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Tag Archives: fitness

New Balance 1500v5 Shoe Review

October 11, 2019 By in Gear Review, Running Tags: , , , , , 2 Comments

New Balance 1500v5 Shoe Review

New Balance 1500v5 Quick Facts:
Heel to Toe Drop: 6 mm

New Balance 1500v5 shoe review

While I have not run in previous versions of the New Balance 1500, I can tell you the upper has been redesigned while the sole remains the same. Unlike many neutral flats, the New Balance 1500v5 is a rare shoe with support but also lightweight. It could be used for a 5k as well as the marathon. In fact, I originally decided to try the New Balance 1500v5 in hopes I might like it for the New York City Marathon. I do like it, but I haven’t determined if it will be my marathon shoe.  I think I need more shoe.

New Balance 1500v5 Fit:

The New Balance 1500v5 fit is simple and sleek. Unlike the New Balance Fuelcell 5280, the New Balance 1500v5 uses a thin synthetic mesh upper called “Fantom Fit.”Since the New Balance 1500v5  is meant to be a “fast” racing shoe, it does fit more snug. I would find somewhere to try them on before blinding getting a pair. With the minimal seams, I haven’t had any issues with blisters or rubbing.

It fits well to my foot. In running shoes, I wear anywhere between a women’s size 10-11 wide. I find a women’s size 10.5 to fit well in the New Balance 1500v5.

New Balance 1500v5 shoe review

New Balance 1500v5 Ride:

The New Balance 1500v5  uses a midsole with REVlite foam.

Anyway, what is “REVlite foam”?

REVlite foam is a different foam than New Balance fresh foam and Fuelcell. Since New Balance is such a large brand, they can get away with having multiple different foams.  The Revlite midsole makes the New Balance 1500v5 light but firm. It’s a fast ride and reliable support throughout the entire run.

The New Balance 1500 series is known for the support too. Unlike the New Balance 1400, the New Balance 1500v5 has denser foam towards the medial side to give support. If you pronate but are still looking for a lighter and more supportive marathon shoe, it’s going to be a good choice.

The traction on the New Balance 1500v5 is one of the better flats I’ve seen. If it’s rainy or inclement weather, your feet are going to grab the ground and not feel like you’re sliding around, which is essential because the Boston Marathon isn’t always wonderful weather.

When running, the New Balance 1500v5 feels firm. Since the New Balance 1500, has a 6 mm drop, you’ll feel the ground. Personally, I like the ability to feel the ground, but know I still have cushion. I’ve run several workouts as well as a few races and like the ability to feel the ground when running.

New Balance 1500v5 shoe review

New Balance 1500 v5 Conclusion:

The New Balance 1500v5 is a great racing flat and shoe. New Balance does claim the 1500 can be used up to the marathon. If I were in my running prime, I might try them out, but right now, I’m undecided. I have done track work, long runs, and races but I’m not 100% sure if my body would “love” running a marathon in them. For me, I think they are best suited as a workout and up to a half marathon distance.

Current Rotation:

Easy/Daily Runs: Hoka Bondi 6,  Brooks Ghost 12

Speed Work: New Balance FuelCell Rebel, Reebok Float Ride Run fast Pro, Hoka Rincon, Nike Pegasus Turbo 2

Long Runs: New Balance FuelCell Rebel, Mizuno R2, Hoka Cavu 2

Races: New Balance Fuelcell 5280, Nike Next%,  Reebok Run fast Pro, 

You Can See All Current Shoe Reviews Here.

Finally, have you subscribed to the LOLZletter? It’s a free newsletter that comes out each Monday. In the newsletter, I share running industry trends and things relevant to the sport. 

Questions for you:

Have you tried the New Balance 1500v5?

What is your favorite racing shoe? 

