I motivate myself to run in a variety of ways. I sign up for a race. I go look into my dog’s pathetic eyes she guilt trips me into it. I make a new workout playlist.
One great form of motivation for me that comes around less often is trying out new running shoes!
If you’ve been reading this blog for a while now, then you may know that my go-to running shoe is the Mizuno Wave Rider. I’ve previously purchased three pairs (and I mentioned them in my post about my favorite running gear), so when I learned about a partnership between Mizuno and FitFluential, I immediately expressed my interest and signed up to participate in the campaign.
I was awfully excited when my new shoes arrived today and took them out for a five-mile run around my neighborhood with Sadie. I caught her fighting boredom by sniffing the metal rods of our pool cage and figured a run would make her happy.
I initially got hooked on Mizuno Wave Riders when I started training for my first half marathon. I was running in Nike Shox (remember those!?) when I developed some serious blisters and shin pain. (I now understand that certain shoes are running shoes and others definitely are not.)
Following the advice of one of my running buddies, I visited Track Shack, a local running store in Orlando, where someone watched me run and asked me a bunch of questions.
They recommended I try a pair of Asics that didn’t feel quite right and then suggested the Mizuno Wave Rider and it immediately felt fantastic. While I knew buying the Wave Rider was the smart thing to do, I had a hard time spending some serious money on a shoe that I thought was pretty darn unattractive. That has always been my biggest complaint about Mizunos – they just aren’t that cute – but I buy them again and again because they really are a quality running shoe. At least this new maroon/fuchsia pair is cuter than the Wave Riders of the past!
I completed my first half marathon training in the Wave Riders and when they wore out I bought another pair… and then another after that. While I love trying new brands and gravitate toward shoes with fun colors for circuit workouts and strength training, when it comes to running, I’ve been a loyal Wave Rider girl since 2007.
My first five-mile run in these shoes went well!
My calves were quite sore, but that’s not the shoe’s fault. I blame the hills in Oregon! I went on two runs while staying in Jacksonville last week (one with Sandy, Dara and Sommer) and since I’m used to very, very flat terrain, even the slightest hills seriously engaged my calves. I guess they’re still recovering!
Lunch
After my run with Sadie and an important conference call, it was time for lunch.
I made myself a salad topped with roasted butternut squash, tomatoes, a sliced MorningStar Farms spicy black bean burger and balsamic vinaigrette.
Plus a few handfuls of rice Chex cereal that I had leftover from my pumpkin spice puppy chow that I ate while waiting for the butternut squash to roast in the oven.
Time for a few hours of studying!
Question of the Afternoon
- Do you own a pair of shoes designed specifically for running? Are you loyal to one brand? Any favorites?
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I actually really like Asics. They fit me well! =)
i feel like so many runners swear by asics. whatever pair i tried just didn’t fit me quite right for some reason!
my prob with asics is that they immediately tear! one of my running buddies goes through a pair a month because they don’t hold up….
See, my Asics always last me way longer than they should. Except the ones I got a few months ago. They’re not the most comfortable, and I’ve made a workout bet with myself to get new ones once I finish a specific trainer 12 Weeks, I’m 3 in!).
I used to be all about Saucony’s. I probably had at least ten pairs over the years. But I tried Mizuno’s last year and I’m on my second pair (I get the wave inspire). My feet have never been happier! 😉
I actually really love Asics. They feel good on my feet!
That salad looks tasty 🙂
I love Asics too. I have one pair for running and one pair for exercise classes.
I got evaluated and they put me in some Sauconys. I was a Pearl Izumi girl before that. I am going back to Pearl Izumi next round of running shoes.
Another great motivator to run is audio books! It helped me through any solo marathon training runs! Funny books are best!
any recommendations? i start training for a half marathon next month and would love to download some audio books!
Tina Fey’s book if you haven’t read it already. That’s a great one. I did Andy Cohen’s book (good if you’re a Real Housewives fan) and doubled over laughing while running. Let’s Pretend This Never Happened (A Mostly True Memoir) and Mindy Kaling’s book are next up on my list. I use audible.com.
I am so picky when it comes to what running shoes I like (lookswise)!
ME TOO! i feel like all the cute gym shoes are good for athletic activities OTHER than running. i’ve seen some cute brooks running shoes lately, but cute running shoes seem to be few and far between.
