Hoka notes
Specs from Hokaoneone.com:
Natural Performance Cushion Shoe
4mm offset
Weights-11.8 oz.
A couple of weeks ago, I got a pair of Hoka Conquest to test out. Here are some of my thoughts after runs in them:
Day 1
Did a 1.47 run in them and they felt good.
After the run, I did 3x3x3x400
Now if I had expected to do a speed workout, I am not sure that these would have been the shoes that I picked it. I am glad I did because I really got to test them. They held up better than I thought they would. I had a little shin pain, but that didn't last very long. It probably would have gone better if I had pulled the no-tie laces a little tighter.
Day 2
Did a solid 45 minute run and felt really good. I only had minor shin pain after the run. The shoes never really felt too heavy. It is hard to believe that they weight as much as the Hoka website says they do.
Day 3
3.2 mile run with the track kids and it felt nice and soft. We ended the run with 6x100 striders. My legs definitely started to feel real sore. Originally, I could not figure why. Eventually, I figured out that it is probably because of the 4mm drop in the shoe and my legs are just getting use to that. My legs have not been that tired in a while.
Day 4
1.15 warm up jog before a tough speed workout. This is a workout that I did not know if I would get through due to tired legs and tight calves. With the help of an extended warm-up, I made it through the workout just fine. I tightened the laces and the shoes felt better. I never felt like they were holding me back. The workout went very well and I felt like the shoes were working with me.
Day 6
* I forgot to note how I felt after my fifth run in them.
Today I completed an easy three mile run and they felt really good. The shoes seem to be getting lighter, while the fit of the shoe is improving. The extra cushioning is nice and can make a runner forget about the heel-to-toe offset. Working through tight calves and sore leg days were tough, but I have gotten use to the lower drop and do not notice it anymore. No-Tie laces are something that is still new to me, but it is fun not having to deal with tying my shoes at any point doing a run. Do not be afraid to try on the shoe. It is very comfortable and works well for a variety of running styles.
Thursday, April 24, 2014
Monday, April 21, 2014
It's been a while/runchat 4/20
It has been far too long since this blog has been updated. A lot of that is due to the fact that I have been busy and just generally tired lately. I really need to be better about updating this blog for myself and the others that read it. Here are my runchat answers from last night (another fun thing that I have not done in a while).
Runchat 4/20
Q1-How will you watch the Boston Marathon?
A1-As I type this, the marathon is on my television and I am following updates on twitter. It is pretty funny that I am watching a marathon; a few years ago, this would have never shown up on my television at all. This is much I have come to love talking about running in any form.
Q2-Who or what is your biggest inspiration to keep running?
A2-Staying healthy and fit is my biggest inspiration. I definitely always think about where I would be if I were not running. I definitely have my ups and downs, but I feel like I am a happier now compared to when I started running. Helping others out who ask me for help and want to get better at running is also inspiring. It is hard to believe that people are asking me for help at all with running. I definitely want to do my best to help anyone who wants help.
Q3: What's a big lesson you've learned through running that you've applied to other aspects of life
A3-You can do just about anything if you push yourself. I have two marathons and the biggest challenge is finding that mental edge to keep yourself going. Marathons are painful, but if you just tell yourself that you can get through it, you truly believe that anything can be done with hard work. I think people start believing in themselves more after completing things (5K's, half-marathons, marathons, etc...) they never thought could be possible.
Q4: If a non-running friend came to you for running advice today, what would be the first words out of your mouth?
A4-Get fitted for proper shoes and do not give up if you struggle.
Q5: Which races have the best spectators? Why?
A5-Out of all the races I have done, marathons have the best spectators. I have the Chicago Marathon twice and the crowds have been amazing both times. The people make all the runners feel like celebrities. It feels great to get cheered on by a lot of people you will probably never meet.
Q6: Finish this: I run for ______.
A6-Food, confidence and my health.
Brooks Pure Project Shorts review
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| Front of shorts |
 |
| Back of shorts |
I think it functions as advertised. I really like the antracite color because I think it looks good on me. The DNA fabric liner is nice because while I have run it, I do not notice it at all. Originally when this post got written, it had been cold and I did not know if it could serve as a lifestyle piece; that of course has changed. I have worn it to work and when I am out and about. It definitely is something I would wear on a spring or summer night out with friends or even if I ventured to te beach. The pockets are also surprisingly deep.
