Sports Wash!

To Andrea (; The SportsWash works well! I notice a big difference after washing compared with normal detergent which is possibly harsh for the material of running clothes especially technical tees.

I wanted to do at least 3 cycles of the wash before giving a solid answer, and yeah! I'm nto sure about the other claims in the bottle regarding clothes/jackets for snowboarding that has waterproof coating, but it washes the stink away and I do notice the difference in the fabric.

catherun's First Epic Shoe Review!!!

My name is Catherine, also known as Catherun, and I love shoes.

Its a fact. I've always been a shoe person. I am the Imelda of this household. Its also a fact, most of those shoes didn't cost me more than $15.Even my first pair of running shoes were some Asics, that I ended up hating, that I found at Ross. I hated them so much, didn't do anything for them. Plus they weren't pretty.  It wasn't until I started running for serious that I started to see shoes as an investment and I started to drop the money on them. So really, don't be afraid to spend money on shoes or any other gear like tech tees, shorts, dry wick socks, etc. The way I see it, gear is expensive, but so is health care.

Anyway, that aside, lets keep a few things in consideration.

First, each person is different in terms of their gait, I can write a whole other blog in the differences of their gait and stride. You can click on that Wiki link for a simple explanation. I would recommend you find your gait.  If you guys have a local Road Runners store, they will actually do a video analysis of your foot strike, and a balance test, and all that jazz to determine what shoe will work best for you. With that said, I went through the entire proces at Road Runners and I loved it but it didn't seem like the guy knew his running- he was a swimmer- and I didn't agree, or like, my results.  I know I have a high arch and I know I supinate.  They recommended that I get some stability shoes.  However, I wanted a more barefoot feel a.k.a. neutral- and again, I can write another blog entry on the pros and cons of all the different types [neutral, stability, stability plus, etc.] of shoes.  So while I did go through the entire process at Road Runners, I didnt' listen to them. Instead, I learned to correct my form enough to be able to run in neutral shoes without any pain or discomfort. Which, I believe, in the long run (get it?!) will just benefit me.

Second, I'm a loyalist. You can ask all my friends, I'm a pretty loyal person. If I'm you're friend, I'm a friend for life. With that said, you're going to notice that I have pledged my allegiance to a certain brand when it comes to my shoes.  Am I biased? I sure am. But aside from working well with my feet, I want my kicks to look nice. After all, I'm going to be tore up from the floor up after running 13.1 miles, at least my kicks look nice! These are my swag and I want them to be awesome. That means no clunky shoes for me, which eliminates most shoes like Asics & Brooks. That is one of the reasons I corrected my form instead of settling for stability shoes, because I want some awesome looking gear it just so happens that this certain brand, always has fly looking kicks! I say this because you're going to get a lot of people saying that these aren't "real" running shoes. I've been told my shoes suck all the time, but honestly, they work for me and I think your shoes doesn't look fly! And I'm just letting you know that the aesthetic of the shoe plays a part in my decision.

Third, shop around! Like I said, I haven't spent that over $15 on shoes until I started running. With that said, save two of my running shoes, I paid way below retail for my running shoes.  This doesn't compromise their worth, I just saved more! I'll link up where I buy, and where you can get more info, about the shoes after each review.  I personally buy from runningwarehouse.com and if you "Like" them on Facebook, they put up deals all the time! I also buy from Finish Line. Why Finish Line? They carry Nike product and have a loyalty program which I put into getting more shoes below retail price. As much as I'm loyal to that certain brand, I also love to save money.

Fourth, and most importantly, the shoes will not do the work for you.  This goes back to point number two, you make the runner, not the shoe.  What I love about running is that it is for me, by me. How amazing is that?  If you choose to run in minimalist, neutral, support, stability, stability plus, or whatever else have you, the shoes don't run for you. YOU are putting in the work. So while its important to have good shoes to prevent injury, whats more important is that you put in the work in both actually running, correcting your form, and any other thing that is going to benefit you, your health, & your running.  Whatever your goal is, be it to get rid of weight, stay fit, become a better runner, finish a 5k, a 10k, a half or a full marathon, it is for you, by you. Keep at it! I'm cheering for you!!!

With that said...

Grab some water and popcorn! Its time for

catherun's First Epic Shoe Review!!!
(which will be the next 5 posts)

Nike Free Run+ 2

Finish Line, $90

Nike Free Run+ 2 are probably one of the most popular shoes out there right now. And for good reason! There is a whole bunch of technology that goes into the Free Run+ which is why I linked you to Nike's website. They say it better than I ever could. 

