Brooks Pure Flow + Running Naked

A while back, I mentioned switching from my long-beloved Nike Frees to the Saucony Virratas.

There wasn't anything wrong with Nike. I just hadn't switched brands in years and wanted to try out another pair of minimal, yet still cushioned shoes on the market. Stephen recommended the Virrata -- so I had high hopes. Unfortunately, after a couple test runs, I couldn't get the sizing right, which I read is a common issue.

Either too tight or too loose. So, I took them back.

I considered buying another pair of Frees (which would have been my 6th!), but ultimately decided I'd like to get something with a bit more cushioning for my upcoming marathon training.

On a whim -- and because they felt amazing when I tried them on -- I purchased the Brooks Pure Flows.

\\\ /// \\\ /// \\\ ///

I suppose I should mention that unlike most reviews I've read, this is not sponsored. I bought the shoes myself and have no affiliation with Brooks. Also: I like to run in my shoes for at least a month or so -- long runs, speed workouts, all different sorts of things -- before giving an honest, informed opinion.

\\\ /// \\\ /// \\\ ///

What struck me most was how comfortable the Pure Flows felt on my feet from the moment I put them on. I am used to running with a low drop -- so there wasn't much of a difference as far as how my foot was hitting the ground. The main change was in the cushioning. Nike is more stripped down in this regard, which has been fine and even helpful in strengthening my feet all these years.

But with all the miles I plan to log over the summer and into the fall, I thought it might be nice to add just a bit more shock absorption. The cushioning on the Flows is really lightweight, though, so I didn't feel like I added extra weight or bulk for a cushy ride.

Here are some features straight from the website:

• The lightweight construction and lush cushioning of the PureFlow 2 are a perfect match.
• Comfort features engineered in a lean way like a shaped BioMoGo DNA midsole that gives your feet a cushy feel without added materials.
• Neutral to Guidance runners can experience a run for the senses without losing the comfort of dynamic cushioning.
• With a wider Nav Band coming up the lateral side and grabbing the midsole, the foot receives arch support without the bulkiness of underfoot materials.
• A center strike pod provides guidance in finding the natural landing zone.

These shoes have been very comfortable on long runs (I've done up to 13.1 miles in them) and supportive during some of my more difficult workouts like mile repeats. This is my first experience running in Brooks, but so far it's been a good one.

I suppose my only issue is when I run over 10 miles, I do get some rub marks on my arches. I have really high arches and don't wear socks, so I don't know if that's part of my issue. I also didn't know if I'd like the asymmetrical lacing system -- some wearers say it gives them pain in the arch -- but I've had no issues.

Overall, I'd give the shoe good marks. I'll continue wearing them and probably invest in another pair when it's time. They are even feeling good for what I think is the beginning of a bunion of my right foot. But that's an unfortunate story for another day.


TRAINING UPDATE:

The half marathon is just 4 days away! I have a yoga class tonight and then 6 x 400s at 5K pace tomorrow and then two rest days. I would be lying if I told you I feel confident at this point, more like freaked out.

Here's last week's workouts:

M: 13.1 mile long run in 1:50:00 -- 8:23/mile
T: 3 mile recovery run
W: 1 hour hatha yoga at gym
R: OFF
F: 5 mile pace run: 7:50, 7:42, 7:43, 7:40, 7:33, + 1 mile 8:20 (cooldown)
S: 3 mile recovery run
S: OFF

I've never been a fan of wearing a watch while training. I have, however, grown to appreciate knowing some of my stats to help push my training. Wearing a watch during a race? I just don't know what to do. I actually think I am going to run naked -- sans watch -- because I don't want to push the pace too hard and bonk in the middle of my race.

Or should I?
No. I shouldn't.
Maybe?

The danger with that is running blind and possibly missing my goal. Strangely enough, to get under 1:45 -- I only have to take like 6 seconds off my miles from my steady 1:46 finish (I've done three recent half marathons steady in the 1:46 range).

What should I do?! Stephen says I should wear the watch and not look at it until the middle of the run . . . but c'mon! I can't just ignore that it's there! Lots of exclamation points. This is definitely an emotional issue.

Whatever I choose, the race is going to come and go, and I will just run the best I can. I haven't actually raced a race to PR in a long, long time. I guess I'll feel cheated if somehow I don't reach my goal. I've put in the work. I've matched the paces. We shall see what happens.

