Sunday, October 22, 2017

Never Underestimate the Power of New Shoes

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"You don't need to be helped any longer. You've always had the power. You just didn't believe it. You had to learn it for yourself. Now, these magic shoes will take you home in 2 seconds." ~adapted from The Wizard of Oz, when the Good Witch Glinda empowers Dorothy to believe in herself. 

Last week, I wrote about changing shoes, with the hopes that maybe a new pair of running shoes would be the catalyst to turn things around for me. I'm not foolish enough to know that my running troubles can all be cured with a new pair of shoes, and neither were any of you. I was given a pair of Mizuno Wave Rider 21s to try out and so I figured, why not run in them and see what happens? What did I have to lose?




Do you believe in the power of a pair of shoes? I'm not Dorothy, I'm not living in Oz, and my new shoes aren't red, but if a new pair of shoes is right, then I don't want to be wrong. Of course, we all know that my new Mizuno Wave Riders don't possess magic powers, just like Dorothy's red shoes weren't magic either. It's about the belief in the power of the shoes. On Tuesday, I decided to try them out. I slid my feet into the shoes and immediately felt at home in them. The fit was perfect. I didn't click my heels together, but as I started to run, I felt like I was flying. I know we shouldn't judge a run by the first mile, but I felt a lightness in my stride that I hadn't felt for a long time.  I decided to push on and skip the run/walk intervals. There were 2 stops, for a potty stop and a picture, and that was it. I ran 6 miles/8:47m/m.


Was it a fluke? On Thursday, I wore those Mizunos for my speedwork intervals by the pond. I saw paces that I haven't seen in a while. I've been running my intervals by time instead of distance until I can figure out how to get my Garmin to measure distance for me. These intervals have been 4 minute intervals and I ran 6 of them consistently, averaging 4.47 mins per 950m. I was pretty excited about this!

These intervals were consistent and fast! I couldn't stop smiling!
Saturday, I pulled out the Asics Gel Nimbus for my 10 miler. It was warm and it was windy. Since it was a long run, I planned to use my run/walk intervals. My legs felt heavy from the start. I was so glad to be done with this run. 10 miles/9:51m/m

Even my "sassy pants" from Inknburn couldn't save this run.
I decided to do one more run in those Mizunos, and a Sunday morning shakeout run seemed like the perfect excuse. Rain was predicted and so I headed out with an eye to the darkening sky. Again, my legs felt light and I decided to forgo my planned run/walk intervals. Even though I felt good, I didn't push my pace because this run was for recovery. I stopped once to take a picture. I was surprised to see the numbers on my Garmin because this run felt good. 4 miles/8:51m/m

Off the road, I had 2 strength sessions with Coach Sammy Jo at CrossFit. Feeling strong, I did my first ever overhead press of 55#. There's nowhere to go but up with that number, but I was pretty happy about that start.



Steph and me, pushing the weighted sleds
I did yoga twice this week. On Monday, I did a Yin Yoga video and I felt great after. I think I'm going to make this a regular part of my weekly practice. On Wednesday, I went to the studio where Carol did a back to basics class. Everything felt good and I was grateful.

Extended side angle in the bright sunshine
This week will be more of the same as I get ready to run the Hot Chocolate 15k next Sunday. I think you know what shoes I'll be wearing.

For the month of October, Mizuno will donate $10 for every pair of LE Wave Rider 21s sold to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation.

How was your week? Do you believe in the power of new shoes? Have you ever switched shoes and felt that it changed your run? 

I'm linking up with Holly and Tricia for the Weekly Wrap.










73 comments :

  1. I feel like new shoes or workout clothes always result in good runs for me. I'm glad that you like these sneakers so much! I'm going to need to find new sneakers by the start of next year. I currently run in the Mizuno Wave Inspire 10s /11s, but I'm coming up on 400 miles on most of the pairs I have left :( I think I'll try this sneaker even though it's a neutral sneaker.

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    1. So many people like the Wave Runners and I can see why! They are much lighter than my Asics. That makes me wonder how many miles I'll get on them. We'll see. So far so good!

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  2. So glad the shoes are working out well for you! Sometimes I think just wearing a different pair of shoes can make a big difference. Im a big fan of alternating between 2 pairs of shoes.

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    1. I've never done that before. Usually I just run in one pair until they die. I use the old shoes for weightlifting tho. My current running shoes are only for running.