Love Mizunos! Just did a half in them last month. I also like Asics, but need to find one that fits better! Really digging the color of yours! 🙂
I’ve bought the same pair of Asics three years in a row…if it ain’t broke don’t fix it right 😉
Lookin’ at another Wave Rider girl right here! Bought them as my first “running” shoe back in 2009 and have tried a couple other brands but always come back to Mizuno. Although, I also have a pair of Saucony Ride 5’s and I love them too. They have a slightly larger toe box for me, which helps on long training runs.
My pair of Wave Rider 14’s were charcoal and lavender…one of the most stylish running shoes I’ve ever owned! I loved the colors and they made me feel super fast! LOL
i’m an Asics girl all the way! I must have oddly shaped feet (cute!) because my feet hurt in most runners… My arch isn’t where the arch in the shoe is most of the time and that can be super painful/annoying!
Those are so cute!! I want free shoes!
i got them through fitfluential! you don’t have to be a blogger to join! you can find more information here: http://fitfluential.com/
Mizunos are my favorite too! I’m actually looking at getting a new pair….and I LOVE those. They are so cute! I love all of the colors that Nike offers, so I have them for my non run days…but Mizunos are my favorite running shoes.
That salad looks yummy! I am a nike girl through and through. Also, Stella and Dot has a breast cancer awareness boutique (as do many other brands this month) with some super cute items. I know that’s a cause dear to your heart, and I remember the brand being mentioned on here before! 🙂
http://shop.stelladot.com/style/b2c_en_us/featured-shops/breast-cancer-awareness-noreen-fraser-foundation.html
I am all about the cuteness in shoes haha, but asics are my jam for running. Oh boy do I remember nike shocks, I had shin splints for a while thanks to those. So I have been wanting to ask you about running with Sadie. How old was she when you started? Did you feed her before you went in you went in the early am? Did you slowly build up her speed or just one day decided to run 5 miles with her? I want to start running with my dog but don’t want to kill him on the first go around and he is only 6 months ha!
hi kaitlin! i have a past post all about running with sadie/running with your dog: https://www.pbfingers.com/2010/12/27/2010/07/26/running-is-for-the-dogs/ i hope this helps! 🙂
awesome thanks Julie!!
I love Mizuno Wave Riders for training and long runs, but for runs under 10km I used Nike Frees.
i actually ran in my nike frees when we were in hawaii last month since i didn’t want to pack multiple pairs of gym shoes, and i was surprised at how great they felt. very lightweight, which i loved.
been through several asics, adidas, saucony, new balance….was told i needed stability shoes but they cause me to have bad plantar fasciitis….now i swear by brooks pure flow…have a half and whole marathon in them.
I’ve been running in the Brooks Pure Connect (great for short distances) and Saucony Kinvara 2. Best thing about both these shoes–they come in awesome, bright, neon colors!
This post came at the right time haha I’m in need to new running sneakers
I used to always get the Asics 2100 series, then a few years with the Mizuno Wave Nirvana ($140!), and now I’ve had a few years of the Brooks Adrenaline ($95). I think I like the Brooks most because they seem the lightest and they’re the only brand I don’t have to wear any kind of special orthotic with — the shoe is great on its own! (I have flat arches and pronate in).
It seems this is a common theme, but I just can’t go wrong with my Asics. They seem to be the most comfortable shoe out there for me.
Oh my God. I am sorry, but I need to say something. Your blog has had way, way too many paid or free product placements lately.
I don’t mind the occasional product placement, but if you look at the last 9 days, there 6 posts with Harry & David links to products, a coconut oil you got from GNC, a GNC protein powder, a Rebook shirt giveaway and now one on shoes. That’s in the last 9 DAYS.
Your readers are more than potential consumers for products. We read because there’s a human being there we like to hear about, not just to see what products you like or are selling to us. Please consider stepping the sheer volume of these promotions back, because I am considering pulling you from my RSS reader and my local friends feel the same way.
Nothing against feedback, I just have a hard time not expressing myself too and want to give my two cents in response.
I think when we abandon good entertainment because it includes product placement we’re left pretty bored. I also think it’s natural and often helpful for blogs to increase their product reviews as the holidays approach. I don’t think the spirit of this blog is too commercial and, with true respect, I felt a bit defensive when you pointed out to Julie that her readers are more than consumers. I appreciate that Julie, unlike many bloggers, goes out of her way to write entertainingly and reach out to her readers. I do not believe she neglects to provide what we seek, which is likely why she is and will remain successful. (Plus, she makes it easy through her posts’ layouts to skip reviews.)