Who else is racing this weekend?
Or do you run in the Pure Flows?
Any last-minute racing advice for me, please?!

Like what you just read? You can subscribe to the feed of these posts or follow us on Twitter or Facebook to be the first to know what the (never home)makers are up to. And we’ll love you forever!

Read more...

10 Years of Running: Changes

Shoes.

I started running in a pair of Adidas trail sneaks I found at a discount store at the mall. I kept running in them for two years -- until the model changed enough and I got a black toenail because they didn't fit the same way anymore. I graduated to Mizunos for several years, Wave Runner, I think, at one of my friend's suggestions. Those got old after a while, so I tried the Asics Gel Nimbus and even Kayanos. Runner's World seemed to say they were all the rage, but they were so expensive and just not for my feet.

Then I tried barefooting for a while. I ran 17 miles once in my Vibrams. But my relationship with the Five Fingers lasted about as long as most Hollywood marriages do. (Stephen, on the other hand, is committed to Vibrams -- and me -- for life, it seems.) Now you all know I run in Nike Frees. I've been in them the last two years and, at least at this point, don't see going back.


Routes.

This one's obvious. If you move towns/cities, your routes change. I did an entire post a while back that covered my first running routes. Ah, the memories. I guess more than the physical routes have changed, the way I treat these paths in my head is different.

I used to favor loops and doing several repeats of the same thing (for whatever reason, I don't know). Repeating the same stuff a couple times a week. Then I liked out-and-back runs. I HATE them now. Then there were the long, ambling loops when I was deep into marathon training.

At this point, I'm into random twists and turns. Not running the same ones several times a week. Keeps me guessing.


Club Involvement.

When I was in college, I shied away from running partners and getting too involved with the local club. To be entirely honest, those serious runners intimidated me. I'd overhear them at races making plans to meet up for an "easy 12-miler" on the weekend. AT that point, my longest runs were around 6 miles. 12 sounded grueling and anything but easy.

Now I understand that type of talk. And I'm guilty of it myself -- when you run a marathon or other longer/faster/crazier race, your perception changes. But even better: Our local runners club is totally into including EVERYONE, no matter the ability. I'm all in.


Gear and Fuel.

I started out sans watch. Then I got a basic Timex. I used to HAVE to run with a hat on. Hydration packs. Shot blocks. Gu. Homemade energy chunks. These days, I slap on my shoes and head out to clear my head. If I run long, I drop by the house and have a glass of water with a handful or cereal or the occasional Honey Stinger.

My running is much simpler. And all that performance enhancing stuff has never done much to help with my race times anyway.


Obsession.

It's true. When you're bitten with the running bug, you get the fever. Did I just mix two things there? Whatever. When I first started running, it was all I ever talked about, thought about, and dreamed about. College classes were in there, too -- but if I wasn't studying, I was running, signing up for races, or reading about, well, running.

Now my life is more balanced. Of course, having a blog focused on fitness means I get a little carried away sometimes with how much I think about best ways to do speed work, etc. But I'm much better at switching off the running and enjoying other facets of my life. Balance is good.


Fitness.

I don't think I'm the model of how to train smart. I am overly conservative. I am only now starting to engage in formal speedwork. I skip runs if I feel the slightest bit sick or injured. Still, my fitness level over the years from sticking with running has improved. So have my race times.

What I've done to supplement my running has always changed. Yoga. Strength training. Biking. Swimming. Running has always been in the mix, though. As a result, I have become a stronger runner over time simply by keeping up my routine.


Goals.

Of course I always am interested in participating in different races or chasing specific times. But I guess what I mean in that my goals have changed is this: I don't race all races like I used to. I don't NEED to PR to feel good about a run like I used to. In fact, I don't need to race at all to have running in my life and stay with it.

This weekend, for example, I'm running a 20K. Slowly. And I'm cool with that. I have kept up with 10-milers, but nothing above that since the half marathon. My goal is to finish and not look at a watch once. I think some people think if you're going to do a race, you should definitely race to do your best. I disagree because "best" on any given day is influenced by so many factors. And there's nothing wrong with that.


Motivation.

I started running with a motivation to get fit, but more to lose the freshman 15. Then I got really into improving my times and distances. Things continually change, but as I have mentioned recently, my main motivation for running these days is to be a role model for Ada.

