I have also been contemplating doing the Big Sur Half Marathon with my co-worker Tara at the end of September, but before I sign up I want to get my mileage back where I want it.
This is where my injury saga continues, haha. About mid-May, after a 7 mile run, I had a nagging pain behind my knee that wouldn't go away, which in a few days turned into me limping, and then non weight barring. I took a couple days off and went to the doctor, she thought it may have been a bakers-cyst, so she ordered x rays, and an ultra sound. Results came in stating that everything was healthy, but I took my doctors advice and took another couple weeks off to make sure that all had healed. A part of me thinks that I really strained my calf, but I am not sure whats going on. I have been going to the gym consistently for the past 4 weeks, and everything seems to be feeling okay, so I am going to try to start putting running back into my routine.
Since I am picking up my running again, I decided that it is time for new shoes, but in my mind, its always time for new running shoes haha. I have decided that I want to stick with a more minimalist style of shoe, as tad more cushion then I am used to, and I am also interested in getting a trail shoe!
I have narrowed it down to two brands, Altra and Pearl Izumi.
I personally have only run in PI N1 Road shoes, and that is the only personal experience I have with the brand. If any of you readers have comments or reviews about any of the shoes listed below please let me know, I am hoping to order my shoes by the end of the first week of July!
To start, I have been interested in Altra Running shoes for quite sometime. I love the idea of their technology, to allow runners get back to basics with their zero drop technology.
For everyday running, I am interested in the Torin 1.5.
These are the tech specs from the site:
- Ideal Uses: Running, Ultramarathons, Long Distance Walking
- Platform: Fully-Cushioned Zero Drop™ Platform, Foot-Shaped Toe Box
- Last: PFS–W
- Stack Height: 27mm
- Midsole: Dual Layer: EVA Blend with A-Bound™ Top Layer
- Outsole: FootPod™ Outsole
- Insole: 5 mm Contour Footbed
- Upper: Quick-Dry Air Mesh
- Other Features: Female-Specific Design, Great Slip-On Feel, NRS™ Natural Ride System
For trail running, I am interested in the Lone Peak 1.5, from what is sounds like these shoe will offer the minimal feel that I am after, but still offering a moderate amount of cushion.
Lone Peak 1.5
- Ideal Uses: Trail Running, Hiking, Fastpacking, Ultra Marathons
- Platform: Zero Drop™ Platform, Female-Specific Foot-Shaped Design, NRS – Natural Ride System™
- Stack Height: 22 mm
- Midsole: Two-Layer EVA / AltraBound™
- Outsole: Sticky Rubber TrailClaw™
- Insole: Mountain Footbed
- Upper: Quick-Dry, Abrasion-Resistant Mesh with Minimal Seams
- Lacing Structure: Asymmetrical
- Other Features: StoneGuard™ Sandwiched Rock Protection, TrailRudder™, Gusseted Tongue, Vegan Friendly, Natural Ride System
Second, since I have had a general experince with Peal Izumi, and a few of my co-workers run in both the N1 road and trail shoes they sell, I decided that they would be worth trying out. I like that the shoes offer a lower heel drop (4mm w/ the N2), the only downside is they don't seem to have very much cushion, and since I have been previously injured, I am not sure if this will be good for my training.
The Road N2 is comparable to what I have currently been running in which is the Saucony Cortana 3 (weighs 7.9 oz, at a 4mm heel drop)
- The Road N2 has a low 4mm drop and a combination of shock absorbing and energy return foams
- The Road N2 is neutral and has a cushioned level 2 midsole
- At 9 ounces, it is both light-weight and cushioned enough for high-mileage running
And for trails I am looking into the Trail N2- these are tech specs from the site.
- The Trail N2 is part of the Project E:Motion series, which has been engineered to provide the smoothest running experience
- The Trail N2 has a low 4mm drop, and a combination of shock absorbing and energy return foams
- The Trail N2 is neutral and has our nimble, yet cushioned, level 2 midsole
- At 9 ounces, it is both light-weight and protective enough for the most technical and rocky trails
- Trail Runner Gear of the Year, 2013 Trail Shoe of the Year
Please! If you have used any of these shoes, please share your experiences or concerns with the shoes! I think I know which brand I am leaning towards (Altras), but I want to make sure that I have done my home work!
Thanks again, and until next time,
xoxo,
Tori
p.s. all pictures are from the linked sites, and listed shoes are linked to the retailers site :)