That’s all from me. Just wanted to offer my perspective, mainly ’cause I’m a writer so I feel the need to defend honest writing. I seriously respect that you speak your mind politely though and don’t mean to discourage that at all.
I’ve noticed in the months following Julie how much free stuff she gets but that she mentions it to her bloggers isn’t a bad thing.
I mean whenever something AWESOME and FREE comes in the mail don’t you want to tell all your friends … Julie just has more friends than the average person through her blog 🙂 🙂
I agree – sponsored posts, giveaways by sponsors, and simply shilling products are a huge turnoff, especially when several bloggers do it at once so it just seems like a huge stroke show for the brand (has anyone honestly read any *negative* feedback regarding a free product!?).
I am also baffled why these brands select this blog – though it’s entertaining at times, it’s vanilla at best, writing is average, and nothing really sets Julie apart from other bloggers. Heck, I have a full time job, run races, have interests, stick to my volunteer efforts, and my social life doesn’t revolve around my husband and dog – I should start a blog and get a free trip to Hawaii too!!
Hey Amanda,
You got any of that HATERADE left?? Based off your writing and busy life, you should have a blog and show us all how it’s done!
I’m a brooks girl though I’d be tempted to try a pair of Mizunos when I’m due a new pair seen as your such a huge fan. The last time I tried on a pair I found them less cushioned then brooks but I’ve since got a pair of Adidas adizeros which are a bit more comparable and love em!
I just started running after a LONG time off. Last time I trained, I wore Saucony, and I still love them for gym wear and daily wear. However, they were not making me happy on my runs, so I went to the local running shoe store, and decided on Asics. Apparently, I pronate when I run and supinate when I walk.
Love my Asics. I’ve tried others but my feet don’t adjust well. I must have about 5 pairs of old Asics in my closet, I feel sad throwing them away 🙁 memories!
Just wish they made Asics in cute colors/designs! Girls like to look cute when we run!
Any reason you waited till you had 5 pairs to throw them out? How often do you replace yours?
Any reason you waited till you had 5 pairs to toss them? How often do you replace yours? What model asics do you go with?
I used to be a die hard asics fan, but now I’m 100% Brooks…. the shoes are absolutely awesome. The Brooks Launch have been my favorite and they come in pretty sweet maroon and neon yellow. I’m not really in to the pinks and purples– I wish shoe companies would make women’s shoes available in both women and men colors.
I LOVE Mizunos but I also love Nike shoes and just ordered new LunarGlides which i’m loving. I’m going to train for my first 1/2 marathon with both my Mizunos and Nikes – best of both worlds. 🙂
I love my Brooks Ghost 4s! I had a couple pairs of Asics that I wore for awhile but finally decided to get to a running store, and the Brooks totally won me over. I tried Mizunos too, but they’re a little too narrow for my feet (I have WIDE feet). I’m sure I’ll wear Brooks forever!
I was never an Asics fan, they felt too bulky! I used to be all about Brooks but I bought a pair of Mizuno Wave Rider in preparation for my latest half marathon- I think the bright teal and orange color caught my attention- I love them! I’ll definitely be continuing to purchase The Mizuno brand from now on.
I really like Reebok’s Realflex and I just recently bought a pair of Brooks that are very comfortable.
I love my asics gel nimbus 13! The lady at the shoe store said that I will get more miles out of them because of the gel thingy. Speaking of, how can you tell when your shoes are blown? This is my first pair and I think they might be getting close. I have been running in them for 6 months now.
I am also a Mizuno Wave Rider girl; I’ve tired a few other brands, Nike’s, Addidas, Pearl Izumi, and Asics but they never felt as good as my Mizuno Wave Riders. I am with you I wish they were cuter but they are starting to get there, a girl at the gym had really cute teal and purple ones.
Just wanted to let you know that all of your posts about Tina’s Boot Camp convinced me to sign up! I’m excited! Last night I slept in my workout clothes so that when the alarm went off nice and early, I wouldn’t have any excuses! Thanks for all of the motivation!
