I’ve taken some time off running but now I have the itch again. My lack of interest in running was due to a combination of injury, dark mornings and a new found love for spin classes. Now, as much as the spin keeps me moving, I still don’t believe anything is as effective for maintaining tone, cardio strength and stamina, and eliciting the post work out euphoria, as a great run.
I was nervous to get going again, but I had a relatively fun run on Sunday morning and ended feeling pretty good – not too much running stamina lost then? Maybe. Today however I went out on the same route and nearly died. The 75 degree heat at 8am didn’t help – not that you’ll ever hear a Kenyan complain about the heat as they finish a marathon in 2 hrs.
I even had new running shoes, new running shorts and a new sports bra. Still they didn’t do what they said on the box. I didn’t run faster and I didn’t keep cooler. No one was going to miss me though in my neon yellow that’s for sure!
I’ve been a loyal New Balance wearer for some time now and I have loved every pair of W890s that I have owned. This time, however, something made me head back to Nike. Maybe I fell for the hype around the new Nike Flyknit? Well hype or not – the rave reviews all ring true so far. It is a magnificent shoe – light, cushiony and supportive, without any rigidity or stiffness. It is simply like putting on a supportive sock with a cushioned sole. So even though I didn’t run faster today – I’m pretty sure I will be running faster in these soon. My only critique of the shoe is that the heel comes up a little high on my achilles. I noticed my New Balance are cut out at the heel like an ‘M’ shape – whereas the Nike is an inverted ‘V’. Not sure if this is intended to support the achilles – but my fear was that it would rub. With my Balega socks though, there was no rubbing, and the Flyknit provided the perfect comfortable ride. Now if Atlanta could just adjust the morning temperature for me I’ll be on my way.
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Poppy's Style 
I really loathe summer running, so I’ve been doing a lot of swimming and yoga. It does feel so good to get a good run in, so when I go I have to do it early.
I’m intrigued by the shoes. I’m still wearing my Newtons, but might try the Nikes for the next pair. Let me know how they hold up. X
Ran in my Newtons today and they felt great – but I do love the Flyknits – super light! xx
WoW! That’s great! I’m happy for you! I have started running again as well. I didn’t run for nearly 10 years. And here i’m with new running shoes, shorts, top and endomondo in my pocket. I’m running in evenings as i’m running in my city parks ( that’s the problem when you live in big city – no other place where to run). And i love running. As i can’t get up early in mornings, evenings are the best time for me 🙂 Endomondo gives me some challenge because i can count my km and all the other stuff. And my friends can support with great comments about my runs 🙂 Anyway i totally agree – running is great 😉 Good luck to you 🙂
Thanks Kristine and to you too!! I used to run at night – it was great for relieving the stress of the day but now the children are up so early it’s easier to get it over and done with in the morning. I just started a virtual fit club on Instagram – instagram.com/poppysstyle – I’m trying to encourage folks to post a post work out photo with #PSFitClub so we can encourage each other!