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Cow Run 10 Miler 1:15.00

October 10, 2019 By in Running, Training Tags: , , , , , , , 1 Comment
Cow Run 10 Miler 1:15.00

Cow Run 10 Miler (7:30)

The Cow Run 10 Miler was the longest and fastest run I’ve done since the 18.12 Challenge. I had no idea what to expect. The weather forecast was decent, although we dealt with a headwind most of the race. I was too concerned and my goal was to start and finish healthy, something I hadn’t done in 5 weeks.  Plus, I was wearing a $15, one size fits all Cow Dress. It was the first time I feel like a costume hindered my running, but that’s okay.

The 6th annual Cow Run 10 Miler ends in Salem County, NJ. Most people don’t realize, but southern NJ has a lot of farmlands and a lot of cow pastures.  One year, actual cows chased runners in the “great cow chase.”  Luckily, this year at the Cow Run 10 Miler, no cows chased us…or turkeys…or anything.

Anyway, my husband and I got to Salem, NJ, around 7:45. We met up with friends Grace and Lom and took the bus over to Cow Town Rodeo. The Cow Run is a 10-mile point to point race. Unfortunately, that meant we dealt with a headwind for most of the race.

cow town 10 miler

Anyway, I warmed up 1.5 miles with Grace (who ended up winning for women). I felt like garbage and my mind couldn’t comprehend I was going to run 10 miles. The Cow Run 10 Miler start was delayed due to one bus running late.

We finally started. During the first mile, I thought I felt “pretty good.” Maybe I’ll surprise myself, and that quickly faded. I ran the first mile in 7:00 and knew there was no way I could hold that for the entire race.

During the second mile of the Cow Run 10 Miler, my body started to heat up. We ran up a couple of hills and I was already sweating through my dress. The dress was not moisture-wicking and maybe I should have practiced running in it beforehand. Truthfully I wasn’t out for a PR or to run fast, just to have fun and get a solid workout in.  I completed stopping and taking off the dress but just decided to keep it.

During the third mile of the Cow Run 10 Miler, I ran alone. I was running near a man playing music out of his phone, it annoyed me, but I bit my tongue. I just kept plodding along.

The next mile of the Cow Run 10 Miler, felt like it would never end. We were running a straight, boring road, into a headwind. My dress was flapping around with the wind, and I was overheated. It was not pleasant and I questioned myself every step of the way.

I hit mile 5 around 37:00 minutes and just chuckled. It’s been challenging to adjust to paces the last six months and what is hard effort versus easy. I was overheated and running in headwind and I tried not to let that get me down.  I reminded myself, “you’re halfway there.”

The next mile went by a little faster, but we were just running into a headwind. I began counting down. At mile 6, I was like just half an hour to go. A few women went by me between mile 6-7. I just kept plodding along.

Mile 7 felt like I hit a huge wall. Since the Cow Run 10 Miler was my longest run in 5 weeks, I began to hit a wall. Hitting a wall in a 10-mile race makes me question running a marathon next month, but I just progressed on.

During mile 8 of the Cow Run 10 Miler,  we passed a hospital. Two more miles, I told myself. I just kept trying to motivate myself.

The last two miles went by without notice. I was just counting down. I wasn’t paying a lot of attention to my watch but just trying to run around effort. I thought 7:30 pace would be good.

By the time I knew it, we were in downtown Salem sprinting towards the finish. My sprint was more like an “in my mind I’m sprinting but not really,” and I crossed the Cow Run 10 Miler finish in 1:15.00 exactly.

It was fun to see so many actual cows at the Cow Town 10 Miler finish. I wanted to take a photo with the cows. Apparently, they just wanted to lick my cow dress because of all of the sweat and Gatorade I spilled on it.

Cow Run 10 Miler Thoughts:

I felt decent and my hamstring seemed to hold up. It’s a bit sorer than I would like post-race.

Questions for you:

Have you ever run a race in a costume? I’ve done many and I really enjoy it.

Have you done a cow run?