The DNA fabric liner and two-way use as a lifestyle/running piece will be one of the shorts selling points. Some people might be worried about the fact that it is gray(anthracite if we are getting specific) and that others will see how much they sweat in it after a workout. I have worn it several times and that will be minimal at best.
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| The liner |
Saturday, March 1, 2014
currexSole runPro sole review
Recently at work, we met with a rep from currexSole to learn about the run specific insole, RunPro. Once we learned about the product, we got a pair to keep and test out. My review follows below.
The first thing that people should know about the insert is that it is a run specific insert. That means it is meant to be used while running. This does not mean that you could not use it while walking around, but the benefits will really come while running.
It is also not really going to correct any injuries. It is something that will help prevent injuries. Our store buyer said there have been recent correlations that comfort equals better performances.
The insert is also a zero drop insert. That means it will not change the heel-to-toe ratio of the shoe that it is worn in. It is definitely an improvement over the standard running insole because it helps customize the shoe to your foot.
It definitely functions as advertised. I love that the insole does not alter the shoe and feels really comfortable. I immediately took it out for a five mile run after I got it and did not even notice it. Running is difficult enough so I do not want to have to think about an insole if I use one.
The picture above shows the what the bottom the insole looks like. The blue pad is a heel padding, while the orange pad is the pad under the forefoot. The silver pad is the arch cradle. The cradle takes energy it stores and returns it to ou when your foot hits the ground and pushes off. The currexSole rep told us that the insert is designed to get more comfortable the more you use it. I am looking forward to that because I already love it. It will be used throughout my four running shoes.
The price of the insert is $50. I truly believe that anyone skeptical of the insert will love them after giving it a try.
The first thing that people should know about the insert is that it is a run specific insert. That means it is meant to be used while running. This does not mean that you could not use it while walking around, but the benefits will really come while running.
It is also not really going to correct any injuries. It is something that will help prevent injuries. Our store buyer said there have been recent correlations that comfort equals better performances.
The insert is also a zero drop insert. That means it will not change the heel-to-toe ratio of the shoe that it is worn in. It is definitely an improvement over the standard running insole because it helps customize the shoe to your foot.
It definitely functions as advertised. I love that the insole does not alter the shoe and feels really comfortable. I immediately took it out for a five mile run after I got it and did not even notice it. Running is difficult enough so I do not want to have to think about an insole if I use one.
The picture above shows the what the bottom the insole looks like. The blue pad is a heel padding, while the orange pad is the pad under the forefoot. The silver pad is the arch cradle. The cradle takes energy it stores and returns it to ou when your foot hits the ground and pushes off. The currexSole rep told us that the insert is designed to get more comfortable the more you use it. I am looking forward to that because I already love it. It will be used throughout my four running shoes.
The price of the insert is $50. I truly believe that anyone skeptical of the insert will love them after giving it a try.
Thursday, February 27, 2014
Asics GEL DS-Trainer 19 review
Recently I got a pair of the Asics GEL DS-Trainers 19 from Asics. Here is my review of them after getting a few runs in them.
Review:
It is definitely more narrow than the 18's. I originally tried on the 19 in an 11.5 and the shoe absolutely did not fit my foot (I have kind of a rectangular foot with a wide flat arch). My arches spilled over and my pinky toes wanted to escape the shoe. I moved up a half size to a 12 and the shoes fit a lot better. The length of the shoe in the size 12 is great. I have enough room in the toe box and it does not feel to big on me. The cushioning on the shoe is nice and soft. It has a great first feel and easy to break in. People who like heel support will enjoy how that feels in the shoe.
I ran in it with two different socks (Nike Elite Cushioned socks and Icebreaker ski socks) and it affected how the shoes fit a little. The first couple of times I ran in them, I ran with the Nike socks. The shoes felt a little tight to walk around in, but I did not notice that when I ran. With the Icebreaker socks, which are thinner, the shoes felt looser and lighter, but still comfortable. The seamless soft upper is also something that is nice. It feels like there is a soft pad right above my toes.
