Fly High (And Fast) with Brooks Levitate 4

Sponsored by Zappos Running. All opinions are my own.

Although running can sometimes leave us feeling depleted, it has the somewhat magical power of making us feel energized at the same time. If you are into running, like me, then you know how addicting the process is—working on improving performance through strict planning and dedication. We strive for that feeling of effortless miles at our goal paces. It’s fun to see and read about others in the running community setting new records in races or weekly mileage, but unless you are runner, you fail to see the hard work—blood, sweat and tears, that go into the process. Good thing we have tools around us that can help us stay motivated and feel our best during the grind.

One of these tools is running shoes. Runners are a bit obsessed over the newest gear and updated technology. Every year we see running shoes coming out with new ways of getting lighter, springier, and more supportive. I’ve been a fan of the Brooks Levitate series for the last couple of years. I’ve had the pleasure of running many miles with the Levitate 2 and 3, which both made running feel easier. My newest addition is the Brooks Levitate 4 from Zappos, where I get almost all of my running gear. I’m a rewards member so I get the best benefits like free expedited shipping, exceptional customer service, and free returns for an entire year! I always find everything I am looking for!

Take Flight

In a nutshell, the Brooks Levitate 4 make me feel like I’m gliding through the air. It’s no wonder why they named this style “Levitate”. I was excited when I read one of the updates was a weight reduction by a whopping 20%. I really wanted to see what the shoe can do for my training, since it consists of mostly longer runs. I always take out new pairs for a short run before trying them out for anything too intense. My first impression was how comfortable the more compressive-like fit is, which I noticed just by walking around. I thought they would end up feeling tight after a few miles, since my feet normally swell during runs. I had zero complaints after my 40-minute session, as the materials ended up being stretchy so pretty much conformed to my feet and left me without swelling!

For my longer run test, I went for 70 minutes in my Levitate 4. This is when I felt the light, springy update that made me feel that “flying” sensation. I kept it easy for the most part, except for a handful of 20 to 30 second pickups after the halfway point to see how the shoes responded to the faster paces. Since I was already used to the previous version’s ability to quickly react to a speedier cadence, I anticipated the same from these, and they did the job well! I’ve mentioned before about my excessive heel strike pattern and how firm shoes don’t work for me since I need an extra smooth transition from heel to toe. Thankfully this pair is flexible enough to make this happen.

A Shoe with Multiple Hats

Once the Brooks Levitate 4 passed the easy run and mini stride test, I took them out for next level trials—a tempo run. For me, this workout consists of easy running for 30 minutes, straight into 30 minutes at a hard effort, then back into easy running for 30 minutes. This session made the updates even more obvious, as the lighter weight makes sustaining faster paces easier. The only drawback I believe some runners will have is the narrow fit, which is more evident the longer you run. This was not necessarily an issue for me since the compressive knit that creates the upper part of the shoe helps me with controlling swelling and makes my foot feel a bit more supported than most other speed shoes. So, in my opinion, the “narrow” is there for a reason!

Given the 2020 circumstances, most of us have had to change our goals. Once I realized I probably won’t get to race this year, I chose to use this time to improve my running form, along with my endurance. Including Brooks running shoes into my rotation has been a game changer for both my mechanics and foot health. The addition of the new and improved Levitate 4 will help take my running to the next level throughout the rest of the summer, when it’s hardest to train. Zappos has several color choices for this style, so I’m looking forward to getting my hands on another pair soon!

Shoe Review: Brooks Hyperion Tempo

Sponsored by Zappos. All opinions are my own.

With fall racing around the corner, most of us are gearing up for an intense summer of fast miles in the heat. As tough as it is to train during this time, we just need to find what motivates us to get up and get it done. I don’t know about you but a fast pair of running shoes really does the trick to get me excited to work hard. There are so many to choose from, though, so it can get a little overwhelming trying to find the perfect shoe rotation. There are several components to shoes that determine what they are best used for. You have to consider the weight, materials, responsiveness, and cushioning levels when picking what to wear for long runs, speed sessions, track workouts, and your every day easy runs.

I’ve been so happy with my recent addition of the Brooks Adrenaline that I got so intrigued by what else the brand has to offer. I’ve been in search for a shoe that works for longer distance speed work, since that’s my goal for the summer. Thankfully I got my hands on a pair of the Brooks Hyperion Tempo from Zappos. The Hyperion is a line that was created with input from some of the top elite runners, so you can probably guess they are made to go fast!

Zappos never lets me down. I can always count on finding any pair I’m looking for with their extremely large selection of running shoes and expert customer service that is always ready to answer all of my questions. As a VIP member you not only get these benefits, but also super fast and free shipping—even during the pandemic I got my shoes within a couple of days! Free returns for a year is also part of the VIP program, which you won’t find anywhere else. If you love to shop and want the best selections, I highly recommend being a VIP member, which is also free by the way!