Hiking Franklin Parker Preserve

October 8, 2019 By in hiking Tags: , , , , , Leave a comment
Hiking Franklin Parker Preserve

Hiking Franklin Parker Preserve (Chatsworth, NJ)

A couple of weeks ago, I went to Franklin Parker Preserve. I’ve wanted to check out more hies, especially in the Pine Barrens.   When I first moved to NJ, I lived in the Pine Barrens. Not many people know, but the Pine Barrens make up 25% of the entire state of NJ. There are plenty of nature preserves, blueberry fields, and cranberry farms. We moved because it was making our commutes to long. I do miss the running on dirt roads, but it was nice to get back.

The Franklin Parker Preserve hikes through old cranberry bogs, around Chatsworth Lake, Cedar Swamp, and through the Pine Barrens.  According to the New Jersey Conservation Foundation, the Franklin Parker Preserve is also known for bird watching.

In the Pine Barrens, Franklin Parker Preserve, Wharton State Forest, Penn State Forest, Pine Snake, and Brendan Byrne State Park, you can combine multiple trails to get over 30 miles. The red trail, green trail, white trail, yellow trail, and Batona Trail all connect.  All of the trails are well marked and easy to follow at the Franklin Parker Preserve.

The hike itself at Franklin Parker Preserve is about 6.5 miles. Be careful after rain and check for ticks. It can get buggy. There is a parking lot near Chatsworth that has about 10 spots. Once you park, it’s a quick turn left onto the trail. It took us a few minutes to find it!

Here are a few photos from the Franklin Parker Preserve:

The start of Franklin Parker Preserve and trailhead

Franklin Parker Preserve

Franklin Parker Preserve

Hiking sand roads around Chatsworth Lake and Cedar Swamp

Franklin Parker Preserve

Franklin Parker Preserve

 

 

Franklin Parker Preserve

Crossing Chatsworth Lake

We also found snakeskin at Franklin Parker Preserve

Franklin Parker Preserve

Crossing back over Chatsworth Lake and Cedar Swamp

Franklin Parker Preserve

There are a lot of bugs, including praying mantis. I never knew how big praying mantis are!

Franklin Parker Preserve

In all, I had an enjoyable time at Franklin Parker Preserve and I’m looking forward to checking out and revisiting more of the Pine Barrens.

You can see all the hikes here.

Questions for you:

Have you ever seen a praying mantis?

Where is your favorite spot to hike? Have you been to Franklin Parker Preserve?

 

NYCM Training Week 2: Building Back

October 7, 2019 By in NYC training cycle Tags: , , , , , 1 Comment
NYCM Training Week 2: Building Back

Getting Back into shape is tough.  Adding a marathon in less than a month doesn’t make it any easier.

The goal was to slowly add mileage and see where time takes me. As I mentioned in my September training log, my goal for the New York City Marathon is to start and finish healthy.  I don’t have a time goal and I’m not going to cram my month with too many miles. I know I’ll find myself injured with something else if I do that.

Monday: 6.5 miles with Haley
Tuesday: Easy 30 minutes
Wednesday: 6.5 miles with strides
Thursday: Easy 6.2 miles with Jen M.
Friday: Swim 3000 meters
Saturday: Easy 45 minutes
Sunday: Cow Town 10 miler (1:15.00)+wu/cd 15 miles

 

Thoughts:

The week itself went fine. I’m still having some hamstring tightness (not hurt, just tight). I’m hoping it slowly goes away with a few more ART sessions with Dr. Craig from Dr. Kemenosh.

It was fun to run with a don’t have a lot else to say about the week. I’m happy to be running healthy again.

Cow Run 10 Miler (1:15.00):

This race was rough in many ways. First, it was my first run “fast” in 5 weeks. Second, since it was a point to point, we dealt with a headwind most of the race. Third, I opted to run in a costume which I quickly discovered was not breathable. During the race, I decided 7:30 was what my body felt like and I stayed there. Hopefully, fitness comes back soon.

I had a lot of fun running and even though it was a PW (personal worst), I don’t regret doing it and ripping the bandaid off. As far as my hamstring goes, it is sorer than I hoped, but it’s not terrible.  I don’t feel it when I walk or live life, but did feel it during our running cool down.