The stability feels great. I can tell it is there without making the shoe feel too heavy. The new Dynamic DuoMax system works really well with the shoe.The shoes felt great while running. They are so lightweight that I hardly even notice them when I ran in them. It is definitely a shoe I can consistently enjoy. They say comfort equals better performance and I have gotten in some of my best runs of the winter in while running them.
I think one of the key selling points will be its weight. Those looking for mild stability at a lighter weight will enjoy the shoe (Ravenna 4 and New Balance 860v4 weigh 10.8 oz; Saucony guide 10oz). The narrowness of the shoe will be one of its best selling points, but it will also frustrate others. I definitely understand why they went in the narrower direction.
Overall
I love the way the shoe feels on my feet. It made me a little nervous that I tried on an 11.5 and it did not fit. Thankfully I could try on the size 12 and they fit great.
Does anybody else run in this shoe? What do you think of it?
Review:
It is definitely more narrow than the 18's. I originally tried on the 19 in an 11.5 and the shoe absolutely did not fit my foot (I have kind of a rectangular foot with a wide flat arch). My arches spilled over and my pinky toes wanted to escape the shoe. I moved up a half size to a 12 and the shoes fit a lot better. The length of the shoe in the size 12 is great. I have enough room in the toe box and it does not feel to big on me. The cushioning on the shoe is nice and soft. It has a great first feel and easy to break in. People who like heel support will enjoy how that feels in the shoe.
The stability feels great. I can tell it is there without making the shoe feel too heavy. The new Dynamic DuoMax system works really well with the shoe.The shoes felt great while running. They are so lightweight that I hardly even notice them when I ran in them. It is definitely a shoe I can consistently enjoy. They say comfort equals better performance and I have gotten in some of my best runs of the winter in while running them.
I think one of the key selling points will be its weight. Those looking for mild stability at a lighter weight will enjoy the shoe (Ravenna 4 and New Balance 860v4 weigh 10.8 oz; Saucony guide 10oz). The narrowness of the shoe will be one of its best selling points, but it will also frustrate others. I definitely understand why they went in the narrower direction.
Overall
I love the way the shoe feels on my feet. It made me a little nervous that I tried on an 11.5 and it did not fit. Thankfully I could try on the size 12 and they fit great.
Does anybody else run in this shoe? What do you think of it?
Tuesday, February 25, 2014
#runchat 2/23 and a rough running week
I had a rough running week last week. I got one run in my new Asics Gel DS-Trainer 19 (review coming soon) and I had to shut it down. The temperature changes in Chicago really messed with my sinuses and knocked me on my butt. It is pretty ironic for someone that has been running all winter and I have to miss out on two of the nicest days of the year. It really sucked, but I had to listen to my body and let myself heal. I finally felt good enough to run yesterday and got a great run in!
My run today is one of the more adventurous runs I have been on this winter;ice everywhere! I am just thankful that I did not fall on my butt.
Runchat answers
P.S.- I currently run in the Brooks Ravenna 4, Saucony Guide 7, New Balance 860v4 and now the Asics Gel DS-Trainer 19.
Q1-Where do you do your shopping for running gear? Locally?Online? Chain stores? A mix?
A1-I mostly get my gear in person at a running store. Getting my gear online is something that I have never felt comfortable with because I can not try it on. It would be much easier to go into a store and try it on, rather than ordering it and realizing it does not fit.
Q2-What running gear have you purchased that you later discovered you didn't need?
A2-Honestly, I am pretty particular about what I buy. That means, if I buy it, I am going to use it. Money is not something that I can be free with.
Q3-What are 2-3 pieces of running gear you really would like to have? What do you need to replace soon?
I would not mind owning some compression gear (tights or socks) and some more running shorts. Running shorts use to scare me because of how short they were. Until someone suggested I really purchase running shorts, I never realized how comfortable they are.
With winter ending soon, I will need to replace my tights, my Ravenna 4's and shorts. The tights and the shorts both have holes in the crotch area; really annoying.
Q4-When packing for a race trip, what are the first items you put in your suitcase?
My shoes-Obvious answer for most important item.
Next up on the list is my Garmin now that I own one.
Whatever running clothes I plan on using. I try to bring something that dries quickly so I can use it more than once. Packing heavy is not something that I enjoy.
Q5-I never go for a run without my __________
My Garmin. I love using it!
My run today is one of the more adventurous runs I have been on this winter;ice everywhere! I am just thankful that I did not fall on my butt.
