Run Fast and Recover Faster with Apolla Performance Socks

From racing shoes to headlamps and everything in between, runners can be quite picky about their gear. As time goes on and technology advances, runners want the best of the best to be able to perform well, stay away from injury, and recover as fast as possible. Believe it or not, socks play a significant role in foot health for athletes. They are not just made to add a layer of cushion in between the skin and shoe seams. They can provide the feet, and pretty much every joint up the body, with support and injury prevention no matter what your lifestyle dictates.

Comfort is Always Number One

The first thing we aim for when picking out any piece of an outfit, shoes, or socks, is comfort. Runners, in particular, don’t care as much about looks, as long as they can feel comfortable on their long runs and avoid issues like achy joints, blisters, and heaviness. This all can be solved with a good pair of socks. In comes Apolla Performance. Initially created for dancers, who we can all agree get the most beating to their feet, these styles are equally perfect for any lifestyle. Just recently a research study concluded their effectiveness in reducing force and received the American Podiatric Medical Association Seal of Acceptance.

Apolla Performance socks are all made in the USA with REPREVE, which is certified sustainable yarn. Runners are sure to be happy with the Amp (no-show), the Performance (crew), and the Infinite (mid-calf), since they all provide the perfect thickness to protect from impact, blisters, and moisture, without feeling suffocated in running shoes. Each has energy absorption padding in the heel and ball of the foot which helps cushion during both push-off and landing—the parts of the running cycle that damage the feet the most. If you suffer from plantar fasciitis, you will be grateful for this feature!

Instability is the Enemy

As a physical therapist, I am an advocate for creating the most stable surface during the running cycle. This means being extra picky about the shoes and socks you wear. Weak, overused, or tired ankle and foot muscles can lead to ankle rolls and strains in the tiny muscles of the foot from the constant work when your foot and ankle are not supported well. Apolla Performance socks are made with targeted high compression where you need it the most—around the ankle joint and the arch of the foot. The arch actually has three zones of compression to lift and stabilize, which makes a significant difference if you suffer from plantar fascia issues. In these cases you want to prevent your arch from getting too stretched out, which will end up tugging on your heel bone. It’s a tough condition to treat, so you want to do anything you can to avoid too much pressure to this area!

Work Hard, Recover Harder 

The mid-calf Infinite Sock from Apolla Performance is the best choice for both recovery runs and your rest days. Providing your feet and lower legs with compressive support is ideal to help with circulation—the key to recovering faster. This is best done with graduated compression up the calf, which is exactly what this pair provides. Using compression socks during and after runs, especially speed workouts and long runs, is ideal for those suffering from achy calves, shin splints, Achilles tendinitis, and any other foot and ankle conditions. You want good blood flow and comfortable cushioning if you want to be fully ready for your next workout. If you are looking for happy and healthy feet, Apolla Performance has you covered!

Winter Training Staples featuring Under Armour

Sponsored by Zappos. All opinions are my own.

Runners may struggle with and complain about the hot summer months, but once the winter hits, many are dying to go back to running shirtless in the heat. Although dehydration and fueling is almost as important when it’s cold out, the majority of runners, especially up north, are more concerned with keeping warm during this time of year. Something we can all agree on is that layering up is made much easier when you have stylish gear! It’s all about the right materials for every piece of clothing we wear and of course the best shoes to log as many miles as possible as we train for our spring races.

Have you tried Under Armour’s HOVR Sonic 3 yet? If not, I highly recommend this pair for all different types of runs. I personally have been using them since the summer for my long runs. I’ve been taking advantage of almost all of Under Armour’s comfortable running gear, which is available at Zappos. I find everything I need for all of my running needs—tops, bottoms, shoes and accessories. As a rewards member I get free expedited shipping—most of my orders come in one day! One of the best perks is getting free returns for up to 365 days. I highly recommend becoming part of the Zappos family if you are looking for a one-stop shop with the best customer service.