I also want to be a runner for life. That's pretty motivating, too.

What's changed in your running (or other exercises) routine over the years?

Like what you just read? You can subscribe to the feed of these posts or follow us on Twitter or Facebook to be the first to know what the (never home)makers are up to. And we’ll love you forever!

Read more...

4 Miles in I:D(on't)K(now)

As evidenced on the blog, I go through lots of phases. There are times when I put canned pumpkin in almost all my recipes. Others where I am a devoted yogi and practice several times a week. And I always seem to cycle back to being obsessed with a $50 a week grocery bill goal (OK. Out of necessity, this one HAS to stick now).

Another one of my biggest fitness-related phases? Wearing a watch (or not) while running.

On my 4 mile jog today -- sans watch -- I thought about how, when I wear one, I know my pace (duh!) and -- depending on which one I'm wearing -- distance. So, it's definitely a helpful tool. I can use this information to improve race times and fine-tune my training. And with my Garmin, I can automatically log each workout. Stephen's allows him to run wherever he wants without having to guess how far he's gone.

On the other hand, I often find myself glued to the timer, fretting if I'm not hitting my mark or deliriously happy if I'm exceeding my own expectations. All these numbers tend to take away the magic of running. I end up terribly performance-centric and can't let my mind wander and release stress with each mile.

These days, more than ever, the mental benefits are most important.


I could go on with pros and cons, but where I'm going is: I've been in my current phase for two years now. Long enough that I think it's not a phase at all. With the exception of when I'm running on our treadmill with its own built-in timer, I wear a watch maybe once a week for a key workout (like that super long run, above). That run changes from week to week . . . otherwise, I glance at our oven clock before leaving the house. Then I scope it out when I return home. That's about as technical as I get. There are some days when I don't even do that.

What I'm saying is: I spend the majority of my training focused on perceived exertion. And it's a great way to be if you get stressed by numbers as much as I do. If I run 4 days a week, one of those days is a long run at a slow pace (where I can easily chat), two of those runs are at an "easy" pace (comfortable, but steady), and the other type is harder (out of breath, but strong). It took me a while to learn my own gears.

What's cool is that running without a watch means I get to take in my surroundings.


Like how blue the sky was this afternoon.


How the grass is getting greener as we approach spring.


I am able to better check in with my body and feel tinges and aches before they turn into full-blown injuries.


If you're in a bit of a battle or just getting overly obsessed with what your watch is telling you, consider slipping it off for a few days, weeks, or months. I'm happy I did -- and my race times haven't faltered as a result. (And that's another thing -- I never, ever wear my watch during races anymore. It stressed me out WAY too much. I just listen to times at mile-marks and hope to see a good number on the clock at the end.)

If anything, I'm continuing a steady return to running and nearly hitting my pre-pregnancy race times.


For example, this weekend I ran a 4 mile race at 7:43 pace (30:48 -- actually I ended up running 6 miles total at around 7:45). I haven't been training specifically for a shorter race, but I've been keeping us with some speedwork, mostly by -- you guessed it -- perceived exertion. Last year I ran this same race in 29:15. Definitely faster, but not by terribly much.

The system works, at least in my experience. I feel confident that I'll be back at my old times using this method.

So, today I ran 4 miles in I:D(on't)K(now). My general time-taking technique tells me it was in around 31 minutes. But it doesn't matter. I got outside. Sweated. Stretched. Felt great.

What's your take? Are you attached at the wrist . . . or do you run naked?

And if you're curious about how we created our no-sew nursery curtains, don't miss the tutorial on Writing Chapter Three -- along with a ditty about how Ada is going through an attachment phase. It's lots of fun

Like what you just read? You can subscribe to the feed of these posts or follow us on Twitter or Facebook to be the first to know what the (never home)makers are up to. And we’ll love you forever!

Read more...

Garmin FR60 versus 405CX

One of our beloved readers wrote us last week because she wanted to know how we got all those nifty charts in the Early to Rise, Early to Run post. I think I wrote only briefly about our secret before: Stephen and I both have Garmin watches. Stephen has the insane, GPS-enabled Forerunner 405CX. I have the smaller, female-friendlier FR60. We both love our watches for different reasons, so I thought I'd post about the features that we love . . . and some that we're not so keen on.

