New Balance announced that as part of their 2007 LaSalle Bank Chicago Marathon sponsorship they will offer a unique microsite, ConnectionsX, through which registered runners can access training schedules, log their progress, receive weekly training tips, and participate in web chats. The site is part of the company's recently launched NBx initiative which focuses on the dedicated runner. The LaSalle Bank Chicago Marathon (LBCM) will be held on Sunday, October 7.

"ConnectionsX is a destination spot for training information for the 2007 LaSalle Bank Chicago Marathon," says Jessica Burke, integrated marketing associate at New Balance. "New Balance is excited to offer runners an all-inclusive site that pools together valuable information on training, gear, nutrition, and race day logistics. It is our way of raising the training process to the next level - to the X power."

Through ConnectionsX runners have access to three levels of training schedules (beginner, intermediate, and advanced), are able to record their progress into their personal training log, and can receive weekly emails or text messages containing marathon-related tips. Runners can also participate in web chats with industry professionals such as LBCM Race Director Carey Pinkowski, Team New Balance athlete Kathy Butler, Power Bar nutritionists, and New Balance gear specialist Shane Downey. A runners' forum will connect runners who are training for the LBCM, providing a medium for obtaining peer encouragement and finding training partners.

Runners can register for ConnectionsX and gain more information on New Balance and the ConnectionsX program at chicagomarathon.newbalance.com