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  3. I think this is the second time (in the past several months) that Mizuno has featured the Wave Rider...and I wear the Wave Inspires ;-( Just my luck LOL I'm glad these shoes are giving you some hope and have been a great fit for you. Onward!!

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  4. I have been wearing the same brand ASICS Gel Pursue 2 for over two years and have had no injuries. Guess what? They have discontinued them and the Gel Pursue 3’s are not the same. I think I may go back to the same place I got fitted for the Gel Pursue 2’s in Pensacola. I love your “magic shoes!” Your pace is amazing on all of your runs!

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  5. I'm glad the Mizunos seem to be helping. If anything, new stuff keeps me motivated, and it's fun to do my runs in new gear.

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    1. I think that's what it is. They are lighter than my Asics and my legs feel that too.

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  6. So glad the new shoes are working for you! You had a great week!

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  7. Ah, the joy of a fresh new pair of running shoes! Great job on your intervals :)

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    1. Thank you! I'm pretty excited about these new shoes! Can you tell?

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  8. Yay!! What ever the reason, I'm happy you saw the return of faster paces. I tried a pair of wave riders a while back but they didn't work for me. That pair is really cute though! I agree with Lisa on the two pairs. I always have a pair of Adrenalines and Ravenna's in my rotation

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    1. Right? I hope these paces stay with me for a while. I've missed them.

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  9. I've never tried Mizunos but I know the happiness of a new pair of running shoes!

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    1. This is my first time too, but I'm so glad I tried them! Maybe I just needed to switch things up a bit.

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  10. I've been in Mizuno Inspires forever (except for a brief and bad affair with Brooks Ravenna). And, I need a new pair. I think I like my Zelus insoles though. Your paces were great this week! I'm so far removed from my "good" paces and have a lot of work ahead to be able to catch you! Thanks for linking.

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    1. I hope my "good" paces stick around. Who knows? But it's fun to feel them, even if only for a short while.

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  11. I definitely believe in the power of new shoes -- especially Mizunos. I may have to check out Yin Yoga tomorrow. I can't get to the studio but my body needs it.

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    1. I love Yin Yoga. There's a great video on YouTube called (what else?) Yin Yoga for Runners...

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  12. I am definitely sold on Mizunos. I have been wearing them ever since I recovered from my massive IT band injury. I'm on my 7th pair and They have been good to me so far!

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    1. After wearing Asics for so long, it was hard to change! I've still got one pair of Asics in the closet--so I'll still be running in them for a while.

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  13. I wear the Riders or Sky for long runs and go with an even lighter shoe (Sayonara discontinued for the Shadow) for speedwork. Glad you like Mizuno!

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  14. Wave Riders were my go-to since the 10s. I think the 14s didn't work for me, and the 19s may have taken me out of the game (sometimes there are fluke series numbers in every shoe!), but they were always a great pair of running shoes. I'm glad that they made you feel so speedy and efficient! <3 The rest of your training is so perfect -- two strength days, two Yoga days. I'm so aiming for that. Lol:D

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    1. I do love my cross training--I credit it for keeping me on the road!

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  15. I believe!!! I'm due for a new pair this week and they absolutely make a difference for me. I'm also "trying" CrossFit again this week and hoping to make a habit of it since one opened about 10 min from my house. Yoga is another story but if I get to 2 classes a month, I'm doing good.
    So glad those shoes were the magic you needed for (most) of your runs last week!!! Keep it up!

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  16. It's funny how new shoes can have the power to give us a little more spring in your step. Is it a placebo effect or a real boost? Who knows!? I am glad that you had a great week sounds like it was just what you needed.

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    1. I don't know what it is but I'm grateful for the spring in my step!

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  17. I believe my Mizunos have magical powers - love the new Wave Riders!

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  18. Trying this once more, from my computer instead of my iPad. I love Wave Riders! They are my magic shoes! I've been wearing them for a few years. Who cares whether it was the shoes, a great day, or just good luck, I'm just happy you felt good and had good runs.

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  19. I think you found Dorothy's magic shoes! Wow, what a fantastic find! What a great week of training you had. Absolutely LOVE those sassy pants!

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  20. Yup, the Nimbus are heavy MF-ers but I love them for long, easy runs. I used to wear the Wave Riders! I trash them with my high mileage but I do love them initially! They're light and keep my feet moving. Glad you like them!

