Getting into marathon training means stocking up on not only my go-to supplements that will help keep me fit and energized, but also sticking with the gear and apparel that are the most comfortable (and stylish!). Check out all of my favorite pieces and essentials for 2023 training with links included!
Read moreRun 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!
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.
A Long Run Shoe You Can Count On – The Under Armour HOVR Sonic 3
Sponsored by Zappos. All opinions are my own.
If there is one thing I look for in a long run shoe besides cushioning, it’s flexibility. Nothing feels worse on runs over an hour than a stiff shoe. It leaves me with sore feet for days! Since I am prone to plantar fasciitis and have had a history of several foot and ankle injuries, I have to be a little picky about my running shoes. Most runners should be anyway, especially if they plan on training for a half or full marathon. After all our feet carry our entire bodyweight during any standing activity, so if you don’t take good care of them with supportive shoes, you will risk injuring another area in the body on top of limiting your performance.
I am happy I was able to get my hands on a pair of Under Armour HOVR Sonic 3 from Zappos. With their incredible selection of products, it’s always hard to choose just one pair, but this time I was in search of a good long running shoe and the Sonic 3 sounded perfect! As a Zappos rewards member I get free expedited shipping, so my shoes arrived the very next day after placing my order! Another great perk of the rewards member program besides the excellent customer service and speedy shipping, is the 365-day free return policy. If you haven’t joined yet, you are missing out!
Energy Saving
One of the key factors every runner tries to improve for distance running is endurance. It’s all about the way we teach our bodies to store energy and stay strong in order to last as long as possible. Shoes can have this ability, too, just in a different way. The lightweight technology of the Under Armour HOVR Sonic 3 helps transform the energy we put into our steps into energy released by the shoe for a more powerful and efficient stride. For a while, I made the mistake of wearing the wrong shoes for my long runs—shoes that felt light, yet stiff, and definitely not responsive at all. Switching to the Sonic 3 immediately made this energy-saving feature obvious from the start.
As usual, I took my brand new pair out on my regular Sunday short, easy run to test them out. They really didn’t need much ‘breaking in’, and I was surprised at how flexible they felt since I thought the heel counter would make the shoe feel a bit stiff. The heel counter is a great addition to the shoe for me, personally, because it keeps my foot in place. I tend to get annoyed when my shoes get loose during my runs, and this feature made sure to avoid that problem!
Lasting Comfort
As for long runs, this shoe does exceptionally well. First off, the materials are ideal for the intense heat and humidity I run through every day. The upper not only keeps my feet dry, but it provides a compression-like fit, which hugs my foot throughout my entire run—in the lightest way possible! It’s hard finding a shoe that not only feels light for high mileage, but also cushioned enough to keep my feet from getting sore in the days following. The Under Armor HOVR Sonic 3 is the perfect combination of these two features!
Running Tips Straight from the Gait
We rely heavily on the data from our running watches—cadence, pace, heart rate, etc. It’s a never-ending list that can get overwhelming when trying to improve our performance. What if I told you that your shoes can provide you with this information directly? Yes! The HOVR Sonic 3 are one of Under Armour’s connected gear that you can pair to your Map My Run App to get all of the insights of your gait pattern during different runs. The technology provides you with tips in real-time—like DURING your run, to help you correct faulty patterns that can lead to injuries. I’m constantly trying to work to improve my performance as a runner, so I’m excited to have this feature available to me!
The Under Armour HOVR Sonic 3 is officially part of my long run rotation, with its flexible upper, cushioned and compressive fit, and lightweight materials. I highly recommend this pair if you are looking for a light, neutral shoe for daily runs. Zappos has you covered with 5 sleek color options and super fast shipping when you sign up for the rewards membership! You’ll be sure to find any shoes or gear you are looking for when you shop!
Summer Training Success: Featuring Asics GEL-Kayano 27
Sponsored by Zappos. All opinions are my own.
Training during these hot summer months can definitely make even the strongest of runners feel so out of shape! The good thing is that the rumors are true—training in the heat helps build fitness. Every time I’ve planned a fall race, I end up dreading the fact that the bulk of the training and the most intense weeks will land on the hottest part of the year. This is coming from someone who lives in a warm climate year round! Miami is regularly warm, so you would think I am used to it even when summer comes around. But it is a different kind of heat from June through September—very high humidity and dew point and a “feels like” temperature of 100+ degrees almost every single day!