Posts from the Week:

On Cloudstratus Shoe Review

Running Books

Hiking Sunrise Mountain at State Forest

Finally, have you subscribed to the LOLZletter? It’s a free newsletter that comes out each Monday. In the newsletter, I share running industry trends and things relevant to the sport. 

Question for you: How was your week of workouts? 

On Cloudstratus Shoe Review

October 4, 2019 By in Gear Review, Running Tags: , , , , ,
On Cloudstratus Shoe Review

On Cloudstratus Shoe Review

The On Cloudstratus is a brand new, highly cushioned shoe from On. On is a Swiss company which has recently become popular in the US. The Swiss-engineered brand has been the fastest-growing brand since 2016.

I’ve run in a few shoes, including: 

on cloudstratus shoe review

on cloudstratus shoe review

So what makes the On Cloudstratus different?

The On Cloudstratus has more cushion as well as an additional layer of the unique clouds. It has a much wider base than many other On models (I argue the On Cloudswift is just as wide. Plus a unique “star lacing system.” Just don’t ask me to replace that for you.

on cloudstratus shoe review

On Cloudstratus Quick Facts:

Weight: 9.5 oz

Drop: 8 mm

On Cloudstratus Fit :

Right off the bat, you can see the On Cloudstratus unique “star shaped lacing system.” On claims this allows runners to get the best fit and new ways to customize the fit even more. With the star shaped lacing system, you can remove pressure points off the widest part of the foot.  This is especially important if you have a wide forefoot or bunions.

on cloudstratus shoe review

Sliding the On Cloudstratus on, my foot fits comfortably. A few models of On running shoes are typically too narrow, but the On Cloudstratus fits well.

another unique component of the On Cloudstratus is the second set of eyelets that can make the fit even wider.

on cloudstratus shoe review

Anyway, enough about the Cloudstratus shoelaces and star lacing system.

The On Cloudstratus’s upper has a lot of structure. It keeps your foot in place and maintains Cloudstratus’s shape. The stiff heel keeps you from sliding.

In running shoes, I wear anywhere between a women’s size 10-11 full. I find the size 10.5 in the Cloudstratus fits well.

On Cloudstratus Ride:

The Cloudstratus has a ride, different than any other On model. It has a wider base which gives the shoe unique stability. Even though there is no traditional posting, the wide base gives the On Cloudstratus a stable ride.

Like the On Cloudswift, the Cloudstratus clouds are created from Helion foam. Helion Foam is newer cushioning from On that makes it firm but also stable. Unique to the Cloudstratus is the dual layer of Cloudtec cushion pods. The dual cloudtec system allow more cushioning.

Similar to the other On running shoes, the Cloudstratus uses a Speedboard. The designers from On, insert the plastic Springboard between the midsole and upper. This makes the shoe much stiffer than other models of On but also gives the On Cloudstratus extra snap.

When running in the On Cloudstratus, I like the additional cushion and my feet feel protected. For me, it fits best as a daily run shoe.

on cloudstratus shoe review

On Cloudstratus Conclusion:

The On Cloudstratus is a high cushioned great shoe from On. I think they were missing this model in their lineup. It’s light, while still giving cushion. Plus if you have a wider foot but want to give On running shoes a try, the On Cloudstratus might give you that option.

Current Rotation:

Easy/Daily Runs: Hoka Bondi 6,  Brooks Ghost 12

Speed Work: New Balance FuelCell Rebel, Reebok Float Ride Run fast Pro, Hoka Rincon, Nike Pegasus Turbo 2

Long Runs: New Balance FuelCell Rebel, Mizuno R2, Hoka Cavu 2

Races: New Balance Fuelcell 5280, Nike Next%,  Reebok Run fast Pro, 

You Can See All Current Shoe Reviews Here.

Finally, have you subscribed to the LOLZletter? It’s a free newsletter that comes out each Monday. In the newsletter, I share running industry trends and things relevant to the sport. 

Questions for you:

Have you tried On running shoes?

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