Champion Innovation Lab

As you know, I'm running the Goofy race and a half Challenge this weekend. Disney always puts on an amazing event from expo to post-race. I have found, based on my past experience, that every detail has been thought of. That includes celebrating with the people who have been a part of the Marathon since the very first one, 17 years ago. This year, Champion is working with nearly half of the "Perfect 17" and have asked them to participate in the Champion Innovation Lab.

Participants were given a variety of Champion performance apparel and, starting last September, they were asked to catalogue their experiences in a Training Log and share real-time insights with the Champion New York Design Team and Champion Athleticwear Consumer Research. The runners receive apparel from the brand’s popular Double Dry® line featuring wicking technology, compression tanks and briefs and athleticwear from the Seamless product line. Questions include pace, weather, route (e.g., trail, street, treadmill), comfort, fit and washing machine care. Runners will also be outfitted in Champion apparel for the Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend events and will be announced as Champion Innovation Lab participants when crossing the finish line.

That's pretty sweet!

“I look forward to the Disney Marathon Weekend every year as well as participating in the Champion Innovation Lab. It's exciting to test out their new products and important to me as an athlete that they are listening to the feedback I have to share,” said Dee Dean, marathon runner and ChIL participant.

I pulled that quote straight out the press release because I have actually met Dee Dean. We talked back in 2008 at the Spring Fling 5K. Dee is in her 60's she runs with a quickness and is a tremendous ambassador for our sport. A true testament that you can (and should) keep at it when most people think they can't. What a great lady!

The two-way dialogue generated by the Champion Innovation Lab has proved to be a critical in keeping the brand grounded in its roots of delivering top performance athleticwear for the everyday athlete.

Isn't that what it's all about really? You can make some cool looking stuff, but if it doesn't work, no one is going to want it.

Way to go Champion!

The half marathon is this Saturday and the marathon is Sunday. I wish all of the Champion Innovation Lab participants luck this weekend!

I'll be checking in this weekend with some pictures and brief updates - This girl needs her rest for Sunday.

Yay! It's almost here!