Weight Matters

Most runners try to find the lightest pair of shoes for every run. In general, this is a good idea. No one wants to be pounding the pavement with a bulky pair. Normally the lightest shoes are made for short distance speed work like track sessions and for racing, and developed with materials that most likely are the least supportive and cushioned since this will add weight to the shoe. The tricky part about finding the right shoes for half and full marathon training is that you have to look hard for a shoe that has both components—lightweight AND supportive. The Brooks Hyperion Tempo falls into this category.

Faster Recovery

I first tested these out for a short, easy run to break them in a little, and then added a few strides at the end to see how they felt for faster paces. I was impressed to find that they really didn’t need to be broken in—they felt flexible and soft from the start. The DNA FLASH midsole is infused with nitrogen, which is what helps the shoe give off a superb energy return. This is important for fast running because you want that force you’re putting into the shoe to be used to push off and accelerate as fast as possible. Basically, the goal is zero waste of energy, so that you can recover faster. Shoes that don’t provide this make your feet and muscles work harder to gain the speed you are aiming for, therefore increasing fatigue and delaying recovery.

Unlike other distance running shoes, the Brooks Hyperion Tempo are far from rigid. The upper is made with stretchy material that hugs the foot, but are pretty roomy in the forefoot. This means when feet swell after long distances, which is normal, you don’t have to worry about the shoes feeling tight during the second half of those long sessions. After using these for the second time on a 12 mile run in 85-degree weather, I was happy to see that they truly felt breathable even given how much I sweat during these hot summer runs! Breathable shoes means less risk of painful blisters and chafing, which can be a major limitation to any amount of running. You are guaranteed to feel light on your feet, since this pair does not hold on to moisture.

If you are preparing for a half or full marathon this summer, the Brooks Hyperion Tempo is a great option for longer and faster runs. There are two sleek color combinations to choose from, so head over to Zappos to order yours today and sign up for that VIP membership so you can reap the rewards!

Shoe Review: Brooks Adrenaline GTS 20

Sponsored by Zappos Running. All Opinions are my own.

Stability, cushioning, responsiveness…it all sounds like the best way to describe a good running shoe, but what do these terms really mean? Do all running shoes really have the right amount of everything to protect us from injury and help us run our best? The answer is no. All shoes are made differently and it takes time and patience to find the right pair. If you ask a hardcore runner what they want in a shoe, most likely they will say “fast” is their priority. The problem is shoes that help with speed, are not the most comfortable. You pretty much have to give and take when it comes to deciding on the right pair. The most important feature to look for in running shoes is support. After all, that’s what shoes are made for—to support our feet.

In comes Brooks Adrenaline GTS 20. I was lucky enough to snag a pair from Zappos, where I regularly buy all of my running clothes and gear. Their extremely large selection of products guarantees that you’ll find what you need every single time. As a Rewards Member you get free expedited shipping and free returns for a year, so there is no reason to shop elsewhere! I’ve heard great things about the Adrenaline GTS 20 so I wanted to try out a pair myself. It was a hard choice out of about two-dozen color options. I selected the peacoat/light blue/copper, which looks even better in person!

Chain Reaction

Did you know any problems that arise in the feet could lead to issues and injury in higher joints in the body? For example, if you overpronate, this causes the foot to buckle inwards, which causes the knee to rotate and pressure to get unevenly distributed even up to as high as the lower back joints. Ankle and foot problems are frequently the initial cause of knee pain in runners. This is one reason why I love the Brooks Adrenaline GTS 20. It is actually made with a system that controls motion in the foot to minimize this chain of reactions. Stabilizing the foot with GuideRails, you can count on the Adrenaline GTS 20 to provide you with much more comfortable and pain free runs.

Dual Cushioning

Cushioning is cushioning, right? Yes and no. The term makes runners think of soft, plush materials that hug your feet, but the cushioning in the Adrenaline GTS 20 does much more than that. DNA LOFT is the softest of Brooks’ cushioning and is what adapts to your foot’s shape, positioning, as well as your bodyweight. I felt a good amount of that pillow-like support when running in this pair, yet with a springiness that I normally get in a lightweight racing shoe. This is what the second layer of cushioning is responsible for. The BioMoGo DNA was created to give a shoe that’s part of a “cushioned” line a speedy element. Don’t worry—having this extra layer does not add any bulk.

I took my Brooks on a few different runs—8 mile easy run, 12 miles with 3 miles at tempo pace in the middle, and an 18-miler long run at aerobic pace. They felt extremely comfortable and well-cushioned, but I was surprised at the stability I felt given they weren’t too stiff like most motion control shoes. This must be the GuideRails technology mentioned earlier. I was hesitant about the 18-miler since the shoes felt extremely lightweight for a long run given I have significant instability in my foot and ankle joints. Thankfully they felt supportive enough and did not give me any pain or soreness in my feet as I usually get after using lightweight shoes for longer sessions.

