Fall snuck up on me this year. Probably because it doesn’t feel like fall yet. Our weather was a bit cooler this week, but still very humid. So, when I bought new running shoes last week I didn’t realize I would be kicking off fall with new kicks–but I had decided I needed new shoes for my fall races.
Well, so far I only have ONE fall race on my calendar, but there’s bound to be more, right?
New Kicks–Brooks Ravena
I went to my favorite local running store–Pacers–and told the sales clerk I was looking to replace my aging Mizuno Wave Inspires. I’ve been wearing various styles of Mizuno running shoes since … forever, but I was open to trying something different. She brought out the current edition of the Mizunos, the Brooks Ravena, and some Altras.
In the past when I’ve tried on a different brand something has felt “off” but the Brooks Ravena felt good — and so light! On the other hand, the Altras felt too different. I am just not interested in adapting to a lower drop shoe right now.
As much as I liked the Brooks, I was–and am–hesitant to make a change, especially so close to the Reston Perfect 10 next weekend. So, I did what every crazy runner would do, and bought both the Brooks Ravena and a fresh pair of the Mizuno Wave Inspire.
Why is buying new running shoes so stressful? Because they cost so much? Because the wrong shoe can lead to injuries? Brooks does categorize the Ravena as a stability shoe, but I’m nervous because it’s not as supportive as the Mizuno Wave Inspire. Of course, now that I’ve bought the Ravena I’m hearing all about the new Brooks Bedlam–but if I primarily want a stability shoe, I should stick with my Mizunos, right? Why are there so many options? Why is it so hard to decide?
After two runs and an OTF workout the Ravena haven’t caused any issues–no wonky knee pain, no new twinges–so I’m hopeful they’ll work out. At the very least, I think they’ll be good new running shoes for OTF.
Weekly Wrap
As excited as I was to try out my new shoes, I needed to take it easy on Monday, and wanted to go to Aimee’s Cyclebar class on Tuesday, so it wasn’t until Wednesday when I laced up my new kicks. I also tried a new fitness app this week–8Fit–have you heard of it?
Monday: 15 min strength workout
I was so tired, I nearly snoozed through my workout time. But, once I got up and took Scooby out, I want to do something. A woman in my MRTT group has been raving about the 8Fit App, so I decided to give it a try. I searched for a short full-body workout, and the one it came up worth turned out to be pretty good.
It also included glute bridge, push-ups, and burpees
I’ll do a full review once I’ve tried more workouts.
Tuesday: Cyclebar
Wednesday: 3.3 Scooby Miles
A short run with Scooby was a good way to test out my new running shoes–all good!
Thursday: 6 mile hilly run
I don’t usually run on consecutive days, but I didn’t have to be at my conference until 9:30, so I couldn’t resist being able to run in the daylight for a change. I chose a somewhat hilly route because the Reston Perfect 10 is all hills.
My new shoes certainly didn’t make me faster, but everything felt OK.
Friday: Orange Theory Fitness
We only switched stations once, but we did three blocks at each station to break up the 14 minutes even more. The treadmill intervals were tough, but thankfully my heart rate didn’t get into the red zone this week.
Saturday: 21.5 miles cycling (1.5 hrs)
I really wanted to do the Conte’s hill ride this week because I won’t be able to again for a while. I was worried when it was sprinkling on my morning walk with Scooby, but it stopped quickly, so we stuck with our plans. The roads were still wet, so I took it slow going down hill–I am scared of going fast as it is.
Sunday: 10. 25 mile run in Chicago
I found fall weather in Chicago–and a glorious morning for a run along the Lakefront Trail.
There was an event going on at Soldier Field, so I headed north and ran past some of the beaches–I was surprised to see people swimming!
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I have not heard of the 8fit app yet-will have to check that out. It does not really feel like fall yet but I hope soon!
You and I have the same shoe dilemma! I almost bought the black Wave Inspires but I went for the gray and I like them! I agree with you that the Brooks (I run in the Adrenalines) don’t feel as supportive as the Mizunos. I like the Mizunos for racing and long distances. The Brooks are great for getting me around the hood. It’s nice to have options!
We are almost shoe twins! Mizunos are my safe choice, I guess.
Your Chicago run looks perfect! I’m an Inspire girl too. Years ago, our local running store did my “analysis” and put me in a pair of Brooks Ravena. They did not work out (possibly due to an already injured Achilles) but I remember thinking they felt so GOOD on my feet. I need new shoes now but can’t find my size without paying full price. Ouch. Thanks for linking!