Stay Connected to Your Running Goals

One of the most impressive features of my new Under Armour HOVR Sonic 3 is its power to connect via Bluetooth to the Map My Run app and track all of your run data. I find this addition to be much more accurate than the information we get from our watches. It’s basically a built-in foot pod with advanced technology. This feature also allows you to get coaching on how to improve mechanics such as your cadence, step length, and pace. It’s the most detailed data without any device needed!

Of course, since I’m aiming for a sub-3 marathon, one of my top priority goals is to improve my pace. This means I need to focus on this piece of data when it’s most important. I make sure to schedule a couple of speed sessions every week and dial into my prescribed paces. Then on the rest of my runs I focus more on running by ‘feeling’ so I can feel fully recovered for those important workouts. The HOVR Sonic 3 have been a staple for my long runs since they are light, have amazing energy return, and supportive enough to handle a variety of paces without leaving my feet sore.

More Than Just Running

Over the years I’ve learned that to improve my running performance I need to do more than just run. I’ve had to strategically create a schedule that includes other cross training activities like strength training, jump rope, and cycling to build up endurance and muscle power in every single part of my body. This also allows me to recover more quickly from my intense runs. Since I move so much, I always opt for clothes that are flexible enough to handle everything. I fell in love with the Under Armour Meridian Crop leggings from the start! They are made with super soft material and are like a second skin—they move with my body with a compressive-like feel. These are great for running in the Miami heat, since they are moisture-wicking and stay dry and light, even for long runs. It pairs perfectly with the Knockout Tank that’s also moisture wicking and fitted-yet-breathable.

What about when it’s cold in Miami?! Yes, we do get some chilly days in the winter time—and no, I’m not a fan! Even when it’s in the 60s you will catch me in a big comfortable sweater, like the Under Armour Fleece Funnel Neck. It’s been the best addition to my warm-up routine on cold morning runs and even better post-run when I want nothing else but to feel warmth. It dries extremely fast and is light enough for long distances. Zappos has this black color and another lighter option that I’ll be getting my hands on soon!

Staying motivated has been a struggle for most of us this past year since our races and run clubs have been canceled. Even though we will be relying on solo runs and virtual races for the near future, you can still get creative and find ways to stay dedicated to what it takes to reach our 2021 goals. I find the simplest thing like a new and fun outfit does the trick almost every time! Find everything you need at Zappos and don’t forget about the rewards program, where you can take advantage of so many great perks and the best running gear!

Back to Base Building with Asics GT-2009

Sponsored by Zappos. All opinions are my own.

Training for races requires a sequence of steps—phases that can be customized to last as long as you’d like. Since I have been shying away from the virtual races this year, I’ve had the longest “base building” phase ever! It’s not a bad thing since I have definitely improved my overall endurance. The downside of long base building phases turns out to be the increased time on your feet. After all, this phase is really about getting the body used to long distance running, which means our bodies get a bit overused if we aren’t careful with recovery and pacing.

The number one tip I give to my athletes and am very strict about myself is making sure to wear the right shoes for every run. This can make or break your ability to run long and perform your best. It’s a good idea to learn your natural foot strike pattern before trying out different styles of shoes. There are a handful of pairs that I feel protect the feet best if you fall into the category of neutral or overpronation. After having amazing success with ASICS I was lucky enough to get my hands on a pair of the new GT-2000 9 from Zappos. I find almost everything I need for running from Zappos, and you can’t go wrong with their super knowledgeable customer service, speedy shipping (literally 2 days at the most!), and free returns for a year through their rewards program! My ASICS came just in time to start out my next training cycle.

Long Run Dominance

My goal right now is to get myself running long again. It’s what truly helped me during my best training blocks. If you can safely increase your weekly mileage, it is sure to help you set a new PR. By “safely” I mean setting aside enough time to recover in between sessions, taking the majority of your runs easy, and eating enough calories every single day. This does not work for everyone, especially those who have a busy job and family to take care of. Although it’s not impossible to follow a high mileage program, it is certainly not necessary. Many runners do just fine running much less!

