This post is sponsored by FitFluential LLC on behalf of Mizuno.
What’s a girl to do when new running shoes arrive on her doorstep a few days before a race? First, she reminds herself that you should not try anything new on race day and remembers when she learned that lesson the hard way a few years ago. Then, she thinks of all the bad things that could happen with the wrong running shoes–ITB problems, knee pain, shin splints. Then, she decides to wear the shoes just to walk around in, “to see how they feel.”
When, race day comes, she’s just not feeling it. She eyes her shiny new shoes and wonders if she could draw on the positive energy Mizuno builds into every shoe to boost her motivation. She is fascinated by the Japanese concept of Hado—the intrinsic vibrational life force energy that promotes powerful transformations–and Mizuno’s goal of harnessing the transformative possibilities of every run.
She is tempted by the sleek, dynamic design of the Wave Rider 18, and imagines how she would feel running in a lightweight shoe that uses Mizuno’s patented Wave Technology® to deliver maximum responsiveness while still providing “just enough” support–which she knew she would need to make it across the Fourteenth Street Bridge.
You know where this is going. She throws caution to the wind, laces up her new Wave Rider 18 running shoes, and heads to the race.
And? She has one of her best races ever. She starts off cautiously, but flies through the next few miles. As she crosses the bridge, she still feels strong. She pushes hard to the finish line and beats last year’s PR for this race by over two minutes. 🙂
Was it the shoes? With all this technology, it’s hard not to give them some credit. The Mizuno Wave Rider 18 is designed for neutral runners and balances fit and performance for runners who want a smooth ride in a sleek, lightweight daily running shoe.
The Mizuno Wave Rider 18 shoes incorporate several key Mizuno technologies. In addition to the Wave Technology® which is designed to provide a stable ride from landing to toe-off, they have Mizuno’s U4ic midsole (sounds like “euphoric” 😉 ), which delivers optimal shock attenuation, resiliency, and responsiveness while still being 30% lighter than others. Wave Rider 18 shoes also have the Mizon Dynamotion Fit™ upper and a modified outsole pattern that give them added durability and an improved underfoot feel. I know that Mizuno running shoes always feel comfortable to me.
You can learn more about the Mizuno Wave Rider 18 on the Mizuno website and find them in stores nationwide–the suggested retail price is $119.99.
[Tweet “Harness the positive energy of every step with Mizuno #WaveRider18”]
Have you ever broken the rule against trying something new on race day?
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LOVE mizuno!! i’m too big of a chicken to try something new for race day 🙂 🙂 although sometimes i’ve worn new outfits, so i suppose that counts!
Even that can be risky if there’s any chance of chafing.
I’m loving my #WaveRider18 too! Great review and congrats again on your PR 🙂
Definitely must have been the magic shoes 🙂
Definitely must have been the shoes 😉 I have never tried anything new on race day but I also don’t tend to take too many chances 😛
That’s wise, really! So many things can go wrong – why risk it?
Such a fun review! I did the same- wore my new shoes in my 5k yesterday. My feet were happy!
Yay! And congrats on the great 5K!
I’ve been loving my waverider 18’s too! They are my first Mizunos and I’m hooked!
Ah, seriously, I’ve been loving Mizunos for years. 😉
I love those shoes so much!
Cute shoes! I have a pair of Miznos that I love! P.S. Love the pics in the post too!
Thanks! I had fun with them.
Chris got me a pair of the Wave Rider 18s as my “thank you” gift at his promotion. (I didn’t even know I was getting a gift so it was awesome!!!) Apparently most guys give their wives flowers at that kind of thing but he told everyone he knew I would appreciate the shoes more – smart guy!!!
How cool is that! He must know you well!
Ohhh, those are pretty!! I’ve been seeing everyone trying them out! Have you run in the Wave Riders before? Curious as to how they compare to the older versions.
I love the Wave Rider. It’s been my go-to for the last 3 models!
Seeing as I am a Mizuno addict I am so glad you LOVE these.
I don’t think I’ve ever broken that rule, well maybe running in snowy Michigan when I live in AZ for a race, does that count?? 😉 PS-LOVE these shoes!
nice shoes! Great race!!! I’ve never worn Mizunos, but I think I need to give em a try.
What?! No Mizunos! Maybe that’s why you’ve had so many issues with your feet. 😉
Can you believe that in all my years of teaching and training (and trying just about every shoe in the books…) I’ve never tried Mizuno? I’m thinking a trip to my local running store is in my near future…. (Great review post, by the way!)
Great review! I too have been running in and loving the Mizuno WaveRider 18! 🙂
I’m a Mizuno girl too – with Wave Inspires. Love it!
And I’m slightly envious of all the pretty colors of the wave riders. The new Inspires in my width is still a boring white.
I wore Wave Inspires for a while, but these are the coolest looking for sure!
WOW! Congratulations on going against the odds and having a wonderful race! I’ve been loving my Mizunos, too!
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I’ve heard such great things about their shoes! I’m currently using a pair of Asics that a friend gave to me. They’re cushy and I love them!
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