Sadly, we’ve had the majority of our races canceled for the rest of the year, so it can be tough to find the motivation to train at all, especially when it’s stifling outside. I mentioned before and I’ll say it over and over again—new shoes can do wonders to give us a push to get out the door! I’m on my fourth week of using my ASICS GEL-Kayano 27 from Zappos and I’m truly loving them for the bulk of my training. Since my focus is improving my endurance, I’m incorporating several longer easy to medium-paced runs and this pair has been perfect!
Keep It Light
This goes for not just your summer training load, but also your entire outfit. The most comfortable way to run when it’s extremely warm out is with the lightest gear. You don’t want your clothes sticking to you, so make sure you wear light, breathable materials that keep you dry. This is especially important when it comes to shoes. You don’t want your sweat to keep you from reaching your pace goals! I, myself, am definitely not a fan of running shoes that absorb all my sweat and end up feeling heavy and sponge-like—no thank you!
The GEL-Kayano 27 have been the perfect pair for summer running since they are made with a mesh upper that allows air to flow through the shoes to help keep you dry. This is a bit of an update from the previous version, since they expanded the space in between the material’s fibers. Even the sock liner inside the shoe stays dry! By the way, the sock liner actually adds extra plush cushioning that I feel makes long runs much more comfortable! My feet tend to get sore, especially since I’ve had 12-years full of bouts of plantar fasciitis, so any extra cushioning that does not add weight is a plus.
Versatility
I have a neutral running stance and normal arch height, so I generally don’t have to worry about finding a good stability shoe. What I’ve noticed when researching running shoes is that it’s hard to find a pair that works really well for both neutral and overpronating runners. Usually the stability aspect tends to feel stiffer along the outsole if you are a neutral runner, therefore not as comfortable for speedier runs.
The ASICS GEL-Kayano 27, however, is the best of both worlds! The DUOMAX support system helps limit the foot rolling inward (overpronate), but not at the cost of cushioning. It’s made with softer materials so from when the foot strikes the ground all the way to the push-off phase, it keeps the impact less intense, while providing the springiness we want to run at any pace. I noticed this the most when making turns on my runs—the shoe feels like it conforms to the shape of your foot like a foam mattress would, but kept my ankle secure as it rotated.
All in all, I feel the ASICS GEL-Kayano 27 does a great job at protecting my injury-prone feet during my high-mileage training program. After trying them out for every type of run—easy, long, sprints, tempo runs, and hill running, I find they work well for each, but are truly the perfect fit for medium to long consistently paced runs. Since these have been my go-to pair for the bulk of my easy and recovery runs, I even bought a second pair! There are several colors to choose from at Zappos, so take a look for yourself and don’t forget about signing up for the Zappos rewards so you can take advantage of the many benefits, like free expedited shipping, points on every purchase, and a 365 day return policy!
Shoe Review: HOKA ONE ONE Clifton Edge
Sponsored by Zappos Running. All opinions are my own.
Is heel striking really that bad for you? This is a common concern in the running community and has been a topic of debate for years. An extended amount of research has been done on foot strike patterns but has ultimately been inconclusive as to whether it actually is the cause of injuries and/or limits performance in any way. Poor performance and injuries are usually caused by a mixture of things—overall weakness, history of other injuries, overtraining, and faulty form, all together are major culprits, among others. Believe it or not, wearing the wrong types of shoes for YOUR feet can be a primary cause as well. The good thing is many shoe brands are coming out with so many options that it’s actually not so hard to find a good pair—as long as you do your research!
I was lucky to get my hands on a pair of HOKA ONE ONE Clifton Edge from Zappos and was impressed from the moment I tried them on! First off, the color choices, although only two, are amazing, so I’ll probably make a purchase for the moonlit ocean color very soon! Zappos offers a free VIP membership program that comes with a package of benefits like free expedited shipping, free returns for 365 days, excellent customer service, along with their incredible selection of products.
Running with Less Impact—Yes Please!
