Running
The following Mizuno Wave Rider 18 review is sponsored by Mizuno Running on behalf of FitFluential, LLC. Word.
If I have too much of anything in my closet, it’s shoes. Not heels and boots and sandals, but sneakers. Loads and loads of sneakers. Running shoes. Walking shoes. Gym shoes. Lifting shoes. Dance shoes. Whatever the event, I’ve got the shoe.
Yet I always want to try more, especially when it comes to running. While running is supposed to the sport you don’t need any equipment for, if you’re a runner you know it isn’t true. Your shoe of choice can literally make or break you. And trust me, I’ve been broken.
I was always vigilant about making sure I was in the right shoe, but since injuring my knee a couple years ago I’ve been pretty much insane about it. I don’t dare let them my shoes get worn out or too much mileage and I would occasionally beg my physical therapist to watch me run in a new pair before I hit the pavement with them.
Lately I’ve been running in the the Mizuno Wave Rider 18 {which they sent me}. I used to be a huge Inspire-aholic until I figured out post-injury that I actually did better in a neutral sure. Enter the Wave Rider. I was equally nervous and eager to try out the 18s because the 17s failed me – they were super comfy to walk around in but way too cushy and supportive for me as a running shoe.
The 18 got it right. Comfortable without being overly padded. Structured without being restrictive. True to fit. And NOT pink. 
{Though there is a pink version. and blue.}
They ride low on the ankle {something I’m super picky about} and don’t push arch in weird ways. {Super descriptive, I know.} The rise of the heel is a little bit more built up than I tend to like, but it hasn’t been giving me any problems thus far and I’m almost starting to get used to it.
Official details:
- Women’s shoe is 7.8oz with 12mm ramp // Men’s is 9.2oz with 12mm ramp
- MSRP: $119.99 // Released Oct. 2, 2014
- The aim of this shoe is to balance fit & performance – it’s a neutral shoe with enough support for a range of runners. Lightweight, responsive,
#realizethepowerwithin #waverider18
Do you have a go-to running shoe? Are you loyal to one brand or do you brand-hop based on the shoe?
Workout Gear
This post is sponsored by FitFluential, LLC on behalf of Reebok. They didn’t force me to say anything good. 😉
I don’t know a single runner, casual or elite, that wouldn’t want to be faster.
Getting faster takes hard work. It means training faster, interval workouts, sprints, dedication, and consistency. It can also take technology. Technology like a watch to time your splits or pace yourself, to push yourself harder or to race the clock. It can also mean technology like race car tires.
That sounds crazy and unrelated but that’s what Reebok did. They know runners want to be faster so they looked to something fast for inspiration. What’s faster than a speeding race car? {Don’t answer that.} Reebok looked at the treads of z-rated sports car tires {which are rated for speeds in excess of 149mph} to help inspire the design of the soles of their newest running shoe: the z-quick, appropriately named for its ability to give you speed: they’re designed to “make you unnaturally quick”.
I put the radical claim to the test with for a Reebok-FitFluential campaign. The result? I’m not sure.
Here’s the lowdown: the shoes are comfy. They’re insanely lightweight which I love; no one likes clomping around like a Clydesdale when you’re trying to run, and run fast no less. The toe box {and the whole shoe to some extent} is wide and roomy. A plus for me, though that would steer some away from this shoe. <– They’re actually made like this by design: when you put weight on your foot, it spreads about 5mm, giving you more contact with the ground. This shoe gives you room to do that. There’s a sort of sock-like insert around the ankle which keeps the shoe close and snug; again, a plus. But the shoe itself rides a little bit high on the ankle for my liking. I like insanely low cut ankles. It rubs a bit, but not so much that I couldn’t run in them.
They’re a nice neutral shoe without much cushion or manufactured support; the type of shoe I like. However, I think these were a little too neutral for me. Though the shoes felt good connecting with the treadmill {little feel of impact}, they didn’t sit well with my knee, making it uncomfortable to the point where I didn’t want to push it.
If I didn’t have longstanding knee problems, I probably would love these shoes, but they just don’t quite work for me. That means I wasn’t able to push long enough to really test their claim for speed, though with their featherweight feel and sturdy traction, I have to believe it would help.
You can learn a little more about the science of the zquick shoes here:
Sound like something you’d like? You can purchase them online or in-store at Finish Line.
Since I couldn’t really put these to the maximum test, here are some other reviews to give you a better picture:
Eating Bird Food
Mom’s Little Running Buddy
Coffee Cake and Cardio
Nutritionella
Have you tried the Reebok Z-Quicks? What did you think – did they impact your speed?
Breakfast, Lunch, Training
The husband finally woke up around 11 (I’ve never been able to sleep like that) and I finally got to enjoy those delicious cinnamon buns! (Thank goodness I had a snack first!)
Then I did a little studying and it was time for lunch before I knew it!
I made myself another wrap-pizza. So. Good.
Whole wheat tortilla, Laughing Cow Light Swiss cheese, spinach leave, turkey, black pepper, and mozzarella. Popped in the toaster oven for about 8 minutes or so.
And some RiceWorks chips.
In light of the cold cold coldness outside I thought I’d share with you some of my favorite winter running gear.
It’s all about the layers. First, a C9 DriFit T-shirt. (You know how I love Target and C9).
I like this shirt for the bottom layer in the winter because it’s long enough to tuck into my pants and keep cold gusts of wind out.
Next up my Nike half zip running shirt. I love this shirt so much I wish it stayed cold longer. It’s the softest material I’ve ever felt. The zipper is great for letting a little air in once you get warmed up. (Plus I found it at the Nike Factory Outlet which was an awesome bonus).
I usually throw a jacket that’s a little thicker on top of that too. Especially (definitely) if it’s raining. This is a mega-old C9-er.
On the bottom I usually wear these C9 (again) running tights. They have zippers at the ankles so they’re easy to get on and off, but are still tight enough to keep the cold air off my legs. They’re also lined with some super soft warm material. The little pocket on the hip is perfect for my keys too.
Last but definitely not least, my winter running essentials. My hat, headband, gloves, and RoadID.
I cannot function if my ears or hands are cold. I wear the Nike headband/earwarmer ALL the time. It has to get pretty warm before I ditch it. When it’s super cold, I also wear the C9 hat. It’s cool I guess because it has a slot for you pony tail, but I think it’s awkward so I just wear it like a regular hat. I think the gloves are self-explanatory. They’re….you guessed it…C9. (If another running company wants to start selling stuff across the street from my house I’d be happy to start spending my mortgage their instead of on C9.) And the RoadID is just a smart, safe idea. Mine has my name, address, some phone numbers to call, and my allergies. Better safe than sorry!
What’s your favorite winter running item?!
