Saturday Special Edition: Newton Gravity V!

On April 9, 2016April 8, 2016 By MeredithIn fitness, Product Reviews, runningLeave a comment

Guys, I was super stoked to receive a pair of the newest version of the Gravity shoe for review back in March from the folks at Newton Running! The Gravity V and its predecessors are mileage trainers made for runners with a neutral gait and can be used in both training and racing situations. I discovered these shoes through some running friends back before I ran one of my first half marathons, and I’ve been a fan ever since, and will be for life! All of my major races have been ran in these shoes, and I wouldn’t consider racing in anything else. The guys at Newton have created a brand of shoes that promotes an overall more natural running stride, with placement of the ever infamous lugs (made with their patented action-reaction technology) under the mid foot to promote striking in this area as opposed to in the heel. This portion of the shoe is what really sets them apart, and is home to one of several different P.O.P, or Point of Power platforms customized to the intended ride of the shoe. These shoes are made for runners of all types and come in a variety of styles and models to fit your needs.

Over the last month or so I’ve put these shoes through a variety of workouts in preparation for the FRESH15 race as well as used them in a more sprinting setting for some CrossFit style workouts with running intervals. I averaged about three runs in them a week during this time. In every setting these shoes performed perfectly! During longer runs, the shoes remained supportive and responsive, no pinching or rubbing my foot in any spots, while staying light and quick during interval running and speedwork. I’ve previously owned and ran in two older models of the Gravity, the most recent being the III. On major change that was made in the shoe was the addition of a fifth lug with release of the Gravity IV, so this was my first experience with this change in this part of the sole. While both other models gave what I would definitely call a responsive ride, from the first run in the Vs I could tell a difference in the responsiveness in cushioning and increased smoothness in ride. I can also say that the sole is also more flexible and feels more cushioned without adding weight to this super light shoe. The color schemes and materials are also fun, as always, and some minor changes to the assembly of the shoe eliminates excessive seams and shifting of the tongue over to one side of the shoe while running. Both of my previous pairs of Gravitys have held up very well, lasting many miles and showing so little signs of wear throughout, and I would suspect the new model will hold up just the same. I can honestly say there’s not a single thing about this shoe that I do not like. Once again I am impressed by the performance of these shoes! If you’re shopping for a new pair of running shoes, or maybe your first pair, go check them out at newtonrunning.com! I promise you won’t be disappointed! -m

Disclaimer: The awesome folks at Newton Running sent me a pair of these shoes at no charge to me for review. However all opinions contained in the this review are completely mine and based on my personal use of this product alone.

2016 FRESH 15K Race Recap

On March 10, 2016March 10, 2016 By MeredithIn CrossFit, fitness, running, UncategorizedLeave a comment

Fresh 15 Recap This past weekend I participated in Tyler’s FRESH 15K race, which has become a fast favorite of mine. It is hands down, the best local race I have ever been a part of, even in its inaugural year back in 2014. I wasn’t able to run it last year but decided back in the fall that I was going to get back into running some races and this would be my first one.

The holidays came and went. The start of my 12 week training plan approached and I was so excited.

And then the theme of this whole race preparation began, if you can even call it a theme.

As most of you know, I coach and participate in CrossFit regularly. And you might also know that the CrossFit Open begins the end of February. Also not too tough to guess how much I love CrossFit and what a big part it has had in my fitness journey the last two years. So I began my dance of trying to stay on top of everything. Not that I’m at the point of being remotely a master’s qualifier, I just want to put the very best effort into what I do, especially when the Open comes around. The plan I thought I had in place just didn’t go well. It just didn’t. I’d miss a training run, then get back at it. Got sick. Flareups with my back from an old issue. And the weeks into the training plan kept ticking by. I should also add that we are preparing to sell our house, so free time has been filled with cleaning up, organizing, putting things away….you name it.

Weeks tick by until I’m a week out of the race. Realization sets in that I’ve managed to log a single “long run” topping out at 4 miles as compared to my training plan that finishes with 8. The highlight of the week is when my Newton Gravity V’s arrive (sent to me for review which will be posted in the coming weeks, yay!) so I take those out for a spin or two. They feel fantastic as expected, but I’m beginning to adjust my race expectation. Pick up my race packet two days before….and I’m abnormally nervous.

Then race day is upon us. The morning after one of my nearest and dearest friend’s wedding. I arrive early, without family in tow, park and make my way to the corrals. It did take me more time to park and get things together at my car, so I get to the starting area with not as much time as I anticipated to spare as I’d have liked. And every runner knows where I’m going with this…..the potty line is LONG. So forget it. In a few minutes we are off. I hold back on purpose remembering when’re my long run topped out, in reflection, probably a little too much.Before really settling in before then end of the first mile it’s pretty clear I need a potty stop or I’m going to be hopping on one leg.

