running Archives | with a Side of Sneakers

BeQuick with ZQuick

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?

Never Hibernate

Training

Now that it’s officially fall, the old “swim suit body” as motivation really goes out the window (not that I was a fan of it before). So now what? Let’s drop the outward motivation and instead focus on what makes us feel good.

This month I shared 7 things that make me feel powerful on the adidas women’s training site. Here’s a sneak peek:

Look the part –> wear clothes that are comfortable, functional, and make you feel good about yourself. Love this RainShine jacket for chilly or drizzly mornings.

Find shoes that work for you –> loving these Energy Boost running shoes; they feel great on my chronically injured knee.

Strength train. –> what’s the best way to feel strong? BE strong.

Prepare for anything. –> you never know what the weather will be like, so be ready for whatever comes your way.

Eat right. –> Put good stuff in; feel good inside and out. Easy peasy.
Hydrate. –> Drink up!

Try new things. –> hot yoga? Cross-fit? Spin? Kickboxing? Reach out of your comfort zone, you’ll be amazed at the boost it gives you.

adidas Women designs innovative performance products to help women commit to their best self and conquer their fitness goals. We inspire women to look and feel their best – be pretty, be tough & be confident.

What makes YOU feel powerful? What do you use for motivation when it gets cold outside?

#neverhibernate

Compensation was provided by adidas via Glam Media. The opinions expressed herein are those of the author and are not indicative of the opinions or positions of adidas.

Fave Fall Workout Gear from adidas

Workout Gear

Ok, ok, I know I said I’d stop wishing summer away in the hopes of an early fall, but I can’t help having autumn on my mind. I can’t help it if I just have an unhealthy relationship with hoodies, sweats, and fall-scented candles. In the theme of hoodies and sweats, I shared some of my favorite fall gear from adidas on the Women’s Training site. {Pretty soon you’re going to hear me yearning for winter… don’t say I didn’t warn you.} While you can read my whole list on adidas.com, I had to share my top pick from the list. The Springblade Running Shoe. These shoes are crazy. They look futuristic, nuts, and awesome at the same time. The Springblade uses 16 highly responsive blades designed to help propel you forward and provide explosive energy. Exactly what you need to shoot for a fall race PR. I’m biased, as I think fall is the best time for running…now if only my toe would hurry up and heal already! These shoes just came out on August 1, so they’re hot off the shelves. Doesn’t it always feel good to have something brand-spanking new? I’m also a pretty big fan of these 3 inch boy shorts. I know shorts don’t top the list of “fall” gear, but it’s still warm in the gym and I don’t usually have time to change right after a workout. As soon as the sweat dries, I get chilled. With these shorts I can slip my Boyfriend sweats right over without looking like I’m wearing a bunch of bulky layers.

adidas Women designs innovative performance products to help women commit to their best self and conquer their fitness goals. We inspire women to look and feel their best – be pretty, be tough & be confident.

What’s your favorite fall workout gear?

Compensation was provided by adidas via Glam Media. The opinions expressed herein are those of the author and are not indicative of the opinions or positions of adidas.

#shinewithsweat

It’s a Bird, It’s a Plane, It’s Super Saturday

Roundups

So I’m almost a month behind on triathlon training. Who’s surprised? #notme

But I have good reasons. It’s summer. It’s hot. It’s rainy. I have a toddler with a mind of his own that does not include enjoying the gym, stroller, or naps. #excuses

BUT but but. It’s not too late for you to join me:

SUMMER SAVINGS! This week only! It’s not too late to become a TRIATHLETE in 2013! There are still 4 Ramblin’ Rose Women’s Triathlons that YOU CAN DO!

ROCK HILL – July 14
WINSTON-SALEM – August 18
CHARLOTTE (HUNTERSVILLE) – September 22
CHAPEL HILL – October 6

Use Promo Code SUMMER to Save! The code will get you $10 off individual entries and $25 off relay entries. WAHOO! Code Expires Sunday, June 16 at midnight!

Another good excuse? I spent last week at the beach with 10 kids under 2 1/2. It was way more awesome than it sounds. Needless to say, triathlon training wasn’t the only thing I slacked on- I also wasn’t reading anything so I have nothing good to share with you.

I did however {almost} keep up with my Babble posts because let’s be honest, I want to keep my job. So here’s a few of those for ya:

9 Sizzling Hot Summer Workouts

How to become a better runner without taking a single step

10 things no one tells you about hot yoga

The most ridiculous thing I heard while pregnant

Foods that burn belly bulge.

How many adults do you think meet the recommended exercise guidelines? You might be surprised.

What’ve you been up to lately?

Let the Kindness Begin –> Kindrunner

charity

I’m guessing if you’re a runner {or avid exerciser of any kind}, your closet may look a little bit like mine:

{Ok, ok, maybe they’re all by the front door…}

Runners tend to get attached to a certain shoe and then hoard them like nobody’s business. But what happens once you’ve worn those shoes into the ground with hundreds upon hundreds of miles?

Maybe you’re like me again- reluctant to throw them out “just in case”. Just in case what I don’t know.

Now there’s something purposeful you can do with those shoes. Turn them in for credit for your next pair, then have your old shoes turned into new shoes. Win-win right?

That’s what a new company called Kindrunner is doing. They just launched over the weekend and they’re paving the way for a new means of running-shoe-shopping. Kindrunner is combining the “feel” and expertise of your local running store with the convenience of the internet and the added bonus that your old shoes will be recycled.

Some unique things about Kindrunner:

– Kindness Cash Rewards Program: Turn your old shoes into credit for new ones {or anything else they sell}

– Free 3-way shipping: 1) to you, 2) returns for any reason, 3) for your donated shoes for re-purposing with Soles 4 Souls or The More Foundation Group.

– You can waive the Free Return Shipping option and opt to purchase shoes at a further discount instead.

– Expert product reviews for every shoe from shoe reps, running store owners, or shoe fit specialists.

– 365 day returns

– The first 500 customers get free socks for life

I think it’s pretty cool what they’re doing and I love supporting startups. I think they’re on to something here and I’m looking forward to being an ambassador for them as they inch their way into the running shoe world.