New Balance 1080v9 Shoe Review

February 13, 2019 By in Gear Review, Running Tags: , , , , , , 2 Comments
New Balance 1080v9 Shoe Review

The New Balance 1080v8 was the first New Balance shoe I fell in love with. It’s high cushioned, with a nice roomy toe box.  I  got through the bulk of NYCM training in them and was sad to finally retire the pair. Naturally, I was excited when the New Balance 1080v9 came out. I knew I would probably like it just as much, spoiler I did.

New Balance 1080v9

Weight: Men’s 11.1 oz | Women’s 9.9 oz
Drop: 8 mm 

Fit:

The major update for the 1080v9 comes with the upper.  The upper for the 1080v9 is much more simple. New Balance removed the conventional mesh with many overlays, seams, and plastic for an engineered jacquard mesh.  The jacquard mesh or fancy mesh has no seams or overlay.  In all, version 9 is much sleeker.

New Balance 1080v9

Included in the fit, was the removal of the bulky tongue as well as a molded 3D heel design.  The premise is to lock your heal into place.  I think it fits my foot well, but working in run specialty, I’ve had a few people that don’t care for how it hits their ankle. I’ve run over 100 miles in the shoes, and haven’t had any issues.  Typically I wear a 10-11 wide, and the 10.5 regular width is fine.

A great feature of the shoe, is the logo “N” is reflective.

New Balance 1080v9

Ride:

The update also includes the removal of about an ounce of weight. While that doesn’t sound like a lot, it makes a huge difference in how you feel while running in the shoe.  The lighter weight V9 now feels softer in the midsole, and there is more cushion and response at the forefront.

New Balance 1080v9

With plenty of cushion, it’s a great option for easy days, recovery days, or just daily runs. For me personally, it fits best on any of the 3.  The traction is there so when we had a snow storm a few days ago, I was able to run without feeling like I’m sliding around.  If you have liked the 1080 in the past, you will like it for version 9. If you have never run in the New Balance 1080 and are looking for a high cushioned trainer, the 1080v9 is a great fit.  Even though it’s high cushion, it doesn’t lack the response of a lighter weight trainer.

New Balance 1080v9

Recent Shoe Reviews:

Daily Rotation: Brooks Glycerin 16, Saucony Triumph 5, On Cloudace
Workouts: Nike LT Streak (speed), Hoka Cavu 2 (long run tempos)
Races: Nike LT Streak, Nike Zoom Fly

You Can See All Shoe Reviews Here.

Questions for you:
What is your favorite running shoe?
Have you run in New Balance before? 

 

Cupids Chase 5k (20:32)

February 12, 2019 By in Running, Training Tags: , , , , , , Leave a comment

Last year, the Cupids Chase 5k was one of my best and favorite races all year. Everything just went well for me. It’s always difficult coming back to a race that you do well, knowing you’re not in that sort of fitness, but that’s life.

My parents were in town, so my dad decided to run. We arrived at the race around 9 am, signed up, and talked to a bunch of friends.  Since it was a local race, it was nice to catch up with a lot of people I haven’t seen in a while.Cupids Chase 5k moorestown

We lined off and with no warning, there was a go and we were off. During the first mile, I ran with a local, and we split about a 6:20.  We’ve run together in a few races but not recently. Around .5, there was a huge ice patch across the course. I ran all the way around through the cold, wet, grass. It definitely cost me a few seconds but I wasn’t willing to risk it.

I hit the turnaround at 9:45 and thought, wow this will be pretty good. It was extremely windy around the turnaround and I just told myself, everyone is doing this. You can’t outrun the wind. The course was out and back, and I took the turn wider than I anticipated. Then I ran the second mile in 6:30.  By this point, I was running alone. I like out and backs because I can see and cheer for all of my friends.

Cupids chase 5k race moorestown

The final mile went back over the ice patch, which I seemed to take the longest route possible to go around it. Once again, I went up and around, through muddy, wet grass. My feet got wet with partially unfrozen mud. Not a big deal. There was a section around mile 2.5 that got extremely windy again, and I thought I was running backward. Somehow, I continued to inch forward.