I’ve recently gotten into running and went to a running store to get looked at because running in my old Nike Shox just seemed off to me. ;p I tried on pairs of Brooks, Asics, Reebok, and Saucony (they didn’t carry Mizuno) and once I tried on the Sauconys it was like they were made for my feet. I bought the pair and have had such good runs in them with no discomfort or pain. I am running my first 5k race in them this weekend! I also just got picked for the FFA Saucony campaign so I am SO excited that I get to rep a running shoe company I am so passionate about. I’m so glad you get to do the same! 😀
I’ve never tried Mizuno before. I’ve been a Brooks Adrenaline girl for each one of my 3 half marathons. However, there is a pair of pink and neon green Saucony shoes that I have been eying!
I am a Mizuno girl right now, I am using them this weekend in my first 1/2 marathon! But after the race it’s time for a new pair so I am trying Saucony
I totally agree with you. Asics felt weird and my Mizuno Enigma 2s feel great! They are like extension of my foot. I don’t get blisters or sores in them. However, they only come in this god awful bright orange and blue. Believe me when I say that it was a hard buy for this FSU girl.
Loveeeeeeeeeeeee the color and style of those sneaks! I typically wear asics and never wear nike for running!
Oh gosh yes! I am a Brooks Adrenaline girl through and through. I used to work at a running store so I got to really learn about my feet and the different kinds of shoes. I tried on every pair and its the Adrenaline that I come back to year after year 🙂
I was always a Saucony and Brooks girl but last week I got a super cute pair of Mizuno Wave Rider 15’s, they are like a mint green and orange and black and are my new go-to’s. What keeps me motivated is a really good playlist on my ipod!!!
I love my Asics but am also transitioning to Brooks Pure Flows…partly because the purple ones are SO cute! 😉 But I also know some super speedy girls that run in Pure Flows so I’m hoping their speed will rub off on me if I wear the same shoes. Ha!
I wear the Brooks Pureconnect just for running. They are a fairly lightweight shoe which I love. You’re right about running shoes not being so cute, the Brooks are nice, but definitely not the best looks-wise (in my opinion anyway). I also have high arches and I don’t need an insole in that shoe, which is awesome!
Have you tried New Balance Minimus? I love mine. They have the perfect amount of grip for box jumps, push ups, plank, etc.
I got some new balance minimus (grey with teal at the bottom) and I can’t wear them for a long pd of time or they start killing my feet … I guess it’s my arch or something but anyways I love the way they look. 🙂
What shoes do you wear for circuit training/other workouts? I’m looking for a good gym workout shoe and haven’t found a pair that I’m sold on yet. Any suggestions would be helpful! 🙂
I love asics but my latest pair were saucony. Every pair of running shoes I buy get a hole where my big toes are. Does anyone else have this problem? Its so frustrating. It has to be how I run because I keep my toenails really short to try to avoid it. Are there any shoes that hold up good and don’t get holes in the mesh by the toes?
Asics Nimbus are my go-to when I want to run more than a couple miles. Love them, and they feel so much better on my way-high arches then anything else. But, I am a total sucker for cute work-out/running shoes, so I usually have 2 or 3 that I am wearing. Right now, I have all black Nike’s, fluorescent blue/yellow nike’s flexology’s and blue asics. And I like them all 🙂
After REALLY messing up my knee and hip while training for my first half marathon, I finally went to a running store and got fitted for shoes. They put me in a pair of Asics, and I haven’t looked back since!
I only run in Brooks Ghosts – they are my all time faves and have had at least 6 pairs of them! Mizuno is actually the only brand I haven’t tried!
For running, I have been loyal to Nike even though I am not an overall Nike fan. But I just broke in my last pair and my model has gone away. I don’t like the new Nike’s. So I am trying to transition to Brooks. Pure Flow is what I have now and I want to try the Brooks Ghost.
Oh, but my trail shoes are Mizuno’s and I like them!
The Kidless Kronicles
I’m on my 4th pair of Brooks Adrenalines. They work pretty well for me. I’ve tried the Asics 2150 and Mizuno Wavw Nirvanas but I get the most miles out of the Adrenalines.
I’ve been wearing Asics nimbus for over 10 years…love them!!!
I am a loyal Brooks customer! I used to wear Asics, then transitioned into Brooks Adrenaline and now am on my 4th pair of Brooks Ravenna. They are so light and I’m always pain free!