The issue of "ePodismo USA" you are about to read is a very different issue from all the ones we have published in these seven years together. It is, in fact, an unusual edition. The proactive restrictions imposed by the Italian government to address the pandemic have impacted the running world in Italy, and this is reflected in this issues' reduced content. Nevertheless, we have decided to go to press, even though we do not know how the situation will continue to develop. In March there was a ban on public gatherings, which included races, and it is expected to continue through April. Since the future is unpredictable we are already receiving news of May events being postponed or cancelled.

This month's cover shows an empty trail with the Italian hashtag #iorestoacasa ("I stay at home") painted on the asphalt. The most current Italian government ordinance, in its Article 1 ("Additional urgent measures to contain contagion throughout Italy") warns that "it is not permitted to carry out recreational activities outdoors" but that it is only allowed to run or walk as an exercise, individually, and in the vicinity of our own homes, provided that the distance of at least one meter from each other is respected.

It gives me a sense of optimism to think that running has not completely halted, that an event with a hundred competitors has been temporarily replaced by a hundred runners who still run, individually, strictly following the rules of isolation dictated by the government, by civil respect and by the common sense, and responsibly sharing the streets and other common spaces with their neighbors. It is not easy but it can be done: we have already experienced it when we found ourselves with our legs hurting, without energy, at the foot of a hill, miles from the finish line, yet we continued to move forward, without giving up until we got to the end of the race. We are always runners, even when we can only do it around the block, and sometimes not at all.

To our subscribers and to those who follow us online, our best wishes for a prompt return to normality. Stay safe.

Indro Neri

UNDER ARMOUR HOVR MACHINA - The Machina is a new top of the line running shoe from Under Armour. The upper displays the use of a new engineered knit, which provides a contained stretch to the fit and a plush feel surrounding the foot, particularly in the ankle collar, but also extending to the gusseted forefoot. The midsole is the first of the HOVR shoes to shed the frame which enclosed the Engage foam in earlier shoes from the line. Instead the Engage foam is wrapped in an "Energy Mesh," a webbing which surrounds the foam in the molding process and supports it as the midsole compresses, allowing it to spring back following impact. The ride is smooth and protective, in part thanks to a propulsion plate in the forefoot, but the foam does the bulk of the work. The outersole is a minimal layer of textured rubber, segmented for flexibility, which offers good traction with equal durability. The performance and price have done their part to nudge the Under Armor running products to the next peg up, with a promise of continuing progress. New shoe.

Testers: "Well cushioned, with a protective, firm ride. Secure, supportive upper. Geared to big mileage, it performs well as a reliable daily trainer."

Sizes: Men 7-16; Women 5-11, 12
Weight: 12.5 oz. (men's size 11); 10.1 oz. (women's size 8)
Shape: semi-curved
Construction: Strobel slip-lasted, EVA strobel board
Geometry: Full contact