Cupids chase 5k race moorestown

Instead of just heading back to the start, we turned left and did a short out and back which made the course about .1 long. We did the same thing last year, but the halfway cones were about 1.5 not 1.55.

As I crossed the finish line, the shoot was deflating because of wind. When I saw the clock well over 20 minutes, I was kind of bummed.

Cupids chase 5k race moorestown

Am I ecstatic about a 20:32? Not really but it is what it is.  I know I haven’t put in the work to be faster, but I’m hoping for a consistent few months to do so. It was great to see so many locals and friends.

Thank you Patrick Rodeo for the wonderful photography!

Questions for you:

Did you do a Valentine’s Themed Race?

Training: Grinding and 5ks

February 11, 2019 By in Running, Training Tags: , , , , , , , 2 Comments
Training: Grinding and 5ks

My training last week went as needed. I got in a speed workout, moderate long run, and heck even a race.  For the most part, my runs felt decent, but I have a long way to go, fitness wise.

Monday: Easy 60 minutes
Tuesday: Easy 60 minutes
Wednesday: 6X800 with 800 jog in between
Thursday: Rest
Friday: Easy 60 minutes
Saturday: Cupids Chase 5k (20:32)
Sunday: Long Run (14 miles averaging 7:59)

 Thoughts:

My easy runs were just that, easy. There was nothing of note.

Workout Wednesday: 6X800 averaging 6:30 with easy 800 jog in between

This workout went by slow. So slow.

At the first rep, I told myself I couldn’t do it. At the second, I said omg 1/3 of the way. By three, I was like ok halfway…both four and five seemed just to blur away and then six I was like hurry the F up, you’re almost done.  It’s not as fast as I was this time last year, I know I can get there.

Cupids Chase 5k: 20:32

Even though the course was long, it still stinks to see a time over 20 minutes when I’ve recently run 5k workouts by myself under 20. The day itself was cold and windy.

During the first mile, I ran with a local friend, and we split about a 6:20. There was a huge ice patch across the course, and I ran all the way around through cold, wet, grass. It definitely cost me a few seconds. I hit the turnaround at 9:45 and thought, wow this will be pretty good. I didn’t feel bad, or like I was dying. Then I ran the second mile in 6:30. The final mile went back over the ice patch, which I seemed to take the longest route possible to go around it. Instead of just heading back to the start, we turned left and did a short out and back which made the course about .1 long. We did the same thing last year, but the halfway cones were about 1.5 not 1.55. As I crossed the finish line, the shoot was deflating because of wind. Am I ecstatic about a 20:32? Not really but it is what it is. I had a great time seeing friends who I haven’t in a while.

14 Mile Long Run: 7:59 pace

I wanted a quality run without speed, or a tempo mixed in.  Adding more speed right now would be a recipe for an injury, but I also didn’t want to run easy for 14 miles.  During training, 8-minute miles never feel easy to me. I always feel as though I’m working hard.  Not sprinting, and I can hold a conversation but it doesn’t feel easy or like a recovery run. The run went by fast and I had an enjoyable time.

Thoughts:

I’m looking forward to building fitness and getting back out there. I have about a month until anything big (Shamrock) half marathon. I know it’s next to impossible to get back to a Pr by then, but I’ll consistently grind and see where it takes me.

Posts of the Week:

Collagen Waffle Recipe

Steps to Increase Mileage and Stay Healthy

Coros Apex Watch Review

Hiking Marin Headlands

Questions for you:

Would you prefer a long race course or short?

I would prefer long.

What was your best workout last week?

Diner of Los Gatos

February 10, 2019 By in Diners Tags: , , , , , , , Leave a comment
Diner of Los Gatos

Before making it to San Fransico, we decided to stop at the Diner of Los Gatos. It felt like midnight to me, but it was only 5:30 pm.  When we arrived, there were only a few parties in the diner which was nice because I was hungry.