For the longest time, I was a total Zen runner. I didn't wear a watch. I didn't listen to music. I ran free of all distractions. And I loved every minute of it. When I started training more seriously (mostly more miles), I wanted to know more about my pace. So, I bought a Timex Ironman Triathlon watch. I trained my way to the Philly Marathon with this baby -- simply recording my long run times in minutes and seconds. I still wear it during the day (in fact, I'm wearing it right now), but its days as my stopwatch are over.

For Christmas this year, Stephen's parents bought us both the Garmin Forerunner 405CX. We couldn't have been more thrilled! Stephen was upgrading from a striped-down Nike timer . . . and he was psyched to get the GPS going. I was excited, too. However, when I took the behemoth out of its box and slapped it on my wrist . . . I found a problem (for me, at least). It was HUGE! We're talking GIGANTIC. I felt horrible about it, but I knew at that size, I wouldn't use the thing for more than a couple runs. To me, it felt the way those police tracking devices look. And I've done nothing wrong!

Anyway, here's the skinny on these two particular Garmin watches. We hope you find this information helpful as you search for the timepiece that works best for you. (Timepiece? Are we in the year 1810???)


405CX: Everything you'll ever need . . . just really big.

Stephen's watch does everything. It tells you where, when, and how you ran. Reporting spans pace, splits, location, elevation, you name it. It's just made for a man. Or an elephant. Or a sea cow. (OK. Maybe not, neither device is totally waterproof.) But if you don't mind its mammoth size, you can get some pretty amazing, more-than-you-ever-wanted-to-know reports.


Stephen's dashboard comes complete with a map, which is pretty cool. So, he can see in great detail every turn he took (even when he crossed the street!) during his run. With all that fabulous ability comes a price, however. Not only in the overall cost of the thing -- but Stephen must charge his watch after every single run. It dies otherwise, so there have been many occasions when he's in the middle of a workout, and the watch just stops working.


It is indeed the coolest thing EVER to see the elevation chart when he's finished (especially if I go with him, because then that's MY elevation chart, too.). It can also be overwhelming at times. At least for me, knowing all this information might make me shy away from doing more of the epic runs, that is, if I know exactly how epic they are. Anyway, he gets all the same reports I get, too (more about that below). Everything about his pace and distance and then some. (I chose not to include absolutely all of his dashboard because these screen shots are somewhat difficult to see. You get the picture, right?)


FR60: Useful reports. Comfortable fit. Not entirely accurate?

I love the FR60 because it's not much larger than my usual watch. The band is slightly less bendy than I'd like, but I've gotten used to that. My watch comes complete with a shoe buddy that hooks to my sneakers -- it's what enables the thing to track my distance/pace/etc. Yes. The FR60, since it has no GPS capabilities, is entirely based on strides. To set it up, you must either go to a track to calibrate . . . or in my case, it seemed to work right out of the box (it's an auto option, or something like that).

The only problem I've found with this whole method of tracking is that it isn't always reliable. For example, it works accurately for the bulk of my training -- the runs when I keep the 8:15 to 8:20ish usual easy pace. But during a race, when my pace quickens . . . the watch often reads that I've run much longer than I actually have. ("Much" is a slight overstatement -- but, for example, at our last half marathon -- 13.1 -- my watch said I ran 13.25. It's a big difference if you are a stickler about that sort of thing.)

Here are the reports I get on my dashboard. There are many. And they are useful. I just don't get the handy-dandy map or elevation charts. But, if you're good without those, all this information is great, too. Overall, I feel like I know enough to train my heart out, but there sure are some days I wish I knew the REST of the story . . .




There's no clear winner in this head-to-head as everyone needs/wants something different. And that's OK. There are also a multitude of other options on the market. (Did I mention there's a hefty price difference between the two as well? The 405CX will run you about $370 versus around $200 for the FR60.) So, do you research. Ask around. There's also no harm in trying it out . . . and if you don't like what you find, take it back. It's an investment, so there's no shame in making it a wise one.

We'd be interested to see what others do to track/time/train. Do you wear a watch? Are you totally against it? Hate Garmin? No matter what you do, just leave a comment or email us! And with all this talk about time, if you haven't participated in the Respect the Marathon? discussion yet, you're missing out. Head over there now.

Like what you just read? You can subscribe to the feed of these posts or follow us on Twitter or Facebook to be the first to know what the (never home)makers are up to. And we’ll love you forever!

Read more...