As for my speed session, I was pleasantly surprised! Since I already knew about the two layers of cushioning and the stability technology, I was anticipating a less than ideal assist for my fast miles. It turns out the addition of the BioMoGo DNA that is supposed to help with responsiveness, really does provide the spring you want when trying to run faster. I’m still waiting to try these out for an even faster workout on the track to really test this technology!

If you are looking for a sleek, lightweight, and cushioned shoe, the Brooks Adrenaline GTS 20 is a good option, especially for every day runs. This line is made with durable materials, so you can count on this pair to last you longer than many other brands. Don’t forget—Zappos has a full stock of over two dozen color options, so you can be sure to find a print that matches your style!

Apparel Review: Brooks Dare Run Bras

Sponsored by Zappos. All opinions are my own.

When it comes to running, all details matter. We spend so much time researching and looking for the right shoes for the sport, but forget that the rest of what we wear makes an impact on our performance as well. When I first started out as a runner, I dressed in whatever I normally wore to the gym—spandex leggings and cotton tops was typical. I dealt with my fair share of chafing all over the place, but it took me a while to understand that it wasn’t just the act of running that was causing this issue, it was actually the material and types of clothes I was wearing on every single run. Cotton definitely should not be a part of any running apparel!

Most people who follow my journey will notice I have been wearing the same style of sports bras for years. I tend to stick to what I know and what has ‘somewhat’ worked for me, but end up missing out on the new and better options that come out on the market. I was lucky to try out one of the styles from Brooks new Dare Run Bra collection from Zappos, where you can find the entire line plus a long list of so many other products. Being a Zappos Rewards member means I get free expedited shipping (one business day!), free returns for a year, and the best customer service. It doesn’t get any better than what Zappos offers!

Backed by Research

When designing the Dare collection, Brooks partnered up with research teams and runners to test sports bra features on the many cups sizes, not just the standard size as most brands do. The conclusion was that bras made for running should be designed very differently than the regular sports bras out there. Running is a high impact sport and requires extra support to withstand constant and intense movement, as well as extra protection against excessive moisture. Promoting breast health was a top priority for the Brooks team when creating the Dare collection.

The Test

My first impression of the Brooks Dare High Neck Run Bra was how lightweight the material felt. I chose to try this cropped style since it had a bit more coverage than most other bras, which tends to be more comfortable to wear for my body type. I was a little skeptical to run with a bra that was almost entirely seamless, like this one, since it felt as if it wouldn’t support and hold things in place as much. My first in-motion impression of the High Neck Run Bra was the compete opposite—the lack of seams made the bra feel even more lightweight than I thought and since the material was pretty compressive, it felt just as supportive, if not more, than the bras I normally wear.

As I mentioned, I’ve had a long history with chafing from sports bras. I don’t know if it’s because my skin is super sensitive or I really just don’t wear the right type of bras for distance running! The worst of it happens during long runs and racing since it’s when I’m sweating the most. I finished the 2018 Boston Marathon, which was a torrential downpour the entire time with an almost-down-to-the bone, quarter dollar-sized open wound along the seam of my bra. It was the worst pain for days and I still have a scar from it! I normally get chafing even on 90-minute runs, but I ran a 12-miler with the Brooks Run Bra and I finished with ZERO chafing! That definitely marks a big checkmark for a good sports bra in my book!

The back and sides of the High Neck Run Bra has tiny holes, or perforations as it’s called in the details, that I thought was just for added design, but they actually serve a purpose. They are placed strategically to promote airflow so that your skin can stay dry—another aide to the anti-chafing benefits. During my runs I think this helped the bra move with my skin much better than if excess sweat got in the way and made the material stick. Many bras these days are made with cup inserts to add that extra padding and/or support for bigger cup sizes, but they tend to get tangled when you wash or just fall right out. The padding in this Brooks Run Bra has a unicup design, so it doesn’t shift around during runs and definitely made a noticeable difference for me as far as comfort.

Overall my opinion is Brooks did an amazing job paying attention to the details that matter for women runners. For me, the most important details I look for are anti-chafing properties, compression, and style, and the High Neck Run Bra fit all. The rest of the collection is designed just like this style, so I am looking forward to adding the others to my wardrobe! Combined with the perfectly comfortable Greenlight Tights and Glycerin 18, I felt unstoppable! Brooks running gear is made with detail and performance in mind and can all be found at Zappos. Don’t forget to sign up for the Rewards program to reap the many benefits and always top-notch shopping experience!