The ASICS GT-2000 9 have felt like the perfect pair for endurance runs of any distance. The GEL technology cushioning enhances the shock absorption of the shoe at the heel, which has been a lifesaver for me after several miles, given I am a big heel striker so I need all the cushioning I can get for the impact. The midfoot and forefoot of the shoe is made with a cushioning material called SOLYTE, which provides 20% more shock absorption and is half the weight of standard running shoe foams. This combination is ideal for long runs because you never want a heavy shoe, and you need to be careful with other lightweight shoes because they tend to lack the cushioning and absorption you need to run these long distances without feeling fatigue and resulting in achy feet for days.

Fear Not Pronation

You’ve probably read about how overpronating can create more inefficient running. You can still be fast, but your body sure does have to work harder during certain parts of the running cycle. Unfortunately overpronators are also more at risk of acquiring injuries, such as runner’s knee, IT band syndrome, and plantar fasciitis. One of the best features of the ASICS GT-2000 9 is the combined technology of Guidance Trussic, Guidance Line and Dynamic Duomax that promotes the foot to re-supinate after striking the ground so that the push-off phase can be more efficient. This means your strides will be more powerful and running faster will feel more doable.

Although I am not an overpronator, I still mostly wear stability shoes, since I am very prone to ankle and foot injuries. I often deal with plantar fasciitis and posterior tibialis tendinitis, so having this support from the GT 2000 9 has been helpful in keeping my ankle joint stable during every phase of the running cycle, especially while making turns or running over uneven surfaces. At 10mm, the larger heel drop is definitely a more comfortable option if you are looking to protect your Achilles tendon or have dealt with heel pain. This pair is also lightweight—just under 8oz for women! No need for those extremely unsupportive flats for tempo runs and track workouts! If you are challenging yourself with long distance training or even just casually running to relieve some stress these days, I highly recommend the ASICS GT-2000 9 from Zappos, where you will also find all of your running gear needs!

A Marathon Training Staple: The Saucony Triumph 18

Sponsored by Zappos. All opinions are my own.

We are quickly approaching the last quarter of the year. I’m sure I am not the only one who had these big goals for 2020 and felt somewhat derailed months ago when everything pretty much came to a halt in our lives. At least that’s what it seemed like. What really happened was life had to keep going, but with a bunch of alterations and limitations. For runners, the biggest change was the loss of racing this year. This, on top of being limited to solo running for a long time, has been the biggest block to staying motivated. I won’t lie—I got a bit jealous seeing some runners continue on their race training programs and smash their PRs with virtual races. 

Since I’ve never been into racing virtually, I used the summer to build a good base and keep things easy. I am happy I chose this route during these crazy times, because it helped me truly embrace my love for running and how having a more relaxed schedule can still keep me in shape, while staying sane at the same time! Well, now I’m on to the next chapter! The next race I’m signed up for is my hometown race, the Miami Marathon, at the end of January. My new kicks, the Saucony Triumph 18 from Zappos, came just in time to break them in during my first week of training. If you didn’t know, I get all of my running gear from Zappos. They have the largest selection of products and the best customer service. Plus—they offer free expedited shipping and free returns for a year when you are part of the free rewards program. I highly recommend signing up if you love to shop!

Faster Than Ever Before

I’ve ran with the previous Saucony Triumph versions, including the 17s, which were just on the last tip of their lifespan, and I’m happy to say the Triumph 18 are a perfect update to what was already one of my favorite running shoes. I have been using the Triumph for a few years now for the majority of my easy and recovery runs. They have always been my most cushioned shoe, making my feet actually feel recovered after runs. Although most of my long runs have been done at an easier pace, I usually avoided using the Triumph since they felt a bit heavier than most of my other pairs. I was so happy when I felt the much lighter and flexible fit of the Triumph 18! The faster feel is definitely the most evident update.

Thanks to the PWRRUN+ technology, the cushioning of the Triumph 18, is coupled with a lightweight outsole, which makes the shoe a good option for longer and faster runs. After running two easy 7-milers, I wanted to feel this for myself and used the Triumph 18 on my weekend 90-minute run. I threw in several sets of 1-minute pick-ups to test out the speed in the shoes, and I was pleasantly surprised at the springier, faster feel of this update.

