Tag Archives: sports

Glycerin 17 Shoe Review

March 13, 2019 By in Gear Review, Running Tags: , , , , , 1 Comment
Glycerin 17 Shoe Review

I seem to always some version of the Brooks Glycerin in my rotation. I’ve run in several models, and the Glycerin is my favorite.  It has the most cushion of any Brooks neutral shoe.

The Glycerin is designed for training. It’s Desi Linden’s favorite training shoe.  With the amount of the cushion, it’s great for the bulk of mileage. For me, it’s an easy run, daily run, or even recovery run.  I’m not a Brooks ambassador or blogger or being paid to talk about the shoe.

Brooks didn’t update much from the Glycerin 16 to 17 which is appreciated. The significant updates come with the shoe’s upper. There is more 3D printing and fewer seams. I didn’t really notice a difference.

Brooks Glycerin 17 Shoe Review

Weight:  8.6 oz
Heel To Toe Drop:  9 mm

Fit:

The Glycerin 17 uses a Double Jacquard Mesh upper.  Basically, it’s two layers of fancy mesh to prevent toes from ripping through.  It’s breathable and flexible while still having structure.

Brooks Glycerin 17 Shoe Review

The shoe is available in wide. I wear between a size 10-11 wide for women.  I’ve worn either a 10.5 or 10.5 in Glycerin depending on the year. This year, the 10.5 is fine. If you have bunions, I recommend the wide. For those who like the Brooks Ghost, it’s more cushion than the ghost but a more narrow fit. I always say, I wish the Glycerin had the fit of the Ghost.

Brooks Glycerin 17 Shoe Review

Ride:

The Glycerin is plush with plenty of cushioning. It’s soft, so you feel as though your foot sinks in. The Glycerin uses Brooks DNA Loft foam.  The DNA Loft foam is designed for comfort. It’s not a responsive shoe and not intended to run “fast”, although you could if you wanted. If you like the Hoka Clifton, you’ll appreciate the Brooks Glycerin as well.

In my rotation, it’s fit in a daily or recovery trainer.

The traction is fine on inclement days and I’ve run outside in the rain, sleet, and snow, with no issues. My only issue is we’ve had all of that in the first week of March.

Brooks Glycerin 17 Shoe Review

Summary:

Not much has changed between models which I’m thankful for! It’s still light and kept under 9 ounces for women.  If you like the previous versions of the Glycerin, the newest one feels very similar. If you’re looking for a high soft cushion trainer, it’s a great option too.

Current Rotation:

Easy Runs: Hoka Mach, Saucony Triumph ISO 5, New Balance 1080

Long Runs: Hoka Cavu

Workouts/Races: Nike Lt Streak, Nike Fly

If you want to read more about running industry and news, subscribe to my weekly newsletter. 

Questions for you:

What is a shoe you’ve run in several models of?

What is your current favorite shoe? 

Leprechaun 7 Miler (45:51)

March 12, 2019 By in Running, Training Tags: , , , , 7 Comments
Leprechaun 7 Miler (45:51)

I haven’t run the Leprechaun Run in a couple of years. Last time I raced, there was only an option to run 5 miles. Since then, they’ve added a seven miler as well. I decided to run the seven milers because it was a fun distance. The race goes along the Kelly Drive and Schuylkill River.  Despite being 15 minutes away, it’s been nearly a year since I raced in Philadelphia.

The race started promptly at 7:30 am.  The start time was perfect because I could get back to work in NJ on time. At the time, I felt like it was too early, but it all worked out. Truthfully I had no idea what to expect in 7 miles. After running a few 5ks and four milers around 6:30 pace, I figured somewhere around 6:50.

I ran about a 2-mile warmup.  I got to the start at 7:25.  There were a short speech and dedication to Special Olympics. I always appreciate this race because the proceeds go directly to Special Olympics. We got going around 7:35.

The five and seven milers both went off together; the seven milers just went further. Around .1 into the race, I realized I forgot to start my watch.  I started it, but it meant all of my miles were off. It was fine and no big deal.  I ran the first mile with my husband, and we hit it in 6:39.

During the second mile, I started to find my rhythm. I ran the race almost all alone.  Most of the race was without event.  It felt like a time trial with myself. Since I’ve been running hard 5ks alone, it was no different. I hit the second mile around 6:35 and I was pleasantly surprised. I felt good.