Atmosphere: A

The Diner of Los Gatos looks like a diner from both the outside and the inside. When you drive by the Diner of Los Gatos, you immediately see a somewhat out of place diner (in a good way).diner at los gatos ca

The entire inside is chrome, with red booths, tables, and a lot of photos of Elvis. There is a giant cardboard cutout at the front, that I thought was a real person, many many times.

diner at los gatos ca

Coffee: B

The coffee was hot and fresh but nothing too exciting. It was good, but there was nothing to write home about.

Food: A

The Diner of Los Gatos has a small selection listed on a trifold laminated menu. There are all of the diner usuals from pancakes and waffles, to burgers, salads, and a few blue plate options.

We were hungry so decided to order the Greek platter. It came with gyro meat, pita bread, french fries, tomatoes, and tzatziki sauce. It came only a minute before our meals, so weren’t able to enjoy it as much as I hoped.  In all, it was good. I’ve never had french fries including in a greek platter, but sure why not?

diner at los gatos ca

For my entree, I ordered the Garlic Burger. We were only an hour or so, from the Garlic Captial of the Country so it seemed appropriate.  The Garlic burger was massive, and there was plenty of garlic. It was cooked perfectly, and I have no complaints. It was one of the better burgers I’ve had.

diner at los gatos ca

Service: B

It took longer than anticipated to order our food, but once we did, it came out quickly. I would have preferred to enjoy my appetizer versus taking one bite, and the entree was there, but there isn’t a need to complain about food coming out too fast.

Cost: $

For my entree, appetizer, and coffee, the cost was $30.

Overall Thoughts/Summary:

I liked the Diner of Los Gatos, and it was a great stop just south of San Fransico. I would go back again.

Atmosphere: A

Coffee: B

Food: A

Service: B

Cost: $12-20.

Overall: A

You Can See All Diner Reviews Here.

Questions for you:

Do you like garlic? 

What is your favorite restaurant appetizer? 

Main Street Diner (East Brunswick)

February 9, 2019 By in Diners Tags: , , , , , , , 2 Comments
Main Street Diner (East Brunswick)

Amelia, Danielle, and I were looking for a diner somewhat in the middle of north and south jersey. The Main Street Diner (and now Pizzeria) seemed like a good bet.  The reviews looked good, and the photos were fine.

Atmosphere: C
When we arrived, we were the only people in the restaurant. That’s how it stayed the entire time! It’s a tiny diner that fits about ten parties. There are a few booths and a few tables. The booth we sat in, we cramped, but it was the size of all of them. The Main Street Diner could use an update.  It’s clean, but it’s outdated.

Main street diner east brunswick

Coffee: B
The coffee was brewed hot and fresh. There wasn’t anything special about it, but it wasn’t bad either.

Main street diner east brunswick

Food: A
When I arrived for dinner, I had no idea what I wanted. Did I want breakfast? Lunch? Or the unique pizza option? The menu at the Main Street Diner has a little bit of everything. They have all of the diner specials and well as the unique pizza.

I originally ordered pork chops but they were out, so I decided to order the chicken souvlaki instead. It was a stuffed pita with chicken, lettuce, tomato, and Tzatziki sauce.  I was feeling healthy, so I ordered a side Greek salad as well. The dressing was one of the best I’ve had in a while, and the souvlaki was stuffed. My meal was great.

Main street diner east brunswick

Service: A
The Main Street Diner is unique in that when we came, the hostess was also the waiter, chef, and part owner. It was a one-person show! I can only imagine how tough that can be when it was busy, but he was friendly and great. We had a delightful experience.

Cost: $
For my meal and coffee, it was $12.

Overall Thoughts/Summary:
In all, I had a great experience at the Main Street Diner in East Brunswick. I wasn’t sure what to think of it at first, but it was a pleasant experience, and I’ll be back.

Atmosphere: C
Coffee: B
Food: A
Service: A
Cost: $8-16
Overall: B

You can See All 229 Diner Reviews Here.

Question for you:
Have you ever been the only party in a restaurant?

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