If you are a distance runner, you know the trauma that running all the miles can do to the body. I, myself, love a high mileage program. It’s worked for me for years, but only if I incorporate the proper recovery and take care of my body. The HOKA ONE ONE Clifton Edge has a visible extended heel that may scare some runners into thinking it will limit their pace or just feel uncomfortable, but my review on this feature is a positive one. It actually felt the opposite for me—it made the constant pounding feel much less impactful.
I am a big heel striker, which used to make me anxious until I learned that it’s actually not directly linked to injuries after all. The problem with heel striking is that it shoots the pounding all the way up the joints. Within the first few steps of taking my Clifton Edge out for a short, easy run, I noticed the shoe actually promotes a more mid-foot strike pattern. This is a plus for me, because it made the transition into the push-off phase much smoother. In turn, I felt since the shoe created this mid-foot strike on impact, it allowed me to apply a slightly better forward lean, which is part of good form! Of course, any permanent form improvements are made by the runner, not the shoe!
The Best of Both Worlds
An extremely lightweight shoe is usually not the most cushioned one. The HOKA ONE ONE Clifton Edge, although a narrower shoe, provides a comfortable ride compared to what you may think when holding the shoe by hand. The Women’s shoe weighs about 8 ounces, which is on the lower to medium end of most supportive shoes. Instead of feeling tighter with the narrow fit, it felt more “fitted”—meaning the materials conformed to the shape of my feet as to support them. It has just enough cushioning to protect my feet during long runs, but not so much that it compresses my foot when I want to go fast. I have a neutral foot and gait pattern so this stability pair was perfect for me for runs of any distance.
So far I’ve taken my Clifton Edge out on a short 45-minute easy-paced run and a 90-minute aerobic run and they felt just right! I’m looking forward to trying this pair out for race-paced workouts and hill sessions, since the comfortable ride and smoother heel-to-toe transition are more ideal for fast and higher impact running. If you are a neutral runner looking for a lightweight shoe that’s also super good-looking, I highly recommend the HOKA ONE ONE Clifton Edge from Zappos. Don’t forget to sign up for the VIP membership and take advantage of the many benefits!
Shoe Review: Asics GEL-Kayano 27
Sponsored by Zappos Running. All opinions are my own.
No races? No problem! You don’t need a race to keep on running. It’s true we find a good amount of motivation when we sign up for a big race, so it’s normal if we are feeling a bit bummed during this time as mostly all races have been canceled for the year. The thing about running that we often forget is that you can do it year round and get good at it, too—whether or not you have a race on the horizon. I, myself, think of other ways to get motivated. I create a list of short term goals for running that get me just as excited as my race goals do, and remind myself that reaching these smaller goals will only lead to better progress when I can finally race again.
Another way I motivate myself is with cool, new running gear. My favorite part of my wardrobe is running shoes, of course! I recently got another brand new pair from Zappos—the Asics GEL-Kayano 27. I shop from Zappos all the time, since they have an amazingly large selection of everything. I am a VIP member which also means I get free, super fast shipping, plus free returns for a year! I always have the best shopping experience and find everything I am looking for.
Next Level Performance
With the many months we have until our next races, it’s a great time to break up the time into different training blocks. One of the best ways to improve in distance running is to focus on the whole package, which takes time! So having lots of it is a good thing! Running in the Asics GEL-Kayano 27 is a perfect option if you are looking for a high-level stability shoe. My first impression of the shoe was how lightweight it is, especially after reading about the different systems that make up the shoe, which I thought would make the shoe feel heavy.
As I usually do with every new pair, I tried out the Kayano 27 for the first time on a short easy run. The first thing I noticed was how conforming the shoe felt during every part of the gait cycle. This is my favorite feature of Asics—the GEL that runs across many of their styles. It’s what lets the shoe move with the foot. Shoes without this feature tend to feel stiff when you push off the ground with the toes. The Kayano 27 does a good job with this transition and provides a springy step.
Built-In Comfort
Since I have a history of ankle and foot injuries and have dealt with plantar fasciitis for almost my whole running life, I try my best to find shoes that have a decent amount of cushioning but still provide the responsiveness I need for speed work. I have a pet peeve with running shoes—shifting of my heel, which is non-existent in the Asics GEL-Kayano 27! The external heel counter of the shoe truly holds the heel in place and makes it feel “locked”, so you can count on these shoes to feel more fitted than most other styles.
