June was a very exciting month for us -- we released a ton of new and exciting features that we know you'll enjoy!

Here are some of the highlights from what's new:

• Route Notes -- Click on any marker on the map and you can now add notes, cue sheet instructions, etc. Print these notes along side your map easily by checking the 'Print Route Notes' print option.
• Follow Roads -- Now you can auto-plot your route from point A to point B. Turn on this feature in the 'Map Settings' area to the left of the map. If you have route notes / cue sheets enabled while plotting a route, the 'Follow Roads' feature will auto populate your turns. i.e., "Turn Right on Main St."
• Help Videos -- We have added an extensive collection of how-to videos in our help section and have expanded our FAQ to answer some of your basic questions about the site. We are always working to try to improve the site and answer any questions you may have.
• Expanded Calorie / BMI Calculator -- Ever want to know approximately how many calories you burn while mowing the lawn? Play with our new expanded calorie / bmi calculator to find out!

We've also teamed up with media partners like Velo News and are hosting some really great interactive content for the 2007 Tour de France. We have created detailed stage maps and profiles to follow the event. We have also created a Tour de France Interactive Mapping Toolkit so journalists, bloggers, and Tour enthusiasts can embed the maps directly into their web pages to add an exciting visual element to their existing coverage.

• View the MapMyRide.com 2007 Tour de France Event
• View the Interactive Mapping Toolkit for Media Partners and Bloggers

Finally, we've 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 us here! Our sites are defined and built by our community of users so please do not hesitate to be a pro-active part of it!

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

Looking for new shoes? Try Gait Analysis to find the perfect fit!

From Ben Riggs
A MapMyRun.com Contributing User


A few months back I bought a new pair of running shoes online. During my first run, around the 4 or 5-mile mark, my feet began to go numb. Not merely the bottoms of my feet, but everything, from my ankles on down. I was a little freaked out. This had never happened to me before. I cut my run short that day, figuring that my shoes merely needed to be broken in a bit more. I was back on the road a couple of days later, only to experience the same result, and when it happened a third time, the new shoes were retired for good.

I’ve been sidled with some nagging injuries over the past couple of years, but until recently I never considered that my shoes could be the problem. I’ve always assumed that since pavement is so unforgiving, injuries are simply part of the running game. I’ve dealt with achilles and back pain in the past, as well as a reoccurring knee injury that has sidelined me for long stints at a time. Read More...

Dramatically Increase the Effectiveness of your Training (and life) with Yoga!

From Chuck Blumenthal
| A MapMyFitness Partner

As athletes look for ways to enhance performance such as cross training, nutrition, psychology and even steroids, millions are discovering the phenomenal benefits of incorporating yoga into their training regimes and into their personal lifestyle. Yoga creates lasting long term life enhancements but for the athlete there are many physical benefits that will be noticed immediately.

Starting with special breathing techniques taught in yoga (pranayama) allows your lungs to fill completely with air on your inhale and empty completely on your exhale bringing your heart rate down and saturating your muscles with oxygen. Pranayama is a great stress-relieving practice that alone can make a huge difference in your workout and your life. It can be incorporated into any aerobic exercise for maximum performance and increased stamina. Read More...

Summer Cycling Safety

From Brian
IndustryOutside.com | A MapMyRide Contributing User

For many of us, summertime means more cycling time. And lots of it. So now is a good time to remind everyone of the little things we can do in the name of safety, a concept we often take for granted. Safety is far more than deciding to wear a helmet, and it’s bigger than the bike lane debate. It's about trouble-free rides, and coming home unscathed.

Having been involved in racing, commuting, and recreational riding, I've come across several tips that can make every ride a safer one. A quick pre-ride spin of your tires can reveal cuts, small punctures, or other damage that may not manifest itself until you're far from home or your LBS. The same goes for checking your brake and shifter cables. 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 carbohydrate to 1 gram protein). This ratio has been shown to provide significant benefits to endurance athletes including extended endurance, faster muscle recovery, reduced muscle soreness and better 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: Austin, TX It's been said that Austin, TX is a city with a heart and a soul. Live music and great venues can keep you entertained at night while during the day you can have your pick of Town Lake runs, Zilker Park hikes, or make your way down the Barton Creek Trail. Highlighted Events & Routes in Austin, TX Austin Capital/UT Run Town Lake 7 Miles Austin Veloway Mopac-Congress Loop + 2007 Austin Half Marathon Austin Marathon 2007

Featured Partner : Austin Cycling Association Serving a paid membership of over 1500 Central Texas recreational riders and transportation cyclists, ACA provides scheduled bicycle rides, usually free of charge, almost every weekend. Our rides are open to everyone including non-members. Helmet Donations The ACA has a long history of providing free helmets and bike safety education to kids in Central Texas. The ACA can purchase kids helmets for $7.00 each. Click here if you would like to donate funds to purchase helmets for this great cause.