What I love about the Free Run is that they are like walking on clouds.  They are very comfy and very supportive for neutral shoes. Like I said, I have high arches and the arch support in these are awesome, but within reason, you'll see later on. The grooves on the bottom really do make them flexible and if you were like me who corrected their landing (from a heel striker to midfoot!) these shoes will help to correc that and strengthen your feet.  It also doesn't hurt that they look awesome!

What I don't love about them is that they aren't very good for long distances.  When I got them, I was running 3 miles a day. I ran a 5k, 3.1 miles, in them and it was good.  Then I started to bump my miles and when I started hitting 5/6 miles in my runs, the Free Run+ 2 felt clunky and the arch suppor that I loved in shorter runs were becoming too "pushy" in longer runs.

I got these pair middle of April 2011 and I've put about 75-100 running miles on them. They are still holding up and the threads on the bottom are still good.Now, I use these shoes for everyday wear and shorter runs. I would reccomend these shoes to anyone who is starting to run, who is looking to strenghten their feet, & correct their landing. Just know that if you choose to run daily or increase your miles, you will need to get a different pair of shoes. Some people can pull off running a full marathon in Frees, but majority of people can't or won't.

As of now, I believe Free Run+ 2 still retail for full price, which I believe is $90.  If you guys find the first generation Free Run, the only difference is the upper and its all cosmetics. The sole, which is actually the heart of the Free Run+ are the same.  I'm sure those will be hard to find but will be a lot cheaper.

Puma FAAS 300

puma.com, $60

Puma FAAS 300 were my 2nd pair of running shoes! And in keeping with my theme, these are also neutral runners.  I linked the website again for those who are interested in technical information [heel to toe drops, etc] about each shoe. I don't want to throw that information out there because I tend to go into information overload when I'm beginning at something.  That overload just fuels my indecisiveness and sometimes I quit before I start.  So, yeah, technical specs are in the link.

The FAAS family of shoes is epic. Like I mentioned, I like things that look nice. I'm a visually driven person, which is why I'm in photography & design, and when things are just filled with swag, I'm drawn to them.  I also assume that if people know about Puma's FAAS line, that they run.  I haven't met anyone who isn't a runner who was rockin a shoe from the FAAS line.  The FAAS are endorsed by Usain Bolt himself and I'm sure hes paid a lot of money to do so, but him being pretty darn fast and all, I'm sure he holds a tad bit of merit.

What I love about the FAAS is obviously their looks. I love the color ways! I love how bright they are, how breathable the shoe is, and the over all design. Its very swag! As far as how it handles the road. its a very minimalist and neutral shoe.  It offers very little, almost none, arch support and you can feel everything through the shoe. Every twig, rock, pebble, or acorn.  I ran a 5k in them and I thought they would be too minimalistic and I would have to return them, but I actually loved them.  Even tho I can feel everything, and this isn't even the most minimalist shoes FAAS offers, and it had little arch support, they were incredibly smooth for the runs. I love how the shoe also hugs the heel of my feet. It just fits snug and awesome.

What I don't love about them? I can feel everything through them. Haha. Its just something that takes getting used to. I seriously thought small pebbles were in my shoes at times during my run. I wish there was a little bit more arch support, but I think the minimalist support is what makes this FAAS 300.  I tried on the 500 and they felt like the Nike Free Run+ 2 . The FAAS 250 is even more minimalistic than the 300s.  So the 300 is the happy medium between the two. When I tried on the 250, I might as well have been running on flip flops. Pointless to the point where I'll pick up my flip flops and run barefoot.

I would recommend these shoes for people who know what they are doing. Which is why I haven't logged more than 25 miles on these shoes. I only use them for short runs, 3-5 miles. I wouldn't recommend them for people starting out because if you don't take the time to correct your landing, gait, and over all running form, you can do more harm than good in these shoes.  They offer very little support. Like I said, I took time to make my feet stronger and correct my form while I was still using my Free Run. I personally love them for my short runs and I might be rocking these or my Frees for a 5k this Saturday!

Nike Lunarglide +2

runingwarehouse.com, $60

Nike Lunarglide+ 2 were the third pair of running shoes I bought.  I stepped out of neutral shoes and into the world of neutral/stability. I got these when I started to amp up my miles and I know neither my Free Run or FAAS 300 could hang. I bought these pretty late in the game, right before the Lunarglide+ 3 were released. Right now, as you can see from the link, they are on clearance for $80. I got mine for $60. 

Lunarglide+ 2 is a good shoe.  I've put a solid 100 miles on these shoes and I love them to pieces.  However, this is one of those instances where I would suggest that you splurge for the latest model.

Lunarglides are beloved among runners.  The first generation was awesome! People were stocking up on them- once you find a shoe that works for you and you know that running is now part of your lifestyle, you're going to want to stock up on the specific type and size of shoe. So when they announced that there was going to be a second generation, people were STOKED. Then it was actually released and then people weren't so stoked.  Lunarglide+ 2, while still good, was a bit of a let down from the first generation.