Oh, that is so interesting about the Ravena. I tried to do a shoe finder survey on the Brooks website but the questions were too esoteric.
Buying new shoes is so angsty – especially when the last pair of Vongo2s didn’t work. Glad they seem to be working for you
Enjoy Chicago and fall!
Thanks! I think it’s the unknown consequences.
Switching shoes is always so stressful. I’ve actually been planning to visit my favorite running store to see what they recommend. It’s been a while since I’ve been fitted. Hope the Brooks work out for you!
Thanks. I think I’m afraid of them.
I am a Mizuno Wave Inspire gal AND a Brooks Adrenaline GTS gal. They told me at an expo that the Ravenna is similar to the Adrenaline, but not quite as supportive (though much lighter). I’m currently in the Adrenalines, but due for a new pair to add to my rotation.
Hmm. Now I wonder if I should try the Adrenaline ….
Glad the shoes were good! I used to be a Mizuno girl then they did one I didn’t like. I’ve been on Saucony Guides for a few years now, 8s and 9s, but then I bought the 10s and very much disliked them! I’ve run the usual outlets out of 9s in my size, so I’m going to have to go to the running shop soon. My trick is to go in the autumn when they have the old and new seasons in, try both, hopefully buy the on-sale old season ones but know I have two choices, then buy multiple pairs online once I know they’re good. Oh, it’s tiring though!
We do go to a lot of extremes to find and get hold of the right shoes!
I find buying new sneakers to be so stressful!
I’ve always wanted to run along the lakefront trail – it looks so peaceful!
It’s an amazing place to run — but you’ll have lots of company even at sunrise.
I’ve been hesitant about new models ever since ASICs scarred me years ago. They changed my model way too much, and even though New Balance has been good, I’m wary when buying the new model. I need to ask all sorts of questions at the store to compare what I’m wearing and the new model so I know for sure they’ll be good for me.
It is so frustrating when they ruin a good shoe with some “improvement”
I’m too nervous to switch so I keep buy the same Nike but in a different color.
Love that trail run…so pretty.
That’s how I’ve been but it’s still tempting to try something new. The Lakefront is lovely this time of year!
I love that Chicago photo! Buying new running shoes really is stressful. I’m too scared to change shoes for just the reasons you mentioned, but I feel like it would be nice to have something with a wider toe box than my Sauconys. Great news that your shoes are working out well so far!
The recent Mizuno Wave Rider seemed too narrow for my toes.I think that’s why she wanted me to try Hokas, but those are too drastic.
While I love my Newtons for racing, I like to wear more cushioned shoes for easy runs, and I am still experimenting with those.
Running along the lake in Chicago must be really nice!
Interesting. I definitely want cushion for my races. There’s no way I could do racing flats.
I hate buying new shoes too. You find a pair that you really like but then when the new version comes out they have to tweak it somehow. I love the Brooks Launch. I have yet to try that Ravena ones.
Oooh! Another Brooks model to try. Just what I needed … not! 🙂
I love that you bought both! I’d do the same. It’s so hard when shoe models change and it’s always exciting/risky to experiment with different brands. Looking forward to seeing how you like them. Glad Chicago weather was good to you!
The weather was so nice — until Tuesday morning. Luckily I got out before the storms on Tuesday afternoon.
I wear several different brands of shoes. I love Brooks (I wear the Adrenalines and Bedlams), but the Ravenna has never worked well for me. I also love the Saucony Guide, the Mizuno Wave Inspire and an Adidas stability shoe whose model escapes me right now. My feet like variety.
That’s great. How do the Adrenaline and Bedlam compare?
I’m a Brooks Ravenna girl for life, but I agree you probably shouldn’t make a change right before the race. Good luck!
It’s good to know that they work well for you!
I always have 2 pairs of sneakers that I rotate between. Mine are typically Asics & Mizunos!
Yay for new shoes! I’m intrigued to continue to hear your thoughts about the Ravennas. I too am a loyal Wave Inspire wearer. They’ve all I’ve worn since late 2013.
Wow. I’ve bounced between Wave Riders and Inspires, but after the last update (last year) the Inspires were better for me.
I have literally been running in the exact same shoes since I started running five years ago! I loved them so much for the get-go that I kept buying multiple pairs online. I am on my last pair and can’t find them anywhere anymore. I am completely stressed out about having to try something different!
Oh, no! I hope you find a good replacement. Have you tried eBay?
I don’t do toooo much running, but I usually stick to the same two brands (Nikes vs Saucony). I like the color of the Brooks!
Nike’s never worked for me, but I’ve had some fun Saucony’s,