Never Underestimate the Power of New Shoes

This post contains affiliate links.

"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.