What I love about this shoe? With all that said, I still love my Lunarglie+ 2. Besides being black and pink. I love how they are still pretty neutral but still provide that stability for longer runs. After a while when I'm tired, my form starts to suffer and this provides just the right amount of support for those times without being clunky! Its also very breathable! I swear I can feel the wind through the fabric of these shoes, but they still are very durable! I also love the Flywire technology that helps tighten/support your arch.

What I don't love about this shoe?  I don't own the first generation Lunarglide but knowing that this were sub-par to the first generation always has me thinking "What if?" when I run with these shoes.  Thats about it. I have issues with this shoe when I run high miles, like tingly foot, but I think thats more issues with my feet.

I wouldn't recommend this because a)they are getting harder to find so its unlikely you will find this shoe in a color and size you like and need. And they have the Lunarglide+ 3 out, which I coincidentally own!

Saucony ProGrid Kinvara 2

runningwarehouse.com $50

Saucony ProGrid Kinvara 2 were the 4th pair of running shoes I bought. These are back to the neutral & minimalist running category of shoes.  I'll admit, I bought these because they were on sale. These are the latest versions and retail for $90 but I was able to score them for $50, and really for free since someone gifted me with them! Thanks! Like I said, more specs can be found in the link.

Even though these were really an impulse gift/purchase for me, and pardon their dustiness, I thought I cleaned them well after my trail run, I fell in love with these shoes.  First, I like the way they look and I'm in love with the black & grey colorway.  The first run I did in them was a 6 miler and I fell in love with them. IN LOVE.

What I love about these shoes? They are minimalist but they are self supporting. They have enough support for not so short but not too long runs, I would say any where from 4-7 you should be okay.  I love how they aren't bulky and how breathable the upper is. They are so comfortable for minimalist shoes and they don't have that too much arch support issue the Free Runs have when I do longer runs.

What I don't love about these shoes?  I feel like they are going to fall apart. I know Kinvaras are lightweight and have a general rep of not lasting as much miles as other shoes, but I feel like these shoes are delicate flowers. As you can tell, I ran trails in them, and I don't think I'll do that again.  The breathability of the upper is good but not when it comes to trails. My socks were brown-ish and I could feel dust/sand between my toes while I was running. But that really isn't the shoe's fault as it was mine.  They still held up in the trail but I wouldn't use them for trails again to make sure they last longer.

I would recommend these again like the FAAS 300 for people who generally know what they are doing. if you're willing to work to correct your running form, these shoes are GOLD. I seriously fell in love with the Kinvara after mile 1. I would use this for anywhere from 3 miles to maybe 7 miles. I can't run too long in plain minimalist/neutral shoes, which is I why I made my latest purchase...

Nike Lunarglide+ 3

Finish Line, $80

Nike Lunarglide+ 3 is my latest purchase! A lot of you guys has been asking me what shoes I recommend for running and I always throw down the Lunarglide+ 3.  I have tried the Lunarglide+ 3 on a treadmill at the Nike store and I loved them. But for some reason, I put off buying them. I was seriously about to pull the trigger and just buy them but something kept on nagging me to not get them just yet. Maybe it was because this would have been my 5th pair of running shoes. Whatever reason, I didnt' buy them.

Then something magical happened.

Nike released this color way. End of story, end of self control

Black and pink = BEAST MODE. 

The funny thing is, these are actually released for men's! They have a similar color way for women's that you'll see if you clicked the link above. It was blue, black, pink, and I wouldn't have mind getting that. That was the pair I was going to get. But for some crazy reason I held out and bam! Black & pink!

What I love about them? The Lunarglide+ 3 are loaded with swag! In any colorway you choose, the over all design and aesthetic, lets not even get into purpose, just the look of the shoe is awesome.  Nike has some good brains in their design & engineering department. The mid-foot strap in the shoe actually not only wraps the side of your mid-foot but around your midfoot. I love tying my shoes snug and tight for that reason of snug-ness and the extra support it provides, and the strap just adds to that snug. I also love the arch support which is is just enough. Not too much, not to little, but just right. the shoe is also still very breathable while still providing enough support in the arch and heel area.

What I don't love about them? This colorway, in my size, was so freakin' hard to find. I haven't ran the road or any long runs on them, so I'll do another review after I do that, but so far, so freakin good!

I recommend this shoe for anyone.  It helps that the Lunarglide+ 3 adjust to your feet. So if you don't want to get analyze or are uncomfortable about having your running feet videod and then played back in slow motion, I would just go with the very swag filled Lunarglides+ 3. You'll look good and your feet will be happy too!