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    1. I never had probs with the Nimbus but it was time to mix things up a bit. So far, so fun!

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  21. After my injury this summer, switching to Altras has changed everything for me! My stride is different and my feet are so much happier. Glad they felt so good for you and yay for solid runs!!

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  22. Sounds like a great week! New shoes always get me excited to go out on a run :)

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  23. Nothing better then finding shoes that work! I just recently got a new pair of Asics Gel Cumulus, they are white which I'm not loving but so loving the comfort!

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    1. My NImbus were like the Cadillac of shoes; these Mizunos are like a sports car!

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  24. I loved Mizunos when they made them small enough to fit me! Glad they're working great for you.

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    1. You and those tiny feet! But you have all kinds of fun options...the kids' shoes!

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  25. Yay! So happy the new shoes are the wings beneath your feet! Congratulations on a great week!

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  26. Looking like those shoes are working for you... great week!

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  27. Woohoo! Yes, a good pair of shoes can make all the difference. Glad you had a great week!

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  28. I've been wearing Asics Gel Kaynos since I started running, and only recently have added the Zelus insoles. I wonder what different shoes might do for me.

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    1. I had never even considered switching shoes until Mizuno sent me these. Now I ask myself: what was taking me so long?

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  29. I love new shoes, and I am so glad you had such a good run with those Riders. Mizunos have always done right by me, and sometimes a fresh pair of footwear can make all the difference. Happy running!

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  30. I definitely believe shoes can make a huge difference, especially if you were running in ones that were worn out!

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    1. No, the Asics were still pretty fresh! I think it was just time for a change.

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  31. Looks like an awesome week of running for you! Yay for new shoes! Sounds like they are just what you needed for your runs!

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  32. I got new shoes and they are helping tremendously with my funky foot. They are Altra's and apparently certain models actually help people who have neuromas. So happy with my new shoes - so the answer is YES I believe :)

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    1. I've heard so many great things about Altras--too bad they are zero drop!

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  33. Wearing the "right" shoes for you is definitely one of the biggest keys to being a successful runner. I highly recommend that every runner be professionally fit. And when a pair of shoes starts to get worn out, replace them before any signs of injury become apparent.

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    1. After all these years of running in Asics, it was nice to mix it up a bit!

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  34. Yes!!! Love this post!! I am vigilant about changing out my running shoes because I suffer from the dreaded PF! LOVE Mizunos...they are my go to shoe :-)

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    1. I'm so scared of PF returning! I think that's why I didn't want to change shoes. I've really good luck with my Asics and the Spenco orthotics. Maybe I'll put the orthotics in my Mizunos!

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  35. YES!! I do believe in the power of shoes. Mizuno was my first pair of running shoes, but havent worn them in years. I am glad they are working for you.

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  36. Love new shoes! Sounds like a great week! Have fun and good luck in your race next Sunday!

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  37. Hey the power within the shoes is what we give it right? Keep pouring it to it lady, It is working! I also just adore those plaid pants!!!

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  38. I'll take the power of new shoes or shorts or a tank - anything that's comfy and makes me feel speedy! Do other shoes bother your Hallux Rigidus? I'm having trouble finding ones that feel as good as my Mizunos felt; however, they got holes in the toes within a few weeks and looked awful. I know I could have returned them to Road Runners, but they felt so good that I didn't want to give them up. LOL They felt fabulous for wearing around the house and while working, but they were too soft for me to run in and my knees hurt. I'm sure I could try a pair of less cushiony ones, but I'm nervous about the toes wearing out on those, too...

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  39. I think the mind plays a big role. That said I had a pair of Asics Cumulus (I think) and every time I ran in them I twisted my ankle, every single time, it was horrible. They are no longer in my home, it did take me 10 runs and 10 ankle twists to put two and two together. I went back to my tried and true Kayano's and mess around on the side with some Saucony Glides as they are cushier in the cold winter months and have a pair of Brooks Transcend dancing around in a box waiting to be taken out for a spin. The Mizuno Wave Riders I loved, my heavy foot falls went through the sole way too fast, they did feel like floating, and they were purple and arrived just as a friend who loves purple started her breast cancer treatment. My Aimee shoes got me swiftly through quite a few miles and I was always happy when I wore them. So yes, shoes do have magical powers!

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