The DUOMAX support system is a game changer for those of you who overpronate naturally while you run. It’s what gives the shoe the stability aspect and controls that inward rolling of the foot. Not controlling overpronation during running can lead to a long list of injuries such as direct ankle and foot problems, runner’s knee, IT band syndrome, and low back pain. It’s important for runners to pay attention to this when choosing the right shoe. This pair also has a specially designed trusstic system in the women’s shoe compared to the men’s, with softer foam.
I’m excited to keep using my GEL-Kayano 27 for the bulk of my training since so far I find that they truly protect my feet from the constant impact of my daily running. I highly recommend this pair for medium to long runs at a consistent pace, although they are pretty good at quick pace changes, as well! I’ll keep you all updated as I continue to break them in and use them for different distances and run types. In the meantime, check out all of the colors on the Zappos site and don’t forget about the VIP membership benefits!
Shoe Review: Asics GEL-Cumulus 22
As runners, we love our shoes. We love them so much, we dread when they wear out too quickly and we have to toss them. It would be great if all the shoes we loved would last just a little longer, but unfortunately, since we also like our shoes to be light and fast, we have to sacrifice durability. What if I told you that this is not the case with the brand new pair I was lucky to try out from Zappos?! The Asics GEL-Cumulus 22 is made with lightweight materials that last longer than most other shoes—you can actually tell the difference from the first time you wear them rather than waiting to see at the end of their lifespan.
Zappos has been my go-to for all my running (and much of my non-running) gear. They have an extra large selection of products, so I always find what I’m looking for. Since becoming a VIP member, I’ve taken advantage of the benefits, including the free expedited shipping, expert customer service, and free returns for a year. If you haven’t joined, you are missing out!
Long Run Comfort
When trying out a new pair of running shoes, I always take a day to walk around in them first, then follow that with a short run to break them in further before attempting a longer run. These shoes are definitely more supportive than the lightweight shoes I am used to. The structure of the shoe is on the firm side, yet flexible enough to conform to the motion of the foot during the constant pounding on the ground. Some runners stay away from more rigid shoes because they feel it will limit their speed, but you definitely want some firmness if you are looking to run more than a few miles. That’s where the support comes from!
My first longer run in these shoes was a 14-mile run up and over the causeway several times, and I was surprised with how comfortable they felt during the inclines. Instead of the firmness limiting my push-off on the inclines, it actually helped! Asics’ FlyteFoam technology is what gives the midsole this responsiveness. I was a fan of the GEL-Cumulus 21, which I used for most medium runs for a couple of months. This updated version feels much softer, which is going to be great for all of my bridge runs!
A Summer Running Essential
Running in 90+ degrees and 95%+ humidity every single day has its benefit of building a great deal of strength and fitness. One of the worst problems of running in this climate is finishing every run with soggy shoes. It’s merely impossible to not get sweat into your shoes during these hot months, so it’s great when a shoe is made with the right materials to let your feet breathe and not get weighed down. The Ortholite X-40 Sockliner in the Asics GEL-Cumulus 22 provides the shoe with better moisture management than any other shoe I’ve used lately. The upper part of the shoe is made with a mesh material, which also helps the feet stay dry.
I lean more towards a neutral/supinated foot strike, so these shoes felt just right. If you are an overpronator, you may actually still find this shoe can work for you since it is extremely roomy for any orthotic. I actually tested this out by removing the insoles and replacing with my plantar fasciitis insoles I use sometimes and they did not feel tight at all! For those of you that fall into the overpronation category, the increased pressure through the heel when running can definitely cause pain and other foot and ankle issues. The GEL-Cumulus 22 is made with a gel cushion that you can visibly see in the heel of the shoe that reduces this pressure and provides the foot with better shock absorption—something that will greatly reduce your risk of injury.
All in all, the Asics GEL-Cumulus 22 is a well-designed shoe that feels great for just about any run. I will be using these for medium to long runs since the materials are longer lasting than other lightweight shoes I own. I highly recommend this pair for short to long distance training, so give them a try in one of the ten color options from Zappos. And don’t forget to take advantage of the VIP membership program!