Running Swag

I feel like doing a random post of what I use on my runs. By no means are these endorsements.  These things work for me, and if they work for you, great, if not, then great! This are just the things I use.

Nike Free Run+ 2

Prior to getting these shoes, I've been running in a pair of Asics that I found at Ross.  They were not doing anything for me.  They were something that I picked up way before I knew anything about running. I would use them for my runs and my shins would be hurting and my ankle would hurting and pretty much everything would be hurting. They were way too bulky and I just hated them.  I consider the Free Run+ my very first pair of "real" running shoes.  I love them so much. They fit so comfy and they have just the minimalistic support that I like. Not too much like the Asics I had.  They don't hurt when I run in them, but when I push past 6 miles, I can usually feel pain. I'm in no way blaming the shoes because its possible that my body is just in pain.  But so far, my favorite pair of shoes to date!

Puma Faas 300

I picked these up because they were recommended by a friend. I originally wanted the 500s but when I tried the 500 on, I wasn't convinced. It felt too much for a minimalist running shoe but too little for support. I'm already indecisive, I don't need indecisive shoes! I haven't used these at all. I'm really getting used to my Free Run+. I'm going to use these as soon as I can get rid of some of the pain in my left knee so I can't blame the shoes for them. I love them on tho. They are comfy and I feel barefoot in them.  Just as a disclosure, I love being barefoot! Even when I was younger, I would never wear slippers. I still walk around barefoot outside. I'm not into the whole "minimalistic" movement thing because I haven't even done my research on that. I just like the whole being barefoot thing. 

Under Armour Tank

I picked these up on sale at Sport Chalet for $7.00!!! A steal for Under Armour! I get hot and sweat easily and I really, really love these cooling stuff from Under Armour. They work well and its white which helps repeal heat.  But at 90 degree weather, it kinda doesn't make a difference, but hey, I have a white UA tank for $7 and it works!

Nike Pacer Shorts

 I love, love, love these shorts!!! I also got this at a Sport Chalet sale for $10 each.  They still retail for full price, $32, at the Nike website.  Pacer shorts have built in underwear, but I still wear my own =], and two interior pockets. I love those damn pockets when I don't feel like carrying anything. There is one in front, and one in the back. They barely hold my phone but they can hold a small (non iTouch) mp3 player, GU, and keys if you want. The lining is also moisture wicking (dri-fit) and with this weather, we don't need sweat building up in our legs! The moisture wicking part works and it keeps me comfy in my long runs. Another important thing for me is that THEY DON'T RIDE UP! I have a pair of Target brand shorts that I used/still use before I got the pacers and they ride up all the time. The first time I ran with these, I kept on "pulling them down" but I didn't have to! Comfy shorts, not too long, not too short, don't ride up, what more could you ask for?! Well, I do want to try the ones with the built in compression, but thats for another time! I can't justify paying $40 for shorts right now.

Body Glove Sunglasses

This was from Ross that I've had for a while. They were intended for water sports. They have rubber lining on the side pieces that prevent them from slipping, but since I haven't been near water in a while, I use them for my runs! They work well without being the typical over-size, bug-eye sunglasses I wear when I'm not running and I like red & black. The rubber lining helps prevent them from moving around too much when I run (or play in the beach) and thats always a plus.

Nathan Quick Draw Plus Water Bottle

Yes, I spent $17.99 on a water bottle -_- The thing with this is, I dehydrate easily. I sweat easily and profusely on a normal basis, imagine when I'm running and putting in work. Its like Niagara. This bottle doesn't require for you to open or "pull up" on the tip of the bottle to drink from. Just drink. It also has a small pocket where I can fit my debit card, license, phone, and GU.  There is also a spot for an ID. As a road runner, I get worried sometimes when I don't carry my ID, so having this ID tab built in is something like a peace of mind that cost me $17.99.  The thing is, I've taken this with me on my runs and I have to switch hands because my hand gets sore carrying this. I only fill it up 8 ounces (this carries 22 ounces I believe) so its not that heavy but my hand still gets tired. My right hand since thats my dominant hand.

Nike+ Sportswatch GPS

This little diddydiddy showed up, I would map my runs prior and sometimes I'll forget where to turn and would miss turns and it was just a disaster. I still have some issues with the watch- no stop watch function and no alarm function, please fix it with a software u pdate- but so far so good. I love how intuitive it is and how it looks. The CSR I spoke with accidentally let it slip that they are releasing a new color, I'm not sure what, but I'm content with the black and green/yellow thing. But yes, I love this and its money well spent. This actually makes me excited to run.

Not picture is my elastic wrist thing with a whistle attached and my Sansa mp3 player. I can't find my whistle right now (OH NO!) and my mp3 player is charging!

But yes, these are my running swag and quasi review of them.