Anti-Fatigue at its Finest

The main reason I loved my previous Saucony Triumph pairs is how much they helped with the recovery process after harder workouts. During marathon training, I schedule these easy recovery runs every other day and sometimes in the evening after running hard that morning, and the Triumph have always helped keep my feet and joints pain free. You’ve probably heard and seen me mention before how important the right running shoes are to help prevent injuries and keep you running long. Well, the Triumph 18 are the perfect pair to rely on for your race training. I am prone to plantar fasciitis and have problematic feet to begin with, so I used to train with extremely sore feet and this was a huge limitation to my progress. Yes, my feet still get sore after hard workouts, since I still sometimes wear the wrong shoes for me, but right after just one run in my Triumphs I’m already ready for my next workout. Keeping these shoes as part of my shoe rotation all this time has truly been one big reason why I have been able to avoid plantar fasciitis for a few years now and push harder during workouts.

I’m excited to bring my Saucony Triumph 18 along with me for my marathon training this fall. I’m only on the first week of this structured training block, but I know it will be a good one! After months and months of dealing with this global crisis and feeling unsure about what the near future holds, I am ready to tackle my next big goals! Even if the race does not happen in January, I still want to give it my all for the rest of this year and try my first real virtual race, and shoot for a sub-3 marathon finish. The Triumph 18 is sure to help get me there. Now, go get yourself a pair from Zappos!

You Can Be an Everyday Runner Thanks to the New Brooks Ghost 13

Sponsored by Zappos Running. All opinions are my own.

Running every day does not take any magic. It’s all about discipline and routine. Runners just getting into the sport often times get discouraged when they see the consistent daily run schedules of their more experienced friends. They have the desire to do the same but wonder if they will ever be able to get into that daily habit. As a running coach, I see this discouragement in most of my athletes at the beginning of their journeys, but it never lasts very long. Just a couple of months later they are running almost every day without it feeling dreadful, and there’s no better feeling for them than seeing their bodies transform into endurance engines in such a short time! The hardest part about getting to this point is understanding how much more goes into being an everyday runner than just running itself.

It takes strength, proper recovery, and ideal gear to get us to do this without burning out or getting injured. The first thing I advise my athletes is to make sure they are wearing the right shoes and rotating between two or three pairs throughout the week. This is important in order to balance out the pressure in the feet and joints higher up in the body and run more efficiently for different types of workouts. Brooks has done it again with their newest update—the Ghost 13. I got my pair from Zappos, where I get all of my running gear. As part of the rewards program, I get free expedited shipping, so my shoes came the very next day! Free returns for a year and only the best customer service are also part of the rewards program, so if you are not a part of it already, I highly recommend you sign up!

Just Run

When stepping outside for your run, all you want to have to think about is the run itself. When we wear uncomfortable clothes or shoes, it becomes a distraction and can end up messing up our form and making us more tired and achy the rest of the day. Brooks Ghost 13 is made with light, soft materials that keep your feet feeling fresh even after long runs. As usual I wore these for a short run first to break them in, but it didn’t take long for me to know they are a great pair for any amount of miles. My second run was a 90-minute progression run and I was surprised to see how a shoe weighing around 9 ounces can feel just as light as my 6-ounce pair!

The extended cushioning goes beyond the heel and is made with DNA LOFT technology, which basically covers up to the forefoot with a soft cushion to guarantee a smooth landing. As most of you know I am an intense heel striker, so anything that can lessen the impact during my steps is highly beneficial for me. When shoes are too cushioned they end up feeling less springy and responsive, so as comfortable as they can be, they aren’t the best for faster running. The Ghost 13, on the other hand, is not only cushioned but also has BioMoGo DNA which helps combat that loss of responsiveness with the added cushioning. During my progression run, where I started at around 8:45 minute/mile pace and finished around a 7:10 minute/mile pace, I did not feel the softness of the shoe limit my desired speed.

The Need to Breathe

What I loved the most about the Ghost 13 is the fitted feel of the upper. When a shoe hugs my foot like a sock, I know I can count on it to keep everything in place. This means less rubbing and chafing and better compression. I run in maximum heat here in Miami and the humidity is over 90% every day so I also try to wear shoes that keep my feet as dry as possible. The mesh that wraps the upper of the Ghost 13 does a great job keeping my feet from feeling suffocated like they do in other pairs. They also did not soak up all my sweat, even after 12 miles, which usually makes shoes feel twice as heavy during a long run!

