Monday, June 15, 2015

Does size really matter?

As a lover of all things running, I am always on the look out for the lightest shoe. Talk to any experienced runner and they will more than likely tell you the same thing. Obviously we are all built differently which means we all have different needs when it comes to choosing the right shoe, and what works for one person may not necessarily work for another. But does choosing a minimalist shoe benefit long term?

In 2010, I made the switch from heavy duty brick shoes (aka Asics Gel Kayanos) to Newton's (minimalist forefoot running shoe). I eventually moved onto Saucony Kinvara's (thanks to the recommendation of my coach and running guru, Owain Matthews) and have been running in Saucony's for about 3 years (I used the Saucony RIDE for marathon training and the Kinvara for runs under 10km/triathlons).

Saucony RIDE
Saucony Kinvara 5
Most people who know me know that I love Saucony shoes, and probably always will, especially for racing. They have come a long way over the years in terms of upgrades. They're super light, they feel fast, they're comfortable and they get me through 10km of running when I am off the bike. However, there is a fine line between being comfortable in the first 5km and my feet being in agony in the last 5km. I guess I just learned to put up with the pain.

Me walking around after a race
Given my child size calves and skinny asian ankles, I have always had issues with my achilles. Thankfully (touch wood), I've never had a serious injury such as a tear or being unable to run for more than a week. But this season, I started feeling pain in the arch of my foot, mid way through the run. Then after the race, I would be limping for two days  because my calves and achilles were so tight.

No amount of stretching or icing helped. I just boiled it down to racing hard and running fast, but as the season went on, it became less and less of a 'normal' feeling and hobbling around was not ideal.




I thought winter would be the perfect time to try new shoes. I'm always hesitant to change what I know and love, but I figured I had nothing to lose. ENTER, EPIC MOON BOOTS!


Now I know what you're thinking because I had the exact same thoughts when I first saw a pair of HOKA's in store:

"Oh my god, those things are huge!"
"They're like Sketchers!"
"They remind me of those hideous toning shoes!"
"The 80's called. They want their bowling shoes back."

But before you judge a book by its cover, they are actually not as displeasing to the eye in real life and when you pick up a pair, they are just as light as a pair of Saucony Kinvara's or Newton's. So tonight, I gave them a 5km test drive and all the reviews were right; lightweight, comfortable and you literally feel like you are running on pillows! I rate these 100% for stability AND I didn't get any calf or achilles pain whatsoever afterwards. Winning! I'm looking forward to doing some longer runs in them to see how my feet hold up. Watch this space!

A lot of people shy away from HOKA's because of how they look, but if you have shin, calf or achilles issues, or just want to feel comfortable on a long run without having to wear heavy bricks for shoes, I recommend you give them a go. I know a few people who have had various running-related injuries and once they have tried HOKA's, they don't want to run in anything else. You can check out one of the reviews online here.

I bought the Clifton 2's in grey and pink from Northside Runners in Crows Nest. Go and have a chat to the boys at the store. They really know their stuff when it comes to running shoes and are always super helpful. Massive thumbs up from me - I'm converted and I never thought I would say that about HOKA's! 

So, who wants to join me for my next run on the moon?

#GiveHokasAChance

Happy running!

Bel

For more information on HOKA shoes, go to http://hokaoneone.com.au



Monday, March 02, 2015

New to running?

Not sure what you need? Here is a list of must-haves that you can get at Northside Runners in Crows Nest. I have compiled this list especially for my Can Too North Pod group:



 1. SHOES

 

Not all shoes are created equal, and what works for one person's foot may not necessarily work for you. Always try shoes on in person and get expert advice on what suits your foot. I personally like Saucony Kinvara's for racing and Saucony Guide's for training

2. STORAGE 

Spibelts rock! You can put your phone, keys, money and gels in them and they don't move when you run. GENIUS! I carry one of these with me every time I run. You never know if you will need to call someone, or just take a cheeky photo :)


3. ANTI-CHAFE

If you don't like the greasiness of Vaseline, get yourself some bodyglide. It has the same consistency as a dry deodorant stick. It's a great way to prevent any chafing or rubbing.

4. GPS

 

GPS watches are more expensive than your average wrist watch but the beauty of them is that they will tell you how fast you're running (pace), how far you've run (distance) and how long you've been running for (time). Unfortunately it won't run for you - your legs will still need to move (trust me, I tried)! I never leave home without mine and it's a great way to keep consistent in your training. I have a Suunto GPS running watch. If this isn't in your budget, download Map My Run on your iPhone and put it in your new Spibelt :)

5. HYDRATION


After training, it's important to hydrate with the appropriate electrolytes, but without the added sugar of Powerade and Gatorade. I love the taste of Endura hydration and find it really effective post-run with some ice cubes in my bottle.



6. CLOTHING


I love the Northside Runners visors, They help keep your hair and sweat out of your eyes, protect your face when it rains and helps keep your head cool.

I also love injinji toe socks. They help prevent chafing and blisters between the toes on long runs.

I haven't used the Experia socks personally but I know a lot of Can Too'ers who have and they rave about them. Good arch support and soft cushioning in the heel and ball of the foot.

Northside Runners also stock a small range of running tights and tops from Asics, Mizuno and Nike.




7. EARPHONES




These are perfect for those training sessions on your own (ie not on Wednesday or Saturday training sessions)! These earphones actually stay in your ears while you run! I always find the iPod headphones fall out, especially when you get sweaty. I own these in yellow and they are the bomb!




8. RECOVERY

 

If you're prone to tight calves and quads like I am, get yourself some Compressport Calf Guards or Long Skins (available for men and women). They have been shown to improve circulation and blood flow. You can also train in them. I usually wear mine to bed after a long run or if I'm really sore, I will wear them under my pants at work - shhh). 

That's all folks. Go and have a chat to Mike and the team at the Crows Nest store and let them know you are part of Bel's Can Too group. Can Too members get a cool 10% off all products!

Happy training!