As we went by mile 2.5, I noticed the only female in front of me turned. She was doing the five miles, which meant I was in first place. I was pleasantly surprised. I hit mile 3 in 6:34 and felt great. I knew I hadn’t taken it out too fast and felt relaxed; it was just a matter of counting down the miles.

We turned around at 3.5 and headed back to the start. I saw my good friend Pat (who took the photo), who is the race director for many unique and local races.

I like a good out and back course because I feel like I excel in an out and back course.

I hit mile 4 in 6:34. I told myself, “it’s only a 5k left”.  Because that’s all I’ve been running recently.  When we hit the 2.5 mile/5 miles turn around, we began to cross paths with other runners.

I ran mile 5 in 6:30 and felt good. I couldn’t believe I was running at nearly the same pace as the weekend before.

I found myself weaving around other races for the last 2 miles. It was no big deal. I ran a 6:28 and 6:28. I crossed in 45:51 and I was pleased with that.

Thoughts:

I’m pleased and excited about that. I wasn’t expecting to run 6:33 pace for 7 miles but truthfully I had no idea what to expect.  It’s been hard not to compare myself to previous fitness levels, but I know the fitness will come back.

I’m looking forward to getting more races under my belt and getting faster again.

If you’re looking for more running and running industry news, subscribe to my newsletter! 

Questions for you:

Have you ever run a 7-mile race? It’s like a 10k with a bonus round.

Do you prefer loop courses, point to point, or out and back? 

Training: A Training Cycle Breakthrough

March 11, 2019 By in Running, Training Tags: , , , , , , 7 Comments
Training: A Training Cycle Breakthrough

My goal of March has just been to stay consistent. I was lucky to enough to get mileage in, even in inclement and cold weather. Do I love running in the cold? Not really, but I just tried to stay consistent.

Monday: Easy 30-minute run/Hike 2 Hours at Six Mile Run
Tuesday: OFF
Wednesday: 12X400 averaging 6:10 pace (warmup/Cooldown=10)/Core
Thursday: OFF
Friday: Easy 60 minutes Treadmill
Saturday: 7 miles 45:51 (warmup/cool down=10)
Sunday: 14  Miles Moderate Pace (8:16)

Thoughts:

I planned to take an additional rest day last week, and it worked out. Most of my runs were just easy.  I don’t time my easy runs.  It allows me to just focus on feel.  Last Friday, I had no interest in running outdoors…so I didn’t. It was cold and windy, and I just wasn’t in the mood to outdoors. I had a nice run on the treadmill.

I’ve been doing a lot more core work.  I’ve done a similar core routine for years, which I blogged about a few years ago. Not much has changed since.

Workout Wednesday: 12X400 with 90 seconds jog

I had psyched myself out of this workout, but I’m glad I forced myself out there. When I got going, it was one of my better workouts in a while. Even though it was windy, I felt good. I’m happy with my effort, especially in the wind and cold.

Saturdays Race: 7 Miles 45:51

I was not expecting to feel this good, and I have no complaints. I ran even but also progressive splits. My first mile was 6:39 and last was 6:28.  I wasn’t expecting to run that fast, so I’m happy I got a fast race in.  I’ll have a full recap this week.

Posts from the Week:

Hiking Six Mile Run Park 

Hoka Cavu 2 Shoe Review

Grilled Cheese and Tomato Soup 4 Miler (25:55)

Finally, if you are looking for more running and industry related news,  my (free) newsletter goes out every Monday. This week is all about “How to Know if a Running Shoe is Right for You.”  You can subscribe here.

Questions for you:

How was your week of training? 

How warm is it where you are? 

Hiking Six Mile Run Park

March 8, 2019 By in hiking Tags: , , , , , , 1 Comment
Hiking Six Mile Run Park

Earlier in the week, I found myself at Six Mile Run Park. I’ve wanted to explore it for a while now, but the timing never works out. Even though it was cold, I decided it would be a fun opportunity and I could leave if I got too cold.  There are a few trails: blue, red, and orange. We stuck to mostly the blue trail. Because of the weather, and it was slightly snowy there weren’t any mountain bikers or horses out.