Runchat answers
P.S.- I currently run in the Brooks Ravenna 4, Saucony Guide 7, New Balance 860v4 and now the Asics Gel DS-Trainer 19.
Q1-Where do you do your shopping for running gear? Locally?Online? Chain stores? A mix?
A1-I mostly get my gear in person at a running store. Getting my gear online is something that I have never felt comfortable with because I can not try it on. It would be much easier to go into a store and try it on, rather than ordering it and realizing it does not fit.
Q2-What running gear have you purchased that you later discovered you didn't need?
A2-Honestly, I am pretty particular about what I buy. That means, if I buy it, I am going to use it. Money is not something that I can be free with.
Q3-What are 2-3 pieces of running gear you really would like to have? What do you need to replace soon?
I would not mind owning some compression gear (tights or socks) and some more running shorts. Running shorts use to scare me because of how short they were. Until someone suggested I really purchase running shorts, I never realized how comfortable they are.
With winter ending soon, I will need to replace my tights, my Ravenna 4's and shorts. The tights and the shorts both have holes in the crotch area; really annoying.
Q4-When packing for a race trip, what are the first items you put in your suitcase?
My shoes-Obvious answer for most important item.
Next up on the list is my Garmin now that I own one.
Whatever running clothes I plan on using. I try to bring something that dries quickly so I can use it more than once. Packing heavy is not something that I enjoy.
Q5-I never go for a run without my __________
My Garmin. I love using it!
Monday, February 17, 2014
#Runchat 2/16/14
Q1: What aspects of recovery confuse you? Ice baths? Food? How long to rest?
I could always learn a little more about how food can help recovery and running. I am not one to change my diet during training for a race but I know that it can be beneficial. It is definitely something that I need to look into more.
Q2: What's the first thing you do to begin recovering after a long run or race?
Before I discovered the addaday type c roller, I just ate the food given to me after a race and stretched. Now after long runs, I use my type c roller. It is my favorite recovery tool and it keeps my legs feeling great. It comes highly recommended it.
Q3: How much strength training, stretching or massage do you do?
Right now, I can not do much strength training because I am participating in research study on hip strengthening. I am in the control group and got orders to not to any hip strengthening workouts for eight weeks! It is killing me right now. Typically, I like to cross train three to four times a week. I usually just do legs and abs. Upper body workouts will also be added into the mix shortly.
I use my addaday roller every single day. I like to roll out before a run and before I got to bed. It is a tool that comes highly recommended. Personally, I like it better than the stick or a foam roller because I feel like I get more out of it.
Q4: How long do you take between training cycles before you jump back into training?
This is a question that I definitely could use more knowledge on. Typically, it usually is a week for me. How much time should I take off? Should I be doing recovery runs? I guess I could have put this as my answer for question one.
Q5: What are your favorite recovery foods/drinks? Share your secret ingredients!
I just drink chocolate milk or have something with peanut butter in it.
I could always learn a little more about how food can help recovery and running. I am not one to change my diet during training for a race but I know that it can be beneficial. It is definitely something that I need to look into more.
Q2: What's the first thing you do to begin recovering after a long run or race?
Before I discovered the addaday type c roller, I just ate the food given to me after a race and stretched. Now after long runs, I use my type c roller. It is my favorite recovery tool and it keeps my legs feeling great. It comes highly recommended it.
Q3: How much strength training, stretching or massage do you do?
Right now, I can not do much strength training because I am participating in research study on hip strengthening. I am in the control group and got orders to not to any hip strengthening workouts for eight weeks! It is killing me right now. Typically, I like to cross train three to four times a week. I usually just do legs and abs. Upper body workouts will also be added into the mix shortly.
I use my addaday roller every single day. I like to roll out before a run and before I got to bed. It is a tool that comes highly recommended. Personally, I like it better than the stick or a foam roller because I feel like I get more out of it.
Q4: How long do you take between training cycles before you jump back into training?
This is a question that I definitely could use more knowledge on. Typically, it usually is a week for me. How much time should I take off? Should I be doing recovery runs? I guess I could have put this as my answer for question one.
Q5: What are your favorite recovery foods/drinks? Share your secret ingredients!
I just drink chocolate milk or have something with peanut butter in it.
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