop band , but with a pretty big difference—Garmin's is subscription free.
Garmin Launches New Subscription-Free Cirqa Smart Band
Garmin has long been in the business of wearables, but it’s always leaned towards functional GPS and lifestyle watches. Now, Garmin is making a splash in the health wearable market with the launch of the Cirqa smart band. It looks and feels much like the popular Whoop band, but with a pretty big difference—Garmin’s is subscription free.
The Goodr Sonic G Might Be the Best $45 You Spend for Your Run
As someone with raging AuDHD, I've lost more pairs of sunglasses than I care to admit. This is a pricey habit since I’m partial to technical sunglasses for distance running and trail running. But Goodr's Sonic G glasses let runners like me grab great glasses at a great price without sacrificing style or utility. They’re built for everyday runs that take you to bright locations on hot days, and they do it really well and make you look good while you’re wearing them.
The Goodr Sonic G Might Be the Best $45 You Spend for Your Run
"He takes them off the top of his head!" A pet peeve of many baseball viewers is when a defensive player has their sunglasses on their hat, rather …
The 9 Best Running Watches for Training Like a Pro
The Garmin Forerunner 970 is the best running watch currently available. It perfectly balances fancy tech, durability, and a metric ton of training features. It has a vibrant 1.4-inch AMOLED display with a scratch-resistant sapphire crystal lens housed in a pretty titanium bezel. The watch introduced Garmin’s latest Elevate Gen 5 optical heart rate sensor, including medically certified ECG and skin temperature monitoring, offering detailed biometrics for recovery and performance.
47 Editor-Approved School Supplies That Make Back-to-School Shopping Way Easier
Vadym Buinov//Getty Images If you buy something from the links on this page, we may earn a commission. Why Trust Us? Whether you love or hate the back-to-school season, one thing is for sure: your child will need the right supplies to set them up for success in their new grade. You’ll most definitely have to pick up a few folders and loose-leaf paper, but we have you covered for what your kids will really need for the most productive school year yet.
20 Best Pool Toys That Will Keep Your Crew Swimming All Day Long
Getty Images If you buy something from the links on this page, we may earn a commission. Why Trust Us? Getting in the pool and having a play day is easily one of the most fun ways to get kids active and happy in the summer. It's physically engaging and even challenging, but the kids don't notice. They just know they're having fun.
After testing 60 treadmills over 1,000 miles, we found the 8 that are actually worth buying
Cat Bowen, Jeff Dengate Before you get on the treadmill hate train, hear me out. They can save your training, and I swear, they can be a ton of fun—really. Between the engaging, interactive streaming treadmill classes, and the ability to strip down to your skivvies and have no one see you sweat, it's the perfect accompaniment to your marathon training interval workouts , and even steady, zone 2 workouts . All from the comfort of your own home.
I Walked 27,000 Steps in the lululemon Beyondfeel—My Feet Were Shockingly Fine
These shoes survived a 27,000-step theme park death march and so did my feet. They’re cushy and roomy-ish out of the box, with zero break-in period required. If you overpronate hard or need wide sizing, temper your expectations—this is a snug, soft ride, not a stability tank.
Nike's updated ACG Zegama finally nails the trail fit with Vibram grip and a locked-in feel
Grip for days — the Vibram base eats mud, snowpack, and hardpack. A revised last (shoe mould) and cupped fit that borders on feeling like a stability shoe underfoot. A little heavier than older versions, but I never noticed it once I got moving. Nike has been putting a lot of effort and thoughtful design into its ACG (All Conditions Gear) line recently, in order to capitalise on the growing popularity of all things off-road.
The Nike ACG Zegama trail shoe is built for the messiest runs
Grip for days — the Vibram base eats mud, snowpack, and hardpack. A revised last (shoe mould) and cupped fit that borders on feeling like a stability shoe underfoot. A little heavier than older versions, but I never noticed it once I got moving. Nike has been putting a lot of effort and thoughtful design into its ACG (All Conditions Gear) line recently, in order to capitalise on the growing popularity of all things off-road.
The Apple Watch Ultra 3 Is One of the Best Prime Day Deals We’ve Found
The Apple Watch Ultra 3 is now $649 (was $799) for Prime Day—that’s 19 percent off and the lowest price in over a month. Serious running metrics, a rugged titanium build, and the full Apple ecosystem on your wrist. It tracks your miles, your heart rate, your intervals—and yes, your post-run latte order, too. iOS fanatics, it’s your time to shine for Prime Day.
The Nike ACG Zegama Trail Shoe Is Built for the Messiest Runs
Grip for days—the Vibram base eats mud, snowpack, and hardpack. A revised last and cupped fit that borders on feeling like a stability shoe underfoot. A little heavier than older versions, but honestly? I never noticed it once I got moving. Nike has been putting a lot of effort and thoughtful design into its ACG (All Conditions Gear) line recently, in order to capitalize on the growing popularity of all things off-road.
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