Six mile run park

The blue trail actually had a few stream crossings but I wore my Goretex Brooks Cascadia, and my feet stayed dry. The path includes several stream crossings, but they should not present problems.  The blue trail is about 4 miles long. We did most of it as well as some of the red trail.

There are a lot of downed trees.  We saw huge uprooted trees, some of which must have been over 100 years old.

Six mile run park

The red trail was unique in that it had plenty of open fields. If you have a dog, it would be an excellent spot to relax.  The red trail is more rugged and challenging than the blue trail but nothing too intense or anything like the Palisades.

Six mile run park

We skipped the orange trail all together because the weather seemed like it could turn for the worst (spoiler, it started pouring rain about 15 minutes after we left). The orange trail is only about a mile long and looked as though it would probably be muddy with the storm.

Six mile run park

In all, it was an enjoyable hike. We spent about 2 hours out there; my guess is just under 5 miles. After that, it was time for a nature nap. I think it would also be a great spot to run, similarly to the Manasquan Reservoir. 

You can see more hikes here.

Questions for you:

Do you like hiking? Where is your favorite spot to hike near you? 

Hoka Cavu 2 Shoe Review

March 7, 2019 By in Gear Review, Running, Training Tags: , , , , , 7 Comments
Hoka Cavu 2 Shoe Review

The original Hoka Cavu was one of my favorite shoes of 2018. It was simple, light, and relatively inexpensive. If you’re subscribed to the newsletter, then you know I firmly believe the Hoka Cavu 2 is even better and one of the most underrated shoes out there.

It’s simple and a solid trainer.  As you can see from photos, I’ve gotten plenty of mileage out of the shoe. I’m well over 100 miles and the shoe feels great.

Like the Mach, the Hoka Cavu uses the “Profly” sole.  The significant difference between the Mach and the Cavu is the Cavu is lighter. It’s a little better for racing, workouts, and faster runs. The Mach is better for easy runs.  The Mach is less pounding on your body, but you trade a slightly more substantial shoe.

Hoka cavu 2 shoe review

Fit:

The fit and upper of the Cavu 2 has been redesigned. It’s simple which works for it. It’s seamless with a wide toe box which gives the toes plenty of room.  Like the Mach 2, it fits larger but not large enough I would go down a half size. Typically I wear a women’s 10-11 wide and a 10.5 is perfect. The Cavu isn’t made in wide, but even if it was, I think I would stick with a regular width.

Hoka cavu 2 shoe review

Ride:

In my opinion, the Cavu is the least “Hoka shoe” out there. When you think of Hoka, you think of maximum cushion and a soft pillowy mattress under your foot. For some people, all of that cushion is intimidating! The Hoka Cavu is much lighter and lower to the ground.  If you’re new to wearing Hokas, the Cavu is a good start because of how many characteristics it shares with a traditional brand. If you ever wore the Clayton, Tracer, or the original Clifton, you’ll appreciate the ride of the Cavu as well.

The shoe performs well in weather too. If it’s rainy or icy, I would use the Cavu over many other lighter shoes. I don’t feel as though Hoka sacrificed tread and grip to reduce the weight.

Hoka cavu 2 shoe review

It reminds me of shoes such as the Saucony Kinvara, New Balance 1400, or even Brooks Launch. It has the ability to run fast and be responsible. It’s a shoe, Hoka was missing from their line until recently.

The Cavu 2 is nearly an ounce lighter than the original Cavu. There is no telling; you’ll feel fast in this shoe. I’ve run longer tempo runs as well as easy days. For me, I find it’s the best place to be with longer and faster runs. It’s my go-to long run shoe.

 

Summary:

I think the Hoka Cavuis one of the most underrated shoe out there. If you’re already running in Hoka and want a lighter shoe, it’s a great option. If you’ve never tried Hoka but are thinking of trying, it’s also a great option.

Current Shoe Rotation:

Easy Runs: Brooks Glycerin, Hoka Mach 2, New Balance 1080, 

Long Runs/Tempos: Hoka Cavu 2

Speed Work/Racing: Nike Fly, Nike LT Streak

If you want more running and industry news, subscribe to the newsletter. 

Questions for you:

What is your favorite long run shoe?  What is your current favorite shoe? 

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