At mile 2, I stop. And there’s a line. Of course. what else I gong to do. so I wait, mission accomplished, and back on track. Pretty uneventful up until mile 6 or so. Thinking I feel better than expected! This is good! Shoes are feeling fantastic! See some familiar faces along the way. Remembering why I love the race experience so much.Then we head down Grande and hang the left into Hollytree. It was then I felt that my finish would not be near what I hoped or wished for. It was just going to be what it was. For those last just over three miles. I prayed. I rallied and I faded. And rallied again. I ran some hills, walked some hills. As we crossed back over into Fresh, I knew without even looking at my watch that I was not going to improve nor match that first year’s time. When you’re competitive with yourself, consistently demand improvement from yourself, and are a perfectionist, that hurts. But somewhere in that final 1/4 mile, I made a decision.

I will celebrate the finish.

Because, you see, there was a time it hurt to run. When 200 pounds didn’t want me to run. When I was trapped in what someone else I loved’s idea of what I should be. Yeah, it wasn’t a finish I was proud of. But it was a finish. A finish that those who can’t run would have loved to been able to claim as theirs. I had nearly forgotten, in the frustration of a training plan gone wrong, why it is I love to run. Because when I took those steps at 200 pounds, running is what saved my life. Putting one foot in front of the other, kept me off meds. Kept me from losing my mind. Gave me myself back.

So with a smile I crossed that line. For the rest of the day I celebrated that medal, that finish. Appreciating the fact that my fitness is at a level in which running 9 miles without ideal preparation is possible, to that I owe CrossFit. And when I resume training runs in the next few days, I will be working a different plan, still thankful for the lessons learned in those 9 miles, committed at a different level because I owe it to myself. Heartbreak Hill, I’ll be back.

And yes, still thankful for the finish. -m

Saturday Special Edition: SKINS A200 Tights!

On January 16, 2016January 16, 2016 By MeredithIn CrossFit, fitness, running, UncategorizedLeave a comment

Skins review

Happy Saturday, guys! This week I’m featuring a review of some compression tights I received from SKINS over the holidays. You may have seen the long version of these tights featuring the Doughnuts and Deadlifts logo around the CrossFit or Olympic lifting world. Been eyeing these for a while and wanted to give them a whirl during some running and CrossFit workouts. They certainly did not disappoint!

I chose to try out the women’s A200 3/4 length tights. With our crazy weather here in Texas, I figured that length would be appropriate for most of the year. When placing my order it was easy to determine the size needed, as they provide a sizing chart based on your height and weight on the website. The A200’s out of the box looked even better in person! The come in several different color selections, but I chose to go with the basic black pair. I was impressed with the stitching on all the seams as well as the quality of the reflective accents and logos. If you’ve seen my closet, you know I’m all about some flashy colors, patterns, cool branding, or something like that, so I was pretty pleased with the overall look of these. Truly a compression fit, I found that the sizing was definitely spot on, but not so compressing to the point of discomfort. Score! My usual complaint on compression fit is how overly tight they feel while still refusing to stay put after I start moving around. Length was also perfect, I’m roughly 5’3, and these stop at about mid-calf. A couple other features include a small hidden key pocket and drawstring inside the waistband.

Hidden key pocket

Branding on waist

Leg branding and reflective accent

During my first outdoor run in these I was happy to discover they did not roll down, move or slide. Stayed breathable, almost like cooler air entering them as I ran, while keeping my muscles warm at the same time. I cannot say enough about the support! Right amount of compression during the entire run. Definite score! In addition, I went through several CrossFit workouts in them. Lots of squatting, bending, jumping, and they still stayed put without any waistband roll! No tugging or adjusting during the workout, it was fantastic! I felt like they were able to stretch and move with me in all the right places. I’m a pretty sweaty creature when I workout, so I definitely encounter issues with tights working themselves down. Normally I catch myself tugging and pulling them up between sets of burpees and such. Not with these!

Because of the fact I’m a sweaty mess after any workout, I knew that these would have to withstand lots of laundry time. After washing, logos and seaming stayed intact, no hint of sweat odor at all! They came out of the wash looking brand new and ready for the next workout.

Ok, so what sets these tights apart from all the rest? I know there are tons of options out there to choose from, so I’ll say this. These A200s truly provide support during a variety of activities, keeping your muscles fresh during the entire workout….while looking good too! I’ll definitely be wearing these through most of this year during all my indoor and outdoor workouts. -m

Disclaimer: The awesome folks at Skins sent me a set of these tights at no charge to me for review. However all opinions contained in the this review are completely mine and based on my personal use of this product alone.