If you are looking for a neutral shoe for those everyday miles, Brooks has your back. They updated the previous Ghost model with the joy of running in mind. When you don’t wear a good shoe, that fatigue and achiness in the feet, and even in the rest of the body, can make your run feel miserable. We shouldn’t have to think about anything else while running besides just running. Brooks wants you to RUN HAPPY, and the Ghost 13 makes that possible.

Run at Top Speed with the New Saucony Endorphin Pro

Sponsored by Zappos. All opinions are my own.

Are you in need of some motivation to already start preparing for your next PR? A brand new pair of shoes can do the trick! I am always in search of the next great pair of training shoes that will help my feet tolerate the endless miles I put in every week. What excites me the most is when I find the absolute best pair for racing. The marathon is probably the hardest to shop for when it comes to shoes, since the goal is to run the entire 26.2 miles at a fast pace, while respecting the fact that you are running for several hours! This means you need a good combination of supportive and lightweight technology.

I have been wearing the same racing shoes for the last couple of years thinking there was nothing better out there, but I’ve been wrong! Luckily I got my hands on a pair of the new Saucony Endorphin Pro from Zappos and I’ve fallen in love with everything about them. Zappos always has what I’m looking for and as a rewards member I can take advantage of several shopping benefits such as free expedited shipping and free returns for 365 days. They have the best customer service, too, so whether I need to make a return or I have a question on a product I want to purchase the staff is always knowledgeable and quick to respond!

Superhuman Results

I don’t like to encourage the thought that a shoe can “make you faster” because at the end of the day, it’s our bodies that have the talent and ability. We are the ones who put in the effort and energy into our paces and performance—not the shoe. BUT I do believe a shoe can make faster running feel a little more tolerable and help us more efficiently take advantage of the energy that’s bounced right back to us from the ground. My first impression of the Saucony Endorphin Pro was how lightweight they are—only a bit over 6 ounces! I pretty much forgot I had shoes on at all after a few miles of my first run!

They are equipped with a few speedy features, such as the SPEEDROLL technology that is made to propel you forward with a quick response once you strike the ground. As a runner who usually intensely lands on her heel, I was impressed with how much softer my landing was in these shoes. The Endorphin Pro forces you to land more towards the mid and forefoot in a way, without tiring you out from the change in form. When it comes to faster paces during long races, you want to feel like you are propelling forward instead of bouncing up (which wastes energy by the way!), and these shoes do just that. With the addition of the carbon fiber plate, which provides that boost of power from heel strike to push-off again, fast running does not feel so hard.

The Ease of Maintaining Paces…

This is every runner’s ultimate goal—to feel like they can sustain their marathon pace for the entire race. Although I have not run a marathon yet in my new Saucony Endorphin Pro, my longest run in them, 90 minutes, was enough to show me this superpower. For about two months now I plan out a 90-minute progression run on Saturdays. My goal is to run the last 20 to 30 minutes of this run at or around my goal marathon pace. These days with the intense heat we have outside, this goal is definitely not an easy one to hit. My effort is what counts, but I would love to see the numbers on the watch one day! Well, on my most recent Saturday run in my Endorphin Pro, I actually hit my goal without any difficulty at all! If you are a runner, these mini accomplishments can make your day! I will mention again: the effort and ability to hit these goal paces come from my body, but the shoes sure do make it feel easier!

Comparing these to my former racing shoes, I have to say the Saucony Endorpin Pro is significantly more supportive and cushioned. The PWRRUN cushioning makes long runs comfortable and keeps foot health a priority. So far I have not had any soreness in my ankles and feet as I normally get with my old pair. As I mentioned earlier, the combination of comfort and lightweight speed is the ideal shoe description for marathon racing, and the Saucony Endorphin Pro are equipped with the best of both worlds. In a nutshell: This pair is light, fast, and efficient—what every marathoner needs!